Urban Mamas

After a very long hiatus, we're planning another Eastside w[h]ine night for Friday, December 9th. Update: We chose Bar Avignon, 2138 SE Division! We are choosing between an overwhelming number of fantastic wine bars in the Central Eastside -- think somewhere between the Morrison Bridge and 28th and Burnside. While we juggle all the options, we wanted to get this on your calendars (and we'll also base our selection on the probable number of guests).

So, here are the details:

   ~~ Friday, December 9
   ~~ 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
   ~~ Bar Avignon, 2138 SE Division
   ~~ urbanMamas will provide event support (i.e. pay for some goodies & wine!)

We like to find a place that allows minors for those who might bring a nursing infant, so please let us know if this is a make-it-or-break-it for you. We also picked a long time frame that will hopefully allow both pre-bedtime and post-bedtime mamas to come along; we don't expect most of you to be there the whole time!

Please let us know if you're coming in the comments. Dads are welcome, although they should know that these events tend toward the girl talk. Also, if you wish to lobby for a particular spot (our list is already long!), let us know why we should hold our event there!

In a 4-3 decision last night, the Portland Public School board voted to close the three academies at the Marshall High School campus, a group of Gates Foundation-funded experimental small schools, at the end of the 2010-11 school year. The school had been in decline before the switch to academies, and in recent years, "falling enrollment and rising operating costs" -- along with parents who were generally desperate to get their children in stronger "community schools," as the PPS buzzword goes -- led to the near-inevitable decision. The students in those clusters will go to Cleveland, Franklin and Madison; the teachers will be distributed; the building will be closed.

Another decision, to change Jefferson into a "powerful focus school that offers students the opportunity to earn college credits even as they complete high school," is equally expected but far less understood (and voted for with a strong 6-1 margin). Northeast neighborhood parents, left with two options, Grant and a long-declining Jefferson, often chose Grant; the privileged students went to Lincoln; Jefferson was in dire need of a return to its relatively strong identity in the 80s and 90s as a performing arts school. 

Benson was already "saved," and Grant, despite early fears by parents and community members, was never really in danger (I submit that the idea was grandstanding by Carole Smith meant to soften the blow of her eventual decision; but that's entirely an unfounded conspiracy theory :). In light of our initial discussion when the first plan was released, what do you think? Is this the best option to fix an awkward-if-not-totally-broken school system? Could equity result if everything goes according to plan? How will your family be affected?

I told my oldest just now: "Get your jammies on, dear."  She said to me, "You're calling me 'dear' more often these days.  I like it."  When I thought about it, it occurred to me that I must have picked it up from another mama who often uses "dear" with her kids.

I told my daughter: "Do you know what my mom used to call me when I was little?  'Iha'," which comes from "mi hija" or "my daughter" in Spanish.  When I told her that, she said, "Could you call me that, too?"  Also, what is the word for "love" in Tagalog?  I told her, "Mahal".

She said, "Can you call me that?  'My daughter love'."  I agreed, my little nickname for her now will be "iha'ng mahal".

Do you have a nickname for your little ones?  If you don't call them by name, what name do you use?  What's the story behind it?

For some of us, low-cost living is the reality.  We just don't have dual incomes or excess funds to go around.  Even when we are pinching pennies, there is still plenty to do with the kids.  We are sure of it!  What are your favorite free haunts?  Where do you go?  What about for household or children's items?  Where can you find decent quality, low-cost goods?  An urbanMama emails:

Can you give me ideas for how to go out and about (or stay in!) with my 3 kids (ranging 3-12) without spending money - or spending very little?!  I am up-to-speed with the library and the parks, but need more inspiration!  Also, shopping suggestions - both for household and childrens stuff.  Thanks (ps. the naked mamas party was a huge help!)

As a part of the discussion on "Seasons changing, What's a mama to do in the dark?", a few NE Alberta mamas are scheming to get together!  Sounds fun!!  Diane says:

ALBERTA MAMAS,
Lets just pick a first time get together at a cafe that works for everyone and during that time we could come up with something more regular? How about Tuesday the 18th, 6pm Vita cafe.

Hope y'all connect!

We agree with Sarah! Opinions are wanted here.  Sarah's looking for a dentist for herself.  She writes:

I've become so dependent on urbanmamas that I can't make a decision without consulting the crowd. This time it's about me though. I need a really, really great dentist and I'm counting on the urbanmamas out there for some suggestions. I'm not fully trusting my current dentist and I definately need a second opinion. I'm having anxiety about a dental procedure for the first time in my life. N or NE preferred but I'll go anywhere for the right one.

