urbanMamas Portland

The urbanMamas are a traveling bunch, as we have seen time and time again.  Emails abound with talk of your latest travel.  We're jealous!  Our most recent email comes from an urbanMama who wants to know if you have had experiences, one way or another, with the TSA folk at PDX, with respect to dangerous baby liquids and gels:

My seven month old and I will be travelling to the East Coast this spring and internationally this summer.  We have read TSA's guidelines on the amount of breastmilk/formula/baby food allowed onboard, and then we read the many complaints on the TSA blog about how TSA agents have complete discretion to decide what is a reasonable amount.  Has anyone had good/bad experiences flying with a baby out of PDX? 

The urbanMamas are a biking bunch.  We come across mamas emailing often for advice and tips on biking as a family.  A recent email came in from a mama, anxious to get back to riding after babe was born.

We are a biking family.  Or were.  My husband and I used to love how bike friendly Portland is.  We could go anywhere without a car.  Now we have a five week old little baby and I feel tied to the carseat.  We already have a hand-me-down Burley trailer from a fellow bike loving family, but I am afraid it will be years before we are ok to use it.  I know all children have to wear helmets on bikes or in trailers, and the idea of finding a helmet small enough, let alone getting it on her, let alone having it do anything at all . . Obviously, we want to be as safe as possible.  Do you have any advice?

How early did your babe start riding while you biked?  What did you do to find a helmet that fit the littlest babes?

My husband started wearing glasses at age 5.  He went through childhood with these thick-rimmed black glasses, and he always talks about how challenging it was wearing glasses and being such an active kid.  We recently received some email from an urbanPapa, who seeks your advice and recommendations:

My three-year-old just got diagnosed with a mild case of lazy eye. It's most likely genetic as her grandma had this condition as a little girl. Anyhow, the eye doctor recommended glasses as a way to help her eye gain some strength. I've got a couple of questions:

1. Where can I find some really cute (and durable) glasses? I'm willing to pay for high quality.
2. Any tips on how to get a boundary-pushing three-year-old to wear aforementioned cute glasses?

Friday

Nina Ship Visits: This replica of the Columbus-sailed Nina is docked at the Madison Street dock of the Eastbank Esplanade for walk-aboard, self-guided tours. The ship was used in the filming of the movie "1492" and has been called the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built. $3-$5. 9:00 am-6:00 pm.

Tall Sailing Ships: Another opportunity to board a sailed vessel.... the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are available for FREE dockside tours. 11:00 am

Where is Lilly the Catapilly?: Join Penny's Puppets for her musical mystery puppet show.  St. Johns Library (7510 N Charleston), FREE. 3:00 pm.

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about ladybugs?  The book is "The Grouchy Ladybug". Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

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

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

Saturday

Mt. Tabor Central Yard & Nursery Open House: Come tour the main horticultural center for all of Portland Parks and Rec and see gardens, greenhouses, and work areas. There will also be other kid activities, food, and fun.  Stop by the Mt. Tabor park playground while you're there and don't forget that Mt. Tabor is actually an extinct volcano (with excellent views of downtown). Please check the flyer on the website to see the convoluted directions to the event location. 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Little Kids Jamboree: Join Lorna Miller for her dance-inducing combination of rhythm, music, and instruments. Mississippi Pizza (3352 N. Mississippi), $5 per family.

Sunday

OHSU Tram Run & Walk & Festival:  More than just a fun run (actually, a time-trial that you can start any time you want between 9 am and 3 pm), this health and fitness expo promises great views of the city, yummy food, and great health and fitness info. You can even do this with a stroller! With music all day long (including my personal favorite, the Lions of Batucada), this might just be what the doctor ordered (sorry, couldn't resist!).  Race registration is $35 the day of and includes a t-shirt and free tram ride (otherwise, the tram is $4 round trip).

OMSI: Don't have a membership? The first Sunday of every month admission is $2 and the IMAX movies and submarine visits cost $5.

