Meanwhile, at the Tower of "Babble"

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2010 by Angie

When my four-year-old was a baby, I talked to her non-stop. I had a book that advised this, one of the many parenting tomes I have since left to gather dust on a shelf. I find myself too busy with the overwhelming task of parenting lately to read many books about it. But back then, when I had one sweet baby who could not yet crawl or talk, I had plenty of reading time. The book said, “Your baby acquires language from you, so narrate your day.” I did as I was told.

I talked to little Miss D. about every piece of laundry as I folded it. I talked about the types of cars that drove past us when we were on the road. I wondered aloud about what to make for dinner or whether or not to go for a walk. I was hoarse at the end of the day, even though I passed most hours alone with my as-yet-non-verbal baby.

And then she started talking. Early. And she has barely taken a breath since. Her daddy heard her babbling in her sleep the other night.

I have been wondering for a while now what would happen when Miss D.’s little sister found her words. Would she be as chatty? Would they talk to each other? Or would they both direct their full vocal attention at me? And how would I manage to answer every question and respond to every observation all day long?

I find myself in the midst of figuring that out now that little sister, The Belle, is approaching her second birthday and proving to be quite a talker in her own right. The Belle wants to know where every single person she knows is at any given time. Where Daddy go? Where Grandma go? She wants to know Wha dat? and Why, Mommy? And like her sister, she gets quickly and seriously agitated if she is not answered immediately.

Sometimes — in the car, in particular – I notice that both girls have stopped talking to me and are simply talking. Not to each other. Just talking. Miss D. is yelling at her imaginary pets. Shally! Stop that! No, Buster. No. We don’t do that in this family.

And then The Belle picks one word her sister said and makes it into a little song. No. No, no, no, no, noooooooo!

Or they both pretend to be on the phone. Hands plastered to their ears, they are gabbing away as we drive along. (I can’t imagine where they picked up this behavior.)

Miss D.: Well, we’re almost home. Yes, Alabama. Uh-huh. Well, that’s just crazy. I can’t believe it. Are you serious? Shally and Buster think that’s crazy. Wait, let me switch hands.

The Belle: Mumble, mumble, crazy. Yet, yet, crazy. Okay. Okay. Buh-bye.

And then I start to feel kind of crazy. Because while these two conduct their imaginary calls, I am turning up the radio louder and louder so I can hear some news story about the housing market or the Gulf Coast, and suddenly I realize that my world has gotten very, very loud.

I am trying to sell my girls on the idea of break time. This is break time, I’ll say. Everyone has to have quiet thoughts right now.

So far, they’re just responding to me with more babble.

Country-Fried Mama is a transplanted Yankee raising two girls in the land of college football, sweet tea and refined manners. Visit her blog at www.countryfriedmama.com and follow her on Twitter @countryfried.

Membership Alliance Day – July 24th

Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2010 by Angie

Are you a member of McWane Science Center, the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Museum of Art or any of the the other local organizations we have listed below? If you are, you will have the opportunity to explore what our city has to offer during Birmingham’s sixth-annual Membership Alliance Day, taking place on July 24th.

As a way of saying thanks for your membership, area organizations have planned a special members-only day of free admission and fun activities throughout the city. Your valid membership card and photo ID admits those listed on your membership into these participating venues all day long, with special activities and events occurring throughout the day at every location.

There will be 19 wonderfully varied groups of performers, museums and historical landmarks participating in Member Day, it’s one of the best ways to experience the incredible talents and unforgettable experiences offered by our region’s arts and cultural organizations, all in one day!

Vulcan Park & Museum
“Birmingham Baseball Stories and Legends” Led by the Alabama Negro League Association
10 AM – 5 PM

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
10 AM – 5 PM

Birmingham Public Library
Birmingham Museum of Art Activity
10 AM – 12 PM

McWane Science Center
Red Mountain Theatre Company performs selections from The Sound Of Music
11 AM – 11:45 AM

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Alabama Ballet Performance
1 PM – 1:30 PM

Southern Museum of Flight
McWane Science Center’s Glider Design Challenge
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Performance
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival‘s Children’s Short Film Festival
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Children’s Theatre Performance
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Birmingham Public Library
Embellishments Handbell Ensemble Performance
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM

