Welcome to uM's School Connections

In our informal gathering of parents who discussed their experiences with Portland Public Schools and the choice that goes along with it, we heard that many mamas and papas would like the opportunity to connect with other parents at other schools.  Parents are interested in hearing from other parents: how do they like their schools?  How do they not like their schools?

We have created the urbanMamas School Connections forum, in an effort to connect parents at schools.  Have at it and share as you always have.  We haven't started threads on all the schools yet, so if you want to hear about a specific school, shoot us an email and we'll have it up asap. 

Weekend Warriors: February 1-3

Are we in February?  Already?  Happy Groundhog's Day!  Will we get six more weeks of winter?

Portland Metro Mocha Moms  Join in for good conversation and good company. 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! For more information, e-mail: portlandmocha@gmail.com  Every Friday, 11AM at Milagros Boutique.

Knitting Time for Mamas.  Beginning in February, Milagros is hosting a monthly knitting event for mamas. It's a great time to finish that knitting project you have been working on, meet up with a friend to chat and knit, and collaborate with other mama knitters in the community! Everyone is welcome. First Friday of every month beginning February 1st at 2 pm at Milagros Boutique.

The WEEPOST at the Waypost.  Every Friday at 1pm, the Waypost becomes The WEEPOST. Enjoy a reading and activity for you the kids. As always, you'll find a nice basket of toys at the Waypost, a kid-friendly cafe in North Portland.

First Friday Art: Connections.  The 100th Monkey Studio will host a First Friday event opening of the February group show, Connections. The event will be from 6PM to 9PM and is free and open to the public and family-friendly. During the evening there will be a live musical performance by local artist Anna Todaro and a reading by author, Margaret Foley.

Free Fix It Fair.  A FREE event connecting Portland residents with money-saving, environmentally-friendly resources and activities. Join your neighbors from around the city in gathering useful information and easy tips on how to keep your home healthy, your family warm, and your energy costs down.  Exhibitors and hourly workshops offer practical, expert information on such topics as gardening, home health and safety, and energy conservation. • Learn simple and affordable ways to improve your home • 45 minute classes offered hourly Exhibits • Weatherization tips • Water and energy savings • Health and nutrition • Community resources • Recycling • Yard and garden care Great Giveaways • Door prizes every hour! Free lunch from Burgerville starting at 11 a.m. Free energy saving light bulbs and recycled plastic shopping bags (available while supplies last) Free professional childcare provided on-site. Roosevelt High School, 6941 N Central Ave, Saturday, 8:30AM to 2PM.

Friends of Trees: N. Portland Planting.  There are 31 Portland neighborhoods this winter. Each planting is on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ends with a community potluck lunch.  If you want to help plant trees, please arrive before 9 a.m. to register and be assigned to your team before the planting begins. Saturday, meeting at St. Johns Bachelor Club, 8204 N Central and planting in Cathedral Park, Kenton, Arbor Lodge, Portsmouth, St. Johns and University Park.

Raising a Reader.  Celebrate reading and fall in love with books! Enjoy crafts, music and more. Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.  Music with Jory Aronson For families with children from birth through age five. Every preschool child may take home a free book (while supplies last). Older siblings also welcome. An annual event, Raising A Reader® Family Day is part of the library's acclaimed early literacy program, Raising A Reader®, which encourages parents to read aloud daily to their babies, toddlers and preschool children.

The Business of Being Born.  Last week kicked off the series of screenings and discussion.  This week, screen the film at Milagros on Saturday at 12N or Zenana Spa on Sunday at 12N.  After the film, there'll be a moderated discussion on the film's topics. The cost is $5/person (cash only); all proceeds will be donated to the Nursing Mothers Counsel of Oregon. RSVP Required: Please RSVP in the comments section of this post on Activistas. 

Celebrate! Portland Public Schools  It's the Portland Public School event of the season.  Come meet representatives from all schools, and also enjoy moving student performances, important school and community resource information and a collection of student artwork. Join parents, teachers, community members, and district staff in showcasing the quality programs.  Saturday, 1PM to 5PM at the the Portland Expo Center.

Symphony Storytime. The Oregon Symphony is on the road for interactive, musical storytimes. This series focuses on storybooks, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Enjoy music, hands-on crafts and fun for all ages!  Central Library, Saturdays in February, 2-3PM.

I Heart Cupcakes.  It's never ending cupcakery.  Make your own mini masterpiece in cake and frosting. Learn about the ingredients and what it's like to be a pastry chef, then try your hand at creating a cupcake of your own design.  FREE at Belmont Library, Saturday 3PM.

Hawthorne Family Play School Silent Auction.  Looking for something fun to do next Saturday night with the kids in tow (while also supporting a good cause)?  Enjoy this FREE EVENT with refreshments and entertainment for the kids plus a silent Auction for the adults Including: Joe Mishkin the fabulous balloon artist, Greasy Kid Stuff Belinda and Hova will most likely playing music face painting, games set up for kids, a non messy art area.  Saturday, 5PM to 8PM, The Subud House 3185 NE Regents Drive (near 33rd & Fremont).  Call Aurora for more information (space is limited)... 503-774-5664

The Toy Trains. Our next stop is at The Mississippi Pizza Pub on Saturday, February 2nd. We'll play from 6 - 7:30PM. No cover charge. It's a pretty small venue, and our last couple of shows have been packed. I recommend getting there early, so you'll have a seat. Also, your kids will probably want to dance instead of eat during the show. It's a lot of fun, and I hope to see you there!

