The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival will be held Saturday, October 3rd in Forsyth Park.

The fourth annual Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Registration begins at 8 AM and costs $12 per person (which includes a t-shirt and a meal).

The walk kicks off at 10:30 AM, and the festival for the whole family is from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering rides, food, games, music and more.

For more information or if you would like to support families touched by down syndrome by registering to walk, please call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or click here to register online.

Family picnic and carnival
Noon-3 PM Sun. Sept. 13
Hull Park in Ardsley Park
La Leche League of Savannah is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with a family picnic and carnival, free to the public. A parade will kick off the event. Kids’ activities and a silent auction with many wonderful items donated by many generous companies and individuals.
912-658-9202 or e-mail WendyCohenLLL@aim.com for more info.

Cloth Diapering 101 will be 10 AM-noon Sat., September 12 @ Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave.

Cloth Diapering 101 class is free and open to the public. Register by calling 912-355-4455 or email welshcasey@gmail.com. First 20 registrants will receive a $15 gift card.

Animal Care Day at Oatland Island Wildlife Center
11 AM-2 PM Sat. Sept 12
Find out about all of the hard work and dedication that goes into caring for the over 150 animals at Oatland Island on this special day. Oatland Island’s staff will lead presentations, activities and demonstrations and the Friends of Oatland will host a concessions stand.
912.395.1212

“Butterfly Gardening and Bee Keeping” at the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center,
10 AM-noon Sat. Sept. 12
681 Ft. Argyle Rd. (Rt. 204)2.3 miles past I-95.
Enjoy the Butterfly Garden and get practical tips on growing your own. Learn about what”s involved in bee keeping and harvesting the honey.
Plants, honey and candles for sale.
$2 for adults, $1 for children 4-12.
912.748.8068
info@savannahogeecheecanal.com

New Exhibit Grand Opening at The Aquarium (the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium) on Skidaway Island
The theme: “Catching On To Sustainability” exhibit opens. Showcasing coastal Georgia marine species currently being studied for sustainable recreational fisheries and habitat.
10 AM-5 PM Sat. Sept. 12
General admission
Sat. Sept. 12
30 Ocean Science Circle.
912.598.3474

Bluffton area

County-Wide Tailgate and Blues Concert at Jasper County Farmer’s Market, Ridgeland
Sat. Sept 12.
The event will air the University of South Carolina vs. Georgia game at 7:30 PM in the north end of the market and the Alabama Blues Brothers, a Blues Brothers impersonators duo, at the south end at 8:30pm for a live concert.
Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 and younger.
Barbeque and seafood vendors will be on site and drink wristbands for beer are $10 (21 and over).
9935 South Jacob Smart Boulevard on Hwy 17 in South Ridgeland.
The retail Farmer’s Market is open to the public every Friday from 1-6pm.
The wholesale market is open Mondays at 3pm and Thursdays at 9am.
843.726.8126

Baby Yoga at The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is.
10:30-11:30 AM Sat. Sept. 12
For babies 3 months of age through walking and their caregiver.
Cost: $14/class or $60 for a 5 class card and includes admission to the museum so you can stay and play. (1 adult per child.)
Advance reservations required: 843-842-7645

Bluffton Branch Library Saturday Do-Drop-In Story Time Program
10:30 AM Sat. Sept. 12
This weekly program is designed as a family story time and will include reading, rocking, singing and shaking for about 45 minutes of fun.
Registration NOT required.
Residents and visitors are welcome
120 Palmetto Way
912.757.1519

Women can be divided into two groups.

Those who know exactly when to yell “Hold that line” and “Flag on the play!” during a football game. And those who are more concerned with sampling the best dips at tailgaters than deciphering the ref’s mystifying sign language.

I’m ashamed to admit I am in the latter group. I’ve committed every football faux pas in the book, including cheering “Defense! Defense!” when my team’s quarterback was on the field.

And if the start of football has you dreading another season of pretending to know the difference between a safety and a snapper, then you should check out Nancy Remler’s blog, “Learning the Dawgs: A Sport Idiot’s Quest to Become a Football Fan.”

Nancy is a local Coastal Empire mom, wife, teacher, UGA graduate and hilarious writer.

