Raise your hands Anchorage mamas!

[nutmeggmama]

I'm moving back, and leaving the tribe I love behind here in Vancouver BC! We are anticipating arriving in Anchorage the first week of Feb, since I have to be at homecoming on the 7th, LOL.
So, how many AP mamas are there up here? I lived in Glennallen before, and now I am excited to spend some time in the big city, hahaha. I have a membership to science world here in Vancouver and it looks like it gets me into the imaginarium in anchorage too, which I have never been to before. I have my 2 kids, and either me or my husband are going to be looking for work. We are taking a break from grad school to be with family and catch up on expenses. So, will i find like minded mamas in Anchorage?
Thanks!
Meggan

[BusyMommy]

Hey,
:w
We LOVE it here. Very different from the small towns or villages, though. I think you either love it or hate it. I'm sure there are some AP moms around, not sure how you'd connect though.:scratch
Imaginarium is a blast. Usually pretty empty during the day which is nice. Zoo's always a hit. If you like gyms, the Alaska Club has a lot of kid programs. Skiing is incredible--just not right now as it's -22'

GOOD LUCK!

[Crystal_clear]

I'm in the Valley, not too far away, and come into Anchorage fairly often. :)

[Nursing Mother]

I was born and raised in Alaska. First in Tanana, then lived at mile 95 of the Glenn Hwy just by the Matanuska Glacier. 50 miles north of Palmer.

Then lived in Anchorage for about 5 years.

I miss Alaska so much, but I know I'll never move back.

I'd like to hear from more members from the last frontier.

[BusyMommy]

Hi NM!
Dh loves ice climbing out there-incredible area.

-8' here and blowing winds and it's actually snowing.
Gorgeous!!!:love

[nutmeggmama]

Our furniture is sold! Our boxes are getting packed! We are going to leave next week! Woo hoo! I am getting a little intimidated with driving up with the kids. We drove from Vancouver to New York this summer, and it was an experience. I just hope the roads are friendly!

Thank you Busymommy and Crystal. I have another question for either of you. How is midwifery in Anchorage, or Palmer even. I am curious to know if homebirth is easy to come by. I have a CNM with my first while we were up there, but she delievered at providence. I would prefer to have my next at home if possible. Thanks.
<meggan

[Crystal_clear]

You've got lots of options here. There are both homebirth midwives and birth centers here. :) There are a couple I would avoid (both because of their routine interventions and their non-AP beliefs) so get in touch with me and I'll fill ya in! ;)

[Crystal_clear]

NursingMother, where are you now? We drive up to Long Rifle Lodge to see the glacier every now and then. Usually in the fall, after the leaves have turned. It's so pretty up that way! DH still commutes into Anchorage, so unfortunately we can't move any further out into the boonies. Right now we are between Wasilla and Big Lake. :) I would love to have a lot of acreage and live off the grid someday!

[Crystal_clear]

Oh Meggan, I almost forgot to mention the roads. They should be o.k. now that they are packed down. Of course, if there are any major storms you might have to sit tight somewhere for a day or two and mess up your schedule. DH drove it in December one year, and said it was actually better than the summer because there was no construction and less traffic. Enjoy the drive, it's so beautiful!!!!

[Nemmer]

I was born and raised in Alaska too. We lived in Anchoage when I was little, Wrangell for a few years, then Kodiak for a few years. I'm pretty sure I'll never move back either, but I love hearing from/about other AK mamas, since my heart will always be there! We go up every couple years to visit. Anyway, sorry if I'm barging in on your thread :D I just love Alaska! :love

[BusyMommy]

Nemmer-come visit!:wave

MatSu Midwifery is good. They have a Christian perspective but are very good at what they do. Another girl used to be there and she was 110% AP and when she paired w/the head midwife it was an awesome balance. But,she's now on her own in Wasilla area and will drive to do appts and homebirths.

Prof. Midwifery is in So. Anch and they're very gentle and non interventionist.

