urbanMamas Portland

We all go through it sometime.  But, the question is: when?  An urbanMama recently emailed about her daughter showing interest in the potty, wondering whether this was the right time and age to start:

Then, once we've decided that the time to start potty training has come, how did you go about doing it?

Looking for an outdoor activity this weekend? Check out the guided hike around Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, or the painted turtle walk on Sauvie Island.

Friday:

Lunchtime with Raquel: Come and eat lunch with Raquel as both adults and little ones are entertained by songs and ukulele music. Free, donations appreciated.  Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside),12:00-1:00 pm.

Portland Youth Invasion: Come and take over City hall with other Portland youth. Get a chance to talk to City and County Commissioners, take workshops from community organizations, listen to live music by Mic Crenshaw and other youth guests, eat free food, play free games. Portland City Hall (1221 SW 4th Avenue), 4:00 pm-10:30 pm.

Saturday

AsiaFest: A celebration of Asian culture, this event will feature amazing drumming, dance and music performances, as well as delicious food and a silent auction. $5, free under age 10. Oregon Convention Center, 11:00 am-6:00 pm.

Benefit Barbecues: Each New Seasons store will be selling barbecue to benefit a different area nonprofit.  See website for details. 12:00-4:00 pm. 

Skate Jam: Come celebrate the opening of Portland's only skate park, including a skate jam, trick competition, and kids skate invitational.  Music and refreshments for purchase. Ed Benedict Skate Park(100th and Powell), 1:00-3:00 pm.

Campus Rail Jam Tour: Given that it's supposed to be 80 degrees on Saturday, a college snowboard competition with 20 tons of snow at Pioneer Square promises to be quite the site (maybe you'll already be downtown for the clothing swap below?) 1:00 pm, finals at 3:30 pm.

Kids and Maternity Clothing Swap: Round up unwanted clean children and maternity clothing, accessories, and other wearables and bring them to the swap. Unclaimed clothing will be donated. Central Library (801 SW 10th Avenue), 1:00 pm (times are staggered for different sizes).

Pirate Maps: Artist Sarah Ferguson shows you how to create a pirate map. Albina Library (3605 N.E. 15th Avenue), 2:00-4:00 pm.

Little Kid's Jamboree: Lorna Miller uses music, songs, rhythm, and movement activities to stimulate young imaginations, an interactive event for all ages. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Avenue), 3:00-4:00 pm.

Sunday

Baby Loves Disco: It's back! If your kiddo likes to dance, you both don't mind a crowd, and you're secretly inspired to get down to anything ABBA, don't miss this disco dance party for the younger set and parents too. Wonder Ballroom, $12 per walking being, 12:00-3:00 pm.

Indoor Gym: Balls, tumbling, cars, trikes, and more. For kids birth to 5, $1 per child. 740 SE 106th (near Mall 205), (503) 823-3450. 3:30-5:30 pm.

Professor Banjo: A Portland favorite when it comes to old-time music, Paul Silveria performs for children as the banjo-slinging "Professor Banjo" entertaining children with sing-a-longs and dancing games accompanied by lively old-time music that parents can enjoy, too! Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside) $5 per person, $10 per family. 5:00 pm.

Pitocin is often used to further stimulate labor, increasing the strength or frequency of contractions.  When I was given pitocin during my first birth, it was because - although fully dilated - my contractions had died down in strength and frequency.  My doctor wanted to be sure we could birth the baby before any complications occurred.  I didn't question the suggestion to start pitocin, as I had already delayed the pitocin for several hours, hoping that my contractions would naturally resume.  But, they didn't.  So, I had some pitocin.  My doctor told me that I probably didn't want to have powerful pitocin contractions without an epidural, so I also agreed to the epidural, fearing the superhuman contractions.

An urbanMama recently emailed who wants to know, is it possible to survive an induced-labor, without epidurals or other painkiller interventions?:

My little sister is now pregnant and unfortunately she's started off with a complication:  blood clot in the leg.  Due to this she will be on blood thinners throughout the pregnancy and then when it's time for baby, she will need to be induced (so they can manage the timing of taking her off the blood thinner so she doesn't bleed too much....).  She has attended several births and is committed to a natural, intervention-free labor.  Her concern is that by being induced, her chances of making it through labor without painkiller interventions are less.  Immediately I thought of urbanMamas as being the place to ask that question.  Are there any mamas out there who have been through labor with and without induction?  Any mamas who've been through induction of labor and got through it without an epidural? 