When Nancy married in 1990, she knew her hubby was a football fan, but she underestimated the extent to his zest for the sport. For 17 years, she suffered football widowhood before realizing that she couldn’t fight the Dawgs.

She’s resolved not only to watch the games, but to actually ENJOY them.

But first she needs to learn the game. She’s documenting her progress on her blog, er, blawg, here.

If you’re already a football expert and know quite well that split ends are about more than bad hair days, you should still check out Nancy’s blog and comment on her posts.

If you’re like me and want to finally understand what the appeal of football is beyond plaid blankets and cute earth-tone sweaters, then definitely visit Nancy’s blog. The glossary of football terms alone is a must-read before attending your next game party.

Click here to start talking like you know what the players are really talking about the huddle.

Sun. Sept. 13 is Grandparents Day.

Share your favorite memory of Grandma and Grandpa in the comments section below this post and have a chance to win a family vacation at one of five Georgia State Parks Lodges plus a year of fun recreational activities outdoors with a Friends of Georgia State Parks Family Membership.
One winner will be chosen to win a two-night stay at choice of five state park lodges including: Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga., Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga., Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga., George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines, Ga. And Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga., as well as a Friends of Georgia State Parks Family Membership.

Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge

Friends of Georgia State Parks Annual Family Membership includes 2 Annual Park Passes, Historic Site Passes, 2 Free Rounds of Golf or 2 Camping Nights, (1) Adult/(1) Child SAM Shortline Tickets and special park discounts. Click here for more info on the membership.

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

Fall is here and Georgia State Parks & Lodges are challenging families to Get Out. Get Fit. Get Dirty as part of a state-wide campaign called Get Outdoors Georgia. Being active outdoors is a great way to stay or become healthy and fit. And, Georgia State Parks & Lodges offer a variety of comfortable hotel-style lodge rooms at affordable prices with their new “Lodge-ical” rates.

Unicoi State Park Lodge

Plus, there are tons of recreational offerings for the entire family, from hiking and biking trails, to canoeing, kayaking and golf, there is an activity to fit every lifestyle. And, best of all you can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors in style with a comfortable bed and hotel-style ammenities. There is even dining available at some lodges, if you so choose.

For more information on Georgia State Parks & Lodges, click here.

About Georgia State Park Lodges
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates seven state lodge parks across Georgia with meeting and banquet facilities, which are perfect for family reunions, retreats, Birthday parties, weddings and weekend getaways. The Georgia State Park Lodges feature hotel-style, comfortable accommodations with affordable rates year-round. And, the Georgia State Parks offer such diverse recreational activities as watersports, golf, fishing, hiking and nature trails.

Participating Georgia State Park Lodges include:

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville, Ga.: Only one and a half hours north of Atlanta, The Lodge at Amicalola Falls is a stunning 57-room hideaway, complete with a window-lined restaurant. Whether you want to visit the famous 729-foot cascading falls, go trout fishing or hike the park’s 12 miles of trails through towering forests, there is plenty to discover at Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks.
• Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Ga.: Just north of Atlanta are the sandy beaches of Lake Allatoona and the pine-scented nature trails of Red Top Mountain. At the Lodge at Red Top Mountain, you can choose one of the campsites, a secluded cottage with lakeshore views or a peaceful lodge room. Guests can enjoy 12 miles of hiking trails and water sport galore on Lake Alatoona Including boating, fishing, skiing and swimming. There’s also a miniature golf course.
• Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Ga.: In the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located just two miles from the Alpine Village of Helen, the Lodge at Unicoi State Park is a beautiful setting for all of your family’s needs. Guests can enjoy the park’s 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, lake and trout stream fishing, four lighted tennis courts, softball and volleyball area, picnic facilities, world class mountain bike trail and year-round schedule of activities.
• George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines, Ga.: Head to Southwest Georgia for the pristine forests, championship golf and scenic dining. The Lodge at George T. Bagby is the perfect retreat, whether you choose a room at the lodge or a cottage in the woods. Guests can enjoy plenty of activities on beautiful Lake Walter George, from boat rentals and full-service marina to swimming, fishing, beach volleyball and tennis.
• Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, Ga.: You can spend your days enjoying golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, boating or fishing at Ocmulgee’s state park and 265-acre lake. At the Lodge at Little Ocmulgee in south central Georgia, you camp out among the trees, choose a cottage or stay at the 60-room lodge. The lodge overlooks the park’s Wallace Adams Golf Course. Located near McRae, the 1,265 acres of high sandhills and pine forests at this middle Georgia park provide a beautiful setting for family getaways.