All 3 of those do homebirths and have birthing tubs to rent out.

There are 2 (+?) more in town but I don't know anything about.

There is a clinic w/Barb Norton in town who is a great balance-she's completely natural but has the medical title if anything goes wrong. I don't THINK she does hb.

PERFECT TODAY!!!:love
You'll love the drive. Bring lots of woolies and snacks and fill up on gas whenever you can. Watch our for moose, drive slow and know it's much more fun in the winter; ie. no tourists, frost heaves, road construction.

[Nursing Mother]

NursingMother, where are you now? We drive up to Long Rifle Lodge to see the glacier every now and then. Usually in the fall, after the leaves have turned

Yes, I've been to Long Rifle Lodge many times. I'm sure its changed now though. We lived about 7 miles south of Long Rifle.

Homesteaded (there was a Native Boarding High School) at mile 95 in the 60's-80's. Now its a Bible Camp I think. So so beautiful up there. I still have several friends that live in the area. Dangerous road though that Glenn Hwy. in the winter.

Have a good trip Nutmeggmama....I'm jealous.

I now live just south of Seattle. SO different from how I was raised, but we are here to stay I'm sure.

My second baby was born in 1984 in Anchorage when only lay midwives were available. I did a lot of compaign signing and help to get midwives up there state licensed. Finally it happened in the late 80's I think.

Sure miss the frontier...

[nutmeggmama]

oh the glenn highway, they have chopped many of the nasty parts off in the past few years, which is nice. We are leaving on Wed if the mechanic gives us the thumbs up. we had to drive 2 hours to find snow tires down here. what a pain. agghh. almost like being out in the boonies again. :p

that bible camp has deep roots with my husbands family. his gparents came up in '45 as missionaries. my FIL was the teacher at glacierview about 25 years ago. oh how small alaska is! off to bed, lots more packing to do!

[Finnster]

There are a lot of AP mama's here. Lots of playgroups and fun activities for kids. There is story time at the library, which is a good way to meet moms and kids. There are a couple of LLL groups, I have met several of my good friends at these groups, although I haven't attended for a couple of years!
I used Barb Norton for my second child's birth. I was using lay midwives but risked out of my homebirth, so ended up at Prov with Barb. She was fabulous and really helped create the space we wanted, even though we were at the hospital.
There are also quite a few lay midwives, in Anchorage or the Valley, a couple I would really recommend, so email me if you are interested and I can pass on some info.

[Crystal_clear]

Hope you have a nice trip Meggan!

[Gemini]

I'm from Alaska too, but won't live there again either. I'm adopted, but was born in Fairbanks. Lived in a bush outside of FB til I was 3 ish, then moved to Minnesota. Moved back up to Alaska for high school, then came back down here, and in Minnesota I've stayed. I met my biological mom and she lives in Eagle River outside of Anchorage, so we visit her.

I'll have to let you know when we visit again. :)

Oh, and I'm 1/2 Eskimo. :)

[nutmeggmama]

im here, the drive was beautiful, and it seema that we made it just in time, since the road has been closed a in a few places. eeks kids need me. bbl

[Crystal_clear]

Welcome back to Alaska! Glad you had a safe trip, looks like you must've made good time too. Enjoy the balmy weather :D

[nutmeggmama]

We made wonderful time for having a 22 mo and a 3 yo, in my not so humble opinion. 4 nights, 5 days. It took us 2 n/3 d in the summer 4 years ago with no kidlets. The roads were mostly great, and the bad weather trailed us by a day, with road closures happening AFTER we drove through, so that was cool. We are now adjusting to eating in alaska. We dont eat cow milk products, so that has been interesting as we shop around looking for the best deals and freshest produce. I can't believe that I spent 4.99 on a pint of grape tomatoes for my daughter. :eek Are there any co-ops around that are taking people? I forgot how difficult it was to eat in AK, though this is much better than being out in Glennallen. So, here we are. We are looking for a church to try out on Sunday. Any suggestions?

