Spoiler alert: It’s not diamonds, or foot massages, or fancy purses (though we wouldn’t say no if you tried). It’s something every husband can do. Including yours.
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How does a mom survive 12 hours of the Iowa State Fair with two toddlers? I’ll tell ya, it’s not easy. But a little preparation plus a great plan for once you get there are key to success. Here’s how we get through three days of the fair and come out the other end with a barrel full of great memories.
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As Squeak’s second birthday approaches, I’m thinking about what I wish I’d known when I started this parenting gig. No-Kids Lydia needs to drop some preconceived notions.
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Last fall, I shared the story of our embryo recipients, L&J, miscarrying at 8 weeks. The cause was later discovered as Trisomy 18, a genetic defect that’s the most common cause of first-trimester miscarriage. It was only the first of three embryos we donated, so after L took some time to grieve, she was ready and excited to try…
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Everybody Hates You
My self-doubt has a name, and she's a mean, mean girl.
I have an inner voice, and she’s a Mean Girl. She tells me lies, makes claims without proof, and seems to know everything. I call her Regina George. Here’s some of the bullshit she whispers in my ear.
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When another woman gives birth to a child whose genesis was you and your spouse, is the resulting child “yours”? One donor mom says yes. And I say she’s nuts.
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Squeak is so skinny that despite being 20 months old, he can’t even fill out the waist of 18-month pants. This creates a dilemma, but luckily, a little DIY elbow grease solves this problem and keeps Squeak’s pants up, too!
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I was so traumatized by Peanut’s chaotic visit to the feeding specialist, I had prepared myself for the worst when it was time for Squeak to go. How would the feeding specialist’s strategies work on Squeak, who was too young to be bribed with screen time and dessert? As it turns out, my little guy surprised us all.
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The second of our three donated embryos was transferred in early February. After the tragic loss L&J suffered at just over 8 weeks last time, we had high hopes going into this transfer. The odds were in our—and their—favor.
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You’re welcome to [try to] sell your wares to me, but remember that I’m your friend first. That relationship is at risk when all you do is talk to me like I’m a customer.
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The five most terrifying words I’ve ever spoken
"Do it. Call the ambulance."
At 6:00am on February 3rd, Squeak woke up unable to breathe normally, his heart racing so fast I couldn’t even count the beats.
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Our first visit with renowned pediatric feeding specialist Dr. C was an emotionally (and physically) trying day. We’re taking a completely new approach to my incredibly picky eaters.
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I have picky eaters. Not your average picky eaters, either. My kids put most toddlers to shame. It’s my biggest insecurity as a parent, it stresses me out, and it sucks. I’m not taking it lying down any more. This is the beginning of our family’s journey to help my kids have a normal (hell, I’d settle for semi-normal) relationship with food.
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