Category Archive

grown ups

This is me pushing a stroller and feeling weird

Dre and I have already gotten super used to baby-wearing, so using the stroller felt like a huge novelty. You mean, the baby sits in there? And I push this thing? And we walk behind it?

How to make mama salve

I wanted to make an all-purpose salve that would work for moisturizing and soothing both my skin and the babe’s, and wanted to come up with a recipe that would theoretically work on everything from my (soon-to-be) cracked nipples to his little bum.

I’m a stay-at-home sister. Let me tell you about The Look.

In traditional terms I wouldn’t be considered a parent. I have never given birth, I hold no legal guardianship over another life, but I was born a mother. My maternal instinct kicked in early. I love taking care of people and kids absolutely melt me. So when my mom started talking about wanting to become involved with foster care I absolutely supported her.

Priorities change when husbands become fathers

When you’re falling in love, you have a very important job. You’re choosing your mate for life, and you don’t want to mess it up. You’re looking for someone who makes you laugh and values you as a person. You want to see that he has kindness in his heart and that he will treat […]

Who am I to my partner’s daughter?

My cousin’s parents had been separated for years and her mum happily re-partnered with man that my cousin now happily refers to as her stepdad despite no formal marriage taking place. Along the way my cousin had a few ‘uncles’ and knew playmates who often had their parents’ significant others masquerading as ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles.’

The position of aunty is a defense position

I am still adjusting to my new role as an aunty, especially as I have no little ones of my own (yet). While I thought it would all be about occasional nappy changing, Chrissie presents and backyard cricket it turns out it’s just as much taking care of the grown-ups as the little ones.

A celebration of moms with ink

Have you taken a look at the Offbeat Mama Flickr pool lately? It’s huge! And filled to the brim with people parenting off the beaten path and making it look good. I was flipping through it this weekend and noticed there are some mamas out there rocking some serious ink, so I thought I’d compile […]

How I want to avoid mommy martyrdom

Last week, I asked offbeat mamas via Facebook & Twitter: “What steps do YOU take to help you avoid mama martyrdom?” I got some great responses, which helped me clarify the issue for myself. It basically boils down to this: I do not want to have a monogamous relationship with my son. I’ve read a […]