Sleeping Under the Stars

In my pre-baby life, I would spend a good portion of my summers camping under the stars.  I love the long lazy days, delicious campfire meals, and beautiful warm, starry nights.  In my opinion, there is little else that can relieve the "urban blues" better than a few nights reconnecting with our great mother Earth.  Also a perfect solution if you need a way to get away on the cheap.

However, since my amazing little sidekick arrived nearly two years ago, I have abandoned this great pastime due to pure intimidation.  I am overwhelmed by all of the things that I need to bring and the logistics involved.  This urbanMama writes asking for advice from you experts out there.  Please help us both get back in the fun.

I want to take a fun but cheap summer vacation and thought camping would be the way to go.  The only problem is that my boyfriend and I find the entire process of taking an extremely mobile seven month old camping incredibly intimidating.  We were hoping we could get some tips on how to make it a fun and hopefully relaxing experience.

More than the baby blues?

I try hard to be what I call a Dalai Mama, appreciating my kids every day, showing patience when needed (always!), being present with them, you get the picture.  Of course this little trick is not foolproof, and sometimes I am less than patient, frustrated (imagine!), even annoyed, and maybe even want to run screaming down the driveway.  Last week I truly walked into the coat closet and shut the door.  And I tell myself that these feelings are pretty standard across parents, that I'm not alone in my frustrations and failings (uMs have confessed our failings before, too).  And I think  - as much as I can know - that I'm right.  But sometimes there's more to the frustration and desire to close that closet door than just the daily joys of parenting.  A friend recently wondered:

Something has not been right with me for months. I've been feeling mentally exhausted, I'm irritable and short tempered with my family, and have just become gradually more and more disinterested in my life.  I constantly have these fantasies about running away from it all.  And while I wouldn't (run away from it all), I am getting tired of having these negative feelings.  I'm not sure if I'm actually depressed or not, having not taken the step to speak with a professional, but I am curious about the experiences that others have had with anti-depressants.  Why did you start taking them and how have they worked? How long have you taken them and are you glad you did?  How did your feelings and emotions shift?  Where there any negative side effects?   

We've talked about post-partum depression before, but what about this post-post partum depression (not to be confused with clinical depression or serious mental illness).  In this case it seems like less than that, but perhaps more than the common frustrations of parenting small children.  Got any advice for this mama?

Biting: when big sis bites little bro

Many of children go through a biting phase at some point.  An urbanMama emails her situation and asks whether anyone else has experiences to share:

My 3yo daughter just started biting her 15mo brother. (They are almost the same size so she used to just push him away but now there's only 4" and 4lbs separating the 2 of them.) It usually happens because she gets frustrated because he's in her face and instead of using her words, she chomps down hard. In the last 3 days, shes bitten him at least 4 times hard enough to leave teeth marks that I can still see 3 days later. How do I get her to stop?  She's never bitten anyone before and nothing has changed recently in our daily lives.

Heading to the restroom, SOLO

If you're a mama with a little boy or if you're a papa with a little girl, how and when would/did you let them go to the bathroom on their own?  When our daughters were brought on a playdate with a friend and his papa, we wondered, "would Jason take them into the men's room?  Or let them potty on their own?"  Shannon emails:

I’m the mama of two kids, ages 7 and 3, and we have just started swim lessons again at our local pool.  Up until now, I have been bringing my son (the 7-year old) in the locker room with me despite the inane sign that tells me children 5 and up must use the same gender locker room or a family changing room.  There was no way my 5-year old was in any way ready to go in the men’s room by himself and it’s virtually impossible to get a family room (plus floor is generally wet and icky).  So now that he is 7, my husband suggested that maybe he is old enough to venture into the men’s room and change by himself while I tend to my daughter in the ladies room.  At first I was really reluctant and worried (there are myriad scenarios that fly through my head), but I thought we’d give it a try.  We designated a spot for him to wait for his sister and me, we talked about strangers and where to go for help (the front desk) if he needed it.

So I was wondering at what age do other mamas let their sons go in the men’s room on their own and how they felt about it?

WEEKEND WARRIORS: June 27-29

Stay cool this weekend Mamas! 

Friday

Portland Parks & Rec Summer Kick-off: Learn about all the PP&R has to offer this summer.  Activities for all, including mobile climbing walls and free swimming at the outdoor pool. Peninsula Park Community Center and Pool (700 N Rosa Parks Way). 11:30-1:30.

Creston Fun Day: It's an afternoon of water fun, including splash, diving, and throwing contests as well as musical kick boards. $3.50 adults, $2 youth. Creston Pool (44th and Powell). 12:30-2:00 pm.

Puppet Stock: Join Penny's Puppets and Mudeye Puppets for a puppet show extravaganza.  $3 per child. $5 adult. Moxie Rx (N. Mississippi and N. Shaver), 10:00 am.

Hug a Bug, Music for Tots: The Red Boot Duo will combines guitar, harmonica, oboe and more… while toddlers & parents help hold the beat with shakers and other rhythm instruments. Scarf-waving and bubble blowing add 'flavor' to the program. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman). 11:15-12:00.

Saturday

Good in the Neighborhood: This annual multicultural event promises nothing but fun--a parade, arts and crafts, food, music, and more. King School (4906 NE 6th), Saturday and Sunday, festivities begin at noon.

African Drumming and Dance Workshop: Musician and artist Chata Addy focuses on teaching West African rhythms. He helps students feel the rhythms and sing the drum beat which lead to a better understanding of Ghanaian music, dance, and lifestyle. This interactive workshop will feature hands on music training. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth), 11:00-1:00.

Plush Pals: Artist Shanon Scholian will show you how to create small sewn animals and embellish them with bells and ribbon. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th), 3:00-5:00

Lorna Miller's Little Kid's 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.

Crafty Mamas Bazaar: Local crafty mamas selling locally made, high-quality crafted items. Milagros, 11:00 am-3:00 pm.Milagros, 11:00-3:00 pm.

Roseway Neighborhood Garage Sale:  'Tis the season!  Maps available at the Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy). 9:00 am-5:00 pm (no early birds, please!).

Sunday

Family Discovery Sundays: Mosaic Madness...families can learn about the inspiration of architect Antonio Gaudí as they make Gaudí-inspired sculptures to take home.  Free. Museum of Contemporary Craft, 1:00-4:00 pm.

