Lane County MOM | February / March 2022

real local moms

since 2005

Lane County | February / March 2022

COVER MOM

PARTIES

RAISING GLOBAL CITIZENS

STEPHANIE RUSHTON

KIDS’ BIRTHDAY PARTIES

A READING LIST

Amazing things happen when a group of

moms

come together to envision what is possible.

There’s something incredible coming to town, thanks to the vision of local moms who saw a need for a safe and accessible place for their children to play. A place that has something of interest for everyone. A place where everybody is included and welcome.

The Arc Park, under construction now in Springfield, is more than a playground. It’s a play destination – uniquely designed to be the most accessible for all children. The Arc Park will be a place where imaginations soar, friendships blossom and children shine.

Won’t you help build the Arc Park?

Give online at www.arclane.org/arc-park-donation Text PlayYourPart to 63665 Scan the QR code at right

It’s what‘s

Raising global citizens

20

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

inside that counts

Spring cleaning 24

They know what they’re

Cover MOM: Stephanie Rushton.........10

talking about.

This mom gets real.

Because I said so............... 5

Vacation MOM.................18

A message from MOM

Flying with children

Kids’ birthday parties

28

Spring cleaning...............24 One small project at a time

Kids’ birthday parties.....28 Pick a theme, any theme.

Raising global citizens....20 A reading list for children

More ways to love your MOM mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.

Cover MOM

10

Photos by Fremouw Photography

Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Healthy MOM

Nurture

Say Cheese

with Dr. Emily Little, perinatal health researcher, page 8

with Dr. Brad Chvatal, orthodontist, page 22

Beyond the Bin

Smile

with Kelly Bell, waste reduction specialist, page 9

with Dr. Erin Estep, pediatric dentist, page 26

with Dana Cummings, MSN, CNM, page 6

Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, travel agent, page 18

I didn’t realize I was “ supposed to know how to do everything by my second rodeo. Seems like a

“

very low amount of rodeos.

— Spotted on Society6.com and echoed by many moms 4 mommag.com

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, pediatric optometrist, page 30

EDITOR'S NOTE

Because I said so!

Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Designer Sean Carver s.carver@oregonwebpress.com

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2022 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

Oh, the things you’ll learn Writers are naturally curious (also nosy), and serving as editor-in-chief allows me to explore some of the latest topics that matter to moms. On my current list that earn the mind-blown emoji: Laser dentistry: No needles and no anesthesia! Where was this when I was listening to an 8-track cassette of the original Muppet Movie and getting all my fillings as a child, zoned out on nitrous oxide? Several local pediatric dentists are now offering laser dentistry that can anesthetize and then vaporize cavities. Vaporize.

Free, rentable dishware: I had no idea this was a thing. Available in Eugene through Linn County Waste Management, this firstcome, first-served program is perfect for planning your next party. Each kit comes with reusable utensils, plates, cups and napkins for 25.

Lost retainer programs from our orthodontists: The panic and shame of having to dig through the school lunch garbage cans is a thing of the past. Nowadays if your child loses their retainer, you can get a free or low-cost replacement in a few days.

the production of antibodies to help fight the baby’s illness. Visit our expert Nurturely.org to learn more.

Savings for single parents: Single parents can get special rates at resorts during off-peak times. Shout out to @VacationMOM for this knowledge.

Do you have a timely, locally relatable topic you want our readers to know about?

I love to be surprised and delighted: tell me everything at audrey@mommag.com.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

Breast milk is ridiculously smart: The milk of a parent with a premature baby has increased immunofactors in comparison with milk for full-term babies. And when a baby is sick, human milk adjusts to increase

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healthy MOM

™

LACTATION CORNER Pain, discomfort and confusion are common issues in the early days of feeding your baby. It’s important to get help as soon as problems arise. Lactation counselors have tips and tricks for immediate and long-term relief from common lactation issues. McKenzie Midwives offer same-day and next-day lactation visits to the entire Eugene/Springfield community.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CHILDBIRTH We know that the most important factor in how someone experiences childbirth, both the joy and the difficulty, is how they are treated in labor. The way we are talked to and cared for truly matters. Having a caring team that explains, informs and involves patients in care is essential to patient satisfaction.

