It’s crazy how much guilt one simple thing — like when and how the baby comes — can bring with it. Originally, baby boy’s due date was September 3. Then the doctor told me at some point September 1 was more accurate, but it never got changed in the computer — so September 3 it... Continue Reading →
Why our 2023 word needed its own budget
In September, Brian casually plopped down on the couch next to me. It was a really stressful season for us. Brian started. "Hey. I just wanted to get your permission before I bought this thing." Over our 15+ years of marriage, we've always "asked permission" from the other before we buy a large ticket item.... Continue Reading →
Apparently it’s time for a dog
I grew up with dogs, but always thought of myself as more of a cat person. Brian is more extreme. He’s told almost everyone we know for as long as I’ve known him that he doesn’t like dogs. Eloise, unlike her parents, doesn’t discriminate — she seems to like all furry animals.
Two sides of the same coin
While training to be a counselor, a friend once said he learned never to assume you know what emotion someone has about an event. "Maybe a woman just lost her long time husband and you think, 'Gosh, I'm sorry, that must have been tough.' But you never know. Maybe he was a violent alcoholic and so her reaction was actually, 'Thank God he's gone. I'm finally free!'" So when you watch this video of Eloise, do you feel pity? Excitement? Or maybe even anger and frustration?
I’m not the mom I’d envisioned
Sometime during my years growing from a child into an adult, I internalized the idea that I was never doing enough. Besides that -- I decided back then -- whatever I did do was never good enough. If I had a school project, it couldn't just be "good enough," it needed to be over-the-top amazing.... Continue Reading →
This wasn’t what I expected
Somehow, just seeing Eloise in this way too big outfit feels like a perfect visual analogy for where we're at.