Debbie Barrett wins a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!

(The contest required readers to share tips to make children’s bedtimes sweet and successful. If y’all haven’t read the wonderful comments from our readers regarding children’s bedtime rituals, please do so by clicking here then click on comments below the post. The bedtime tips are priceless. What great parents y’all are!)

Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!

Tickets are on sale now and are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469

SouthernMamas reader Elizabeth St. Lawrence will offer an informative class to parents, grandparents and parents-to be on the basics of cloth diapering.

Elizabeth was featured in a SouthernMamas Q&A on cloth diapering here. Cloth Diapering 101 will be 10 AM-noon Sat., September 12 @ Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave.

Cloth Diapering 101 class is free and open to the public. Please register by calling 912-355-4455 or email welshcasey@gmail.com.

First 20 registrants will receive a $15 gift card.

Also, in honor of Grandparent’s Day, Sept. 13, grandparents can bring in their grandchild’s picture and receive a choice gift card from the “giving tree”.

Remember every Wednesday, grandparents receive a 15 percent discount on gift and clothing purchase.

By Ashley Waldvogel

You gotta appreciate moms who manage to create art while also dealing with the daily challenges of raising their young children.

Four Savannah artist-mothers – Ashley Waldvogel, Melinda Schawel, Linette Dubois and Atsuko Smith – are doing just that, balancing creativity and domesticity. This month, the moms will show their work in an exhibit called “Four Squared” at the University of North Florida Gallery of Art in Jacksonville.

Each of the four artists brings their own account of the themes of motherhood and the bonds between mother and child into their own work.

This exhibit would make a worthwhile roadtrip for moms groups interested in seeing artwork that explores all aspects of motherhood, such as the chaos of trying to be a mother while making sure everyone is taken care of or the joy of a child’s laugh.

The exhibit runs Sept. 14-Oct. 16 at the UNF Gallery of Art with an Artist’s Reception 5-7 PM Fri. Sept. 18. The newly renovated UNF Gallery is in Founders Hall, Building Two, 1 UNF Drive in Jacksonville. The gallery hours are: 10-4 M-F.

All events are free and open to the public. $3 for parking.

Learn more about the moms behind Four Squared by clicking here.

This week a very lucky SouthernMamas reader will win a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!

Tickets are on sale now. For those who can’t wait for the giveway, tickets are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469

Petite Feet, Savannah’s newest shoe store for children, is open and ready to “outfit Savannah’s little soles!”

The next time you go to Publix or Fresh Market, stop by Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn to see their collection of popular styles and popular brand name shoes for back-to-school and weekend fun!

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

Indoor Playgrounds

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.

Jumping Jacks indoor playcenter in Savannah is offering our SouthernMamas.com readers discounts worth jumping about!

* BIRTHDAY PARTY SPECIAL: When you book the $199.00 Birthday Party Package, mention you saw it on Southern Mamas and get a FREE $5 game card for each child in your party! 
* 25% off one game of laser tag or one Jump Zone when you mention you read about Jumping Jacks on SouthernMamas.com
(Each of these may not be combined with any other special or promotion)

Whether it’s a birthday party or a day of fun, Jumping Jacks is an atmosphere where families can have a blast!

Toddler Tuesday at Jumping Jacks!
JuMp ZoNe ONLY $6.00 Tuesdays from 10-3 !

Jumping Jacks is a locally-owned, Christian-based fun center with huge inflatables, over 50 arcade games, mini-bowling, laser tag, a large concession counter and the best redemption counter in the Savannah area.

With almost 20,000 square feet, there are 4 party rooms and six jump zones including one for children ages 6 and younger.

Open 7 days a week.