Childbirth education is another great way to prepare, in addition to your prenatal care. Lactation classes and birth classes help you consider the many what-ifs coming your way. In-person and virtual options abound for different types of childbirth classes. Many pregnant people engage in healthy habits during pregnancy that are great prep for postpartum self-care, like yoga, exercise classes, walking, massage and acupuncture.

Even when things don’t go as planned, having a positive relationship with your provider can help lessen trauma. Midwifery care is focused, first and foremost, on fostering trusting relationships, where patients are highly involved in their own care and decisions. We recommend preparing for childbirth by first picking providers you genuinely feel comfortable with, have mutual respect with and trust.

Dana Cummings, MSN, CNM McKenzie Midwives & Lactation Services 960 N. 16th St., Ste 104, Springfield (541) 744-8660

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Talking about your hopes and concerns for pregnancy and birth with your provider can help prepare you mentally for birth. Many people identify the need for additional mental health support in pregnancy or postpartum. Nurse-midwives approach childbirth preparation holistically, and delight in witnessing the amazing events of birth.

Brought to you by:

mckenziemidwives.com

mckweb.com

[

Momism #56: Try it — you might like it!

Let Vacation MOM Plan Your Dream Vacation!

Family Vacations Romantic Getaways Cruises All-Inclusive Resorts Disney Vacations

] WELLSPRINGS FRIENDS SCHOOL

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS

T

he Eugene Airport is a proud part of what makes Western Oregon such a unique place to live and visit, with direct routes connecting to hundreds of destinations.

Wellsprings Friends School is a place where the education of an individual student is as treasured as the interconnectedness of our community. An independent, alternative high school with a focus on creating lifelong learners, Wellsprings is home to a dedicated team of teachers that is fully committed to the academic and socio-emotional growth of each student.

3590 w. 18th Ave Eugene, OR 97402 Contact: (541) 686-1223 info@wellspringsfriends.org www.wellspringsfriends.org

Donnita Bassinger VIP Vacations, Inc. 541-913-5272 Facebook: Vacation MOM mommag.com 7

Nurture

™

Carrying & feeding What’s the connection?

Parents around the world intuitively understand the benefits that come from carrying baby close to your body, commonly known as “babywearing.” But what’s the science behind this practice?

Until recently, there were only a handful of scientific studies exploring the connection between carrying and health outcomes. Nurturely recently published results from a study testing the effect of infant carriers on infant feeding outcomes. The study — published in June 2021 in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics — adds new evidence to the many ways that infant carrying benefits parents and babies: After a six-month intervention where only half of the parents received an ergonomic baby carrier, parents in the carrier group were more likely to be breastfeeding or feeding expressed milk at six months (68%) than control group parents (40%).

Visit our new Perinatal Lounge at 56 East 15th Avenue in Eugene.

Brought to you by: Emily Little (she/her), PhD, is a perinatal health researcher, educator, and advocate. She is the founder and executive director of Nurturely, a nonprofit promoting equity in perinatal wellness and strengthening cultures of support for infants and caregivers. nurturely.org / info@nurturely.org Text/phone: 541-579-8941 / Whatsapp: 541-579-8941

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In our world where parents are overburdened already, breastfeeding adds a heavy weight as one of the most difficult tasks a new parent will undertake. This new research from Nurturely points to a simple way to help parents reach their breastfeeding goals: providing infant carriers to increase parent-infant contact.

Though carrying may look effortless, hands-on help with your infant carrier can greatly increase the comfort and ease of this practice for both you and baby. Parents in Eugene can now get free infant carrying support at Nurturely’s new Perinatal Lounge. Email info@nurturely.org for details.

Greening your event When it comes to party ware there is no “best” disposable option. Reusing and washing dishes is better for the environment by every measure over purchasing disposable items.

Borrow reusable dishware from Lane County.

Did you know that Lane County will loan you up to 100 place settings for your public or private gathering, at no charge? Reservations are first-come, first-served. For more information, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/EventRecycling.

If you can’t avoid disposables, look for products made from recycled materials. Recycled products are environmentally preferred to products made from virgin content. Look for “this product made with 100% recycled-content materials.”

