Why I got my tubes tied before I turned 30
When I first broached the subject of permanent, non-hormonal birth control with my gynecologist, I wasn’t even considering a tubal ligation. I had originally been trying to decide between the copper IUD and Essure. IUDs (intrauterine devices) are not permanent, but they do last a while. Essure (spring devices that are implanted in your fallopian tubes) is a fairly new procedure that can be performed in your gyno’s office but is permanent. I was leaning toward Essure because it was permanent and would only cost an office co-pay until this happened: “If I were you, I would just get my tubes tied.”
I’m ready to start trying to have a baby and my husband isn’t: how can I move the conversation forward?
My husband and I have been married for seven years. We’re both gainfully employed and in our mid-thirties… and I think that 2014 should be the year we make the decision to start trying for our first child. But here’s the thing: while I’m ready to start trying to bake a kid, my husband isn’t, and I’m at a loss as to how I should tell him that I feel like it’s time for us do this thing.
Sandbox in the city: how I used an old fire hose to build a sandbox in my small backyard
Five years ago my wife and I bought a great house with a small yard in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Our firstborn, Sam, was about six-months-old when I started designing his sandbox. He was born in July so this gave me the winter to get it down on paper.
How to track your cycles and chart your fertility without going super insane
So we all agree: Charting is a super, insanely useful way to get really amazingly in touch with your body and your cycles. But if you’re not careful, charting can drive you super insane. When you put a lot of time into something if it doesn’t immediately pay off, it can be emotionally and intellectually devastating. Based on what I learned during my 44 months of charting (…I KNOW), here’s a little guidance on how to chart without going super insane.
The Christmas Notebook: The Christmas tradition from a semi-nomadic family
During this holiday season, with lots of Offbeat Homies out there getting ready for the winter, I was struck by the thought that many of you are probably getting ready to travel or spend the holidays someplace different than normal. And I thought of one of my family’s traditions that anyone can start, so I wanted to share it with you!
Throw this birthday party: Superheroes and Monsters
For my daughter Em’s second birthday we decided to go with a monsters and superhero theme. Em loves monsters and I really love the idea and concept of celebrating the primal animal creature that is generally outcast by society and misunderstood for its difference. Our family celebrates difference, so why not celebrate monsters? I also was super excited to celebrate and make room for the toddlers exploration of the “hero” archetype. We all have our own particular super strengths and I’m all for advocating the idea that we are all our own hero.
Pregnant belly, puppy, and lots of ink (plus, a dad-beard that wins the internet today)
Tattoo artists Rebecca and Brandon are happily expecting their first human child (they already have a dog) within the next few weeks, and recently asked photographer Ashlee Newman to document their pregnancy. The two chose a goooorgeous wooded river, and brought their fur baby along for the session.
How can we smoothly move in with my mom with babies of our own?
My husband, my two kids, and I are getting ready to move back into my childhood home. We’re so excited to get into a larger, safer (better hood), cheaper living situation, but there are some worries on moving back in with my mom… mostly for my husband.Have any of you guys had to making the “moving in with the in-laws” change?