BabyCenter: Blog

• Tips for a fun -- and safe -- 4th of July with young children

  

  by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting What's not to love about Independence Day: cookouts, fireworks, parades, family and friends. Fun and games aside, without the proper precautions, these new experiences and unfamiliar environments can pose safety…
  - 30 Jun 18, 12:45pm -
• Don't make the fireworks mistake that I made

  

  by Maggie Downs posted in Life I'm a fireworks fan. Give me a clear night, a cold drink, and something sparkly in the sky, and I’m all set. When I was in college, I even took a class about the history and development of pyrotechnic devices, because…
  - 30 Jun 18, 5:00am -
• 5 things I miss about pregnancy and 10 things I don’t

  

  by Angela Holland posted in Mom Stories Being fresh out of what felt like a never-ending pregnancy can make you reflective. I now have a beautiful daughter and a perfect, new son, and I’m feeling pretty confident that I’ll tap out of the baby-mak…
  - 29 Jun 18, 6:30am -
• How awesome are your pregnancy boobs?

  

  by Cindy Wilkins posted in Mom Stories Lately, there has been a little bow-chicka-bow-wow every time I undress. Thanks to my pregnancy, I have the heaving bosoms of a Harlequin Romance heroine. They are glorious! Before I get carried away (or busted,…
  - 29 Jun 18, 5:00am -
• These were the most popular baby names 100 years ago

  

  by Carolyn Robertson posted in Pregnancy The last few years have seen the rise of brand new names like Kylo, Royalty, and Reign. They're definitely unique, but not exactly every mom-to-be's cup of tea. If the new crop of names isn't leaving you feeli…
  - 28 Jun 18, 8:25am -
• 7 ways to plan for an unplanned c-section

  

  by Andrea Updyke posted in Mom Stories When I was getting ready for the birth of my first son, I wanted to plan ahead as much as possible. I took birth classes, read books and talked to my friends about their experiences. I made a birth plan, hired a…
  - 27 Jun 18, 1:55pm -
• 9 words that make moms feel like failures

  

  by Marcella Gates posted in Mom Stories Words have power to boost us up or deflate us. So it's annoying that aspects of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood are described in such negative terms. Here are my least favorites, in no particular order: 1. Sta…
  - 27 Jun 18, 12:58pm -
• These are the cutest ever monthly baby photos

  

  by Heather & Whitney posted in Life & Home When I saw my friend Kelly's pictures of her 9-month old daughter Linden in these onesies, I wanted to a) snuggle her baby b) buy those same onesies and c) move into her loft in San Francisco. Kelly's older…
  - 27 Jun 18, 12:20pm -
• 5 ways to keep your baby smiling

  

  by Ashleigh Evans posted in Parenting Brand-new smiles are the most delicious baby milestone ever. That first big grin is enough to melt away some of the new-motherhood chaos you might be experiencing, and make you feel like you're floating on air. I…
  - 26 Jun 18, 9:00am -
• Motherhood: The most astonishing contradiction of my life

  

  by Deidra Romero posted in Parenting When I was a teenager, I professed I wanted seven, yes seven, children. It would be so much fun at my house, I thought. Early adulthood cast more realism over my desire to be a mom and I began to slightly dread it…
  - 26 Jun 18, 8:38am -

Dear Baby

• One of my favorite things to tell him is that I asked God for a...

  

  One of my favorite things to tell him is that I asked God for a little boy just like him. #arloredding https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxTrWFHNZs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8at1cfu9c46g
  - 4 Nov 18, 2:38pm -
• We just got the kid’s school pictures back and Everly can’t...

  

  We just got the kid’s school pictures back and Everly can’t understand why I started crying while adding these new ones to our collection. My heart is so wrecked by how quickly the years are passing. I want more time to savor every age. It’s al…
  - 28 Oct 18, 8:16pm -
• Yesterday was our 11th wedding anniversary. A year ago, we were...

  

  Yesterday was our 11th wedding anniversary. A year ago, we were just coming off of a magical ten day trip together in Hawaii. This year, we canceled our plans go to a concert Friday night, instead scarfing down some dinner at a neighborhood spot befo…
  - 30 Sep 18, 2:21pm -
• (Always a little late to the monthly update party) I have always...

  

  (Always a little late to the monthly update party) I have always proclaimed month 8 as my favorite of all the first year months and this one with you only reinforces that opinion. It’s just such a lovely time- you, smashing handfuls of any and all…
  - 18 Sep 18, 11:24am -
• When mom makes your favorite meal for dinner. 🍝...