Calling all mamas seeking to join a play group in NE.  Andrea is starting one.  She writes:

Hi!  My son is just over 2 (27 months) and I would like to find or start a play group for 2-3 year-olds in NE Portland.  I have a few friends with older kids who have started them, and I'd love for my son to have more time to play with kids his age and to get used to some time without me. 

This group would include 4+ families who would split the cost of a teacher (to be hired by the group).  The group is hosted at different people's houses based on their preference, but the teacher is consistent.  Each child comes 1 or more mornings per week, but we work out the schedule so each day the teacher has no more than 4 children (or for more than 4 children a parent helper could be present to help out).  The group structure is pretty flexible and should serve the parents and kids participating in it.  The group would provide play and socialization opportunities and some preschool readiness with reading, singing, crafts, music and anything else the kids enjoy. 

The number of people involved will determine the number of mornings the group will be offered and the cost to each family (but I think it usually works out to $5/hour for the hours your child attends the group).

If you're interested, please email me at palight_2000@yahoo.com.  We can get together to work out the details.

A few weeks of concerts are now behind us - be it concerts at the parks, Kruger's farm concerts, Zoo concerts.  In the past few weeks, we've seen triple digit temps and rain, which has definitely affected whether we pack the picnic or not.  Last week on a rainy Wednesday, we decided to brave the weather and hope for the best: we hit Peninsula Park for some 'hot 20s jazz'.  The rain decided to stay away, but the concert was cancelled for good measure anyway.  It was just as well: we caught up with old friends and spent the evening picnicking right on the stage.

In the past few weeks, we have picnicked at Sellwood Park, Fernhill Park, Peninsula Park.  We've had several evening jaunts at Jamison, too, of course!  We have found that we all enjoy it most when:  1) the play area is within line of sight from the grassy area so the kids can play while parents catch up on the picnic blanket, 2) we are able to position ourselves in the spot that is just-so -- not too close to the music so we can still catch up with friends, and 3) we have enough provisions for the hungry picnickers.  For these reasons, we have enjoyed our concerts at Fernhill - with the merry-go-round in plain sight from the parents' perch on the grass - even though Peninsula Park is more of our neighborhood park.

So, we ask: Which parks have been great for you and your picnicking family?  What's in your picnic basket?  (We typically have tofu slices, prosciutto, grapes, straweberries, baguette, cheese, water, wine)  How many concerts in the outdoors have you hit so far this season?  How early do you get to the park - a little early to score the perfect spot or after the first set has already begun?

Need to shake your booty while Baby Loves Disco is on summer hiatus? Well mark you calendars and get ready to dance while supporting a wonderful organization. As a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, La Leche League of Portland is hosting a Family Dance Party:

Sunday August 5th from 2pm-5pm
at the North Star Ballroom
635 N. Killingsworth Ct, Portland, OR

The LLL Family Dance Party is a family event. Adults must be accompanied by a child!DJ’d dance music, bubbles floating over the the dance floor, face painting, and healthy snacks and drinks for kids and adults.

Advance tickets are only $7 each for dancers 12 and over (kids under 12 are FREE!). Purchase your tickets on-line here!

There have been a few discussions and requests on parenting classes as well as some discussion on "discipline" styles, choices, and other issues. Alfie Kohn, the author of eleven books on education, parenting, and human behavior, is having a workshop in Portland on July 24th on "Unconditional Parenting." Here is a description of the event as well as information on how to register:

UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING: Beyond Bribes and Threats

Tuesday, July 24th 6:30 - 8:30pm

Holiday Inn Portland, NE 2nd Ave. Portland, OR 97232

Advice for raising children typically comes in two flavors: threats (known euphemistically as “consequences”) and bribes (”positive reinforcement”).  Rewards and punishments are two sides of the same coin, and unfortunately, neither can buy anything more than temporary obedience.

This presentation, by the author of UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING, will show why carrots and sticks are not only ineffective but actually counterproductive over the long haul. To raise children who are good learners and good people requires us to abandon strategies that do things to kids, in favor of an approach in which we work with them. And underlying those “working with” strategies is the message that children do not have to earn our approval, that we love them not for what they do but just for who they are.

Cost is $5 per person. Space is limited, go to pdxparentingsupport.com for reservations.

As they say, you are what you eat!  The pregnancy and post-partum periods may be challenging for making sure you eat the right foods, MollyJ asks:

I would like to get connected with a nutritionist in SE/NE Portland or the downtown area. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would like to ensure that I am getting the proper nutrition during my last trimester ( I am 7 1/2 months pregnant) as well as have support and guidance for post pregnancy weight loss and nutrition while breastfeeding.

originally posted by urbanMamas on August 18, 2006.