Birmingham Zoo
Umdabu Dance Company Performance
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Multiplicity – Transition

Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by Angie

This month we have another guest writer talking about making that transition from the working world to the world of being a Stay at Home Mom! Something so many of us can relate to, find out how she’s coping and let us now how the transition was for you! ~Angie

Recently I survived my first week of being a stay-at-home mom to my eighteen-month boy/girl twins, though survived isn’t really the right word. It’s been great. I wish I had done this so long ago. I never thought I would be a stay-at-home mom. I didn’t look down on SAHMs, I just didn’t think it was my style. Of course, I didn’t think that I’d have twins either. Even if I only had one, I didn’t realize how much you miss out on as a mom who works full time. From 6am to 5:30pm every week day I was either away from my kids or in the process of traveling to or from work and daycare. That’s almost 12 hours, and it left about an hour and a half for quality time with my kids, mostly made up of bath and dinner. It was crazy. No time to sit and think, to clean, or to plan for the next day.

Now it’s completely different. The guys sleep till 6:45 or so. We don’t have to wake them up at 6 and dress them hurriedly for daycare. Then, we have a leisurely breakfast and I do some chores. But the biggest difference has been the weekends. They used to be filled with all of the chores and housework that could not get done during the week. There was no time for fun. By the time I was starting to feel caught up, it was Sunday night and the work week was about to begin again. This weekend, we went to the zoo. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a bit crazy. We planned to leave by 9am, but didn’t get out of the house till almost 10. We forgot the diaper wipes and the changing pad, and the kids refused to eat their lunch. Still, we made it. We learned things that will make a trip easier the next time around, and we were able to do something fun for a change.

Like it or not, there are certain things that we as women will always do, like being primary caregivers for our children (I say this as the wife of one of the most nurturing men I’ve ever seen), and other things that we’ll want to do, like maybe cook healthy foods for our family and/or keep the house in a somewhat attractive state. These things will need to be done regardless of whether or not we work outside the home. Trying to fit it all into a day is just plain hard, sometimes impossible. Life is still busy for me at home. My kids constantly want my attention, and get upset when I try to get other things done. Mostly, I enjoy spending time with them, but to be honest there are times when I wish I could have fifteen minutes to myself. It’s worth it, though, when I think of all the fun things we get to do together. This week, my guys have learned several new words, made drawings in celebration of the colors blue and yellow, and my son has started to ask to watch the PBS show Super Why! throughout the day by saying sweetly, “Why??? Why!! No why?” Silly things maybe, but fun memories I was missing out on before.

I’m not saying you can’t work and be a good mom. I still feel very strongly that we serve as better role models for our kids if we continue to pursue our own dreams and aspirations. However, I think I completely underestimated how much work it is to be a mom (and how much fun), and I overestimated how important it is to have two paychecks and a high household income. In the fall, I will start a full-time graduate assistant-ship in English at UAB. It will be better than an 8-5 job and I’m staying home with my guys two mornings a week, but I’m concerned that I will miss this precious time with them. It’s kind of funny considering that a month ago I was worried that being home with them all day all summer would drive me crazy. I guess this is the life of a mom, constant give and take, and we never feel like it’s enough.

How do you find balance? Do ever feel like you’re caught up? Have you had to make major sacrifices for your children or your career? Or both?

Lissa Peterson is a native of Montgomery, but has lived in Birmingham since 2004. As the mom of boy/girl twins, she stays very busy. She spent 10 years in corporate marketing and finance before losing her mind, and subsequently deciding to pursue a Master’s degree in English. She spends her time nurturing, cooking, cleaning, reading, writing, studying, and trying to be as involved in church as possible. She has no free time.

Back to School Giveaway!

Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Angie

School is just around the corner and we have a few items laying around that we thought would make a nice giveaway. First up will be this adorable ” Zoo Lunchie” from Skip Hop:

With friendly faces and matching zipper-pulls, ZOO LUNCHIES make lunchtime fun time! Sized just right for little kids, or a mom and baby on-the-go, these soft bags have a roomy main compartment that holds sandwiches, snacks, drinks and more. An insulated, wipe-clean interior keeps food and drinks cold, plus an inside mesh pocket holds lunch money, an ice pack or utensils.