Jr. Ranger Program: Kids ages 6-12 can learn how to help protect our natural resources, plants and animals. Participating in nature games, nature crafts and park explorations will help junior rangers earn their badge.  Free. Tryon Creek State Park, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-2:00 pm.

What's it to you: 'mama', 'mom', 'mommy', or 'mother'?

The other day, someone said to me, "Oh, I saw your website!  The MOMMY one."  I cringed and may have rubbed my ear.  "Mommy", I thought?  Every since I became a mama, I've always been called "mama".  My little ones have always called me "mama."  Always.  Letters to me say, "Dear Mama."  Even my own mom will tell the girls, "Go ask your mama."  I am not sure why the preference.  Could it be that "mommy" (or "mommeeeeee") harkens thoughts of minivans and soccer practices and big houses with three car garages?  Could it be that "mama" is a better-fitting suffix to "yoga-", "bikey-", "urban-"?

A long while ago, Sarah made mention of prefering the moniker " mama" over "mom".  I know we are all urbanMamas here, but we're also "mamas", "moms", "mommies" and "mothers" at home.  I was wondering if you have a preference: do you care?  Does it make a difference?

Sunday Parkways, a HIT!

*photo courtesy Jonathan Maus, www.bikeportland.org

For months we'd been waiting with bated breath for the day had 6 miles of neighborhood streets, car-free.  When the day finally came, we could hardly believe it was true.  We joined thousands of other bikers and walkers to take back our streets.  The streets were packed!  The feeling was overwhelming, and everyone on the street shared some healthy fun.  I felt wonderful with the feeling that my 7-year old could ride her bike freely in the streets, not having to worry about a car zooming past. 

Were you there?  Share thoughts?  Did you and your family have a great time?

Cookbooks for the Teeny People

It's no secret that I don't cook.  But as an activity with the kids - that's another story!  And I'm seriously attracted to books.  So naturally all the recent talk about cookbooks for kids (here and here) is right up my alley.  But is it worth it?  Needed?  Or just a gimick to sell us yet another thing we parents could do just fine (or better!) without?  Like $20 dinosaur-shaped muffin tins.

I hate to admit it but I'm tempted by titles like 'Kitchen Playdates' and 'Kids Cook 1-2-3: Recipes for young Chefs Using Only 3 Ingredients' (shoot, I wish all recipes had just 3 ingredients, I'd cook more).  But...I'm thinking we should just stick to regular old recipes in the multitudinous regular old grown-up cookbooks in our house.  I mean, how hard can banana bread really be?  Plus, there's the internet, and surely there's a parent blog out there loaded with this stuff - for free! 

If I do walk down this path, I'm thinking a good starting point might be Mollie Katzen's "Pretend Soup," if only to complement the 42 other Moosewood cookbooks in our house.  Have you tried any of these little kids cookbooks?  Any not to be missed?

best places to work from 'home'?

I have worked in an office (OK, cube) for like two decades.  But today brings something altogether new, a brave new world for this work-from-home mama.  My husband and kids are home on Mondays (probably playing dinosaurs and ice-cream shop right under my desk!) so I find myself in a nearby coffee shop typing away on my laptop to very loud rock music, very worried about hearing my new boss on a cell phone.  So, I wonder... where do YOU work when you need to get out of the house to do it? 

After a whole hour and 1/2 I'm making a wee list of the key ingredients of an excellent out-of-home non-office:

• Reliable, fast & free wifi,
• Good cell reception,
• Well-placed wall outlets,
• Quiet tunes,
• Supportive staff. 

Where, oh where, can I find such a spot - where they actually want me there.  And, I need etiquette tips.  How much to buy (coffee and a bagel, or just coffee?)?  How long to stay?  How much to tip?  Any spots where you don't have to buy anything (the library, maybe?).  Help! 

WEEKEND WARRIORS: June 20-22

It's official, summer is finally here...by the calender anyway!   Looking for a way to celebrate the longest day of the year? Check out the Tryon Creek Summer Solstice Event, Oaks Bottom Summer Solstice Walk, or Zenger Farms Community Work Party and Celebration. Happy Solstice!

Friday

Itty Bitty Beach Party: Does this mean it's really summer? A splashing good time for the 6 month-6 year old set (with parent), including a water parade, penny hunt, splash contest and more. $3.25 adults, $2.00 kids, under 2 free. Dishman Pool (77 NE Knott). 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

NE Moms Playgroup: Join other NE moms every other Friday at this newly-formed playgroup. Milagros, 2:30 pm.

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about the summer solstice. 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 Washington Park for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am.

Kidical Mass: This family friendly bike event through downtown is designed to draw attention to kids and families on bikes. Helmets are required and decorations and bike bells are encouraged.  No cost to ride, but bring your ice cream money! North Park Blocks (NW 8th and Burnside--meet at the playground), ride starts at 6:30 sharp.

Saturday

Eastmoreland Garage Sale: With almost 150 homes participating, this is almost enough to make a garage sale lover salivate. Maps can be found at the Eastmoreland Market (3616 SE Knapp) and throughout the neighborhood. 8:00 am.

Bike for Bears: To help bring attention to the endangered species status of the polar bears and in support of Metro's "Drive Less, Save More" campaign, the Oregon Zoo is offering free admission if you ride your bike all or partway to the zoo between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

The Great and Wonderful Marionette Flea Circus!: Fred the Flea Bag wants to join the circus, but alas he doesn’t have any talent. With no act, what can he do? He is befriended by the Lady-bug clowns and the beautiful May Fly. Presented by The Oregon Fantasy Puppet Theatre and Celeste Rose.  Free. Holgate Library (7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd), 3:00 pm.

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

Sunday

Eastmoreland Garage Sale: See Saturday.

Sunday Parkways: 6 miles, 6 hours, zero traffic! Bike, walk, hop, skip, whatever suites your fancy along this 6 mile loop through North Portland neighborhood streets. Along the way there will food vendors, music entertainment, and various clinics and kid activities.  Of particular note is the family bike ride and parade that starts at 11:00 am. This is an event not to be missed! 8:00 am-2:00 pm

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.

What's in a Wipe?

Ok, so I've bought countless boxes of Costco wipes.  'Cause truth be told, when I (quickly) scanned the ingredient list, it looked a lot like the more expensive earthy ones.  And, at our childcare center, they hardly use a separate box of wipes for each kid.  It's a free-for-all on the changing table so why bankrupt yourself buying Seventh Generation wipes for every kid in the classroom?  Right? 