Junior Ranger Program: Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join a park ranger to learn how to help protect natural resources, plants and animals. Participating in nature games, nature crafts and park explorations will help junior rangers earn their badge.  Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Many, many of us mamas grapple with our post-partum health.  Can someone offer their experiences and advice on what to do when your abs divide?  Lesley emails:

I have Diastasis Recti, the separation of my abdominal muscles due to my gigantic tummy during both pregnancies. (I first had a cesarean, then a VBAC, which I hear compounds the problem but is not a prerequisite).  It's time I deal with it.  Two years after the birth of my second (and last) child, it's not going away alone.  It wasn't noticeable after my first birth, so I didn't even know about it, much less do exercises to strengthen my abs. I felt like the pilates I was doing once a week after my second birth was not enough.

My muscles are a good 3 fingers apart and I've read that it can lead to back and other health issues
as I get older. So, I'm looking for resources to help me heal and fix my body. Do you have this, too? Have you been handling it with results?  Does anyone know a person who treats this? I'd prefer to do exercises; Surgery is pretty scary to me.  Help! It's not only a health issue, but I'm tired of having this poochy, saggy tummy!

Our family took a nice little road trip for the recent three-day weekend.  On our way home, when we stopped for gas, I was aghast to see what we were paying at the pump (in a town just north of Seattle, WA): $4.09 for regular unleaded.  It's happened  We’ve broken through another dollar point.  I thought to myself, “Are we the only family taking a road trip this weekend?  Are people staying home because of the high cost of gas?”

When we got home to a close-to-zero bank balance, it feels so urgent now: we are going to take the bus and bike more than ever!  It is time to reprogram Trimet’s transit tracker on my phone's speed dial and commit our favorite stop ID’s to memory. 

What about you?  With gas prices up around $4 per gallon, are you forced to make different transit arrangements?  Aside from biking, walking, or bussing, are there any other suggestions you have for being less car-reliant?  Do you have a way of connecting with other families at your school for carpool arrangements?  Have you given use of your personal car, opting for Zipcar or car rentals instead?

They say it's never too early to start, but it that really true?  For a little babe clearly shows interest in all things musical, when do you think would be the best time to start?  An urbanMama recently emailed:

My daughter Uma is 9 months old but already she is so musically inclined and just enjoys anything that makes noise, listening to music, dancing etc.  I am writing to see if anyone has suggestions for Portland (or outlying areas) that provide music lessons at an early age -- not necessarily right now, but when could/should we start?  How early do they start?  I just want to offer this early on since it seems to make her so happy and I really think she has a talent for rhythm.  Thanks so much for the suggestions in advance!

For previous recommendations on music classes, check out:

• Music Classes for Preschoolers
• Music Classes for 2-4 year olds

Or even:

• Singing / Voice Lessons
• Do Re Mi: Seeking Piano Lessons

Like approaching many of our babes' milestones, approaching potty training can be a daunting task.  Betsy is preparing for her biggest little gal, and seeks recommendations:

I’m wondering what other mamas are using for training pants.  We currently cloth diaper so I don’t want a training pant that feels like a cloth diaper.  I’d rather have a panty type pant (thinner material, not as bulky) that will fit a very tiny booty (she just barely weighs 20 pounds!).  I have found Nikki pants but am wondering if there is anything else out there.

(uM note: and, what, pray tell, are Nikki pants?  Has it been that long since we've potty trained?)

Did /do you agonize over what you consume while nursing?  An urbanMama is curious as to how much is too much, and what you feel o.k. ingesting versus what you abstain from.  She writes:

I've been thinking about the recent post for Happy Hour recommendations and feeling a bit thirsty. I am currently nursing a four month old who suffers from bottle angst so is completely dependent on me for sustenance (I do realize if push came to shove he could probably drink from a bottle). So what do nursing mamas drink? How much and how often? Do you pump and dump? Think about timing? I will confess to my large cup of coffee every morning and sometimes one drink in the evening without too much worry. Or do breastfeeding mamas abstain and live by a stricter pregnancy-esk diet? Obviously, getting drunk is not responsible, but what about one drink? Caffeine? Ibuprofen for that aching back? Water from a Nalgene bottle?

(Photo courtesy: cafemama.com)

We've discussed before how becoming a mother transforms us.  And as I recently overheard, it does so instantly, completely, and forever. Agreed, mamas, agreed.  And we've read Guestivista Kristin's article on the important role of women  - most of whom are mamas - in politics.  Now we have another opportunity to read the impressive words of a local mama on this topic:  Shari McDonald Strong's upcoming book, The Maternal is Political.  You might know Shari's writing from Literary Mama and Mother Talk.  We're  planning to review it and interview her over on Activistas in the coming weeks. 

