I know that you’ve all been waiting with intense anticipation for an update on the fallout of Noah’s stomach virus. I am here for you. I am gleeful to report that, although it did last through the night and he woke up Thursday morning with his bed in such an abominable state that if I […]
When Children Are Like Salt in a Wound.
Ali lost her fourth tooth in a month on Thursday night. Okay, “lost” doesn’t accurately portray the traitorous and forceful separation of tooth and child that had to take place. Unlike the three previous teeth, this one wasn’t eager to turn loose, and I didn’t exactly achieve stellar parental ranking by a) insisting on removing […]
The Slumber Games.
Guest post by Lindsey Murphy. Two tributes: One adult male, one adult female. Three rivals: District 4: Male, four years old. Tactics include wetting the bed, loud footsteps, and the desire to play with other tributes at ungodly hours of the morning. District 3: Female, three years old. Susceptible to bad dreams. Deep attachment […]
“Life is Hard,” Say Kids Everywhere
Tuesday’s plans included the grocery store and the pool. When I told the kids this news, Ali said with a sigh, “Let’s go to the grocery store first. I like to get the hard things over with first.” “Oh really, honey, is going to the grocery store so hard for you?” “Yes, it’s just not […]
Hosepipe.
If I understand the differences in regional dialects correctly, some of y’all don’t call this a hosepipe. You call it a “garden hose” or just a “hose” or some other type of gibberish. In Alabama, we call it summer entertainment. That is, unless you’re not the one holding the hosepipe. Then it’s called a source […]
Parenting By Manipulation.
For those of you who were around last year, you will remember that Ali got fired from Private Swim Lessons. And rightfully so – she doggedly persevered in her 6.5 year rebellion against allowing water to come into contact with her face. The child doesn’t have a strong-willed cell in her brain – except when […]
Three Teeth and a Babysitter.
Upon the loss of one’s eldest child’s first tooth, parental discussion has to take place. Are we going to do the Tooth Fairy thing? How far does our willingness to “Fairy It Up” go? How much does the Tooth Fairy pay for teeth these days? We agreed that yes, we would do the Tooth Fairy, […]
Seven Years Comin’
From our honeymoon onward, Chris and have I adored the beach. We would spend entire days laying on the sandy shores of Alabama, reading, napping, swimming, and living as if we had no responsibilities. NONE. It was our most freeing happy place in the world. And then, six years into marriage, we had a baby. […]
School Completion Badge: Unlocked.
Let’s talk about what changes between the beginning and the end of the school year. 1. The transition from fully Pinterested-Out, pre-printed and thought-out signs to OHDEARCRAPINEEDTOMAKEASIGN moments that happen approximately 30 seconds before the photo is snapped. (I wouldn’t have even remembered to notate the last day of school with a picture except that […]
Mother’s Day Wishes and Dreams.
I do hope you all had a fantastic Mother’s Day and were overwhelmed [like physically overwhelmed – literally covered up with cards and stickers] with your children’s unconditional love and kindness [bursting through your door and waking you up first thing in the morning] – just like I was. I’m not exactly sure what she’s […]