Navigating new motherhood one cold cup of coffee at a time
"Remember, you didn't have a normal birth." I was told this in recovery by my care team as I was trying to grapple with what just happened to my body, why nurses were physically punching me to help get my baby out, why my baby wasn't breathing, why my recovery was taking forever, why it… Continue reading My redemption birth: I am enough
I could never be a true minimalist, admittedly, but I have been striving for moderate minimalism – which I define as having *majority* of my surroundings serve a purpose, with some wiggle room for pointless fun ... because, Target. I've been clearing out quite a bit of baby gear and toys in preparation for number… Continue reading Must-have baby items you might not have discovered yet
There are so many lists out there on valuable lessons learned as first time moms, from enduring that first pregnancy, birth to recovery and beyond. But I haven't found anything sharing wisdom specifically for second-time moms. We are kind of the forgotten ones in some ways because we are supposed to be experts or something… Continue reading “What to expect” your second pregnancy
"Are you hoping for a girl this time?" This was a popular question that followed our second pregnancy announcement since we have had the overwhelming joy of experiencing a boy our first go-around. I always felt a tad awkward answering this because there's a bit of shame associated with admitting that you may have a… Continue reading I was hoping for a girl, and that says nothing about the kind of parent I am
Every generation thinks they did it best. It's a classic, comical divide that can be applied to most any topic up for discussion. Insert parenthood, and you have a perfect storm of generational differences pouring into growing families' homes. As wisdom is passed down, science progresses, which sometimes counters family wisdom. New parents balance this with their own intuitions, creating a trifecta of… Continue reading When advice isn’t supportive
This idea that you can have too many baby clothes. Only have a few newborn sizes, and then buy up - but not too much. I tried to abide by this cautionary advice last time. This time, I catch myself checking the baby clothes sections every chance I get. There's something so sentimental about baby clothes.… Continue reading Five things I just don’t care about this pregnancy
I was largely focused on gaining control during my first pregnancy. I wanted control of my body, my labor, my baby. I was probably over-compensating for having zero experience with children prior to getting pregnant, so I found comfort in this idea of becoming an "expert" with the nine months I had before my big… Continue reading We aren’t actually in control until we surrender it
It's weird. The very things I wanted to fast forward through with my first born I already want to savor with my second. Bringing home a newborn was such unfamiliar territory the first time; it was all too easy to anticipate the milestones – awaiting for the next best thing that he could master. I… Continue reading The things I rushed are the things I want to rewind
Fifteen months since becoming parents, and I still turn to one of the first pieces of advice I received before going into labor. "When you bring your baby home, create a sacred space between you and your husband where you both have equal opportunity to find your way as parents. Be cautious of visitors coming… Continue reading Why we should stop helping our husbands
As we approached his first birthday, the "are you still nursing?" questions began. My goal has always been two years, though it is a goal that has been harder to see now that I am pregnant. And yes, nursing through pregnancy is totally a thing - and yes, it is safe. But it definitely adds… Continue reading Why I’m “still” breastfeeding