But if you're like me with far too little time to read, head over to Powell's on Hawthorne Thursday 5.29 @ 7:30 for a reading. Shari and four of her contributors will be there to read excerpts from the book.   I can't wait to dig in - even if it takes me 40 weeks to get through the 40 essays!

Lovely spring rain we're having these days, huh?  While we seem to be mostly over the hump of flu season, the cold weather doesn't give the little ones or their mamas a break.  Ximena recently wrote us to commiserate with those that have been dealing with toddler ailments.  She emails:

My 21 month old baby has been sick with a super nasty flu these past days. This mama is tired, very tired and baby is in no condition to be outside playing so, we have done the unthinkable - watch movies on the TV.  I never planned for this, but here I am with few nights of no sleep, a sick sweet toddler who didn't have TV viewing time at all...ZAZ...I got a video! and all he has wanted to do is nurse nonstop and lay in bed watching the same movie over and over. I must be over the scare of his sickness since I am preoccupied with the TV viewing habits we are having these days (3days).

Please tell me what else do you mamas do when your toddler is sick, you are tired to death and going outside to play is not an option? We have a very tiny patio and yes we've been playing there when we can.  We read books but I am a zombie-mama. I am  also worried that I have encouraged something I didn't want (TV/video time) and now I won't be able to "wean" him out of it. Yes, I am greatful we are over the worst part of the flu (thank heaven - I have been sick myselfl thinking it was something else) and now want some few ideas of some easy to do activities for a zombie mama with a toddler while we are getting better and can't be outside.

Have you checked the forums lately?  There's much going on from an Oregonian writer seeking families who are gardening more due to food cost to mamas seeking childcare in all over Portland.  Go yonder and peruse the forums.  We hear many have connected off-line through them.

urbanMamas Exchange Forum

• Portland Pediatric Health Cooperative
  Hello urbanMamas! Are you tired of the status quo in our current health care system?  Are you ready to…
• Does anyone know of a good home safety "babyproofer"?
  I am looking for someone to come into my home to evaluate what needs to be done and to…
• Art and Verbal Therapy form women,kids and teens
  Are you feeling overwhelmed with life's challenges and having difficulty in your relationships with others? Do you feel disconnected from…
• Family-friendly Ecovillage in Northeast Portland
  Are you looking for a place to live where your kids can run free and connect with the land,…
• Sprig & Sprout....fresh sustainable culinary herbs
  Sprig & Sprout is a locally owned and mama operated culinary herb business. My NE Alberta backyard greenhouse is…
• Seeking volunteers for summer kids activities
  My name is Liz Eddleman.  I am the Resident Outreach & Resource Coordinator for an affordable housing building located…
• Chinook Book/EcoMetro online coupons: Rodda Paint and Portland Nursery
  Hi Urban Mamas! EcoMetro.com, the website of Chinook Book, has released our second round of exclusive online coupons. This…
• Biodynamic Childbirth Classes
  Original Birth is offering Biodynamic Childbirth Classes that will allow you to discover your ability to birth naturally. We…
• Where to go to meet other mothers...
  I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to where to go to meet other mothers and/or resources…
• Seeking insight: Are you gardening more due to cost?
  I'm working on a story for FOODday about the fairly recent surge in popularity of vegetable gardens. It's like…

urbanMamas Childcare Forum

• KinderCare at Fred Meyer Child Care Center
  CCLC is a leading child care provider offering early childhood education and quality child care programs and services to…
• Available childcare for 1-4yr old, N. Portland
  We are an educated, professional, married couple with a 2 year old son and currently take care of one…
• Childcare near Alberta Arts
  Citykidz Christian Child Care currently has openings for children ages 2 to 5 years old. We are located in…
• Help! I need FT care from now until September!
  We have a 21-month-old daughter starting a full-time preschool program in September. I've just accepted a job and they…
• Morning Program for HIPPY KIDS : home preschool/childcare for 3 & 4yr olds in SW Portland
  Join us this summer in our home for gentle preschool mornings each week in a small, grounded, and highly…
• Vermont Hills FLC St. Andrews vs. West Hills ECLC
  We are looking at moving our 2.5 year old son into a center-based/preschool program on a part time basis.…
• Creative Minds Learning Centers are accepting Applications for Fall Programs
  Creative Minds Learning Centers are accepting applications for our Fall programs. We are opening a beautiful, brand new school…
• LOOKING FOR PART TIME NANNY IN NE PORTLAND BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 15TH.
  My husband and I are looking for a nanny for our 8 month old daughter (she’s 4 mos. now)…
• SE Childcare Swap!
  Hi! I'm looking for a few other families to join our childcare swap. Our last swap was wonderful but…
• You need a break/I am here to help
  I have been doing childcare in my home for over ten years. If you are a stay at home…

