Little Bernadette has a new favorite saying, one we have started to hear at every mealtime, bedtime, during every car ride, potty break, a moment of organized play, and especially when I’m trying to get her dressed. “I can’t want that.” She huffs, looks at what I am offering, shakes her little head, and says, […]

We’d made it to the lake.   The weather was perfect. We had cold watermelon, the kids were playing together well, my daughter had successfully used the potty. I was there with some of my best friends and their kids and it was a Friday. Life was very good. We sat there in the glorious […]

Some very kind people have complimented my mothering by telling me I’m a natural. You know, a natural mother.   That, it seemed to them, like all things mother came to me in some sort of effortless, magical way. I’ll be the first to tell you that that is not how it happened. Most of […]

A few days ago I overheard myself consoling another mom, telling her what was true, despite her warped perception.   I say I overheard it because as the words were coming out of my mouth I realized that what I was saying I happily applied to all moms, except myself. “No, that doesn’t mean you’re […]