Ready Set Grow

Stop by our CamPainting Party today! 

3-5pm at Ready Set Grow Studio

Snacks/Bevvies provides and as always, 

ALL ARE WELCOME (yes even your loudest kiddo)!

What the hell is a CamPainting Party anyway? 

Well, we might have made it up, but it's an opportunity to meet Laura Streib, candidate for city council District 2 (N/NE Portland) and ask her questions, see what she's passionate about, and what she plans on doing to help our lovely district thrive.

WHILE ALSO

Painting a canvas "paint by number style" that will be hung in our (spoiler alert) Little Family Room at Ready Set Grow! *more on that later 😉

Kids can paint too, sign your/their name, and when we're all done, we'll pull the painters tape off, and our logo (pictures in first slide) will be surrounded by you and your family's creative efforts. 

Why are we hosting Laura? Well, for one, she's passionate about supporting families, arts education, equity and inclusion, all things we are passionate about too. Second, she's an old friend I admire, and more importantly, when I pushed her for clarification from her about some topics I am personally passionate about (one being the houseless situation and how to find solutions that actually BENEFIT those who are struggling and without a place to live), she answered my questions with zero defensiveness and a genuine desire to LISTEN and commit to collaboration with those who work on this issue every day. 

Have some of your own questions? Stop by and ask her! And have a snack and maybe a little moment of creative outlet too. 

Hope to see you!

Xo, Daniele

EYES here! Next round of our Tiny Tutus dance class series for little ones aged 2-5 starts NEXT MONTH!

This 4-week series is where the love for dance begins. Kids will learn healthy stretching, the beginning ballet positions and techniques, gross motor skills across the floor, free dance, and experience overall beginner dancing joy!

Sign up for the 4-week series to save $$ or do a drop-in if space is available.

Teacher Amanda loves sharing Ballet with her little one (and yours).
Her faves? Temps levè, balancè, waltz.

What is YOUR favorite movement practice to share with your little one? Tell us your favorite yoga or dance move to do with your kiddo in the comments :hugging_face:

There's still time to vote for us for Reader Favorite for "Family-friendly Fitness" (slide 24).

Those of you who've been part of our community and shared your pregnancies, babies, families, years and joys with us know we're so much more than that.

For everyone who has asked how they can help, this is a GREAT WAY TO DO THAT!
*Don't forget to hit "submit" at the end of the list!
**LINK IN BIO!
XO, Daniele & The Ready Set Grow Fam

There is room for 2 more couples in our next 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 workshop!

This class is very popular so book your spot or DM us with any questions!

We support you and support your support person in supporting you too. 😉

Click the link in our bio or story for more info and to book your spot before it's full!

Thank you to PDX Parent for this lovely write-up on our offerings for kids and the whole family! 🩶🩵🧡

Family-Friendly Yoga Studios in Portland - PDX Parent We've found local businesses making it a little easier for you and your little ones to find your savasana.

VOTE FOR US FOR PDX PARENT PICK and
HELP US GROW!

We're the only movement studio in Portland, Oregon dedicated to families and those growing their families.

We are a one-woman owned and operated small business (not part of a national franchise with all of the associated marketing support and brand recognition).

I’ve been asked so often how people can help spread the word about RSG and all of our offerings for parents and kids.

This is a great way to do that! Thank you so much!

VOTE HERE: https://pdxparent.com/vote/
Family Friendly Fitness Category (slide 24)

Welcome to the Ready Set Grow teaching team, Amanda!!!!

You may have already taken class with the lovely Amanda, but we wanted to tell you all her wonderfulness!

She says, “I've dedicated my life to understanding the body through movement, and I'm thrilled to be part of the RSG community. Teaching families how to connect with themselves is my passion, and I can't wait to share this journey with all of you at the studio.”

Amanda, a former professional ballet dancer with a remarkable decade-long career, has gracefully transitioned her passion for movement into a unique perspective for birth prep and recovery, and family-centered classes. She is a self-described ‘Creative’ and has a love for choreography, improv, all techniques of yoga, art, and travel. With 13 years of experience teaching dance in numerous environments to students of all ages, her expertise shines through. Notably, she established Tot Dance Programs at two studios from the ground up, nurturing the love of movement in the youngest learners.

In her classes, Amanda creates a welcoming and enriching environment to build confidence, explore artistry and release stress.