Another urbanMama writes:

After having a baby, I'm struggling to lose the last 5 lbs.  I'm exercising 3-4 times a week but still need some help.  Since I'm still nursing my 11-month old, I need to find the healthy way to help shed those last few pounds.  Can anyone out there recommend a nutritionist in the NW portland area? 

Did we break 90 degrees over the weekend?  Or close to it?  When the heat is on, where do you go?  Jamison Square is always a favorite standby, but it isn't always easy to get to, plus there are no public restrooms!  Have you hit all of Portland's 'municial fountains'?  Can't wait 'til our neighborhood wading pools open up!  Maybe you just fill up a kiddie pool in your front yard and invite all your friends and neighbors?  What did you do this weekend when the heat was on?

Chrissy is seeking childcare that accepts Employment Related Day Care (ERDC).  Any recommendations?

Does anyone have experience with Rose Quarter Grandma's Place?  Or know of a great FT daycare center in close-in NE? I have a 4 yr old who has been attending PT at Grandma's Place Lloyd Place, however I would like to look for work soon and she will need to switch to FT.  The problem is I wasn't sure I liked the feeling of the place when I visited it. I am intrested in shopping around. I will need someone to accept ERDC cause I am low-income and don't know where to begin looking for good FT daycare in close-in NE.

I am living with family and have been going to school for a long time and haven't been able to work because of the daycare situation.  I hardly have anyone who can help with my daughter, and I am sure many other mamas have been there.  I really just want to find a good place for my daughter where I feel she will be safe.

In the most recent "Cities Ranked and Rated", a study of 400 metropolitan areas ranks Portland at number 3.  Even the Places Rated Almanac shows Portland at the top of list, as number 4.  Here at urbanMamas, we know we have a great thing.  We've had numerous conversations here about sense of place and our neighborhoods.  Many of us have lived in different cities and have made the decision to move to and stay in Portland.  Simply put, Portland's 'da bomb'.

Many of us know what it's like to research online to find the perfect neighborhood, school, and community.  We've received a few recent emails from folks moving to Portland, asking specific questions and seeking your input, advice, and suggestions. 

Amy and her family are moving to Portland from the Bay Area:

My husband and I are finally carrying out the dream we've talked about for years: Moving from the Bay Area to Portland.  I grew up in Southern Oregon, and came to the Bay Area for grad school, as did my husband.  Then we just kind of stuck around here. Now, we both work from home, have a toddler son, and we're ready to move. We really want to live near shops, good public schools, and parks —after commuting an hour each way every day to work for eight years, I'm done with driving for a while! Here are the neighborhoods we like:  Irvington, Alameda,
Beaumont, and Laurelhurst. (We want to live really close-in, even Mount Tabor and Multnomah Village felt a little too far for us). Does anyone have thoughts on those neighborhoods, in terms of being family-friendly, close to things, safe, and having good public elementary schools?  Also, some friends recommended we check out the west hills area and NW, but I was unsure after driving around there if young families live there and couldn't tell if the vibe was as friendly
as NE?  Seems like Chapman and Ainsworth are good schools, but I really want to be close to other families and good stuff to do with my son (libraries, parks, museums, etc). Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Black Wagon and urbanMamas team up to create a new twist on an old favorite, the naked lady party!  This event is for mamas only! 

Be prepared for clothing flying through the air, the ultimate friendly fire, while women beg, borrow and steal new favorites from friends new and old to spruce up their wardrobe.

Don’t expect well-worn maternity bras, or granny panties!  These mamas are swapping their pre-loved garb in an evening of fun, recycling, and bonding.  Low-rise boot cut jeans don’t fit like they used to?  Cute camis too snug for your post-baby boobs?  Your previously favorite purse not big enough for wipes and dipes?  Don’t fret!  Barter ‘em away in exchange for your hot new mamalicious gear.  One mama’s trash is another mama’s treasure!

Sip wine, enjoy nibbles, and meet new friends for the evening,.  All items at Black Wagon will be 20% off during the Naked Mamas Party.  Great gifts from N. Mississippi boutiques like Flutter and Gypsy Chic will be up for grabs, too!  And - for those who have yet to meet up with other urbanMamas - come on down and get to know this fine community at the Naked Mamas Party!

Portland’s urbanMamas.com is a community of like-minded mamas and papas, facilitating connections on-line and in -person with resources for everything from breastfeeding support to childcare references and a guide for fun activities for children.

As a community based store for babies, kids and their style conscious parents, Black Wagon is excited to focus on Portland mamas for this evening of fun with other mamas!