Kid'n Around Music.  It's a post-groundhog's day rendition of Children's Music Network.  Gather round, bring music and instruments (or not) and join in recongizing children's music as a powerful means of encouraging cooperation, celebrating diversity, building self-esteem, promoting respect and responsibility for our environment, and cultivating an understanding of nonviolence and social justice.  Sunday, 1PM to 2:30PM at Artichoke CommUnity Music Center 3130 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Craft Fiction! Workshop: Button Lamps and Handwarmers.  This book group will read and discuss craft projects introduced in Classic Children's Literature.  Best suited for children aged 6 to 12.

Introducing the 'Guestivista' Series

While I seem to have enough opinions to keep Activistas busy (too many opinions, my husband would be the very first to tell you!), I can only imagine that one person's writing and one person's viewpoint can just make you yawn after awhile.  So... we plan to remedy this situation by sharing other Activistas' opinions and perspectives - and even a picture of themselves, their kids, their shoe, whatever (as long as it's not raunchy), if they want. 

What, exactly, is in this for you???  The opportunity to 'meet' other Activistas and hear their take on things, and, of course, get a break from me (even I need one once in awhile)!  For obvious reasons, we're calling this the Guestivista series.  Read more about it over on Activistas and don't forget to check back to 'meet' our very first, absolutely fascinating Guestivista...

Prenatal / Infant Care DVD

Theresa is entering the realm as a health educator.  She was hoping that the greater readership at-large could provide some insight on DVDs or videos that could help her provide support to expecting mothers.  She emails:

I recently moved back to Norcal and miss Portland dearly.  But that's another story.  I still check out the UM website for thought provoking info and advice. My question; I recently got a job as a Health Educator for low income pregnant women.  Most of my clientèle are young mothers.  Does anyone have any effective / helpful Prenatal and Infant Care DVD's/Videos you would recommend? Childbirth is taught by someone else.  Thanks for you help!

Valentine's Day Suggestions

It has been 2 years since we talked Valentine.  The holiday is coming up again, and -- if an urbanPapa asked for ideas to celebrate with his beloved -- what would you suggest?  An urbanPapa emails:

I have known my lovely, wonderful wife for almost ten years, this means ten years of birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries, and...wait for it....Valentine's Day. Over the years, I have tried to stay away from more routine ideas on these days - giving flowers and chocolates for instance. Coming up with new and unique ways to show my adoration was pretty easy in the early years, became harder once children arrived on the scene, and now I find myself a little tapped out on ideas. So please help me urbanMamas! I need some creative ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day.

C'mon urbanMamas, help an urbanPapa out....

Monday Morning: It's a 2-Hour Delay

** UPDATED ***

8:19AM:  All West-side schools and all schools in the Roosevelt cluster are closed on Monday.  All other schools are on 2-hour delay.

6:24AM:  In case you haven't heard yet, PPS is on a two-hour delay today.  For future reference, here is the PPS inclement weather website.

Recongizing the Diversity of urbanMamas

We were surprised the other day, when we heard in passing that urbanMamas seemed to be a homogeneous community geared toward "privileged" stay-at-home moms.  The judgment felt ironic to hear, especially since this site is maintained and operated in the off-hours by a handful of mamas, who are all full-time working mamas.  We receive many emails and requests in any given day, and we do our darndest to publish all of them.  We hear from stay-at-home mamas, single mamas, working mamas.  We are middle-income mamas, lower-income mamas, and higher-income mamas.  We are mamas who live in Portland, and we are mamas who live beyond.  We are all of it, here on urbanMamas.

Maybe it's us, but we pride ourselves in the diversity among us.  We love all of you, mamas and papas and many other caregivers, who come to urbanMamas to contribute your honest thoughts and respectful perspectives.  And, they are not all the same.  It rang true when we flipped through comments in a recent thread on saving for college.  We are in different places, financially.  We are different parents, philosophically.  We are have different backgrounds, inherently.

We all have struggles as mamas, and we are here to share thoughts, commiserate, find support.

Certainly there is a certain profile of the mama who feels most comfortable actively participating in our daily conversations.  But, we know there are more of you who read than who comment.  We are certain that our urbanMamas fabric is complex and deep.  We have heard from over a hundred of you as you introduced yourselves a la We Are Family, and we want to hear from you again.  How do you consider youself privileged or underprivileged?  Are you a stay-at-home mama, work-at-home mama, work-out-of-home mama?  Are you single or partnered, car-free or car-less, straight or gay?  Are you white, black, brown, red or purple?  How do you feel marginalized or alientated by our conversations?  How can we, urbanMamas, provide you with more of a voice, represent you more? 

Vegan Support

I am sure there are a plethora of resources that chose the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle in Portland, from preschool options to grocery stores dedicated to that choice.  Diana who is entering this realm is seeking those who can provide information and / or interested in sharing support.  She writes:

I've recently become a vegetarian (working toward vegan) and am hoping to incorporate the diet slowly for my kiddos as well. I was wondering if there are any other families that might want to get together to be supportive and discuss ideas, or is ther a good resource that other families have used for information on being vegetarian/vegan families. If not I'd like to start some sort of group. Do any of the local vegan grocery stores have classes or groups? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Weekend Warriors: 1/25-1/27

Don't you live for the weekends?  This mama certainly does.  So much to do, so little time!  Check out a handful of the dozens of family friendly events in Portland.  Know of any others?  Please do share in the comments. 

