The Art of Birth by Dusti Lynn Photography specializes in maternity, birth, and fresh baby sessions.

Dusti only accepts two birth session clients per month and is offering Fresh 48 Sessions for those who still want the newness of their baby captured without having the actual birth photographed. A Fresh 48 session is held within the first 48 hours after baby is born.

Dusti will come to where you are – home, birth center, or hospital and capture the details as well as mom, dad, siblings, grandmothers, etc. holding and interacting with your baby! This session is a lifestyle session that documents those first precious moments of you getting to know your new, sweet, fresh baby.

You can check out more of Dusti’s work on her website at www.theARTofbirth.com  and on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dustilynnphotography

Discount
Dusti is offering a special of 30% off a Fresh 48 Session (regularly priced at $350) in November 2013, December 2013, or January 2014. To book your session, a non-refundable deposit of $100 is required by July 31. The remaining balance is due 4 week before your estimated due date. The Fresh 48 Session includes 10 high resolution digital images with printing rights on disc. Contact her 912-661-4641 or dusti@theARTofbirth.com  by July 31 to book your Fresh 48 Session.

The Art of Birth by Dusti Lynn Photography, www.theARTofbirth.com, On Facebook here,  912-661-4641,  dusti@theARTofbirth.com The Art of Birth by Dusti Lynn Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Update: winners are Rick Matthews & Brittney Ming Barboza!!! Congratulations!!! Please email us at anne@southernmamas.com

What a huge response to our giveaway last week for tickets to Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure . (Congratulations winner Robin Porter Thompson, the winner of last week’s giveaway. Robin, please email us at anne@southernmamas.com) As a result of the great number of entries to last week’s giveaway, we’re doing another family-four pack tickets giveaway this week to the same show.

Win a family four-pack of tickets this week to 4 PM Fri. July 26 Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure at  Johnny Mercer Theatre at Savannah Civic Center.

To enter to win, fill in the blank to Doc’s song above. Go to the SouthernMamas.com Facebook page here, like our page if you haven’t already & help Doc finish the song above! (Get to Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure early to see her sing it live at the ‎#DocMcStuffins pre-show)

Deadline to enter this giveaway  is 9 PM Mon. July 22. We’ll pick a winner & announce it here & on our Facebook page, so be sure to check back!

SouthernMamas.com Discount
Save $5 on Tickets!
Use code PIRATE. Click here to purchase tickets.
Discount expires on Friday, July 19th at 11:59PM.
Valid on the $25 and $20 price level
Discount valid on up to 6 tickets.

About Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure

In the production, Feld Entertainment, Inc., producers of Disney On Ice and Disney Live!, is taking top performing cable TV series for preschoolers to the stage in Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure. Featuring characters from the smash hits Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates, this brand new production launches a 90-city national tour in July 2013.

To find out more about Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure and to purchase tickets, visit disneyjuniorlive.com, or visit Disney Live! on Facebook & follow on Twitter @Disney Live!

TICKET INFORMATION:
SAVANNAH
Johnny Mercer Theatre at Savannah Civic Center (Liberty at Montgomery, Savannah, GA 31401)
July 26th, 2013, 4 PM
Ticket Prices: $20.00 / $25.00 / $30.00 VIP / $45.00 Front Row
To order tickets by phone: 912-651-6550 Online: www.etix.com

Confidence is the ultimate school supply.

Whether your child is at the head of the class or needs a little help, Kumon Math & Reading Center of Savannah provides the perfect foundation for the coming school year.

Children work independently on math and reading programs designed just for them, gaining confidence that carries beyond the classroom. That’s learning for the long run.

Schedule your child’s FREE placement test at Kumon Math & Reading Center of Savannah: (912) 920-8899

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Savannah, www.kumon.com/savannah , open on Mondays and Thursdays from 3-7 PM,  in Piccadilly Square @ 10010   Abercorn Ave. Suite 5A, Savannah, 31406. For more info or to schedule a complimentary placement test, call owner and instructor, Janese Cooper at (912) 920-8899. Kumon of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Seems like just a short while ago when I wrote a column entitled “Hurry Whole Foods, Savannah is waiting!” in anticipation of a Whole Foods Market opening in Savannah. That wish is coming true this summer!

Whole Foods Market will open its doors Tuesday, August 13, at 9 AM at 1815 East Victory Drive in Savannah.