After sitting in rather close proximity to me at a parent-teacher conference yesterday, my husband delicately told me that I should really consider using deodorant. Only 3 hours after my morning shower, and coming from a man who used to swear my "fragrance" was an aphrodisiac for him, I was a little surprised.  Deodorant hasn't been part of my daily routine since I was in high school (when it also included the coordinating bath gel, lotion, and perfume!) and I've never given it a second thought.  I always figured a quick rinse off in the morning would take care of the most offensive elements on the days when I actually do care how I smell. But I'm willing to reconsider the issue. After all, don't changing hormones influence body odor?  What about you, mamas? Do you go au naturale or do you prefer to prevent or mask underarm perfume? If you've found a product you like, can you share? 

Our new economy has left us in a myriad of new/different situations as it relates to our family finances.  We, as adults, are exposed to these realities every day, whether we are affected directly or less directly.  Our children are also increasingly exposed to these realities, and sometimes it can be a difficult topic to broach.  How are you discussing the recession with your children, if at all?

I need help from those more versed in economics than I. My 9yo hears a lot of talk about the bad economy. He knows that people are losing their jobs, that school days in our district may be cut, that Obama is trying to fix things, etc. But except for the tanking of his college fund and our retirement (which I see no reason to get into with him), we've been lucky enough not to be affected. To him it's just this thing, "the bad economy" that he hears about.  Last night he asked, "Why is the economy so bad now? What happened?" And I really didn't know how to explain it to him. Heck, I barely understand it myself.  Can someone help me out with a simply-worded explanation for a reasonably bright kid?

Three cheers for a sunny three day weekend!

Friday

Bus Parade and Fair: Celebrate the return of the buses to the bus mall with a lively bus parade that will travel along 5th Avenue, taking riders to PSU for a lunchtime street fair including music and dance performances. Leaves Pioneer Place 10:30 am.

Rose Festival Waterfront Village: Enjoy all that the Waterfront Village has to offer with free entry Friday. Opening at 5:00 pm, culminating in firework celebration at 9:45 pm. 

NE Moms Playgroup: You don't have to live in NE to join this group of moms that gets together to play and chat.  Bring a snack to share if you can.  Milagros Boutique (5433 NE 30th), 2:30-4:30 pm. 2:30-4:30 pm.

Family Movie Night: Come enjoy a night out at the movies with other families.  The movie is Enchanted and is rated PG.  Concessions, crafts, and a play area. St. Johns Community Center (8427 N. Central). 6:30-8:30 pm.

Saturday

Multnomah County Fair: This traditional fair will feature a petting zoo, magicians, pony rides, exhibits, demonstrations, puppet shows, and much more. Oaks Park Amusement Park (7100 SE Oaks Park Way). Saturday through Monday, noon-7:00 pm.

Lorna Miller's 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.

Mo Philips Family Concert: Support your local dad musician! Come out and see the fun and funny Mo Phillips play rockin' music for the whole family.  Enjoy kid-friendly snacks and beer and wine for mom and dad.  $10 per family, Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside). 5:00 pm.

Sunday

UrbanMamas Coffee Playdate: Come meet some new mamas and papas and enjoy a beverage as the little ones play. Sydney's Cafe (1800 NW Thurman), 10:30 am-12:30 pm. 

Family Sunday at Portland Art Museum: Visitors of all ages can use calligraphy to create artwork inspired by the Asian art galleries (from 1 to 3 p.m.), take family tours of the galleries (at 12:30 p.m.), and listen to stories (from 2:30 to 3 p.m.). Free for members or with Museum admission. Museum admission for children age 17 and younger is free.

New Seasons Burger Tasting: Sample beef (mmm...blue cheese and thyme), turkey, vegetarian and vegan burgers. All stores, 11:00 am-5:00 pm.

