Ages & Stages

Mothers protect children. All around the world, across the majority of the animal kingdom, mothers protect children. We carry our babies for nine months in our womb, snuggled beneath our hearts. We eat the right things and do the right things...

At the time of this writing, I have an 8-day  3 week one month old baby. (I was optimistic about getting this post done. Clearly I was delusional.) She is my second born, and so far she is spectacular.  But let's back...

It was a big, well, let’s just say "discussion" in our house. An ongoing discussion that lasted for months. My oldest son, who has Down syndrome, goes to preschool four mornings a week. At school is where he gets...

When I found out a year ago that I was pregnant, I vowed not to be one of those women who completely changes when she has a baby. I had seen so many of my friends become so different...

Welcome to another brand new year. This season is ripe with reflection and resolutions. Everyone I know is eager to wipe the slate clean and begin again with renewed vigor. Gyms are packed. Calendars and planners are flying off...

The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is located near Mons, Belgium (about 30 minutes south of Brussels) and is the military headquarters for NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Because it is a posting that you don’t hear about...

I once thrived on current events and the daily buzz of world news that streamed to my phone and television. Now, it seems that I wait with bated breath for the next news update that will take my breath...

A few months ago, my 10-year-old daughter came home from school and said, “Mom, today at school, a girl told me to go back where I came from. She also told me that they are a certain type of...

I am not a very sentimental person. I don't have a hope chest. I didn’t preserve and keep my wedding dress. My children’s baby books are either not started or not finished. I can purge a house like it’s...

This crazy life we call motherhood is a common bond that we all share, right? Yet I can't help but look at social media and see the division, the judgment, and the horrible "Mommy Wars" that go on every...

Dear Mom, From the moment I can remember, you have always kissed me goodnight, goodbye or even good luck. I have ducked, dodged, avoided and even (gasp) brushed off your kisses. They were a mushy show of affection that only...

Hi, I’m a stay at home mom and I have a confession to make: I miss my job. You see, I’ve been a working mom the last five years. While I worked full-time as a high school English teacher, my twin...