Feb 14Member-onlyMy Adventures in Parenting: Raising an Outgoing DaredevilSomehow I gave birth to an outgoing daredevil. I’m not sure how it happened. My husband and I are so introverted that we need to take a break after social interaction, like runners catching their breath. Our idea of a daring activity is watching rock climbing documentaries. The ones where…Parenting2 min readParenting2 min read
Feb 7Member-onlyEmbracing the Changes: My Journey to Love My New Mom BodWhat I see in the mirror isn’t always accurate. When I look at my reflection, I often see a twenty-three-year-old looking back at me. No gray hairs. A perfect physique. Then I see a picture of myself and wonder when those extra chins came in or how I ended up…Parenthood3 min readParenthood3 min read
Feb 6Member-onlyNavigating the Journey of Parenthood: Examining ExpectationsOur path to parenthood was a carefully plotted journey. We read books, took classes, and had deep hypothetical conversations about imaginary parenting predicaments. Despite that, there’s no way to really prepare. We had to close our eyes and take a flying leap into the unknown, bracing for bumps along the…Parenting2 min readParenting2 min read
Jan 30Member-onlyUnleashing Writing Potential: Setting and Achieving Goals for the New YearNew Year, New Goals! The New Year is a magical and dangerous time. It’s full of excitement and possibility, but it can also be a time of overcommitment and setting unrealistic goals. I’ve made a lot of plans again this year, but I also have a very important tool. Finding…Writing2 min readWriting2 min read
Jan 11Member-onlyA Kid and His Dog — Best Friends and Partners in CrimeWhat was your baby’s first word? Uh-oh What was his second word? Puppy Has he said mommy yet? No…only, “puppy.” And he says it in an adorable high-pitched, loving voice. It’s ok. I get it. I love puppies too. I’ve had dogs most of my life. When my baby was…Parenting3 min readParenting3 min read
Jan 5Member-onlyDon’t Say This to New Parents“You’re going to miss this.” I’ve heard that many times in the short time I’ve been a parent. There’s even a Trace Atkins song along those lines. Yes, there’s some wisdom to it. Many of us could use the reminder to slow down and enjoy where we are instead of…Parenting3 min readParenting3 min read
Dec 19, 2022Member-onlyThe Santa Question: Where’s the Line Between Magic and Lying?It’s that magical time of year when the trees are covered with snow and anticipation practically sparkles in the air. This holiday season inspired conversations between my husband and I about how we’re going to handle future Christmases for our toddler. I wholeheartedly believed in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny…Parenting2 min readParenting2 min read
Dec 15, 2022Member-onlyDriving Across the Country With A Baby: A Naive New Mom StoryAs a naive new mom, I was confident that driving from Minnesota to Florida with our six-month-old would be a breeze. My husband, on the other hand, thought it would be a disaster. In the end, we were both a little wrong. I was convinced the baby would sleep a…Parenting3 min readParenting3 min read
Nov 29, 2022Member-onlyThe Confidence of BabiesA question has been circling in my mind lately. How do babies get their energy? At nine months old, my kid cruises around non-stop. I’m simultaneously impressed and exhausted. He started crawling, but before we finished celebrating that milestone, he pulled himself up on the furniture. Standing is even more…Parenting3 min readParenting3 min read
Nov 22, 2022Member-onlySurviving The First Year of ParenthoodIt’s official. I’ve been a parent for a year. It’s been a year full of laughter, guilt, uncertainty, and delight. I’m still a newbie in the parenting world. As I imagine the situations we’ll face from toddler to teenagerhood, I both smile and quiver. But I’ve also learned a lot…Parenting2 min readParenting2 min read