Portland Metro Mocha Moms Chat and Playgroup. Join the Portland Metro Mocha Moms at Milagros (5433 NE 30th Ave., Portland) every Friday at 11 a.m. for good conversation and good company. 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! For more information, e-mail: portlandmocha@gmail.com

The WEEPOST at The Waypost. Every Friday at 1pm, the Waypost becomes The WEEPOST. Enjoy a reading and activity for you the kids. As always, you'll find a nice basket of toys at the Waypost, a kid-friendly cafe in North Portland. http://www.thewaypost.com or carrie@thewaypost.com

Winter Carnival at Beach School. You are invited to Beach PTA's Winter Carnival!! The Winter Carnival is at Beach School (1710 N. Humbolt Street) will be held on January 25th from 5:30-8:30pm. There will be free crafts, free music, old fashioned carnival games, food for purchase and our HUGE annual basket raffle. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. Questions?? susieinportland@yahoo.com

FREE Master Recycler Plastic Roundup. Saturday January 26th two locations 9-2pm: Southeast Portland: Floyd Light Middle School 10800 SE Washington North Portland: Hosted by Kaiser Permanente West Interstate 3325 N Interstate (Off Fremont and Overlook Park). Also, if you are recycling plastics at the event, there are some new materials and ways to sort that we announced in the fall!

N/NE Moms Club Preschool Fair. The NE/N Moms Club will also be hosting an informal Preschool Fair January 26th at the Rose City Methodist Church, 5830 NE Alameda Street from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Raising A Reader® Family Day. Celebrate reading and fall in love with books! Enjoy crafts, music and more. Saturday, January 26, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 10:15 a.m. Puppet show by Penny's Puppet Productions 11:30 a.m. Music with Jory Aronson For families with children from birth through age five Every preschool child may take home a free book (while supplies last) Older siblings also welcome An annual event, Raising A Reader® Family Day is part of the library's acclaimed early literacy program, Raising A Reader®, which encourages parents to read aloud daily to their babies, toddlers and preschool children. Raising A Reader® is made possible by The Library Foundation. Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Business of Being Born - Private Screening. urbanMamas, Activistas, and Mother Tree Birth are sponsoring a screening of The Business of Being Born right here in Portland before it is released! And of course there'll be an opportunity afterward to discuss the film and, hopefully, brainstorm ideas for next steps, if that makes sense. We'll definitely be discussing the film - and anything related - with some expert input after we watch it (check back for details). We've all got birth opinions, I just know it. Bring 'em with you. Planning to come? Excellent! We'll be at Zenana Spa on Saturday, 1.26.08 @ 3 PM. The cost is $5/person; all proceeds will be donated to the Nursing Mothers Counsel of Oregon (a big thanks to urbanMamas and Mother Tree Birth for paying for the film and Zenana for donating the space!).

Baby Loves Disco. Get fit with your kids in 2008! Join the crowd at baby loves disco, the national family dance party phenomenon.  Portland's wonder ballroom will be transformed into a child proof disco as more than 600 toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post nap-time, pre-dinner fun. Venue: wonder ballroom, 128 ne russell street, portland – (503) 284-8686. Host mom: melica lechefsky DJs: Belinda and Hova, Greasy Kid Stuff djs from 94.7! Tickets: $12 tickets per walking human. Date: Sunday, Jan. 27. Time: 12-3 pm for more info and to learn all about baby loves disco check out: http://www.babylovesdisco.com or www.babylovesdisco.com/locations/portland

Family Discovery Sunday: Bead-Dazzled. An interactive afternoon at the Museum for the whole family! Drop by The Lab on these Sundays, anytime between 1 and 4 pm, to enjoy hands-on, intergenerational art-making activities led by local artists. Free and open to all ages. Materials provided. Bead-Dazzled Sunday, January 27, 1–4 PM in The Lab Join the Portland Bead Society in creative exploration. Using beads, we’ll discover techniques that will amaze and delight everyone.

I Heart Cupcakes. Jan 27, 2008.  Make your own mini masterpiece in cake and frosting. Learn about the ingredients and what it's like to be a pastry chef, then try your hand at creating a cupcake of your own design. Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.

Family Snow Play at Old Man Pass

One of our favorite winter activities is to head up Mt. Hood for some snowplay - this includes sledding, snowshoeing, igloo building, angel making and so on. There are countless areas to go in Hoodland but we tend to head out to the snoparks that serve the Barlow Trail and Trillium Lake basin.

We don't believe in paying to sled - because we're old-fashioned and cheap - so we park at the Government Camp Maintenance Station Sno-Park and sled on the hill right at the Hemlock trailhead. After some runs on that hill, we head down the trail to a meadow for snow angel making and then to another hill shortly past the junction of the Barlow Trail and Hemlock trail. This is where our Extreme Ergo Sledding took place.

You can continue down the Barlow Trail to Summit Meadows and onto the Trillium Lake Loop, which is very level and great for family snowshoeing. Hau's post on this area - and what to bring- is a great primer to review before heading out (and outlines hitting the loop from the Trillium Lake Sno-Park instead).

BUT if you are interested in something more scenic and remote, head over the river to the Old Man Pass area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. They have a series of scenic and level loops that are groomed and perfect for family snow play. They also have a great sledding hill just off the parking lot.

This weekend will be a great time to check out this winter recreation area because their annual Winterfest is Saturday, January 26, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. Planned activities include a snowshoe race,  x-country skiing/snowshoe instruction, search and rescue survival info and demonstrations, and refreshments.

Travel Tips: If you head up to Old Man Pass, make sure you have all your gas and food needs covered before you leave Stevenson, WA - this is the closest "major" town. Go prepared for changes in weather conditions - bring chains and a shovel just in case you need to dig the car out. Travel time from Portland to Old Man Pass is comparable to traveling to Timberline. Oregon Sno Park Passes are valid in WA or you can pick up a Washington Sno-Park pass in Stevenson on the way (this is an update to what I posted earlier). Enjoy!