  

  When mom makes your favorite meal for dinner. 🍝 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnw7dc7lAn6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fvbvmf0lecbs
  - 15 Sep 18, 7:03pm -
• So long summer of 2018. You were a real good one....

  

  So long summer of 2018. You were a real good one. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnSHdHPATSy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xizycb42zr6k
  - 3 Sep 18, 7:52pm -
• Leo meets lime. 😝#leonaruth...

  

  Leo meets lime. 😝#leonaruth https://www.instagram.com/p/BnKIN7EgeaY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ef2x482frd3y
  - 31 Aug 18, 5:25pm -
• These fleeting days of her babyhood will never go slowly enough...

  

  These fleeting days of her babyhood will never go slowly enough for my liking. #leonaruth
  - 26 Aug 18, 10:00pm -
• This little dream is (more than) seven months old. The days...

  

  This little dream is (more than) seven months old. The days between 6 and 7 months felt packed with milestones for Leo. She started eating solids and loves to feed herself fistfuls of whatever we put on her tray (my favorite thing is to watch her car…
  - 23 Aug 18, 4:36pm -
• Good morning!

  

  Good morning!
  - 16 Aug 18, 9:21am -

FitPregnancy

• 5 Reasons You’re Not Losing Your Baby Weight

  

  “Rock-a-bye Baby” may be your little one’s theme song, but is yours more like “Bye-Bye Booty?” Author bio:  Lisa Robins…
  - 30 Aug 13, 4:58pm -
• Celebrity Pregnancies

  

  Due date: Winter 2013Daddy: Husband James Van Der BeekThe Dawson’s Creek alum, James Van Der Beek, and his wife are expecting baby number three!Kimberly took to her blog, Old School New Rules, to b…
  - 30 Aug 13, 4:57pm -
• Celebrity New Moms

  

  And baby makes three for Fergie and her husband, Josh Duhamel!The Black Eyed Peas frontwoman gave birth via C-section to a healthy baby boy named Axl Jack. The little rockstar weighed in at 7lbs and 10 o…
  - 30 Aug 13, 4:43pm -
• Easy Ingredients for 20 Minute Meals: Lemon Grilled Shrimp with Orzo and Broccoli

  

  You’re going to pick up a lot of new tricks when the baby arrives; from diapering to stroller-folding to learning how to master everyday tasks as a one-handed, baby-balancing wonder. A great trick t…
  - 30 Aug 13, 3:20pm -
• Lemon Grilled Shrimp with Orzo and Broccoli

  

  Serves:  4 Prep time:  5 minutes Cook time: …
  - 30 Aug 13, 2:17pm -
• Enter to win the entire Fit Pregnancy Breastfeeding Essentials prize package- worth over $550!

  

  Enter by September 15th.  Fit Pregnancy’s Breastfeeding Essentials section is filled with products that should make breastfeeding a little e…
  - 30 Aug 13, 11:38am -
• Jessica Simpson’s Second Pregnancy

  

  Jessica Simpson is the next poster-mom in the two-under-2 club. With Maxwell and Ace--freshly debuted via photos this week--now on the scene, she has babies that are less than a year-and-a-half apart.…
  - 29 Aug 13, 2:52pm -
• Prenatal Massage: Get Relief for Your Aches and Pains

  

  Pregnancy massage is extremely beneficial to your physiological, psychological and emotional health throughout pregnancy. It is important to work with a practitioner whom you feel comfortable with, tr…
  - 29 Aug 13, 11:15am -
• New Mom Circuit-Style Workout

  

  Burn more calories as you build muscle with this exclusive workout. This circuit-style workout, designed exclusively for Fit Pregnancy by Lindsay Br…
  - 28 Aug 13, 6:17pm -
• Pilates Mama: Pilates for Every Trimester

  

  Miraculous changes happen to your body in each trimester of your pregnancy—but each phase presents new challenges, too. Author bio:  By Teri Hanson and V…
  - 27 Aug 13, 5:43pm -

I like beer and babies.