As a new mother, Amanda is deeply committed to supporting parents through their transformative journeys. She provides a safe space for prenatal bodywork and postpartum strengthening, fostering physical and emotional well-being for all her students.

Find her teaching:
Baby Wearing Dance, Thursdays 1-2pm

Movers + Multitaskers Yoga
Fridays 4-5pm

And coming on Saturdays in the new year you will find her leading Tiny Tutus and Creative Movement classes for our little ones!

"Self care isn't just reactive. It is preventative.”
-Tamsaa

Pregnancy is a time of transformation and great change. Continuous care and support is vital during this time. Let us be that for you. This is what we do. We are the village.

Hey folks!
We're excited for our annual fall clothing drive this weekend!

If you have prenatal/postpartum/baby gear besides clothes to donate please post on our page.
Comment and/or post pics of what you have or send out a request of what you need and fellow community/families can respond with a way to link up on Saturday to exchange the goods!

Thank you, and remember all remaining clothing will be donated to Mother & Child Education Center

Did you know many of the teaching team at Ready Set Grow are doulas as well as yoga teachers?!?

We at Ready Set Grow continually work for systemic change behind the scenes and in our personal lives. As studies continue to draw attention to America’s increasing maternal mortality rate, we know the solutions are not easy. This problem has a long history and there is not one fix. AND one of the most promising prescriptions is more involvement of community-based doulas. We need passionate birth workers!

While we cannot immediately change the top 3 reasons doulas report leaving the field: 1. questioned authority, autonomy and qualifications, 2. lack of communication within the care team, 3. unpaid labor and poor working conditions (“Birth Worker Burnout Brief” by Mama Glow Foundation), we can provide a space for deep breaths to assist with resilience building and community connection.

We are here for you! We need you!

Self-Care for Birth Workers & Caregivers with
Sundays 6:30- 7:45pm
*This class is offered on a sliding scale with no one turned away for lack of funds.

Did you know the incomparable (LMT + Doula) offers Infant Craniosacral Therapy sessions at the studio two Wednesdays a month?!?!

And you can win a session with Whitney (or an adult massage if you prefer!) by donating during our Care + Share Diaper Drive.

Donation + Giveaway Details - To Enter....
-Follow both and , then tag a friend in post (1 entry)
-Donate size 5 or 6* Diapers at Ready Set Grow during regular class hours (1 entry for every package) *all sizes accepted, but only sizes 5/6 earn you entries for the drawing as they are a high priority community need .pdx
-Donate $10 to the RSG scholarship fund (1 entry for every $10 donated) donation link in the bio

Winner of the Care Package Prize will be drawn and announced on October 30!

Care Package Prize:
-Choice of a 60-minute massage OR Infant Craniosacral Therapy treatment
-Ready Set Grow 3 class pack
Package expires 12/31/2023

Please share to help us spread the care!

Fine Print: Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.

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We're very excited to be offering these wonderful classes for kiddos in the studio again!⁣
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𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐠𝐚 (𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝟑-𝟕)⁣nature.atelier⁣
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝟒 - 𝟒:𝟒𝟓𝐩𝐦⁣
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Littles will learn yoga poses, mindfulness, and breathing techniques to help with regulation, all in a fun and easy-going setting that sets them up for success and increased self confidence! ⁣
*Children must be potty-trained. ⁣
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𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬⁣
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗⁣
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**𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩-𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝!⁣
⁣

SAVE THE DATE for our FALL CLOTHING SWAP!!!

November 12, 1-3pm at the studio, 5433 NE 30th Ave, Portland OR

Bring items you are ready to rehome from your pregnancy and postpartum journey as well as baby clothes up to size 2years.

All are welcome at this free event! Please only bring items in stained items in good condition. 🙏

Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM us!

It’s Spooky Season!!! Look at our cute babies 😍 Is there anything better than babes in costumes? Well, maybe a tiny babe in a huge pumpkin.

We invite you to our free baby-friendly Halloween party. It’s gonna be off the hook! (As off the hook as a baby is allowed to be anyways.

- Candy Free Fun! (No choking hazards found here)
- Disco Lights (you think your babies are obsessed with our ceiling fans, just wait!)
- Baby Wearing Dance Party (get your groove on, peeps!)
- Seasonal Backdrop for Cutie-Tootie Memory Cherishing Photos
- And MORE!!!

Sign up on our website to reserve your family’s spot for good, clean, Ready Set Grow fun!