Friday, May 4th

6:30 - 9:00 PM

3964 N. Mississippi Ave

Please RSVP in the comments!

Kimber would love your suggestions:

I live in the Sabin neighborhood and am trying to find any T-ball or soccer programs nearby for my 5 1/2 year old.  Do any exsist?

Bella is in search of your experiences wtih the Concordia neighborhood:

We have been house hunting for a couple months now and are about to make an offer on a house in west Concordia, near 25th and Ainsworth.  The house is a great fit for our family but we're not too familiar with the area as we've always lived in Southeast.  I would love some urbanMama wisdom ASAP!

We received recent email asking for your experiences:

I'd like to find out more about Trillium Preschool in North Portland. It'd be great to hear comments or recommendations from parents who's kids are presently enrolled or who plan on attending this fall.

Does anyone have experience with Peninsula Children's Center? Sara asks:

I'm considering starting my child at Peninsula Children's Center. It's affordable, diverse, and seems decent for the price. I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with it. I know that there won't be organic snacks and bunny-petting and other wonderful amenities I've seen at daycares I cannot afford, and I've accepted that. I'd just like to know whether it's worked out for your family, and why.

uMamas, do you know of an ongoing playgroup for Maria? Would you like to be part of one? There are new urbanMamas in the NE wanting to connect!

I am a new urbanMama and a new mama in the lookout for a play group /date for my 8 month old baby boy Santiago. We live in NE and would like to meet other mamas and bebes around our area, and we are both free every afternoon! I would like to meet other mamas who speak Spanish or who are interested in teaching /speaking Spanish to thier babies. Thanks for posting this and for hepling me find other mamas who are also sick of the rain but ready to play!

The hills are alive!  The Von Trapp family descends on NE Portland as we gather our friends and watch the entirety of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, the Sound of Music.  Brush up on those lyrics and don your lederhosen!  What better way to enjoy time together than to sing along to one of the best movies of all time?  Hope you all can join us at this next urbanMamas gathering.  Please RSVP in the comments!  Thank you to Milagros for sponsoring the event.

a gathering for the urbanMamas community:
Sound of Music Sing Along
Friday, April 27, 2007 at 4:30 PM
Milagros Boutique
5433 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211
503-493-4141

Even if you don't want to sing along, be sure to drop by and say "hello"!  We promise to have treats!

Open Arms Play Group seeks to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with Down syndrome.  The group works to increase local famiy networking, provide current resources, offer useful personal experience and encourage individuals to open their arms, hearts, and minds to children with Down.  Open Arms is a parent-driven play group of the Northwest Down Syndrome Association, a support organization for families and children with Down syndrome ages birth through five with

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1244 NE 39th Ave
Portland, OR 97232

Third Friday of Each Month
10 AM to 11:30 AM

This is totally off-topic, read at your own peril...

Many of you are good enough to frequent our store - Milagros - and we thank you for that. If you do pay us a visit in the near future,  we hope that you will consider spending some of your hard earned dollars at some of our neighboring businesses. This week has been a hard one for our Fox Chase neighbors.

Early Wednesday morning, the following businesses were broken into: Herbivore, Autentica, The Core Source (home of practitioners Amy Watson and - new mom - Savannah Mayfield), Extracto Coffee House, Hot Lips Pizza, and our local Subway franchise. 

On early Friday AM almost all the businesses on our corner were hit with graffiti. Mostly etching into store glass which is very costly to replace. We were hit and a nice $400 hole in our pocket is coming soon. Blackbird Tattoo, Grolla, Yakuza, Cup and Saucer, and Winston's were also hit. And, yes, Herbivore, The Core Source, and Extracto enjoyed a double-whammy this week - break-ins and graffiti!

We truly LOVE our neighborhood business community. Everyone is hurting but Herbivore and Extracto have been open less than a year, so we know that this is especially hard on them. So PLEASE, if you are in the area, check out our neighbors! Buy coffee at Extracto, get a cool shirt at Herbivore, have Amy do some chiro....maybe get a tattoo?

Anyhoo, thanks for listening. Peace.

Congratulations to Jeanne, a new mama in the NE seeking other NE mamas and babies:

I am an older (38 yrs) first time mom of a 6 week old boy.  I am looking for other new moms who have similar interests / aged babies to spend some time with and navigate this new life!   I am very physically active, an avid cyclist, I love to travel (we are planning to take our son overseas as soon as we get his passport), I am a French teacher and will return to work in September.  I live in inner-Northeast (Beaumont), if you would like to get together to chat please let me know at jefederov@earthlink.net

There are a lot of Crafty Mamas in PDX and we showcase a handful of them at Milagros on the fourth Saturday of every month. The next Bazaar is this Saturday, March 24, 11 am - 3 pm.