Dare I share publicly that when my son was a little about 18 months, we left him with his grandparents, aunts and uncles 3000 miles away for a couple of weeks?  Looking back I realize now that some responded in absolute shock at our decision (oh the judgement does sting).  But the reality? The separation was harder for us than for him, and in the end it was a good experience.  When our kids are older, we do talk about repeating the extended stints with the grandparents during the summer. Hadey is interested in hearing your first time traveling away from your kids.  She writes:

I have an amazing opportunity to have an all expense paid trip to India with my dad this September. This will be his fourth trip there and will be staying a month or longer, but would like me to join him for the first week of his trip. He has said time and time again that I am the only one of his kids that he thinks would be interested, and that he feels the trip would enrich my life. I agree. My only hesitation is leaving my daughter for a week. She will be 14 months old at the time, and her dad is more than capable of taking care of her while I'm gone, but I already can't seem to get over the feeling of guilt of leaving her for a week, and the trip is still 4 months away. I also have this irrational fear that something terrible will happen to me while I'm there and I won't get to see my baby girl again.

So, my questions are: How old was your child the first time you traveled away from him/her for an extended period of time (5 days or longer)? How did you prepare yourself, your partner, your child for your absence? Were you able to enjoy your trip, or were your thoughts of your child too distracting?

I have a few months to make a decision about whether or not to go, but right now I'm torn. Any insight from other mamas would be wonderfully appreciated.

Monique Dupre was, as everyone seems to agree, not what we expected. She's too lovely, too pulled-together, too funny, too American. (For the record, she is married to a Frenchman, grew up near Astoria, and now lives in Vancouver, Wash.) I half-expect her to start her insanely popular 'Sustainable Living on a Budget' workshop with a little ledger for us to add up our errant spending and lots of judgment, but that's entirely not what she does.

She starts by saying that she just wants to inspire us, reminds us that inspire means "in the spirit," and that we don't have to do everything, just start where we are. And begins to talk about where she is.

It's at once devilishly inspiring (I will admit to having called Comcast to cut off my cable the next day, and removed the TV from the living room, although it was only minorly influenced by Monique) and crushingly overwhelming. Monique, through lots of hard work, much ability to be present and inquisitive, and the oh-so-useful French husband questioning all that is America, has created a life that is truly my dream. She gets all her food locally and organically, creating healthy and whole-foods-y meals for each and every bite her family eats. She leaves her home each morning with a clean kitchen and a small pile of laundry. Her children want nothing for Christmas because they have everything they need. Her eldest daughter can recognize fennel plants when they're an inch tall. She loves fennel!

Yee-ha! We've been waiting several dark and rainy months for another holiday! We're sticking around town trying to get on top of chores this weekend, but the thought of a three-day weekend is still enough to bring delight to this mama. 

Friday

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about...eggs?  The book is "Egg is Quiet". Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

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

Spring Fling Penny Carnival: Games and activities for the whole family, with each one costing only a penny.  All ages, University Park Community Center (9009 N Foss), 5:00-7:00 pm.

A Year with Frog & Toad: This family friendly production follows buddies frog and toad in an adventure throughout the seasons, set to some snazzy tunes. $11 adults, $8 children. Binnesmead Middle School (2225 SE87th), 7:00 pm.

Saturday

GrazeFest: This yummy event at the Portland Farmers Market will focus on grass-fed and pasture-raised meat and poultry products, providing information about the health, environmental, and culinary benefits of pasture-farmed foods. Samples, tips, recipes, and  on-going chef demonstrations. Also, from 8:30-10:00, music entertainment will be provided by Marysville Marimba.  South Park Blocks, 8:30 am-2:00 pm.