Well... Safe Mama's got me wondering.  Boy she does her research.  She has a top 3 and a bottom 3 list.  Have you seen it?  Are yours there?  Waddya think?  Worth some worry, or can I just go on being cheap??  I know, I know, at home we do the cloth and water routine, but what to do while out of the house??  This mama wants to be safe but giving up wipes altogether ain't an option.  What's in YOUR wipes??? 

Pulling the Plug

Allowing our kids to use a pacifier (or binky, if you prefer) has been an ongoing dilemma for many caregivers since the little "suckers" were invented.  They can be a lifesaver for many of us when our kids are small and nothing else seems to sooth them.  Or as they get older, to keep them feeling safe and settled.  But how old is too old for them to be so dependent on them?  And when it is finally the right time, how do you get your little one on board with your binky banishing plans?  This UrbanMama writes:

My daughter is almost 13 months old and only uses her "binky" to get to sleep. But she is so dependent on that darn thing that she can't get to sleep (or get back to sleep) unless she has it.  I would LOVE it if she just didn't want it anymore, but I don't see that happening in our near future. So I am curious to know what other moms have done to wean their kids off the pacifier, how difficult a time was it, and at what age did they decide to "pull the plug"?

Ingredients for a Family-Friendly Restaurants

We've talked family-friendly restaurants before.  Many times.  But we've never created the dream list, the list of everything a restaurant should do to score a 10, to keep us coming back (if they want us!), to win Metro Parent's annual reader's awards for who's the family friendliest of them all. 

I was at a coffee shop recently that had just opened, and since they clearly had no kids and I had two in tow, they asked me: Any ideas to make us more family-friendly?   So, I said, off the tippy top of my head (not sure there's more than that left!):

• Stool under the bathroom sink for hand washing.
• Changing table ... in the men's room!!
• High chairs & booster seats.
• (Healthy) kids menu.
• Bring kid food fast or serve a quick snack to keep 'em busy (Old Wives' Tales delivers the apple sauce like immediately.  They know.)
• A few toys (thinking Laughing Planet's ever-popular dinosaurs...).
• Inoffensive art (much as I l-o-v-e Laughing Planet, Robert Crumb's artwork sure stirs the conversation at our table).

What am I missing?  What 'extras' have you seen that take the cake (free diapers works for me!)?  Help us finish this list - let's make it a resource for the (thankfully!) growing number of Pdx chow spots that actually like our kids! 

Seasonal Allergies and Kids

Though the sunshine is mostly here, so are those stinking allergens.  My poor, poor son has been rubbing his eyes and nose raw thanks to the pollen-filled air. Yes, it's time to reinvigorate the discussion on persevering Portland's pollen, but this time with the focus on the little ones.  The seasonal allergies are making him truly miserable.  The doc recommended over-the-counter allergy meds, but my preference is for something a bit less medicinal in nature.  Do the previous recommendations of local honey still work on the wee ones?  Where do you get yours?  How have you managed to keep your kids allergies in check?

Who Will Care For Those We Care For Most?

As we get older, we being to face the difficult challenge of caring for our elderly loved ones.  Making the decision to place them in an assisted living facility can be filled with all kinds of emotions and can be an enormous responsibility.   Once the decision has been made to make the move, the process of finding a care facility that will provide a safe and loving environment can be daunting at best.  This UrbanMama hopes to find advice and referrals from our loving community.  She writes:

I need to find an assisted living situation for my grandparents fast. I prefer close-in NE. Does anyone have any experience with Calaroga Terrace or Holladay Park? Any other suggestions? This is so stressful for my family, I would love any and all advice.

Natural Stain Removers...

I thought I was a messy person before I had a child.  I now realize that "messy" is relative.  Far be it from me to try to contain my son's shall we say, "artistic expressions", but with a tight budget it is important that I do not have to constantly replace stained clothes.  Being cautions of harmful toxins in many stain removing agents, I am always on the lookout for potent but gentle ways to get those clothes clean.  A reader poses the question, how do you get those clothes looking bright and new using safe and natural cleaning alternatives?  More specifically, Andi asks:

Has anyone found an environmentally friendly stain remover that actually works?  I've tried a number of them and they are no match for the sweet potato and carrot stains on my baby's shirts. 

Anyone have any surefire natural cleaning tips for this urbanMama?

Sharing Responsibilities with Partners: Why it is the way it is

Seems that Father's Day 2008 might go down in history as one that generated one ton of discussion about what exactly dads do these days, how they fit into the parenting scheme.  A few places worth checking out, in our opinion:

1. Local dad Eric Miller wondered over on Activistas if the paternal can be political, too, or if we mamas have a lock on that. Like, why is it a mothers movement?
   
2. OPB's Think Out Loud talk show on 6.13.08 celebrated the 100th year of father's day by asking fathers about their parenting roles (some fascinating comments - go ahead, add yours). 
3. And the Sunday NY Times 6.15.08 features a story by none other than Lisa Belkin (think Opting-Out) called "When Mom & Dad Share It All."  A feat, by the by, that is apparently not at all the norm.  She leads with this situation - sure drew me in:

On her first day back to work after a four-month maternity leave, Amy Vachon woke at dawn to nurse her daughter, Maia. Then she fixed herself a healthful breakfast, pumped a bottle of breast milk for the baby to drink later in the day, kissed the little girl goodbye and headed for the door.

But before she left, there was one more thing. She reached over to her husband, Marc, who would not be going to work that day in order to be home with Maia, and handed him the List. That’s what they call it now, when they revisit this moment, which they do fairly often. The List. It was nothing extraordinary — in fact it would be familiar to many new moms. A large yellow Post-it on which she had scribbled the “how much,” “how long” and “when” of Maia’s napping and eating.

“I knew her routines and was sharing that with Marc,” Amy recalls. She also remembers what he did next. Gently but deliberately, he ripped the paper square in half and crumbled the pieces into a ball.

Wow.  He ripped it in half.  Her list, ripped. in. half.  Good move - or bad?  It depends, of course, on the couple.  But what intrigues me isn't so much who does what (we've covered that before, right here and surely at home many times over!), but WHY we do what we do.  Who works the reduced schedule?  Why?   Was it by choice or created by employment constraints (like access to health benefits, higher pay, more flexible environment)?  Do you wish you could change it, but feel like you can't?   Or maybe it's all good.  And if so, we're all ears about how it came to be.