You may have noticed we are shifting things around a lot over here. Maybe it is the nature of parenthood, maybe it is the nature of growth, maybe it is Virgo season. Maybe it is all of it.

Take a peek at our full class schedule to see all of our shifts and changes, but for now, we wanted to highlight an awesome addition to our schedule STARTING THIS WEDNESDAY!

The lovely will be jumping onto our regular schedule and teaching:
Prenatal Lunch Hour Flow AND Postpartum Yoga!

So happy to have you, Melanie! So much more goodness to come!

For the next month, we are teaming up with our longtime supporter and collaborator Whitney Handrich, LMT + Doula, to create an amazing care package giveaway. Because we are parents, business owners, and passionate people, we tend to multitask... which means we are pairing this giveaway up with a diaper drive for Immigrant Mutual Aid Coalition (IMAC) and scholarship fundraiser for the Ready Set Grow (RSG) Scholarship Fund!

Donation + Giveaway Details - To Enter....
-Follow both and , then tag a friend in post (1 entry)
-Donate size 5 or 6* Diapers at Ready Set Grow during regular class hours (1 entry for every package) *all sizes accepted, but only sizes 5/6 earn you entries for the drawing as they are a high priority community need!
-Donate $10 to the RSG scholarship fund (1 entry for every $10 donated) donation link in the bio

Winner of the Care Package Prize will be drawn and announced on October 16!

Care Package Prize:
-Choice of a 60-minute massage OR Infant Craniosacral Therapy treatment (adult massage sessions provided at Whitney's SE office. Infant CST treatment provided at RSG.)
-Ready Set Grow 3 class pack
-Package expires 12/31/2023

Please SHARE to help us spread the CARE!

Fine Print: Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
pdx

Have you ever looked for prenatal and postpartum yoga and movement classes at your favorite studios and been told, “We don’t have those because we believe pregnant people and parents can do anything!”?

While we love this sentiment and we KNOW that pregnant and postpartum people are STRONG AS F! - we also know and SPECIALLY TRAINED to meet and needs of pregnancy and parenthood on the body. Come let us guide you through your pregnancy and parenthood journey with intelligence, wisdom, confidence, compassion, and in community!

THIS IS OUR JAM! And we can’t wait to welcome you to the Ready Set Grow family. 😍

Reposted from one of our lovely perinatal yoga & movement teachers, Jess... Start your Saturday with some movement and connection. 🌊.

Prenatal Yoga
Saturday mornings
11am-12:15 pm

This class is starting to fill-up again so register early!

Come take class with one of our wonderful kids movement teachers, Teacher Teal...

This Saturday!!

Family Movement 9:00-9:45

Children's Creative Movement 10:00-10:45

More info 👇
https://andreadysetgrow.com/kid-family-series

Can't wait to see you there!

Image: Choreographer Carmen De Lavallade and son Leo, 3. (Ebony Magazine, July 1960)

I (Alexa) know I’m not the only one counting down the days until school starts. I can see it on the faces of parents everywhere. This is the first year that both my littles are heading to school. And part of me doesn’t know what I am going to do with all the mental space! The other part of me knows the moments without kids will fly by and my hopes for the impact of school on my life may be a bit high.

My oldest asked me yesterday why all of our summer activities are ending and is very sad that summer is coming to a close. But fall activities are right around the corner.

We are putting together a “Back to School” schedule at the studio and cannot wait to roll out some new things for you all.

We have already added some 4 week Kids + Family Series that begin September 9 are open for registration NOW:

-Regulation Station: Family Movement + Mindfulness on Saturdays 9-9:45am
-Creative Movement
-Kids Yoga on Thursdays 4-4:45pm

And don’t forget our monthly Family Yoga sessions are on second Sundays of the month with our next one coming up September 10 from 9-9:45am.

Reposted from our inspiring, wise, and always REAL AF studio manager and teacher

I taught today with my kids in tow. It only happens once in a blue moon. Speaking of… Did you know August is bringing us a “blue supermoon?” If you miss this blue supermoon you are going to have to wait 9 years for the next one! 
 
I’m not gonna lie… I don’t care. I’m too tired. I’m the parent of small children. The days are long, but the years are short (which is why I’m not worried about missing this month’s blue moon). As much as parenting is full of challenges, and I often find myself searching for my sanity, I am doing my best to be mindful and cherish these wild moments with my kiddos.

After class was over we took over the studio with play! Dodgeball! Acro yoga! Dance!