• How to live and (almost) die in LA

  

  Hey there. Just a quick check-in to say that I am still alive and that I hope you are too. I started this year by getting an awesome opportunity to go to LA for work which I then parlayed into an excuse to visit my two best friends who had each moved…
  - 98 days ago, 19 Oct 20, 3:04pm -
• Organize Your First Aid Kit and Medicine Cabinet

  

  I have been on an organizing kick lately. Not because I am an organized person, but because I am a hot freaking mess and need help wherever I can get it. The place where we keep our first aid supplies and medicines is a friggin' dumpster fire of diso…
  - 10 Jun 19, 2:59pm -
• Sorry, not sorry.

  

  As a new year prepares to emerge, I have been thinking about what I want 2019 to mean for me. 2018 was a mixed bag. From starting a new job that has become less work and more calling, to helping a friend escape domestic violence that almost ended her…
  - 11 Dec 18, 11:50am -
• Santa Brings Joy and Cheer, Not iPads

  

  The holidays are officially upon us. A time of joyful anticipation for children and ridiculous amounts of work-and wine-for adults. I thought I would take this time to share with you the way our family celebrates Christmas.I treat the holidays as a t…
  - 6 Dec 17, 4:51pm -
• Parenting isn't hard.

  

  Parenting isn't hard. Now before you gather your mom friends and head toward my house bearing flaming torches...Parenting isn't hard. Life is. Parenting should be a joy. But often that joy is suffocated by real life. Bills, taxes, marital problems, e…
  - 13 Jun 17, 11:32am -
• You boys like Mexico?

  

  So we booked a trip to take the kids to Mexico for spring break. One of those all you can eat and drink and sunburn deals that has a kids club. I am equal parts excited and terrified.As we prepare to embark on a vacation that is complete luxury and n…
  - 4 Feb 17, 1:52pm -
• Love for Orlando

  

  If you're like me, the events in Orlando, both at Pulse and at Disney, have shaken you to your core. It is hard to not imagine one of the dead as your friend, or brother, or son. As a mother, I feel their loss deep in my soul. My legs feel weak at t…
  - 17 Jun 16, 4:10pm -
• Bruce Wayne has had his first taste of blood…

  

  So I guess the best way to start this story is to set the stage. Bruce Wayne is more dog than cat.He likes to read books with the boy.And bath time.And...well...he doesn't seem to like this very much...Example: when my husband came home yesterday aft…
  - 4 Apr 16, 10:52am -
• MAKING A MURDERER – THE CLIFFS NOTES

  

  Today I am sharing a post with you by my completely funny ass friend, Hannah from sKidMarking. She is rediculous and has no sense of shame at all. I puffy heart love her. Enjoy!If you’re like me, the NETFLIX series Making A Murderer has trapped y…
  - 20 Jan 16, 12:46pm -
• The Value of Experience

  

  Growing up, we never had liquid hand soap in our house (or a second bathroom for our family of six or even a shower, for that matter). My mom kept a bar of green soap next to our sinks that we used to get clean--and a bar of that heavy duty Lava s…
  - 27 Oct 15, 10:06am -

MayoClinic: Pregancy and You

Medical News Today: Fertility

• Adnexal mass: What to know
  Adnexal masses are lumps that form in the adnexa of the uterus, which includes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Keep reading to learn more.
  - 18 Jan 20, 12:00am -
• What to know about getting pregnant after an abortion
  An abortion is unlikely to affect a woman’s fertility or future pregnancies. Also, it is possible to become pregnant shortly after an abortion. Learn more here.
  - 11 Dec 19, 5:00pm -
• What to know about HCG pregnancy tests
  An HCG test can show if a woman is pregnant and if their body is producing the right level of pregnancy hormones. We look at the accuracy of HCG tests and what factors can affect results.
  - 11 Dec 19, 2:00pm -
• Fibroid surgery: Everything you need to know
  The many different types of fibroid surgery include a myomectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and a hysterectomy. Learn about these and other surgery options here.
  - 6 Dec 19, 2:00am -
• What to know about salpingectomy
  Salpingectomy is the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. Here, learn about the reasons for this surgery, what to expect, and more.
  - 28 Nov 19, 12:00am -
• What to know about endometrial thickness
  Endometrial thickness can change throughout a person’s life and in different situations, for example during pregnancy or the menopause. Learn what is normal and how to measure endometrial thickness here.
  - 19 Nov 19, 2:00am -
• What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?
  The monthly menstrual cycle consists of several stages that the female body goes through to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy. Learn about each stage of the menstrual cycle here.
  - 5 Nov 19, 6:00pm -
• Recovery after a vasectomy: What to know
  Vasectomies are safe procedures with a low risk of complications. Here we discuss what to expect during the recovery period after a vasectomy and provide advice on self-care.
  - 22 Oct 19, 4:00pm -
• Can pregnancy occur after a vasectomy?
  The chances of a pregnancy after a vasectomy are almost zero. However, we look at why pregnancy can still happen. We also explore vasectomy reversal, and a process called sperm aspiration, which may also lead to pregnancy.
  - 21 Oct 19, 4:00pm -
• What to do if you cannot feel an IUD's strings
  An IUD has strings that hang down into the vagina. People should locate these strings regularly to make sure that the IUD is still in place. Learn why the IUD strings might be missing and what to do here.
  - 17 Oct 19, 3:00pm -