Brought to you by:

What about compostable cups and plates?

“Compostable” plastics should not go into your compost pile. Please put them in the trash.

Don’t Waste Food! Not wasting food, it turns out, is more important than recycling. Preventing food waste is the greenest party trick of all! Visit SaveTheFood.com for a handy food calculator to help you buy just the right amount of food, so it’s not thrown away.

Kelly Bell is the Master Recycler coordinator for the Lane County Waste Management Division. She feels privileged to support the many citizen waste prevention educators who LITTLE volunteer their time. Learn more atTOES lanecountyor.gov/masterrecyclers.

10

AT

...

10 BIG REASONS TO HAVE YOUR BABY MCKENZIE-WILLAMETTE MEDICAL CENTER.

ALL IN ONE, LABOR, DELIVER & RECOVERY ROOMS (INCLUDING JACUZZI TUBS) STATE-OF-THE-ART NEWBORN SAFETY SYSTEM 24/7 IN-HOUSE LABORISTS (OB)

10 little toes...

24/7 ON-CALL CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIVES

10 big reasons to have your baby at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center:

24/7 ON-CALL PEDIATRIC HOSPITALISTS

24/7 ON-CALL LACTATION SPECIALISTS LEVEL II SPECIAL CARE NURSERY MATERNITY CARE COORDINATOR CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION/CLASSES

• All-in-one labor, delivery & recovery rooms (including whirlpool tubs) • Water birth available • State-of-the-art newborn safety system • 24/7 in-house laborists (OB)

COMING SOON NITROUS OXIDE OPTION DURING LABOR VISIT MCKWEB.COM, MATERNITY SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION

• 24/7 on-call certified nurse midwives and lactation services • 24/7 on-call pediatric hospitalists • Level II special care nursery • Maternity Care Coordinator

Visit mckweb.com, maternity services for more information

• Childbirth education/classes • Nitrous oxide option during labor

mommag.com 9

10 mommag.com

Stephanie Rushton Life is going at breakneck speed for this mom of twins. Her philosophy for enjoying it: “You’ll never look back on your life and wish you had a cleaner house.”

Photos by: Fremouw Photography

Profession: Registered nurse Community: Springfield Husband: Drew Rushton, anesthesiologist Children: Coen Rushton, age 13, and Luca Rushton, age 13

mommag.com 11

Any given weekend you can find us snow skiing, hiking, swimming, exploring/ traveling. We love the outdoors and regularly book repeat vacations on lakes and rivers. Our family co-owns a vacation property on the Mckenzie River in Mckenzie Bridge. This property is a fantastic launching pad for many of our favorite activities.

When we aren’t playing, our boys are gaining an education from the fabulous O’hara Catholic School. They are currently in seventh grade and have been attending O’hara since kindergarten.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I had always imagined I would marry and have kids, but because I was almost 34 when Drew and I got married, I wasn’t sure it would happen, not to mention I was pretty content with just the two of us.

It wasn’t until the boys were born that I instantaneously fell in love with them. I’m not saying there weren’t difficult times, but from the moment I saw them, this crazy internal desire to protect and love them came over me.

QA 12 mommag.com

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

We are a family of four, seven including our dogs, and I am the lone female. We have twin boys, Coen and Luca, two English bulldogs, Rusty and Lenny, and the newest member of our family is Petey, an Australian Labradoodle. My husband, Drew, and I both work in the medical profession which comes in handy when relating to our days, call schedules, and general attitudes regarding health and wellness.

Drew and I met when I was a new RN and he was a new anesthesiologist at Sacred Heart University District. We were in our mid 30s when we got married, so we decided to try for kids six months later.

Two weeks after our six-month waiting period, we were pregnant with Coen and Luca. Were we surprised?! A little bit, but not completely. I’m a twin: I have a twin sister named Nicole, whom I’m incredibly close with.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? One of my boys is very detail-oriented. He is very particular about his clothes, his hair, his shoes, etc., and my other son is ambivalent about all of the above. He’s also incredibly laid back and a procrastinator. Fortunately and unfortunately, I share all of the above qualities.

