Birmingham Events Calendar: January 29th – February 5th

Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Angie

The circus might be rolling out of town but there is still plenty to keep you busy this week!

Will the Groundhog see his shadow this week? Is spring just around the corner or will we have 6 more weeks of winter? Hard to tell which is which anyway these days!

The McWane Science Center is gearing up for it’s Annual Beaker Bash. A fundraiser for the whole family. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, get to it! It’s going to be a great night of fun for the entire family all while raising money for one of our favorite hang outs!

Whatever you choose to do this week we hope it’s great!!

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

Sunday January 29th:

Ringling Bros and Barnum Bailey Circus: Dragons – BJCC
For the first time in circus history, myth and majesty will share the arena during this must-see family event that can only be witnessed at The Greatest Show On Earth®!

Experience circus spectacles so incredible that once again you will believe in the unbelievable! Dragon tribes from the far reaches of the earth are brought together in a single performance, displaying their breathtaking skills in a circus tournament of champions. Each tribe must prove that they have virtues of Courage, Strength, Wisdom and Heart to arouse dragons which appear right before your very eyes! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime family event when The Greatest Show On Earth brings the world together… to bring your family together!
1:00PM
5:00PM

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In January, Bart will be creating colorful dragon puppets in honor of the Chinese New Year.

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Monday January 30th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Tuesday January 31st

Critter Tales – Birmingham Zoo
In this class, students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride!

A parent/caregiver may not stay with the child.

During this adventure, children will explore their “wild” side as they are introduced to exciting animal topics. Children activities include creating a cool craft, experiencing up-close animal encounters, riding the train and carousel and enjoying other fun activities.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Advanced Registration Prices: $12.00/student/class for members or $18.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

Buy Tickets

10am – 11:30

Zoo Tots, Scales and Shell the wonderful world of Reptiles – Birmingham Zoo
This intermediate class introduces children to animals in the classroom and out in the Zoo!

A parent/caregiver must stay with the child.

You and your little one are certain to enjoy this adventure as you learn about wildlife in our comfortable classroom environment and on guided tours of the Zoo.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Advanced Registration Prices: $8.00/student/class for members or $14.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

Buy Tickets

9:00 am – 9:45 am

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Wednesday February 1st:

Critter Tales – Birmingham Zoo
In this class, students will explore different animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft and go on a train ride and a carousel ride!

A parent/caregiver may not stay with the child.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Advanced Registration Prices: $12.00/student/class for members or $18.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

Buy Tickets

10am – 11:30

Zoo Tots, Scales and Shell the wonderful world of Reptiles – Birmingham Zoo
This intermediate class introduces children to animals in the classroom and out in the Zoo!

A parent/caregiver must stay with the child.

You and your little one are certain to enjoy this adventure as you learn about wildlife in our comfortable classroom environment and on guided tours of the Zoo.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Advanced Registration Prices: $8.00/student/class for members or $14.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

Buy Tickets

9:00 am – 9:45 am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
It’s the day before Groundhog Day! Come out and learn about how groundhogs get their remarkable weather-predicting abilities at today’s Storytime. We’ll read Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub, make groundhog crafts and enjoy some snacks.
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday February 2nd:

Alabama Gives Day!
Join thousands of Alabamians in being part of a history making event that aims to raise millions of dollars for hundreds of Alabama nonprofits in just 24 hours. Inspired by other Gives Days in the nation, Alabama Gives Day provides nonprofits an opportunity to showcase the impact of the incredible work they do that helps improve the quality of life for everyone in our state.

Every donation matters. We encourage you to help show Alabama’s unparalleled generosity to the world by making your tax-deductible gift on February 2nd, 2012. Come on Alabama… let’s make history together! Click here for more information.

Ground Hog Day! Birmingham Zoo
Join us for Birmingham Bill’s annual prediction at the Wildlife Stage. Will there be six more weeks of winter or an early spring? If he doesn’t see his shadow, that means an end to winter, if he does then Alabamians will endure six more weeks of winter.

Please come early to place your prediction in the prediction box, make a craft and enjoy hot coco and coffee provided by Red Diamond while supplies last. There will also be photo opportunities before and after the show with Birmingham Bill. Activities start at 9:30am and the show starts at 10am.

