Should I Have Another Child?

I love my kids. Just not together.

Anyone who has two or more kids knows I am not exaggerating when I say my kids fight non-stop. Over who got a bigger cookie. Over whose turn it is to sit in the big red chair. Over who got a longer turn. It never, ever stops, ever. And I HATE IT.

Here We Go Again: Motherhood

Check out what one working mother has to say about guilt, household roles, and getting pregnant for the second time.

I’m beginning the journey of motherhood again. I spent the first time completely freaked out that everything I thought and did would somehow impact the baby. The second time I’m feeling a little more relaxed (complete relaxation is not in my genetic make-up), so I thought I would chronicle my journey. And what better place to do that than amongst other women (and men), many of whom have probably shared my similar experiences.

A Lesson from Sandra Bullock’s Mother

It was another spectacular Academy Awards Ceremony. Kate Winslet’s stunning silver dress bowled me over. The long-haired version of George Clooney looked mighty fine. Helen Mirren’s striking figure once again gave me hope that we are never too old to be sexy. Jeff Bridges’ humble speech applauding his parents reminded me that I’ve always liked him. I also thought the intros given by each nominated actor’s co-star to be a fun change of pace. But amidst all the glitz and glamour I found a message that’s far too important for any parent to forget.

KIDS:  To Have or Not to Have

“I’ll regret my life either way.” That’s what my friend Brian said when I asked him if he and his new wife were going to try to have kids. For some couples it’s a no brainer (Of course!…No way!) Others agonize. We tried to be Zen about it: que sera, sera, right? I didn’t know squat about being a mom when I got pregnant. Now that I have two kids, I know marginally more. Here are some things I wish somebody had told me:

Mother’s Little Helper for Snow Days:  A Time Capsule

Pajamas are donned inside out or backwards at bedtime, then we twirl around in a snow dance and flush ice cubes down the toilet. At least that’s how it’s done around here.*** If the magic spells work, the next morning we’ll hear happy news, “Snow day—school is closed!!!”

Santa Claus…Who Are You?

Ever wonder what Santa Claus has to do with the birth of Jesus Christ? Well, wonder no more, I’m going to tell you. Nothing. So who was he, and how did he become the official mascot of Christmas?

Layaway Lowdown:  Where to Shop for the Holidays

While the economy shouts out, “Bah, humbug!” retailers are begging for some figgy pudding. They are vying for our business and this holiday season should prove to be a buyer’s market even if you’re on a tight budget. In addition to sales, coupons and other promotions, many stores are offering layaway plans as a means of luring us under the mistletoe. So pucker up, shoppers, and check out the layaway policies of some of our favorite retailers:

I Don’t Want to Go Either!

“I don’t want to go!” If you are a parent, you have probably heard these words at least once a day since your child could talk. I don’t want to go to school, I don’t want to go to bed, I don’t want to go Suzy’s birthday party, the variations are as numerous as they are maddening.

Rules for Parents

Attention parents of children ages nine and younger. I want to share something with you so that you can be better prepared than I was. You may have not yet heard of or encountered “Rules for Parents”, but I can guarantee this:  THEY ARE COMING!

Bad Parents

Bad parenting moments. We’ve all had them. I’m having one right now. My daughter was sent home from school today with a note from her teacher. In a sealed envelope: “to the parents of…”

Where to Sit, Squat or NOT!

Have you heard the news? I’m sure youre familiar with the Charmin bears. You know, the ones from the toilet paper commercials? Well, iPhone users can see a lot more of them while getting information on public restrooms across the globe. Charmin is now sponsoring the web site,  iPhone applications or blackberry download of SitOrSquat Inc., a worldwide bathroom directory. Once the SitOrSquat application is downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store, consumers can access a list of 55,000 bathrooms in 32 countries. This user-generated guide includes the locations of bathrooms and their ratings, as well as other details such as handicap accessibility and availability of changing tables.