MedicineNet: Pregnancy

• Are Sharp Pains in Your Stomach Normal During Pregnancy?
  Title: Are Sharp Pains in Your Stomach Normal During Pregnancy?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 3 days ago, 22 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• What Does Losing Your Mucus Plug Mean During Pregnancy?
  Title: What Does Losing Your Mucus Plug Mean During Pregnancy?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 3 days ago, 22 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• How Soon Can You Get Morning Sickness?
  Title: How Soon Can You Get Morning Sickness?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 3 days ago, 22 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• What Does High White Blood Cell Count Mean When Pregnant?
  Title: What Does High White Blood Cell Count Mean When Pregnant?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/21/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/21/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 4 days ago, 21 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• Can Mastitis Go Away on Its Own?
  Title: Can Mastitis Go Away on Its Own?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/20/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/20/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 5 days ago, 20 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• What Are the Symptoms of Spina Bifida Occulta?
  Title: What Are the Symptoms of Spina Bifida Occulta?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/20/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/20/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 5 days ago, 20 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• When Should I Be Concerned About Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
  Title: When Should I Be Concerned About Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/19/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/19/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 6 days ago, 19 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• Fresh Embryos Beat Frozen for IVF: Study
  Title: Fresh Embryos Beat Frozen for IVF: StudyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 10 days ago, 15 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• Miscarriage
  Title: MiscarriageCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 10 days ago, 15 Jan 21, 2:00am -
• Pot Might Impair a Woman's Fertility: Study
  Title: Pot Might Impair a Woman's Fertility: StudyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/13/2021 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/14/2021 12:00:00 AM
  - 11 days ago, 14 Jan 21, 2:00am -

Newborn Care

• Thinking of Expanding Your Family? Here’s 10 Reasons You May Want to Wait

  

  After having a baby, many people are surprised at how quickly friends and family begin asking if they will be having another child in the near future. While there is something special about welcoming another adorable newborn into the world, it is als…
  - 20 Oct 13, 3:00am -
• Creating a Social Network as a New Mom

  

  Being a new mom is overwhelming. When you get home from the hospital with your new baby, you’re focused on getting used to your new role and responsibilities and enjoying mom and baby time. At some point, though, you’re hit with the desire to get…
  - 13 Oct 13, 3:00am -
• 10 Medications Pregnant Women Should Avoid

  

  Pregnancy is a joyous, exciting time in a woman’s life. It’s also an altogether uncomfortable one, especially when there are health complications or unexpected illnesses involved. The same medications that you reached for without a second thought…
  - 10 Oct 13, 9:11am -
• How to Know Your Baby Feels Full

  

  New parents often worry whether or not their baby is eating enough and if they are still hungry after feeding. After all, your baby is growing so quickly, who’s to say that she doesn’t need more milk today than she did yesterday? It’s not like…
  - 30 Sep 13, 9:52am -
• 6 Strategies for Becoming a Morning Person

  

  You’ve heard it before, even to the point of it becoming annoying. It’s something bears repeating though, because it’s got a lot of wisdom: “The early bird catches the worm.” To some, that means nothing more than “first come, first serve.…
  - 26 Sep 13, 12:33pm -
• Typical Immunization Schedule for the First Year

  

  During your baby’s first year, the pediatrician’s office can begin to feel like a second home. It seems that even if your baby is perfectly healthy all the time, you still have to be there quite often for well visits. During these check-ups, pare…
  - 24 Sep 13, 4:41pm -
• How to Dress for Your Baby Bump

  