With a Cold and Pregnant

It is still cold season, can't you tell?  So what to do when your pregnant with a cold.  Emily needs some of your suggestions for curing or at least helping to get some relief.  She writes:

I am wondering if anyone has any cold remedies for a pregnant mama. I've got the vaporizer going and am getting as much rest as I can, but I'd love to hear what people suggest for a sore/itchy throat, sneezy/congested nose, and body aches. Thanks!

Friendships: The Dynamics Between Mamas

We all know that so much changes when we have kids. We've talked plenty about our relationships with our spouse / partners, siblings, with other children, but how about our relationships with our mama-friends?  Lori has an interesting question for the urbanMama community.  She writes:

I hung out with some friends the other night without my toddler.  During the evening, a good friend of mine who has two kids under three thanked me for the support I had given her over the last year.  She was being sincere but I realized that that I really had not given her that much support.  Yes, we have play dates and we talk on the phone at least once a week, but prior to having kids my female friendships were much different.  I now find that I do not have the time to listen like I used to or demonstrate to my friends how much they mean to me.  Luckily, most of them have kids also and are pretty understanding. How do you balance the needs of your family and the needs of your good friends? 

Dermatologist Recommendation

I was lamenting to a friend recently about how that now in my early thirties, I should no longer have acne or skin problems.  But reality is harsh, ain't it?  Joann is wondering about any recommendations for professional help to obtain her glowing skin she experienced during preganancy.  Got any?  She writes:

When I was pregnant my skin was in the best condition it’s ever been.  Glowing, perfect and no breakouts.  Unfortunately it’s been a year since my son’s birth and my skin has gone back to it’s oversensitive self.  I’m hoping some of the mamas out there know of a good dermatologist to help me get back to that great skin I enjoyed for 9 months.

Saving for College, Right.

The astronomical cost of childcare is one of my many favorite rants.  As evident by the conversation over at Activistas apparently I may not be the only one.  At the recent Naked Baby Swap, another mama and I engaged again in the topic with a twist.  She confided in me that her childcare costs are $1800/month.  But I then wondered, how are you saving for college?  She said they weren't.  Right, to foot a childcare bill that amounts to a mortgage payment, who can really think about saving for college!

With our childcare bill at over $19,000 over the next year, I too wonder why we are saving for college.  But in the end we feel it's important.  We scrape together a measly $75 a month to go towards a 529 savings plan for each child.  We also try to match 100% of monetary gifts provided by family members.  Are we doing the right thing even though we are still paying off my husband's student loans (which in and of itself is a small fortune)?  Knowing that both my husband and I worked our way through college with very little help from our own parents; and somehow we made it begs a series of questions.  urbanParents:

How many of you are saving for your kids college education?  How much and through what mechanisms (529 plans, etc)?  How much of the decision to pay for college stems from how they were raised and if you got help from your own parents?  If not, why not?  And lastly, are you in agreement with your spouse / partner about whether saving for college is necessary?

Gelato Cups: Suffocation Danger?

We're certain that this is a common practice, the reuse of gelato cups for snacks.  This post isn't meant to cause undue alarm, but just wanted to share with you Amy's recent scary situation.  It's just a good reminder for all of us to be watchful of our little ones.  She writes: 

I'm not sure if any other mums out there have run into this scary situation, so I thought I'd try to spread the word.  You know those cute little thin plastic cups/dishes that gelato is served in at many local gelato shops... well, I've been reusing one for snacks at home.  The other day I heard a tiny squeaking sound coming from my son (who was luckily only a few feet away from me, completely in view).  He had finished his little crackers and then had put the small cup over his mouth and nose.  The cup had gotten suctioned to his face and he wasn't able to breathe.  Thankfully he was okay, but I cannot imagine what could've happened if I hadn't been right next to him.  Thanks for letting others know about this.

Any other tips on little hidden dangers lurking out there in commonplace objects?

urbanMamas Facelift

A new year, a new us.  Do you like?  We've been meaning for a long time to overhaul the urbanMamas site, to create a fresh yet sweet and simple identity.  We were inspired by a photo that Shetha took nearly a year ago. But alas, urbanMamas is a labor of love for us; something we try to fit into our busy schedules.  Over the last year as we tended to our children, spouses, careers, and to the craziness of maintaining a somewhat balanced family life; the site redesign has sat simmering on the back burner.  We are thrilled though that our vision has finally come to fruition, and that we can continue to be a community for parents in Portland, both on-line and in real life.  We hope that you continue to visit often, and to let us know how we can make urbanMamas more useful and beneficial!

..."If you don't, I won't be your friend"....

I am generally from the mama-standpoint that the kids will work it all out, no matter what the issue.  But, when I hear my oldest child, a second grader, come home to tell me that she had to share her lunch with some other children because they were saying "if you don't share some, I won't be you friend"....  I feel like I showing up at their lunchroom the next day to tell those kids: "bug off!  Don't eat her lunch!"

When we have playdates here at our house, and I hear through the baby monitor friends tell our girl(which still stationed in the kids room and - let me tell you - we hear the darndest bedtime chatter!): "you'd better let me be the mommy/borrow this shirt/use the sparkly pen/borrow this book or else I won't be your friend"..., and I have admit, I get a bit riled up and feel like I want to quickly jump to her defense.

I wonder to myself, "how many times does this happen?"  We know our girl is not the most assertive gal; she's really quite shy.

My husband and I, when we pick up snipets of these experiences, talk about using our words ("I'm not comfortable sharing my lunch"), about how our friends will always be our friends even if we choose to do not what they say, about how we can engage an adult if we have tried using our words.  She's run into the "I won't be your friend" threat many times already and has admitted to us that she's given in, even if she hasn't wanted to.

I would love your thoughts: what words of encouragement would you offer your child?  what tips or advice would you give?  when, if ever, would you get involved and have words with the other child?  when, if ever, may you bring it up with the other child's parent?