 

Call-In Playdate for Paid Family Leave 6.14.08

The local grassroots group Parents for Paid Leave is working hard to get this important issue in the hearts and on the minds of our state and federal representatives.  And they need your help!  Tomorrow!  Even if you're at the Laurelhurst Garage Sale, or a T-ball game.  Or driving to the coast.  All you need is a cell phone and the handy call-in script to participate in this "call-in."  Make it a group playdate or just call from wherever you happen to be.   I love this group!  How easy could they make it? 

Come to the play date at 10 AM Saturday 6.14.08 at Urban Grind East (NE 22nd & Oregon St - 2 blocks north of Sandy Blvd).  Bring the kids - they have a great play space full of toys.  And bring your cell phone, if you have one.  We'll be making 3 quick calls, but would love to chat a bit about the progress of paid family leave in Oregon, too, if you're into it.  Details here.

Can't join us?  No worries.  Make a call from, well, anywhere:  We'd love to see your paid leave supporting self, but if you can't make the play date, not to worry!  Because you can call from anywhere.  Just visit this site and get everything you will need to call on your own (a call script and phone numbers).  Best if you can do it sometime tomorrow, but if you can't, any other day will work too.

This is the time mamas.  With a federal bill in committee and one in the works in Oregon, we have a sneaking suspicion that this is finally going to happen! Please, make your calls, show your support, and continue to track the progress of paid leave here. 

WEEKEND WARRIORS: June 13-15

If berries are your thing, then Sauvie Island is the place to be this weekend mamas!  Three berry festivals (and hopefully sunshine, no less!) promise opportunities for picking and snacking as well as hayrides, music, and other fun. Check out the Kruger's Berry Jam Festival , the Pumpkin Patch Strawberry Festival, and the Rasmussen Farms Summer Sensations, all being held Saturday and Sunday.  A happy Father's Day to all those dads on Sunday!

Friday

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about metamorphosis. 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 Leach Botanical Gardens for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am.

Puppet Stock: Join Penny's Puppets and Mudeye Puppets for a puppet show extravaganza.  $3 per child. $5 adult. Moxie Rx (N. Mississippi and N. Shaver), 10:00 am.

Saturday

Ladybug Walk: Summer is here and ladybug walks are now on Saturdays too! A guided 60 minute walk around Peninsula Park for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am.

QFC Cake Decorating: Looking for a dessert for Father's Day?  Head on over to a QFC grocery store and have the kids decorate a cake just for dear 'ol dad.  QFC provides the cake and decorations. All QFC stores (55th and E. Burnside, Broadway and 33rd, and 6641 SE Milwaukie), $5 per cake, starts at 11:00 am, hours vary by store.

Maternity and Baby Swap: Need to clean out your kiddos closet or looking for clothes to accommodate your growing belly?  This swap might be the place for you.  Gently used items only please. Milagros, 11:30-12:30 pm.

Don't Bug Me...I'm Reading!: Join award-winning performer, songwriter, and educator Greta Pedersen for a lively and interactive sing-along. It includes songs in American Sign Language, accompaniment on guitar and mountain dulcimer, and a fascinating variety of percussion instruments (including fruits and vegetables!) which selected audience members will play. Belmont Library, 3:00.

Day of the African Child: Kids get in FREE to the World Forestry Center for this celebration of children living in Africa.  Storytelling, drumming, entertainment (marimba music, dancing, and choirs galore), crafts, and an African market.  World Forestry Center, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.

Cirque Du Cycling: Where to begin?  This crazy cycling circus (and benefit for Self Enhancement, Inc.) includes a 3 mile family bike ride through the streets of the Boise Elliot neighborhood, a parade of the most colorful, crazy bikes you'll ever see, music by the Sprockettes (and others), and for those speed junkies, the Mississippi Avenue Criterium.  Not to mention yummy food and vendors selling cycling-related wares.  Events start at 4:00 pm (sign in is earlier), check the website for details.

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.

Toy Trains Performance: This popular kid band covers Dan Zanes, Lisa Loeb and other childhood tunes as well as some Beatles, Tom Waits, REM, John Prine. Especially great for toddlers that love to bebop to the music. $5 per family. Mississippi Pizza (3552 N. Mississippi). 5:30 pm.

Paid Leave Play Date: Join local parents working to pass paid family leave in Portland as they host a "Call Your Congressperson Play Date" to request support for new federal legislation calling for 12 weeks of paid leave for families nationwide. Urban Grind, NE. 10:00 am.

Sitter Soiree: In the market for a baby sitter? The folks from Sitter Soiree have pulled eager and qualified sitters from local colleges and daycares together for this event that makes it easy for parents to get contact information after meeting potential sitters in person. Purple Moon Child Development (3211 NE Broadway) 5:00-7:00 pm.

Patton Square Re-opening Celebration: Come celebrate the grand re-opening of Patton Square Park with the Trillium School Drummers and the Portland Theatre Brigade as well as children’s arts & crafts and games. Patton Square Park, N. Interstate & Emerson.  11:30 am-2:30 pm.

Painted Turtle Walk: Come see one of the largest populations of Western painted turtles in the Northwest. See these beautiful reptiles with the help of Metro naturalist James Davis, who will have small telescopes for a close look. Learn about their natural history and why they're so rare. Adults and children 5 and older. Meet in the parking area on North Marine Drive. Advance registration required. (503) 797-1850 ext. 4  Smith and Bybee Lakes, 1:00-2:30 pm.

Belmont Firehouse Safety Saturday: Learn valuable safety lessons and fire department history by exploring the old Belmont Firehouse. Hands on activities 9including sliding down a fire pole!  10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Sunday

Pride Parade: With a crowd of over 50,000 (Oregon's third largest parade), the Portland Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer Parade is your opportunity to march down the streets of downtown Portland showing your pride. The parade winds down to Waterfront Park for even more music, food, and fun. North Park Blocks, 11:00 am.