ZOO LUNCHIES coordinate with the entire line of ZOO PACKS little kid backpacks. The clip-on handle attaches securely to any backpack.

Here’s how you enter:

1. Leave us a comment telling us why you’re sad summer is coming to an end.

2. Tweet this: “@birminghammommy is giving away a zoo lunchie http://ow.ly/2eemt ” then come back here and leave us a comment letting us know you tweeted.

3. If you aren’t already subscribed, subscribe to our newsletter. Come back here and let us know that you subscribed.

You can leave a comment and tweet once each day for extra entries. The newsletter sign up will only count as one. The contest will run from Tuesday July 20th at 6pm, until Saturday July 24th at 6pm. We will announce our winner on Sunday July 25th. The winner will be contacted via email and will be responsible for replying to us with an address for mailing the lunchbox.

Type A Mom: Vacation Survival

Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Angie

by Alison

Tis the season for family summer vacations. Whether you’re a beach-potato, an earthy/outdoorsy type, or a savvy international traveler, you’re a mom, and you deserve a vacation. You plan, prepare, and have high hopes of getting some much-needed r&r. Then it happens. Reality strikes faster than flying applesauce from a baby-sized spoon, and you arrive home needing a vacation to recoup from your vacation.

Parenthood changes the meaning of summer vacation forever – or at least for the next few years. It’s not just about upsizing the square inches of your bathing suit. Instead of soaking up the sun, you’re sweating in the sand chasing your toddler as he runs full speed, uninterested in the giant bag of beach toys you so smartly brought along. One day your cute little camper may love the tent, the next, not so much. Of course moms cherish time with family, but sometimes being away from home can be anything but relaxing. Although it will be a far cry from a honeymoon, your family vacation can be less stressful if you follow some rules of thumb.

Over plan. Your vacation philosophy might be to go-with-the-flow, but that is easier said than done with bambinos. You never know when the unforeseen can put a kink in your plans, so know what kid-friendly activities are available at your destination and even long the way. A long car ride can be much more pleasant with a fun stop or two. Have back-up options in case you can’t do your first choices. To collect ideas, go to tourism websites or travel message boards to find a hodge-podge of options. Better yet, ask around, especially during your trip. You might get some great suggestions from locals.
Think safe (and sane). Some items like sunscreen or kid-safe bug spray are obvious packing choices depending on the destination, but a few extra health and safety products can be useful. A first-aid kit is great to have, but check to see if it leaves out any items you should have. A teething infant may need teething relief more than bandages. If your kiddo is in that ever-moving inquisitive young toddler stage, pack your own baby-proofing essentials. Sure, it’s impractical to cover all electrical outlets and secure every cabinet, but a few of these items can help you to finish that first cup of morning coffee without saying variations of, “Be careful, oh no, no…I said no!” several dozen times. You may want to keep a few small and simple baby proofing items, such as a sliding cabinet lock and a handful of outlet covers, in your suitcase for future trips too. Each child is different, so decide what few items are important for keeping your little monkey safe.
Don’t forget toys and entertainment. Remember the sentiments of “something old, something new, something borrowed … ?” Well forget the wedding. That tradition is more suited for traveling with kids. Bring at least one favorite toy for something tried and true, but also invest in a new special something that might invoke squeals of delight. You might even want to have it as a surprise and introduce it in a time of need (like when your child decides to throw a tantrum or continues asking, “Are we there yet?” in repeat mode). If a friend or family member volunteers to loan you something that will make your trip easier, take them up on it! Borrow the portable DVD player or awesome beach toy. By doing so, it’s less likely that the “something blue” will be you or your kid’s mood.
Enlist help, if available. Vacationing with your extended family? Take advantage and let them help! Sure they could give your child too many sweets or keep them up too late, but if you’re ever going to relax the rules a bit, now is the time. Those teen nieces and nephews might seem a bit too preoccupied to want to babysit, but offer some moola that they can spend at the nearest tourist trap and they may suddenly morph into the world’s best sitters. If family help is not an option, consider asking friends of family if they know of sitters in the area. Even if you’re not comfortable leaving your little ones while on vacation, just some helping hands while you’re nearby can make a huge difference in your chill factor.
Maintain perspective. Remember that although family vacations can be exhausting, you’re creating memories. Focus on the positive. Instead of sulking over how you can’t sit still for five minutes while supervising your tiny explorer, just think of the calories you’re burning – especially helpful to remember while indulging in that post-bedtime cocktail or decadent dessert. Smile for the family picture, even if your tot is crying harder than that time with Santa. It’ll make for a funny story later. If you’re stuck in the room during naptime, know that your sweet angel will be more angelic with a bit of rest. The goal is to try to enjoy your trip as much as possible, and a good attitude can make any sticky situation a bit easier to overcome.
Regroup. If you can, plan a day or two of downtime. You’ll want some time to recoup, unpack, and get mentally reorganized before you resume your regularly scheduled life. It’s also likely that the kids will need help getting back in a routine, especially in terms of sleep. Having an extra day can help everyone get back on track. If you want to be really type A, during your downtime, jot down a few ideas that will make your trip easier for the following year. You’ll forget, so having something in writing will help. Tuck it somewhere where you’ll find it when it’s time to plan another vacation.

