You’ve been so busy teaching her to walk and talk, it never entered your mind to show her how to relax and breathe.

Now’s your chance.

Savannah Yoga Center not only offers mommy-and-infant and mommy-and-toddlers yoga classes, the Bull Street yoga center and boutique also now carries Quite Contrary Baby, a new line of yoga inspired clothing for babies that inspire. The baby yoga clothing includes sets like the one pictured: an organic cotton onesie or tee and 100 percent cotton coordinating pants with screen printed original graphics.

SYC’s Mommy-and-me baby yoga classes help itsy-bitsy yogis learn breathing techniques that promote healthy digestion, wellness, and even sleep regulation.

Classes also provide a golden opportunity for mothers and their babies to bond and to receive both physical and spiritual nurturing from practicing yoga and of course, having fun together! Classes are relaxed and informal, with stories and songs as well as yoga. Look for a schedule of SYC’s baby yoga classes in next week’s SouthernMamas e-letter or click here.

So you’ll have a little breathing room of your own.

Available at Savannah Yoga Center, 1319 Bull St. Boutique hours are 10 AM-2 PM Mondays – Fridays and also open before and after all yoga classes. (912) 232-2994 or email: kelley (at) savannahyoga (dot) com, www.savannahyoga.com

Reduce! Reuse! Recycle – including your children’s outgrown items. And make some money, too!

The Wee Ones Seasonal Children’s Consignment Sale in Rincon can help you clean out your closets. Don’t hassle with a yard sale. Sell children’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, books, even hairbows at this upscale sale and they’ll do the work for you. Even better, at this sale, consignors (i.e. you!) earn 70 percent profit.

Plus, consignors get first dibs on the sale items. The Wee Ones sale is Aug. 19-21 and includes a SPECIAL pre-shop/pre-sale time for consignors ONLY4-8 PM Thurs Aug. 19. To find out how to prepare your items for sale and to learn more about becoming a consignor, click here or email weeonessale@windstream.net.

At the sale, expect to find speciality boutique items at discount prices, upscale, boutique gently loved children’s clothing sizes newborn-14 , shoes, toys, equipment, books, etc. No wonder the sale’s slogan is “Great finds for great kids at GREAT prices!”

Sale dates:
Consignor only presale: 4-8 PM Thurs Aug. 19
Public sale: 6-8 PM Thurs. Aug. 19
Public Sale: 9 AM-7 PM Fri. Aug. 20
Public Sale: 9 AM-4 PM Sat. Aug. 21 when select items will be 1/2 off

Wee Ones Resale, 135 Goshen Road in the Goshen Road Shopping Plaza between Verizon and Baibry’s, off Hwy. 21, Rincon.  Just minutes from I-95, exit 109. For directions, click here. 912-826-7019, email weeonessale@windstream.net

Attention Families of children ages 0-7.

Kindermusik parent-and-me music in Savannah welcomes new teacher Caitlin Whitaker, who has an expertise in leading your children in music and movement.

Kindermusik will offer 16 classes (at least!) per week, with plenty of variety to choose from! Remember: all class sizes are SMALL so register soon. Classes include:
Mondays: Southside Savannah will offer Village for newborns to 20 month olds, Our Time for 1.5-3.5 year old toddlers, and Sign and Sing (2 Units) for hearing babies ages 6-36 months.

Tuesdays: Wilmington Island will offer FAMILY TIME. This class is for 2 or more siblings, any ages between 0 and 7. There will also be infant and toddler classes on Wilmington Island.

Wednesdays: Richmond Hill will offer Our Time class at 9:15 AM and a Village class at 10:40 AM

Saturdays: Southside Savannah will offer classes for babies.

Kindermusik is also offering something completely NEW: ABC Music and Me, a shorter course running only one month long. Classes for 2-4 year olds, and 4-6 year olds. Sign up for just one month to get your feet wet into Kindermusik, or commit to all 3 months at a time. ABC Music & Me will feature such themes as “Carnival of Music”, “Animals a Dancing”, “Around the Farm”, “Jumping Beans”, “Join the Parade”, and “All Keyed Up!”. Classes will be taught on Saturday mornings.