The artists featured on Saturday include:

• We have been proudly displaying Karina Potestio’s handicrafts at Milagros for a long time. She will be offering her full line of unique baby and mama clothing at the March Crafty Mamas Bazaar
• Louri DePalma of La Lu Baby will be displaying fun handmade clothing for your little miracle, including pants, tie-tops and wrap tops. We also carry Louri’s work at Milagros
• Michelle Gay of Eclectikid makes fun hand silkscreened shirts, baby blankets, tote bags, and greeting cards
• Barbara Gaines of Momentoes creates unique three-dimensional castings of babies’ hands and feet
• Rebecca Sander of Daisy Chains creates fun jewelry for children
• Jennifer Murphy of Punky Kidz will feature handmade bib’s, burpies, changing pads and baby carriers

All Bazaar sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas and we have complimentary coffee and tea service, so please come out and see what these local mamas have to offer.

If you would like to considered as a Crafty Mama Bazaar for a future event please email us at milagros@milagrosboutique.com for more info.

Milagros is located at 5433 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211

Sara needs your help:

I'm looking for recommendations for a good pediatric dentist, preferably in downtown or NE, who doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Any advice would be very welcome, as my 2-year-old  just knocked out a front tooth, so we have to get to a dentist a little sooner than we'd planned!

We've had discussions on whether you would recommend your neighborhood and feeling a sense of community in Portland, but here's a different side to this question.  Melanie is wondering if you can find of a bit of suburbia in the city.  She writes:

Although my husband and I have lived all over Portland we always chose to stay close to the urban center, but after having kids we headed out to the burbs for lots of reasons: spacious affordable housing, wanted our kids to have other neighborhood kids to grow up with, good schools, very close neighborhood parks, strong community feel (at least in our Burb).  However, we miss living in close for all the usual reasons.  We've been batting around moving back to close in SE, but I'm wondering if I'm having a case of the "grass is always greener syndrome..."  I can give up the big house, I'd LOVE to give up the car a little bit more, but I'm wondering, do those of you that live in urban neighborhoods feel like you have a strong sense of community?  Do you know most of your neighbors, do you see your friends and neighbors at the grocery store, park, coffee shop etc?  Are there kids your kids' ages on your street?  Do most of the neighborhood kids go to the local public school or will you send them off to Central Catholic (or private school of choice) when they're older?  Those are the things I'm worried about leaving behind and would love to hear other mamas experiences with raising their families in the city.

We all know that a little activity is great for our little ones, many of whom love to tumble and roll. Where do you take your tot to get his tumbe time? Beth is asking:

Does anyone know of a good place for gymnastics for my 3 yr old? We went to a community center class and most of it was waiting in line to do a tumble or walk the balance beam. I'm hoping for north or NE but any suggestions are welcome.

Everyone loves Dr. Susss. The first week of March will be celebrated by many as Dr. Susss Celebration week, part of the Seussentennial fun. Theodor Geisel's birthday is March 2. In his honor, the National Educational Association has instituted a day to Read Across America. Also to celebrate, our daughter's classroom will "read away the day", coming to school in jammies, bringing loads and loads of books, and read, read, read.

Multnomah County Library has a bunch of stuff planned to celebrate Dr. Seuss. The fun starts tomorrow at a library near you. See this flyer (*pdf) for all Seussical events.

Seuss Storytime: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with stories!

For preschoolers:
Thursday, March 1, 10:15–11 a.m. @ Midland Library
Thursday, March 1, 11–11:30 a.m. @ Central Library
Tuesday, March 6, 10:15–10:45 a.m. @ Hillsdale Library

For toddlers:
Wednesday, March 7, 10:15–10:45 a.m. @ Hillsdale Library

It's a Seuss-a-thon!: In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, drop by the Belmont Library and be read to by volunteers from neighborhood schools and the community.
Friday, March 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. @ Belmont Library

Celebrate Seuss!: National award-winning storyteller Christopher Leebrick shares Dr. Seuss stories as well as delightful multicultural tales. Suitable for ages 5-105!
Friday, March 2, 3–3:45 p.m.@ Northwest Library
Saturday, March 10, 2–2:45 p.m. @Rockwood Library
Thursday, March 29, 2–2:45 p.m.@ Midland Library
Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.

