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Dino Discovery at the Birmingham Zoo!

Posted on by Angie

Just in time for Spring Break!!

Dinosaurs are returning to the Birmingham Zoo! Don’t miss the Zoo’s newest exhibit, back from extinction, Dino Discovery – They’re Back! This limited-time exhibit features 12 life-sized, North America-native animatronic dinosaurs at heights of nearly 20 feet, weighing almost 7 tons and measuring 85 feet in length!

Take an expedition down a trail filled with magnificent creatures that once roamed the earth over 160 million years ago at Dino Discovery – They’re Back!

*Additional Fees Apply
Exhibit Runs March 19th – July 31st

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Colorful Braces

Posted on by Angie

For orthodontic patients who choose to make fashion statements with their mouths, colors are really heating up.  From soft pastels that coordinate with a wardrobe to bright hues for celebrating holidays or expressing school spirit, the colors appear on the elastic ties that bind the wires to the brackets.  These ties can be changed when the wires are changed.

While colors for braces are fun, the fun serves a serious purpose, notes Dr. Christine Abenoja, an orthodontist in Liberty Park and Warrior for 8 years, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).  Enthusiastic patients are more apt to follow instructions on oral hygiene and diet.  Good cooperation can yield results that “When patients are involved in their treatment, they may take better care of their braces.  That helps patient and doctor to reach treatment goals and produce a healthy beautiful smile,  emphasizes Dr. Abenoja.

Patients have a splashy array of hues from which to choose.  Colors are a hit with countless braces-wearers.  “We make sure we have an ample supply of appropriate colors on hand for upcoming holidays,” says Dr. Abenoja.

Patients can celebrate every time they smile, year-round: red and white for Valentine’s Day; green for St. Patrick’s Day; red, white and blue for July 4;  orange and black for Halloween; green and red for Christmas—or blue and white for Chanukah, or black, red and green for Kwanzaa.

Adults, too, are known to choose different colors when they have their braces adjusted.  For a sports fanatic, it’s a unique way to express loyalty to college or pro teams.

Some patients prefer to be less obvious about their orthodontic treatment. They have a variety of options including tooth-colored brackets; self-ligating brackets, which do not require ties to join the wire to the bracket; or clear aligner trays.  “Thanks to today’s technology, the materials we orthodontists use to move teeth can range from obvious to almost imperceptible,” notes Dr. Abenoja.

About Abenoja Orthodontics:

Dr. Abenoja is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics.  She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed an additional three year, advanced educational program studying orthodontics at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

For more information, visit Dr. Abenoja’s website at www.bracesbham.com, call 205-969-1969 or see her Facebook page Orthodontics at Liberty Park.

Dr. Abenoja is a member of the AAO. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws (bad bites).  They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.  Only those with this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists are eligible for membership in the AAO.  Visit the AAO online at www.mylifemysmile.org.

 

Birmingham Events Calendar – February 29th – March 6th

Posted on by Angie

It’s Chili Cookoff Time! One of our most favorite Birmingham Events, sample all sorts of Chili while helping a good cause, The Exceptional Foundation! Check out Birmingham Art Crawl, Story times, and if you’re ready for a little Easter Shopping, Cottontails runs later this week at the BJCC Exhibition Halls!

Have a GREAT Week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday February 28th:

Birmingham Ballet Sleeping Beauty – BJCC Theatre
This fairy tale delivers a magical adventure!  Be enchanted by Princess Aurora, spellbound by fairies and thrilled by valiant Prince Florimund in his battle to overcome the evil spell cast upon his beloved. In her distinctive captivating style, choreographer Cindy Free weaves traditional elements of this favored ballet with fresh innovation of her own – creating for us a magical world of fantasy and possibilities where we can experience happily ever after.

$25.00 / $45.00 Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices subject to change.
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.
Showtime – 2pm

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Monday February 29th:

Preschool Playtime– Homewood Public Library
We’ll provide the stations, and you provide the imagination for a fun morning of play with your child.  For ages three and under.  Daycare groups must call (205) 332-6619 in advance to schedule time.
10:00am

Tot Time with Ms Eve, Bears to you – Avondale Regional Library
Stories can be very sweet when a little bear is the star of the show. Tot Time is geared for 2- to 4-year-olds with an individual caregiver; no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30am and 11am

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required.
9:30am

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Tuesday March 1st:

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday March 2nd:

Tinker Toddlers – Homewood Public Library
This new monthly storytime for ages 5 and under encourages toddlers to explore their world through stories and play.
1:30pm

Family Storytime with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
10:45am

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Thursday March 3rd:

Birmingham Art Crawl – Downtown Birmingham
Art Crawl is a great way to meet local artists and performers, buy and appreciate their work, and be part of the rapidly growing art scene in Birmingham. You also get a chance to shop after-hours in some of downtown Birmingham’s most popular businesses. An estimated 3,000 art enthusiasts attend each month in support of 40+ local artists.