Online registration is available NOW for all classes listed above. For more info, including class “themes”, and to register for classes, click here. 

Questions about classes at The Landings. Since 2005, Kindermusik has offered classes at The Landings on Skidaway Island. This year, Kindermusik was told there’s no longer room for Kindermusik at The Landings. Kindermusik is hoping their faithful Skidaway Island residents can help by either 1) letting your Landings community know that you WANT Kindermusik in your back in your backyard and would like to see them find room for us somewhere, or 2) if you have any other ideas for a location space on Skidaway Island, please pass along any contact information Kindermusik by emailing music@instrumentalinks.com.

With all of you getting those school calendars right about now, time to start thinking about how  you want to spend those coveted school holidays! Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break are right around the corner and now is the time to start visualizing your family vacation.

But planning a trip today can be confusing and time consuming. Edgewood Travel in Savannah not only arranges the various modes of transportation, but also may be able to save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, accommodations details and travel advisories.

Edgewood Travel – which has been in Savannah for over 15 years – has more than than eight agents that are skilled in a variety of destinations including but not limited to Cruising, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Honeymoons and Family Vacations.

Edgewood would love to assist you in planning your dream vacation and has a wealth of experience to help you do so.

Edgewood is open Monday through Friday 9 AM-5:30 PM. Visit is www.edgewoodtravel.com or call 912 -351-0570. Please take a look at Edgewood’s website and send an email or pick up the phone, they’d love to hear from you!

Classic Kids , a locally-owned children’s clothing company specializing in classic and funky styles for both boys and girls, will  debut their adorable new fabrics and designs at a fall and winter show at Just for Babies & More, 7701 Waters Ave. 

The Classic Kids show  – which is open to the public – will be 10 AM-2 PM Wed Aug. 11.

Classic Kids is giving away a $50 gift certificate. To enter to win, become a fan of CK on Facebook by clicking here and write a post about your favorite new fall item. You can also enter to win the gift certificate by simply attending the show at Just For Babies & More on Aug. 11. The winner will be announced at the show and on the Classic Kids Facebook page.

Check out the new fall and winter fabric and designs on the Classic Kids Web site by clicking here. Classic Kids will continue to add new designs for Thanksgiving and Christmas periodically to their website and to their Facebook page.

Robyn Palmer with Stella and Dot will also be joining the show to debut their new fall jewelry line and the 2010 little girls’ line. You can visit her site by clicking here.

You can order online at Classic Kids, via email especially for custom orders or through one of their fall and winter shows. Show your team pride with one of Classic Kids’ Team Spirit designs. They can easily design an outfit for your team.

Classic Kids loves creating top-notch custom-made outfits from upscale fabrics. Designs range from time-honored standards to custom-made. CK will work with you to create your perfect outfit. Just drop CK a line at classickids@hargray.com.

To see more examples of Classic Kids,  click here. Order online at the Classic Kids Web shop. The new fall and winter Classic Kids line can also be found La Dee Da boutique in Rincon and Miss Elizabeth’s Children’s Boutique in Bluffton.

Classic Kids, Classic Clothes for Everyday Kids!, www.ClassicKidsGA.com. Email classickids@hargray.com

Here’s a way to boost your back-to-school budget: Go to High Cotton Kids, Savannah’s newest seasonal children’s consignment show specializing in gently used boutique and trunk show brand fall and winter clothes.

This seasonal sale is VERY centrally located in Savannah. The two-day High Cotton Kids sale will be at 6700 Waters Ave., next to Byrd Cookie Company, in the former location of Carole’s Boutique, Fri. Aug. 20-Sat. Aug. 21.

Expect to find upscale brands such Kelly Kids, Chez Ami, Hannah Kate, Just Ducky, Orient Expressed, Lilly Pulitzer, and Mini Boden to just name a few. The sale will also include shoes, accessories, bedding, art work, baby necessities, toys, strollers, maternity clothing and more. New merchandise will also be available from local vendors. Click here to learn more about the vendors.

To find out more about the show or how to becoame a consignor, click here. You don’t have to be a consignor or volunteer to attend the preview party on Thurs. Aug. 19. Send an email to at least 10 of your friends and copy High Cotton Kids on it at info@highcottonkids.com. Tell them about the show, when and where it is and you’ll receive a preview party ticket to shop early!