Car Safety Seat and Bicycle Helmet Recycling Event:  Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital (1015 NW 22nd Avenue). Free, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

Multnomah County Fair:  Music, rides, petting zoo, various competitions, and greasy fair grub...what's not to love about a good ol' fashioned fair?  Free. Oaks Park Saturday-Monday, noon-7:00 pm.

"Where is Lilly the Catapilly?": Join Penny's Puppets for her musical mystery puppet show.  Free, Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th), 3:00 pm.

Screen Prints: Screen print a provided design then embellish it to make it unique. Shirts and banner fabric will be provided (or you can bring your own 100% cotton shirt).  Free. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave). 2:00-4:00 pm.

Zoo ZAP Team: Meet some animals and learn about them with the Oregon Zoo ZAP Team. Gregory Heights Library (7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd), 2:00-3:00 pm.

A Year with Frog & Toad: See Friday.  3:00 pm.

GreenWalk: Join Portland Parks Ecologist, Mark Wilson on a guided tour of Tanner Springs Park in NW Portland.  See what would have been at the surface of the Willamette Valley before 1900 and is now 60 feet underground. For more information, call Parks Environmental Education Office at 503-823-3601 or on Saturday, call Mark at 503-823-6736.  Meet at the corner of NW 10th and Northrup, 10:00 am.

Sunday

Veggie Burger Tasting: Leave it to New Seasons to make a tasting out of veggie burgers.  Not sure they're for you?  They'll be sampling over a dozen different kinds to tempt your taste buds. All stores, 11:00 am-5:00 pm.

Portland Art Museum Family Day:  Docent-led family tours, story time, and and drop-in art making activities are included with paid adult admission. The focus this week is on photography.  12:30-3:00 pm.

Monday

Dakari and the Kings Wishes: Another fun puppet show from our favorite puppeteer, Penny's Puppets. Overlook House (3839 N. Melrose Drive), $3 per child (over 12months) or $10 for 4 guests.10:00 and 11:15 am.

Multnomah County Fair: See Saturday, noon to 7:00 pm.

Every Spring I look forward to the Annual Laurelhurst Garage Sale (this year it's Sat 6.14), and every Fall I pine for the Irvington one.  At least half of our toys, gear, and kid clothing are from one or the other of these mammoth neighborhood sales.  And to think I've never once made it to the mama of all the collective garage sales, the Catlin Gable Rummage Sale at the EXPO (!!) center (mark yer calendars for 10.30 to 11.2 this year!).  I did try once, but with a sleeping infant in the backseat and a parking fee, I hightailed it back home without even stopping the car.  In retrospect not the best move!  Just think of the deals I missed. 

Do you love these neighborhood-wide sales, too?  Find your self planning your calendar around them (who me)?  I know I am narrowing my options by obsessing about just these two.  There must be others!  Do tell - I promise not to snatch up all the good stuff at 8 AM!

Every time a fun or interesting grown-up event pops up, I am torn: should I go, or should I spend that time with my kids?  I think this question is different for each and everyone of us, depending on how much time we generally have with our kids, and how much time we have that very week with them.  For me, I am away from my kids (who are 2 and 5) four full days a week in an office.  When an after-work event crops up that I'd really like to attend, what to do? 

Case in point: tomorrow Sandra Steingraber, an author I have admired for years, is speaking in Portland.  And I really wanna go.  And I'd be sad to miss her.  And might not have the chance again anytime soon.  And it's only two hours long (6-8 PM).  But.  I've been away from my kids for four days straight.  That said, I get to be with them the next four days straight (Memorial Day!), so that's a factor.  So. many. factors.  How do YOU decide?  How many kidless events is too many, too few?  I know, of course, that there is no actual number of events per year that is the perfect amount.  Though the general goal might be: Mom is happy and stimulated but not always gone, you know?  Help!  Do I go?  Would you?

Amy emailed a question recently that we, ourselves, have been thinking of lately:

I'd to take the uMama temperature on the subject of ear piercing. I had my ears pierced at age three, after showing a consistent, swooning desire to have sparkly ears. (I actually remember the occasion, sitting on the Sears jewelry counter - I loved wearing my earrings from that first moment, and I still have some of the cute posts I collected from the Avon catalogue throughout elementary school!)

