Don’t miss a thing.
2021 Gift Guides for Us
I assembled a guide filled with items I already own or am asking from family this holiday season.
Going from Two Kids to Three
A third child is a whole new level of chaotic. I learned that my former routines must be retired. My expectations altered.
Mama, you’ve got this.
I overheard a comment from a woman when I was walking through our small downtown,“Wow, 3 kids.”When I heard it, I felt a prickle on my neck.
How to Read Books When You’re Busy
At the time I’m writing this, I have 3 children ages 5, 2 and 6 months. Since the birth of my third son, I’ve read 17 books. This is a big deal because last year I read a total of 5 books, one of which was less than 100 pages.
A Promise to Love Better
The week of August 23rd was awful. I remember thinking, why does Ryan seem so calm. How is he not freaking out or filled with rage on what’s happening in Afghanistan?
My Temperamental 2 Year Old
This is my second go around but it’s 100% different.My second born is both charismatic and unpredictable. He makes me laugh the hardest. He is easy to forgive.
Potty Training Without a Timeline
I thought potty training a second child would be easy. I did it before, I can do it again. They say every child is different. I fully affirm this statement now. Potty training my first, Nolan, wasn’t seamless, but he was fairly adaptable. It took us 12 days to confidently say he was fully potty trained (this includes naps and nights).
Are You Struggling With Resentment?
Words of affirmation are my love language.
When Ryan comes home after work, I want him to notice all that I’ve done in my day—often without me saying anything.
Siblings Room Sharing: Update
If you have siblings who share a room that also doubles as a playroom, expect it to be messy 90 percent of the time. We decided to have our two sons to share a room about two months before my third son was born. My oldest son was 4 years old and my then youngest was 20 months.
My Advice To the New Military Spouse
This whole military life is weird and scary. Nothing can really prepare you for what’s to come, what you will lose but also all that you gain. My advice…
Happy Loving Day
June 12 is a special day that I don't think most people notice. It's the day that it became legal for a girl like me to marry a guy like Ryan.
Memorial Day Is About Remembering
I’m one of those women who signed up for this. Maybe that’s what you think when you learn that I’m a military spouse. I married my Marine 8 years ago. The truth is, I signed up for love & partnership. I barely considered the struggles of military family life when I got married.
How Cozy Pajamas Protect Our Family
To you this might look like another cute family photo. I attempted to create the perfectly staged picture showcasing our matching Hanna Andersson pajamas. But if you’re a new family of five, you know the perfect photo is impossible.
Guest Writer’s Series: A Letter to My Postpartum Depression
No one tells you that the newborn phase is like Groundhog’s Day — every three hours, it is diaper change, feed, sleep, repeat. Throw in some inconsolable crying, dozens of doctors appointments, formula trial-and-error, and hundreds of loads of laundry and you get the picture. In addition to the typical newborn struggles, I was struggling with something that I still struggle to put into words.
I Feel Jealous Sometimes…
I feel jealous when I hear positive breastfeeding stories. I’m human. I sometimes throw myself a “why me” pity party. I search Google for answers as to why I never produced milk after 3 pregnancies. My current theory is that I lack enough glandular tissue. But who really knows? 🤷🏽♀️
To My Last Baby
You are my last baby. You will be my last child I get to wear. You will be the last child I sleep train. You will be the last baby I potty train. You will be the last I watch walk. The last I introduce solids. The last I get to hold that is mine.
I Tried Breastfeeding My Last Baby
The past week of navigating feeding my newborn started out exciting. I felt hopeful this time around. Griffin had an excellent latch. I had help with my other kids to focus and get this thing right.
Do You Believe in Soulmates?
I didn’t marry Mr. Right. Ryan didn’t marry Mrs. Right, either. There is NO SUCH THING.
Are You Ready For Baby Three?
If I were to compare my preparedness for this baby to my previous pregnancies, it would be laughable. I am surrounded by chaos. My house is an active volcano.