PDX Parent September 2022

for the long days and short years

THE

SURVIVAL GUIDE

• mental health resources • premier baby gear PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | SEPTEMBER 2022

FREE

YES DAY BIRTHDAY IDEAS, PG. 18 | KID-FRIENDLY RETRO EATS, PG. 26

FEATURES

Sending Out an SOS.......................... 10 Feeling anxious about being a

contents

10

new parent? You’re not alone.

Thankfully these local resources are ready to help.

By Miranda Rake.

The Right Stuff....................................... 14 We take the guesswork out of buying gear for your new baby with these nine necessary items.

By Miranda Rake.

Say Yes to Yes Day............................. 18 If you’ve got a kiddo looking for something different than the traditional birthday party, organize a day of yes with them for a memorable celebration.

By Meg Asby.

PDX Parent Picks: Pregnancy & Baby and Birthday Resources..... 22

DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Note................................................ 4 Play Room...................................................... 6 A teen mental health hero; DIY kits for decorating beautiful birthday cakes; and find out about the latest breastfeeding EVELYNNE GOMES GREENBERG

recommendations.

Family Supper......................................... 26 Introduce your kids to the rockin’ ’50s — and indulge in classic diner fare — at Rockabilly Cafe in St. Johns.

By Denise Castañon.

Time Out....................................................... 28 Celebrate the arrival of fall with fun events like Oktoberfest, star gazing at Rooster Rock, free

RESOURCES

2

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

museum admission and the annual

New Parent........................................... 9, 13

Birthday........................................... 16-17, 21

After School.............................................. 12

Back to School....................................... 27

Train Fest in Molalla. * cover stories

pdxparent.com

|

September 2022

3

e d i t o r ’ s n ot e TREVOR PARKER

The Short Years for the long days and short years

While the fog of new parenthood blurs memories of the first months with a new baby, there are some things that come back into crystal-clear focus even when your children (like mine) are well beyond that squishy baby phase. The smell of the top of your baby’s head. The sheer panic you feel upon jolting awake and thinking your newborn has rolled off the bed (when they were actually safe in a bassinet the whole time). And if you are like me, you probably automatically start that swaying motion you used to calm your infant when someone hands you a baby.

Another thing I remember. New parents need all the support they can get. Especially mental health support. Writer and mom of two Miranda Rake clearly recalls her search for support after giving birth to her second child last year. She wrote "Sending Out an SOS" on page 10 so other struggling new parents would be able to access local resources more easily than she did. (She also rounded up some fun baby gear picks on page 14!) Our readers’ poll favorites on page 22 also can help new parents find the help they need.

The years that turn you from new parent to I still can’t veteran parent go quickly. And the day your child believe this was born serves as a reminder of just how far you was seven both have come. And that calls for a celebration! years ago! It Once your kids can give input on how they’d like to seems like celebrate, it’s really time to party. And if you’d like to yesterday. try something different this year, our Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby has a take on Yes Day — see page 18 — that’s uber fun without being outrageously expensive. The Yes Day concept is about letting your child choose your family’s adventures for the day.

(There’s also a book and a movie about it on Netflix).

Meg has made it super easy for you to try it out: You can literally rip the pages out of the magazine, hand them to your children and have them check the boxes of what they’d like to do (with some ground rules!). There are cool, local parks to visit; fun, familyfriendly spaces to explore; and treats to enjoy!

It’s hard to imagine what lies ahead when you are in that groggy, new-baby daze, but, trust us, that phase is short-lived and you will get through it. Find your support and know that more times to celebrate are on the horizon.

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Managing Editor Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com E-newsletter Editor Renee Peters renee.peters@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions,

You value health.

We value you.

Women’s health care for every phase of life.

Women have special health needs. Our doctors understand that. They are experts in helping you stay healthy throughout your life with: • General gynecology, including wellness visits.

• Family planning, pregnancy and birth.

• Postpartum care, including specialty rehabilitation when needed.

• Surgery and specialized procedures.

• Menopause and hormone therapy.

e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

PDX Parent is distributed free of charge

On Our Cover A big thanks to Evelynne Gomes Greenberg Photography for this month’s cover image that so beautifully touches on that joy of having a newborn baby. “Having a newborn is such a rollercoaster of emotions,” says Gomes Greenberg who is the mom of a 7-year-old boy.

“Parents and babies are going through so much during that time, it can feel like a blur. It’s an honor to document precious moments between parents and their babies because as time goes on, it gets so hard to remember. Being able to give them those memories means the world to me.”

See more of her emotive photography at egomesgreenbergphotography.com, on Instagram @egomesgreenbergphotography, and on our table of contents page.

throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

Claire Steen, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

“I want to ensure my patients feel healthy and able to lead their lives to the fullest.”

Bojan Malmin, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

4

“The toughness of women will never cease to amaze and inspire me.”

At any age and any stage, you can count on us.

Make an appointment today at 503-261-4423.

Adventist Health Women’s Clinic 10101 SE Main Street #3001, Portland, OR adventisthealth.org/portland/services/womens-care pdxparent.com

| September 2022

5

p l ay r o o m

Mental Health Hero

Mount Angel Oktoberfest Together is the Best Place to Be

Both Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American

the her e B

o

Kid to Know: The

September 15-18, 2022

and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month were spotlighted and celebrated earlier this year in May. But while those 31 days have passed, important work is still being done. One such Portland crusader for both causes is 17-year old Aaron Li. Li started Project Lotus with three fellow high schoolers

of your story.

in Beaverton. “I created Project Lotus after seeing how members of the Asian-American community brushed aside

OUR 2022-2023 SEASON LINEUP

mental health problems and swept them under the rug,” he says.