  Being pregnant brings many challenges to a woman’s life. Moms-to-be have to deal with more than just a baby bump. During pregnancy, the body changes in a variety of ways. The belly grows, the breasts enlarge, joints loosen and feet become larger. A…
  - 12 Sep 13, 2:08pm -
• 9 Tips for Helping Your Kids Adjust to a New Baby

  

  Getting ready for a second child (or third, or more) means going back into high-gear prep mode: stocking up on baby clothes, setting up a nursery, going through all the hospital visits, etc. In all that activity, it can be surprisingly easy to overlo…
  - 26 Aug 13, 3:00am -
• 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Baby Journal

  

  The first few years of your baby’s life are typically the most heavily documented, which is why baby journals have remained a perennial favorite for new parents. Recording each milestone along the way not only allows you to track the rate at which…
  - 25 Aug 13, 3:00am -
• 5 Signs Your Newborn is Overstimulated

  

  Bringing a brand new baby home from the hospital is definitely a learning experience, especially if you’re a first-time parent. Learning to read the cues of a newborn isn’t always easy, and it’s a skill that usually comes with practice. Because…
  - 22 Aug 13, 8:53am -

Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine

• NESTiG The Wave Crib

  

  While many cribs convert to toddler beds, they can feel too large for a newborn and often aren't easily mobile for transferring from the parent bedroom to the nursery. Thankfully I found the perfect solution in NESTiG's The Wave Crib!The post NESTiG…
  - 7 Sep 20, 1:00am -
• First steps for treating diaper rash
  Apply these tips from the start for a quicker recovery.The post First steps for treating diaper rash appeared first on Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
  - 25 Jun 20, 9:57am -
• Slay it as a single mom
  “The key was deciding what I wanted and being consistent enough in being happy until I got it. I also refused to believe anyof the myths about what single mothers can and cannot do!”The post Slay it as a single mom appeared first on Pregnancy &…
  - 21 Apr 20, 3:39pm -
• Catch the fever
  A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature and is a common indication of an infection. Though it soundsscary, the process is actuallygood for the body because itheats to the point of killingthe germs associated withthe problem. Here’s…
  - 21 Apr 20, 3:19pm -
• Tooth and ail

  

  A few frowns are to be expected when baby’s grin becomes more than gumlines. Consider these tips to make it through.The post Tooth and ail appeared first on Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
  - 10 Apr 20, 1:00pm -
• Busy as a mother

  

  Our mama muse Ali Levine talksstyle, vulnerability and owningmotherhood like only you can.The post Busy as a mother appeared first on Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
  - 1 Apr 20, 12:00am -
• My very first Bump Box is here!
  Why this subscription service is making my pregnancy even better.The post My very first Bump Box is here! appeared first on Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
  - 31 Mar 20, 3:41pm -
• Stay on guard

  

  Though it may feel like we’re closer to spring than the depths of winter, you needn’t disarm your wellness routine just yet. Along with other illnesses, the flu virus in particular peaks during the month of February and can last as late as may. I…
  - 12 Mar 20, 9:11pm -
• nanobébé Starter Set

  

  Introducing nanobébé: the first bottle created specifically for breast milk and the gold standard of feeding systems.The post nanobébé Starter Set appeared first on Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
  - 21 Feb 20, 2:04pm -
• Who’s the boss

  

  Well-balanced, work-hard mama Laura Gimbert proves being supportive is her best side.The post Who’s the boss appeared first on Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.
  - 30 Jan 20, 5:29pm -

Secrets of Baby Behavior

• 7 Facts about Maternal Depression

  

  With depression in the news this week, we wanted to join so many others who are trying to address misinformation about depression and mental health issues. Before I say anything more, I want to say that I am not an expert (in any way) about postpartu…
  - 15 Aug 14, 1:43pm -
• Where is Everybody?

  

  Hello everyone! We've had a string of transitions this summer that have pulled us away from our writing and pushed back our planned reorganization of this blog. JenG has taken a wonderful new job (we miss her!) and we are finishing up some big proj…
  - 11 Aug 14, 11:38pm -
• Happy 4th of July

  

  We hope all of our US readers have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
  - 4 Jul 14, 10:26pm -
• Goodbye!

  

  Hello Everyone! This is Jen G. I would like to let you know that I will soon be leaving the Human Lactation Center to work at the California Department of Public Health. It has been a pleasure working with and learning from both Jane and Jen B., an…
  - 27 Jun 14, 4:25pm -
• We're 5 Years Old!