Fathers Day BBQ and Car Show: The folks at the Radio Cab Foundation are holding a BBQ fundraiser (food by Burgerville!) at 17th and NW Kearney to raise money for their Annual Holiday Turkey Project, which provides holiday meals to over 1000 families every year. A fire truck and taxi-cab will be on display for kid interaction and the NW Convertible Car Club is holding a cruise-in of classic cars. 11:00 am-3:00 pm.

Father's Day Field Day at the Children's Museum: Dad's get in free for Father's Day!

Eating Healthy on the Road

Over Memorial Day, we started the summer off with a little road trip to Vancouver, BC.  We found a last-minute deal at a downtown hotel.  Knowing that we would be away from home for three full days, I got nervous about what to eat.  I hate to be caught off guard, with ravenous children unwilling to wait.  I, myself, cannot function when hungry; low-sugar is not a good state.  Two hungry kids, too tired and poorly fueled to walk around and sightsee, can be a real downer.  Under such circumstances, it is easy to resort to junk/fast food, just to make it to the next destination or activity.

So, I packed food like a mad-mama.  I brought bananas, apples, carrots sticks, granola bars, some milk in a cooler, packets of instant oatmeal (made with hot water out of the in-room coffee maker), string cheese, pretzel sticks, a jar of peanut butter, a couple of yogurt cups, and a water bottle for each of us to refill all along the way.  Once at our destination, I am a fan of hitting up the local market to restock with fresh local produce, milk, and other healthy snacks.

We don't have many trips planned for the summer, but I'm sure lots of you do (lucky mamas!).  Can you share your best tips and tricks on eating well while on the road?

Summer, Parks, Sun, Fun - 2008

It is so hard to think that school is out and summer fun is set to begin.  Nothing but grey, but - come July - all that grey will be worth it, right?  Portland summers are gorgeous. 

Beyond clear blue skies, sunshine, and temps in the sweet spot of the 70s, Portland has free entertainment and activities throughout the summer months - fun for all ages and in all parts of the city.

• Pools throughout the city will host Fun Days, Itty Bitty Beach Parties, Teen Swim Parties, Parent Appreciation Day (July 19th at All Pools), and Dive-In Movies (featuring the "Bee Movie").  The full schedule here.
• Summer Movies at the Park start mid-July and run into September.  Movies start at dusk and happen in parks all throughout the city.
• Traveling Rock Walls - we haven't found too much info about the traveling rock wall, but if it's anything like it sounds, it's bound to be fun for the climb-lovers among us.  Looks like the rock wall will make appearances at community centers and parks throughout the city.
• Summer Playgrounds start on June 19th, offering daily drop-in recreation for kids aged 5-12 including games, sports, and arts & crafts at 23 parks throughout the city.  Free lunches for kids will be available daily midday at 17 parks.
• Mobile Playgrounds come to a neighborhood near you!  Four fun vehicles will circulate throughout town every day of the week.  Print out the schedule and keep it handy.
• And, of course, the summer concert schedule 2008 is out.  The line up is full with talented performers representing a breath of styles, including the Portland Festival Symphony.  We love seeing friends and neighbors at the park, some of whom it seems we only see at the summer concerts.
• Oregon Symphony hosts concerts in the neighborhood, this year in late August at Mt. Scott Park and Tom McCall Waterfront park
• Regal Films offers free movies (rated G and PG) on Tuesday and Wednesdays from July through mid-August.  Showtimes are 10am.  A movie theater is a great respite from the heat on hot summer days.  A complete schedule here: http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=OR

We have other summer favorites, which are not FREE, but still worth the honorable mention:

• Oregon Zoo Concerts - featuring Wednesday night Zoo Tunes (free for Zoo members level "plus" and higher or $10 admission) and "Premium" concerts (running $17-24 admission)
• Kruger's Farm Concerts - happen on Thursdays in July and August from 6:30-9:30pm.  Admission is $10 per car and new this year is a $50 season pass.

With all this activity, you wonder: how will I ever keep track?  Not to fret our beleoved mamas.  The *entire* Summer Concert Series is already on the urbanMamas calendar, and we'll be sure to get up all the aforementioned fun stuffs onto the calendar lickity split.  Have some summer fun to add?  Email us at urbanMamas@gmail.com and tell us: "Put this on the urbanMamas calendar!"

Willamette Pedestrian Coalition Walks with Kids

We're crazy for the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, because its sole purpose is to make it easier and safer for us to get around by walking.  How great is that?  They describe themselves as 'an organized voice for pedestrians.'  What do they do?  Advocate for better laws (what laws?), enhanced enforcement, more sidewalks and signed crosswalks, education programs, community improvements designed for pedestrians, and increased funding to support all of it.  Yippee. 

We're thrilled that the WPC's new Executive Director, Lynn (mother of two girls) is partnering with Activistas to spread the word about pedestrian safety for kids & families.  We're even more thrilled that she is taking the time to share a 3-part series with us on this critical topic.  With gas prices through the roof and the impressive commitment in P-town to get out of our cars, her perspective and information couldn't be more on point. 

Today Lynn writes about basic safety when walking with kids.  Some of it is second nature, but for me, a little reminder once in awhile never hurts.  Parts II and III in her series will address being a safe driver around pedestrians (when driving I need to remember that I'm a pedestrian, too!) and teaching your kids to be safe pedestrians.  Or pediatricians, as my son says instead.  Take it away, Lynn:

Just like the rest of the country I cringe when I see $4.15 on the gas station sign. I cringe not just because of the price of gas, but because I chose to drive and not walk. I spend a few minutes rationalizing why I drove and how I am “trip chaining.” Then I think about my recent trips on foot and feel a bit better.

Many of my walking trips are with my girls, and speaking of walking with children, when do you have to stop saying look left, look right, look left again. I have heard that at age 10 children start to understand the intricacies of traffic. My eldest is approaching that age, but I am still amazed, when she steps into the street without a glance in either direction. When this happens, I am thankful for the drivers who proceed with caution in my neighborhood, on the lookout for the unexpected child to dash into the street.

   

I also want my girls to be aware that not every driver watches for pedestrians. And I impress upon them that even at signalized crossing we need to be look over our shoulder and be sure the cars see us. This is especially important since we cross at a light on our way to school and cars frequently turn right on red, just as our pedestrian signal turns green. My girls and I are learning, they are leaning to be alert and walk safe, and I am learning how to teach them to enjoy walking, and to know the rules.

 

Will you be walking more this summer?  How do you teach pedestrian safety to your children? 