The 35,000 square-foot store features an organic salad bar, in-store smoked barbecue, fresh-made gelato, natural body care and nutritional supplements, and a parlor with 8 beers on tap.

Earlier this spring, Whole Foods Market teamed up with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for the Savannah Mural Design Challenge. Shoppers can see the winning design, a 20’ X 70’ mural, prominently displayed on the side of the building. The second place design will also be featured on limited-edition bags and t-shirts for sale at the store.

Whole Foods Market will also offer an early look at its newest Georgia store with sneak-preview tours. For a $5 donation to the West Broad Street YMCA’s Growing Edge Community Garden Project, curious customers can take a pre-opening tour of the store at a specified time slot. Tours are scheduled between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, August 9, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 10.

Advance registration is required, and the link will be live on July 22: http://savannah.wholefoodsrsvp.com .

Tour attendees will be the first to get a glimpse of the new store, learn a bit about Whole Foods Market and the store highlights, taste samples, and receive a goodie bag. The store opens for business Tuesday, August 13, immediately following a bread-breaking ceremony (Whole Foods Market’s version of a ribbon-cutting,) with city officials and special guests. Customers arriving before 8:30 a.m. receive a free raffle ticket and are automatically entered to win a gift card ranging from five dollars to $500.

Whole Foods Market Savannah on Facebook here & on Twitter: @ WFMSavannah

We’d love to have Whole Foods Market Savannah partner SouthernMamas.com! So when you check out the new store, please tell them SouthernMamas.com is a great place to spread the word to local parents!

Savannah Balloons presents Where the Wild Balloon Things Are.

Come help Savannah Balloons “dig” Max out of trouble. Max finds Where the Wild Things Are, but then gets swept off course on an amazing, fun, hilarious adventure you’re sure to enjoy!

Hilton Head Library, 2 PM  July 27 (Hilton Head Library is an amazing, beautiful facility that offers a slew of programs for kids)

Lynnae Weller is the owner of Savannah Balloons. If you want to have crazy amounts of fun at your next birthday party, please contact Lynnae with Savannah Balloons at 912-228-3024 or e-mail info@savannahballoons.com

Like Savannah Balloons on Facebook here.

Savannah Balloons, 912-228-3024, e-mail info@savannahballoons.com , www.savannahballoons.com

Savannah Balloons is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited:  JEA Preschool Savannah Pool Party
July 28th, 11 am-2 pm
Come view new classrooms and outdoor play spaces!

11:00 am – Pool Games and Activities
11:00 am – 2:00 pm – JEA Pool Side Grill
12:00 pm – Story time with Preschool Teachers

About JEA Preschool Savannah JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open its doors in August 2013. The school, which will serve the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

JEA Preschool Savannah, 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah, www.savannahjea.org, 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org JEA Preschool is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The Big Nasty Mud Run x4 is coming soon: Sept 21.

Run this course of 5 miles and 30 obstacles that will test your endurance, but will leave you hungry for more. This is perhaps the least expensive mud run in the South, but considered by many to be the most fun.

Hosted by volunteers, raising money for multiple charities and constantly adding and improving – all of which are attributes which have encouraged many to run again and again.

Contact bignastymudrun@gmail.com  with any questions or visit www.bignastymudrun.com/  to learn more.

This looks like a fun daytrip from Savannah: The Kazoo Factory, also known has Kazoobie Kazoos, in Beaufort, S.C..

We’d love to hear comments from anyone who has visited this spot with kids. Feel free to comment on our Facebook page by clicking here.

The Kazoo Factory offers museum tours where kids can see how kazoos are made. The museum tours show how kazoos are assembled,
imprinted, packaged and shipped to all corners of the world. Kids can also make their own kazoos to take home.

Factory Tour Hours
Monday – Friday
10 AM and 3:00 PM
Admission: $4.00 per person (includes a build-it-yourself kazoo)

This might be a good activity to pair with a visit to the lighthouse at Hunting Island near Beaufort.  Info on Hunting Island here.

For more kid-friendly daytrip suggestions from the Savannah/Hilton Head Is., click here.

The Kazoo Factory, 12 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906,  (800) 326-0358, http://www.thekazoofactory.com/

Family-friendly Skate Night is hosted on the third Friday of each month from 6-9pm at Tybee Is. YMCA. The gymnasium is transformed into a roller rink of fun.  Family-friendly music and lost of fun are guaranteed!  Cost: $3 per skater including rentals.

CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM SKATE NIGHT IS HAPPENING (912) 786-9622.

All proceeds go towards Tybee Is. YMCA’s Priceless Gifts Scholarship program. Priceless Gifts allows the Tybee YMCA to never turn anyone away from programs or membership due to an inability to pay.

The Tybee Is. YMCA has roller blades and roller skates for all sizes youth and adults.  Children must be accompanied by an adult while skating. Call for dates and details.

More info here.

Tybee Island YMCA, 204 5th Street, Tybee Island, GA 31328, (912) 786-9622

Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Wilmington Is. is now registering kids for 2013-2014 classes that begin Aug. 12. Different classes offered for various ages from walkers to 8 year olds.

Visit schedule and rates page for updated information. LOTS of new classes offered starting in August including:

Wiggle Worms 30 mins/week             walkers – 2 yrs accompanied             by adult   GrassHoppers 45 mins/wk             2 to 3 yrs accompanied             by adult   Bumble Bees 60 mins/week             3 to 4 yrs   FireFlies             60 mins/week 4 to 6 yrs DragonFlies 60 mins/week             6 to 8 yrs

JULY Special! Register with a friend during the month of July and each receive a $15 credit toward 2nd months class fees. Both registrations must be received same day to apply. Details here.

Call 912-268-6003 or email val@coachvals.com.

Birthday Parties
Leave the ENTERTAINMENT and MESS to Coach Val’s Tumblegym, which offers Birthday Parties customized to fit your child’s interests and theme. Good for ages 2 to 8 years old. Details here.

Classes are in a safe, air conditioned, bug-free environment! Tumblegym’s experienced staff will keep your little one moving while having a great time.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym provides fun, imaginative exercise programs for children walking through 10 yr olds. Their curriculum integrates physical skill acquisition with social and cognitive learning concepts. Basic gymnastics and tumbling, ball handling skills, strength, balance, and all around coordination activities part of every class.

Please “like” Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Facebook here to keep up with latest news and specials.

Gift Certificates available: What great way for grandparents and family members to give child gift that invests in child’s future and development.

See website here for schedule and rates. Registration online available by clicking here.

Mention you saw Coach Val’s Tumblegym on SouthernMamas.com site to receive $10 off your initial class fee..

Coach Val’s Tumblegym, 310 Johnny Mercer Blvd in the Wilmington Island Shopping Center (with Dollar Tree, Ace Hardware, and Goodwill) Tel: 912-268-6003, www.coachvals.com, On Facebook here. Coach Val’s Tumblegym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Who is Southern Baby Nurse and Nannies?

Southern Baby Nurse was born to help new moms ease into, rather than stumble through, new motherhood. We believe that Mother’s health and well-being is just as important as baby’s; after all, a happy, well-rested mommy is best! Southern Baby Nurse exists to provide the kind of comprehensive care and support that allows both mother and baby to flourish at such a crucial time.

That’s where our staff of comes in. Relatives and friends are wonderful and should absolutely be a part of baby’s life, but when it comes to establishing a regular feeding schedule, sticking to nap times, and providing tier-one healthcare, a professional caregiver is a must. Southern Baby Nurse employs only highly qualified and experienced caregivers and will work closely with you to ensure your Baby Nurse, Nanny or Babysitter is a perfect fit. Your peace of mind is assured. With a Southern Baby Nurse professional on hand, you can take a nap, go to the gym, or just relax with your spouse, secure in the knowledge that baby is in the best of hands – second to yours, of course.

We realize that entrusting the care of your child to an outsider can be daunting. You may relax, however, in the knowledge that Southern Baby Nurse thoroughly vets each candidate. All staff are required without exception to provide strong childcare references and demonstrable evidence of extensive experience caring for newborns and children. We also perform exhaustive background checks (state and federal) and carefully evaluate new candidates’ personality, temperament, and suitability for work with children.

In addition to , Southern Baby Nurse can provide Nannies and Babysitters for both long- and short-term assignments. Please contact us at your convenience to discuss your childcare needs.

You’re invited to the first annual Splash Festival at Savannah Children’s Museum , Saturday, July 20 2013.

Join Savannah Children’s Museum for fun water-based programs & activities all day. Bathing suits may be worn under clothing. You many want to bring a change of clothing and a towel for your child. Since shoes are required, it’s highly recommend that kids don water-safe shoes to protect their feet.