  

   The Secrets of Baby Behavior blog is 5 years old! Thank you to our readers for your wonderful support and 2,670,148 page views! There will be a lot of changes in the year ahead. We look forward to sharing them with you.PS: Don't tell anyone about…
  - 17 Jun 14, 12:52pm -
• Summer Travel With Your Baby

  

  Are you getting ready for Summer vacation? Learn about why preparation is the key to a great trip and how paying attention to your baby's cues can result in a happier baby on the road in the posts Summer Travel With Your Baby-Part 1 and Part 2. The…
  - 6 Jun 14, 11:00am -
• Getting Ready for Summer With Your Baby!

  

  This week in the Sacramento valley region of California we will be hitting 100 degrees! There is no better time than now to share our Summer safety tips for baby with you! Read about keeping your baby cool and sun safety here. Also, for answers to su…
  - 3 Jun 14, 11:00am -
• Welcome to Our New Readers!

  

  For those of you new to our blog, welcome! This blog is published as a service of the UC Davis Human Lactation Center located in the Department of Nutrition at the University of California, Davis. We would like to tell you how our blog works and wher…
  - 20 May 14, 6:58pm -
• Baby Sign Language/Gesturing and Language Development

  

  A few weeks ago, we asked readers to send us their questions about infant communication. We received some great questions and wanted to get started by answering this one:Any evidence of using signs increasing or decreasing language development? As re…
  - 13 May 14, 11:12am -
• Screen-Free Week 2014!

  

  Since it's screen-free week, we would like to encourage you to take a week off from the constant onslaught of media in your life and spend some quality face-to-face time with your kids! For a past post with more information about screen-free week and…
  - 6 May 14, 11:00am -

Stinker Babies

• Tag! You're It! (Plus a Giveaway!)

  

  Confession: I've had some trouble with homework this year.  Caleb is supposed to be reading for 20 minutes each day.I love to read, so I love that this is homework.  As a former teacher, I know how important it is to be reading at least 20 minutes…
  - 11 Mar 13, 1:05pm -
• It's a Girl!! Meet Our Service Dog!

  

  As most of you know, we've been waiting on pins and needles for our official Match Letter from 4 Paws for Ability.  This letter would tell us which of these adorable wonderdogs would become a part of our family.  Friday morning, I was startled awak…
  - 9 Mar 13, 3:00pm -
• Leaving the Nest

  

  Caleb has been spending an ever increasing amount of time with a mainstream class.Last week, his name was officially moved to the mainstream class roster.I feel so proud and happy and excited...And absolutely terrified.I'm so relieved that he'll feel…
  - 4 Mar 13, 11:21am -
• Happy, Happy March! (And a HUGE thank you!)

  

  I cannot believe this month is here.  We have been waiting for this month for oh so long!  And it's here!!!I just wanted to take a minute to thank you all so so so much for your incredible support.  Physically, emotionally, financially.  I have…
  - 1 Mar 13, 5:09pm -
• Dreams: Chase or Let Go?

  

  Dreams are a funny thing.Two years ago, I wrote a post about a lifelong dream (I'd Like to Thank the Academy), and it was still very true for me last year as well. Last night, I watched the Academy Awards from start to finish (a few years later) and…
  - 25 Feb 13, 10:35am -
• Oh Pinterest. Why do you torment me so?

  

  Ahhhh Pinterest. You and I have a love-hate relationship, don't we? You pursued me for so long as I firmly resisted your temptations.  I have to admit.  I secretly admired your persistence. You finally wore me down.  After months of my friends tel…
  - 22 Feb 13, 12:35pm -
• Feeling like a hot mess? Come sit by me!

  

  Now that I've been a mom for almost seven years, I've finally figured out how to spot fellow mamas in the wild.  You will know us by the circles under our eyes.  Just kidding.  Sorta.Seriously though, on so many days, I feel like I have been s…
  - 20 Feb 13, 4:46pm -
• Black History Month

  

  This is a scary post to write.  Scary only because I just have questions and no real answers.  I feel like I won't be able to word this post in a way that accurately portrays my thoughts.  But I'm going to try my best because these thoughts have b…
  - 18 Feb 13, 4:54pm -
• Chicks Dig Chicken Salad Chick

  

  Like any good Southern girl, I love chicken salad.  Here in the South, you can find it anywhere from funerals to picnics, baby showers to barbecues.  Actually...I'm willing to bet chicken salad was exactly what those handsome young men brought Scar…
  - 16 Feb 13, 1:26pm -
• I'm Too Old for This...Right?