Which brings me to today. My daughter is almost two, and loves, loves, loves my earrings. This morning, she pulled on her own ears and asked for "'rings?" It suddenly struck me that the ear piercing question might come sooner rather than later - and I don't see many young girls with pierced ears around here!

So, what's the community perspective on pierced ears on young children? Do your daughters have pierced ears, and when did they get them? What would you think if you saw a three-, four-, or five-year-old with pierced ears? (If it makes a difference - I realize that pierced ears on babies is common in some cultures, but my family's ethnicity is caucasian.)

First of all: don't forget to vote. Some ballot-drops will accept ballots until 8pm, but some drops are only accepting until 6pm. All branch libraries are accepting ballots. Check the complete list of ballot drop locations.

Second of all: there are election gatherings galore hosted by campaigns and even interest groups.  A small round-up is here.  Are you going?

Last week, on the second week in the Walk & Bike Challenge, we learned to go multi-modal.  We were a one-parent family and felt the logistic challenge of getting two children to two different schools on the bus, foot, or bike.  We have a location near the school where we can store the bike safely.  Therefore, our week last week went like this:

• Monday: we drove
• Tuesday: we took the bus to the bike, biked to the schools.  After school we biked back the the bus, stored the bike, and took the bus home.
• Wednesday: we took the bus to the bike, biked to the schools.  After school we biked to the bus, stored the bik, and took the bus to piano lessons, then took the bus home.
• Thursday: we drove
• Friday: we biked

This is the part of the year when we start to bike/bus more than we drive, which feels pretty gratifying.  Most of the wet and cold parts of the year, we only aim for one car-free day a week, and we are feeling really successful if we are able to have two, three, or even four (!) car-free days.

How are you doing with the Walk & Bike Challenge?  Have you gone multimodal with the family, piecing together walk, bus, and bike in one trip?  Are you noticing more families than week one participating at your school?

There are many among us who have green thumbs and maturing gardens.  But, for the beginners among us, can you share with us how you started your compost pile?  Where can you go to learn more?  Samantha emailed:

I read the recent post on using compost for the garden, but I'm just starting out and wondering if there is an old post for favorite methods for starting a compost pile. I have questions such as: which kits to buy, to worm or not to worm? Also wondering if anyone's ever used a pet waste composter.

Metro has some great local resources on composting

• Learn about composting methods
• Composting Problems and Solutions
• Composting with a Worm Bin
• Where to buy a compost bin (year-round)
• Composting demonstration sites

What are your recommendations for tips and tricks on composting at home?  Books that are must-have resources?

We've been diligently composting our food scraps and are beginning to reaps the fruit of our labor.  But seriously, for this novice gardener, I'm not sure when to harvest the black gold, and even what to do with it.  Can someone help, please?  I know there are many green thumbs among us mamas.  For starters, when do you know the compost is ready?  Is there are right time to add compost to your garden?  And maybe I shouldn't admit this, but where do you spread it specifically?

It's our Weekend Warrior's birthday today: Happy Birthday!  Since she and all the other urbanMamas didn't get a chance to post a weekend warriors for this week, we thought we'd start an open thread:  What are you up to this weekend?  Maybe some gardening?  Getting to your favorite hot spot?  Hopefully enjoying the warmth and sun!  How did we go so quickly from cold dreary damp to sunny and warm?  Don't forget the sunscreen and check out the urbanMamas calendar for ideas!

I've been perusing the Campfire Cuisine recommended previously on the camping gourmet post in excited anticipation of our first camping trip this year.  I'll be one of those filling up the tank with $4/gallon gas (ugh!) next weekend for our first time camping east of the Cascades.  I should probably rethink packing the dutch oven (thanks for the tip, Sunny) to lighten the load but eating well is a priority.  Searching through the archives The Cove Palisades the campground I've reserved for Memorial weekend, did not make the list on our previous discussion on family-friendly campgrounds.  Have you been there?  Did you like it?  I'm sure we will pack the fishing poles and do some hiking, but any must-not-miss activities?

Once I bumped into a friend and she said, "Your hair is getting so long!"  And I said in reply, "So is yours!"