Birthdays @ Jumping Jacks

BACK TO SCHOOL BIRTHDAY PARTY SPECIAL: When you book our  $199.00 Birthday Party Package mention you saw it on SouthernMamas.com and get a FREE $5.00 game card for each child in your party.

PARTY PACKAGE (1)

* $289.00 for up to ten kids
* Hour and half in a party suite with your own dedicated party host!
* 2 Slices of pizza for each child with unlimited drinks!
* Birthday child gets birthday balloon and sticker!
* Goody bag for each child includes $5 dollar game card and 300 tickets! (100 dollar value)
* Includes paper plates, cups, tablecloth, and utensils
* Jumping Jacks does all the clean up
* Additional kids are $15.00 each.
* Personal party host/hostess
* Bounce Zone or 3 games of laser tag
* 2nd activity at half price
* Discounted lg pizza for adults
* Discounted pitcher of soda for adults
* Additional children $15 each
* Active Military receive $20 discount

PARTY PACKAGE (2)
* $199.00 for up to 10 kids
* Hour and half in party suite with your own dedicated party host !
* Jump zone bracelets for each child
* 2 slice of pizza per child and unlimited drinks!
* Birthday child gets birthday sticker!
* Includes paper plates, cups, tablecloths and utensils.
* Jumping Jacks does all the clean up!
* Additional kids are $10.00 each.

PARTY PACKAGE (3)
BUILD YOUR OWN PARTY
* $99 for up to 10 kids
* Hour and half in party suite with your own dedicated party host!
* Includes paper plates, cups, tablecloths and utensils.
* Jumping Jacks does all the clean up!
* Additional kids are $3 each.

Jumping Jacks, 5918 Ogeechee Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31419, 912-920-2474, On Facebook here. Email jumpn.jacks@yahoo.com, www.jumpingjacksga.com Jumping Jacks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

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Have your kids experienced Eurobungy Trampolines in Savannah Mall next to the softplay?

They can seriously jump, 10, 15, 20 feet in the air. Some do flips. Or the little ones can simply jump & jump.

Click here a coupon for Buy One, Get One free all day Mondays-Thursdays & until 3 PM Fridays – perfect for those of you with more than one child who wants to jump.  To obtain the coupon, click here.

Open mall hours: Mon-Sat: 10 AM-9 PM, Sun:Noon- 6 PM.

Gift certificates available.

Eurobungy Savannah, inside Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St. Savannnah, email ruberman@eurobungy.com, On Facebook here. Eurobungy Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

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Other indoor play spots near Savannah include:

Rainbow Jump N Fun play center at Rainbow Play Systems in Richmond Hill.

Monkey Joe’s Savannah 

Savannah Mall Soft Playtime Center
14045 Abercorn Street (Savannah Mall, lower level)
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Soft play inside Oglethorpe Mall
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Savannah Climbing CoOp

Island Playground, Bluffton

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT OUR EVENT CALENDAR HERE.

Jan Gaudry Welsh and Casey Welsh, Co-Owners

Savannah’s Just for Baby and More – a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com – has been certified through a national program as a “Baby Product Expert”.

For a store to be listed as a Certified Store on BabyProductExperts.com, the store must be mystery shopped and evaluated by an independent Retail Evaluation Service familiar with the juvenile industry. Only stores with a passing score have the opportunity to be listed on the site.

Each store is graded on the following categories: Customer Service, Telephone Etiquette, Store Appearance, Associate Greeting and Product Knowledge. The evaluations are used not only to certify a store but also to improve the store’s future performance.

Just for Baby and More is now certified as a Baby Product Experts (BPE) store.

Congratulations Jan Gaudry Welsh and Casey Welsh, Co-Owners of Just for Baby & More, 7701 Waters Ave.

Special sales, prizes and events will be going on all of September, the store’s anniversary month. For more info., contact 912.355.4455 or click here.

Heather Thornton!

Congratulations. Heather wins  two Petunia Pickle Bottom  (PPB) organic gift sets– a 3-pack of onesies and a 3-pack socks each available in 3 different color schemes.

C.J. Sorge!

C.J. wins a $30 gift certificate to Coastal Kids Market, a children’s consignment sale specializing in high-end, gently-used boutique & trunk show clothing at a fraction of the cost. The sale is Sept 16-18 @ The Shops at Godley Station (formerly Moonlight Mattress), Pooler Parkway Suite 202.

