Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a family's life.  It is also a time of great expectation and sometimes anxiety.  Early screening for genetic abnormalities is an option that every mother could consider.  The ways to investigate and try to ensure the health of a baby are vast and can be overwhelming.  Here we briefly summarize the options available.  The decision to pursue this type of testing is a very personal one that can only be made by each parent utilizing advice from your obstetrician/gynecologist, genetic counselor or other qualified healthcare provider.

The chance for most people to have a child with a health problem is 3-5%.  Additional factors that influence this risk include family history, parental age, ethnicity, and certain environmental exposures.  A family history of intellectual disability, autism, birth defects, chromosome or other genetic disorders should be discussed with your doctor.

There are several ways to screen a pregnancy for potential health problems.  The earliest test involves both a blood test and an ultrasound at approximately 11-13 weeks.  This is called the First Trimester Nuchal Translucency Screen because the ultrasound measures the fluid under the skin at the back of the baby's neck.  This test is one of the most sensitive tests to determine if the risk for a baby to have Trisomy 18 or Down syndrome is increased.

The Quadruple (Quad) Screen is a test in which the mother has her blood drawn to determine the chance for her baby to have Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 or an Open Neural Tube Defects (i.e. spina bifida).  It is performed between 15 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.

Newer testing involves isolating the baby's DNA from a blood sample from the mother.  This test is called Materni21 and it tests for the presence of chromosome problems including Trisomy's 13, 18, and 21.

All mothers have the option to test their pregnancy for a chromosome problem through chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.  These tests are usually reserved for mothers who have abnormal screening tests or a family history of a genetic condition due to the risk associated with the procedures.  CVS is done between 10-13 weeks and amniocentesis is performed after 16+ weeks.  Both of these tests are very accurate (99.5%) but also incur a risk for a complication that could potentially lead to the loss of the pregnancy (0.5%).

All of these tests can offer valuable information to an expectant couple.  However, caution should be utilized when making the decision to pursue or decline these tests.  Parents should contemplate what they would potentially do with the information gleaned.

Ovo, a show that channels color, energy and strength to beautifully convey a story about love and life from the perspective of insects, will take you on a ride you'll never forget. From the beautiful rope duet of the butterflies, to the quirky juggling ants, to (my favorite) the crickets' trampoline act, don't be surprised if you catch yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, grinning like an idiot and wondering if it's too late to join the circus yourself.

In addition to the show, we had some time beforehand to talk with Sebastien Savard, who transforms into violin-playing cockroach at show time. Sebastien's wife and two children travel with him for the 300 shows per year he performs all over the world. I was surprised and impressed to learn what an amazing life Cirque du Soleil offers families (and again pondered whether there was any way I could master a trick that would land me a gig). With about 25 children on tour, they do all of their schooling on the road. Sebastien's seven-year-old daughter was born in New Zealand; his four-year-old in Portugal and although the constant change in location may seem hectic, he and his wife ensure a tight routine is kept for the kids. And best of all, he is able to spend more hours a week with his kids than most full-time working dads. Pretty cool, and knowing what a solid operation Cirque du Soleil is behind the scenes made the show that much more wonderful.

Ovo is deemed "the most kid-friendly" Cirque du Soleil show, and I would encourage you all to take your families to see it before it leaves Portland for Australia on May 20^th - you won't regret it!

Read the full article here.

MOM Magazine is giving away a family four pack of tickets to this amazing show! To be entered in the contest, comment on this blog post telling us who you would take and why. We will be drawing the winner this Friday, March 16th.

The Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 tour includes the greatest cast of freestyle motocross, trials and quad riders ever assembled including recent X Games 17 medalists Mike Mason, Ronnie Faisst and Adam Jones.  Joined by world-class medalist riders Beau Bamburg, Derek Garland, Nixey Danielson, Brody Wilson, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Dustin Miller, Wes Agee, Geoff Aaron, Keith Wineland, Derek Guetter, Taka Higashino and Colton Moore, Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 takes their unleashed power to the massive ramps for intense freestyle action and awe-inspiring tricks.