[Crystal_clear]

Yeah, the groceries are a shocker aren't they? I've switched to biweekly cooking. Menu planning & sticking to the list really helps keep me in check at the stores. Check out www.OrganicAlaska.com

If you try it, let me know how you like it! I keep meaning to join but never get around to it.

[BusyMommy]

won't help now but there's an organic coop in the summer. Sister Moon, I believe? You pay a set fee and they bring the veggies in every Mon.
We just go out to Pyrah's in Palmer every week or so and pick our own.

Natural Pantry has good foods but is spendy.

Good luck!

What kind of church? We like ours but it's fairly traditional.

[nutmeggmama]

Well, thats a good question. When it comes to a church, we are always up for at least trying anything, within reason. (our def. of reason may vary, LOL). In a church, we would like to find a place that is ok with us having our 22 mo daughter with us in the service, even though she may not always stay silent during the quieter times. And, for the times she isn't quiet, I *prefer* there to be a cry room where I am still seeing the service, through glass if possbile, and not on an 8" screen in a closet somewhere. I want the people to be friendly, and we would like to find a church that wasnt huge. I hate not knowing a majority of the congregation. I don't want to be a nameless face. We are always intruiged by liturgy, but certainly dont require it. We like the worship to be well done. Choruses or hymns, we dont really care, as long as it is done well. We like balance. We have no particular denominational pull. I grew up catholic, than baptist, and dh has always been non-denom. We are "trans-denominational." ;) We don't "speak in tounges" but arent against it either. We just dont want to spend our whole year here church hopping, so any suggestions would be great.

[BusyMommy]

:)

[Mommiska]

Didn't realise some of you lived in Alaska/were from Alaska!

My parents live in Eagle River, Gemini - and I went to High School at Chugiak High School. I haven't lived in Alaska since I left in the late 80's to go to college, but we do still visit my parents there (although we also meet on the East Coast a lot as well, as I live in Scotland now with dh and the kids).

I have two adopted brothers, actually - both are half Eskimo. :D

Good luck church hunting, nutmeggmama. My parents go to church out in Eagle River, but I don't like their church,and it doesn't sound like you would either.

My sister occasionally goes to the Anchorage Baptist Temple. Not my cup of tea, but she likes it.

Not sure about any other churches - wish I could be more help. Hope you are settling in well!

[littleaugustbaby]

I'm here in Anchorage! I've been here about a year and a half now.

I am so excited for the spring! I can't believe all of the snow we've gotten in the last couple of days, I thought for sure that it was going to finish melting off!

[katmainomad]

hey, we're up here too :wave busymommy was our pre-and post welcoming committee too! we drove back up here in nov/dec. we just did a produce order thru organic alaska (same woman as sister moon coop) and it went very well, yay! broccoli and grapefruit...and more. not the set fee thing, and not local, but organic and a bit better priced than the stores. we do freddie's natural section mostly and just don't buy the really expensive stuff. soymilk and some other reasonably natural things can be found at costco and i look forward to summer's farmer's markets. soon we will do a general order for other staples from organic alaska. i really believe in eating locally tho, so will try to garden with a friend in talkeetna and fish and gather as much as possible this season. i've smoked my own salmon before but hope to can it this year too.
no suggestions on church...we're heathens :)

[BusyMommy]

I just bought a snowblower. YEA My very own power tool. I'm so dang excited.:LOL So, we got a couple of feet this weekend, and it's going like gangbusters now. YEA

Yeah, we'll just pick our own veggies in Palmer, I guess. The kids love making the fieldtrip and we're not huge :o veggie fans here.

Fred Meyers bugs me. I love the organic section but they never have whole milk vanilla yogurt so I have to go to Carrs.

So, what're your thoughts on Ak fish? We eat lots of salmon and halibut. Not worried about salmon, but halibut IS a bottom fish.:crying Can't imagine having to worry about it, though?!

We like our church, but sheesh, it's too pretty outside to stay in for the weekend:)

Do any of you guys ski w/your kids?

