Head Lice (ugh!) in Toddlers

I can remember being school aged, when there was a lice break out, we'd line up for the nurses office for her to prod through our scalps with wooden tongue depressorrs.  Rebecca had a lovely Mother's Day, encountering those small parasitic insects that love our hair.

Tonight, while bathing my 2.5 year old daughter, I discovered lice in her hair. We've battled this with my 9yo stepdaughter many times, but I never thought I'd discover them on my toddler at this age! She was actually incredibly patient about letting me comb through her hair to remove nits, but the idea of applying those horrible hair masks is pretty hard to stomach for such a little kid (chemical or organic - either way, it's rough going).

I washed and conditioned her hair with Fairy Tales organic Lice repellent products, then combed through to remove all the nits I could find. Naturally, my husband and I threw all the bedding in the wash. Short of repeating this process every day for a few weeks, I don't quite know what to do.  Any advice?

Got Dirt?

Seems like lots of urbanMama and Papas out there are well on their way to getting their gardens set, as Sarah recently emailed for some suggestions:

We have a new raised bed for a vegetable garden, and I’m wondering where is a good place to get top-quality soil. We’d like to fill it with organic dirt (chemical free) if we can afford it. I know some home/garden stores sell organic dirt by the bag, but we really need a trailer full. Any tips on good dirt? It would be great to find a place that delivers.

What's On Your Netflix Queue?

The deep and heavy parenting topics are great, but sometimes I personally love to compare notes on mindless stuff. The big thought-provoking question for me these days is, what's on your Netflix queue?  I'll share mine, if you share yours.

• Atonement. Because it's an Academy Award winner.
  
• Raising Cain. For a showing with for a group of mamas of boys.
• A Walk to Remember. A "mood-inducing" chick flick is a must for our list.
• The Da Vinci Code. Because I loved the book.
• Bee Movie. Something for the kids.
• Into the Wild. Something for the husband.

Do tell, what's on your list?  Any must see movies that should make it to the list, especially those great "mood-inducing" (a.k.a. cheesy romantic movies) favorites?

A Farm birthday party

As each year passes, we always try to make the kids' birthdays special and memorable, sometimes by hosting special and memorable birthday parties.  Debby's daughter is turning three (!) and is all about all things farm. Can you help brainstorm ideas to make the celebration a barnyard of fun?

I am looking for a great place to have a birthday party for my daughter's 3rd birthday. She is enamored by animals and all things farm. I would really like to have a place that accomodates little ones seeing (and maybe touching?) animals, and maybe a play structure, and a place to eat cake and run around, without having to pay enough to lose our own farm, so to speak! I thought of maybe a place on Sauvie Island, or somewhere else rural but not so far from the city that no one will want to drive there. Any ideas?

When Did (Would) You Let Your Kid Take Transit Solo?

When I ride the Max or the bus, I often times see kids riding on their way to or from school.  I've been curious as to when they started riding seeing as how public transit is also a form of busing kids to school, definitely much different than my suburbia experience back in the day.  I've been meaning to broach this topic on urbanMamas, and what better time than now especially in light of Lenore Iskenazy's fairly recent post on "Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone"; where her son successfully navigates his first solo trip on the New York City Subway.  At what age did your kids venture out solo?  At what age would you let your kids venture out solo?  Is there a right age for allowing solo trips to school and/or their friends homes?

Infants: Satisfying the Need to Climb Safely

Gotta love those early months when you have to keep constant watch over your mobile infant.  Sarah needs your suggestion for her little one that aspires to vertical endeavors.  She emails:

I'm looking for ideas for my 11 month old who can't stop climbing. We never had to childproof before now we have a little spiderette on our hands. She hasn't been walking long but really feels the need to go vertical. A climbing wall won't be appropriate for a while. Has anyone else found a good outlet for their little wobbler climbers? Backyard structures for the smaller set? Thanks!