Venues stretch across the historic arts, loft, and theatre districts including galleries, restaurants and bars, downtown businesses and more. Look for the latest edition of Weld for Birmingham on the first Thursday of the month to find the official Birmingham Art Crawl map and to be able to navigate to each location.

5:00 – 9:00 pm, rain or shine.
Downtown Birmingham, Alabama transforms into a walking art gallery full of artists, performers, food and fun!

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Friday March 4th:

Cottontails Arts and Crafts Show – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind party dress for your little princess? Do you need a personalized Easter basket stuffed with candy, toys, and games? Or, are you shopping to update your home décor or garden accessories? Spring shopping is fun and simple, when new exhibitors join your favorite vendors from Christmas Village to display fresh new ideas and crafts all in the comfort of the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex.  New!!! VIP Tickets for Christmas Village Festival 2016 will be available to purchase at the show office for 3 days only!  There will be a limit of 2 tickets per adult  This is our way of saying thank you for supporting our Cottontail’s show!

Visit the Easter Bunny!

Advance Tickets Only $6.00!
Children 6-12: $2.00
Children under 6 free! (Strollers are allowed on each day of this show)
10am – 8pm

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Saturday March 5th:

Exceptional Foundation, Chili Cookoff – Brookwood Mall Parking Lot
The 12th annual Chili Cook-Off benefitting The Exceptional Foundation will be held in the Brookwood Village parking lot. This is a fun, quirky, outdoor party offering good food, drink and friends at a “come as you are” event.  This event has developed a loyal following across a diverse audience base.  There seems to be an engaging atmosphere that you can’t quite put your finger on — a unique camaraderie exists amid the tongue in cheek, yet somehow serious, competition between teams who vie for the judges’ and public’s approval in hopes of taking home a trophy for their particular chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the more than 10,000 attendees from across the Birmingham area wander amid decorated booths enjoying Good People beer, tasting chili and listening to live music at one of the year’s first outdoor events. A kidzone featuring a moonwalk, face painting, clowns and games insures fun for all ages.
$10 in advance. $15 at gate. Children 12 and under FREE
10:30am – 3pm

Cottontails Arts and Crafts Show – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind party dress for your little princess? Do you need a personalized Easter basket stuffed with candy, toys, and games? Or, are you shopping to update your home décor or garden accessories? Spring shopping is fun and simple, when new exhibitors join your favorite vendors from Christmas Village to display fresh new ideas and crafts all in the comfort of the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex.  New!!! VIP Tickets for Christmas Village Festival 2016 will be available to purchase at the show office for 3 days only!  There will be a limit of 2 tickets per adult  This is our way of saying thank you for supporting our Cottontail’s show!

Visit the Easter Bunny!

Advance Tickets Only $6.00!
Children 6-12: $2.00
Children under 6 free! (Strollers are allowed on each day of this show)
10am – 7pm

Our World Our Library – Homewood Public Library
Join us to learn more about our world as we talk about and celebrate International Women’s Day for the month of March with stories and a special craft.
10:30am

Family Tour, Safari – Birmingham Museum of Art
Join Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Art Safari: Hunt for animals, real and imaginary, as they appear in artworks from a variety of cultures and time periods! Discover how people use images of animals symbolically and as decoration for everyday objects.
10:30am

What a Wonderful World Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
First recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, “What a Wonderful World” is a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. With bright, beautiful art, this book is perfect for sharing! This is the special value title of the month, only $7.99, regular price $17.99 (limited time only February 16 through March 28 or while supplies last).
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday March 6th:

Cottontails Arts and Crafts Show – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind party dress for your little princess? Do you need a personalized Easter basket stuffed with candy, toys, and games? Or, are you shopping to update your home décor or garden accessories? Spring shopping is fun and simple, when new exhibitors join your favorite vendors from Christmas Village to display fresh new ideas and crafts all in the comfort of the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex.  New!!! VIP Tickets for Christmas Village Festival 2016 will be available to purchase at the show office for 3 days only!  There will be a limit of 2 tickets per adult  This is our way of saying thank you for supporting our Cottontail’s show!

Visit the Easter Bunny!