Help Save French Pour Les Enfants!

We know that there are many Francophones or those interested in teaching their wee ones French. Stephanie recently wrote to us in a plea to help rescue a Saturday morning French class for 3 to 5 year olds.  She writes:

Last spring there was a discussion on the Urban Mamas site about French classes/playgroups for preschoolers:

http://urbanmamas.typepad.com//urbanmamas/2007/04/parlez_vous_fra.html

Since then, the Matt Dishman Community Center has started offering a French class on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. It's called French Pour Les Enfants and it combines songs, games and vocabulary to introduce children ages 3 - 5 to the French language.  My daughter took the class last term and loved it. Unfortunately, it is now in danger of being canceled because only four children have signed up this term.  It really is a nice class, and it would be a shame if it was canceled. I thought perhaps some other Urban kiddos might be interested. 

A class description can be found here:

http://www.portlandparks.org/register/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?aid=92&cid=255918

Who has time to read the paper?

My husband asked me the other day, "did you read that article on Kenton in the Oregonian?"  It isn't unusual for him to ask... "did you read about [blank] in the paper?"  He reads the paper in his office.  Not having an office, I don't have that big stack of black and white to flip through, and - frankly - I'm jealous.  I don't read the paper anymore.  No longer commuting primarily by bus/MAX, I've lost that precious short window of opportunity to read an article or two.  Not getting it on my doorstep, like we used to pre-kids, I don't have that growing mound of papyrus in the corner to leaf through when I have a "free moment".  Not having the time to even respond to all my emails, I don't even gravitate to the online newspapers (and, I'd never bother to go to the Oregonian online.  It's just awful!).

I know a friend who reads the Sunday paper as part of her Sunday morning ritual.  And, I am sure there are others who do.

But, what I really want to know is: Who has time to read the paper?  How do you do it?

Martin Luther King Jr Day 2008

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man dedicated to the pursuit of equality and justice through nonviolent means.  His holiday is a wonderful time to celebrate his legacy and to also explore the ways to serve our community by his example.  What are you doing on Monday in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr?

Service Projects coordinated by Hands on Portland.  The United Way has coordinated many service projects throughout the greater metro area and many projects are still looking for volunteers.  Projects such as covering library books, painting schools, serving meals, improving facilities at service organizations, or help to build a food pantry.  "Volunteer with your friends, family, children or co-workers by engaging in work focused on effective and lasting changes."  There are many projects you can be involved in on Monday, just check the website for more details.  Most projects run 9AM to 12N.

MLK Day 2008: Empowered by the Strength to Love.   Sisters of the Road Cafe hosts its annual Martin Luther King March and Rally, gathering at 2PM at Sisters, 133 NW 6th Avenue (coffee & snacks available) and marching at 3PM to the First Unitarian Church (1011 SW 12th Ave), with a 3:30PM program.  The afternoon ends at 4:30PM back at the Sisters Cafe for a community event with food, information tables, and the Sisters' Voice Exhibit.  All are welcome for all or part of the day.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mary at 503-222-5694 ext. 17 or via email to see if there are any last-minute opportunities.

23rd Annual "Keep Alive the Dream" MLK Tribute.  The event runs from 11AM to 6:30PM at Highland Christian Center (7600 NE Glisan).  Highlighted events include: a performances by The Jefferson Dancers (12:35PM), Woodlawn's Kukatonon African Dance Troupe (1:35PM), Boise-Eliot's Primary Colors choir (3:50PM), Jefferson SUN School Gospel Ensemble (4:35PM), and King School's dance ensemble (5PM). The superintendent is set to make brief comments at 1:30 p.m. Also participating are local entertainers and leaders, gospel choirs and others. Organizers request a donation of $4 or four cans of nonperishable food for the Oregon Food Bank. The entire program will be tape-delayed for broadcast beginning at 3 p.m. on Portland Public Schools' Channel 28, and broadcast live on KBOO Radio (90.7 FM). Portland Community Media’s Channel 11 also will air it beginning at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Ken Berry at 503-816-9001.

And, also, check out a few other featured events via the Portland Tribune.

A Spoonful of Sugar Will Help the Medicine Go Down?

Or won't it?  My nearly 5 year old son is a dream kid when it comes to taking meds in all shapes and forms.  And then there's my 2.5 year old.  Over-the-counter fever-reducers are fine, but when it comes to the prescription antibiotics, that's another story.  Two doses down (will sort of down) and 28 to go, and we are not sure how it'll go over when he returns to "school" on Tuesday.  When faced with the situation only once prior, some friends suggested chocolate syrup (who knew that he didn't like chocolate?), and then trying to figure out how to hide the taste with some other form of sugary sweetness.  In the end, we used a syringe, tipped him back, and down it went.  This time, it just ain't that easy. He tells us it "tastes yucky".  He is in a fit of tears and holds his hands in front of his mouth.  Wait, there's also the kicking and flailing body. We tried rationalizing and bribing him to encourage him to take his medicine to get better, but in the end, we had to succumb to holding him down and using the syringe method. There has to be a better way of administering bad tasting medicine to your kids.  Have you figured it out?  Will numbing his mouth with a popsicle beforehand really do the trick?  Do you have some good tips for giving medicine to unwilling children? Where is Mary Poppins when I need her.  She would know...

Please Share Birthing Experiences with Kaiser

To prepare herself for her experience and to learn more from others, Lisa is wondering if any mamas can share stories of their births through the Kaiser system:

We are planning at delivering at Sunnyside, where they do have midwives, and just finished a new birthing center (our hospital tour is early February), but we are not guaranteed the midwife we are seeing or the ob I've been meeting with the last few months.  Any moms out there who did deliver using Kaiser insurance and can provide some reassurance? This is our first and I want it to be a positive experience!

