Hello PDX Mamas and Families,

My name is Karen Chenier. I am a counselor, group facilitator, dance movement therapist, and a part-time professor at Portland State University's Psychology Department. 

In February, I am offering a New Parents Group (baby and parent(s)) and a Parents Only group.

You shall see various flyers posted up and around the neighborhood in the next week (New Seasons Market, Common Ground Wellness Center, Jim and Patty's Coffee House ect...)  If you wish to receive a informational flyer please call, or email, and I would be happy to send one to you. 

In addtion, I am scheduled to speak on the subject of Mindful Attached Parenting at the New Renaissance Bookstore, NW Portland  on Thursday, April 26th, 7-8:30pm.   

To give you a little background, I have an interest in the creative and somatic aspects of psychotherapy and wellness, and have over 12 years of experience in the field.  I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families in helping to address parenting skills, school/work related problems, relationship issues, marital problems, divorce, and life-transitions, loss, anxiety and depression.  My office is located at Common Ground, Flanders House in NE Portland.

I am very happy to answer any quesitons you may have regarding the groups and services.  You may contact me by phone or email.

Warmly,
Karen

Karen Marie Chenier Ph.D, R-DMT
Counselor & Lecturer
Common Ground Wellness Center
Flanders House
2926 NE Flanders St., Suite 2D
Portland, Oregon
mobile: 503.206.2297
email: kchenierphd@gmail.com
website:  flandershousepdx.org

Kindermusik with Tiny Talkers!

 "IS TODAY A KINDERMUSIK DAY?"

Young children around the world are asking that very question every day. That’s because Kindermusik children can’t wait to sing, move, explore, play, express, create and simply experience the incredible power of music.

When it comes to choosing your child’s activities, the options seem endless. One choice provides more ways for your child to grow and thrive than any other. Kindermusik.

Kindermusik makes great parenting easier and Tiny Talkers is so excited to start offering these wonderful classes to the community!

Classes start in just 2 weeks- so don't delay, enroll today! More info:

http://tinytalkersportland.com/Baby_Sign_Language_kindermusik.html

SIGN & SING: Session A - Class Length: 5 week, 45 minute class - Ages: Birth-3 years

Tuition & Materials: $50 for 5 weeks ($10 PER CLASS- much less than other play based sign language classes in the Portland Metro area)

$35 for home materials (Home Materials are sold to you at my cost. I make no profit off of these.)

 Locations:  

New Seasons- Happy Valley http://www.newseasonsmarket.com/our-stores/happy-valley

The Warehouse (Portland Green Parenting) http://portlandgreenparenting.com/

 Current Schedule:

 New Seasons: Sign and Sing Session A - Tuesday 9:30-10:15 am - October 11-Nov 8

 The Warehouse: Sign and Sing Session A - Thursday 9:45-10:30 am - October 13-Nov 10

FAMILY TIME: BIRTH - 7 YEARS (OFFERED AS AN "ADVENTURES" CLASS)

Video: http://youtu.be/ZCbV7NcivWg

Class Length: 5 weeks, 45 minute class - Ages: Birth-7 years 

Tuition & Materials: $50 for 5 weeks ($10 PER CLASS- much less than other music & movement classes in the Portland Metro area)

$35 for home materials (Home Materials are sold to you at my cost. I make no profit off of these.)

Locations: 

 New Seasons- Happy Valley http://www.newseasonsmarket.com/our-stores/happy-valley

Current Schedule: 

 New Seasons: Adventures (TAUGHT FAMILY STYLE birth-7 years)- Zoo Train

Tuesday 10:45-11:30 am - October 18-Nov 15

  For more info, please contact Shira at 503.754.8776 or by email: shira@tinytalkersportland.com 

or simply checkout the website: www.TinyTalkersPortland.com (find the Kindermusik link at top right)

Baby Signs classes are starting! Are you interested in learning the how, what, and why's of signing with your baby? Join my 6 week Sign, Say and Play class. We play games, learn signs, sing songs, read books, and talk about developmental topics. Class starts Oct 10th, 10:00- 10:45 at Branch and Birdie, 8021 SE Stark St. Pre-registration is required. No class Oct 24th. Class is limited to 6 parent-baby pairs. I am also available to teach Sign, Say and Play classes to playgroups in your home or mine. See my website for more details! www.babysignswithamy.com

Your child is unique and you should share that face with Portland!

During the month of May, AVP will be featuring the most charming kids in Portland. Join in the fun and get your captivating kid in the spotlight! Details below:

Here's how it works:

Enter your child into the contest and get your 20-minute mini session scheduled during the month of May. Amy creates magic in the studio with your child, capturing a fresh, candid portrait that expresses your child's true personality.

These spots will go fast, so call ahead to reserve your May date!

Amy will choose the most beguiling image and display it everywhere...
website
blog
facebook page

That cute little face will be famous in no time!

