I sat up on the exam table, my husband next to me. Our doctor turned her back on us and asked for the date of my last period. With her calendar wheel in hand, she turned around and pronounced that May 30th would be my due date. Excitement filled my body. I couldn’t stop smiling. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mother, and now it was happening. Joe turned to … [Read more...]
Morning Miracle: Mom Gets Kids Up and Out of the House in Less Than 30 Minutes
Tuesday morning was like most: I woke up around 5:00 am, had a cup of coffee, and glanced at the paper my husband left on the kitchen table. Yes it’s early, but I relish this time when all my chickens are present, accounted for, and sleeping soundly. I do my daily check of the backpacks, write notes for the kids’ teachers, and pack snacks for my second grader and … [Read more...]
25 Ways to Annoy Your Teenager
Writers should stick with writing about what they know, and as a mom to two teenagers and an adolescent, I’m an expert at annoying youngsters emerging from childhood and on the cusp of adulthood. My children believe I’m so talented at it I should share my wisdom. So here are twenty-five tips for driving a teenager stark, raving mad: Say Hello. Good Morning. Goodnight. … [Read more...]
My First Movie Date With My Son (Hopefully it Won’t Be My Last)
“Mom, this was the first time you and I ever saw a movie alone, just the two of us.” “No, that can’t be? Are you sure?” I was watching my 18-year-old son, coffee cup in his hand, looking up at me between bites of his doughnut. We decided to grab a snack before heading home after watching Hidden Figures. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I would walk him in his stroller to … [Read more...]
And Down Will Come Baby Cradle and All
Each time I go downstairs to our playroom I see it, the cradle my father made for me when my first child was born 18 years ago. Soon after my husband and I announced we were expecting a baby, my dad started planning to build it for his first grandchild. Joe and I were thrilled. But our happiness was short lived when at 10 weeks we saw our baby, but no heartbeat. I was … [Read more...]