Interested in joining Saturday Morning Runs?

A new year is here, and it's hard to believe it's been over two years since we've instituted our Saturday morning runs.  While our consistency has ebbed and flowed in the past couple of years, with conflicting Saturday morning swim lessons for the kids or pregnancies / births, it seems that we're ramping up again in earnest, running for our lives.  Some of us are getting ready (7 months early) for this year's Hood to Coast, but some of just like to get out for a little joggy-jog to get those juices going on a Saturday morning.  Refreshing!  Do you like to run?

Join the urbanMamasRun yahoo group and get the skinny on where we're running next, usually on Saturday mornings at 8AM.  Bundle up and join us!

How do you purge the plastic?

Is plastic one of those necessary evils?  That exists in every family's home?  How do we minimize plastic dependence?  How do you pack lunches or store leftovers without it?  Gina recently emailed, wanting to hear more from the urbanMamas community:

Every time my toddler grabs her "sippy cup" (which I still have her use to avoid nasty spills on the couch, in her room, etc.) I am wondering... is it safe?!  I've just spent the last two hours surfing the web, reading about different symbols and grades of plastics and trying to really understand the environmental and health risks associated with plastic.  All of this business of chemicals leaching from plastics into foods and drinks has made me paranoid.  Now I'm also questioning the bottle my breastfed 4 m.o occasionally receives from her father.  Here I am pumping through plastic, into a plastic bottle, and then again storing my breast milk into a plastic bag.  And the soup I managed to make last night, the leftovers are sitting in my refrigerator (yet again!) in plastic Tupperware.  Don't even get me started on the toys and all of the rubber duckies in my shower.  I know I've read about this on urbanMamas before and I'm wondering... is anyone else out there concerned?  And what about stainless steel?  Has anyone tried out the foogo sippy cup or the Kleen Kanteen?  Are they really worth the $15.00 plus a piece?  Has anyone found someplace that carries these locally?  Most of the websites I have found are out of stock.  What, if anything, are you doing to minimize on plastic exposure?  Any suggestions?  Is there an affordable alternative... I want to raid my cabinets and discard all of the plastic before me but I need some good advice before I go overboard. 

Dental Sealants for kids

And, while we're on the topic of teeth:

Does anyone have experience with/advice about dental sealants for kiddos?

Knitting with a Serious Purpose

I haven't counted, but it must be true that Portland has more knit shops per capita than any other city on the planet.  I can almost hear the needles clicking around town right now!  Truth is, I am a mediocre knitter with no patience for delayed gratification (and heaps of unused yarn in the basement, natch).  But it's all this charity knitting that intrigues me -  the preemite hats, the veterans & bereavement blankets, afghans for Afghans. 

Any urbanMamas busy charity knitting?  If so, any recommendations for good local programs or groups to connect with?  What a cool way to involve your kids in making something for others, learning a clearly useful craft. Quick baby hats, piecework blankets - doesn't get any easier.  If you're a knitty mama, how about an urbanMamas kid charity knitting project this winter?  Read more and share you knitting passion over on Activistas.

Pediatric Orthodontist

Amy is looking for suggestions or recommendations on pediatric orthodontists:

Any recommendations for a pediatric orthodontist?  (We live in NE/ Rose City area...our dentist recommended that we see an orthodontist, as our 6 y.o. daughter has an underbite that he recommends we get taken care of sooner rather than later.  Anyone have any experience with underbite correction?  (or deciding not to...)

Weekend Warriors: January 17-20

This weekend, there seems to be groups galore: baby-wearing, cloth diaper circle, Portland Metro Mocha Moms, urbanMamas support, and urbanMamas book group.  Go forth and connect, mamas!

Jefferson Parent & Community Open House.  Have a conversation with Mayor Potter and PPS Superintendent Carole Smith. Find out what's going on a Jefferson and meet Principal Cynthia Harris. Learn more about Jefferson, its future, and how to support students. FOOD! ENTERTAINMENT! RAFFLE!  Thursday, 6PM to 8PM.

Nourishing the Body and Mind: A non-diet approach to health and wellness.   Want to have an enjoyable relationship with food?  It can happen naturally when the focus is more on nurturing the body and mind and less on dieting.  Join a discussion about the cycle of dieting, and a comparison of a diet versus non-diet approach to healthy weight management.  FREE.  Thursday 6:30M to 8:00PM, Miss Fit, 1110 NE Glisan.

The Old-Time Music Gathering.   Thursday evening marks the start of the weekend-long Portland Oregon Old-Time Music Gathering, a grassroots volunteer-run festival that aims to celebrate and enrich the community of traditional Old-Time Appalachian Stringband Musicians.  Enter an environment where the music is as meaningful as it is when we gather to jam in a friend's living room.  Music runs all weekend, mostly at Norse Hall.  Check out the complete schedule, including a kids concert on Saturday at 2PM.

urbanMamas book group.   Not sure but is the group still chatting about "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver?  The time is 7PM to 9PM, Thursday, location TBD.  Check the urbanMamas calendar for updates.

Portland Metro Mocha Moms.  Every Friday, 11AM at Milagros. 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.  For more information, e-mail: portlandmocha@gmail.com

The Weepost at the Waypost.  Reading: "Yo-Yes" by Chris Roschka Activity: Make a friend.  This week we will read "Yo-Yes" and introduce the children to each other with interactive questions, such as "What's your favorite color?” or “Who else likes that color?". Then kids can make friends or draw pictures. It's going to be fun with learning.  Mamas' don't miss this event!  Friday, 1PM.