VOTING:

Voting will take place on Amy's facebook page and blog. Encourage your friends to vote for your charming little sprout on either site! The child with the most votes WINS the 2011 title, and...

THE WINNER:

As the winner of the MOST BEGUILING BABE IN PORTLAND, you'll receive a beautiful piece of bamboo-mounted wall art of the winning image for your home.

To Enter Your Child:

• Your child must be at least 6 months old AND sitting up, and no older than 10 years old.

• You may enter more than one of your children, of course! Each child requires a $25 session fee and will be given their own separate 20-minute sessions.

• Group photos allowed only if time permits and at Amy's discretion. Family portraits are not included in this promotion.

Contact Amy via her website, blog, email us at amyvining@me.com or call 503-367-2285.

When: Friday, May 6th @ 9:00am

Where: 4 Portland/Beaverton/Lake Oswego locations:

Beaverton

Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec, 50 NW 158th Ave

Portland

Laurelhurst Park, 39th Ave & Stark

Washington Park, meet at elephant hut picnic area @ 9:30am

Lake Oswego

Foothills Park

Join us for an awesome workout, post workout snacks, goodie bags, prizes and more!

Sponsors include: Adidas, Title Nine, Pop Chips, Talking Rain, and many more generous, locally-owned businesses!

Baby Boot Camp is the premier stroller fitness program allowing Moms and Dads to reach their health and fitness goals while spending time with their munchkins. Classes incorporate cardio, strength and the all important ab and back work.

www.babybootcamp.com

We are a group of Montessori Mom's in the SW area looking for a space to use/rent on a weekly basis for an infant playgroup. 

We would need about 200-500 sqf with access to a bathroom and handwashing sink.  We have some equipment that it would be nice to be able to leave on location (boxed up if needed).

Any ideas?  Please email me! hilary@cedarmontessorischool.org

Hello and Welcome to Baby Bliss Massage!

Touch is the gift you can give your baby every day and is easily incorporated into your daily routine. Infant massage is a wonderful opportunity for you to strengthen the bond with your baby, empower your intuition as a parent and ease common physical discomforts that your baby may be feeling. I would be honored to share this experience with you, your baby and your new family. 

www.babyblissmassage.com

Babies can communicate their wants and needs very early in their lives because they have an instinctive need to communicate with others. The problem lies in the fact that they lack the muscle strength and coordination in their mouths that are necessary to form words. This is where using sign language with your baby comes to the rescue. Baby signing is a pre-verbal form of communication.

According to Linda Acredolo, one of the founders of the baby signing movement, “All the skills necessary to say words are very intricate and hard to conquer.” However, “It is a fact that infants develop the fine muscles in their hands before they develop those required for speech, so they’re equipped to communicate with you before they can speak.”

In addition to needing muscle control for speaking, toddlers must also recall how to say the actual word as well as correctly matching that word to the desired object. This is often a very confusing process for young children. Using signs comes quickly to most pre-verbal children because it simply makes sense.

Flash forward to your 18 month old child. It is likely that they are speaking a handful of words by now. However, now the issue is that while those muscles in their mouths are still continuing to fine-tune themselves, your toddler is often very hard to understand. Did he just say “hat” or “cat?” When an undecipherable word is combined with a sign, you are able to immediately interact back with your child rather than try and guess what it is he was trying to say. This, in turn, eliminates a potential opportunity for a temper tantrum based on a communication break down.

Written by: Shira Fogel, founder of Tiny Talkers, Baby Signing Workshops for Parents & Caregivers, located in Portland, Oregon. The next workshop offered will be at the brand new Sante Mama located in Vancouver on Saturday Nov. 6th  from 10-12 p.m.

www.TinyTalkersPortland.com

Another new addition to Babylove Workshops!  This class has it all!  Everything you need to know about newborn basics PLUS essential information for the rest of your baby's first year.  Class includes newborn basics; such as, swaddling, bathing, soothing and learning about your baby's cues.  We will then move onto what to expect around the 3, 6 and 12 month marks during your baby's first year, related to sleeping and eating patterns and typical milestones.  As a bonus, we will also discuss baby wearing (slings, carriers and wraps) and baby sign language basics.  Essential for first time parents, as well as, a refresher class or for soon-to-be grandparents too!  This is a 2 hour class, light refreshments provided and cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple.  Please inquire on my sign-up page about dates and times and to register.  New postpartum support services and Bonneville "Babymoon" info ...www.babyloveworkshops.com...Thanks!

Hello fellow mamas!  You may have seen my posts here and there and I've recently created a Facebook page for my classes...finally!  I would love to be friends, hear your suggestions/comments and interact with you on Facebook.  So come check me out...and all of my great family resources, "likes" and "shares" that are all things mama, family and baby!  See you there! Thank you!!  Dena Holstrom, RN, www.babyloveworkshop.com, Babylove Workshop on FB.