Your biggest wish for your kids is… My biggest wish for my kids is for them to be kind, caring, loving, respectful and responsible.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job.

How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general?

Balancing the day to day is a constant challenge for me. Kudos to all of the moms that work full-time, manage a home, and coordinate all of the day to day activities for their kiddos. I love the tone working part-time sets for my life, but I honestly find myself meeting myself coming and going with all of the additional responsibilities: laundry, grocery shopping, meal prep, house cleaning, shuttling kids to sports, school, play dates, etc. It definitely helps to give yourself grace. A mother figure I looked up to once said, “You’ll never look back on your life and wish you had a cleaner house.” I try to take that

MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Luxe …coffee spot: Meraki Coffee …place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: Bello Day Spa & Salon …restaurants for a date night: Izakaya Meiji Company …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Evergreen Indian Restaurant, Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery …meetup spot for happy hour: B2 Bar and Grill …boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Miss Meers …place where the kids can let off steam: Incline Sports gym …event in your community: Oregon Track Club All Comers’ Meets …any other local places you love: Bar Purlieu

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quote to heart. At the end of the day, does anyone care that my kitchen floor hasn’t been mopped?

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I currently work in the catheterization prep and recovery unit at RiverBend Hospital. Our unit specializes in the preparation and recovery of procedural patients. These patients are on the receiving end of cardiac and interventional radiology procedures. After working almost twenty years in inpatient cardiac care, cath prep is a breath of fresh air. I also moonlight as a SANE nurse. A SANE nurse is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. This new career path is both rewarding and challenging: rewarding in the sense that I am able to be there for someone who has just experienced one of the most traumatic events of their lives and challenging in the same sense.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? My profession has taught me patience, compassion and kindness. Life is fleeting. Health is fleeting.

Time is fleeting. Make the most of each moment with your kids. I know that’s easier said than done, but it strongly resonates with me. The joys and tribulations of my work help me maintain perspective.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

Becoming a SANE nurse. This has been a passion of mine for a long time, and to finally actualize my dream is beyond rewarding. I’m still in the process of becoming certified, but I’m still able to work as a SANE in the meantime.

'

MOM s Favorite... …family game: Five Crowns …place to find some peace & quiet: Mount Pisgah …binge-worthy TV: Ted Lasso …way to get out of making dinner: If the day ends in “y” …inspirational quote: If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? Oh gosh, everyday! I raise my voice, I turn a blind eye to screen time, I’m too tired to make a well-balanced meal. You name it, I’ve done it. I honestly just try not to let mistakes overshadow accomplishments.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? My upbringing was incredible. I don’t want to sound like Pollyanna, but I had an amazing childhood.

I grew up in Springfield. My family consisted of my mom and dad, my younger brother, and my twin sister. My mother was a stay-at-home mom until I was in seventh grade. At that point in time she became the librarian at my school. Each day we rode to and from school together. In the evenings my mother would help us with our homework, cart us to activities, and make sure we had a healthy, homemade mommag.com 15

meal on the table. My mother was at every sporting event, every band concert, every choir concert, every single activity. My mother was affectionate, loving, supportive, kind, thoughtful and encouraging. She is the parent I strive to be each and every day.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Loyal, committed, late What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Loving, caring, consistent What is the quality you like most about yourself? I’m a creature of habit. I love the ritual of routine. I love to make my bed every single morning, sip coffee, read the paper, exercise and go out to dinner.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Making my bed.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

Curl up on the couch with a good book.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? Nothing! Everyone that knows me, knows I go to bed ridiculously early.

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What is the best way that you let off steam?

Running What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Red wine What is your greatest extravagance?

A pair of Jimmy Choo’s Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My girlfriends.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Swim in a mountain lake!

Listen to mom.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mother and my grandmother.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

“The days are long and the years are short,” is one of the most accurate clichés I’ve ever heard. When my boys were little, it seemed like groundhog day over and over: wake up, change diapers, eat breakfast, go to the park, nap, eat lunch, play, wait for dad to

come home, eat, go to bed. Wake up, repeat.

I wish I had appreciated those slower days for exactly what they were — slower.