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Friday February 3rd:

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Stories, songs, and snacks as Mrs. Renee Schmidt leads the fun.
10am

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Saturday February 4th:

Beaker Bash – McWane Science Center
Please join us as we embark on a quest to unravel the exciting mysteries of science. Your family is invited on an expedition through the land of dinosaurs, deep under the ocean, into the thick of the jungle, and to galaxies far away. Beaker Bash annually supports McWane Science Center’s educational mission and programs.

$30 Kids, $50 Adults

$150 Family Four Package

$500 Explorer Package
includes six tickets and admission to the V.I.P. lounge

Buy tickets here!

Storytime on the Mountain – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Join Ms. Jerri for Story Time! We will read “Lights Out, Night’s Out” by William Boniface and make an owl mask in the Treehouse. Stick around after Story Time to see one of Ruffner’s nocturnal animal residents up-close! Sponsored by Target.
10am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In February, Bart will draw inspiration from The Look of Love exhibition to create Valentine’s jewelry boxes fit for tiny treasures.

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.

Merry Un-Birthday Tea Party – Irondale Library
You are cordially invited to celebrate the Un-Birthday of Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland Style.
Please join us for crafts, treats and games. Register with the Irondale Public Library
1:30pm

Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Bring your friends to today’s Storytime featuring the book Friends: True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships by Catherine Thimmesh. This book’s photographs of remarkable inter-species friendships are sure to delight you.
11am

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Sunday February 5th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In February, Bart will draw inspiration from The Look of Love exhibition to create Valentine’s jewelry boxes fit for tiny treasures.

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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: Born to Be Wild, & Flying Monsters.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

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.

Truffle Mac 'n Cheese Bites

Posted on Friday, January 27, 2012 by Angie

Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese bites are a yummy appetizer that kids will love– yet it will impress adults with a sophisticated palate! Try it at your Super Bowl party!

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp butter
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon truffle oil (Penzey’s in Homewood has some!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, olive oil and salt. Cook the elbow macaroni for about 8-9 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and place in a pan. Stir in the butter and egg until pasta is evenly coated.
Reserve 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella, along with some milk and truffle oil into the pasta.
Spoon into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and the bread crumb mixture over the tops.
Bake for 30 minutes.

McWane Science Center's Beaker Bash 2012

Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Angie

Our favorite hangout, McWane Science Center, is about to host their Beaker Bash. It’s February 4th from 5-8pm. What a great way to spend an evening- kids can come visit the neat exhibits while we chow down on some yummy foods and drinks.

Please join us as we embark on a quest to unravel the exciting mysteries of science. Your family is invited on an expedition through the land of dinosaurs, deep under the ocean, into the thick of the jungle, and to galaxies far away. Beaker Bash annually supports McWane Science Center’s educational mission and programs.

$30 Kids, $50 Adults

$150 Family Four Package

$500 Explorer Package
includes six tickets and admission to the V.I.P. lounge

Buy tickets here!

Medical Minute: Pregnancy Over 30

Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Angie

Times, they are a-changin’… A lot of women are waiting until after 30 to have kids. On the bright side, you’re more mature and patient. But as always, be in the know of the risks. After 30 pregnancies may be at risk for miscarriage, birth defects, and pregnancy complications such as twins, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and difficult labors. Some studies show that while there may be a greater likelihood of pregnancy complications in women over 30, their babies may not have more problems than babies of younger women. Especially if they’ve received prenatal care.

The biggie that we’ve all heard of is risks for chromosome abnormalities. The risk of chromosomal abnormality increases with maternal age. The chance of having a child affected by Down syndrome increases from about 1 in 1,250 for a woman who conceives at age 25, to about 1 in 100 for a woman who conceives at age 40. It is possible that risks may be higher as many statistics only report live births and do not take into account pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities that were terminated or ended due to natural pregnancy loss.

In general, after having one child with Down syndrome, the chance of having another baby with Down syndrome is higher. After age 40, the recurrence risk for Down syndrome is based on the age of the mother at delivery. It is important to know that most babies with Down syndrome are born to women under the age of 35. This is because women under the age of 35 have more babies than women over 35. The doctor may refer parents to a genetic specialist or genetic counselor who can explain the results of chromosomal tests in detail, including what the recurrence risks may be in another pregnancy and what tests are available to diagnose chromosome problems before a baby is born.

