The first draft I wrote of a poem in the throes of those early days with a new baby. Newborn Mother Breasts sag from the weight of mother’s milk, which came in full force. And just as forcefully are left sagging again. Ornaments turned vessels. Stomach droops, no longer held taunt by precious cargo –…
Read MoreMy daughter is needy. She needs someone to feed her, clothe her, clean her, and soothe her. But the most significant need my newborn daughter has is the Gospel. Little Carson is dependent on my husband and I to care for her physical needs and, whether or not she realizes it, her spiritual ones as…
Read MoreI write this post from the perspective of a new mom, but I think the principle will apply to many. One of the greatest shocks motherhood made to my system has been the massive changes to my schedule. I just can’t do as much as I would like. A simple load of laundry can take all…
Read MoreAfter writing Carson’s birth story (of epic length) there were a few little details I wanted to add for your benefit and, let’s face it, amusement. Hard work can actually be pretty funny. As I moved through transition and headed towards the pushing stage, the pressure (read: pain) really started to intensify. As it came time…
Read MoreWarning: This is a birth story. I will be discussing birth. Words and images associated with birth are to be expected. If you get squeamish thinking about a cervix, you probably should skip this one! (Also, if you’re wanting to get to the ‘good stuff’, skip down to Afternoon.) *Update* Read a different perspective of our birth story at RedeemingChildbirth.com!…
Read MoreI never thought I’d settle. Who does, right? Settling sounds awful. Like you just…gave up. You didn’t go on. You lost the fight. You know, you settled. I never expected that I would end up calling my tiny college town home. Never expected that I would marry young. Never expected that I would become a mom so young. Never…
Read More2013 will forever be known as the “Fastest Year Of My Life.” The year kicked off with a wedding, bringing with it all those newlywed joys and complexities. Just a few months later the announcement of a baby on the way really spiced things up. On top of these pretty major developments, the general pace…
Read MoreToday, I turn 24. Here are 24 things I’ve learned since 1989. Know when to stop. To stop talking, to stop listening, to stop running. Reality may not be better than your expectations, but it will be better for you. Rest is not a four letter word. Well, it is – but you know what I…
Read MoreAs I jot these few words, our little girl is due to appear in less than a month. This journey that began so unexpectedly is going to culminate in just a few weeks’ time. Then, another journey will begin. During these last days of “just us two”, Ben and I are caught between peaceful waiting…
Read MoreA true story that happened one chilly December day in Purdy’s Coffee Company. Dear Kind Coffee Lady, I didn’t expect this 5th trip to the ladies’ would be any different than the previous four. You looked so engaged in your work as I walked past, scribbling notes on the papers sprawled in front of you. When…
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