Dog Man: The Musical

The goal of Project Lotus is to educate and destigmatize

OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 20, 2022

mental health, particularly in AAPI communities. And because mental health affects anyone, the website, which includes resources, webinars, a blog and a podcast, is aimed for everyone, from youth to adults, including specific content for parents. “We try to tackle the intergenerational gap in mental health education, so we make sure to develop resources that are appealing to each audience,” says Li. Earlier this year, Li received a $5,000 award for the

Pestilence:Wow!

creation and work on the website from Prudential as one of

www.oktoberfest.org

25 winners of the Prudential Emerging Visionary program (which recognizes teens for their innovative solutions to

Mount Angel, Oregon

social challenges). What’s equally impressive is that Project Lotus’ staff and directors are all youth.

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 13, 2022 Adapted from the DOG MAN series of books by Dav Pilkey.

A Young Professionals Company Production

Dragons Love Tacos JANUARY 22-FEBRUARY 19, 2023

“A lot of our best feedback comes from parents and adults,” he says. “Many have come to our webinars or read one of our blog posts and sent us emails about the importance of our work and how they wish they had something like Project Lotus when they were younger.”

Li says some of his goals are to train mental health professionals to be more culturally competent, and facilitate

AARON LI

the creation of in-person chapters at colleges. Right now, anyone interested can get involved with Project Lotus by volunteering, starting a chapter in their high school or college and more. Theprojectlotus.org. — Tiffany Hill

NOV 12, 2022 | 7:30 PM Autumn Variations: Stark & Dvořák

DEC 26, 2022 | 7:30 PM Concert-at-Christmas: “Up in the Air”

MAR 4, 2023 | 7:30 PM Ruth Gipps: Symphony No. 3

MAY 7, 2023 | 4:00 PM Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

and a world premiere by Jeff Scott

Playlist: The

Kids Are Alright

with Portland Symphonic Choir

TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 12!

The Mad Ones FEBRUARY 10-26, 2023

A Young Professionals Company Production

Impulse: Sweet 16 APRIL 21-MAY 7, 2023

In light of recent Supreme Court rulings, you could be feeling discouraged/ shocked/enraged. While it’s aimed squarely at preschool- and elementary-school aged children, Again Again’s new album Your Voice Is Magic, with its clever lyrics featuring progressive messages of inclusion and female empowerment might make you feel better. The first track, Signs Up High, tells small humans (and reminds those already grown) that their voices matter. Pronoun Party spotlights gender identity (“let’s celebrate the differences so we can all shine!”) in a kid-accessible way. With an ’80s synth sound, Girls Included encourages girls to ignore gender stereotypes and pursue their passions. And with its Latin AGAIN AGAIN

rhythms, FOMO stays super fun while importing a valuable lesson: “It’s OK to miss

6

September 2022

out sometimes …” The album from duo Anne Montone (a former Portlander) and Jennifer Cooke drops on August 26. Againagain.net. — Denise Castañon

|

pdxparent.com

Presenting world premieres and classic masterworks performed by inspiring young musicians in Season 99!

YPʼs N AL IS ATIO IMPROV OUPE TR

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon A Young Professionals Company Production

APRIL 30-MAY 28, 2023

Single tickets on sale now!

OCTC.ORG • (503) 228-9571 pdxparent.com

| September 2022

7

Q: “I’m getting a lot of advice

Ask Dr. Baynham

from friends and family about

A: As a new parent, it is hard to keep up with ever-changing recommendations. An important

the U.S., the World Health Organization has long recommended breastfeeding for two years or beyond. In fact, the global average age of weaning is 3 to 4 years old. This update is an effort to highlight the benefits of breastmilk, remind families the benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond 1 year of age, and to help improve U.S. breastfeeding rates.

There are a few medical conditions that preclude breastfeeding. Some families can’t breastfeed or it just doesn’t work for them. In those cases, formula is a safe breast milk alternative. For those who can, the benefits of breastfeeding include reduced risk of SIDS, ear infections, asthma, diarrhea

Newborn Care

cancer in women. It provides exclusive nutrition

Breast and Bottle Feeding Basics

for the first six months, serves as a source of

Parent-Infant Playgroups

breastfed at age 6 months compared to 40% globally. Breastfeeding rates are tied to race, age, socioeconomic status and education level.

Countries with paid parental leave have higher

one to know is that the American Academy

mutually desired by mother and child. While this is a change for

and obesity in children, and ovarian and breast

average. About 25% of U.S. babies are exclusively

the current recommendations?”

breastfeed from 1 year of age to 2 years of age or beyond, as

Lamaze

Our current rates are below the global

to have a different opinion! What are

of Pediatrics (AAP) has extended the recommendation to

Birthing From Within

comfort and bonding, and is cost effective.

breastfeeding and everyone seems

GAIL PARK

p l ay r o o m

N E W PA R E N T

IN-PERSON PREGNANCY, BIRTH PREP AND POSTPARTUM CLASSES.

breastfeeding rates, and the U.S. remains the leave. However, starting next year, Oregon will offer 12 weeks of paid family leave.

If you’re thinking of breastfeeding or currently are breastfeeding and having difficulty, there are many people around to support you! Check in with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant who can help you meet your own personal breastfeeding goals.

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two,

Who’s ready for fall?

Visit pdxparent.com/ category/fall-fun for all things autumn!

Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Oregon’s top five baby names

Calling all Evelyns and Olivers! Kiddos with these names have

Girls

Boys

Evelyn

Oliver

Olivia

Liam

Charlotte

Henry

2021. The most popular names across the country right now?

Amelia

Benjamin

Olivia for baby girls and Oliver and Liam for baby boys. — T.H.