Admission is $7.50 per person ages 1 & older and free for members. Summer Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM.

Savannah Children’s Museum is at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401.

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE: Winner is Robin Porter Thompson. Congrats Robin! Please email us at anne@southernmamas.com

Due to tremendous public response, Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure will continue to entertain audiences in Savannah! A performance has been added on Friday, July 26, 4PM at Johnny Mercer Theatre at Savannah Civic Center.

The additional performance will be 4 PM Fri. July 26.

To celebrate, we’re giving away a family four-pack of tickets this week to the new 4 PM Fri. July 26 show. To enter to win, go to the SouthernMamas.com Facebook page here, like our page if you haven’t already & answer this question: Sofia knows that a true princess always has good posture! Share your any tips for acting like a princess? (See Sofia and Jake LIVE at Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure! http://bit.ly/DisneyJuniorLive). Deadline to enter is 9 PM Mon. July 15. We’ll pick a winner & announce it here & on our Facebook page, so be sure to check back!

SouthernMamas.com Discount
Save $5 on Tickets!
Use code PIRATE. Click here to purchase tickets.
Discount expires on Friday, July 19th at 11:59PM.
Valid on the $25 and $20 price level
Discount valid on up to 6 tickets.

About Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure

In the production, Feld Entertainment, Inc., producers of Disney On Ice and Disney Live!, is taking top performing cable TV series for preschoolers to the stage in Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure. Featuring characters from the smash hits Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates, this brand new production launches a 90-city national tour in July 2013.

To find out more about Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure and to purchase tickets, visit disneyjuniorlive.com, or visit Disney Live! on Facebook & follow on Twitter @Disney Live!

TICKET INFORMATION:
SAVANNAH
Johnny Mercer Theatre at Savannah Civic Center (Liberty at Montgomery, Savannah, GA 31401)
July 26th, 2013, 4 PM
Ticket Prices: $20.00 / $25.00 / $30.00 VIP / $45.00 Front Row
To order tickets by phone: 912-651-6550 Online: www.etix.com

Free face-painting & tattoos by Angela Beasley’s Puppet People this Saturday July 13  at Savannah Mall from 12 to 3 PM.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center staff also will be at Savannah Mall with special animals this Sat. July 13, 12-3 PM.  These FREE kid-friendly activities will be near the $2 kiddie train rides at center court.

Other kid-friendly Savannah Mall activities to check out: $2 kiddie train rides in center court, a whale bone display from Oatland Island Wildlife Center at center court, double-decker carousel in the food court. Details here.

Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31419, (912) 927-7467, www.savannahmall.com , Savannah Mall is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE FREE SUMMER KIDS’ ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE.

Savannah Summer Camps 2014 Guide. See it by clicking here.

Find the perfect summer camp for your kids in our SouthernMamas.com Savannah Summer Camp Guide 2014! Browse a wide range of summer camps throughout the Greater Savannah & Lowcountry area—you’re bound to find a camp that’s ideal for your child. Check out our new 2014 Summer Camps Guide by clicking here.

Read our Savannah Summer Camps 2014 Guide by clicking here.

Stroller Strides of Savannah will reopen classes in Pooler this Wed. July 10 2013 at Tom Triplett Park at 9:30 AM. You can pre-register by clicking here.

Classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 am at Tom Triplett Park. Unlimited Class Pass is $45 per month. Your first class is FREE.

For more information about classes visit Stroller Strides of Savannah Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerStridesOfSavannah or email natalialucero@fit4mom.com or contact Natalia Lucero at at 910-987-5943. Stay tuned for more details.

Junior Ranger Camp
July 15-19, 2013 from 9am- 2pm
Ages 6-11

There are a few open slots for the July Junior Ranger Camp @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah.

Staff from Skidaway Island State Park and Wormsloe State Historic Site will take kids on a week-long adventure into the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural heritage.

Each child will experience hiking, games, crafts, and hands-on involvement with local plants and wildlife of the area as they explore the parks marshland and surrounding woods. They may even learn how to catch a fish or build a fire without a match!

For questions or to sign-up contact Katie Charron at (912)598-2300 or kate.charron@gadnr.org .

FOR INFO ABOUT CAMPER CABINS COMING SOON TO SKIDAWAY IS. STATE PARK, CLICK HERE.

Skidaway Island State Park,  52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411

Camper cabins coming soon to Skidaway Is. State Park Is.