Daughters of Wisdom.  The Portland Women’s Film Festival is proud to present DAUGHTERS OF WISDOM, an intimate story of a rare and extraordinary spiritual community and the women who created it.  The 68-minute film plays Saturday and Sunday: 1:30PM, 3:15PM, 5:00PM, with Director Bari Pearlman in attendance.  Also a showing on Monday at 7:30PM, Portland’s Hollywood Theatre, 4122 E Sandy Blvd.

Cloth Diaper Circle.  Join a casual, social gathering that provide parents and parents-to-be with the opportunity to learn more about cloth diapering - different products, techniques, etc. It is also a chance to meet other parents who are using cloth diapers or thinking about it. Saturday, 3PM, at Milagros

I heart cupcakes.  Who doesn't *heart* cupcakes?  Cupcake-fest continues... Make your own mini masterpiece in cake and frosting. Learn about the ingredients and what it's like to be a pastry chef, then try your hand at creating a cupcake of your own design.  Saturday, 2PM, Gresham Library.

PB & Jammies.  The incredibly popular PB & Jammies Concert Series continues. Enjoy your family dinner with a rockin', rousin' musical show featuring the areas best performers! To encourage Pajama wearing we are now offering a fun surprise to all who wear them! Music starts at 6:30, Saturday at Peanut Butter & Ellies.

urbanMamas support.   While we all might be organizing groups offline, it's likely many of us haven't the time or energy to coordinate. And putting together a bunch of groups individually (while it's certainly a goal) seems daunting. So what about just setting a time and a place and having those who can come, come, and separate into little groups?  Sunday, 12:30PM to 3:00PM

Naked Baby Clothing Exchange: let’s swap!  Want to start out the new year by cleaning out the closets?  In the spirit of "reduce, reuse, recycle", come to the Naked Baby clothing exchange and have fun while you swap.  Sunday, 3PM at Milagros.

Pregnant with abnormal glucose and anemia

What do these tests really mean?  Should we worry?  Have any of you had this experience?  Lisa is starting her second trimester with her first child, and she has just moved to Portland.  She is looking for some reassurance and insight:

I just received an email from my ob this morning that I had an abnormal glucose test AND am anemic. I am physically active and feel like I eat really well and am very bummed about receiving these news. I need to now follow-up with further testing and increase my iron supplement, but have received no guidance yet on either from Kaiser. Can anyone tell me if the results of these tests are normal? Or if you had experience with either of these tests?

Childcare Costs: There Goes My Paycheck

At the beginning of this month, I wrote a check for $1,118 to our child care center.  What for?  For my two children to attend a total of five days/week - one for two days (the 2-year old) and the other for three days (my five-year old).  That adds up to $13,416 for one year of part-time child care.  That is one ton of money.  The cost for two kids to attend our center full-time???  I don't want to know!  Read more on the high, high costs of childcare & share your experiences & opinions over on Activistas.

Doula recommendation the Vancouver area

We've had many previous discussions about Portland-area Doulas and Doula services.  However, Jane writes to request Doula recommendation on the other side of the Columbia River:

My sister in law is due this May.  She and her partner are having the babe at the SW Washington Medical Center.  Though she would have loved to have the baby at home they can't afford it.  Can any of you Mamas recommend a doula that works out of the Vancouver area?  They live in Ridgefield but will be in Vancouver for the birth.  Thanks so much!

I am almost certain that some Portland area Doulas will also attend births in Washington but I'm not sure if there is state-specific licensing that requires a Doula to be licensed before attending births in a certain state.  Do any of you mamas or even local Doulas have any recommendations to share?

Singing / Voice lessons?

Well mamas, we bring to you another good question.  Andrea has a little singer and wants to encourage her talents so she asks:

Is there a thread on finding singing lessons for 5 year olds. My daughter really wants to take a class but I didn’t see a thread on it.

I don't think we've addressed this question yet, so let's hear it.  Who's found singing lessons for the little ones?

How often do you bathe them?

The other day, I stayed home with one of our daughters, who was so sad and sick with a fever.  I was too busy playing nursemaid to even shower.  And, because she wasn't feeling well, I also gave her a free-pass for no-bath for the weekend.  It occurred to me that, by Sunday, she hadn't taken a shower since Wednesday.

I'm curious: how often do you bathe your little ones?  Is it a different schedule when they were infants versus toddlers versus older children?  Is it daily, every other day, or a different routine entirely?

Let's talk about sex... with the kids???

Do you remember the very first time you learned about sex?  Do you remember learning about the body and its sexual parts?  How old were you?  How do you think you'll approach it with your kids?  Will you approach it differently depending on their age?  Holly emailed the other day:

I recently read your post “Let’s talk about sex” and loved all the information and honesty.  I then realized I had a great opportunity to ask other parents about how and at what age they spoke to their children about sex.  We have a 5.5 year old daughter and a 2.5 year old son.  I have been given mixed information about when and what to tell them.  Does anyone have any advice?

Single Mamahood: What is it REALLY like?

Mamahood comes in different forms.  Some mamas have a partner who may be a papa or another mama.  Some mamas are separated or unpartnered for other reasons.  Some mamas are single mamas by choice.  We want to hear what single mamahood is really all about, and we recently received email:

I recently had a friend come to me asking about being a single mother. She just discovered that she is pregnant with someone whom she just broke up with. I would really like to give her as much information as I can so that she has some knowledge draw on as she decides whether or not to become a single parent. I can share with her my own story but I know there must be more information out there than that.  I have done a umamas search on single parents but most of what I find is about single parents groups, etc. Does anyone out there know of any resources, beyond the standard WIC, Planned Parenthood and the like where my friend can get information about being a single parent, not necessarily JUST about the process of choosing or deciding against abortion?  I'd really appreciate any kind of feedback that anyone has to give.  Thanks again for being such a wealth of knowledge and support!