Advance Tickets Only $6.00!
Children 6-12: $2.00
Children under 6 free! (Strollers are allowed on each day of this show)
12pm – 5pm

Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hanna Center
The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham with their most epic tour in history, as the world famous team celebrates its 90th anniversary world tour. A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five session for fans (subject to availability).

Admission Info:

$96.50 / $76.50 / $44.50 / $34.50 / $28.50

Group tickets available.
Game time 4pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Event: Family Camp Out Night at Railroad Park

Posted on by Angie

Join Railroad Park for a completely new urban camping experience. Your family could be the first to camp out on Birmingham’s front lawn! A crew of experts will be on hand. You’ll get to: Spy Orion’s belt during an astronomy lesson, come up close and personal with nocturnal animals visiting from the Birmingham Zoo, receive a camping lesson with tips for town or country, and as the city lights go down, gaze at the stars while enjoying s’mores and making lasting memories.

To create a family campground atmosphere, this particular event is open only to families with children. While children of all ages are welcome, this event has activities specifically designed for children between 6 and 12 years old. We hope to have similar events in the future that will be open to other groups.

For a complete event overview and recommended supply list please click here. Please review the recommended supply list and the complete list of Railroad Park rules found on railroadpark.org. We look forward to having you at Railroad Park’s inaugural Family Camp-Out Night!

Bring your tent and your family, and we’ll take care of the rest. Our sponsor Publix is bringing dinner and breakfast, and the s’mores are on us!

Saturday, March 12, 2016 – Sunday, March 13, 2016

Early Bird Registration: February 15 – February 26 $75 (family of four)
Final Registration: March 7, 2016 $100 (family of four)

To register online click here.
To download the general information packet and registration forms click here.

Please note the adult to children ratio: For every two children there needs to be a responsible parent/guardian or adult. The child’s parent/ guardian first, then a responsible adult. Parents must be in attendance.

Event Schedule:

Saturday

4:30 pm ‐ 5:20 pm: Check-in
5:30 pm: Nocturnal Animals: An Owls Exhibit with animals from the Birmingham Zoo
6:10 pm: Car Camping vs. Open Country
Camping Lesson
6:45 pm: Dinner and S’mores
7:50 pm: How To’s of Camping
8:20 pm: Astronomy Lesson
9:10 pm: S’more Bar and Read Along

Sunday

6:45 am ‐ 7:15 am: Breakfast
7:15 am: Interactive Bird Watching Walk
6:30 am ‐ 8:00 am: Check-out

Cancellations/Changes and Refunds: In the event of cancellation or change fees are non-refundable. All changes will be posted on the Railroad Park website and all social media channels.

Interactive Exhibits and Special Programming:

Birmingham Astronomical Society
Birmingham Audubon Society
Birmingham Zoo
Boy Scouts of America
Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University
Idlewild Adventure Company

Bye-Bye Diapers! Is Your Child Ready to Potty Train?

Posted on by Angie

You might be ready, but is your child?

No more diapers…. It’s something to dream about. To see if your child is ready, look for these signs:

1. They’re interested, they want to wear underwear

2. They can understand and follow basic directions

3. They can tell you through words or actions that they need to go

4. They stay dry for periods of about 2 hours or so

5. They can pull their own pants up and down

6. They complain of wet or dirty diapers

If you get mostly yes’s, it may be time to start the process. Watch for your child’s physical and emotional readiness. But be aware  if you’re about to go through a major change such as moving or a new sibling, you may want to wait. Regression is a normal part of the potty training process and can be triggered by big changes in our child’s life.

Here is a list of books we like when starting the Potty Training Process.

Birmingham Events Calendar – February 21st – February 28th

Posted on by Angie

Lots of storytimes to keep you and the little ones busy this week.. We’re excited to be partnering up with the fun Stage Show, Listen to Your Mother! Auditions are happening this week, so get your story together and set up a time to audition for a chance to be a part of this fun night coming to Birmingham in April!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday February 21st:

Alice in Wonderland – Community Education South Building
Come see this great family friendly show! Its full of great laughs and general crazyness. This is a great night out with the family
$15 adults. ($10 for seniors and students). Tickets are available each night at the show.
2:30pm

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Monday February 22nd:

Guess who invented these great inventions – Avondale North Library
Participants will use the library’s collection to find clues and match African American inventors with their inventions.
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve, PJ Party – Avondale Regional Library
You wear your pajamas and I’ll wear mine, but no sleeping allowed. Tot Time is geared for 2- to 4-year-olds with an individual caregiver; no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30am and 11am

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required.
9:30am

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Tuesday February 23rd:

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Library
Join Ms. Mary for a fun and energetic storytime for 24 months and under!
9:30am and 10:30am

Peter Rabbit Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Celebrate author Beatrix Potter’s beloved and mischievous bunny with The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit: And Other Cherished Stories. These adventure-filled stories are brought to life with vivid original illustrations from illustrator Charles Santore. Activities will round out the fun.
11am

LibraryFlix – Homewood Public Library
Popcorn and refreshments served. Located in the Large Auditorium.