High Cotton Kids fine children’s clothing consignment sale, August 20-21; 6700 Waters Avenue, next to Byrd Cookie Company, in the former spot of Carole’s Boutique. Contact Paige Cook or Ashley Lewis at info@highcottonkids.com

AuPairCare is happy to make, cross-cultural, live-in care an option in Savannah and surrounding areas.

Have you ever looked at a successful couple and wonder how they do it? Both husband and wife work full time jobs, run a family business, work as politicians or in philanthropy? It’s quite possible that they have a family member that lives in their home, but it’s more likely that they have live-in childcare.

For years, au pairs have been the secret of success for families in cosmopolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles and now that option is available to you. Your children will be exposed to different languages and cultures without having to leave the comfort of your very own home.

AuPairCare is the only au pair agency with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. AuPairCare provides live-in childcare in the Savannah, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island areas.

Au pairs from more than 40 countries are screened overseas and, as a family, you are able to interview and select your own au pair for the best possible match. In the best cases, au pairs save families money while providing a rich cross-cultural experience.

Most host families find that the young adult they host becomes a member of their family and a life-long friend to their children. Read essays from participating families and find out more about the program by clicking here.

NO APPLICATION FEE FOR SOUTHERNMAMAS READERS! AuPairCare’s $350 application fee is being waived for SouthernMamas readers from Aug. 2 – Aug. 9. Apply at www.aupaircare.com with promo code: AUPAIR$

To find out more information about live-in childcare starting at $340 per week, call 912.844.8487 or log onto AuPairCare.com.

This week, Savannah Celtic Soccer is giving away a free fall season of soccer for a lucky child. The giveaway is for child who’s eligible for either Savannah Celtic’s U6 program — U6: born on or after 8-1-04 to 7-31-06 or a child who’s eligible for Savannah Celtic’s Early Goals toddler program 3 to 4 (born before the U6 dates)

If your child is 4, ready to go to the next level, play on a team and play in Saturday games then the U6 program is for you. If you feel your child is not ready then Early Goals is the program for them.  The giveaway is for the fall soccer season.

Normally, registration costs range between $50-$60, depending on the program.  But you can win a free soccer program for your child.  Check out the rules below to enter to win:

To enter to win, tell us the best thing you’ve done this summer with your kids. Comment below this post or on our  SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page . Be sure to become a fan while you’re there.  Entry deadline is Aug. 8

The soccer programs will start in August/September and sign ups are being taken now online at Savannah Celtic. Follow the online registration link.

The U6 fee is $60, which includes a state registration policy, 1 practice t-shirt and 1 game t-shirt. U6 teams practice once a week and play games on Saturdays. The fee for Early Goals is $50, which includes 1 practice T-shirt.
 
If you have any questions about our U6 program, call 912-495-9996 and talk to Keith or email David davidmlaing@gmail.com.

Michelle L Morris photography is a husband and wife team recently transplanted to the Savannah area from Orlando, FL.

Michelle’s style is in a word… different. It is fresh, unique, always totally custom, and geared toward capturing emotion, personality, and truth. Michelle is not one to capture the perfect posed family portrait, but rather your child or your family engaged in one another, in laughter, in imagination, in the moments that you want to remember, but are often missed.

Michelle is an on location (or in your home with studio equipment), exclusively natural light photographer. Michelle and her husband spend a great deal of time finding the best and most unique locations for your session. Michelle L Morris photography offers an array of custom boutique portrait products that are nearly unmatched in the industry. They would love to connect with you and your family this summer!

Please take some time to check out the published PORTFOLIO showcasing maternity, infancy, childhood, families, high school seniors, and birth photography, by clicking HERE.

August special includes 20 percent off the standard booking fee! Please reference discount code SMAMA to receive this offer, exclusive for Southern Mamas readers.

Offer ends on Aug. 30, 2010. Session must be secured by this date, not necessarily conducted before this time. To keep up with the work of Michelle L Morris Photography, follow the blog by clicking here.

Email for MORE INFORMATION info@michellelmorrisphotography.com

On Sat. Aug. 7, families will have  a unique opportunity to attend a public Puppet People children’s show. The beloved Puppet People rarely have performances that are open to the public.