Seussational! Crafts! Games! Seussical snacks! Become a Daisy-Head Maisy! Play with your Green Eggs and Ham! Create your own zoo animal!
Saturday, March 3, noon–3 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Library

Discover the Lorax: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a reading of The Lorax, and create your own three-dimensional Truffula tree with artist and storyteller Kathy Karbo.
Saturday, March 3, 1–3 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Library
Sunday, March 4, 2–4 p.m. @ Gregory Heights Library
Saturday, April 7, 1–3 p.m. @ St. Johns Library
Registration required; call 503.988.5397.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with stories, games and more!
Sunday, March 4, 2–4 p.m. @ Fairview-Columbia Library

From Portland's own Belinda and Tova, hosts of Greasy Kid Stuff:

Greasy Kid Stuff, the hip, hit radio show for alternakids and their parents, presents the Grease Ball!

Captain Bogg & Salty, The Jellydots, A mini-squadron from The Sprockettes, DIY silkscreening from Orbitbug, designs by Jessica Wolk-Stanley. Make your own $2 Greasy Kid Stuff bandana! Plus flip books, thumatropes, and fun filmy stuff from Indiekid Films.

A $5 complete and yummy kid menu, and great food for adults too!

It's all happening Sunday, March 18, 2:30 p.m. at the Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St. in Portland. Doors open at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under (ages 2 and under free). Tickets are available in advance through Ticketmaster and may also be purchased (cash only) at the Wonder Ballroom box office (open Monday through Friday, noon–6 p.m.) and Café Wonder (Tuesday through Saturday plus show nights, 5 p.m.–close).

Ballgowns and tiaras optional!

Let's not forget the rich culture that the large Vietnamese community adds to Portland.  If you're looking to expand your horizons and if you can find some time to fit in some "Tet" celebrations bewtween the Mardi Gras parties, head to the Oregon Convention Center and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Miss Ao Dai of Oregon beauty pageant, the traditional Lion Dance, and art exhibits by local Vietnamese artist.  The event is sponsored by the Oregon Vietnamese Community Association.

When: Feb. 24^th Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm; Feb. 25^th Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97232
Admission: $3 for one day, $5 for both days (Children ages 10 or younger and adults ages 65 and older enter free)

Thank you, Diana, for spearheading this effort:

Hello, I am the mother of 16 month old daughter and live in North East Portland. I am starting a playgroup/moms morning off type of thing. My son, who is 3, has been in a similar group since he was 20 months old and has loved it.

What's it about...4-10 families get together and rotate houses and days to allow for the playgroup. The group is usually from 8:30 to about 12:30, it's a socialization and preschool readiness type program with books, singing, crafts, bilingual instruction, dancing and anything else that toddlers do and love.

Who runs it... The families get together and agree and hire a "nanny/teacher" to teach and play with the little ones. We each pay $5 an hour and the group caps out at 4 toddlers a day. You can choose to stay for 3 or 4 hours, a nutritious lunch/snack is served and mom gets the morning off. Parents would always be welcome to stay and help out and get a discount if they do.

My son has been a similar group, we just adore our teacher and the families have become extremely close, the kids have learned tons and surprise us every time they come home with their new stories.

I have a couple families interested already and a "teacher" in mind but we would all find a time to get together and work out the details. Ideally this would be available 5 mornings a week and you can choose how many days you want to attend. Very flexible and always fun.

We're looking for kiddos between 15-20 months who would like to be in the group. Email thedess@hotmail.com or call 503 888 7149 so we can set up a play/info date.

If you've sent us an email recently regarding seeking childcare resources in Portland, we just want to let you know that it has not been lost.  We just get many, many requests and have been trying to figure out a way to spread the word and get you in touch with someone that can help you out.  In response to the frequent and recurring requests, we have dedicated a portion of the urbanMamas site to posting the various childcare requests we recieve from our readers.  We call it the urbanMamas Childcare Forum.

For childcare seekers: send an email to urbanmamas@gmail.com and include the following in your email: geographic area, type of childcare, frequency needed, ages of children, and contact email.

For childcare providers:   send an email to urbanmamas@gmail.com with details of your opening, event, or open house along with contact information.

We strive to respond to all emails we recieve in a timely manner.  However, please note that if there is a backlog of emails which there is often, we may not be able to immediately post your request! Childcare questions of general nature will still be posted on the main site.

Before this school year started, all soft drinks, non-100% juices and sports drinks were removed from Portland Public Schools (PPS) vending machines.  Due to increasing concern about the epidemic of childhood obesity, PPS enacted a number of healthy changes to make the nutrition environment better in all schools.  Coke employees were kept informed of this process.