Thanks to everyone who entered by telling us your favorite local playground. Check out the SouthernMamas readers picks for best indoor and outdoor playground in the comments section here.

Interested in turning your child’s hardly-worn outgrown items into cash? Consignors are still being registered and will receive
70 percent of items’ selling price!
 A new computer system with barcoded tags makes organizing and tagging your items super easy. Sellers will be able to track their sales online each day of the sale. This sale is in a bigger space than last spring, so there’s more room for vendors.

Anyone with a home-based business that targets kids or moms is welcome to apply. Also, anyone who would like to advertise in the market’s goody bags should contact Coastal Kids via their web site here. This season there are new incentives for sellers and volunteers.

The first 150 shoppers at the sale will receive a “goody bag” filled with coupons and discounts from many local businesses such as children’s boutiques, a dance studio, a children’s photographer, party venues, home-based businesses and more.

A portion of the sale’s proceeds will go to local MOPS groups.

Fireworks, Lowcountry Boil & Kids’ Activities @ Old Fort Jackson
Annual Old Fort Jackson Auction
5 PM Sat. August 29.
Bring the whole family to Georgia’s oldest brick fort on the beautiful Savannah River for a silent auction, low country boil, barbeque, and fun activities for the kids. Special musical entertainment provided by The Savannah Stompers Jazz Band. The evening will conclude with cannon firings and fireworks.
Proceeds benefit the preservation and educational programs of Old Fort Jackson, National Historic Landmark Site.
(912) 232-3945.

Watch “Soccer in the Sand” on Tybee Island
8 AM-6 PM Sat. Aug. 29 & Sun. Aug. 30
Beach area between 12th & 14th St
Soccer in the Sand provides safe and fun family oriented beach soccer tournaments.
Contact: Chris Lemay, tel: 858-442-9082; email chris@soccerinthesand.com

Saturday Explorations at The Aquarium (SEA) Program at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island
This week’s theme: Mimic a hurricane on a small scale to see exactly what happens to Georgia’s coast as it approaches, then makes landfall, and finally moves away. Please call ahead.
Time: 10 AM-noon • Cost: $10 per person
Sat. Aug. 29
30 Ocean Science Circle.
To register, contact 912.598.3474 or e-mail fish@uga.edu.

Giant Yard Sale @ Calvary in Savannah
4625 Waters Ave. (at 63rd Street – Across from Memorial Hospital – Same campus as Calvary Day School)
7 AM-noon Sat. Aug. 29
Tons of great stuff for sale. Boston Butts also will be for sale.
Proceeds benefit the church’s missions in the country of Panama.

Bluffton area

Bluffton Branch Library Begins Saturday Do-Drop-In Story Time Program
10:30 AM beginning Sat. Aug. 29
This weekly program is designed as a family story time and will include reading, rocking, singing and shaking for about
45 minutes of fun.
Registration NOT required.
Residents and visitors are welcome
120 Palmetto Way
912.757.1519

We have some wonderful, active moms groups in the Savannah-Pooler area. Many start up their regular meetings in September. And almost all provide some type of childcare during meetings. For moms with children older than preschool, check out the new MomsNext group, also listed below!

To have your group included in this list, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com

New Moms Group in Guyton
A new moms group is beginning on Sept. 3 at 10 AM @ Liberty Christian Fellowship in Guyton.
The group will meet every Thursday morning with a fun educational field trip every 3rd Thursday of each month. For both mom and children. All moms and grandmothers are welcome.
For more info. contact Lisa Cobb at 912.728.6844.
No cost to be a part of this group.

“Fall into Fun with the MOMS Club!”
When: Tues. Sept. 15 @ 10 AM
Where: Rincon First United Methodist Church, 107 Savannah Ave, Rincon
Come learn about all the MOMS Club has to offer stay-at-home moms in the Effingham County area. Featuring a talk by a local Registered Dietician who will share tips on growing a healthy family. Door prizes and free child care available.
For more info, contact Jennifer @ jenn.welch@hotmail.com or 247-6655.