The Sandbox: Part Deux

The discussion on sandbox sand nearly two years ago (where does the time fly) is surely one of the most referred to urbanMamas posts.  Amy would like to broaden that discussion a bit to see your take on the best DIY boxes as well as alternatives.  She emails:

We're redoing our backyard and considering a sand box. I've read through the old post on safe sand (good to know!), and there were a couple of ideas on alternatives to sand boxes, and that got me thinking. I'd love some more thoughts on the pros and cons of sandboxes, ideas on making our own great sandbox (with a lid or cover!), comments on store-bought sandboxes you've tried and loved/hated, or alternatives to sandboxes that allow that same kind of tactile, messy-fun play outside.

Postpartum Depression: Legislation in the Works

Postpartum depression is something that touches most of us parents in one way or another - through personal experience or as a partner, friend, or family member.  Now's our chance to speak up in support of national funding for research into this widespread and often devastating illness.  The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression and Care Act  was introduced shortly after a new mama committed suicide in 2001 and it still. hasn't. passed.  Read more and raise your voice over on Activistas.

Our first week on the Walk & Bike Challenge

The first five days of the Walk & Bike Challenge are done.  Over 30 schools are signed up and I hear some school communities are starting out with a bang!  The month of May also coincides with PDOT-promoted Bike to Work month, with events throughout May like guided beginner level rides, fun events with free food, and commuting workshops.  The double motivation is working for us and - especially with the fair whether out last week - we are seeing so many more folks walking and biking.

With all this biking going on, it can be so daunting to start trying bike commuting, especially as a family.  While we've tried to chronicle some of our own experiences with family biking, another great resource are upcoming workshops (remaining dates May 12 in SE, May 15 in Downtown, May 22 outer SE) "Getting Started in Family Bike Commuting."

Nervous about mounting a bicycle with little ones? Confused by all the options for carrying kids on bicycles?  The BTA's Family Biking Commute Workshops discuss the common challenges that families face when considering bike commuting. They are also a place for seasoned bicyclists to learn more about commuting with kids and share what they know about commuting with new riders.

For our family, after such a loooooooong winter and lots of wet, we have been driving more than biking in past weeks.  Last week, however, we were motivated by the Walk & Bike Challenge and here was our play-by-play for our famiy of four:

• Monday: we all biked
• Tuesday: we all drove
• Wednesday: one parent took the bus with one child; one parent biked with the other child
• Thursday: we all biked
• Friday: one parent biked with one child; one parent drove with the other child

How did you fare in the first week of the Walk & Bike Challenge?  Did you find many other families participating?  Is your school not signed up?  You can still sign up here!  What are some challenges that keeps you from walking, biking, or riding the bus to school?

This Week on the urbanMamas Forum

Have you checked the forums lately?  There's so much going on, we can barely keep up.  Here are a few of the posts from this past week:

urbanMamas School Connections

• School Connection:  Beaumont Middle School
  Any parents of incoming Beaumont sixth-graders, especially those coming to Beaumont on a transfer, that would like to connect…/li>
• Connect: Bridger Elementary SchoolHello, Anyone have kids going to Bridger? We live in the district but haven't heard much about the school.…
• Connect: Clarendon-Portsmouth Spanish ImmersionOur daughter will be attending kindergarten in Clarendon-Portsmouth's Spanish Immersion program next fall and I'd love her to get…
• Connect:  Richmond Elementary Japanese Immersion
  We just "won" the lottery and our daughter will be attending pre-Kindergarden at Richmond in September.  We are eager…

urbanMamas Childcare Forum

• Wonderful part-time nanny available in SE Portland
  Since our little girl will be starting pre-school this summer, I wanted to post this for our current nanny. …
• after school care NE/Prescott area?
  I have a whole year to figure this out but next year my daughter will be attending Rigler in…
• looking for recommendations of nannies
  We are moving to NW Portland near Barnes Road and are looking for recommendations from parents about nannies. If…
• Seeking care for 15-mo old, PT, starting Sept
  I live in SE Portland, but my husband works downtown and I will be working in far out SW…

urbanMamas Exchange

• Green Cleaners Workshops
  This past weekend I put together my first ever Green Cleaners workshop for a few of my mom friends.…
• Review Opportunity: new TBS / TNT series
  I'd like to offer you the opportunity to screen four summer series compliments of TBS and TNT.   Featuring performances…
• Tea in the Month of May
  Hello everyone!!  I am a volunteer with Nursing Mothers Counsel and I wanted to pass this information on to…
• Custom Built Children's Playhouses
  Hello there! My husband and I are starting a business building custom children's playhouses. For more details, visit our…

Political leanings: Do your kids follow you?