Play After Play: This Play After Play production from Scandinavia is about an old woman who needs cheering up. A young man comes by and shows her she has everything she needs when they make a pot of delicious nail soup. Most appropriate for kids ages 2-9.  $7 per person over age 2, reservations required. Saturday at 10:00 am and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

Monday

Storytime with Raquel: Watch your little one be-bob and dance as parents enjoy some coffee and company. $2 suggested donation. Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside), 10:00-11:00 am.

Eat to the Beat: Enjoy Joe Seamon's performance and singalong of traditional music while munching on lunch. Airplay Cafe (701 E Burnside), 12:00-1:00 pm.

Tot Time at Greenfrog Toys: A fun time for kids under 5 to play and for parents to visit. Greenfrog Toys (1031 NW 11th Ave)10:30 am-11:00 am.

We had a great time meeting new mamas last Friday!  Thank you all who came.  Due to the many requests, mamas want to have more urbanMamas coffee playdates.  Come, meet, and enjoy!  Try to RSVP in the comments if you can make it.

upcoming urbanMamas coffee playdates:
Friday, May 1, 2009
9:30-11:30 AM
Sydney's Cafe
1800 NW Thurman (corner of 16th and NW Thurman, under the Fremont Bridge)

Sunday, May 17, 2009
10:30-12:30N
Sydney's Cafe
1800 NW Thurman (corner of 16th and NW Thurman, under the Fremont Bridge)

In the future, we'll find other locations to meet.  In the meantime, let's gather at Sydney's, as the space is always so inviting and spacious enough for plenty of kids and adults.  If you have an idea for a great meeting place, shoot us an email at urbanMamas@gmail.com.

In a city like Portland, we cannot help but to be innundated with bike love.  We mamas are clearly bike lovers, and we are breeding the next batch of biking folks.  So, what is the best way to let our little ones practice new skills of riding a two-wheeler and practicing control of their bike?  A mama recently emailed:

I live in Hillsdale in SW Portland - which is a great neighborhood with sidewalks - and as the name suggests many hills. My question is where are some great places to take my daughter to learn and to practice riding a bike. Something flat, with some trails, safe, fun for all? Any suggestions?

For more tips on biking as a family, check out our "best of..." on the right-hand side bar or our index of biking conversations.

Update: There will be a drawing for a $75 gift certificate for the mamas who are present.  There should be much fun to be had!

When we talk about how to choose a swimsuit, it's so hard to know where to start.  Our bodies have changed over the course of the years, weathering pregnancy, nursing, post-partum challenges, lack of rest and so much more.  We ain't getting any younger, but we're confident that there are plenty of swimsuits out there that are practical, affordable, and flattering to any of our mama figures.

urbanMamas joins Popina for a special evening of poolside fashion and typical urbanMama fun.  We've heard through our previous conversation that Popina is a gold mine of a find, a local shop - carefully-selected pieces plus many suits Popina-designed and manufactured in right here in Portland - with lots and lots of options to meet our diverse tastes and activites.  We were thrilled that owner/designer Pamela Levenson thought to offer hosting an urbanMamas gathering:  Popina is opening its doors after-hours to us for custom fittings and consultations, and we (of course) will have nibbles and beverages on hand (perhaps to help us try new things, new styles, new cuts?).  All suits (excluding custom swimwear) will be 20% off for the evening.

Expecting a new babe (like me)?  Pamela says that many an expecting mama find something they love at Popina - a two-piece, an accommodating tankini, and even one-pieces.

So, ready to come out & play?  Get ready for the summer?  Have a little drink and chat with us?  Support other mamas in their dazzling new summer suit choices?  Join us.  RSVP in the comments.

urbanMamas suit up at Popina
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
6 to 9 PM
4831 NE 42nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97218

Is financing fertility a completely out-of-pocket expense?  Jennifer is finding herself facing fertility issues and needs your advice.  She emails:

I have searched your site to see if there are any past blogs on fertility issues. I find myself in a painful situation at the age of 38 and very much wanting a second child. Unfortunately I just had my third miscarriage (second in a row) and was very surprised to find that my insurance (which is very good insurance) does not cover any fertility issues...not the work up, the diagnosis or the treatment. I am hoping to tap the wisdom and experience of other Portland Mamas who may have experience with fertility treatments, who may have ideas about which insurance (if any) covers fertility, and how people financed the costs which seem as if they can get expensive so quickly. Thanks Mamas....