Angela Beasely’s Puppet People No. 1 Family Show – called “Monkey Bubbles Takes A Train Ride”  – will be performed Sat. Aug. 7 at the Savannah History Museum, 303 MLK Jr. Blvd.  The performance times are: 10AM and 11 AM.

The first hour is free parking at the Visitors’ Center! Show tickets cost is $6, but mention you read about the show on SouthernMama’s and receive a $1 discount. Come early so kids can play with the puppet trains.

This interactive show features puppet trains. Children hold the marionette controls and “drive” the trains before the shows. The kids have a ball making the train puppets work all by themselves, and it makes really cute photos!This is a unique opportunity for children as the beloved Puppet People rarely have performances that are open to the public, so this is a great chance to see their No. 1 Family Show!

Art on the Park:  private & group art classes for children starting September. These will be small, inspired group or private art lessons with weekly featured techniques & themes.

For Ages 5+
1 hr group classes: Mondays or Wednesdays/3:30-4:30pm
2 hr group classes: Thursdays/3:30-5:30pm
Classes scheduled by age group
1-hour Private lessons offered Mon-Thurs.

Contact Torrey to schedule private classes at tskart@yahoo.com or (912) 354-5998

6 week 1 hr class @ $90 or 12 week 1 hr class @ $170
6 week 2 hr class @ $120 or 12 week 2 hr class @ $230
All Group Classes begin the week of September 20th

Private lessons @ $30/hr or $45/hr for siblings available to all ages under 18. minimum of 10 lessons

Studio Address:
1311 Washington Ave. (Daffin Park)

Instructor Torrey S. Kist, MFA
Torrey loves teaching children to tap into their natural creativity! Torrey received a BA in Visual Arts from Gettysburg College, and an MFA in Painting from SCAD. For the past 5 years, she worked for the Telfair Museum’s education department- directing, designing, (and often teaching) all of the youth & adult studio programming.
Torrey recently resigned from this position to pursue her two passions: teaching children and painting!
Art on the Park Studio
Situated directly on Daffin Park- the studio is a great place to spread out, get messy, and take play breaks if needed!
Small classes- 6 student limit- so register today!

Contact: tskart@yahoo.com or 912.354.5988.

The Sounds of Praise Children’s Choir – a Savannah choral experience built on the joy of singing – is now auditioning for the 2010-2011 season.

All those interested in singing are welcome to join the Community Choir. Choir Members will learn the fundamentals of sight-singing, healthy vocal production, and many wonderful songs as they develop and share their talents with the Savannah community.

The Community Choir is for Rising 2nd – 9th grade and held on Monday or Thursday: 6:15 – 7:30 PM
The Chamber Ensemble is for 10 – 15 year olds and held Monday or Thursday: 6:15 – 8 PM

Rehearsals begin Aug. 30 at Savannah Country Day School. Contact Vicki to schedule a placement audition at 912-920-6542 or email MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net. For information on tuition, uniforms and performance obligations, click here.

Find out more at a Choral Retreat 9 AM-Noon Sat. Aug. 28. Do you love to sing? Come join the Sounds of Praise children’s choir at the retreat as they introduce the fall repertoire, play music games and develop a sense of community through song! Cost: $24*
*Applied to tuition if you join for the year.

About the instructor: Vicki Mills holds a M.M. in Vocal Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University and has over 20 years experience working with young voices. After eight years as the lower school music specialist at Savannah Country Day School, Vicki stepped away to develop her music studio, Make A Joyful Noise, which offers early childhood classes for children and their parents, group keyboard, and The Sounds of Praise choir.

Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah has it all when it comes to music lessons for children and early childhood music education for toddlers/preschoolers.

From piano and voice lessons to woodwinds, brass, beginner guitar, music discovery (ages 2-4), and theory – all ages and stages are welcome!

Increased confidence, reading and reasoning skills, and an expressive outlet are only some of the benefits to music education.

Offering one-on-one attention and investment in the student as a whole, Amy’s methods of teaching are successful and proven. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and has over 12 years of teaching experience. References are available upon request.

