In the spirit of full disclosure, I would like to document the recent moment when I realized, suddenly and officially, that it was time to start being a parent. Of course, I’ve been a parent for months. But not so much a parent telling anyone what to do or how to be, so much as a parent keeping the kid alive. Protecting, cherishing, cuddling, diaper-changing, of course, but more tending to physical needs and ... View Post
Bumpy Skies & Jesus Eyes
There are some lifey-type things I just kind of hate: packing to move, waiting in lines, and as I learned this week, flying with a one-and-a-half-year-old. Oh, heavens. Flying with a one-and-a-half-year-old. You’d think that after seven days on the shores of Hawaii, I’d have at least a hint of some mystic aloha aura to ward against stress for a bit. Preferably smelling of Kona Coffee, sunscreen and coconut. Not ... View Post
5 Best Things about Living with Mom & Dad
Wow. What a tornado of a few weeks it has been for our little trio! We put our Irvine home on the market last week, and it already has officially SOLD! I’m so excited and grateful. All of the escrows will be closing the week of October first. Still trying to learn what that means. I think all I need to know is that I’ll be NICE and settled into our new house for Halloween, a holiday Doug and I don’t take lightly. ... View Post
The Wonderful Ones
The Wonderful Ones: Is this a thing? I’m making it one! That lovely baby age of just about one-and-a-half. You’ve survived the first year, you’re finding your groove, your skinny jeans fit (miracle of God), nursing’s behind you (unless you’re into extended breastfeeding, which I totally applaud), and you’ve still got a solid six months till you hit the nefarious Terrible Twos. Even better, for now, I only have ONE ... View Post
5 Amazing Novels with Powerful Motherhood Themes
For some reason, I have long been drawn to novels with central motherhood themes, long before I became a mama myself. With a stretch of summer weeks still remaining, perhaps you’re on the lookout for one last book to devour before fall. These five fiction works all made a very strong impression on me for one reason or another—their captivating characters drawing me in from the very first page to the final ... View Post
My 25 Favorite Things about Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
Being a stay-at-home mom gets a pretty bad rap, and for accurate reasons. It can be grueling, isolating, disorganized and monotonous. I also enjoy dying with laughter at the infinite ways in which daily motherhood has stripped me of power and pride and perfectionism. Having a sense of humor is important if not CRITICAL for success at this gig. But you know what else? It is the best job ever. Hard work reaps great ... View Post