Now Coke is pressuring Portland Public Schools for making these healthy changes, even though PPS now has a policy dictating healthy vending machine options. Portland Public Schools should not be fined for doing the right thing for the health of our students!  We cannot allow Coke to dictate the sale of unhealthy beverages to our kids in our schools! Tell Coca-Cola Enterprises to leave Portland Public Schools alone! Coke should support PPS’ efforts to improve children’s health and respect PPS’ autonomy in deciding how to do that.

Call Matt Wilson, Coca-Cola Market Unit VP, 503-682-5107.  Join PPS Citizen Wellness Advisory Committee this Saturday to support PPS to keep kids healthy!

Portland Exposition Center
2060 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217
February 3, 2007 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

The PPS Citizen Wellness Advisory Committee (WAC) invites you to join us in saying “Keep our vending machines healthy!”  At the Celebrate! PPS event, visit the WAC booth # 134 to call Coke or sign a petition to voice your support of PPS’ beverage changes. Let’s keep liquid candy out of our students’ hands. For more information, please contact Sara Leverette, Chair of the PPS Citizen Wellness Advisory Committee at 503-381-0821 or saraleverette@gmail.com.

The season of school info, selection and such is in FULL swing. Most schools are having informational events as well as providing opportunities to tour classrooms. Check with individual schools to find out what on-campus events they may have planned - including what events may be REQUIRED if you are considering a charter school.

THE BIG EVENT where you can get an overview on the myriad of educational choices at every Portland Public School is this Saturday, February 3 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm at the Portland Expo Center: “Celebrate! Portland Public Schools.”

A lot of fun activities are planned for the day in addition to learning about individual schools and the mechanics of the enrollment process. You can find out more info by calling 503-916-3304 or checking the website.

Here's a unique request of the urbanMamas: recommendations of an in-home provider of 24/7 care.

Does anyone have a 24/7 in-home provider that they love, located in inner NE or inner SE?  We are looking for someone who can accommodate us for one or two Saturdays out of every month.

MOMS Club of N/NE Portland is hosting a free Preschool Fair. Come meet local preschools, talk to the teachers and other parents and find the best preschool for your child.

Saturday, January 27, 2007
9:00am - 1:00pm
Grant Park Church Gymnasium
2728 NE 34th Ave, Portland OR (cross street Knott)
Refreshments provided.

There are a lot of Crafty Mamas in PDX and we will be showcasing a handful of them this Saturday, January 27, 11 am - 3 pm at Milagros. Featured artists include:

• Cynthia Thompson of Zoom Baby Gear
• Christina Bissell will feature a variety of handmade toys, bibs, burp rags, book bags and more
• Gretchen Gawlik makes fun, hip, re-designed shirts and onesies.
• Elizabeth Webber creates greeting cards, gift tags, stationery, bookmarkers, magnets, and other paper art using photographs and vintage images.
• Angela Flynn helps you make a special keepsake by creating personalized ceramic hand and footprints of your little miracle.

We will also have complimentary organic coffee and tea service for the event. All the sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas, so please come out to the Crafty Mamas Bazaar this Saturday and see what these local mamas have to offer.

Thanks Leslie for passing on this info. We're sure many other urbanFamilies will be interested:

Due to loads of requests from local parents, LilyToad is teaming up with the Portland Early Learning Program to offer an infant/toddler sign and language development workshop on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 4-6 pm. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. $45 per couple includes 2 hour workshop and a highly acclaimed infant sign book. You can register either at LilyToad or on-line at here.

Even though the new year is still so new, it's time to start thinking about the options for the fall. Lydia is gettiing a head start and researching Montessori preschools:

I'd like to ask other urbanMamas about the Montessori schools in Portland. My daughter will turn three during the 07/08 school year, so I'm researching now and getting ready to apply by the end of next month. We live in the Mt Tabor area - so far we've visited the Franciscan Earth School and Harmony Montessori and had good impressions of them both. I'm particularly interested to hear from any mamas who are NOT happy with the schools their children attend, and why.

Another eastside Montessori School is Providence Montessori.

On the westside, there is Childpeace Montessori, Odyssey Montessori, West Hills School, Two Rivers, Child's View.

We welcome your feedback, if you'd had experiences with these schools.

NOTE: I need to cancel the February 15 playdate.

My intent at some point is to start a blog that is for the men-folk but I know that I'm not the only Papa who checks out UrbanMamas for ideas/suggestions/info. So please allow me to provide a commercial advertisement targeting the boys on this forum for just a moment:

Upcoming UrbanPapas Playdates:
Thursday, January 18, 10 am - Noon
CANCELED: Thursday, February 15, 10 am - Noon

at Milagros, 5433 Ne 30th Avenue, Portland

Bring yourself and your kid - but kid is not required. If you want to bring a snack to share, go for it! - but not required. Remember to help clean-up before you leave!