Sophia

Lucas

the most popular baby names in Oregon, according to marketing and sources of more than 1 million babies born in the U.S. in

And Much More!

only developed country without a national policy for paid

In the Know: What’s in a Name? agency Top Data. The organization poured over official records

Infant CPR

We Recommend: DIY Birthday Cake Kits

If you have visions of decorating a Great British Baking Show showstopper for your kid’s birthday, but have skills that more closely match the contestants on Nailed It!, then Tigard-based Cake Hoopla could be for you. Cake Hoopla offers a variety of cakes and cupcakes that are frosted and ready for you to decorate. My kids and I tested out the Make Me Right Meow cake kit that had everything to design a cat-faced cake. I loved that the kit included piping bags of colorful buttercream with decorative tips already in place. It was so easy and minimally messy. (When I fill my own piping bags, I usually end up with food coloring and frosting everywhere!) The kit also included fondant to shape, roll and cut out for the cat’s face. My kids and I had never worked with fondant before. They loved rolling it out and placing it on the cake. We do have experience decorating with buttercream, so adding the frosting to top of the cake was pretty easy for us.

The big decorative tips ensured the frosting looked good even when applied by a 7-year-old!

The best part is that every single element of the cake was delicious; the chocolate cake, the frosting and the fondant were all excellent. My 7-year-old son has asked several times if we can get another Cake Hoopla kit. Cake kits start at $60 and cupcake kits start at $50. Pro tip: They’ll DENISE CASTAÑON

8

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

also bring a cake-decorating party to you! Find out more at cakehoopla.com. — D.C. pdxparent.com

| September 2022

9

We all want the first days with our baby to be as happily hazy, cozy and blissful as Instagram tells us it should be, but the reality is not always quite so simple. New parenthood is a marathon of joy, yes, but — for about one-third of new moms — it can also be a time of intense anxiety and depression. The very uncomfortable, but ohso-normal feelings of sadness and isolation after the birth of a baby are known colloquially as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Recently, though, the term “perinatal mood and anxiety disorders” or PMADs has become increasingly used in the world of maternal mental health as a better catch-all for the varied and complicated challenges that so many people face after the birth of a child.

Sending Out an SOS A new baby brings joy, but for many new parents those early days and months can be a time of anxiety and even depression. The good news is that new parents have so many local resources to call on for help.

Whatever you want to call it, you know these feelings when you experience them. They’re overwhelming and often painful, and can be accompanied by strong feelings of guilt — this is not how anyone hopes to feel in the first weeks and months of new parenthood. Thankfully, there are many, many people out there waiting to help. Unfortunately, postpartum mental health support is not typically a de facto piece of postpartum care in the United States, but a bit of legwork while you’re pregnant can set you and your family up for a softer postpartum landing. If you’re expecting, there’s no better time to line up postpartum support for yourself.

Doing it now will save you from scrambling when you’ve got a new baby to juggle, and the worst-case scenario is that you feel so great postpartum that you don’t end up needing the postpartum care you have put in place. And, if you have any history of anxiety or depression at all, it’s worth noting that that makes you more likely to experience PMADs, so a proactive approach is the way to go. PMADs are challenging but, with good support in place, this is a storm that can be tamed and weathered in relative comfort.

From crisis support to ongoing therapy to super casual — but essential! — parent groups and meet-ups, for every budget and for every need, there is someone or something in Portland to support you through one of the biggest transitions of your life. If money is tight, consider registering for postpartum support! Or if you know someone who is pregnant and needs a great gift idea, consider teaming up with friends to give the gift of doula support. Even if it’s not your first child, the arrival of any child is a massive shift for everyone in your household, and new parents deserve all the support in the world.

Call In the Pros PMADs or no, any expectant parent can benefit from therapy. Every new baby brings with them a paradigm shift, and it can be a lot to process in the best of circumstances. It can be hard to carve out 45 minutes to spend on yourself, but you can do it! Enlist a partner, ask a neighbor for child care, or even bring the baby. Portland is lucky to have a host of therapists and psychologists with an expertise in the perinatal time, but they do mostly tend to have rather long waitlists. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, now is the time to reach out and connect with a therapist.

If you have trouble finding someone, reach out to Postpartum Support International (online at postpartum.net), an organization that specializes in connecting new parents with the support systems in their area. See the list at right for some local practitioners who offer therapeutic support through the perinatal period.

Postpartum Helping Hands Not all doulas offer postpartum support. Some focus primarily on preparing for and supporting you through childbirth. But others focus heavily on the transition to new parenthood and offer tons of postpartum support options. While this type of care can definitely come with a bit of sticker shock, it’s worth its weight in gold — particularly for those who may be more prone to experiencing PMADs. Not only do postpartum doulas offer household support like meal prep and laundry, they’ll also help you rest and heal from birth while offering emotional support as you adjust to your post-baby reality. Many also include lactation support. See the list at right for a few Portland-based doulas with postpartum offerings.

Ann Marie Miner, Psy.D. annmarieminerpsyd.com/specialties Michelle Block, Psy.D. Drmichelleblock.com Kelly Mach, L.P.C. kellymachlpc.com Rebekah Lubeck, L.C.S.W. at Pulse Wellness pulsewellnesspdx.com/rebekah-lubeck Genevieve Pruneau, Ph.D. and Christy Blevins, Ph.D. of Juniper Psychological Services juniperpsychologicalservices.com MindTree Holistic Counseling mindtreeholisticcounseling.com/ pregnancy-and-postpartum-therapy

Bridgetown Baby Bridgetownbaby.com/postpartum-doula-care Stumptown Doulas Stumptowndoulas.com/services/postpartum-care Brave Birth Doula Care Bravebirth.com/postpartumdoula ABC Doula & Newborn Care Abcdoula.com/services#postpartumsupport Birthing Stone Birthingstone.com/portland-postpartum-doula-services

BY MIRANDA RAKE 10

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

|

September 2022

11

N E W PA R E N T

MICHELLE CRAIG

Whether you’re a new parent or a new parent-all-over-again, whatever you hope or expect to experience during pregnancy and the postpartum period, one thing is certain — surprises lay ahead. Taking steps to protect your well-being as you travel through this transition is a wonderful way to make the highs and lows of early parenthood feel a little more even-keeled.