Today, life operates at breakneck speed with school, sports, friends and more friends. My kids are teenagers, and teenagers prefer less time with their parents. It’s a fact of life, but not a fact I’m adjusting to very well. I miss those slow, routine-filled days with my toddlers.

Is motherhood what you expected?

What surprised you the most? Yes and no.

I knew it would be hard, but some of the challenges have been harder than expected and some have been easier. I didn’t expect to love so fiercely. The love I have for my children is overwhelming at times.

[

Momism #23: You’re a good helper.

]

Thrifty Thrill: Thrill: We Supply it.

You might know us affectionately as St. Vinnie’s, that store full of nifty, thrifty things.

It’s true — we'll thrill your inner shopper, whether you’re on the hunt for affordable clothing and furnishings for your household, or books, records and other treasures.

But we’re more than a thrift store! Every purchase supports St. Vincent de Paul’s vital human-services programs. So when you shop St. Vinnie’s, you’ll have some fun, save some money, and do something nice for your neighbors. 541-687-5820 • svdp.us

Eugene Montessori School Educating for a better world since 1962.

A quality Montessori education for children 3 through kindergarten. The individualized curriculum includes music and P.E., snacks and a wholesome hot lunch.

Call for a tour!

Eugene Montessori School 2255 Oakmont Way 541.345.7124 eugenemontessorischool.com

mommag.com 17

Flying with Children DONNITA CAGLE BASSINGER, CTC, MCC

Traveling with children is a completely different experience from your footloose days of hopping on a flight without kids.

It can be a fun family adventure or a total nightmare, with the odds of a positive experience vastly improved through planning ahead.

TOP 10 ESSENTIALS TO BRING ONBOARD • Snacks (pretzels, crackers, cheese sticks, jerky, nuts, cereal) • Resealable bag with a few diapers and small pack of wipes • Tissues, wet-wipes and hand sanitizer • Small books, stickers, notebooks, crayons and pencils • Change of clothes in a resealable bag • New toys and prizes • Plenty of comfortable, fun masks for everyone • Handheld games, tablets, batteries, headsets, chargers and power packs • Smaller bags to organize items • A sense of adventure, patience and a positive attitude

Gotta catch ‘em all PRO TRAVELER TIP

To pass the hours in airports, download the Pokémon Go app and chase down and capture unique anime creatures throughout your travels. This can turn a boring wait into a new adventure for the family.

18 mommag.com

kids so they can tolerate a mask during travel. Pick out some matching vacationthemed masks and practice wearing them. Take a “field trip” to the airport to practice wearing masks and show them what to expect. They will follow your lead, so make all of it sound like fun.

SECURITY RULES

Airlines are required to collect official full names, date of birth and sex of each passenger. TSA rules prohibit taking liquids over 3.4 oz. onboard aircraft; however, you can bring filled bottles or sippy cups for young children. Just show them to the security screeners and know that they may open and test them.

For those of us in the Willamette Valley, flying from Eugene Airport is a great choice. Parking, check-in and getting through security is easier and faster versus flying from a big city airport.

There are now more non-stop flights to different destinations than ever before with great fares. The Eugene Airport offers non-stop flights to Burbank, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mesa, Oakland, Orange County, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle. I suggest you choose one of these destinations for a family vacation. A family trip is not the time to buy the cheapest tickets with multiple connections.

Before you go, talk to your children about what to expect, how they will need to behave and safety issues (no running off and staying seated during the flight). Remind them to NOT kick the seats in front of them. Check ahead of time to see if the airports you are visiting have designated play areas that you can visit. Currently everyone age 2 and older is required to wear a mask in airports and on flights. Be sure to prepare your

All liquids need to be in a quart-size resealable bag. Passengers of all ages flying anywhere outside of the U.S. are required to have a valid passport (passport books, not cards). Children under the age of 18 who are not traveling with both parents may need a notarized letter of permission for international travel. Some countries require that you apply for permission and pay a fee to enter their country — this is documented with a stamp in your passport called a Visa. A travel agent can assist with all of these details.

BAGGAGE & SEATS

All airlines (except Southwest) charge $20 to $50 per checked-in bag each direction with a maximum weight of 40 to 50 pounds per bag. Many airlines now charge for carry-on bags that won’t fit under a seat, and these charges can add up quickly for a family. There may be a discount if you prepay your baggage fees.

