I stare at the 19 strangers encircling me and they look back at me – expectantly. I don’t like this kind of attention; even in small groups I prefer to keep quiet and let others do the talking. Together, we …
These Murky Waters
Tonight, I lie here, sending my thoughts into the glowing screen, letting the soft tapping of the keys be the lullaby to the baby on my chest. His breaths are deep and even, but I know if I dare to …
How Motherhood Is Like The Velveteen Rabbit
“Mommy?” My three-year-old son stands before me on the rocky mountain path. We’re in Jasper and we’re hiking. “Yes, sweetie?” He looks solemn beneath his sideways ball cap. “You’re beautiful.” Then he turns and skips away, leaving me breathless. I …
How to Fit in Exercise as a New Mom
I’ve been in your shoes. You can hardly find time to take a shower and shave your legs. How are you supposed to fit exercise into your day as a new mom? The pressures in your first few months as …
Lipstick on a New Mom
“Dig deep, and you’ll find something for you,” my mother said as she gently set an enormous bag of baby clothes on my hospital bed. As we admired each tiny outfit one-by-one, as only a fresh mom and grandmother can, …
An Open Letter to Myself
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I’ve been pondering this since the first of the month. What should people be aware of? What do I wish I had known before Roo was born—or even in those first days and weeks …
In the Company of Baby
“I’m lonesome for grown-ups,” I whine; then static buzzes in my ear as my husband’s cell phone cuts off. I feel like we’re in a commercial, where my sweet hubby is on the other end spouting words of great sympathy. …
My Hospital Confession
Hello, Dearest I have a confession: I didn’t feel that “instant love” that moms talk about when they first see their child. Please understand, I love my child. I loved her before I saw her, before I held her. But …