• Big Families,  Stress

    I’ve Been Schooled

    I wanted to tell you about the first day of school, because that’s what all moms want to talk about. Some will tell you how heartbroken they are to gingerly place their baby into the school system. Others will jump for glee, fist-pumping their way onto the school grounds as their grumpy kids trudge behind. Myself? Both. Or neither. I dunno. I’m too damn tired to even know. I tried to be prepared and engaging that morning. Up early, steaming mug of coffee in hand, I cooked the requisite “first day back” breakfast (read: NOT cereal. Or granola bars. Or… bread.). Woke sleepy children, sweetly urging them to get dressed…

  • Games,  Play

    I’m Just Playing…

    I did something out of the ordinary today, and it was worth it. I played. With one of my kids. And- I enjoyed it. The reason this is noteworthy is because it’s out of the norm. And my grisly confession to you all is, I can’t remember the last time I played with one. because I normally hate to play with them. Before you shriek in horror, let me unpack that. I do bond with my babies in all sorts of loving, meaningful ways. I hug them and smother them with kisses. I joke with them, and make a fool of myself for their benefit (and let’s be honest, mine).…

  • Big Families,  Boys

    Boy, Oh Boy.

    Our sixth child was born in late spring of this year. And he is a boy, which thrilled our whole family to no end. Not that we prefer one gender over another, because we really don’t. Because prior to our baby son’s (#6) arrival, our five children consisted of four girls, and one boy. Our older son is sandwiched between two older sisters and two younger ones. Our older son is a very patient, quiet little guy. Because he has to be. His short life has thus far been a lesson in keeping women happy, or trying to. Many, many women. People always ask us, but The Captain and I…

  • Outings,  Stress

    Son Of A Beach

    It’s summer. On the East Coast. More specifically, an island surrounded by an abundance of great beaches. I adore the beach. I love everything about it; the grit of sand between my toes as I dig them in, the smell of the salt misting the fresh air, the crash of the waves against the shore. So how many times have I been to the beach this summer, you ask? None. Not once. Dare you even ask why??  Oh, I used to go. Especially before I had children. I’d throw my tanning oil (yeah. that’s right!), a spare towel, the latest People magazine, and my Walkman (I TOLD YOU. Before kids.…

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