[Great pic from cafemama]

When it flows: your favorite mama hygiene products

Over on one of our other favorite online communites, Marion Rice gets the conversation started about "Biking with the Flow".  For me, the conversation couldn't be more timely.  Many cycling women recommended the Diva Cup, something I'd never even heard of.  To date, I am a mostly ultra-thin-long-with-wings kinda gal.  When I got the paraguard IUD, I've noticed that I get the most abundant flow on day 1 and 2, and I can run through three "super" tampons in a morning.

We're all mama pals here, and we've proven that we can talk about anything.  An urbanMama Liz emails:

I think it would be great to get a conversation going on how fabulous the various cups are.

Care to share?  What products do you use to manage the flow?  Glad rags?  No applicator tampons?  Good ol' disposable "sanitary napkins"?  The Diva Cup?  How do you even use a cup?

When your herbivore babe takes to the garden

When our oral-oriented kids share our love for gardens, how do you babyproof and purge the spurge?  Thanks, Camellia, for highlighting this issue:

My 7-month old is a voracious OmniTaster. I was gardening with him on my back yesterday when, quick as lightning, he snagged a piece of Euphorbia and brought it to his mouth. I quickly grabbed it away from him and wiped away the tiny drops of white sap on his face.

Later, he developed a red streak across his face and a raw sore where the sap had landed (for mere seconds!) After a harrowing Google search and call to the poison control center, we learned that not only are many Euphorbia highly poisonous, its sap can actually burn the skin. We were lucky he just got a few drops on his face--it could have been much, much worse if he'd managed to get it into his mouth or eyes (shiver!)

Euphorbia (common name="spurge") are one of the most common plants in Portland gardens. There are countless varieties, including poinsettias. I had a vague notion that they could be poisonous, but had no idea just how pernicious they were. The poison control center recommended not growing them if you have children under the age of five.

I wonder what other common garden and house plants are more dangerous than I realize. I've eschewed foxgloves and datura this year. I know we can't purge our homes and gardens of everything that might harm our children if ingested, but which plants are the really treacherous ones?  Have you removed plants or taken other measures to childproof your garden?

Summer Camps Postings

Seems like every year we panic about summer camps.  Even though there are a plethora of stellar camps in the Portland metro area - for which we are all thankful - there are loads of questions to answer.  Which ones?  How much?  How will we get there?  How do I know it's a good one?  Has anyone NOT liked it...and why?  Is anyone I know going, too?  Can we carpool? 

So, starting this summer, we'll have a place for camps to share their programs with us, and for us to share our opinions with each other.  Go ahead, you check out the camps forum.  The inside scoop from other parents - ever valuable.  Have a question about a specific camp?  Post it.  Know of a great one?  Post it.  Got valuable info to share?  We hope you'll share it in the comments section.  Posting to the Camps forum works more or less like our other forums, but we ask that you provide some specific info about each camp when you're adding a new one.

We've benefited from everyone's input on the uM Schools forum, and we think this new Camps forum will be helpful, too, as we all seek to find excellent, affordable, nearby camps that are good fits for our kids and our schedules. 

Chicken pox take Portland

I've always been the vaccinating type. No judgment either way, but a mom who was a nurse swung my pendulum just far enough to that side of the decision spectrum. I feel at one with all my vaccinating and non-vaccinating mama community, I figure it's personal choice and leave it at that.

So when I found out my nanny's son had chicken pox, I didn't think twice.  All the boys were on schedule with their vaccinations, and Jonathan and I had it when we were kids. I shivered a little bit when I saw an email group discussing pox parties (I can handle cleaning up chicken poop but not the idea of purposely sharing germs with strangers, who knows why!) -- but figured it didn't pertain to me. Until this weekend, when I discovered that the diaper rash and odd little scrape on Monroe's head weren't a diaper rash and scrape... they were chicken pox, spreading rapidly. An hour later his head was covered with red spots. The poor thing has pox all over his scalp, face, genitals, thighs, on his tongue, back, oh lordy, they're everywhere.

Evidently the chicken pox vaccine is administered at 12 months, and Monroe's 11-month birthday is tomorrow. At first I wished I'd just had the vaccine (and evidently, if you want to vaccinate and discover your child has been exposed, you can have your pediatrician do an emergency vaccination). It's ugly, and Monroe seems to have a particularly bad case -- last night he was up screaming and writhing a good bit of the night, so my sunny Sunday is duller from my exhaustion. I'm dreading another night of feverish agony -- my choices for relief are an oatmeal bath and Benadryl, maybe I'll try the bath tonight. Update: Sunday night was much better, and thanks to unheard-of benefits mentioned below (like boosting the immunity of the adults exposed to baby's case) I've decided it's for the best!

Just so you know, you can catch chicken pox before the symptoms present themselves and until the pox dry out and scab over, from sharing food or licking one another (which Monroe does plenty of) or any other way bodily fluids can be transmitted. The incubation period is a couple of weeks. And once you get it, you should be inoculated for life. A very small percentage of children and weaker adults do die from chicken pox, so very young infants should be protected. If you think your child has pox, call your pediatrician and they'll have you bring your child in the back way. It looks like the pox has hit Portland, so keep an eye out!

Teensy-tiny cars: Squeezing the Family In

My kids and I have been chuckling recently over those teeny three-wheeled cars - they're so, well, cute.  And pretty awkward to look at if the only three-wheeled vehicle you're ever seen is a tricycle!  But I read with interest the recent issue of the O's Drive Time, which highlighted the teeniest cars ever.  And, just to really hammer it home for me, I keep driving by Ecomotion, Portland's very own teeny electric car dealership, on NE Sandy (@ 16th) - in my HUGE and totally inefficient 4-door sedan.  Thing is, we're a family of four!  How to pack us in one of these lean, green machines is beyond me.  But I want to.  Biking is great and all, and I dream often of Sarah's Xtracyle, but for many of us reality = car.  But the old 20-miles/gallon beast with huge (needed?) trunk is looking pretty BIG these days.  Anyone else wonder how we families can get in on this tiny trend? 

rGBH: Is it in your fridge? Do you care?

What's rBGH? Recombinant bovine somatotropin sound yummy?   Yes, yet another confusing item on the food label these days.  This one is limited to the dairy case since it's a synthetic hormone that jacks up cow milk production.  I avoid it when I can because I generally avoid any scheme that food manufacturers employ to jack up production and profits.  Call me crazy, but I don't trust 'em.  Read more and weigh in over at Activistas.