I've been buzzing about this week doing things with the Hillary Clinton campaign, and as Jonathan's out of town, I've been toting the boys with me. On Monday, we sat outside the campaign headquarters on our bike as they took a picture of us, holding Hillary signs. "I'm for Obama!" shouted Everett. I fought the urge to "shush" him -- he's for Obama because his daddy has given him several inspiring little campaign speeches.

Tomorrow, I'll be taking them to the big Mama Stroller-toting Rally for Hillary (more details on Activistas), and hopefully talking some sense into them beforehand. I'm not going to try to convince them that Hillary's their candidate, I'm just going to try to keep them from yelling "Barack... Obama!" in front of one of the politerati gathered for the event (I'm excited to see that Betty Roberts will be there).
When I was writing a bio for a piece on MOMocrats, I remembered how I was the only one in my class to "vote" for Reagan, and how much my parents' views influenced me.

Do you teach your kids to love the politician you favor? If you, too, have a divided household, do the kids agree with mama or papa? Or do you agree with the old adage, that neither politics nor religion should be discussed at dinner (or playtime)?

Happy Hour is for Mamas & Papas too

There are a fair number of us urbanMamas who like to have a glass of wine at the end of nutty days.  We received a recent email from a mama who wants to get out and enjoy deals on drinks and nibbles:

We have a tiny baby, only 5 weeks old, and she's very easy to take places right now (for the most part, with the occasional meltdown of course).  But pre-baby one of our favorite things to do was happy hour.  I am looking for places that we can go just after my husband gets off work at 5 and just get a drink, maybe a cheap happy hour snack.  Honestly, mainly a drink.  We keep hitting up the Laurelwood but I know there must be other places that we can go have a beer or two with no pressure to buy dinner.  On the east side is a plus.  Any ideas?  Thanks!

Where is your favorite happy hour spot in town that allows minors?

Finding a Babysitter You Trust

That first time leaving the kids with a babysitter can be nerve wracking.  For us, we started with trading with friends.  We slowly weaned ourselves from the "free" care to using my husband's co-worker, and her vast network of babysitting friends.  But when that became too hard on the pocket book, and now that the kids are older we use a teenage babysitter.  Andrea recently emailed us about finding a babysitter: 

Now that my younger sister just had her first baby this week, I've lost both her and the monopoly on my parents' time in terms of free babysitting services.  Considering that I've never left my three kids with anyone but family, I'm in mourning!   So for me, it begs the questions....how did you find the babysitters you trust?  Word of mouth?  Go through a service?  What are the thoughts on the age of who is watching your kids?  Is 13 old enough or do you only trust the grandma next door who successfully raised her own kids?  And last but not least....can someone who has never had kids successfully get a 9 month old, a three year old, and a 5 year old (who fight like crazy!) fed, bathed, and in bed? And if so, what are their names?? :-)

WEEKEND WARRIORS: May 9-11

Happy Mother's Day, Mamas!

Friday

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about bees. Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Ladybug Walk: A guided 60 minute walk around Kenilworth Park for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am

WEE-Post at the Waypost: Join other kiddos for a free reading of selected books and a related craft. The Waypost (3210 N. Williams), 11:00 am.

Mocha Moms: This weekly support group meeting (aka chat and plays) allows moms to discuss important parenting (and personal) issues while the children play. Mocha Moms is a support group for mothers of color. Anyone who supports the mission of Mocha Moms is welcome. Milagros, 11:00 am-1:00 pm.