Usually you can take a stroller and/or car seat to the plane and gate check them for free. Bring a big plastic bag with an address label to put your items in to keep them from getting dirty if you gate check them. If you’re paying for a seat for your child, you can bring approved car seats onboard the aircraft.

MEET VACATION MOM

Recently some airlines have been charging for some or all pre-assigned seats. It is important to check airline websites for the latest rules, plan ahead and pack carefully to minimize costs.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The days of free meals & snacks onboard domestic (within the USA) flights are over.

Every mom knows that hungry kids are a recipe for disaster. I never get on a plane without a carry-on bag full of snacks.

Packaged meat and cheese trays found in the lunchmeat section of the grocery store are great to take with you. All food needs to be in a zipper bag and taken out when going through security. Purchase bottled water (or bring empty water bottles to fill) after clearing security so you always have it available.

FLYING WITH INFANTS

On domestic flights, airlines allow an infant, prior to their second birthday, to sit on the lap of an adult for no charge. This must be noted on the reservation as a lap child and you may be required to show a birth certificate or passport to prove their age. For international travel there is usually a highly discounted rate for infant tickets.

A small bag with a couple of diapers and a small pack of baby wipes is much easier to take into a tiny airplane bathroom than a huge diaper bag. Pack at least one complete change of clothes for your baby in a plastic bag; that way if you have to change the baby’s clothes, the wet, dirty outfit can go in the bag. If your baby needs a pacifier, take several. Disposable bibs are also helpful on a flight. Note that the Eugene Airport now has two lactation suites available for nursing families.

Don’t forget to pack a good attitude: “Look kids, an escalator!” Kids will sense if you are agitated so try and make the best of any situation. If you make it fun, you will have great little travelers ready to see the world.

TM

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport.

Donnita is the owner of VIP Vacations, has been a travel agent for three decades and a vacation expert for over 20 years. She has taken her three children on numerous vacations. Her favorite family destinations include Hawaii, San Diego, Cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on @VacationMOMpage.

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D

RE

D A RE A

R C HI L

N

R A ISI NG G LOBA L CITIZENS

LIST FO

IN G

Exploring the vast world around us is both fascinating and of critical importance: a person who thinks and engages beyond their local confines is better equipped to challenge intolerance and work for sustainability and peace. These titles will take you and your children around the globe, expanding your worldviews.

NORTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

ARCTIC

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories

by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Neverforgotten

by Alejandra Algorta

Arctic Memories

by Normee Ekoomiak

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GLOBAL

What is a Refugee?

by Elise Gravel

Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps (Illustrated Young Readers Edition)

by Tim Marshall

Our House is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s call to save the planet

by Jeanette Winter

Thank you to our contributor: The Book Bin in Salem & Corvallis

AFRICA

ASIA

EUROPE

AUSTRALIA

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Picture Book Edition

By William Kamkwamba

A Wish in the Dark

by Christina Soontornvat

Comet in Moominland

by Tove Jansson

Wombat

by Christopher Cheng

mommag.com 21

Say Cheese

™

Invisalign treatment for kids and teens I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials for Invisalign or clear aligners for adults, but is it okay for kids and teens? You bet!

In our practice, more patients are requesting to be treated without brackets and wires, and we are now able to treat most patients over the age 7 with their choice of braces or clear aligners.

While there are some downsides to treating children with aligners, such as the need to wear them 20 hours per day and the possibility of losing them, there are many more upsides. These include shorter treatment times, easier brushing and flossing (since you take the aligners out to do this), and no pokey wires or emergency visits. In fact, we’ve found that our patients as young as 7 or 8 are some of our best aligner wearers and fastest treatments!

Brought to you by:

NOW ALSO AT 2215 WILLAMETTE STREET!

If your child is concerned about the thought of getting traditional braces, call us today to see if Invisalign or other clear aligners are right for them.

(541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com 1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 2215 Willamette Street, Ste. B, Eugene

Total Office Solutions Get in touch with our workflow experts today for customized office solutions.

Call Us Today!