Keeping Up With Recalls: How do you track them?

I don't know about you, but I can't keep up with what's being recalled when.  Not necessarily because there are so many - though that's part of it - but because of the usual issues of time, memory and access to information.  I read about two current recalls in the O this morning: crib mattresses and infant formula.  Neither apply to me at the moment, but...I had to wonder, what else is being recalled that does affect me that I am completely unaware of? 

You can always check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Council web site - they have two children's categories worth following: toys and other child products.  But better yet, you can RSS just these two lists.  Sadly, it's the best RSS I've signed up for yet.

But just to make it a wee bit more difficult, food products (like infant formula) are monitored and recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, so you need to check there, too.  Ugh.  But alas, you can RSS that, too!  How do you track this stuff? 

What's up for Father's Day 2008?

Now, the time has almost come to celebrate the daddies in our children's lives.  Is this a gift-oriented holiday for some of you?  Care to share gift ideas?  How else are you contributing to making it a special day?  If your child(ren) doesn't live with their papa full-time, is the celebration different or is the holiday less highlighted in your world?  Are there other ways you are celebrating father figures in your family?

WEEKEND WARRIORS: June 6-8

There's no shortage of things to do this weekend, mamas.  The longer the days get, the more things seem to pop up to fill them!  If your kiddos love ferris wheels or other amusement park rides (and you're not afraid of crowds!) this is the last weekend for the Rose Festival Waterfront Village, where kids 6 and under are always free.  Another option for those crazy rides is Oaks Park, which is celebrating their 103rd birthday with $.32 rides, cake, and entertainment both Saturday and Sunday.

Friday

NE Moms Playgroup: Join other NE moms every other Friday at this newly-formed playgroup. Milagros, 2:30 pm.

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about hummingbirds. 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 Woodlawn Park for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am.

FREE First Friday at Children's Museum: Admission is free from 5:00-8:00 pm.

Professor Banjo: Come for some lively banjo playing and hear the Professor's new jug band too. Mississippi Pizza, 6:00 pm.

Saturday

A Taste of Broadway 2: Performance by the Ockley Green Theatre Company.  Tickets available at the door. For further information call 503.998.3907. Jefferson High School Auditorium, 5210 N Kerby, Portland, OR. Tickets $5. 2:00PM & 6:00PM

State Parks Day: Free camping and day use at all Oregon State Parks, many of which are also hosting special activities.  Check out the Oregon State Park website for more information.

Ladybug Walk: Summer is here and ladybug walks are now on Saturdays too! A guided 60 minute walk around Powell Butte for preschoolers, no registration necessary, $2 per child. 10:00-11:30 am

Go Play!: Celebrate State Parks day at Tryon Creek State park with a demonstration of dutch oven cooking and a discussion of how pioneers used them for cooking.  Dutch oven treats included! Jr. Beaver will also make an appearance.  Tryon Creek State Park, 9:00 am.

Go Wild!: Join Safari Curt of Slightly Illusional as he and his friends take you on a wild imaginary tour of their backyards, neighborhoods and community parks. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave.), 11:00 am-12:00 pm.

Model Train Open House: Join the folks from Mt. Hood Model Engineers as they showcase their new layout featuring Oregon railroading in HO gauge.  A Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends layout is also on display. Donations accepted. 5500 SE Belmont. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm.

Little Bugs, Big World: Join the folks from Dragon Theater Puppets for this rousing, around the world bug adventure. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy), 2:00-3:00 pm.

Strawberry Shortcake Benefit at New Seasons: Who makes some of the best strawberry shortcake in town?  New Seasons, that's who, and this weekend it'll taste even better knowing that you're benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. $3.50/serving, all locations. Noon-4:00 pm.

Sunday

Family Pride at Q Center: Kick off family Pride Week with a celebration of diversity that focuses on the littlest community members.  Arts and crafts, games, music, and a good time for all (bring a light-colored t-shirt to decorate) 69 SE Taylor Avenue at Water Avenue. 2:00-4:00 pm.

Dr. Bird: Join this folks from Play after Play for this story of how the magical hummingbird, Doctor Bird cheered up Mouse after she lost her house. Most appropriate for kids 2-9.  $6/person (kids under 12 months are free). Reservations strongly suggested. 2:00 pm.

Jr. Ranger Program: Kids ages 6-12 can learn how to help protect our natural resources, plants and animals. Participating in nature games, nature crafts and park explorations will help junior rangers earn their badge.  Free. Tryon Creek State Park, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Unconditional Parenting Video Screening: Join other parents for a screening of this DVD that discusses moving from rewards and punishments to love and reason. Free, Milagros. 2:30-4:40 pm.

Baby Weaning Blues

Many of us find that breastfeeding is an extra special way for a mama to connect with her children like no one else can.  When the time comes to wean, we can be filled with all kinds of emotions including grief, guilt or even relief.  We can choose to wean due to work demands, personal preferences, or purely because we feel our baby is ready.  The experience, as with most parenting milestones, is different for everyone. But for all mamas, it is the end of a chapter in the lives of our children and for that reason likely affects us each in a rather profound way.  Cyn writes recently about this experience for her:

I JUST weaned my daughter--my initiative--who just turned one.  I have a very physically demanding job and my body wouldn't let me be in top shape and breastfeed, so I chose the latter since I returned to work (8 months ago), but now I have to recommit to my job and personal safety there.  That being said, it has been so hard (day 4 with no cheating!)  and has run me over like a bulldozer. 

 

I am having severe lows that come and wipe me out when I least expect it.  I was not prepared for this, nor did I know about it.  One of the hardest things is that my daughter never asked for the boob, but since being weaned grabs at her chest and says "nini" which could be anything, but my heart says it's the absence of boob. 

   

Yes, I have a counselor, but that only goes so far, and I'm the first in my mom's group to wean.  I have tried adding more quiet, close time with my daughter but my emotions are running wild.  I even made my husband promise me that a 2nd kid was at least an option...lol!  How have other moms coped? 