Hopefully, you will come back home feeling better than a Griswald and all the more prepared for future trips. What additional travel tips do you have in your super-mom arsenal? Inquiring “Type A” moms want to know.

52 New Things – Week 28

Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Angie

Angie –

I went an entire week without eating meat. It’s not like I set out to become a vegetarian, I watched Food Inc and I can’t shake the images and information from my head. I’m not sure I’ll never eat meat again but I’ve certainly never gone an entire week without it, and right now it’s just too fresh on my mind, so I guess you can call me a “temporary vegetarian.”

Trish –

I got my lazy bum out of bed last Saturday morning and went to Pepper Place to enjoy the market. This is my new thing because weekend mornings are sacred around here. It’s a virtual contest to see who finally relents and gets up first. Our kids sleep late, therefor we sleep late. As it turns out, there’s a whole world of Saturday morning happenings! We had fun at the market, we got there around 10am, which is early for us. We bought some incredible fontina cheese, so creamy and delicious. I wanted to buy some fresh eggs and spinach, but a bead of sweat broke out on my upper lip and sent me screaming to my car. I don’t do extreme heat. I guess if I really want to do it right, we’d have to get there before 10am, but that’s not likely.

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!

Juicebox Jukebox – Summer Tunes

Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010 by Angie

This month is all about vacation, and summer, summer, summer time. Whether you’re laying by the pool, hitting the beach, or taking a road trip, here is a list of songs that will get you groovin’ and get your whole car singing while you cruise around Birmingham or are headed out of town with the windows down and the wind blowing through our hair!

Summertime – Will Smith What summer playlist would be complete without this Summertime theme song. It may feel cliche’ but, it’s just a good ole’ favorite and something we automatically think of when putting together a list for summer.

Just A Ride – Jem – a great cruising song. This one makes me want to roll down my window and let my arm dance through the wind. You know like it’s doing the worm…

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison – This one is just a great anytime song – Please note: eye color is interchangeable. Blue and green work just as well.

Superman – REM – What litte boy won’t like singing about being a Super Hero?

Best Days – Graham Colton – Just a little reminder to enjoy these times, they are the best days of our lives!

Hey Ya! – Outkast – A chorus that the kids will be singing long after this song is over.

Fins – Jimmy Buffet – The obvious choice here was probably Margaritaville, but we decided to take a chance and give you a great song and something that can teach your kiddos left from right! Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean they can’t learn something!

Viva la Vida – Coldplay – This will have your kids Oh, Oh Oh-Oh Oh-ing all day…

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles – Doesn’t this one always come to mind when that summer shower passes and it’s time to head back to the pool or beach?

Beautiful Day – U2 – Let’s hope our summer is full of these!

Other notable mentions for some Summer Tunes would be anything Bob Marley, something about his music just screams, vacation, pool and beach. Mix it up with a little “De La Soul, Me Myself and I,” or a couple from our past play lists like “Train, Hey Soul Sister,” or “Jason Mraz, I’m Yours.”