I learned recently that my husband, an Army Reservist, was going to be mobilized in July. Just as if my reproductive system was storing up ammunition for the long time he'll be in Iraq, a few days later I felt the familiar mittelschmirz; after 22 months of ovulation hiatus since my son Monroe was born, I'm back. (Yay?)

Tonight I was chatting with another mama about how my body seems to want to get me pregnant before he leaves (hello, ovaries, I'm fine waiting! really!). I don't do hormones and haven't found any injected, oral or surgical (temporary) birth control that works for me. She also couldn't tolerate hormones and reminded me about the Fertility Awareness Method -- basically, learning to read your body's signs and, if necessary, charting your ovulation cycles. Once you've got a handle on it, you can avoid intercourse completely during the fertile window.

Smart thinking. It's probably hysterical, but as I've had two close friends accidentally become pregnant while on birth control with extremely high advertised success rates, I have no faith in anything but carefully timed abstinence. I wonder, are there other mamas out there who practice birth control without hormones or other commercial intervention? Any tips, tricks, or cautionary tales?

We surely have been frustrated with a child in public, and can understand the challenges with disciplining outside of the home.  Mary recently encountered the following scenario:

I was at PDX this afternoon, going into the restroom with my 18 month old, when I saw a woman standing outside of the restroom holding a big black belt.  Her older son, maybe 10, walked into the women's bathroom whereby she proceeded to walk into the handicap stall [to] tell him that if he didn't stop crying he was going to get it.  He didn't, and so she belted him, three times.  Since I was changing my son's diaper I was on the other side of the restroom.  I quickly went to where she was and told her to stop, that I was going to call security...She said that this was private (and she was yelling!) and I told her that clearly it was not, since the airport isn't a private place.  I was shaking, I was so angry and I was hoping that she was going to turn her abuse towards me because I was ready for it.  I felt so, so SO sorry for this boy.  I was nauseous and my adrenaline was pumping, I couldn't believe that I was witnessing this.  I'm curious, would others have intervened?  Did I do the right thing, or did I cross over into the protected territory of 'parenting the way we think is right?'  Should I actually have called security?  Child abuse is a crime, but is hitting him with a belt a crime?  I'd love to hear others' opinions.

So I'm not exactly paying as much attention to this election as the last one, for obvious reasons.  But there is a ballot on our front hall table (due in by 8 PM Tuesday 5.19), and I plan to do my part and get informed before I check the box.  We've only been in PPS for a year, but I care deeply about our school and the district and where it's headed.  And there are three board positions up for grabs - in Zones 4, 5, and 6.  You can identify your zone here.

Blue Oregon recently ran a great post on how the election process works and who the candidates are, and of course our various media outlets have endorsed candidates.  Including the Willamette Week, The Oregonian, and The Portland Tribune.  Also, Community & Parents for Public Schools (CPPS) has a web page for the election that includes a Q and A with each candidate that might be handy as you ponder your choices. 

For good or ill, I always wait till the last minute to vote (not surprising if you know me...), so with 5 days left till election day it's a perfect time to start gathering input.  What are you thinking?  Already decided whom to vote for?  Let's talk!

Join us for a summer working mama’s lunch. If your kid(s) are school aged, what are you/they doing for the summer? Family vacations planned? Come eat and talk.

Date: Thursday, June 25th
Time: 12:30
Location: Mama Mia's Trattoria (http://www.mamamiatrattoria.com) 439 SW 2nd Ave, Portland @ Washington

Please RSVP in the comments by Tuesday, June 23. Mamas – some have commented that downtown at lunch is hard for some. The mama organizing these works downtown and therefore picks places and times that work for her and a couple of uMamas moderators and hopes it works for others. If there is a mama or mamas working in other parts of the area (Lloyd, Johns Landing/River Place, Beaverton, other?), that would like to have lunch in that area - email the uMamas and plan one. Hope to see you in June.