These wild beasts wear me out and inspire so many joyful moments. I’m sure one day I’ll be saying, “Once in a blue moon my kids still have dance parties with me.”

You know what is challenging? Being a present parent. I often get swept up in the hustle culture of capitalism and feel swamped by the never ending input of our hyper connected world. We are all so busy. Parents, children, families. So busy.

Family yoga provides a wonderful place to spend undistracted quality time together. No phones, no tablets or screens, no other duties… your only job is to just be and let go and play with your family.

Family Yoga at Ready Set Grow is a yoga class for the WHOLE FAMILY! This playful, open-ended class is appropriate for any age, from babies to elementary age kids, teens, parents, grandparents; anyone with a body and an imagination is welcome!

Classes will flow and change in the moment with our highly trained and experienced teachers effortlessly designing classes to the needs of the students present, and offering redirection when needed.
Meditation + Movement = Fun Family Bonding and a much needed start-of-week reset.

Join us the second Sunday of the month at 9am! We can’t wait to play with you!

Learn more at andreadysetgrow.com/classes

The best feeling ever...but now what? Unfortunately, it's not ALL snuggles & yummy newborn, oxytocin-fueled joy. Taking care of a newborn is work and it's often a job you got zero training for…no orientation meeting or internship.⁣
⁣
Except, there is! It's a workshop at Ready Set Grow Studio called Newborn Care Essentials and after taking it, you can feel confident with your skills and knowledge so you can worry less, and focus more on loving that squishy new baby.⁣
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𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 ⁣
𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞/𝐡𝐞𝐫⁣
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑⁣
𝟑:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌⁣
⁣
Learn practical information and helpful tools to nurture the unique needs of your baby. ⁣
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•Diapering⁣
•Swaddling⁣
•Infant Development⁣
•Comfort Techniques⁣
•Bonding⁣
•Good Sleep Practices⁣
•Infant Feeding⁣
•Bathing⁣
•Baby Wearing⁣
•Sibling Relationships⁣
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You can register at the link in our bio or the link in our stories. Have questions? DM us. We're always here to help and support you!⁣
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𝐗𝐨, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦⁣

Ever feel inadequate raising your kids, like you can’t quite get it right? Ever feel like you are out of balance and you aren’t sure how to tip the scales to find those elusive moments of equanimity?

Maybe it’s just me - but I don’t think I’m alone. The exhaustion and confusion of being a parent in the early years (Or maybe forever? I don’t know… I’m still in the early years.) can be overwhelming. I often find myself not meeting my own expectations these days and being left feeling deficient.

I often find myself lacking warmth, humor, and kindness as I fumble through learning how to parent these amazing and challenging little humans who call me “Mom.” I often judge myself against a pre-parenthood version of myself when my well feels empty. The days can feel long without self-compassion.

Self-compassion helps me be kinder to myself as I navigate the challenges of raising children. And this is good for me and good for my children. When I’m self-compassionate, I’m a good role model for my kids. By role modeling kindness to myself, I’m helping my kids learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, forgive myself and try to do better next time.

It’s a work in progress. I’m a work in progress.

May we all give ourselves the compassion we need as we try to care for our children.

If you are interested in exploring some self-compassion practices, check out Prenatal + Postpartum Yoga Wind Down on Thursday evenings with me (Alexa ) and Daniele

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I was h***y AF when I was pregnant. ⁣
Every time. Some people, I know, are decidedly NOT "in the mood" while rocking a baby belly, which is also totally normal and fine. ⁣
⁣
But what about after? My (very educated) guess is that most people struggle with intimacy after giving birth; whether it was a vaginal or Cesarean birth, your body just feels…⁣
Different⁣
Unfamiliar⁣
Disconnected⁣
You're most likely navigating some serious body image renegotiation.⁣
⁣
Plus, you're exhausted and full of constantly fluctuating hormones, your partner is most likely also exhausted, and you're both confused about how to approach intimacy in this new landscape. Maybe you have no interest at all. And let's be honest, newborns aren't known for their contribution to romantic ambience. ⁣
So what to do? I have no f***ing idea⁣
but there's a workshop now, so there's help for us all!⁣
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𝐒𝐞𝐱, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫⁣
𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞/𝐡𝐞𝐫⁣
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌⁣
⁣
Discussing intimacy after having a baby can be a bit of a touchy subject … embarrassed, disheartened, exhausted? You are not alone!⁣
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This class is for anyone in a relationship who wants to work on keeping their connection and intimacy alive after baby is born.⁣
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Whether pregnant and planning ahead, or already postpartum (infants in arms welcome), you will come away with knowledge that will empower you to strengthen and build your relationship so it can thrive during the Fourth Trimester.⁣