Legendary Nuclear Cowboyz FMX tribes, the Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha^®, return for a never-before-seen action-packed event that takes place in the war torn city of Los Angeles during the year 2150.  The tale unfolds as the two tribes' survival is threatened and besieged by an evil force, The Tempest and her electrifying Cyborg Army. Catapulted into the fury and frenzied excitement are the sizzling Nuclear Cowgirlz^®, whose allegiance to their tribes only intensifies The Tempest's rage to destroy the Nuclear Cowboyz. The Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha's battle is fought through fearless freestyle gravity defying stunts, combined with explosive pyrotechnic and laser displays synchronized to a pounding soundtrack of heavy metal, rock alternative and electronic dubstep music.

Pushing the extreme into the certifiably insane, Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 is a freestyle motocross performance of pure danger and raw energy that catapults the viewer into an unimaginable, heart-pounding theatrical experience like nothing ever seen!

Show Time:
Saturday, March 24 - 7:30p.m.

Where:

The Rose Garden - One Center Court, Portland, Ore. 97227

Ticket Information:

Ticket price levels are $15 (Kids ages 2-12), $35 (Adults), and $125 (VIP Fallout Zone).

Tickets are available now at the Rose Quarter Box Office, all participating Safeway/TicketsWest outlets, by calling 877.789.ROSE, or at ComcastTIX.com. For groups of 10 and more please call 503.963.4400.

Experience Nuclear Cowboyz with a VIP Fallout Zone ticket! A limited number of tickets are set aside for the BIGGEST Nuclear Cowboyz fans. Each VIP Fallout Zone ticket includes: Premium seating, admission to a private meet and greet with the stars of Nuclear Cowboyz where you will be presented with a commemorative VIP Fallout Zone credential and poster. Only VIP Fallout Zone ticket holders will be able to take part in the meet and greet. It's the ultimate VIP experience. Don't wait as these seats will go fast.

UPDATE**I just heard from Amber S - she won't be able to use the tickets, so I've selected another random number, #8 - this makes our new winner KOLBI!

Read on for more info about the show!

WHAT: For three shows only, fans will witness the world's best monster trucks battle it out in the ultimate event of intense speed, racing and destruction as Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® returns to Portland.  Eight massive trucks will be part of the dirt-flying, car-crushin' action at the Rose Garden on Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12. This year's truck lineup is highlighted by the legendary GRAVE DIGGER^®, celebrating its 30^th Anniversary of car crushing mayhem, along with the Portland debut of Tasmanian Devil and King Krunch; plus fan favorites Captain USA, El Matador, Obsession, Obsessed and Titan.

In addition to the world-class racing and freestyle competition action, die-hard fans can come to the stadium early to enjoy the Party in the Pits pre-show experience - which gives fans unparalleled access to view their favorite trucks up-close, meet the star drivers for autographs and take photos!

One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed, power and unbelievable stunts with the world's best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle of "rock-and-roar" that will bring fans to their feet cheering for more!

WHERE: The Rose Garden - One Center Court, Portland, OR  97227

WHEN: Saturday, February 11          2:00pm and 7:30pm

**Pit Party scheduled from 11:30am - 1:00pm

Sunday, February 12            2:00pm

TICKETS: Ticket price levels are $20, $30 (Gold Circle) and $40 (Front Row) for Adults; Kids (Ages 2-12) tickets are only $5 each.

Tickets available at Rose Quarter Box Office, at participating Tickets West Safeway Outlets, online at www.ComcastTIX.com or by phone at (877) 789-ROSE. (advance purchase only - ticket prices $2 more day of show, plus convenience, service & handling fees may apply).

Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Click here for some great Holiday Cookie and Homemade Candy recipes.