I tend to go a looooooooonng time between hair cuts.  I probably get a hair cut every 9 months or so.  I just can't justify the time, the 30-60 minutes away from the family, just to get my "hair done".  Sure, I take plenty of 30-60 minute chunks of time away from the the family, but there are other things that are high up on my priority list, among the higher up things-to-do include running or going to the supermarket alone (so I can control those bills & comparison shop!).  When I finally make it to a hair cut, I am ready for a change, a real new do.  I got one of those go-all-out chop-it-all-off cuts just before the new year, and it was great for the first couple of months.  Six months later, I'm no longer enamoured with the cut, but I'm probably going to wait a few more months until I really can't take it anymore.  Or, maybe I'll get it cut sooner rather than later, and break this cycle of denying myself the hair cut because I can't justify the time/money commitment more frequently than once in a 9 month period!

How long do you go between cuts?  Do you wait and push the envelope until you just. can't. take. it. anymore?  Do you go at more regularly in shorter intervals?  Does getting your hair cut fall in the higher or the lower end of the priority spectrum for you?

And in case this whole conversation gets you jazzed to get out for a new cut, be sure to check out previous recommendations on where to go.

How do you reposition a baby?  Of the myriad of ways to flip and twist, do you have experience with the Webster Technique?  An expecting ma emailed:

I was wondering if anyone there had experience with a chiropractor who had experience with the Webster technique? I am 36 weeks pregnant and my baby is head down, which is great, but I think she might be sunny side up. I have read some online about positions that help babies turn from posterior to anterior, but wondered if there was more I could be doing to get her in the best position for birth. If anyone knows of a good chiropractor who has experience with this, I would be grateful for the information!

For a few months now we've been inviting some of the fascinating parents we know to share their opinions with us on Activistas-type stuff.  We call them Guestivistas.  So far we've introduced you to eight people, with a bunch more in the cue.  Head over to Activistas to hear what these folks have to say, and if you, too, feel the urge to share, start typing, mamas, we're all ears!  Being a Guestivista couldn't be easier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

urbanMamas School Connections

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

urbanMamas Childcare Forum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Mother's Day, Mamas!

Friday

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

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

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

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

Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're always amazed to see support and stories for other mamas about their experiences with difficult medical situations.  Cindy recently emailed us about her child's diagnosis of Tethered Spinal Cord.  Have you experienced this? And can you give her some advice?

I am seeking information from your wonderful community.  I have a wonderful six year old boy (almost seven!) who has been struggling with potty training for most of his life.  We were finally referred to a Pediatric Gastroentologist about six weeks ago and found out yesterday that he likely has a Tethered Spinal Cord.  We have to confirm with a Neurosurgeon and discuss treatment options.  However, our doctor and apparently all of the information available on the internet, says that surgery is the only effective option.

I would love support on a couple of fronts.  First, has anyone gone through this surgery with their child?  We had to use General Anesthesia to do the MRI this week so I know he tolerates that anesthesia well.  The anesthesia for the surgery may be different.  I am also finding information on-line that says once nerves are damaged, there is no repairing them.  Does anyone out there know if he may, someday, have control over his bowels and bladder?

The other element I’m interested in is how to help my four year old through this chapter of our lives.  We had to have blood drawn on my six year old several weeks ago for this issue.  My four year old and I had to take him and I think the little guy was the most upset out of all of us.  He somehow has associated blood with dying and so any quantity greater than just a scratch really scares him.

You might recall that in the past month or so we were all busy having coffee with a bunch of candidates for city council seats 1 and 2.  Telling them what matters to us in case they get elected, and finding out whether they earn the family-friendly vote.  We're not endorsing a soul.  But we did ask all of the candidates we met with to tell us why Portland parents should vote for them - in 200 words or less.  My attention span is that short.  Read why the four candidates for Seat 1 that we met with think we families should vote for them.  Over on Activistas. 

When my sister mentioned she was red-shirting her son who has a July birthday, I thought nothing of it.  She felt he wasn't emotionally ready for kindergarten and waiting would allow him another year of maturity.  Andrea recently sent us this thought provoking email on delaying the start of kindergarten:

I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about kindergarten for my kids. My oldest is only 3, so I'm still wrapping my mind around preschool. But a friend of mine is a kindergarten teacher, and she recently told me about a growing trend where parents purposefully hold their kids back from starting kindergarten until they're closer to 6.  It's called "red-shirting", and I guess parents are doing this with the idea that their kids, if a little older, will be better able to handle the academic and physical rigors of kindergarten, and therefore outperform their peers. 

