Many miles separate our family: life after your kids move out
My son and two daughters have grown up to be delightful young adults, funny, thoughtful, affectionate. We have great times together. Problem is, we just don’t see each other all that often.
Surprise: life with two kids is easier than I thought it would be
The first few times I took the girls out all by myself, I felt like some sort of hero. “Look at me, world!” I wanted to shout, “Look at me braving the unknown, with not one but TWO children. See this baby? She could cry at any moment! See this toddler? She could cry, too. There might be diaper changes! They might want to eat! They might both fall asleep in the stroller on the way home, eliminating any chance of naptime!”
Dealing with another parent shunning your teen
Last summer, my daughter wanted to celebrate her birthday by having her two best friends over for a slumber party. I emailed both moms with an invitation and some possible dates. One of them emailed back that it didn’t matter what the date was, because she didn’t feel comfortable having her daughter in my home. Ever. Following a different drummer is all well and good, until your kid gets shunned for it. Then the panic sets in.
Daddy Issues: The Mixed Blessings of “Dadvertising”
Bitch Magazine recently ran a piece on the blessings and perils of Dadvertising — the often times not-realistic inclusion of Dads in advertisements that are aimed at women and families.
Finding beauty in the birth of my daughter even though she was born ill
My daughter didn’t arrive into this world kicking and screaming. She was silent and still. Within seconds, she was whisked away from me to the emergency table in the corner of the delivery room. My husband followed, but was unable to do anything but watch as she was surrounded by medical staff. My doula finally told me that she was a girl — I hadn’t thought to ask. I’d only seen a glimpse of her little body.
Learning to love my RENTED house
I distinctly remember standing in the living room of my new home, looking at the chandelier, and breathlessly exclaiming, “It’s a mansion!” American dream? Not quite. My mom was in her dream neighborhood, but the house wasn’t hers, wasn’t even the bank’s. It was the landlord’s. Eventually I became ashamed of the fact that my parents didn’t own our home, and at times a bit resentful. Then, much later than I should have, I had an epiphany…
When do you need to cut back on physically demanding tasks during pregnancy?
I am a female mechanic, and I’m pregnant. Although my doctor has told me my body will let me know when I need to cut back on the heavy lifting, I’d like a better idea of when to expect that.
A sweet batch of sassy and colorful mom-and-me photos
Maddie wasn’t expecting Augie to come along the way but she’s told me more times than I can count that Augie was the best thing to happen in her life. Maddie’s life is different than most of the people her age but you know what’s rad? Maddie and Augie make the damn best of what they have and go on in life with nothing but smiles on their faces and in their hearts.