We've seen this in a number of places, but thanks to ProtestMama for sending it along to us as well:

Kaiser is offering free health insurance to grade K-6 children attending Multnomah County public schools.
Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with schools and the Multnomah Education Service District, is offering free health insurance to grade K-6 children attending Multnomah County public schools.
The insurance is free — there is no premium — but families must pay a small co-pay for office visits and prescriptions. Once enrolled, children are covered through age 19 if they remain in school.
To qualify, children must meet three main requirements:

• Attend school – Children must attend a public school in Multnomah County. Charter schools and publicly funded alternative programs also qualify.
• Grades K-6 – To enroll, children must be in grades K-6. Siblings can also be covered if they are age 3 or older (through 12th grade).
• Income – Families must earn 250 percent or less of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this is about $4,600 per month, or $53,000 per year.

Kaiser offers the insurance as part of its community benefit program, which, among other goals, seeks to expand access to medical care for the uninsured. About 4,000 children already are covered through this no-premium plan; Kaiser and MESD want to double enrollment by the end of the year.
In addition to the Kaiser insurance, the Oregon Health Plan offers low-cost health insurance to children from families that earn up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

According to the latest census data, 107,000 Oregon children — about one in nine — lacked health insurance in 2005-07, the latest period for which data are available.
For questions about the Kaiser program or the Oregon Health Plan, or to enroll, contact MESD: 503-257-1732, speterso@mesd.k12.or.us.

Because I had my first child quite early, almost all of my experience in the workplace has been as a mama.  I did what I could to balance work and life from the beginning, but I always felt that my career advancement was slowed because I couldn't work beyond my strick 40-hour work week, having to often pump during my breaks or leave right away in the evenings to pick up from childcare.  I have had mentors that were mamas, some of whom helped me navigate the "do's" and the "don't's" of the working world, what was allowed or not.  I've had mentors that were papas, who seemed generally less flexible in my experience.

An urbanMama recently emailed with her experience:

Have you seen mamas in the workplace who have come before you help pave new policies or understanding of the work-life balance?  Or, have you seen mamas sink into the status quo and perpetuate existing standards, that conflict with our instincts to allow mamahood to be a priority, even in our worklives?  What has been your experience with mamahood in the workplace?

Last weekend, I was away.  For four days.  A loooonngggg time for this mama to be away from the offspring.  I went back east to spend a girls weekend with my soon-to-be-married sister-in-law.  I thought about my kids back home, every moment.  I missed them painfully.  My heart hurt to hear their sweet, sweet voices over the phone (funny how the voices are so sweet on the phone yet so irritatingly shrill in person!).  I missed the smell of their hair, their silly antics, their annoying tendency to not listen to my direction.  I missed it all; it was overwhelming.  While I was surely having some fun, there was also this underlying sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I am not very good at leaving the children.  It took me until each was age 3 before I left them overnight for more than a day.  Now that they are so much older, I still have a hard time: mama separation anxiety, perhaps?

In the company of the other ladies over the weekend, all of them at least a few years my junior and all of them unmarried and childless, I felt like my mama identity was a one-tracked.  I could think or talk of nothing but my children.

Am I the only one with this syndrome?  Any tips and tricks for easing the mama separation?  We have a nutty family calendar coming up, which involves a total of 10 days away from the kids over the next few weeks.  I am bracing myself.

In case this topic interests you, OPB's Think Out Loud show on Thursday 5.7.09 is about birth choices.  Here's how they describe the show:

Oregon State University says a new study describes a "pattern of distrust" in the relationship between hospital physicians and midwives who transport their patients to hospitals due to complications during homebirths.

The study (led by OSU assistant professor and midwife Melissa Cheyney) looked at birth records in Oregon's Jackson County from 1998 through 2003 to determine whether a correlation existed between poor health outcomes and homebirths.

While the study didn't find a link between the two factors it did reveal ongoing conflicts between doctors and midwives with physicians asserting that only hospital births were safe. This finding is in line with a 2008 American Medical Association resolution (pdf), which stated:

"The safest setting for labor, delivery and the immediate post-partum period is in the hospital, or a birthing center within a hospital complex."

Listen up! Call in!  Speak Up! Or join the conversation on the show's active blog.  It's on from 9 to 10 am, then is re-aired again at 9 pm the same night.  And of course podcasted forever.  

If you listened, did you like the show? 

[Photo courtesy of cafemama]

A very happy Mother's Day weekend, mamas.  In your honor, here's an early edition of Weekend Warriors that is less about the kids and more more about you.  Wishing all mamas lots of hugs, kisses, and appreciation (just not before 7:00 am!).

