Mama Worries About You. Except When She Doesn’t.

At only 1 year of age, Baby Grouch has taught me how (approximately) 8230753 lbs of mommy-love can be squeezed into a teensy, tiny, Grinch-sized heart.  She’s also taught me that the equivalent poundage of terror can be packed into that same cubic volume. Like some anxiety-riddled, futuristic camera, my brain captures images of Baby Grouch in worst-case scenarios.   It would be easy to … Continue reading Mama Worries About You. Except When She Doesn’t.

Life Lessons We Can Learn From A One Year Old

Parenting is the ultimate responsibility – as guardians we are charged with the terrifying intimidating task of teaching another human being how to BE.  It can be overwhelming to think that you (often accompanied by a partner) are responsible for preparing your little one to deal with every aspect of life.  Gulp. But, in addition to being alarming, scary and fatiguing, parenting can also be edifying.  As … Continue reading Life Lessons We Can Learn From A One Year Old

Badges of Honor

I have been practicing yoga for almost 5 years now – I began on the recommendation of my family doctor, when I was struggling with anxiety.   From the moment I started, I was surrounded by teachers I connected with and have missed very few weeks without attending a session ever since.  It has changed my life; it has made a tremendous difference in improving … Continue reading Badges of Honor

The Anti-Photo Contest Photo Contest Entry

My dad sent me information about a “Sweet Pea” photo contest at our local credit union.  I was excited.  And then disturbed.  And then resigned. When I first heard about the contest, I thought to myself, “Baby Grouch is a sure winner of this contest!  She’s a knock-out; even people I don’t know will vote for her!  As I rifled through my mental Facebook Rolodex, … Continue reading The Anti-Photo Contest Photo Contest Entry

The Best Things About Being The Parent Of An Infant

1.  The sheer beauty.  Being able to behold the smooth skin, big eyes, and oversized head on a bitty frame is a luxury.  Unselfconscious and unaware of just how perfectly formed they are makes them even more delicious. 2.  The absolute happiness.  It is impossible to not smile when your child is smiling, to not laugh when she is laughing, to not play, when she … Continue reading The Best Things About Being The Parent Of An Infant

Traits I Inherited From My Dad

My dad is pretty awesome. Happy Father’s Day, Pa!  Love ya. 1.  Eat healthfully.  Have an apple a day.  Don’t eat just to eat.  Enjoy cottage cheese as a delicious protein-punched snack.  Except also love pizza.  And love it with a passion. 2.  Make smart financial decisions.  Don’t overspend.  Save, save, save.  And then save some more. I didn’t follow this advice so well, however … Continue reading Traits I Inherited From My Dad

3 a.m. Feedings

3 a.m. feedings are more than feedings. They are snuggles and safety and softly sung songs. They are cozy and comfortable and contented.   Or discontented.   They are waffle printed and lavender scented. They are sniveling and sweating and shushing, and are viewed through puffy eyes, crusted with sleep. They are restless and fatiguing and short.   Or long.   And they are beautiful. … Continue reading 3 a.m. Feedings

Call Me a Fanfaron This Week

Ok, I’m going to be a little boasty, braggy, hippity hoppity.  I can’t help it, I just might explode – this week has been sort of amazing.  I have had a lot of horribly dark weeks, and this one is shiny and bright and remarkably different than those. FRIDAY: I am starting a support program for students on the Autism Spectrum at the high school I work in – we will be piloting it, … Continue reading Call Me a Fanfaron This Week

On Gratitude and Compassion.

This is the week where we are reminded to reflect on what we are thankful for.  This year my biggest gratitude and thanks go to Baby Grouch. She makes me happy simply because she is she.  I am grateful for her smiles, her snores, her little grasp on my finger, her cuddles and coos.  I’m grateful for her cries and her tears and for the … Continue reading On Gratitude and Compassion.