Prenatal testing is available to help diagnose or rule out chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic birth defects. Testing may include blood tests, ultrasound (using sound waves to look at internal structures), chorionic villus sampling (testing the tissues around the fetus), or amniocentesis (withdrawing a sample of the amniotic fluid).

Some studies have shown a higher chance of miscarriage (early pregnancy loss) in older mothers. When considering all women, about half of first trimester miscarriages occur because of a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. Because these abnormalities increase with maternal age, miscarriage is also more likely.

If you are pregnant and over the age of 30, talk with your doctor about your individual health and discuss plans for helping you and your developing baby maintain a healthy pregnancy.

How old were you when you had your babies?

No Name-Calling Week

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2012 by Angie

We know that words can hurt, and one full week in January has been set aside to study the effect of name calling and to learn how we can be better friends and teachers.

No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. As parents it’s a great time to remember that there are so many things we can do starting at home, to help teach our children to be kind to others. Kids who live with yelling, name-calling, putdowns, harsh criticism, or physical anger from a sibling or parent/caregiver may act that out in other settings.

Here are some things to keep in mind this week and always:

Teach your child to treat others with respect and kindness. Teach your child that it is wrong to ridicule others for their differences such as race, religion, appearance, special needs, gender, or economic status. Try to instill a sense of empathy for those who are different.

Encourage their good behavior. Positive reinforcement can be more powerful than negative discipline. Catch your kids being good — and when they handle situations in ways that are constructive or positive, take notice and praise them for it.

Lead by example. Think carefully about the things you say in front of your children. How do you handle conflict or problems? Do you do it kindly or aggressively? Chances are your children will follow the example you set for them. They’re always listening.

Maintain Open Communication. Encourage your child to talk about school and their friends. Show them that you are truly interested in hearing about their day, that way you can stay in the loop and more easily identify any potential problems as or before they arrive.

What big or small ways do you keep bullying and no name calling present in your family?

Parenting with a PhD: New Year, New Sibling

Posted on Monday, January 23, 2012 by Angie

Parent Question: How can we nurture the big sibling when a new baby wreaks havoc on their only child universe?

Parenting with a Ph.D. Response: From the moment he pulls that “I’m a Big Brother!” shirt over his tiny head, life as he’s known it is history. Now he’ll be expected to share everything: his parents, his toys, his bathroom, his snacks. (He may even have to share that “Big Brother” shirt one day…). On the bright side, he’ll also have someone with whom to share his secrets and sorrows, and, eventually, his embarrassment over your behavior (“Mom! Don’t pull up right in front of the building! Drop me off at the corner!”). This sibling relationship is an incredibly important one as it will be the model for later friendships and provides your kids with a chance to practice appropriate social behavior.

As you’ve suggested, the ways that you nurture each child individually is an important consideration in fostering a positive sibling relationship. You’ve probably got nurturing the baby down to a science by this point – the feeding, the cooing, the singing. Oh, and cleaning the poo. But, the way you interact with your older child will be different now that she isn’t the only game in town. Banging pots at 7:00 p.m. might have been a favorite family activity six months ago but now it’s disrupting baby’s bedtime. Family + New Baby = No Fun.

You can help change that equation by focusing on the positive aspects of the transition. Consider what makes your older child most proud and look for ways to highlight those skills. Maybe now is the time to start that new sport or activity he’s been asking about. Create a new space for him with a “Big Boy” bed and reading nook, give him some choice in décor (Pirates or Spaceships?), and put away or pass down “babyish” toys. Emphasize the new privileges and responsibilities that your older child has. Let him help with baby-related tasks like fetching diapers and socks if he seems interested. Praise him for his efforts at being “big” and avoid criticizing or re-doing the task in front of him. There will be time to teach him to fold hospital corners later. If he expresses jealousy over the attention the baby is getting, watch for times that you can point out all that he can do that his brother can’t. In time, you’ll get to point out to your older child the ways Baby is imitating him – a surefire way to install pride.