Miranda Rake lives in Portland with her husband and two little kids.

She’s passionate about all of the usual stuff like how her children are sleeping, berry season and swimming in the warm sea.

AFTER SCHOOL

Classes for babies and preschoolers

“Stop wondering...and start signing” In-person & online classes available! www.TinyTalkersPortland.com

Parent Groups & Meet-ups Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who gets it, and no one understands what a new parent is going through quite like other new parents! Special bonds are formed fast when you have babies at the same time as someone else — strangers become quick friends. Here are three groups that make it easy to connect with other parents who are at the same step as you on the parenthood journey: Hike It Baby You’ll have to create a Hike It Baby account to view upcoming hikes in the Portland area, but sign-up is free and just takes a minute (pictured above). Hikeitbaby.com.

Baby Blues Connection When a new parent is experiencing PMADs, their partner is often in need of support as well, so we love that this Portland-born support network offers lots of support groups — mostly via Zoom these days — for new parents. They also offer one-on-one support and resources, via phone, text or email.

Babybluesconnection.org.

OHSU Baby Club This weekly support group for parents of babies 0-12 months has gone virtual. The idea of getting out the door with a newborn can be daunting, so attending this weekly support group is even easier now that it meets over Zoom instead of in person.

Ohsu.edu/womenshealth/ohsu-baby-club.

12

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

VIBE OF PORTLAND

IN THE COMMUNITY

Your local midwife group Balancing the ancient art of midwifery and evidence-based medical technology.

Birth center, prenatal, postpartum and wellness care.

LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC inclusive and affirming.

For Info and Registration: music@vibepdx.org vibepdx.org

Fall term starts September 12th 4 locations in NE, NW and SE after school classes starting at 4pm no schools days workshops and camps Illustration and Character Development. Puppet making. textiles, sewing. Claymation, queer youthfriendly workshops, creative movement, and so much more!

We have scholarships available for BIPOC families and those attending Title 1 schools in PPS.

• Locally owned and operated, bringing local goods to local people

• Choice of produce box sizes, plus grocery needs

• Finest, farm-fresh organic produce directly from local farmers

• Easy and convenient with FREE DELIVERY

www.almamidwifery.com

1608 SE Ankeny St, Portland OR 97214 | 503.233.3001 pdxparent.com

| September 2022

13

The Right Stuff While nothing can quite prepare you for the baptism by fire that is life with a newborn, the right gear sure can help. These nine pieces of gear make your life

with a newborn just a little easier. Though some of the best baby gear does come with a hefty price tag, a lot of these items can be found used with a little hustle. Mom friends (and friends of friends) are a great place to start — or you can check local resale spots like Beanstalk. Online community resellers like Offer Up, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing are great sources for lightly used baby gear and clothes, too.

Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair

BY MIRANDA RAKE

Maptote Portland One-piece Show everyone that your newborn is a Portland babe, through and through, with this sweet, soft outfit. $26. At maptote.com.

Moby Cloud Hybrid Carrier

Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail Just a good old diaper pail is, of course, a must. How do we put this, ahem, delicately? This magical pail contains both diapers and their unique aroma like none other. And it’s not bad looking, either. $49.99.

At Target and amazon.com.

BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft A classic for a reason, this elegant, simple bouncer folds up for ultra easy transport and storage. But even better, babies love this thing! You can gently bounce a 4-week-old in it (on the lowest of its three settings) and later put your 5-month-old in it on the highest setting and let them make their own motion with kicky legs! $199.99. At Posh Baby, 916 NW 10th Ave.

14

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

The name is a bit of a mouthful, but the cuteness of this tummytime mat is off-the-charts. Most babies don’t love tummy time right off the bat, but a sweet and colorful mat might help you (and your baby) look forward to this important first bit of “homework.” $39.99.

Available at nordstromrack.com.

Frida Mom Adjustable Nursing Pillow You know that you need a NoseFrida, but did you also know that the company that created the iconic, must-have “snot sucker” has expanded into making all kinds of ingenious baby gear? This nursing pillow is designed to support your back as well as your baby during those many, endless newborn nursing sessions. Brilliance as usual from the folks at Frida. $49.99. Available at Buy Buy Baby.

Hatch Baby Rest This must-have machine plays music and white noise, but it also doubles as a nightlight — essential for those 3 am nursing-and-changing sessions. It doesn’t just play one white-noise tone, though: It has 11 soothing, volume-adjustable options, from crickets to rain, bird song to ocean waves. Pro tip: It’ll do double duty as your baby grows, too — it easily adjusts to become an “OK to get out of bed” light. $69.99. At Target and hatch.co.

Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet With a price tag of more than $1,600, you might be tempted to walk away from this bassinet. However, the Snoo is rentable for a reasonable fee of $159 a month and can often be purchased used. Plus, with a ton of adjustable, newborn-soothing settings and a design that keeps your baby securely on his back, it’s worth every penny. Pro tip: Ask around in your nearest mom group — because they are only used for the first three to four months, families are constantly reselling them at less than half the retail price. $1,695.99. Available at Target and happiestbaby.com.