Pooler MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers): First meeting is Wed. Sept 9 from 9:30-11:30 AM.
The group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at First Presbyterian Church of Pooler, 305 HWY 80 SE, Pooler.
For more info, click here.

Islands MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Meets at: First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, beginning Sept. 9.
9:15-11:30AM
All mothers of children ages 0-5 are welcome!
Call Laura at 898-0869 or Frankie at 897-6167 for more information.

MOMS Club of Savannah. The general membership meeting is Fri. Sept. 11 at Risen Savior church in Pooler. The group is not a church organization, but just uses the church meeting and playroom for monthly meetings. Contact: email rorydennette@aol.com.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) of Calvary in Savannah.
Meets Sept thru May on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.
The 1st Friday is at Calvary in Savannah (63rd and Waters) at 9:30 AM.
The 3rd Friday is a playdate at various places.
Contact: email klynnparker@Yahoo.com

The Cabrini Moms will resume meetings on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The group meets at St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church on Middleground Rd in the parish hall. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Childcare is available at most meetings. Women of all faiths are welcome to join. Contact 912.220.5329.

MomsNext: A group for mothers of school-age kids. (A post-MOPS group)
As mothers enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise, but the need for community and hope remains. For this reason, moms are launching a ministry to mothers of school-age kids. Starting in October, monthly meetings will be held at the Islands YMCA, from 10:am-11:30pm. Please call 898-4344 or 210-0491 for more info and to register.
Where? Islands YMCA 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah
When? 1st Monday of each month. 10-11:30 AM Starting in October
For a registration fee of $23.95, MomsNext allows you membership with MOPS International. Membership includes the following:
The book Raising Great Kids, eMagazine (on line magazine), and weekly encouraging Mom-E-Mails.
Tips and ideas to raise great kids and local friendships with other moms.
Confidential scholarships are available upon request
Childcare is available to YMCA members at no cost. ($5 for non members.)
To register, contact:
Jen: 210-0491 Jennykay803@hotmail.com
Connie: 898-4344 Gbcon2@comcast.net

Savannah Area Attachment Parenting Group
Are you looking to meet other parents in Savannah and the surrounding area who believe in gentle discipline and natural parenting? Then please check out this group! Pregnant, new birth or adoptive parent, and extended attached parents are welcome.
Parents in this group practice any of the following: Gentle discipline including no crying-it-out or spanking; Night time parenting (co-sleeping or sleeping near your baby); Feeding with love and respect (breastfeeding or bottle if necessary); Using nurturing touch including baby wearing, baby massage, hugging, snuggling…
Other interests discussed and supported in the group include home learning, cloth diapering, elimination communication, selective vaccination, organic food consumption or vegetarianism, and living a natural lifestyle.
The group includes parents from all walks of life who all have one thing in common: Wanting the most gentle parenting style possible for the betterment of children and their futures.
For more info, click here.

 Win a $30 gift certificate to Coastal Kids Market, a children’s consignment sale specializing in high-end, gently-used boutique & trunk show clothing (similar to this cute dress pictured here) at a fraction of the cost. The sale is Sept 16-18 @ The Shops at Godley Station (formerly Moonlight Mattress), Pooler Parkway Suite 202
Check out the rules below to enter to win:

To enter to win, comment below on the answer to this question. Tell us your favorite local playground (indoor or outdoor) and feel free to share some of its best features (shady, jungle gym, fenced-in, merry-go-round etc)Just click on comments below. Entry period closes 9 pm Thurs. Aug. 27. We’ll pick a name at random and announce the winner Fri. Aug. 28

.
Interested in turning your child’s hardly-worn outgrown items into cash? Consignors are still being registered and will receive
70 percent of items’ selling price!
 A new computer system with barcoded tags makes organizing and tagging your items super easy. Sellers will be able to track their sales online each day of the sale. This sale is in a bigger space than last spring, so there’s more room for vendors.

Anyone with a home-based business that targets kids or moms is welcome to apply. Also, anyone who would like to advertise in the market’s goody bags should contact Coastal Kids via their web site here. This season there are new incentives for sellers and volunteers.