Friday

Baby Boot Camp Mother's Day Celebration: Celebrate your success in health, fitness, friendship, and motherhood at this free class that is sure to knock your socks off.  Goody bags for first 100 registered, food, snacks, and coffee for all. Reserve a spot by May 7th, email erin.shirey@babybootcamp.com

Give Mama the Mic: Kickoff Mother’s Day weekend with an open mic evening of poetic "relaxabration". Bring your best poems about motherhood, kick it with your maternal comrades and speak your art out. Whether you strike a beginners prose or shake some advanced assonance, all poets are welcome. Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside), 7:00-9:00 pm.

Saturday

Mother's Day Cake Decorating: Mama got a sweet tooth?  Send the kids to Fred Meyer for this free cake decorating event. All stores, 11:00 am-4:00 pm.

Strawberry Shortcake Benefit: Help support programs in our community that provide services to mothers in need.  Just $4 will get you a scrumptious dessert and benefit the work of some amazing organizations (Salvation Army West Women’s & Children’s Shelter, Bradley-Angle House, Clackamas Women’s Services, Domestic Violence Resource Center, Raphael House of Portland, and the YWCA - Yolanda House).  All stores, Saturday & Sunday, 12:00-4:00 pm.

Family Concert in Honor of Mom: Come hear Kathryn Claire as she sings traditional songs from her CD KinderPrincess, have a chance for everyone to get in the band, and make mom a crown she can wear on Mother's Day when she is queen for the day. $10 per family. Airplay cafe (701 E. Burnside), 5:00 pm.

Sunday

Mother's Day Walk/Run:  Start your Mother's Day off by doing a little something for yourself.  This 5 k walk or 10k run loops through beautiful Mt. Tabor, passing the playground where the kids can cheer you on. Bring something brunchy to share after wards, coffee and hot chocolate provided. Free, donations accepted on behalf of Adoption Mosaic. Mt. Tabor Park Picnic Shelter, 9:00 am.

Mother's Day at the Portland Children's Museum: Free admission for mom. Activities include picture frame decorating, an animal tea party, mom-inspired story time, and family portraits. 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Walking with Mom:  What a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than hearing a lecture from Portland’s  “walking” author, followed by a beautiful walk in the park.  Join Laura O. Foster, author of Portland Hill Walks, Portland City Walks and Walk There! Park staff have said the walk would be short and appropriate for young kids. Tryon Creek State Park, 2:00 pm.

Hip Mama Mother's Day Party: This annual fundraiser supports sliding scale subscriptions to Hip Mama Magazine. This year you can be entertained by Kimya Dawson, The Village Free Choir, Cybelle Clements, belly dancing by Magidah Sa'id, and a kid-friendly burlesque routine. There will be beer, vegan beans and rice, and a silent auction. The Watershed (5040 SE Milwaukee) 3:00-5:00 pm..

Mother's Day Family Dance Party: Get down mama, to music from the 80's (and a time when you were foot loose and fancy free $5 per family. Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside). 5:00-7:00 pm.

I don't know about you, but my inbox is already overflowing with Mother's Day greetings from a wide variety of opportunists.  So this mama ain't opening any more of 'em till after the big day. 

With one exception. 

This hilarious "Mom of the Year" (who me?) video from Moms Rising.org, which reminds me of that very funny, viral Obama video from way back in elections season (remember that?).  If you didn't get that one, now's your chance.  And if you did get that one, you can do it all over again - on a lighter topic! 

If you don't know about Moms Rising.org yet, they're a kick-_ _ _ organization run by some savvy women committed to making this country (and Oregon) a more family forward place.  So this mother's day, make a few moms smile, while also raising awareness about an organization that works hard on behalf of all mothers.

Ready?  Set.  Send it!