Classes are held at 2421 Waters Ave. near Daffin Park. For a schedule of available class times, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com. Call to set up a discounted trial lesson to see if what Ms. Amy’s School of Music’s offering is right for you. Call 912-659-0993 or email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com .

Preschooler parent-and-me classes include:
Mommy-and-me music for ages 2 – 4 years
This is a private half hour lesson for both parent(s) and student to attend. It’s for the parent who wants their child to play piano. Little fingers are not that strong, so Amy has designed these lessons to give children the basis needed to begin piano at a younger age than normal.

Mommy and Me Music for Toddlers (Ages 18 mos. – 3 years)
A joyful first music experience where children, siblings, and parents will share in a music making program of rhythms, active movement games and singing. A nurturing environment where an energetic connection is drawn between music and imagination. Meet others and learn some fascinating music activities you can re-create at home.

Mommy and Me Music for ages 4 – 5 years
An artistically conceived flow of songs, nursery rhymes, instrumental jam sessions and movement activities will keep your little music maker involved. This class is designed to support children’s development of competence in tonality and rhythm.

Class start dates depend on how many people register.

Get ready. The Coastal Kids Market, a favorite seasonal, upscale children’s consignment sale, is coming up again!

The Fall 2010 Sale dates are:
Thurs. Aug. 26 6 pm – 8 pm
Fri. Aug. 27 9 am – 5 pm
Sat. Aug. 28 9 am – 12 pm
**Select items will be half price on Saturday

The Coastal Kids Market’s seasonal sales at The Shops at Godley Station, Pooler Parkway Suite 202 are a huge hit with our readers and an amazing way to find designer kids’ clothes at bargin prices.

Coastal Kids Market is currently recruiting consignors, vendors for their sale as well as advertisers for their 200 goody bags. For info on how to be get involved and make money, click here.

Coastal Kids Market is teaming up with The Next Generation, a volunteer organization that Benefits the Backus Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. Coastal Kids Market will donate a portion of proceeds to their organization and will also have the sale as a drop location for a character band-aid drive.

Win two preview tickets and a chance to enter the sale on Thursday night sale 15 minutes early by “liking” the Coastal Kids Market Facebook page by clicking here.

Watch the Coastal Market Facebook page on how to learn how to shop early and be part of the giveaway.

Look out for a SouthernMamas giveaway the week of Aug. 15, as well as a giveaway of two preview tickets on the Coastal Kids Market Facebook fanpage for current fans and those who become fans before the sale.

When doing your back-to-school shopping, be sure to check out the children’s shoes and accessories at Petite Feet.

Shopping at Savannah’s shoe store for children is a relaxed and enjoyable experience, thanks largely to the fact that it’s a child-friendly store with a comfortable atmosphere.  Puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking.

But best of all are the popular brands Petite Feet carries – all the ones you’ve been searching for, but have a tough time finding in our area: Lilly Kelly, Keen, Merrell, Michael Kors, Morgan & Milo, Naturino, Ralph Lauren, Robeez, Roxy, Sanita, See Kai Run, Simple, Sketchers, Sperry Top-Sider
Teva and many more.

Petite Feet is also teeming with hip children’s accessories such as hair bows, headbands, umbrellas, socks, back-packs and lunch bags.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for more brands and information

Below is a guest post by Jane Madison, an early childhood education expert and pre-K teacher at Saint Peter the Apostle School on Wilmington Island. To read her past guest posts on preparing your child for preschool, click here:

About twenty years ago, when I was working with 3 year olds, we had a child in our class who always had to be first. First at art, first served at the snack table, the first turn in a game, and even the first one called to get his book bag. He had to be first. And, if he wasn’t first, he would whine,”What about me, what about me?!” louder and louder, until he got what he wanted. Needless to say, that behavior really got on our nerves! What this little guy needed to learn was self-control!

Self-control is the ability to control one’s emotions, desires and actions by one’s own will, and is one of the most important skills we can help our children develop.

There is a famous experiment, conducted by Dr. Walter Mischel at Stanford University that supports this statement.