The first 150 shoppers at the sale will receive a “goody bag” filled with coupons and discounts from many local businesses such as children’s boutiques, a dance studio, a children’s photographer, party venues, home-based businesses and more.

A portion of the sale’s proceeds will go to local MOPS groups.

Planning a child’s birthday party or your BFF’s baby shower can be stressful. How is a mere mortal supposed to choose the perfect items to include in the gift bags or create one of those amazing diaper cake centerpieces?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your very own event planner to help you put it all together?  Posh Petals and Pearls to the rescue.

Posh Petals and Pearls will make your child’s birthday, your BFF’s baby shower or even your wedding day a unique and unforgettable event for you and your guests.  You’ll learn how to incorporate your own personal style into all of the party details.

Posh Petals and Pearls provides full-service wedding and event coordinating; specializing in classy, timeless and elegant designs serving the Savannah and Statesboro areas as well as the coastal Carolina area. 

Posh Petals and Pearls provides packages ranging from day-of directing to full service wedding consulting. The PPP pros specialize in planning events such as bridal related showers and parties, children’s birthdays, baby showers and any other event you may desire. A few examples of their work are pictured here.

Contact Tara Skinner and Ashley Greene via email poshpetalsandpearls@yahoo.com or call 912.596.6064 or 912.659.9590.

Bumpaholic is the new term for women who seemed addicted to pregnancy.

The term was coined in a recent Women’s Health article, claiming that a large number of women want lots of kids for all  the wrong reasons.

“Having babies isn’t addictive in the way that alcohol and narcotics can be,” reads the Women’s Health article. “But bumpaholics feel compelled to procreate for many of the same reasons that substance abusers turn to booze or drugs.”

In this article, experts speculate about the reason women have more than a couple of babies. Attention. That hormone-induced high. Belly-rubs from strangers. (really, people like those?) To be waited on. To avoid returning to work or having to figure out what to do with our lives next.

Read the article here.

Women’s Health argues that “celebs photographed cuddling one adorable infant after the next, plus infamous moms who steal the spotlight when they give birth to higher order multiples, are stoking the flames of pregnancy lust in some women.”  Think Octomom. Michelle Duggar.

But what about much more mainstream moms with multiple kids? Do we really need to question their motives?

As Megan Francis, Michigan mother of 5, writes on Babble: Why do we question the motives surrounding the decision to have children (or not) with so much more cynicism than we do other decisions? If someone volunteers for a nonprofit or has a large circle of friends, no armchair psychologist would bother to question whether she was trying to “fill a void” with meaningful activity or companionship. It would instead be accepted that creating relationships with other human beings is a normal, natural and human desire.

What about the idea that a large family can be intentionally and intelligently chosen? When did it become weird to like children, to want them . . . even more than two?”

Would love to read what SouthernMamas readers think about Bumpaholics. Please comment below!

A new infertility support group at Savannah Christian Church will have a Girls’ Night Out at 6:30 PM Thurs., Aug. 27. Meetings are held every month.

Here’s a fun idea for entertainment for a children’s birthday party: hire a pirate-parrot act.

Captain Goodie Twoshoes and his parrot Pete will take your birthday child and party guests on an amazing undersea adventure. Here’s the jist of their birthday show: Goodie can’t remember how to open his magic chest full of treasure. So he calls upon the kids and his animated friends to help.

With loads of ruckus magic, music and comedy, kids are swept away with belly laughs and songs.

The children participate with Goodie by playing percussion instruments, helping with magic tricks and solving riddles. There is even crazy pirate rabbit trying to steal Goodie’s gold. The rabbit appears through out the show in a hilarious series of magic tricks. In the end, kids figure out how to open the chest and Goodie shares his treasure. Of course, there is a special treat for the birthday child.

For ages 3-8.

Treasure hunts are also available.

For more info, click here. Call 1-877-444-8253 or email sean@thestoryship.com to book your child’s pirate-themed birthday party.

Elmo is trying to help families navigate some tough times.

Producers of “Sesame Street” are producing a prime-time special to help parents and young children deal with economic hardship. The special will be aimed at families with children aged 2 to 8. It will air on PBS stations on Sept. 9.

Elmo is joined by Al Roker and Deborah Roberts on the special.