Miranda Rake lives in Portland with her husband and two little kids. She’s passionate about all of the usual stuff like how her children are sleeping, berry season and swimming in the warm sea. pdxparent.com

|

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BUSINESS

Easy to figure out — which cannot be said of all baby carriers — and comfortable to wear, this light-weight wrap is a real baby-wearing standout.

Available in lots of colors and quite affordable, this Moby carrier is a baby registry no-brainer. $59.95.

Available at Posh Baby, 916 NW 10th Ave.

Itzy Ritzy Bitzy Bespoke Tummy Time Rainbow Playmat

With its hefty price tag, this high chair is an investment.

But if you consider the fact that your baby can sit in it from age 0 to adulthood (!), it pays for itself in no time. Plus, we love that it’s built in a way that makes it easy to push into the table; no tripping hazards here. It’ll grow with your baby — it doubles easily as a toddler tower when the time comes — and with your family, and it looks good doing it. Baby set starting at $289. At blackwagon.com.

September 2022

15

B I R T H D AY

B I R T H D AY

We put the “art” in Party!

BIRTHDAY PARTY Packages Available!

www.ceramicafenw.com

Clackamas • Beaverton • Lake Oswego

16

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

| September 2022

17

Say

Yes to

Yes Day Looking for something fun to do for your kiddo’s birthday outside of the typical daytime party? Organize a day of yes! with them instead.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEG ASBY

18

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

suddenly I was free from the duties of party planning, with its requisite scheduling, etiquette and expense. There was almost nothing to do to prepare.

Our first Yes Day was a huge success, full of impromptu whims, following the birthday boy’s bliss from breakfast to bedtime. Now in the middle school years, Yes Day is still going strong. And, believe it or not, the requests are always surprisingly ordinary. May we play video games and eat Halloween candy before breakfast without Yes Day is exactly what it even a side-eye of disapproval from mom? sounds like: a day when the answer to Roast marshmallows in the fireplace? Eat at your child’s every request is an enthusiastic, Boxer Ramen? Go to the arcade with a friend? unequivocal, guilt-free YES. Hike to the Witch’s Castle? Yes, yes, yes, yes, Sounds terrifying, right? yes. “Will you play Minecraft with me?” is Against my better judgment, I read the about as painful as it ever gets. picture book, Yes Day by Amy Krouse Now, lest you think you will have to hand Rosenthal to my (then) preschool-aged over the car keys to your 10-year-old on children. As I should have predicted, they Yes Day, here are a few ground rules we’ve immediately begged for a Yes Day of their adopted along the way to make Yes Day a very own. I was hesitant. With three foolproof success: November birthdays in four days — both kids, 1. Requests must be reasonable. I now ages 9 and 12, plus my husband’s — I can’t make the rain stop, especially felt that it was unfair of the universe to also in Portland. throw in annual Yes Days, so I gave them a 2.

Do no harm. A request that sister choice. They could have a traditional birthday eat the vomit-flavored Bertie Botts party or a Yes Day. jelly bean would be promptly Their decision was immediate. Yes Day vetoed. was on.

3.

You can’t ask your sibling to do And, unexpectedly, I felt a burden lifted. I anything. Caregivers are the yeslove a good birthday party, especially with a sayers. strong theme (we threw a Wacky Wednesday 4.

Requests are limited to what can party that will live in memory forever), but happen during Yes Day. Asking for a sleepover next month or an increase in weekly allowance is not part of the Yes Day magic.

5. Set a Yes Day budget. Honestly, we’ve never had to do this because most of the things my kids ask for don’t cost nearly as much as a birthday party. But if you’re worried that your kids will ask for everything in stock at Mud Puddles Toys & Books, give them a budget and let them spend it however they like (even if it’s all on arcade games).

6. Yes Day ends at your regularly scheduled bedtime. If you have early risers in the house, you may want to set a start time, too.

That’s it. And to make it even easier, we’ve created a Yes Day Checklist on page 20. Just rip it out, hand it over to the birthday kid and get ready for the happiest birthday your child has ever had. No thank you cards to write, no obligations of any kind, just spontaneity and celebration all day long.

Yes Day Road Trip Style Yes Days aren’t just for kids! This year I chose to spend my own Yes Day at Alsea Falls Campground, and as my kids get older, they also enjoy the option of traveling farther afield.

Try out one of these fun locales for a Yes Day adventure within driving distance of Portland.

❏ Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Lost Lake Astoria Silverton Tree to Tree Adventure Park Olympia Enchanted Forest Lincoln City Molalla Train Park Seaside Hood River Oxbow Regional Park __________________________ (choose your own adventure!)

pdxparent.com

|

September 2022

19

B I R T H D AY

Yes Day Checklist

Hand your child this checklist and have them choose one or two activities in each section. Feel free to take a black Sharpie to any options you’d rather avoid, or write in some of your family favorites in the blanks below. Our popular online Kids Calendar (pdxparent.com/events-calendar) is a great place to find fun write-in events happening on your child’s special day, such as kindie concerts or festivals. Have the happiest Yes Day!

Start the Day off Right ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Family dance party

❏ Visit a destination playground, like Pirate, Westmoreland or Gabriel Park

Visit the Oregon Zoo Bake-a-thon Visit a farm animal at The Pumpkin Patch or Topaz Farm Climb the walls at The Circuit Bouldering Gym or Nest Playground Go on a hike Easter egg hunt with candy (fun any time of year!)