OR GO TO PACIFICOFFICE.COM

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PHONE: 541.747.9396 | FAX: 541.747.9454 201 West 8th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401

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SPRING CLEANING one small project at a time

I

F you’re like us, we aim big for spring cleaning while caffeinated, then get distracted by kids, partners, pets, and then suddenly we’re hungry and then tired and now there’s an even messier half-finished project that makes you want to throw the whole house away.

Oh, that’s not what you do?

Well, then how are we friends?

One task per day is plenty when it comes to spring, aka deep, cleaning.

Do just one small area — maybe one every other day, maybe one each weekend — and ride that dopamine boost when you sit back and admire your efforts.

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1

Control condiment chaos

2

Funky cabinet fronts

3

One small drawer for momkind

4

It sucks, but not in a bad way

5

Wiping more than butts

6

You do not need Marie Kondo perfection

Go through the condiments in your refrigerator.

Only the condiments. If it’s expired, growing mold, or smelling off, it’s gotta go. Wipe out the shelving and put back only the still-fresh items.

Add the deleted ones to your shopping list.

Wipe down the lower fronts of kitchen cabinets.

All kitchen cabinets get that greasy funk from cooking, but the bottom ones suffer from drip-downs and spills. Just tackling the lower ones is enough for one day.

Go after one bathroom drawer, like the one with all the hair ties: empty it out and divest yourself of the headbands and earrings you know you’ll never use. Let them go to a friend or charity with the knowledge someone else will be able to enjoy them, rather than moldering in your abode. And if you find scrunchies in there from the 90s, good news: they’re back in style.

Do a deep vacuum of your couch. Orange fish crackers, anyone? And while you have the vacuum extensions out, take a swipe at the ceiling corners to clear out the cobwebs.

Those handy, ubiquitous baby wipes are great for all kinds of cleaning. If you have interior stairs with a handrail, we guarantee you it’s dirty. Because kids, that’s why. Take a swipe of picture frames and ledges to remove dust.

Defunk the video game controllers. And faucet handles, too.

Tidying up the linen closet is a good dry task, meaning it doesn’t require getting your hands wet. Simply take everything out and categorize bedding by room. Put like with like. Not in the mood to wrestle a fitted sheet into submission?

Us neither. Stuff it into its matching pillowcase, along with its flat sheet and other pillowcase. mommag.com 25

something to smile about

TM

The future of dentistry is here Fillings without a shot!

Imagine bringing your child to the dentist for several fillings that are performed without pain, needles or drilling.

CO2 lasers are revolutionary in dentistry: we can now use them to vaporize enamel and without the need for anesthesia. This laser technology actually works as anesthesia, which means no needles and no numbing.

Everything gets done faster and with greater precision.

Children have been overwhelmingly receptive to this new tool: they are thrilled to not have shots, and to leave the office and go on with their day without a numb face for hours on end. Another bonus: no more noisy drilling.

Laser technology could make your child’s next dental visit a breeze. Contact our office to learn more.

Brought to you by: Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631 office@treehousekidsdental.com

Offering more than pregnancy care As midwives, we offer a wide range of services, including: • Well women care • Contraception • Lactation services • Menopausal management • Gynecologic care OFFERING MORE THAN PREGNANCY CARE—CONTRACEPTION, WELL WOMEN CARE, MENOPAUSAL MANAGEMENT, LACTATION SERVICES AND GYNECOLOGICAL PROBLEM VISITS.

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O

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26 mommag.com

,

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,

KANYA DELPOZZO, MSN, CNM, IBC EMILY DOWNING-MOORE, MSN, CN

[

Momism #192: How about a hug?

]

www.FremouwPhotography.com

Livia Fremouw - 541.844.9429 Modern, timeless, custom portraits since 2004. Newborn babies, toddlers, children, seniors and families.

mommag.com 27

Kids’ Birthday Parties PICK A THEME, ANY THEME When it comes to birthday parties for your kids, you can literally go big or go home: rent a space and invite the whole third grade class, or fashion a small, backyard get-together for family. The important considerations are the age of the child and how much effort and money you want to put into the soiree.