Volunteer Opportunities for Mamas with Babes

Finding time to volunteer as a parent can be tough, but what if you want to do so with kid in tow?  Are there any kid-friendly volunteer opportunities out there?  Jeannine writes:

As a stay at home mama, I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be with my son everyday.  However, I am currently experiencing the longing to be out more in the community and "be of service".  I wish to find some volunteer opportunities here in N/NE Portland where my son and I can go together and volunteer (feeding the homeless, community gardening, etc.).  Volunteer jobs aren't always so welcoming to a mama with a toddler in tote.  Any inspirational ideas for getting this mama out in the community and volunteering for a humanitarian project? Thanks for your input!

New PPS On-site Childcare Resource

As we were chatting about some of the issues around after care for our school-age children (cost, space, quality, and providers, among other things), we added these important programs to the School Connections site.  For those of us relying on these programs, they are an integral part of our children's school experience and yet another provider and program to get a feel for.  So, now you'll find links to eight of the 10 different on-site child care providers on the Schools Connection forum (some don't have web sites).  And better yet, you can 'connect' and discuss them, too - just as you've been doing for individual schools:

1. Vermont Hills Family Life Center
2. Art4Life
3. YMCA
4. Peninsula Children's Center
5. Friendly House
6. Portland Jewish Academy
7. Irvington Extended Day Program
8. Sun Community Program

We hope this will help us assess and compare providers and programs and benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before us!  The PPS child care web site has important information, as well, that is definitely worth a look.

Outside Time in Childcare: Is it Happening?

Every time I pick up my two kids from a full day in child care I struggle to ask those exciting but leading questions that'll get them to tell me what happened in school that day.  "So did anything wildly exciting happen today?  Any superheroes in class?"  I know, the beginning of a long, long road. 

Inevitably I wind up asking if they went outside to play.  I honestly don't listen too closely to the answer, though often it is no - even when it's not raining cats and dogs.  I tend to chalk this up to the fact that my 5-YO has no idea if he went outside that day and/or doesn't care to remember and tell me.  I'm not worried because school policy includes daily outdoor play. 

But after reading a recent article in the NYT about kids not playing outside while in childcare, I am wondering.  Did he really not go outside?  Is it because someone doesn't have warm enough clothes?  The teachers don't feel like it?  The park is a long walk?  And if there's an indoor playground, need I worry anyway?  Do your children play enough outside while in childcare?   How do you know?

Thanks to CafeMama for the playground pic.

Six figures for SAHMs

Of course we all know that the work mamas put it on the home front is priceless.  But.  CNN just released its 8th annual survey of what SAHM's would make if they were actually paid for their tireless, often thankless - but of course (mostly) very rewarding work.  Ready to hit the mall, mamas, with your $117,000/year?   Not surprising, of course, given the overtime!  And WOHM's would earn an extra $68,000 for their at-home labor.  Bring it on.  Makes our '08 economic stimulus check pale by comparison.  What do you think?  Useful exercise?  Off the mark?  You really can't buy love? 

What's in your First Aid Kit?

So twice in the last 2 weeks I've been out with the kids and needed to run to the car for band-aids from the first aid kit. It happened again tonight and it got me thinking...is the universe trying to tell me something about making sure my first aid kit is completely stocked and ready to go before we head out on our adventures this summer? Although it's running low on band-aids, my car kit is pretty well stocked with a CPR mask, latex gloves, tweezers, bandages, emergency blanket, etc. But I'm wondering what else it should include? And for my stash here at home, what are your favorite remedies for bug bites and scraped knees? My mom always used this pink stuff for bug bites and poured hydrogen peroxide on the scraped knees...ouch!

Growing up social: how to help a 6-year old make friends

As our children get older, having and making friends becomes so important for their sense of self.  Having and making friends, however, can be quite emotional and difficult.  I myself can recall the difficulties of friendships, even from a very young age.  An urbanMama and worried mom emails:

Our 6 year old son is having problems getting along with other kids. He is an only child and we know that plays into it, but is it more than that?  He loves kids and the notion of having friends, but when it comes down to it he really does not play well with other kids.  He is often self-centered, competitive and adversarial in his interactions.  He has yet to develop a true pal either at school or in the neighborhood.  We set up play dates outside of school as often as we can so that he has more opportunities to socialize with other kids one on one, but often they do not go that well. 

Socialization is messy for almost all kids at his age, but we want to do as much as we can to help him get through his challenges so that he can experience more success socially when he enters first grade next year.  I think this has also been challenging for us as parents because we feel a bit isolated socially from other parents.  He does not get invited to many of the birthday parties or for play dates at other kids houses and that extended community is something that we are missing as well. 

We would love to hear from other parents who have struggled with similar issues and find out what has worked for you.  We would also like to consult with a child psychologist or counselor to obtain better tools as parents to help him develop these social skills.  Maybe even some form counseling for him.  If you have had experience with a child psychologist or counselor that you particularly liked, we would love to hear what you liked about them and to have their contact information. 

PPS Aftercare: Quality & Availability

It's a fact for many of us.  There's school, then there's aftercare.  For some, the idea of two different programs in one day can seem unsettling and of course tough to arrange.  I have been so focused on the school piece that the after-care has sort of fallen off my radar.  Turns out this is not a good idea since, uh, you might get wait listed.  At your own school.  Then what?  Sure, you might get off the wait list in time (August!?!), but a whole summer of nail-biting doesn't sound very fun.  Nor does a load of effort and money to pre-arrange an alternative, only to cancel it if you get off the wait list. 

Then there's the quality issue.  Since the after-care is on-site, it seems we should just go with the on-site aftercare - like it or not.  At our neighborhood school, the aftercare program is in a trailer with no windows or bathroom.  Not exactly my fave school setting.   And, to complicate matters, there are a number of different providers across PPS (13 to be exact), ranging from the Mittleman Jewish Community Center to the SUN Program to Peninsula Children's Center.  Having only visited my own windowless program, I've no idea if the quality is comparable.  Something tells me it's not.

So what do you do?  Wait on the wait list?  Arrange an alternative?  Accept the on-site program regardless?  Shop around?  What did YOU do?  This mama needs tips.  Or just to commiserate, perhaps, with some other wait listed nail-biters out there. 

Have babe, will fly? How to clean the bum & the bottles

We are very much planning for summer travel season 'round here.  An urbanMama seeks your words of wisdom when it comes to traveling with a 9-month old:

How do you change a baby's diaper in the most sanitary fashion, and how do you clean the baby's bottles on the plane?