[nutmeggmama]

I've been working waaay too much, and Im pulling back this week, I think. Im never online, and look, all these people writing! Hello everyone! Yup, I def stick with Freddie's Natural food section. Although, sales at Natural Pantry and New Sagaya are usually very very good. I joined the Womens Nautilus Club last week, and have enjoyed that, when i go :o Its the first time I have ever joined a gym, and I must be pretty amusing to see me clunking along on an elliptical trainer. So, yeah, the snow started, again, this morning. :rolleyes: After we had finally chipped away the 7 inches of ice on the driveway that hadn't been shoveled all winter.
No, I don't really ski. I have xc skiied before, I took a class, but, havent done it in 5 years, and have downhilled 2 times. But to be honest, it scared me to death.
Does anyone know anyone with a goat? I really need to buy fresher goat milk. The only brand I see here is Myenburg and I just dont like it. Someone out in the Valley *has* to have goats.
:scratch

PS, costco started carrying the Plain silk as well as Vanilla!!!
yippee
:thumb

[Crystal_clear]

Out here in the valley, Freddy's natural section is our only option. I have seen organic Alaska carrots at the locally owned grocery, D&A, but that's about it. Yes nutmeggmama, there are lots of folks out here with goats. I know there's a state association and at least one email list but don't have the links. We were considering getting a couple dairy goats, but we like having the option of going camping for the weekend without having to worry about someone taking care of them. And now, it looks like we may be moving back into Anchorage. We've been here 5 years and have outgrown the house, and dh is rather tired of the commute. Not really looking forward to going back to the city and having neighbors again, but at least we'll have more family time!

Busymommy, I believe halibut *is* one of the fish we have to worry about if pregnant or nursing. IIRC, the last I heard was no more than once a week. :( I'm hoping dh will have a chance to fill our freezer with halibut this summer, so it will be hard to keep my hands off it! LOL

[BusyMommy]

I bet you could call Cooperative Extension and ask? Or, just go to the feed store and ask there. They prob. even have notices up on the community bulletin board. There's a nice one in Eagle River...Valley Feed, I believe it's called.
Yep, natural Pantry is great. So spendy, though, for everyday groceries. Some things, though, y ou can only get there.

We ski almost everyday. I can only downhill w/my 3 y.o. so I have to be creative there. But, both kids can XC or my 16mos. old rides in the pack. Skiing is such an awesome activity here as we have such incredible trails.

That is such a bummer about halibut. That's our favorite fish. And, yes, we're hoping to stock the freezer, too.
Yeah, don't think I'd care for the commute. Especially, in weather like we're having now. So tranquil and beautiful out in the Valley, though. Could you cross your fingers and hope for the Knik bridge?

[katmainomad]

we have just been walking this winter, and i hate to admit it but i've been a bit of a woose about taking ds out in the cold. we do it, but it requires so much more mental prep than just bundling myself up ever did. hope to get xc skiis by next winter, hope to have a good winter again next winter!

what do you all do about pediatricians here? i had a wonderful naturopath in hilo that i could barely afford at $50 a visit, but religeously went to well-babies. i hear that the going rate is at least 3x that here. we have denali kidcare for the big scary possibilities, but i've not gone to a 1-year checkup for ds. we have a reccomendation from a friend for a lesser-of-evils ped that takes denali, but i hate trad doctors and having to stand up for our non-vaxing etc. i wish i was better informd myself about alternative children's health and treatment...i should find a book or two...

[BusyMommy]

We have a traditional ped we like; ie. she knows we're freaks and doesn't judge us. Just gives the party line and lets us decide. I think a standard visit is around $100.

We also go to a naturopath who's just great w/the kids. I think he's $100-150 maybe?

I LOVE Janet Zand's book. Something like Smart Medicine for healthier kids maybe?

We just got back from 3 days at Alyeska. YEA It's gorgeous. Hope you get some skis, XC or dh, next year. It's a blast to get the kids outside in the snow. Try it--it gets easier each time:) But, I have to--it's my sanity saver!