Wanted to let you know about a Mother's Day event of sorts in case you were interested in joining in the fun.  For the past several years, a group of urbanMama friends have been participating in the Hippie Chick, a half marathon just for women at Champoeg State Park.  So this year, when we didn't get in, we were pretty disapointed.  That's when we realized that Portland really needed to have a women only walking/running event on Mother's Day!   The 10k loop we've planned (or 5k if you're walking) passes the park playground several times where the kids can cheer us on--go Mama go!   We're spreading the word to all our friends and family:
 
When: Sunday, May 10, 2009
Time: 5k walk or 10k run begins at 9:00
Where: Mt. Tabor picnic shelter (across from the parking lot and playground)
Bring: something brunchy to share afterwards
 
We'll have coffee and hot chocolate on hand. We're hoping this might
become an annual event, a little something we can do for ourselves on
Mother's Day, together with our friends and families. Donations accepted
on behalf of Adoption Mosaic.

Hope you'll join us!

Swinebirdhumaneek! flu has hit Oregon, and after listening to reports on NPR of school closings in Texas and letting my far-too-fertile imagination run wild following the automated PPS phone call last week noting that no schools were being closed... yet, I'm wondering: will they close the schools? If so, how will we cope? We are not a city whose citizens are likely to react amicably to being advised to stay indoors, also, most of us have to go to work, which brings up that nasty issue of parental paid leave.

Has this crossed your mind? Do you think health agencies are over-reacting to the now-so-called "pandemic"? Or are you already keeping your kids away from confined spaces, Joe Biden style? Or are you like me, mama of a child whose cough has gone on for a couple of weeks (but no fever, I swear!), sure that passers-by are recoiling in horror and fear that his cough is swine flu.

In one of the NPR stories, after a student at a high school had a confirmed case of swine flu, the rest of the town began to avoid high schoolers like... well, you know. The plague. Two kids going to the gym with their dad were turned away. The idea that my kids, too, could potentially be given a wide berth in public and turned away at businesses gives me shivers.

As I type this, my two older boys run around outside in our (blessedly) big back yard. The youngest was outside, too, until naptime overtook him with a thunderstorm of neediness. Everett asks, "could you bring me something to eat out here?" and I unhesitatingly say, sure.

I've just been reading this about a U.K. preschool whose students spend nearly every moment out-of-doors. And I've been "studying" my kids' behavior and finding an unsurprising result: the more time outside, running, jumping, digging, collecting worms, fighting all those bad guys who seem to inhabit our block, or just lying in the dirt with a serious expression and a dump truck; the happier everyone is. Everett's therapist asks, "what do good days look like?" My answer is "plenty of intense outdoors play" and I immediately wonder what I'm doing with him in public school at all.

For a lot of complicated reasons, I've been considering home schooling him. With what will I fill his days? I wonder, imagining dozens of mini-power struggles over adjective worksheets. And then discarding all that wonder with the thought that maybe, we'll just have math, reading and outside time. Lots, and lots, of outside time.

Out there, we have a hundred lessons in science, math, social studies, vocabulary, agriculture; it's the Green Hour supercharged. I wonder if we'll have enough for him to build the skills in which he's lagging while at the same time protecting him from the often too-stressful, too-troubled environment of the school he's attending. Unschoolers have already been convinced, I know. For those of you who do homeschool, unschool, free school, or some variant thereof -- even just for preschool -- tell me how you've balanced "curriculum" and teaching children the parts of speech, multiplication tables, and all that with a sufficient amount of outside time. Have any of you considered changing your child's schooling to allow more time outside? How has the thought process gone for you? Have you tried it and gone back to the way of the formal schoolroom? Have you just longed for more untrammeled running, free-range kid raising time? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Been over to Activistas lately?  We've been talking and acting, acting and talking again over there.  Here's the short & sweet which, honestly, is about all any of us have time for!  Enjoy, and jump in - we'd love to hear your opinions on the topics we're discussing.  Such as....