In the 1960s, a group of four-year olds were given a marshmallow and promised another, if they could wait 15 minutes before eating the first one. Some children could wait and others could not. They were then divided into three groups. Those who ate the marshmallow right away were moved to group A, and those who waited before eating the marshmallow were moved to group B. (Those who were able to wait for some time, but didn’t last the full 15 minutes were not included in any more research.) The researchers then followed the progress of each child into adolescence, and demonstrated that those children with the ability to wait were better adjusted and more dependable (determined by surveys of their parents and teachers), and scored an average of 210 points higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). (Shoda, Mischel,&Peake1990)

The research also showed that the children who, when they were four-year-olds, could not wait, as teens were troubled, indecisive, and less confident and still were unable to delay gratification. To read the rest of this post in its entirety, click here.

As part of the City of Savannah’s Healthy Initiative, new restrictions of smoking are being proposed.

If the proposed Smoke Free Air Act passes, there are several places where smoking would be banned: within 20 feet of restaurants with outdoor seating and serving areas; within 20 feet of all public transportation platforms and shelters and playgrounds.

The proposed legislation would ban smoking 20 feet within the playground area. Designated smoking areas at work will also have to be at least 20 feet away from any entrances.

Voice your opinion at a town hall public meeting this Wed. July 28, 7-9 PM at the Savannah Civic Center where the City Council will take comments about this. Can’t make it to the meeting? Click here for a list of city council members and their contact info so you can make your voice heard. Learn more about the Smoke Free Savannah campaign by clicking here.

You’re invited to a CPR Class taught by the American Red Cross at Just for Baby & More, 10 AM-2 PM Sat. Aug. 7.

This class will cover CPR for infants and toddlers. Participants will receive certification cards the day of the class.

Cost: $35 per person or $60 per couple. Class fee will include manuals, supplies, certification card, and a light lunch

If you would like to join the class, please email casey@justforbaby.net to register. The first 20 registrants will receive a $15 Just for Baby & More Gift Card.

Just For Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave., Savannah, 912-355-4455

Garden City has officially opened registration for Fall sports including children’s soccer, football and cheerleading.

To register, area residents can sign up at the Garden City Recreation Center office located at 160B Priscilla D. Thomas Way between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Registration fee is $25 per child (maximum of $50 per family), which is payable by check or money order.

Parents with children who would like to participate must submit the registration fee plus a copy of each child’s birth certificate. Equipment will be provided for football and cheerleading. For soccer, children will be responsible for bringing their own cleats and shin guards.

Football and cheerleading will begin on August 2 for ages 6-12. Co-ed soccer will begin on August 9 for ages 4-11. Children must meet the age requirements to register for sports teams. For more info, call 912.966.7788.

This week, a SouthernMamas reader will win a $25 gift certificate to Savannah Inflatables , your go-to spot for children’s birthday parties, pool parties, community and corporate fund-raisers. The set up and delivery is included in the price. Available seven days a week.

Think bounce houses, Big Kahuna slides or Oceans of Fun Slides with Splash Pool.

To enter to win, visit Savannah Inflatables Facebook page and check out the amazing affordable inflatables available.

“Like” (the new version of “become a fan of”) the Savannah Inflatables Facebook page to enter the drawing. You can find Savannah Inflatables Facebook page by clicking here. Improve your chances of winning by commening on the Savannah Inflatables wall. Deadline to enter is Aug. 1. We’ll pick a winner then and announce the winner here Aug. 1.

Savannah Inflatables, 912.856.4091, email linda@savannahinflatables.com

We finally made it to The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island this weekend, with the kids in tow, because we’ve heard such great reviews.

We have to say, Georgia’s first sea turtle rehab, research and education facility lives up to all the kudos. A 90-minute drive from Savannah, the center provides state-of-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles.

My 3-year-old’s favorite part was looking through the treatment room window and seeing staff do various procedures on the sick or injured turtles. The one-story center, open since June 2007, also has just enough interactive exhibits to hold a preschooler’s attention and teach. In the Rehab Pavilion, kids can see the patients and learn about the various reasons why the turtles are sick or hurt (Caution: Your turtle-safety savvy kids will never again let you use a plastic bag after your visit as turtles are known to mistake discarded plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them).