[Crystal_clear]

We don't do well-baby checkups. I'd like to set up a chart with a naturopath, but have never got around to it. We would always treat at home unless it's really serious, and in that case, would probably not wait for a regular appointment and instead go to a walk-in clinic. Since we don't have any chronic health problems or complex histories, I'm not really worried about having a regular provider. We had Denali KidCare when I was pregnant but now have private insurance.

My favorite book on baby/child care is "How to Raise a Healthy Child - in Spite of Your Doctor" by Mendelsohn (the same guy who wrote Male Practice, which I really want to read!). It's out of print but you can still find copies of it. I got mine at a library sale in Seward. :)

[littleaugustbaby]

Does anyone know where I can pick up a copy of Mothering mag in Anchorage? I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Also, does anyone know of any AP/Oriented playgroups? I'd love to find one!

[BusyMommy]

Saw an issue at Natural Pantry on Old Seward & ?36th a couple days ago!

[littleaugustbaby]

Thanks! I've been looking for an excuse to go out there!

[nutmeggmama]

Look for a ped named Dr. Dan Tulip

I've never talked to him about much vax stuff etc, but I know his wife and she BF her 5 kids from 18mo-4 years. And when I was out at camp, he was the Dr out there, Noah had impitego(?) and he didn't even suggest antbx or steriods. He just said wait and see. So, I plan to go to him, though i dont know if he is accepting patients, or DKC. Good luck.

[BusyMommy]

He's cool. So is Dr. Baker in his group. Very mellow guys. We see another lady there, Dr. Irwin, who is traditional but openminded to our "whims."

[katmainomad]

thanks for all the suggestions! i found the mendelsohn book and another i like at titlewave and i'll look up the peds...what group are they with? i think i will not do well babies as a rule, after reading the mendelsohn cover to cover!
yes, getting out is my sanity too....but the 20 min- 3hour walks i took every day this winter just barely did it. we still go rock climbing with ds in the sling, but i miss ice climbing and trail running (our trail jogger will handle the coastal, but not mchugh to rainbow :) ) so there has been a change of physical focus with the baby that i am still adjusting too, sometimes railing against. ok, gotta go plant starts! spring brings new things!

[BusyMommy]

oh my, rock climbing? My dh just had me try on some shoes this morning to see if my post partum feet fit. "YEA honey, let's go down the highway!!!"
Did you go to the ice fest last month? Not my thing, but dh raves. I stick to the bike:)

Yep, it is a change. I find I juggle w/dh to get my share.

So, we're off the McHugh now I think. I'm still leery of that trail, though, after the runner and her son got eaten a few years ago. The bears just migrate down that hill and I guess it freaks me out even w/bear bells on the dogs.

Near Point is an easy one. Not just yet,though, for the stroller. Fine for backpacking kiddoes.

oh, yeah, just planted several plants of annuals this am. Barely enough time before Memorial day planting.
HAVE fun w/your flowers:)

[katmainomad]

no ice fest...the other problem with getting outside is dp and i used to be a team, and now he's working all the time for me to stay home. how was mchugh? we hiked just to resolution bluff the weekend before this last and it was still a little snowy but nice. found a nice really clean moose carcass off the trail at resolution. 'hey bear!' probably last year's. i used to ranger at katmai, and while the bears are different there, i believe in the human voice to alerting them you are coming, and remember that groups of 4 or more are statistically safe (at what age do kids count i wonder?) and stay away from carcasses :) this weekend ds and i hiked with some friends of mine at peter's creek...all snow but at least still hard enough to hike on. we look forward to packing ds up wolverine too, that one's steep enough that the trail run was pretty much a trail walk anyway, so no loss!
do you do bike seats or a trailer? we had a trailer in HI, but i'm leaning towards a seat here. that's another one, i used to bike all winter to work, but no work to go to, so no fire under my butt to bike!
we got some flowers and some veggies started...can't wait for fresh broccoli! good luck to your plantlings!