We’ve made the above playlist (minus the Beatles) available for you on itunes. What other songs make you think of summer?

Weekly Events Calendar July 19th – 25th

Posted on Sunday, July 18, 2010 by Angie

Summer Reading programs are starting to wrap up and this Saturday will be packed full of activities around town thanks to the 6th annual Membership Alliance Day. Farmers Markets are still going strong so get out there and take advantage of some yummy fresh fruits and veggies! The Atlanta Falcons Tailgate Team is coming through town with your chance to meet John Parker Wilson! If you’re looking for Summer Movies, we’ve got em’ Check out our Summer Flicks Guide to plan your movie outings this week. We update the calendar as we learn of new events so stop back by throughout the week to see what’s new!

It’s Not our Fault if your Kids are Bored

Monday July 19th
Movie Matinee – North Shelby Library
“Up”
All Ages, Snacks Served
2:00pm

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Tuesday July 20th

Atlanta Falcons Tailgate Team – Publix Montgomery Hwy (Hoover)
John Parker Wilson is scheduled to join the Falcons Tailgate Team at Publix and will be signing autographs, limit ONE outside item per person. The Tailgate Team will be giving FREE gifts when you purchase five participating products, giving away two sets of tickets to the Falcons vs. Bucs game on November 7 and Freddie the Falcon will be greeting customers. Offer available from 5-7 pm on designated date while supplies last. Player could change without notice. No purchase necessary to be eligible for tickets. Must be present to win. Click here for more information.

Bats Need Friends – Birmingham Zoo
Have you scratched a mosquito bite today? Did you know just one small bat can eat 3000 mosquitoes per night?
Come to the Birmingham Zoo to learn more about bats and participate in fun activities.

Information Tables
Face Painting
Bat Game

Cool off in the Zoo Auditorium for story time at
11:30, 1:30, and 3:30

Bats at the Beach, by Brian Lies with a bat craft that kids can takehome!

After the zoo closes for the day – Free Bat Program
7:00pm to 8:00pm in the Zoo Auditorium

Light Refreshments (while they last)
Live Bat Demonstration!!!

NOTE: Daytime activities require Zoo Admission

Starshine Faces – North Shelby Library
Watch as your favorite stories come to life through face painting. Some kids faces will be painted during the show, then the face painters will be available to paint faces for 1 hour after the show. No Registration required
10:30

Reading Finale Block Party – Emmet O Neal Library
An evening of pizza and puppetry to celebrate the end of summer reading 2010.
5:30pm

Barnes and Noble – Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Please join us as we read Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. Will Baby Llama learn that his mama is always nearby to help him, especially when it’s time for Baby Llama to go to sleep?
11:00am

Summer Reading Finale – Hoover Library
Madcap Puppets presents Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show Hilarious characters, tall tales and spine-tingling stunts bring American history to life like never before! The only thing taller than these tales are the giant puppets!
10:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm

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Wednesday July 21st

Kids Krusade – Overton Church
Music, games, stories, door prizes, puppets, and lots of fun!! Snow cones and cotton candy!!
7:00pm

Storytime – Barnes an Noble Patton Creek
Sock Monkey in the Spotlight – Join us for two delightful stories about the adventures of a friendly dancing sock monkey — who needs a bath!
10:30am

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 July 22nd

Kids Krusade – Overton Church
Music, games, stories, door prizes, puppets, and lots of fun!! Snow cones and cotton candy!!
7:00pm

Fish Wall Hanging – North Shelby Library
All Ages, Registration Required
Drop in anytime between 2:00 – 3:30.

PJ Storytime – North Shelby Library
All ages, no registration required
7pm

StarShine Face Painting– Vestavia Hills Library
3:00pm – 4:00pm
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Friday July 23rd

Kids Krusade – Overton Church
Music, games, stories, door prizes, puppets, and lots of fun!! Snow cones and cotton candy!! BIG CARNIVAL FRIDAY NIGHT with inflatable water slides!! Each child and teen will be given a packet of school supplies (Friday Only)
7:oopm

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am
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Saturday July 24th

Market Day – City of Mountain Brook

European-style sidewalk and tent sale, it’s a giant one-day only flea market with discounts up to 75% off. Participating merchants often have music and other special events in coordination with the sale. Many of the merchants have preview sales leading up to the HUGE one day sale.
8am -5pm

Rhino Day – Birmingham Zoo

Rhinos have existed on Earth for more than 50 million years! In the past they were much more diverse, but today only 5 species of rhinos remain. All rhinos are under threat of, and all but one species is on the verge of, extinction. Without drastic action and change, some rhinos could be extinct in the wild within 10-20 years.