You don’t want to reinvent the wheel – this sibling stuff has been done before. Consider having books on hand like: The Best-Ever Big Brother/Sister series by Karen Katz, Waiting for Baby by Harriet Ziefert, I’m a Big Brother/Sister by Joanna Cole, Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats, and Babies Don’t Eat Pizza: A Big Kids’ Book About Baby Brothers and Baby Sisters by Dianne Danzig. Definitely check out The Big Sibling Book: Baby’s First Year According to Me by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It’s a kid-friendly journal that provides your older child with lots of fun activities (stickers!) and interviews to complete about being a big sibling. In response to one question about her little brother, my daughter said, “I love to play feets with him!” I have no idea what “feets” is but it’s a priceless answer just the same.

A note of caution: Any changes should be made very, very slowly. Allow your child to hold on to particularly special items and avoid suggesting that her desire to keep them is “babyish.” Eventually, she’ll let go of those things on her own. Take cues from her if changes are happening too quickly.

In the early months, you’re likely to see some regression in your oldest child’s behavior. He may suddenly seem to a lose skill he used to perform like a champ and “neeeeeeeed” you to do it for him. Try to provide him with the requested assistance, at least some of the time. Make gentle, non-critical statements like, “I know you can do this on your own when you’re ready.” Show him that you’re still available for him even though there’s more competition for your attention. Before you know it, he’ll be back to, “I CAN DO IT MYSELF!” and you’ll be wishing he wanted help.

It isn’t all change – some things can and should stay the same. Fun, relaxed one-on-one time with your older child is now even more important than it once was. Although they may feel elusive, there are probably some free minutes here and there in your schedule that could offer some special time with your oldest. Make a pact with your partner that you will each set a goal to spend at least 20 minutes a week of focused, individual play time with your older child. Pick an activity that encourages interaction (e.g., building with blocks, playing catch, crafts) and put it on the family calendar in picture form so your child knows it’s an important appointment. Do everything in your power to stick to that schedule. Consider a time when someone else can be with the baby or when he is likely to be sleeping. You and your partner should hold each other accountable for meeting this goal – rest assured that your child will. Once you have worked the weekly “date” into your schedule, try twice a week or every other day. Increase the time as you see fit and as scheduling allows. During special time, keep demands low by avoiding too many questions or commands. If your child isn’t acting appropriately, try not to punish and simply tell him you’ll need to stop until his behavior improves. Try again when things are calm. View “special time” not as a reward that your child has to earn but as a need that must be filled like eating and sleeping.

Don’t forget that your older child has an identity other than “Big Brother.” Encourage other family members and friends to talk to him about things going on in his life other than the new baby. Make sure you do the same. All baby all the time gets old. Fast.

More is not always merrier but the concern you’re showing about how to nurture your older child will certainly make the transition from one to two go much more smoothly. Now, why don’t you all go enjoy a nice game of “feets” together!

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way via email at: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com and I’ll tell you what I can: Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen S. Berthiaume, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Kristen Berthiaume is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates. She obtained her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center.

She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues:
ADHD
learning disorders
social skill deficits
organizational problems
behavioral difficulties
anxiety
depression

She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her four-year-old daughter and 20-month-old son.

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 22nd – January 29th

Posted on Sunday, January 22, 2012 by Angie

Wow! We must have blinked because January appears to be at an end already! How did that happen?

The Circus will be rolling into town this week, if you haven’t taken advantage of the Reading with Ringling program being offered by many of the local libraries you still have time, you can learn more about that here.

New classes at the zoo, puzzle day and Monday Movies will keep you busy this week! What’s on your calendar?

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

Sunday January 22nd:

It’s Great to Skate – Pelham Civic Complex
The Birmingham Figure Skating Club and the Pelham Skate School invite children to a free ice skating clinic in honor of National Skating Month. Learn about skating, take a quick lesson, watch exhibition skaters, drink hot chocolate and take a spin around the rink during open skate showing off your new skills. Learn about “Learn to Skate” classes.
2:30 – 5:00 pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In January, Bart will be creating colorful dragon puppets in honor of the Chinese New Year.

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Monday January 23rd:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
A movie for all ages! Popcorn and juice for kids who come to watch.
3:30pm

National Puzzle Day – Avondale Library
50, 500 or a 1000? How many puzzle pieces can we put together in a day? Come by and join the fun as we celebrate Puzzle Day at the library.

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Tuesday January 24th:

Babes in the Zoo – Birmingham Zoo
This fun class introduces children
to the experience and wonder of
animals in a safe environment.