Saturday

Parents for Paid Leave: Join this grassroots effort to pass a paid family leave bill in the OR 2009 legislative session. It's not too soon to lay the groundwork, mamas!  9:30 - 11 am, kids welcome.

Portland VegFest: Over 60 exhibitors offering FREE food samples and information on nutrition, environmental sustainability, and more.  Watch professional chefs demonstrate their favorite recipes, experts show how to reduce your environmental impact and improve your health.  Kids art, science, and craft activities. $5 entry fee ($1 off coupon on website). Benson High School (546 NE 12th), 10:00 am-6:00 pm.

Festival of the Birds: A free celebration of migratory birds that includes music, kids activities and crafts, storytelling, and of course guided bird walks. Sellwood Park, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

Critter Creation: Regional artists will show you how to paint a ceramic mold of a dragonfly, butterfly, ladybug or snail. Free. Central Library, 2:00-3:00 pm.

Suncatcher Bugs: Using beads, pipe cleaners and imagination, create a sparkling bug to catch the sun through a window! Free. Northwest Library, 2:00-4:00 pm.

Peanut Butter & Celery Sticks: Paul's got a problem- his favorite snack attracts ants and flies and cockroaches. How will he get rid of them? Come hear his surprising solution, along with other stories and songs for the whole family presented by Rick Huddle.  Free. Belmont Library, 3:00-3:45.

Pirates and the Sea: Sing along with performer Alleyoop! as he shares songs of pirates and sailors. This interactive performance includes sea chanteys and stories too! Free. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy), 3:00-4:00 pm.

AsiaFest: A celebration of Asian cultures featuring Taiko drummers, crafts, food, and entertainment. $3, free 6 and under. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Blvd). 11:00-6:00 pm.

Little Kids' Jamboree: Join Lorna Miller as she entertains adults and kids with music, rhythm, and movement.  $5 per family. Mississippi Pizza (3552 N. Mississippi), 4:00 pm.

Sunday

Hip Mama Mothers Day Party: Come celebrate the relaunch of this hip zine with a variety show fundraiser featuring music, readings, silent auction, a puppet show, and more.  Kids welcome. $5 suggested donation. The Watershed Collective (5040 SE Milwaukie), 5:00-8:00 pm.

Portland Children's Museum: Moms get in free for Mother's Day!

Pittock Mansion: Moms get in free for Mother's Day!

Recommend a smoking cessation program?

I am a mama who smoked both pre-mamahood and post-mamahood.  The only reason I stopped smoking as a mama is because I was pregnant with my second child, and I did not smoke during either pregnancy.  A good mama friend of mine smokes regularly still, and we talk about strategies on giving it up.  Associations, disassociations, breaking habits, finding alternative oral activites....  I know we are not the only mamas out there who have worked on making ourselves and our loved ones healthier by kicking the habit.  A mama recently emailed:

Does anyone have suggestions for a smoking cessation program? I am thinking of a naturopath that specializes in lifestyle changes like this.  A loved one secretly smokes (and chews) tobacco, doesn't exercise, doesn't eat right, doesn't sleep right, doesn't know how to deal with stress.  He's overweight and stressed out and less healthy each day.  He is the type of person that needs a lot of direction.  He is ready and he needs/wants a lot of help.  His priority is to quit the cigs and work on the rest as able. I have no idea where to send him for this help.  He would prefer natural approaches over medications.  Anybody want to share your experience of quitting smoking?  Any and all advice is appreciated.

PPS School Lottery: Results are In, Decision Time

Many mamas responded to the initial post about Lottery Winnings, now it's decision time.  We're you happy with the results? Some appear to be. Are you looking to connect with other parents?  You might want to wander over to Schools Forum and add your school if you don't see it listed. Maybe post about your schools upcoming events if you want to engage other parents, or comment about your child's experiences at their current schools.  Other parents are wanting to connect.  And for those who came up short, what is Plan B?