It’s directed at both parents and kids in families where someone is dealing with a job loss or the income is much less than it was.

We’ve had a couple readers ask about local private school tuitions after this recent post about a new scholarship program for private schools. Here’s a tuition roundup (If you want your school to be included in this list, just email the info to anne@southernmamas.com):

Bethesda School (grades 5-12)
-$160-$500 monthly based on income ($5,000 max annual fee)

Bible Baptist School (preK-12)
-$4,375(preK-full day; $4,675 (grades 1-5); $4,775 (6-12)

Calvary Day School (preK-12)
-$5,790 (preK-K); $6,510 (1-5); $6,640 (6-12)

Chatham Academy
-$13,241 (grades 1-5); $13,416 (grades 6-8); $13,648 (grades 9-12)

Emmanuel Christian School
-preschool (ages 2-5) $88/week

Maggie’s Morning School (toddlers, 2s, 3s, preK)
-$2,250-$3,280 (2,3 & 5-day plans)

Memorial Day School (preK-12, as well as daycare)
-$5,700-$6,700

Montessori Academy of Savannah (preschool, ages 2-5)
-$230-$305/mo for 9 AM-1PM
-$90-$120/week, full-day

Notre Dame Academy (preK-8)
-$3,900, Catholic; $4,200, non-Catholic

Providence Christian School (preK-12)
-$3,000-$4,875

Rambam Day School (2yrs-8)
-$2,925-$7,665

St. Andrew’s School (preK-12)
-$6,095 (preK, half-day); $7,275 (preK, K); $8,710 (grades 1-4); $9,785 (5-8); $10,220 (9-12)

St. Paul’s Lutheran Preschool (6 wks-preK)
-$109-$125/week, full-time

Savannah Christian Preparatory School (preK-12)
-$6,660-$6,790

Urban Christian Academy (preK-12)
-$2,225 (K-12)

Veritas Academy (preK-12)
-$1,930 (preK); $2,860 (K); $4,647 (1-6); $5,232 (7-12)

Source: Savannah Magazine, July/August 2009 issue

ADDITIONS (Thanks to our readers):

• • Growing in the Son pre-school at Savannah Christian Church
    (18months to Pre-K)
    -18 mos-2 yrs, $1,260/yr; 2 year olds: $1,935/yr; 3 year olds, $2,115/yr; and preK is $2,700/yr. (18 mos -3 years goes from 9-12pm on varying days (18 mos: W and Th, 2 yrs: Wed-Fri, 3 yrs: Tues-Fri, and Pre-K M-F) with the exception of preK which is from 9 AM-1 PM)

.

• First Christian Academy, Richmond Hill
  (2 yrs. through 4th grade)
  Two’s – 3 days $225
  Two’s – 4 days $260
  Three’s – 3 days $240
  Three’s – 4 days $265
  Pre-K – 4 days $285
  Kindergarten $390
  First Grade – Fourth $405

Shelby, 23, Cooper, 14, Hanna, 10

It’s among the most divisive questions in the realm of adoption: Should adoptees have access to their birth parents, and, as a result, be able to establish relationships with them and have questions answered about their backgrounds and medical histories?

Meet a Richmond Hill family who’s an example of the benefits of open adoption.  The Suddaths – parents Matt and Mary – their biological child, Shelby, 23, and two adopted children Hanna, 10, and Cooper, 14, (pictured here) believe open adoption is the most child-friendly option.  Read their story in my newspaper column this week. Click here to read.  

Hanna and Cooper, who are biracial, say being biracial children in a white family has challenges, but neither Hanna nor Cooper consider being racially different from their parents much of an issue.

You can find out more about open adoption at a “De-mystifying adoption” seminar, 2-4 pm Sun. Aug. 23 @ St. Anne Church, 10550 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill.  “Exploring the World of Adoption” is sponsored by St. Anne Church and the Parish Council of Catholic Women.

Free and open to the public. Featuring short talks by Birney Bull, adoption attorney; Mary Suddath, adoptive parent; a birth mother; and an adoption consultant as well as a Q&A session. Refreshments and a nursery are included. Participants can speak privately with speakers and adoptive parents representing various types of adoption. No reservations required.

Information: 912.756.3343.