Click the link for more info 👇 or DM us with questions!
https://momence.com/s/86213576

Xo, Daniele and The Ready Set Grow Fam

Birth is a beautiful and life-altering experience. It is unpredictable and exciting, and can be intimidating too. It is said that you can’t control birth, it’s a primal and completely unique experience for every birthing person. However, you CAN be prepared, informed, and confident going in. Important (and often overlooked) preparation for the immediate postpartum time is definitely something you can plan for and have a good amount of control over. Set yourself up for success in the wild and magical journey into parenthood in a childbirth education workshop with a truly holistic approach and great care and attention to detail.⁣
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𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 & 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 + 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣
𝐌𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲/𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦⁣
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑⁣
𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - 𝟕:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌⁣
*𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫.⁣
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•Identify what makes you feel supported, safe, and loved ⁣
•Learn about the nervous system + how to support your body through varying nervous system states⁣
•Practice mindfulness & coping strategies⁣
•Discover which tools come naturally to you + how to access them during labor & birth. ⁣
•Design a plan for discussing any fears with your support team⁣
•Learn how to navigate challenges in labor and birth.⁣
•Practice labor positions for both unmedicated and medicated births (epidurals)⁣
•Try out massage techniques for labor and pain management⁣

~~Dinner Break 5-6pm~~⁣

•Learn what is common in the first 6 weeks after having a baby, so that you can feel more prepared⁣
•Learn tools to support a steady recovery for the birthing person⁣
•Learn tried and true infant soothing techniques⁣
•Begin your self care/community care planning so you feel supported throughout your postpartum time (and learn why this is so important/vital). ⁣

Register https://momence.com/s/81359059 Questions? DM us!

𝐗𝐨, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦

Yesterday we had our first RSG Spring Clothing Swap!
Hosted by Jessica Goetz, one of our loveliest of pre and postnatal movement teachers and postpartum doula with , we had a ton of very gently used maternity and baby clothes for parents to take, donate, and trade.

Toys and activities for the littles who came with their grown-ups, laughter, community, and cute babies & kids.

All leftover clothing will be donated to this round.

We will be hosting these every season!
We hope to see you at the next one!

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲. ⁣
It is also an important day for me and my family as we lost my mother on this day 8 years ago. Two of my children never got to meet her and my oldest for only his first year or so. I was her only child so it’s mostly on me to keep her memory alive. Being a motherless mother has its own challenges, mainly that I don’t get to share my beautiful children with their Nona who would’ve found such joy in them. Sharing a poem I wrote a few years ago. ⁣
⁣
𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬⁣
Sometimes when I lie in my bed and close my eyes to take a quick recharging nap⁣
⁣
my children quietly (finally) themselves, napping⁣
⁣
I can see my mom’s face⁣
her freckled olive skin⁣
as if it were inches from mine... ⁣
⁣
and I remember what she looked like when she was alive,⁣
⁣
and I remember what she looked like when she was dying, that in between alive and not alive look that your skin gets,⁣
and I remember what she looked like dead.⁣
⁣
She was beautiful (although she probably wouldn’t have thought so), in every stage from here to gone,⁣
⁣
from present to illusory,⁣
⁣
from breath, to mist, to cold, to ash.⁣
⁣
I can feel the soft skin of her neck as I nuzzle in to breathe deeply her smell.⁣
⁣
I can remember her smell,⁣
as if she were lying next to me⁣
right this very minute.⁣
⁣
My beautiful mama, who I hugged and snuggled not nearly enough;⁣
⁣
Who I appreciated so much less than I should have,⁣
⁣
and who loved me no matter how ungrateful and naively unaware I was⁣
⁣
of her gift⁣
of motherhood⁣
and unconditional love.⁣

We are doing a thing, in the spring: A Spring Thing!

We’ve packed out our schedule with all the goods for you and the whole family! Come join our collective of parents, birth and postpartum doulas, yoga and movement educators, caregivers, and body workers, all with extensive experience and a passion for helping and supporting families.

Come be part of our thing this spring. We can’t wait to see you!!!