For littles ages 1 to 3, the party is more for you than it is for them. You can have a cozy event for just family, like a smash cake after dinner. Or, you can whoop it up with all the tulle and princess paraphernalia you always wanted but didn’t get when you were a child. Just know that your kid probably won’t remember too much and will likely be just as pleased with a giant box over the mini drivable Mercedes it came in.

Children ages 4 and up usually enjoy the hoopla. You will need cake; that is almost non-negotiable. Consider your budget and have faith that mostly what kids want to do at this age is run around with one another. One single blown-up balloon smacked back and forth has been known to steal the show of some birthday parties. If you have the energy and means to rent out a movie theater and create life-size posters of your child as a 007 agent, then go for it. It will most certainly be memorable.

Whatever your level, do choose a theme.

Doing so will help you define the important 5 Ws of who/what/when/ where/why, though the why is pretty clear from the outset.

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THEME + ACTIVITY + GOODIES & GIVEAWAYS Cooking • Make your own mini pizza • Kids’ chef hats Cars & trucks • An epically long race track • A small Hot Wheel or Matchbox vehicle Science • Make elephant toothpaste • Pop Rocks Water • Fish for prizes • Whale fortune tellers, Swedish Fish Fairy tales • Make your own wands • Mini tiaras Beauty • Spa day with facials • Nail decals Nature • Bug hunt • Pot a plant they get to take home Animals • Face paint noses and whiskers • Kitty ear headbands Legos • Spell out your name in Legos • Lego-shaped silicone trays for DIY treats Athletics • Gunny sack races, hula hoop contests • Ribbon awards, sweatbands Dance party • Hang a disco ball and pump up the jams • Glow sticks and bracelets

A GO-TO PRESENT YOU CAN DIY Candy bouquets work for a wide age and interest range of the recipient, from your fifth grade niece to your teenage son’s bestie.

They’re also easy to make on your own.

1. Hot glue four rectangle boxes of candy or thick candy bars together to make the “vase.”

2. Add a floral foam base to a piece of paperboard cut to size to create the bottom, and use hot glue or tape to secure.

3. Use skewer sticks and clear strapping tape to create a spray of candy (tip: get a variety of lengths).

4. Roll up a few dollar bills with a small piece of tape onto a few more skewers for a wow factor.

5. Fill in the gaps with tissue paper, dress with ribbon and voila!

mommag.com 29

Fun brain science for kids Vision & optical illusions Vision is a great topic to facilitate kids learning about how their brain and body works. Most people think vision is just about a clear 20/20 image, but that is just eyesight. Vision occurs in the brain when we bring our current and past experiences, plus our brain’s ability to problem solve.

The eye does not see anything without the brain.

Optical illusions are a great way to explore this.

Are you able to see the colors swirling in the pattern above? Can you change between seeing the duck or rabbit, or faces or vase, in the illustrations on this page? It takes using your brain and eyes to switch between them.

The brain is the variable here. The meaning and assumptions assigned to different parts allows our brain to take different perspectives on the same image.

This is known as visual information processing.

Brought to you by:

David A. Hackett, OD, FCOVD Lifetime Eye Care a division of Sterling Vision 1011 Valley River Way Suite 110, Eugene 541-342-2201 or 866-4EYELUV sterlingvision.com

mommag.com 30

We are able to test these abilities and measure them on age, grade or developmental scales. This additional testing is ordered when one struggles with higher level cognitive thinking such as remembering sequences of directions/events, recalling complex shapes (letters) or poor comprehension. This gives developmental optometry a key role in evaluating those with academic struggles, as well as post-concussion care.

LARGE PRIZE WALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE! • 15 years experience in

the dental field

• birth to 16 years old • accepting all insurances • offering sedation dentistry • awesome monthly

prize drawings

• all new state-of-the-art

dental equipment

• lobby treehouse

with slide

• coffee bar •

fun, fun, fun

Dr. Erin Estep

Treehouse Kids Dentist provides the highest quality pediatric dentistry in an incredibly warm, friendly, and fun environment. We are committed to giving you and your child the very best care in a welcoming and playful manner.

1611 J Street Springfield, OR • 541-515-6631 • office@treehousekidsdental.com mommag.com 31

263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax mommag.com | info@mommag.com

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