Rhino Day Event Includes:
– Zookeeper chats, and an opportunity to meet our White Rhinos!
– Rhino Encounter offers the opportunity to get up-close and personal and brush a rhino! (construction permitting)
– Basket Raffle
– Games/Activities for kids
– Enrichment demonstration
– Information on rhino conservation and how YOU can help!
– 100% of donations go directly towards rhino conservation!

Included in price of admission.

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
This project is out of this world! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this UFO! Includes stickers and a blinking light! Sign up here

Member Alliance Day –
Have the opportunity to explore what our city has to offer during Birmingham’s sixth-annual Membership Alliance Day. a special members-only day of free admission and fun activities throughout the city. Your valid membership card and photo ID admits those listed on your membership into these participating venues all day long, with special activities and events occurring throughout the day at every location.

Vulcan Park & Museum
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Birmingham Public Library
McWane Science Center
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Southern Museum of Flight
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Public Library
Birmingham Zoo

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Downtown Homewood
7am – Noon

Pepper Place Saturday Market
We spread out of the parking lot to include 29th Street as we accommodate local farmers, artisans, music, art and food!
7:00am – Noon

Valleydale Farmers Market –
Valleydale Farmers Market is dedicated to bringing fresh, local produce to communities around Alabama and the Southeast.
Music, cooking demos and storytimes along with fresh produce a great way to spend a day!

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us as we read Joseph had a Little Overcoat by Caldecott Medal-winning author Simms Taback. Joseph had a little overcoat, but see what happens when the coat gets old and shabby. See how you can make something out of nothing!
2:00pm

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Sunday July 25th

Sound of Music – Virginia Samford Theater
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music tells the story of a sweet young girl named Maria sent off to be the governess of Captain von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. Through their mutual love of music, the von Trapp family comes to admire Maria. But when the Nazis invade Austria, the whole family is forced to flee their homeland in hopes of finding freedom. With its unforgettable score that includes musical favorites like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “The Lonely Goatherd,” The Sound of Music is the perfect family treat!
For tickets visit their website
2:00pm

Jazz in the Park – East Lake Park
This free concert series presented in Greater Birmingham area parks showcases performances by local jazz artists.
3:00 – 6:00pm

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Open Daily

McWane Science Center

Mr Potato Head Exhibit – Families won’t want to miss The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD, a new interactive traveling exhibit that features the much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From trips to outer space to jungle safaris and archeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences. Through Sept. 26

Itty Bitty Magic City – NOTE: ITTY BITTY IS AN ITTY BIT SMALLER THIS SUMMER!
The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

NatureScope – Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

Animalopolis at the IMAX – ANIMALOPOLIS will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents.

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

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!

Kid Picks – July

Posted on Friday, July 16, 2010 by Angie

We’re on a mission to show you the cutest stuff we run across on the web while we’re hard at work on the site. Check it out! These are our kiddie must-haves for July!

Kids Garden

Get outside and grow with some child-friendly fun with gardening! Kids’ Garden includes forty activities and games and an eight-page booklet that contains information on gardening tools, year-round plant care and garden safety. These step-by-step instructions are enhanced by colorful collage artwork on each double-sided card and they create a fun and easy way for budding green-thumbs to plant, investigate, learn and experiment.

Kid Wallets

My kiddo loves to have a purse to carry around her essentials – a Barbie boot, a Mr. Potato Head nose and a few goldfish crackers. But lately, she’s loved carrying around a few business cards and coins to whip out when we pay for things. These from Stephen Joseph were a big hit among at least 4 kids a few weeks ago – I’m willing to bet if you have a kid in need of a wallet this one will work for you.