UrbanPapas Forum - Family Adventuring: Travel, Outdoor Life, and More with Family and Kids

Wednesday, February 28
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
at Milagros, 5433 Ne 30th Avenue, Portland

Facilitator/featured speaker Tony Fuentes. Tony will provide suggestions and tips for successful family adventuring based on his experience as an outdoor guide for Outward Bound and as an adventuring parent. Bring your questions and your own experiences to share.

No kids this time. $3 per person suggested donation. This is our first time doing an evening kid-free meeting so please RSVP.

We urbanMamas like to stay active. Our friend Molly H. is looking for company on her power-walks on weekday evenings or Saturday mornings:

I'm 6 months pregnant, and looking for other moms or moms-to-be interested in a walking partner or walking group. I'm typically a runner, and have loved running with the urbanmamas running group, but am now too unwieldy to run anymore. I've been walking on my own, but miss the company. Are there any other pregnant (or non-pregnant) power-walkers out there who'd like to meet up once a week or so? I work full time and already have a 2 1/2 year old, so time is limited (this is why I haven't been able to attend any of the pregnant mamas meet-ups yet). So I'd be most interested either in a Saturday morning group walk (say 8 or 9, wherever), or an early weekday morning walk (6:15?) with a partner or two in my immediate neighborhood (inner NE--King/Piedmont/Woodlawn area). But I could be open to other ideas, too. Any takers, feel free to email me directly at hiro@up.edu.

uMamas, can you help Jennifer out with some suggestions?

I just found out that our nanny is taking a full-time job with Google and I have a month to find childcare for my 20-month old girl. I think she would benefit from a daycare setting, but in the limited amount of research I've done so far it's been hard to find one that a) is conveniently located, b) allows half days (I work part time), c) takes kids her age, and d) has immediate openings! I've seen lots of interesting preschools out there, but most won't take kids her age, and most of the daycare places don't have websites so it's hard to learn much about them in a short time. Anyone have any recommendations? We live in northeast, near New Seasons in Concordia.

The Portland chapter of Nine In Nine Out will have it’s next babywearing gathering on Sunday, January 14th, 10 am - Noon in The Family Room at Milagros, 5429 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211.

NINO meetings are a casual forum for getting your questions on babywearing answered by other mamas and/or to share your own babywearing stories.

People in Portland love their neighborhoods, and there are many reasons why. Dana's mom is considering moving to Portland from Ashland:

My question is regarding what areas of Portland people have found a sense of community, with a progressive attitude, and decent price range for real estate. What neighborhoods have people experienced that they know and maybe even like their neighbors?

If she were to move up here it would be really important for her to find a neighborhood that could still give her some of those things that Ashland did. Of course Portland is a big city and Ashland is not, but Portland has nice little pockets of cool spots. Although one usually follows the other its not just about the shopping and good restaurants for her. I think she wants to be able to get involved in the community some. Join some local groups, walk to the coffee shop and see people she knows, and of course support for local libraries. One thing I find you run into w/ bigger cities is life gets faster and everyone goes about their busy lives. She wouldn't like that.

I live in Piedmont so I'm not sure what other neighborhoods are like to live in. I know she likes Alameda, and Irvington, and Grant Park areas. Maybe Mt. Tabor but not sure if that will be in her price range or not (400-500K) or in SE some place. She would love to find a little place w/ a separate apartment or a duplex or something to rent out as well.

The workshop last September experienced a great response, and it's back again.  The session will include a brief overview of Love and Logic (focusing on the 0-5 age group) with lots of time to walk through specific scenarios.  The session hopes to help take the ideas from the Love and Logic books and learning how to really put them into practice in day-to-day situations with kids.  Here are details:

Love & Logic Workshop
Thursday, January 18
6:30 to 8:00 PM
held at Growing Seeds North, 6501 NE MLK

- update -
looks like some mamas in N/NE are looking to meet up (see comment below):

Tuesday, December 9, 10 AM at SohBet.

Originally posted by urbanmamas on November 18, 2006.
Are there North Portland mamas looking to connect? Sharon writes:

I am a new mama of a 2 1/2 month old little boy. We live in N. Portland in the St. Johns area and would love to find some Mama's with young infants that would like to get together. I don't go back to work until December 11th. After that I will be available Tuesdays, Wednesday afternoons, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We could meet at an indoor park (maybe the St. Johns Community Center or another North Portland center?), Anna Bananas or any where kid-friendly.