Weekend Warriors: January 11-13

Oh, the weekend.  Thank goodness for the weekend.  I don't know if it's the soggy days or the limited daylight.  But, when the weekend comes, we are so thankful!  While we are only able to highligh weekend excursions in our Weekend Warriors, we hope you regularly check out the urbanMamas calendar for middle-of-the-week playgroups, parenting classes, storytimes, special events, and more.  But we digress.  Back to the weekend....  Any mamas have more suggestions or ideas for weekend fun?

PIX PATISSERIE 5 YEAR BIRTHDAY BASH!  Pix is one of those Portland pride & joys.  How did we get to be so lucky to live in the city where Pix also lives?   There are treats for all and celebration abounds.  Should you be able to have a sitter for Friday or Saturday, you should definitely stop into the SE Division location.  Otherwise, perhaps hit up their Friday Champagne happy hour (4-7PM) or Sunday brunch?  (11AM to 2PM)?  Funness at Pix on SE Division (the original location) all weekend long.

Free Fix It Fair  This event is awesome.  It's a free info-session galore, connecting Portland residents with money-saving, environmentally-friendly resources and activities.  It's a community event at the core.  Join your neighbors from around the city in gathering useful information and easy tips on how to keep your home healthy, your family warm, and your energy costs down.  Workshops • Learn simple and affordable ways to improve your home • 45 minute classes offered hourly Exhibits • Weatherization tips • Water and energy savings • Health and nutrition • Community resources • Recycling • Yard and garden care Great Giveaways • Door prizes every hour! Free lunch from Burgerville starting at 11 a.m. Free energy saving light bulbs and recycled plastic shopping bags (available while supplies last) Free professional childcare provided on-site.  Saturday 8:30AM to 2:00PM at Lent School, 5105 SE 97th Ave. Call 503-823-4309, e-mail fixitfair@ci.portland.or.us or visit www.portlandonline.com/osd for more info.

Winter Trails.  Perhaps you're thinking of a family romp in the snow?  We were in REI the other day and caught wind of an opportunity to try snowshoes for free! REI will be on hand at this traditional day of fun on Mt. Hood at the White River West Sno-Park located four miles east of Government Camp on Highway 35. The FREE event will feature hundreds of demo snowshoes from a variety of vendors including Atlas, Tubbs, MSR, Redfeather Design and Salomon. Coffee, hot chocolate and treats will be available. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof boots. 9am-3pm at White River West. Sno-Park Contact: Customer Service, 503-221-1938.

Citrus Season Peaks.  For some reason, the thought of citrus brings to mind groves of plump oranges in tropical settings.  I never really knew that 'tis the season for citrus.  From 11AM to 5PM at all New Seaons locations, sample their bountiful display of Cara Cara oranges, Mellowgold grapefruit, Page tangerines, Buddhahand citrons and many other fabulous and tantalizing citrus selections. They'll showcasing fruit from California to Florida in our continuing quest to entertain your palate.  "Discover that there's more to citrus than navel oranges."

Artic Express.   All aboard! This holiday season; treat your kids to a program that is trainloads of fun. Join Conductor Curt as he takes your students on a magical train ride around the world to learn about winter festivals. The program features holidays like Diwali, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Hanukkah and, of course, Christmas.  Saturday at 1:30 PM at the Capitol Hill Library; Saturday at 4:00 PM at the Rockwood Library.

I heart CUPCAKES.  Who doesn't heart cupcakes?  Make your own mini masterpiece in cake and frosting. Learn about the ingredients and what it's like to be a pastry chef, then try your hand at creating a cupcake of your own design.  Saturday from 2PM to 3PM at the Sellwood-Moreland Library.

urbanMamas support - book group.  Join Sarah and other mamas at Te Chai Tea (2223 NE Alberta) for book group, even if you've missed the first couple of meetings.   We believe the first book is "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver.  Sunday, 1PM to 3PM.

The Business of Being Born - Private Screening

So it's been a few years, but I'll never forget.  Not the labors (one excruciatingly long, the other excruciatingly fast), not the stitches (yes, the dreaded 'stage 4' tear).  And definitely not the hospital midwives, dedicated labor nurses, and OB (think forceps) who helped me vaginally deliver two children without drugs - not their norm.

I'm all for natural, but only to a point.  Drugs?  No way.  Bathtub at home?  No thanks.  Hospital?  Absolutely - plus, that's what my insurance covered, right?   But enough about me and my boring births of yesteryear.  We're ready to hear about someone else's births - namely Ricki Lake's - and the birthing "business."

Food Allergies in Kids: Meet Mama Robyn O'Brien

The New York Times likens her to Erin Brokavich (a compliment, indeed!) and the two know each other.  We've all heard about the rise in food allergies among kids in the U.S.  And by now we know the 'no nut' policy at just about every child care center and school.  So who's Robyn O'Brien and what's she doing, exactly, from her laptop in Colorado surrounded by four kids?  Find out  - and get inspired - over on Activistas.

Blood Draws: Less Trauma for Kids and Parents

Medical procedures on infants are probably more traumatic on us parents than they are on kids themselves, but that's not to say we shouldn't search for the best (aka painfree) care.  Vaish is looking for your advice on clinics that could provide a better experience (is that possible?) for blood draws.

My 6 month old has had two doctor visits for blood draws, and both times, they have failed to find his veins, and he has been poked in his arms, and legs 6 times. He is obviously very tortured by these visits, and I almost end up crying. Do you know of a clinic in Portland that is particularly good at blood draws?

Have you tried the OGA?

We've talked about plenty of classes for kids here on urbanMamas, including