Camper cabins sleep five people, with one bedroom downstairs and a sleeping loft above. Kids are going to love the sleeping loft! The cabins are completely furnished and have a kitchen and full bath. You just supply linens and cooking tools such as pots, pans, and plates. The cabins also have a screened-in porch and outside picnic table, fire pit, and grill.

Cabins are $125/night. They have a full kitchen & full bath. 2 night minimum stay for the cabins & a 2-week maximum stay.

These camper cabins are expected to be available for reservations on Tuesday, July 9. For more info, call 912.598 .2300 or email skidawayislandstatepark@yahoo.com
To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park for the month of July 2013, click here.

Toddler Tuesday nature programs are back at Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah after a brief hiatus.

This week’s theme: July 9 Teddy Bear Picnic: Bring your favorite stuffed animal & the group will sing songs to it, read stories & have a picnic, teddy-bear style.

At Toddler Tuesday, children & their parents/caretakers experience nature through themed activities including live animal encounters, wildlife nature walks, storytelling, songs, interactive finger-play & crafts.

Details & a look ahead at Toddler Tuesday themes for July & August by clicking here.

Kindermusik Savannah/Bluffton

It’s not too late to join in for Kindermusik‘s Summer session for ages 6 months to 6 year olds, called “How Do You Feel?” .

Classes meet on Wednesdays at 10 AM through the end of July. Fees are prorated for those who join in now!

Any questions? Please contact Kindermusik Savannah/Bluffton at 912.988.KEYS (5397) or email music@88keysga.com

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Girls just wanna have fun. And chocolate. And cheese. You and your Best Fondue Friends Forever are invited to The Melting Pot in Savannah for a BFFFs evening July 11, 2013 featuring $5 drink specials. Cheese, salad & chocolate for $20.99pp. 5 PM until 10:30 PM.

*not valid with any other offer, promotion, or discount.
*reservations are highly recommended*

Stay connected with The Melting Pot of Savannah on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

The Melting Pot, 232 E. Broughton St. Savannah, Ga 31401 tel: 912-349-5676 for reservations, www.meltingpot.com/savannah

Marhaba! Come learn more about  Lingüa’s  new Arabic program for FREE on July 18th! Classes will begin at 4:15 for 2-5 year olds, 6-12 year olds will join in at 4:30, and an adult class will follow at 5:15 at Bible Baptist West in Pooler, 110 Pipemakers Circle.

Whether you want to learn this influential language, you are looking for enrichment classes, or you just want to have a good time enjoying some international flavor, this cultural event is for you! Is Arabic a heritage language for your children? Then you will not want to miss it! Come find out why Lingüa is the best thing happening for families, professionals, and businesses who want más!

Registration for Arabic Cultural Day on July 18th is free but required. Please email bilingualfamilia@gmail.com  and let them know how many children and adults and what ages to expect.

Want even más?  Lingüa has something for everyone in any language! Sign up for  Lingüa’s  newsletter, see  Lingüa’s  event calendar and read  Lingüa’s  blog here: bilingualfamilia.com

Please vote for Bilingual Familia Consulting in the 2013 Red Tricycle’s Totally Awesome Awards! http://awards.redtri.com/2013/kids-language-classes/?location=atlanta-metro

Lingüa, www.bilingualfamilia.com, email bilingualfamilia@gmail.com, Lingüa is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to sign up your child for FREE evening Vacation Bible School @ Savannah Christian Church’s East Campus!

Attention working parents. Please note that is an evening VBS making it ideal for working parents. Open to all kids ages 3 years to rising 5th graders. You do not have to be a member to attend.

VBS is July 22-26th from 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm at the Savannah Christian Church’s East Campus (9150 Old Montgomery Crossroads in Savannah). Kids are invited to join from 6:30-8:45 pm for fun worship, bible teaching, games, snacks, and tons of fun!

Online registration is open NOW! Sign up at www.savannahchristian.com/EastVBS

You’re invited to the first annual Splash Festival at Savannah Children’s Museum , Saturday, July 20 2013.

Join Savannah Children’s Museum for fun water-based programs & activities all day. Bathing suits may be worn under clothing. You many want to bring a change of clothing and a towel for your child. Since shoes are required, it’s highly recommend that kids don water-safe shoes to protect their feet.

Admission is $7.50 per person ages 1 & older and free for members. Summer Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM.

Savannah Children’s Museum is at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401.