Certain times of the year, you can take part in guided turtle and nest walks on the beach. A guided behind-the-scences tour is also available for an extra fee (but call ahead if you are interested as the behind-the-scence tour was not available on the day of our visit). The center also hosts special events, birthday parties and holiday celebrations like Turtle-ween. Summer programs are available for children, educators and seniors. Learn more by clicking here.

The Sea Turtle Center is in Jekyll’s pristine Historic District, where you can treat the kids to an ice cream at the nearby Sweet Shoppe or have lunch outdoors at Rah Bar on the Jekyll Historic Wharf, all within walking distance of the Center. Consider timing your visit to coincide with the Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival and BBQ Bash Aug. 21 or the Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival on Sept. 17. For more info on those festivals, click here.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 214 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island. Cost: $6 for adults (13+ years); $5 for Seniors (65+ years); $4 for children (4-12 years); FREE for children 3 and under. $5 for Active Duty Military Personnel, Students and Teachers (ID required). For more info, call 912.635.4444 or click here.

Have a business? Love the scouts?

Here’s a chance to spread the word about your business to roughly 1,000 Boy Scout families.

This is a very exciting time for Boy Scouts across the nation as they celebrate 100 years of scouting!

Help congratulate scouts and their families when they come together at their Boy Scout reunion this August at Memorial Stadium in Savannah. This is a great opportunity to influence over 1,000 families buying decisions during back to school season while helping make this a memorable event.

If you’d like your business to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration through giftbag or raffle item donations send an email to nstricklandapc@gmail.com or call 912.844.8487.

We’ve heard great things about preschool gymnastics All American Gymnastics at 7808 White Bluff, which is now registering for Fall Classes. Classes Start on Aug. 9.

All American Gymnastics offers:
Preschool & Recreational Gymnastics
Cheer/ Tumbling
Boys Fit & Fun
Competitive Gymnastics
Developmental All Star Cheer

All American also is a fun spot for children’s birthday parties. These gymnastic birthday parties include one hour of time in the gymnastics area; 30 minutes for celebration time. All American provides: Tables and Chairs; Tablecloths, Utensils, napkins, cups & plates; goodie bag for each child. Click here for birthday pricing.

All American Gymnastics, 7808 White Bluff, www.aagsavannah.com, 912.354.4343, email: sam.allamericangymnastics@gmail.com

We asked for local moms’ input on best OB/GYNS  in the Savannah area. And you answered -in much appreciated enthusiasm – on our SouthernMamas Facebook Fan Page. Here are your top OB/GYN doctors in the Savannah and Lowcountry.

TOP PICKS 

The Midwife Group & Birth Center, aka Family Health and Birth Center: (912) 629-6262 tied for top slot with
.
Dr. Elizabeth McIntosh of OB/GYN Associates of Savannah: 912-351-0768

Other most popular picks:

Dr. Melanie Helmken of OB/GYN Associates of Savannah: 912-355-9967
Dr. Joe Edwards of OB/GYN CENTER: (912)355-7766
Dr. Reginald Robinson: (912) 355-2800‎
Dr. Glen Scarbrough of OB/GYN Associates of Savannah: 912-352-7933
Dr. Melissa Cobbs of OB/GYN Associates of Savannah: 912-355-4427
Dr. Gregory Whitaker: (912) 352-7393
Dr. Michael Jackson of OB/GYN CENTER: (912)355-7766
Dr. Kimberly Crute of Provident Ob-Gyn: (912) 350-5937‎
Dr. Jules Toraya of OB/GYN Associates, Savannah: 912-352-7933
Dr. Andrew Tucker: (912) 354-2634‎
Dr. Barry Schlafstein: (912) 355-5755‎

Other highly-recommended picks:

Dr. Karen L. Fehr: (912) 692-1080‎
Dr. Alan Smith of Savannah Ob/Gyn: (912) 355-8136
Dr. Tania Morgan-Bowen: (912) 352-7902
Dr. Dina Linfoot of Provident Ob-Gyn: (912) 350-5937‎
Dr. Ilan Bornstein: (912) 356-9600‎
Dr. Anthony Royek and Dr. Harold Bivins at Savannah Perinatology Associates: (912) 350-5970‎

Bluffton/ Beaufort area

Dr. Lynn Norton of Beaufort Ob-Gyn Associates in Beaufort, SC: (843) 524-8151