So, what seems like a million years ago, I issued a call for writers. After I issue the call, I admittedly had a moment wondering what I would do if no one responded! Instead, the response was overwhelming -- I was truly honored by the interest, and so happy and inspired to learn about the amazing women who applied to write for Boston Mamas. What a group of rock stars! It took me longer than anticipated to go through the applications because I read every single word and looked at every single website of affiliation. But now, finally, I am so thrilled to announce the new crew!So, what seems like a million years ago, I issued a call for writers. After I issue the call, I admittedly had a moment wondering what I would do if no one responded! Instead, the response was overwhelming -- I was truly honored by the interest, and so happy and inspired to learn about the amazing women who applied to write for Boston Mamas. What a group of rock stars! It took me longer than anticipated to go through the applications because I read every single word and looked at every single website of affiliation. But now, finally, I am so thrilled to announce the new crew!
It's sort of crazy how things come full circle. Two years ago at BlissDom (incidentally, where I'm headed off to shortly), I had several people tell me I should write a book -- a huge compliment. And at that conference, I actually thought of a book idea -- I was so excited about the idea that I drafted an outline on the plane ride home. But then I couldn't quite take the idea forward. It was a busy year -- I was traveling a lot, I got distracted by another book idea later that year (again, I outlined the concept during the ride home). And then I unexpectedly got pregnant. Which meant another busy year followed.
Happy 2012 everyone -- I hope you had a wonderful holiday break! We soldiered through a plague-filled start to the vacation, but eventually recovered and enjoyed the relaxed pace so very much. I also did pretty well on my vacation week to do list and accomplished #1 (except we passed the plague on to my poor mother-in-law), #3 (almost...it will be out by the end of today...yippee!), #4, #5, #10 (oh my goodness I love my new site, feel free to take a peek), #11 (chocolate cake!), #13, #14, and #16.
I'm part of the Mom's the Word on Dinner conversation series via Momversation so I've been thinking a lot about mealtime (even more than usual!). Recent conversation on the program's Facebook page has focused on dinnertime mojo and quick meals, and these conversation threads have reminded me that meals are decidedly un-Zen for so many families. Indeed, with two busy parents, a chatty 7-year-old, and a sippy cup banging 8-month-old at our table, meals are not always the most relaxed. This all got me thinking about some of the typical stumbling blocks we face and how we try to address them. I hope the below thoughts are helpful, and I'd love to hear if you have other challenges at the dinner table and what you do to mitigate them!
While I was en route to California this past weekend, I was so happy to have some quiet time to read through more of the Boston Mamas survey comments. Among the responses was a question that fit well both for the Dear Boston Mamas column, and given that I just guest posted at Rookie Moms about what I have learned in having a second child. Of course, a lot of the below would apply to 2+ children as well; if you have additional thoughts to share, feel free to do so in the comments!
Question: How is life with two kids? We are expecting #2 and I know it will be different but how? How are you managing? Is baby #2 on a schedule or on older child's schedule?
Hello everyone -- I hope you've been having a fantastic week! I went off the grid longer than expected due to an amazing trip to California, the residuals of which left me a little loopy (we came in very early off a red eye flight yesterday morning) and also wanting to take a slower, more mindful pace as we re-entered life here at home. I need to take today to square up on various things; meanwhile, if you're interested you can read up on the trip (and see some lovely photos) here, and also, here are a few picks to enjoy this week.
As part of Momversation and Ragú®'s Mom's the Word on Dinner Program, I recently chatted with Daphne Brogdon and Caroline Murphy about grocery shopping with kids. I've embedded the video below for your viewing pleasure (it's about two and a half minutes long) and would love to hear whether you find family outings to the grocery store super helpful, utterly exhausting, or somewhere in between. Feel free to weigh in below in the comments or over at the Ragú® Sauce Facebook page (where a very lively convo is brewing!).
Whether or not extreme couponing is your thing, grocery budgeting is top of mind for most families. As part of Momversation and Ragú®'s Mom's the Word on Dinner Program, I recently chatted with Daphne Brogdon and Caroline Murphy about tips for feeding families on a budget. I've embedded the video below for your viewing pleasure (it's just over two minutes long) and would love to hear your clever tips for scoring at the grocery store, either below in the comments or over at the Ragú® Sauce Facebook page.
Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Renee via e-mail:
Dear Boston Mamas: Hello! I'm hoping to get some input/advice. I'm a mom to a 19 month old girl and I'm pregnant with twins. We do not yet know the genders. Several people have suggested to me that I should have a shower. I always thought of a shower for your 2nd+ kids as greedy and poor etiquette. However, given that we are expecting twins, there are quite a few things that we will need, especially if one or more of the babies is a boy. Do you think there is an exception to the etiquette if you are having twins?
Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Janelle via Twitter. Janelle asked me for some ideas for unique baby shower gifts. Having enjoyed a baby shower for Violet earlier this year and given my minimalist tendencies, my preference definitely leans towards practical, but sometimes practical also equals unique! Here are some of my favorite ideas -- spanning practical and pretty.
Through the Mom's the Word on Dinner conversation series I'm part of via Momversation, it's become clear that dinnertime often involves either battles or bonding for families; to that effect, you can check out a recent video and conversation on how dinner is best characterized in your house. Meanwhile, this conversation thread got me thinking and I wanted to share 5 ways to diffuse mealtime battles. These strategies have been really effective for us and I hope they are helpful to you! If you have other tips, feel free to share in the comments here or over at the video post.
Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Jen via Facebook:
Hi Christine, I just had my third little boy. He is a joy. Although I successfully breast-fed my first two sons, I was not successful in getting my second son to use a bottle (which led me to be resentful towards the end), so I have taken your advice and started my baby on a bottle at three weeks. I was wondering about how often you pump and provide bottles to keep up your supply and still be able to nurse? I've forgotten how I managed with my first son.
As social an animal as I am, I have to admit that I get a little squirrely when faced with the prospect of the "first date" parental chit chat associated with Laurel's playdates with new friends. This week I shared thoughts about playdate drop offs when you don't know the parents. The video is embedded below (it's just over one minute) and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic...whether you agree or disagree with my approach, what age feels right to you for drop offs, etc. Hop on over and share your thoughts at Momversation or feel free to comment in below!
Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from a friend -- I know lots of new moms have the same question so I'm sharing here:
Dear Christine, I am asking all my friends who have had (or currently have again) newborns: what do you do with them all day? Sometimes I get really bored during the day; is that normal? Does he have to be learning all the time? Is it ok if he just sits there in his bouncer? Going out with a newborn in [my city] is tough! We go out once a day, but nothing too complicated that requires public transportation, not yet. I find myself saying...ok, what are we going to do next? [My son] is amazing...he has such a gentle and sweet demeanor. In the morning when he first gets up we spend about 20 minutes "talking" to each other, then he naps and I shower and we take it from there. Tuesdays are awesome because I go to this fantastic moms group -- just a few, quirky, non-judgmental, amazing women and our babies. We rotate houses and literally stay all day. It rocks.
It was a momentous week, and one that left me -- and many others -- with complicated emotions and reactions regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden. This week Mindy Roberts, Susan Carraretto, and I discussed what kind of message we're sending to our children if we rejoice over Bin Laden's death, whether we feel safer now that he is gone, and how to talk about these issues with our kids. The video is embedded below and you can weigh in on the conversation here or over at Momversation. I'm curious to hear how you are processing these weighty issues with your kids.
It is with immense sadness that I share that yesterday, contributing writer Sarah Feather died following her spirited battle with cancer. Sarah not only offered fashion and lifestyle inspiration here at Boston Mamas and elsewhere, but for the last couple of years she has documented her journey with cancer at The Carcinista with impressive wit and candor. Sarah is survived by her husband Ed, sons Whit and Avery, and countless friends and family who undoubtedly will always remain in awe of her spirit, humor, and impeccable sense of style.
It's been fun to see the family and food dialogue that has transpired as part of Momversation and Ragú®'s Mom's the Word on Dinner Program. Today, my second video with the project just launched -- in it, Whitney Moss, Kim Tracy Prince, and I discuss what dinner means for families. I've embedded the video below (it's just over three minutes long) for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to hop over to the Ragú® Sauce Facebook page if you want to share your thoughts on mealtimes and family.
I can't believe it's been one week since Violet was born. She is such a love and Laurel is a wonderful big sister; we feel so grateful every day. And one thing is for sure; it's very easy for the days to slip away -- I feel fantastic and full of energy (compared to how depleted I felt after Laurel's C-section...I even made lasagna yesterday!) and I love snuggling with Violet during the day, and reconnecting as a family after Jon and Laurel get home from work/school. Anyway, a lot of people have been asking about photos. Here are two from when we were in the hospital. I know I'm biased, but isn't Violet the cuteness? She's plumping up nicely; I laughed out loud when I found out yesterday at the pediatrician that she gained 6 ounces in two days. Clearly, milk supply (and demand) is not a problem.