A new theme park is built that features live dinosaurs. A theme park like this used to exist in the same location, but it was closed after a terrible accident. Two boys travel to the park to visit their aunt. Everything is going well in the new version of the park until the park’s newest attraction–a genetically modified giant dinosaur–escapes! Can the dinosaur be controlled?
3:30pm

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday February 24th:

Wiggleworm Wednesdays – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. mandy for our weekly all-ages storytime filled with music and fun!
10:30am

Family Storytime with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
10:45am

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Thursday February 25th:

Listen To Your Mother Auditions – Seeds Coffee House
Calling all Storytellers!! LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER is coming to Birmingham and they want to hear your story! Auditions start next week! For more information on auditions or the show that will take place here in April, check out their site! All stories of Motherhood from all people are welcome! What story will you tell?
For information on scheduling an audition..  visit their site.

Get Rhythm – Avondale Regional Library
Drum roll please… Join drum circle leader John Scalici for an afternoon of percussion fun as we “Get Rhythm.” No experience is required to participate and a limited number of instruments will be provided. Ba-dum-DUM!
3:30pm

SNaP Cupcake Wars – Emmet O’Neal Library
It’s a craft and a snack and a competition, all in one. We provide all the supplies. Rising 3rd-6th graders. No registration required.
3:30pm

Storyday with NayNay – Homewood Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime for ages three and under!
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday February 26th:

Birmingham Ballet Sleeping Beauty – BJCC Theatre
This fairy tale delivers a magical adventure!  Be enchanted by Princess Aurora, spellbound by fairies and thrilled by valiant Prince Florimund in his battle to overcome the evil spell cast upon his beloved. In her distinctive captivating style, choreographer Cindy Free weaves traditional elements of this favored ballet with fresh innovation of her own – creating for us a magical world of fantasy and possibilities where we can experience happily ever after.

$25.00 / $45.00 Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices subject to change.
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.
Showtime 7:30pm

Listen To Your Mother Auditions – Gardendale Library
Calling all Storytellers!! LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER is coming to Birmingham and they want to hear your story! Auditions start next week! For more information on auditions or the show that will take place here in April, check out their site! All stories of Motherhood from all people are welcome! What story will you tell?
For information on scheduling an audition..  visit their site.

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Saturday February 27th:

Birmingham Ballet Sleeping Beauty – BJCC Theatre
This fairy tale delivers a magical adventure!  Be enchanted by Princess Aurora, spellbound by fairies and thrilled by valiant Prince Florimund in his battle to overcome the evil spell cast upon his beloved. In her distinctive captivating style, choreographer Cindy Free weaves traditional elements of this favored ballet with fresh innovation of her own – creating for us a magical world of fantasy and possibilities where we can experience happily ever after.

$25.00 / $45.00 Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices subject to change.
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.
Showtimes – 2pm and 7:30pm

Listen To Your Mother Auditions – Seeds Coffee House
Calling all Storytellers!! LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER is coming to Birmingham and they want to hear your story! Auditions start next week! For more information on auditions or the show that will take place here in April, check out their site! All stories of Motherhood from all people are welcome! What story will you tell?
For information on scheduling an audition..  visit their site.

Ms Mandy’s Musical Meetup – Homewood Public Library
Join us once a month for a marvelous mish-mash of musical magic!  We’ll look, listen, and learn as musicians from amateur to expert share their musical talents with us.
10:30am

Dr Seuss’s Birthday Celebration Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us to celebrating Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! At this fun celebration you can pin the tail on Horton, decorate your own Cat in the Hat hat and more. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled Storytime!
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday February 28th:

Birmingham Ballet Sleeping Beauty – BJCC Theatre
This fairy tale delivers a magical adventure!  Be enchanted by Princess Aurora, spellbound by fairies and thrilled by valiant Prince Florimund in his battle to overcome the evil spell cast upon his beloved. In her distinctive captivating style, choreographer Cindy Free weaves traditional elements of this favored ballet with fresh innovation of her own – creating for us a magical world of fantasy and possibilities where we can experience happily ever after.