Search the stacks at Powell’s, Annie Bloom’s, Maggie Mae’s or Green Bean Books

❏ Browse a little free library ❏ Go on a mini-tour: Visit the free PDX Minifig Exchange at SE 42nd and Cora, the PDX Dinorama near SE 78th and SE Morrison, and the Morrison Street Minigallery between 32nd & 33rd on SE Morrison.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Visit OMSI Play a family board game Go on a bike ride

Geek out at Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals Make some art and drink a milkshake at Creative Culture Studio Play a round of mini-golf at Wilsonville Family Fun Center Visit your favorite library Look for comics and graphic novels at Books with Pictures Visit the arcade or play laser tag at Pietro’s, Kingpins or Superplay Bowl at Grand Central Bowl Make messy art at home Visit Black Wagon, Hammer and Jacks or MudPuddles Toys & Books to spend that birthday cash

❏ Try to escape at Mindtrix Escape or Portland Escape Rooms ❏ Ice- or rollerskate ❏ Get the wiggles out at Two Sisters Play Cafe, Kowabunga Indoor Playspace, LEKA Playland or The Wiggle Room

❏ See a movie at McMenamins Kennedy School, The Academy, Studio One or Living Room Theaters

_____________________________________(choose your own adventure)

❏ _________________________________ (choose your own adventure!)

Evening Eats

Picnic in the park Make DIY Pancakes at Slappy Cakes Lunch at the birthday kid’s favorite restaurant Have your favorite lunch at home Eat at Ikea and watch the planes take off and land _____________________________________ (choose your own adventure)

Treat Time ❏ Pro Choice: Head to Birthday Boulevard (aka NE Fremont Street) and get a free birthday dozen at Pip’s Donuts and a free birthday cone at Nico’s Ice Cream

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Hunt for birthday freebies (see our list at pdxparent.com)

Midday Fuel Up ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Afternoon Adventure

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Mississippi Pizza (check for kindie concerts!)

Dick’s Primal Burger Hopworks Urban Brewery La Provence

Relax, dine and sip while youngsters enjoy our playroom that has a climbing structure with a slide and ball pit plus plenty of toys! Activities also available for older children.

Oregon Public House (kindie concerts happen here, too) Waffle Window Go vegan at Vegan Junk Food, Thunderbird Bar or Off the Griddle.

Boxer Ramen _________________________________ (choose your own adventure!)

Grab a scoop at Salt & Straw, Cloud City or Fifty Licks Get a decorate-your-own cake from Cake Hoopla Pick a treat at Unicorn Bake Shop or Champagne Poetry Grab vegan and gluten-free sweets at Petunia’s Pies & Pastries Go to the “place with the googly-eye desserts,” aka Soro Soro Coffee & Dessert

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Movie night with popcorn Video games Roast s’mores Flashlight tag (more of a wind-up, but worth it!)

Reading marathon ______________________________ (choose your own adventure!)

Meg Asby is the web content coordinator for PDX Parent and plans to spend all her future Yes Days lounging in a hammock with a good book and unlimited chocolate almonds.

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

Experience your favorite films like never before!

Wind Down

Head to the grocery store for a Ruby Jewel ice-cream sandwich

❏ Eat your favorite homemade treat ❏ _____________________________________ (choose your own adventure)

20

Two Sisters Play Café

11923 SE McLoughlin Blvd.

Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 (503) 344-4883 twosistersplaycafe.net Open 8am–3pm Wed.–Sun., After-hours private play, parties, classes + events

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert Fri, Sep 16, 7:30 pm Sat, Sep 17, 7:30 pm Sun, Sep 18, 2 pm

orsymphony.org | 503-228-1353

MKT-200_PrintAd_PDXParent_StarWars.indd 1

pdxparent.com

| September 2022

21

8/9/22 11:52 AM

The votes are in and we are rolling out more winners of the 2022

PDX Parent Picks! Here are our readers’ top choices in the

LEGACY HEALTH

HOSPITALS & BIRTH CENTERS Winner Legacy Health | Multiple locations. Legacyhealth.org

Pregnancy & Baby and Birthday Resources categories.

The skilled teams of doctors, nurses and midwives — and neonatal intensive care units — at Legacy Health are here to help you welcome your baby into the world.

Soon-to-be parents can choose from state-of-the-art (but also cozy and homelike)

OBSTETRICS & WOMEN’S HEALTH Winner Women’s Healthcare WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATES

Associates

Multiple locations. Whallc.com

family birth centers at Randall’s Children’s Hospital in North Portland, Legacy Good

FERTILITY & SURROGACY RESOURCE

Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest, Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in

Winner OHSU Center

and baby care, including webinars for parents of multiples and new grandparents.

Tualatin and the Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham. Each of these family birth centers offer labor and delivery options including water birth and nitrous oxide.

Another bonus: Legacy offers virtual classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and mother

for Women’s Health

The talented providers at Women’s Healthcare Associates offer pregnancy care and postpartum support for all women, from specialist obstetrics

Ohsu.edu/womens-health/

Alma Midwifery

fertility

Kaiser Permanente

to nurse-midwife care. Physicians and midwives

OHSU is one of the top

can also help you deliver your baby at a location of

hospitals in the state, and

your choice; Women’s Healthcare Associates attend to births at eight Portland-area hospitals, as well as non-

the Center for Women’s

hospital deliveries at its Midwifery Birth Center in Gateway. In addition to physical care for parent and baby,

Health is equally impressive

mental health and genetic testing services are also available.

when it comes to fertility

Top 5

Top 5

Midwifery Birth Center/Women’s Healthcare Associates OHSU Providence Health System

treatments. No matter

The Oregon Clinic

where families are in their

A Woman’s Time

Synergy Women’s Health Care

Northwest Women’s Clinic

Women’s Healthcare Clinic of Oregon, P.C.

trying-to-conceive journey, the center, which also

PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

doubles as a research

Winner Providence St. Vincent Mother and Baby

facility, has a specialized team of reproductive endocrinologists to assist along the way. There’s also egg donor and surrogacy programs.