• Mamas on a mission: Place to nurse @ The Portland Zoo?  To those who know me, it's no secret that the zoo is so not on my list of places to visit (the obvious reasons).  But The Portland Zoo is very much on the list for many a nursing mother in Oregon.  Yet there's nowhere to nurse! 
• School funding in Oregon: This *is* that rainy day.  The good news is that the state of Oregon actually has a rainy day fund that can be used for K-12 education. The bad news is that it may not get used, despite the fact that it's, uh, really raining. And I don't mean literally, although that happens to be true, too.  
• Make a 'Healthy Begins Here' video... and Win!  Healthy Child, Healthy World is hosting a video contest for earth month, where you can showcase how your family protects the planet.  Get the details on Activistas.
• National Healthy Schools Day was 4.27.09.  When my husband and I first toured schools to find the one we wanted to enroll our daughter in, I’m sure I was silently voted one of the strangest parents ever. Why do I feel I was secretly endowed with this title? Because every room and hallway we were taken through, I sniffed. A lot.
• State-subsidized child care in Oregon: What up?  We've talked about child care costs (many a time) before, but not from this angle.  In addition to this message we received yesterday from an Oregon Mom, we also read about the state's proposed cuts - and how they will affect Oregon families and kids - on The Oregonian's Stump blog today.
• Did you know that Tuesday 4.28.9 was Equal Pay Day?  Instead of whining about the fact that pay remains unequal, or writing gobs about how to fix it, check out this video from a recent gathering of Emerge Oregon.  What's Emerge Oregon and what does it have to do with equal pay day?  Emerge Oregon is a new organization with this admirable mission...

If you're looking for some out of town action this weekend, consider the Founder's Day Festival at Champoeg State Park or the Tulip Festival in Woodburn, where the color of the flowers is still going strong. 

Friday

Title Wave Used Book Sale: Title Wave is the Multnomah County Library's used book store.  Bring a brown paper bag (or a canvas one?) because anything you can fit in it is only $10! Actually, they will have bags on hand, limit is 10 bags per customer (wow, that is a lot of books). Sales help fund the great services they provide to the community. Title Wave Used Book Store (216 NE Knott), 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

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

Free First Friday: Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Portland Children's Museum and hear the Woodburn High School Mariachi Band.  Also, make your own Maracas. Admission is free from 5:00-8:00 pm.

May Day Celebration: Watch local kids dance around the May pole (5:00 and 6:00 pm.), plus face painting, belly dancing (5:00-5:45), great music entertainment (Freak Mountain Ramblers, Chervona, and a funky walking brass band) and more.  Free,  Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Avenue).  Activities start at 5:00 pm.

Saturday

2009 Fairy Festival: A celebration of all things fairy, including magic wands, real flower crowns, storytelling, potions, wishing tree, dragon den, and so much more. Don't forget your costume! $4 adults, $3 kids (2 and under are free). Alpenrose Dairy, 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Create a Rain Stick: Learn about the lore of the rain stick in Africa and other cultures. Then create and decorate your own, experimenting with different kinds of grains to make a variety of rain sounds. Free, Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Avenue), 3:00-4:30 pm.    

Nail Soup: This Play After Play production from SScandinavia is about an old woman who needs cheering up. A young man comes by and shows her she has everything she needs when they make a pot of delicious nail soup. Most appropriate for kids ages 2-9.  $7 per person over age 2, reservations required. Saturday at 10:00 am and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

Cinco de Mayo Family Dance Party:  Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo by dancing to the latin grooves of Quintillion. This is a family dance party for all ages. $5 per family. Full menu available including special burritos and libations for adults of course. Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside). 5:00-7:00 pm.

Sunday

Rieke Elementary Art Fair: 40 local artists, art classes for kids, plants, painting, and photography. Rieke Elementary School (1405 SW Vermont), 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

Opening of King Farmers Market: Yeeeha! Commissioner Nick Fish will ring the start bell for this long overdue farmers market. NE Wygant & 7th (between Alberta and Prescott). 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

$2 Sunday at OMSI: A great way to see the museum for cheap. 9:30 am-5:30 pm.

East Portland Community Center Indoor Play Park: Balls, tumbling, cars, trikes, and more. For kids birth to 5, $1 per child. 740 SE 106th (near Mall 205), (503) 823-3450. 3:30-5:30 pm.

Family Supper at Milagros:  A new event at Milagros, the Family Supper is a chance to meet, greet, share and learn. The subject for the May Family Supper will be budget family travel to Hawaii. They will provide ideas and tips from family travels on the islands (feel free to bring your own tips as well). Bring a vegetarian dish to share and place settings for your group.  Kids of all ages are very welcome. Free, but space is limited. Please RSVP with name and number in your party to rsvp@milagrosboutique.com. Milagros Boutique (5433 NE 30th Avenue) 5:00 pm.