  

  We've all had our share of disappointments throughout life. I mean, it goes with the territory right?  Like in high school when I didn't get the part in the school play or I didn't make the cheerleading squad.  Oh man.  I was crushed.  My mom wou…
  - 13 Feb 13, 7:43pm -

time flies when you're having babies

• Back, baby!

  

  Oh hey! Long time no blog, here’s to my first of hopefully many attempts to revive the blog!1) First and absolutely foremost: I announced on social media a few weeks ago but failed to bless the old blog with the fact sweet babe #7 is on the way! We…
  - 10 days ago, 15 Jan 21, 3:17pm -
• Look who’s blogging!

  

  What is even happening, is this real? The blog is back! For today. Where to even begin?! Linking with Kelly! 1) I was reading through my blog the other day, reminiscing about my oldest pre-teens being little toddlers and realized it is simply unjust…
  - 80 days ago, 6 Nov 20, 12:44pm -
• Quaranteaster Quick Takes

  

  Linking up late with Kelly, the ever faithful Friday quick takes hostess.1) Speaking of linking up, I know I floated the idea of  doing an Easter outfit  link-up but then I realized that it was a very overly-ambitious idea for someone who has shown…
  - 13 Apr 20, 1:12pm -
• baking and birthdays and big headed babies, oh my!

  

  I know, I know I'm going overboard with this blogging enthusiasm, even posting quick takes an entire day early! I have to say that posting last week gave me this wonderful old-school thrill of blogging days of yore. Lets bring them back.1) I know up…
  - 2 Apr 20, 5:02pm -
• quick takes, quarantine coping mechanisms edition

  

  Now seems like a better time than ever to pretend like my blog hasn't been dead for the last six months. Joining Kelly for quick takes, quarantine coping mechanisms edition.1) I gave up Instagram for lent and within the first week of quarantine I hop…
  - 28 Mar 20, 7:45am -
• Anastasia Zoe's Birth Story... Finally

  

  I've never waited this long to pound out a birth story here on the blog and I am starting to worry that if I do not do it, the entire event might just be erased from my memory since that is what happens if one does not log all life events on the bles…
  - 23 Sep 19, 8:24pm -
• Anastasia Zoe

  

  A little over a week ago we welcomed our sixth, sweet baby to the outside world and 5 days later she was baptized. These are the major life events Ana of 5 years ago would've had blogged within a day but I guess times have changed as have my abilitie…
  - 1 May 19, 10:58am -
• 30 weeks + the name

  

  And just like that we are already heading down the last decade of weeks until we get to meet our sweet little one (starting tomorrow, technically, but I'm measuring a few days ahead so I call the eve of 30 weeks, 30 weeks). I would absolutely be remi…
  - 21 Feb 19, 8:08pm -
• a good old fashioned gender reveal

  

  Back in the blogging day I would have annoyingly documented every single milestone of pregnancy, (seriously, check the archives, it's absurd. Or don't because it's mildly embarrassing) and while I am definitely happy that's not my blogging trend anym…
  - 7 Dec 18, 12:16pm -
• Thoughts on Pregnancy After Loss {Grieving Together}

  

  When I first saw that Laura Kelly Fanucci and her husband had written a book on their journey as a couple after infant loss I was so happy. I was pretty fresh off of my third early miscarriage of the year and I could not wait to read it, I only wis…
  - 30 Nov 18, 10:56am -

conceive

• Eat for two -- even before there are two

  

  USDA - ChooseMyPlate.gov There's so much about trying to conceive that's out of our control, s…
  - 25 May 12, 5:36pm -
• A possible link between IVF and breast cancer, for young women at least

  

  A worrisome new study came out this week in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility -- th…
  - 23 May 12, 3:40pm -
• Even if your husband had a vasectomy years ago, it may not be too late to reverse it

  

  New research just out, led by Dr. Paul Turek, a San Francisco-based specialist in male fertil…
  - 22 May 12, 4:01pm -
• The Conceive Conversation: A Q&A with Dr. Paul Turek

  

  Dr. Paul Turek ConceiveOnline.com: What's the number-one misconception you hear in your office…
  - 22 May 12, 3:55pm -
• More bad news about chemicals and fertility

  

  No one wants to hear it, but more disturbing news came out this week from the European Enviro…
  - 17 May 12, 4:35pm -