For my family, Memorial Day is always an easy day to remember.  It is my mom’s birthday, and her father was also born on May 30.  As a Marine, he was obviously quite attached to the meaning of the day, and I remember my mom telling us about the big neighborhood parties her dad hosted […]

Now that summer weather has graced our fair city, everyone is outside all the time. As soon as school lets out, the neighborhood parks swell with parents and kids.  We suffered through the Polar Vortex of 2014, so we feel rather entitled to sunshine and 80 degrees! The park we visited today was full of […]

“This is horrible,” Mack declared. We were sitting in a cozy theater watching the start of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” presented by The Chicago Children’s Theatre, and 4 year old Mack was not amused.  When I told him we were going to see a show, I think he assumed a movie. Thankfully, an announcement at […]

When Ben was first born two and a half months ago I prepared a simple batch of no-bake lactation cookies.  With ingredients like oats, flax seeds and brewer’s yeast, they were a natural way for my body to keep up with the needs of a hungry baby. When I went to make a second batch, […]

Lately it seems like I’ve been reading a lot of huffs and puffs about “girl” Legos.  The ones that are pink and purple.  The ones that provide instructions on how to build a dune buggy or hair salon.  Apparently, lots of people are upset about this. And I can’t figure out why. Until we discovered […]

Evie and Mack’s school declared last week “Screen Free Week”.  While it would be easy to roll my eyes at this suggestion and continue as usual in our house (1-2 cartoons a day), I decided to embrace the plan. Ever since baby Ben was born 9 weeks ago I’ve gotten a little lazy about limiting […]

A few days ago I wrote about my new nursing dress from Milk Nursingwear. Not only is it cute and comfy, but it allows me to comfortably nurse little Ben anywhere. It is perfect, and I’ll continue wearing it long after Ben has moved on to “big people” food. Milk Nursingwear has very generously offered […]

I love breastfeeding. It is a choice that works for me and my family, and the many benefits extend beyond my baby’s health. Breastfeeding is convenient, easy and free.  My life is easier because my baby’s food is always ready to serve. For me, the hardest thing about breastfeeding is finding cooperative clothing.  For the […]

Ever since we brought Ben home six weeks ago, friends and family have all asked me the same question: “How are you doing?” The short answer? “I’m doing great, but I’m really tired.”  Ben wakes up every 2-3 hours, and at least one of his nighttime feedings lasts at least an hour.  And, with three […]

Mack recently celebrated his 4th birthday, and with the arrival of Baby Ben my friend Amy (took pity on me and) generously offered to host a joint birthday party for her son and Mack at her home.  She shares my sensibilities when it comes to kids parties: keep it fun, low-key and offer booze to […]