Tales from the Trenches

Lessons from a Third Child

I remember how much I looked forward to my firstborn’s well-child visits at the pediatrician. I could easily recount every milestone. Her entire first year of life was documented in a scrapbook with artsy layouts as well as in a journal that read like Proust. Fast forward five years and three babies later, and thisRead the whole post >>

Mass Mishap

First Friday Mass went well for the most part. I’m choosing to overlook the fact that 2-year-old Rae pointed to the priest during the first reading and said very loudly, “Why’s ‘dat’ man sleeping?” Yes, Father’s eyes were closed, but how do you explain contemplative prayer to a toddler? You don’t because when you try,Read the whole post >>

Gazing

On Sunday both Rachel and M.E. were napping and under the watchful care of Papa and Gaba. I looked outside my parents’ big windows at the brilliant blue sky dappled with just a few fleeced clouds and the lake water sparkling with sunshine. It was a day that begged for me to be outdoors. “Madeline,Read the whole post >>

The Bottom Line

4-year-old: Mommy, your butt’s hanging out. Your underwear’s too small. For your information, I was wearing nice briefs, thank you very much, and my bum did not hang out. Much. Me: They’re not too small. 4-year-old: Well, then your butt’s too big. I realize she didn’t mean it the way it came out, but still…

Sympathy

After changing oh, I don’t know, the gazillionth explosive diaper in one day (the baby has transformed into the Poopenator), my 4-year-old kindly pats me on the back and says, “Mommy, I’m so sorry you have to deal with so much grossness.” Thankfully, I get to deal with a lot of sweetness, too.