Surviving that first year as a couple was harder than dealing with the months of sleep deprivation, blistered nipples and mastitis, and recovering from a Cesarean. Before Henry was born, Jeff and I—who hadn’t yet been married two years—swore we’d be the ultimate support crew. We’re both athletic and skilled in the outdoors. Together we […]
I do not have to be at my kids’ beck and call 24/7; Mommy isn’t always the only one who can remedy a situation. Here’s the general evening routine during the week at my house: Dinner around 6, bath, books, bed by 7:30. My husband, Jeff, is the main bather and book reader, which means after […]
When life is full at home, cultivating deep relationships with friends requires real effort. I miss my friends and I am driving myself crazy. There, I said it. I’m swinging on the wrong side of the loneliness pendulum (which, if you don’t know, veers from super lonely to life-is-full-rich-and-loving), and am wasting entirely too much […]
This originally appeared on Spawn & Survive. Republished here with permission. Waiting to have children was the best adult decision I made. And I’m not alone. How society loves a pregnant woman! Her ripe body seduces strangers into opening doors, offering seats and free scones at the local coffee shop, and marveling that she can […]
Rachel Odell Walker designed and paid for her own engagement ring, but everyone insisted on giving her fiancé the credit. The night before my 30th birthday, I was my best friend’s maid of honor at her wedding. I tackled the role with gusto—held the bouquet, posed for the pictures, and toasted her and her great husband […]
No matter how vigilant you are about protecting your children, accidents will happen. Last Friday, my friend’s 18-month-old daughter sustained second-degree burns on both of her legs and feet when she climbed into the front seat of my friend’s car, removed the top of a travel mug, and poured scalding tea onto her lower body. […]