$25.00 / $45.00 Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices subject to change.
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.
Showtime – 2pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Recipe: Chili Blanco

Posted on by Angie

Fall and Winter dinner is always filled with some variety of chili, and I just learned that Chili has it’s own day! Did you know National Chili Day is always celebrated on the 4th Thursday of February? Well, now that we know, how could we not celebrate by sharing our favorite Chili Recipe!

What You Need:

What You’ll Do:

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add onion and cook until tender.
Mix in garlic, jalapeño, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano, and cayenne.
Continue to cook and stir until mixture is tender
Mix in chicken broth, chicken and white beans
Simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted.

Serve warm with tortilla chips and salad.

* This works really well as a crockpot recipe.. Make everything as directed above, dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Best Books for Brushing

Posted on by Angie

We love finding books that help kids learn about something they are about to experience. In keeping with National Dental Health Month,  here are our top 5 books for preparing kids for their first Dental visit and getting them excited about taking care of their little choppers!

1. Brush your Teeth Please by Reader’s Digest, Jean Pidgeon (Illustrator)

– What child can resist imitating a chimp brushing its teeth back and forth? Or a shark that flosses everyday? Youngsters will have lots of fun learning about proper dental hygiene is this delightful pop-up book.

This pop-up book has movable floss and brushes so that children can learn good dental hygiene by helping their animal friends practice it.

2. Clarabella’s Teeth by An Vrombaut – Rosie, Max, Liam, and Zoe are painting pictures, playing games, and having lunch, but Clarabella the crocodile can’t join them. She’s busy brushing her teeth—and it takes a long time because crocodiles have so many teeth! After she misses a whole day’s worth of activities, her friends surprise her with a giant crocodile-size toothbrush. Tomorrow Clarabella will be able to brush her teeth and have fun, too. Very young children will enjoy meeting the engaging animal friends who brush their teeth so cheerfully. Bright, bold, funny illustrations accompany this simple and spirited story, which highlights an important dental routine.

3. The Tooth Book – By Dr. Seuss – Teeth–they come in handy when you chew or smile! In Dr. Seuss’s hilarious ode to teeth, little ones will laugh out loud as they find out all the things teeth can do and how to take care of them so they last a lifetime! All the fun and charm of the original book are in this new board book version for the youngest readers.

4. ABC Dentist by Harriet Zeifert – A trip to the dentist’s office is easy once you know the ABCs of it. In this book, kids will learn important words like “appointment,””cavity,””plaque,” and “X-ray.” Informative text and lively collage illustrations make this the perfect book to calm any child’s fears about the dentist.

5. Through your tooth on the Roof by Selby Beeler – Travel around the world and discover the surprising things children do when they lose a tooth. Selby B. Beeler spent years collecting traditions from every corner of the globe for this whimsical book, and G. Brian Karas adds to the fun, filling every page with humorous detail. He perfectly captures the excitement and pride that children experience when a tooth falls out.

 

About Abenoja Orthodontics:

Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.

She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.

Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.

Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com

Event of the Week: Big Machines Day at McWane!

Posted on by Angie

It’s back! The event that kids and kids at heart love… BIG Machine’s Day at McWane Science Center!

Get your motors running and head over to McWane for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes. Learn the science behind simple machines and participate in fun building programs.

Cost included in the price of admission.
10am – 4pm

 

 

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Orthodontic Checks by Age 7

Posted on by Angie

By: Christine K. Abenoja, DMD, MS

Although many people associate orthodontic treatment with adolescence, Birmingham Orthodontist Christine Abenoja, DMD, MS, says that orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or with the teeth much earlier, while the primary or “baby” teeth are present.

Parents may incorrectly assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth.  However, Dr. Abenoja and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that every child get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.

“I can’t emphasize how important it is that parents understand the value of an orthodontic check- up,” says Dr. Abenoja.  “By age 7, enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to evaluate the “bite” – the manner in which teeth and jaws meet and work, and how that relationship affects a child’s ability to bite, chew and speak effectively.  Orthodontists can determine what, if anything, is awry.

“A visit to the orthodontist can ease a parent’s mind, too,” notes Dr. Abenoja.  “Our recommendation may simply be ‘let’s wait and see’ while the face and jaws continue to grow.”

Some of the more readily apparent conditions that indicate the need for an examination include:

  • early or late loss of baby teeth
  • difficulty in chewing or biting
  • mouth breathing
  • thumb sucking
  • crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • jaws that shift or make sounds
  • speech difficulties
  • biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
  • teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
  • facial imbalance
  • jaws that are too far forward or back
  • grinding or clenching of the teeth

Dr. Abenoja notes that protrusive front teeth can be prone to injury.

 

About Abenoja Orthodontics:

Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.

She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.

Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.

Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com

 

 

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