My parents have been married for nearly 40 years and, as a child, I can only recall them arguing in front of me about a handful of times. Not only can I remember those arguments, but I remember them well. Because they were such a rare occurrence that every time they did happen, I thought it meant they were getting a divorce.

There are many parenting topics that bring about a host of opinions, and the issue of whether or not it is “okay” to argue, or even disagree, in front of your kids is a hot one.

I love sleep. It’s amazing. As a parent you know how precious sleep is - for you and for your kids. You grow a love for it you never knew existed. 🤣 Which is why I spent so much time reading any and everything that could help me get more of it as a new mom.

That said... did you know you could prepare babies/toddlers for time changes?! Well, we are springing forward in about three weeks (at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14th to be precise) and I’m trying to make sure it’s uneventful. At least as far as sleep is concerned. Lol.

Fed is best. I said it and I mean it. I’m always hesitant to speak on certain topics because I know every BODY is different, every baby is different, and every journey is different. But I have been asked about this a lot and thought I would share for anyone curious. Before I get into my tips, please know I am no expert. There are - in fact - many experts out there (lactation consultants) who I would highly recommend you consult with if you can because they are invaluable!

I breastfed all three of my children exclusively (meaning no formula) for over a year. My oldest for 15 months, and my twins for 13 months. With my oldest I traveled for work, sometimes for days at a time, and for my twins I was home all day with them while working, which in and of itself was interesting. I pumped, had freezer stashes, and was able to enjoy wine when I wanted to with my son and my twins.

“…while we want to protect his innocence, we know that equipping him with awareness means more than focusing on the good. We know - for sure - that the deeper, more heavy conversations about race need to happen… but we are figuring out a balance.

We really do want to get this right… and in the environment we find ourselves in, it can be such a struggle knowing when and how to address these deep conversations when so many of them (race, racism, politics, death) intersect in ways they haven’t in such a long time.”

The other day I shared on IG how schedules and routines help me and my kids survive the day even when I’m dragging. I honestly thought the need for routines and schedules crept into my life once I became a mom, but the truth is I have always operated with a high degree of structure - it just became that much more necessary once we had our son, and an absolute non-negotiable once the twins arrived.

One day later, and I’m most definitely still on a post-Inauguration Day high… for so many reasons.

The authenticity
The transparency
The unity
The possibilities…

How it felt to receive an abundance of normalcy (which I welcomed with open arms), while also being part of so many historic, monumental moments. I could run down a list of many, but one that continues to fill my soul is not only the possibility of peace, kindness, and bipartisan leadership, but the fullness I felt seeing women that look like me doing ALL THE THINGS.

Welp. I think we may have created a monster y’all. Not really… but… maybe. The other day I made what I thought was a nice breakfast for my five year old, waffles with a blueberry placed ever so nicely in every other square - because I rather enjoy turning meals into crafts (check the thumbnail for a tie dye number I did not so long ago…lol). Anyhow… when I presented said breakfast to him - the look of disappointment was Oscar-worthy. When I asked him what was wrong he said, “nothing is wrong… well…(pause and sigh) it’s just that I wanted French toast”….It was in that moment I realized this child legit thinks he is royalty.

This is what I have been calling the twins lately. Because so many moments are filled with them reaching up to be held… and throwing tantrums when they don’t get their way. Like legit… sprawling out on the floor. (Is it not too early for this?? Lol).

What did I just witness? Seriously. Despite a heavy year, I had hoped that 2021 wouldn’t start with yet another turn in the history book we found ourselves living through every.single.week in 2020, but here we are... a week in... and we have unfortunately witnessed another infamous moment in history.