I’ve recently stumbled upon an addictive and dangerous drug cocktail. It’s been around for a while, but for some reason no one has seen the need to call it out or spread the word. It consists of three elements, which, on their own, are somewhat benign. But mix the three and you end up with […]
How to Tell a First Timer
I became a parent a little over five years ago. It’s not a long time by any stretch of the imagination, but the amount I’ve learned and changed in that time is astounding. Lately I’ve been thinking over the differences between then and now (some are good, some are bad), and I’ve also been thinking […]
Six tips for traveling with a one year old
This post contains affilliate links. Purchases made through these links help support this blog at no cost to you! Traveling with children can be stressful, whether it be a 15 minute drive or a cross-country odyssey. In June I left my husband and two sons in Maine and traveled with my 13-month-old daughter to Washington […]
Your Tone Speaks Volumes
It was 8 pm and (shockingly) all three kids were in bed. I was looking forward to an hour or two of relaxing with my hubby. I grabbed a couple of Oreos out of the pantry and sat down on the couch next to Eric. No sooner had I settled in that the hollering from […]
My List of Worries
In a little over a week, I will reattempt The Trip That Wasn’t. If you’re new to these parts (or just don’t know what I’m talking about), you can read about it here. Or I can give you the nutshell version. Back in March, Annelise and I were going to travel with my sister Allison […]
A New Chapter
Yesterday was one of those days. You know the ones when you’re being the worst possible version of yourself? I was a bear: grumpy, short with the kids, annoyed with every little thing. The worst part was that I recognized my bad mood, knew it was ridiculous, but still didn’t pull myself out of it. […]
Letters to My Children: Part Three
Dear Annelise, One year ago today I woke up early, showered and dressed, kissed your brothers goodbye, shed a few tears, and headed to the hospital. I checked in, got set-up in a room, met several nurses and doctors, made nervous chitchat with Daddy, and headed to the OR. I waited and shivered while the […]
Letters to My Children: Part Two
Dear Eli, Today is Mother’s Day. It couldn’t be a more fitting day to celebrate such an occasion because five years ago today, on May 12th, 2008, you came into the world, making my lifelong dream of being a mommy come true. You are only a day older than you were yesterday, but for some […]
Letters to My Children: Part One
Dear Samuel, Today you turn three and move from toddlerhood to being a preschooler. Although I know it’s a necessary part of growing up, I don’t relish the thought that in a few short months I’ll drop you off at nursery school and your journey into independence (and away from me) will begin. Years before […]
It All Began With a Mule Named Alice
In February of 2003 my parents went to Arizona to visit my uncle and aunt. Any trip to the Southwest, especially one that involves traveling 3000 miles to get there, is not complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon. And so, although it was several hours away, the two couples took some time to […]