Children must be 6 months to 2 years old and accompanied by an adult.

Classes are 30 minutes long.
9am

Critter Tales at the Zoo: Red Panda – Birmingham Zoo
In this class, students will explore different
animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft
and go on a train ride and
a carousel ride!

A parent/caregiver may not stay with the child.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Advanced Registration Prices: $12.00/student/class for members or $18.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

For more information on discounted classes visit the Zoo Website.

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Wednesday January 25th:

Babes in the Zoo – Birmingham Zoo
This fun class introduces children
to the experience and wonder of
animals in a safe environment.

Children must be 6 months to 2 years old and accompanied by an adult.

Classes are 30 minutes long.
9am

Critter Tales at the Zoo: Red Panda – Birmingham Zoo
In this class, students will explore different
animal topics, enjoy story time, make a craft
and go on a train ride and
a carousel ride!

A parent/caregiver may not stay with the child.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Advanced Registration Prices: $12.00/student/class for members or $18.00/student/class for non-members

Same Day Registration: Registrations for a class that are completed on the same day that the class was scheduled will be subject to a $2 charge in addition to the standard class price.

Info Phone: (205) 397-3877

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
We’ll celebrate A. A. Milne’s birthday today by reading a story about his most famous creation, Winnie the Pooh. We’ll make some Pooh crafts and eat some delicious snacks too.
11am

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Thursday January 26th:

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Friday January 27th:

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Stories, songs, and snacks as Mrs. Renee Schmidt leads the fun.
10am

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Saturday January 28th:

2012 Chinese New Year Festival – Boutwell Auditorium
The Birmingham Chinese Festival Association (BCFA) will host its 6th annual Chinese New Year Celebration for Year 2012. We invite you to come celebrate one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and experience a celebration of the Chinese culture, art, food and many other forms of entertainment.

Chinese New Year Celebration in the years past has fostered the cultural exchange between the community of Chinese Nationals in Birmingham and the greater community of Birmingham. We anticipate even greater success in the Year of Dragon.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
This kit is awesome! Your child can build this cool dinosaur and then choose the stickers to make it a cartoon or a realistic dinosaur!
10am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In January, Bart will be creating colorful dragon puppets in honor of the Chinese New Year.

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.

Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Help stop bullying! From January 21-29, all stores will host a Storytime during No Name-Calling Week to promote anti-bullying. Selected titles for adults, kids and educators focused on this message will be available during the entire month of January.
11am

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Sunday January 29th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Patience: Honesty and Positive Reinforcement

Posted on Friday, January 20, 2012 by Angie

Sometimes, being honest with ourselves is the hardest part. If your child is misbehaving or not listening, honestly ask yourself if you were ignoring them or their needs? It’s not always their behavior that causes the problem. This one happens to me a lot when I’m on my computer working. I tell them to stop, but they don’t. They know that I’m absorbed in the computer, so they tune me out. If I get up, talk to them, and redirect them, they actually listen.

Use a lot of positive reinforcement. Positive is the opposite of negative, which is what happens when you lose your temper. Kids don’t like it when we lose our temper with them, so show them what the other option is.

Winter Reads for the Wee Ones

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Angie

Winter is here!! We will without a doubt be spending a lot of time at the library looking for a hideout from the cold weather. Find these books while you’re there and help get the little ones excited about wintertime!

The Snow Day by Komako Sakai – A book about the snow that falls and falls and falls. It taught my girls terms like “snow dumpling” and “snow monsters.” Needless to say they are anxiously awaiting the next snowfall in order to attempt those little creations of their own.

When Winter Comes by Nancy Vann Laan – We loved learning about where the animals, bugs and flowers go when the winter comes and the cold wind blows

When it Starts to Snow by Phillis Gershator – When it starts to snow, where do you go? These animals don’t go looking for milk and bread at the grocery store!

Is That You, Winter? by Stephen Gammell – A day in the life of Old Man Winter

What are some of your favorite winter books?

GenBump: Pamper Youself with Prenatal Yoga

Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by Angie

No matter what stage of pregnancy, taking some time to rejuvenate with gentle stretching and breathing exercises will do your mind and body good. Join Brookwood Medical center and BirminghamMommy.com for a free prenatal yoga class and learn some key moves for reducing stress and easing tension throughout your pregnancy and beyond!