[BusyMommy]

:)
Beautiful weather today!

[alaskanteach]

Hi! I just found this forum! Gretchen from Anchorage. I love to cd, so if there are moms here that do, I am up for a swap!

[nutmeggmama]

ok, well, Im pregnant. I have an appointment with the midwives in Anchorage, bethel, angelio, and tora. Any input? :)

[Free49]

hi

I good luck on your visit with the midwives. I just had a baby 2.5 mo ago and delivered at Geneva Woods. I loved it but next time would do it at home since I barely made it to the birthcenter anyway. They have a website as well and I will try to find it and post it. I really enjoyed my birth so I thought I would pass it on.

Hi Gretchen - have you heard anything about another diaper party getting together?

Just wanted to say hi since I just found this thread. I am moving to the valley here soon and would love to get to know some valley mamas. I have a 23 mo old dd and a 2.5 mo old dd. I am going to miss the hiking group of other mamas that I used to meet up with last summer if any of you are interested I will give you the email of Amy the mama who organizes the hikes. They are generally hikes where the little ones have to be in front or back packs.

Good to meet all of you and your ped info was good to read, because I have been dr jumping for a while to try and find an openminded ped here in anchorage.
Caroline

[BusyMommy]

:wave

AlaskaTeach--where are you teaching?

[ma_Donna]

Another Anchorage Mom here. :wave
We were seeing Zelda @ Bearing in Mind BC, but sadly she has gone on to work with South Central at the Native Hospital - I was so hoping for a water birth, but my water started leaking w/ no contractions after a day, being GBS+ it was off to Prov for an induction... not what I wanted but so glad that Yolanda (Zelda didn't have her priv's at Prov yet) took it slow w/ me.

I'm thinking Geneva Woods for #2, but am open for recommendations. I'd like a birth center water birth.

I'm quitting work on May 21 for the summer, then going PT in the fall so I can actually get out w/ Noah a lot more than I can now. We just bought a bike trailer at REI's sale - I was pg the last 2 summers (m/c the first) so I'm really looking forward to this one!

I have lots of AP friends & 5 that cloth diaper. Soon I think that will be 6 as Gretchen & I are planning to meet this weekend. Many apologies to Caroline since I very sadly missed you last month. I'll have a CD party at my house after I quit work, K?

We do vax, but on a bit of a slower schedule, we've been happy w/ LaTouche Peds, several of our friends go there as well.

We've still got lots of Kenai reds in the freezer from dipnetting for the past 2 years so I think we'll skip it this year. But we will go halibut fishing in June w/ a friend from homer - hopefully he'll point us to something a little bigger than the 20# or so 'chickens' we got last year... then again that's much better than 3 years ago when there was only 1 halibut caught on the whole boat!!

Nice to 'meet' y'all! Didn't realize there were so many of us on the boards!
Donna

[alaskanteach]

I am so looking forward to Saturday ma_donna!

And, for whomever asked, I work for the State- It is the best teaching job EVER!!!

[Syma]

Hey gals!

I was raised in Anchorage, graduated Dimond in 92. My ex step dad used to have some property in Chickaloon...oh how I miss it!!!!!!! It was always an incredible time!

As for midwives around the valley I just wanted to let you know that my dh's parents used to be really close to Pam Weaver, a midwife/natural childbirth author, Her book (http://www.childbirthedu.com/b117.htm) , who lives in Chugiak, where he grew up. Here is her info:

Midwives Association of Alaska, c/o Pam Weaver
PO Box 672169
Chugiak, AK 99567
907-688-2000
907-373-3420
Fax: 907-688-2000

What a flashback it is to read this thread! :lol

[BusyMommy]

Syna--what'd you think of Chickaloon? Do you ever go back? We're thinking of buying some property out there. I know they're moving the highway, though, and we'd have to make sure that wouldn't impact it.

Hi!