• Family - Parenting

    Milestones

    November 9, 2018 - By 

    There are many important milestone’s in your child’s life. We all discuss the firsts: first words, first steps, first day of school. We compare accomplishments: ditching the diapers, eating solid foods, learning how to ride a bike. But there are some milestones that, while not often discussed, are just as important. Here is a selection of them, to give you an idea: When they are old enough to tattle on you to the other parent (Mommy hit the mailbox with the car!) When they outgrow the baby hangers and you have to buy them full-sized ones (how did my little…

  • Family - Parenting

    Two Simple Things

    July 17, 2018 - By 

    I’ve read a lot of parenting books.  This doesn’t mean that I’m an expert on parenting.  In fact, it doesn’t even mean that I really know anything extra about parenting.  It doesn’t mean that I am the perfect parent or have all the answers.  It simply means that I like to read and have ambitions of being a good parent. I believe that I succeed more than I fail, and my kids love me, so I must be doing something right. But in all those books and blog entries and articles that I’ve read, I’ve noticed a few common themes.…

  • Family - Food - Parenting

    Mealtime with Small Children

    April 4, 2018 - By 

    I wrote a poem about how our dinner usually goes these days. Enjoy. Conducting a Meal I am the tuner of the room I am Magnanimous of patience I am calm, cool, and collected until I am not. Stop, I say, don’t whine. Don’t throw your fork On the floor don’t smear yogurt on your face. Wait, I say, come back here. You’re not done eating And the cat does not like to be pulled by her tail. I pause. Deep breath to fold in the yelling and I Take out my imaginary conductor’s wand Directing two small bodies back…

  • Family - Parenting

    The Trade-off

    February 3, 2018 - By 

    Chris and I were laying in bed this morning, listening to the boys chatting with each other in the living room. Chris: Is Aiden making breakfast for both of them? This is nice. I could get used to this. Me: Yes, but there is usually a trade-off. Like cereal all over the floor or two cups of milk on the counter. After a short while longer of listening to their sweet voices, I get up to find out how they are doing. I notice small wrappers scattered all over the floor, and immediately piece together what has happened. They had…