9155 SW Barnes Rd., Suite 730. Providence.org The caring staff at Providence St. Vincent Mother and Baby Clinic know that sometimes new moms need a little help. The team offers one-on-one support on issues such as breastfeeding,

Top 5

pumping, sleep schedules and more. But a true gem of the clinic is

All Families Surrogacy

its mini store located in the lobby (currently only available to clinic

Northwest Fertility Center

patients with appointments because of COVID restrictions). After appointments, nurses will show parents products that can help ease new-baby challenges, such as breastfeeding supplies and

Oregon Fertility Institute

preemie onesies for the littlest of infants.

ORM Fertility

We offer a unique environment for personalized, integrative care, empowering women to achieve optimal health.

Clinic

Top 5

Surro Connections

Brave Birth OHSU

Bridgetown Baby

Comprehensive Women’s Health and Gynecology

Luna

KELLEE JAMIESON

Nina Sanna, NP Sally Holtzman, MD

503-227-4050

Sheryl Horwitz, NP

NEW LOCATION!

Michelle Sang, MD

2525 NW Lovejoy, Ste 300 Portland, OR 97210 info@synergypdx.com

Wellness

Laura Korman, MD

www.synergypdx.com

Not pictured: Nora Swinburne, NP joining Nov, 2022

Find the complete list of winners at pdxparent.

com/picks-winners.

22

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

OHSU Portland Doula Love

>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

pdxparent.com

| September 2022

23

KINDIE MUSICIAN/ PERFORMER

Winner Playdate PDX

Winner Red Yarn

1434 NW 17th Ave.,

JASON QUIGLEY

Productions

Redyarnproductions.com Portland kids love to rock out and their pick for favorite local kindie performer is Red

Yarn (for several years in a row)! Even parents love Red Yarn’s infectiously fun mix of folk rock, humor and critter puppets, which is clutch if you’re going to be listening to kids’ music on repeat. Pro tip: And to find out the latest on kindie performers’ shows, check out our online calendar at pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

Top 5

INDOOR PLAYSPACE

playdatepdx.com In the before times, Playdate PDX was the play space kids begged parents to take

Olive & Dingo Productions Penny’s Puppet Productions Tallulah’s Daddy

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

1945 SE Water Ave., omsi. edu Whether you take a group

hit. And then Playdate PDX

of your kid’s friends to

made the genius move of hosting pediatric

explore Turbine Hall or to

COVID vaccinations — and turning it into a

experience a rock ‘n’ roll

real celebration by offering free play, food and

laser light show, readers

drinks to kids who got the shot. It’s no wonder

agree that doing a birthday

readers rewarded them with this year’s top

party OMSI is great fun for

spot!

toddlers to tweens.

LEKA Playland

Mr. Ben Music

Winner OMSI -

them to. Then the pandemic

Top 5

Mo Phillips

PLAYDATE PDX

BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOT

Top 5 Mad Science

Play Boutique

Oaks Amusement Park

Portland Parks & Recreation Community

Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate

Centers

Adventure

Two Sisters Play Cafe The Wiggle Room

Triskelee Farm The Wiggle Room

EXUBERaNCE IN LEARNING Think Globally. Learn Deeply. Act Passionately.

24

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

| September 2022

25

fa m i ly s u p p e r

BACK TO SCHOOL

Rockin'

Good Eats

Multnomah Early Childhood Program Preschool Classes in:

Mon–Thurs / AM or PM Only $32 per month

David Douglas, PPS, Reynolds, Centennial, Parkrose and Gresham

Free and reduced tuition for families who qualify

503-261-5535 | mecp_peer@ddsd40.org

www.ddouglas.k12.or.us/departments/multnomah-early-childhood

Portland Village School

Find kid-friendly classic American diner fare with a ’50s flair at St. Johns’ Rockabilly Diner.

A K-8 PUBLIC WALDORF CHARTER SCHOOL EDUCATING AND NURTURING THE WHOLE CHILD -

HEAD, HEART, AND HANDS

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON

www.portlandvillageschool.org 7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland, OR, 97217 503-445-0056

For more family-friendly restaurant reviews visit: pdxparent.com/ family-supper

If you watched the TV show 90210 in the 1990s and

ourselves in a roomy booth and looked at the menu.

The Rockabilly Cafe offers a solid kids’ menu. Pro tip: They serve breakfast wished you could go to the Peach Pit, you’ll love the all day — a huge plus for Cruz. He ordered a waffle, apple slices Rockabilly Cafe in the St. Johns neighborhood. Scads of and bacon for his meal. Adela opted for the kids’ cheeseburger ’50s memorabilia enlivens the space; Buddy Holly, Roy and onion rings. She loves onion rings and was Orbison and Elvis songs play while excited to have them as one of the menu choices. you dine; and the kid-friendly menu Rockabilly Cafe, Adela can be picky about her hamburgers (she is packed with all-American comfort 8537 N Lombard St., likes a juicy burger), but gave this one a thumbs food made from organic and locally rockabillycafe.com. up. Cruz’s waffle was a little dense, but he still sourced ingredients. The only thing Tuesday through ate a good portion of it. missing is Brandon Walsh.

Thursday and Sunday: I tried the “Who Cares Who Invented It” cobb salad. It was a The diner opened in February 8 am-8 pm; Friday and generous portion and tasty overall, I just wish it had had a few 2022 and I recently visited with Saturday: 8 am-9 pm. tomatoes in it. My husband tried The Clubhouse sandwich, my husband, 10-year-old daughter, a turkey and bacon triple decker with lettuce, tomato and Adela, and 7-year-old son, Cruz. The avocado.