A number of issues around kindergarten are explored in this article from last year's NY Times Magazine.  One of which is the shift in our expectation of what children should achieve in kindergarten.  At one point in our not too distant past, kindergarten was geared mostly around play, and was only half-day to boot.  Now, we expect kids to start learning to read and write in kindergarten.  Play is all but disappearing from their school day.  In this sense, delaying your child's start to kindergarten makes sense.  If kindergarten is now what first grade used to be, it makes sense that kids would do better if they were closer to six when they began.  However, this is difficult if it is not uniformly applied.  One of many challenges with red-shirting is that teachers are forced to accommodate the skill differences reflected in the growing age divide of their students.  Another is that red-shirting is only really an option to those with the means to delay their child's start in school.  If you have the money to pay for another year of preschool, or the opportunity to stay home with them for another year, you can ensure they'll have a leg-up in kindergarten.  If you can't, you have to enroll them in a class where they are learning alongside children more than a year further along in their development. 

In response to red-shirting, and more general ideas about the benefits of delaying the start to kindergarten; a number of state's are contemplating changing their cut-offs, delaying them, so that their kindergarteners will be older, and later test scores more competitive with states with later enrollment dates.  I wonder, why is it that we changed our academic expectations of kindergarteners in the first place?  Only to now work on delaying when they start because they're not ready to meet those new expectations. 

Doesn't this represent a major shift from our previous conversations about this, and from the thinking when we were kids.  Until recently, it seemed more common for parents to fight to enroll their kids earlier than the age cut-off.  Sure that, even at the later end of 4, they were prepared to start school. 

What do you think?  Is there a "right age" for kids to start kindergarten? 

Katie emailed explaining a situation that coincides with her period and that has her wondering.  Has any one experienced this?  Does anyone have any suggestions for therapy or treatment of vertigo?

For the last 7 months, once a month during the week before my period, I've been getting a horrible, debilitating case of vertigo.  It comes on instantly with no warning and lasts anywhere from several hours to a couple of days.  When it hits I have to lie down immediately, can't move without vomiting, can't see clearly and often have trouble breathing.  I've been to my regular doc, the ER and to my OB (just in case it's hormone related) and so far, no one can give me any answers.  I have two young kids and I can't be incapcitated like this every month.  Has anyone experienced anything similar relating to their monthly cycle?  Or do you know of any vertigo specialists that could help?  I've tried all the standard meds as well as several homephathic remedies and nothing is working. 

I'm really hoping I can get some help/info from all of you because I'm getting very frustrated and discouraged with this situation. Thank you!!

We talked about Facebooking awhile back, and I chuckled to myself since I'd never even considered it.  LInked In, sure, but Facebook?  Twitter?  MySpace?  Not this mama.  Too old, right??   But who says you can't teach old dogs new tricks??

So, now we're live @ Activistas Pdx.  Join the group.  Help us make it work.  One more way we can connect to make the changes we all want to see.   See you there, mamas.

How do you get your body back after baby?  Sunny wants to find a personal trainer:

I've finally decided I need a personal trainer in order to get back into shape.  After 3 children and absolutely no time to myself, I need someone to "kick my butt."  I figure if I'm paying for it, I can't make an excuse to not work out.  I think a female trainer who has children and understands the difficulties of getting our bodies back would understand my situation best.  And considering I've been recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, someone who understands how much this affects the body would be a bonus.  Any recommendations?

In recognizing the diversity of urbanMamas, we know that we are not all partnered parents.  There are distinct challenges - emotionally, financially, logistically - to solo parenting.  We recently received an email from a mama wanting to discuss more and connect with other single parents:

I am looking to meet other progressive mamas who are parenting without partners at least part time. I'm going through a separation and feel like a sudden outsider in my mostly nuclear, hetero, married world. I would love to meet other mamas, gay, straight, or otherwise, who want to connect around the challenges of parenting solo.  What are the challenges you face? I find, for example, that it's hard to overcome the collective inertia to get out and do things when it's just myself and my child. Families don't seem to invite us out as much. I'm also feeling guilty about the pleasures of having some actual--gasp--time to myself each week. I'd love to hear what you have done to honor your needs and feel good as a mom who is not with-child-every-minute.

Are you interested in getting together sometime to discuss these issues of single parenting?