He had intended to eat just half of it, but liked it so kids were instantly charmed by the much he nearly finished it off.

He was trying to show restraint because we checkerboard flooring, sparkly red-vinyl booths and had a plan to order milkshakes.

You can’t go to a ’50s diner without having a vintage steering wheels dotting the walls. We seated milkshake, right? We tried the Chocolate Elvis, chocolate ice cream, peanut butter and banana; and a French Crepe, vanilla ice cream with Nutella, banana and malt powder. Both were out-of-this-world good. I couldn’t pick which one I liked better, but globs of peanut butter in the Elvis may have swayed me The King’s way. And the servings were enormous! We got a tall frosty glass full of shake, plus a big metal shake canister with a hefty portion in it. We slurped as much of the cool, creamy treats as we wanted and we still had leftovers. Pro tip: Two shakes was plenty for a family of four!

If the Rockabilly Cafe was in our neighborhood, we’d become regulars. But since it’s a trek for us to get to North Portland, we’ll settle for an occasional visit when we are in the neighborhood or a special trip to one of their events like drag queen bingo brunch or a sock hop that includes dance lessons and dinner.

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

GRADES 6 TO 12 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 1–4 PM

PRE-K TO GRADE 5 (PARENTS ONLY)

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 6–8 PM

starting in september at a location near you! nwcts.org • 503-222-2190

Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son.

26

fall theater classes

6300 SW Nicol Road Portland, OR 97223 503-768-3115 • oes.edu/openhouse

pdxparent.com

| September 2022

27

September 2022

Go. Play.

Explore.

For families that are counting down the days until fall harvest festivals, Oh My Gourd! Harvest Fest is here for you. Hosted by postpartum support organization, Baby Blues Connection, this daytime fest features free and ticketed activities, carnival games, crafts, food, live music and cute goats. From 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, September 10 at Sellwood Community House. Free admission.

Ohmygourditsfall.com.

— T.H.

MT. ANGEL OKTOBERFEST

a gourd time

museum magic Treat your kiddo to the joys of going to the museum — for free! Saturday, September 17 is the Smithsonian’s Museum Day. Here in Portland, that means admission at the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education will be free. Register for tickets here: smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2022/ registration. — T.H.

starry night Celebrate the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox with the Rose City Astronomers.

Partnering with OMSI and Oregon Parks and Recreation, this is a Star Party space enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Rose City Astronomers will be on hand to help viewers find and delight in gazing at planets, stars, the moon and more. Saturday, September 17, starting at dusk at both Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park. Pro tip: bring a telescope and flashlight with a red light if you have them (volunteers will also have telescopes on hand), and dress warmly. Omsi.edu/events. — T.H.

may the force be with you Who doesn’t love the iconic John Williams’ score to the Star Wars movie? Listen to the Imperial March in all its glory as the Oregon Symphony plays along to Return of the Jedi. Part of the Symphony’s Popcorn Series, this classic sci-fi film of good vs. evil is always a hit with the whole family. Shows run on Friday, September 16 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 pm; and Sunday, September 18 at 2 pm.

Tickets start at $35. Orsymphony. org/concerts-tickets/calendar. — T.H.

Oregon is home to some surprisingly kid-friendly Oktoberfest festivals.

The biggest takes place in Mt. Angel (pictured left). It’s worth the trek for the Bavarian treats, live music, traditional dances and, for the grown-ups, local and German beer. Pro tip: The Alpinegarten welcomes families at all times (other venues are open to minors until certain hours). And be sure to hit the Kindergarten for oodles of free fun. Thursday to Sunday, September 15-18. Find out schedule, costs and more at oktoberfest.org.

Closer to home, Prost! in North Portland will also be celebrating with food and drink Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2. Kids are welcome in the Prost! pub till 9 pm and till 10 pm in the Market Place. Don’t miss the brass band playing 6 pm-9pm on Friday and again Saturday at 2 pm-4 pm and 6 pm-8 pm. Prostportland.com. And McMenamins will be hosting German-themed harvest fests on several of its properties. On Saturday, September 10, check out the Oktoberfest at Kennedy School. And on Saturday, September 24 McMenamins Edgefield will have live music starting at 11 am, food and drink specials and more. Free admission. All ages welcome. Find out more at mcmenamins.com/to-do/live-music-events. — D.C.

Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.

DENISE CASTAÑON

time out

raise a stein

right on track All aboard! Take your little train lovers to Molalla Train Park for a weekend of family-friendly railriding fun during Train Fest. The train park, with more than 4,000 feet of track, sits on 4 acres and is dotted with ponds, bridges and trees. There’s also a covered pavilion and picnic tables — perfect for post ride snacks. Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5; free admission and kiddos ride the trains for free. Pnls.org/molalla-train-park. — T.H.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

OCT. 8 – 16, 2022 KELLER AUDITORIUM

TICKETS START AT

$29 obt.org

Michael Linsmeier; Photo by Jingzi Zhao

28

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

|

September 2022

29

Expanding Minds, Nurturing Spirits, Stewarding the Earth •

Small class size

•

Pre-K to 8th grade

•

Earth experiences

•

Foreign language programs

•

Before and after care

•

10 acres campus with extensive gardens Visit

www.FMES.org to schedule a

virtual or in-person

TOUR!

www.FMES.org | 503-760-8220 | Portland, Oregon 97236-2316

Welcome back to checkups for kids.

Another school year is here. It’s time to schedule a well-child visit to make sure your child is as healthy as possible. Our providers are ready with checkups, screenings, immunizations, teeth cleanings, youth mental health care and more. Best of all, it’s all free for CareOregon members.

careoregon.org/kids 30

September 2022

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

| September 2022

31