There and Back Again
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Have you ever noticed that the leg home from a trip always seems quicker? That’s been my experience. My husband and I were just discussing this on our way home from our recent epic cross-country vacation that involved planes, vans and a 3 a.m. arrival back home.
Coming home just didn’t seem to drag on like getting out there did. I wonder if part of it really is the anticipation of the good things... READ MORE
The Day Away
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Monday, March 28, 2011
I just wanted to give a little encouragement to anyone who is on the fence about this weekend’s Mom’s Day Away.
If you’re feeling inclined to come, but maybe unsure because you don’t know anyone or you’re worried that everyone else will know someone but you—just do it! There are going to be lots of women there who don’t know anyone else (yet!) but everyone will make new friendships by the end of the... READ MORE
Blinking Through the Time Change
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Monday, March 14, 2011
I had to laugh today when I came across Jennifer Fulwiler’s rant against Daylight Saving Time. This just when I was feeling happy and grateful about the time change - it was still light out when my husband got home from work! I love evening daylight.
We’re not a particularly schedule-driven family. Our kids’ bedtime varies by an hour or more many nights anyway, for various reasons. I do dislike “losing”... READ MORE
Different yet Similar
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Monday, February 21, 2011
I love getting advice from more experienced parents, especially ones who’ve had or known lots of children.
Why? Because I’ve found they’re good at reminding me of something I, as a novice mom, often forget: that every child is unique.
I know. It seems obvious. But in practice I’ve found it easily slips my mind. I assume I know how to handle an issue with child #2 because child #1 went through a similar... READ MORE
Are Easy Babies "Better"?
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Recently, an acquaintance of mine was telling me about her fourth child and the joy and grace his arrival had brought to her family. I was eating it up - I love this kind of stuff.
But then she started talking about what a “good baby” he was. He never cried, he slept easily and often, he was mellow and easygoing. He was so “good.”
I bristled, a little bit. I’m not sure this is a fair reaction, but... READ MORE
The Right Words To Say
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Years ago, just before our first anniversary, Paul and I found out we were having a baby. All the usual range of emotions kicked in—a few days of panic due to our lack of money and jobs!—and very soon we settled on pure elation. A baby to love!
Just before the 12-week “safety” mark, we found out we had miscarried. We were devastated.
I remember soon after that talking with someone who offered her... READ MORE
Baby Out or Baby In?
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Monday, August 23, 2010
My sister is pregnant. Fully pregnant, since she was due this past Saturday.
Her first baby was a month early and her second eight days late. With this third baby, she was hoping to go early again, but no dice. She seems resigned to her baby’s late-ish arrival, but I know she’s greeting each morning wishing it will be the day.
I have no experience with this, since my babies were born at 10 days and... READ MORE
Her Brother, the Dog
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Wednesday, June 09, 2010
When I had one child, I was fascinated by her. I loved watching her grow and learn, watching her personality develop. Then I had another child and I was excited to have the chance to have the same experience with him.
And it turns out that having two children is more than twice as interesting as having one. Because there’s one unique child, and there’s another unique child, and then there is the relationship... READ MORE
"Making" Time
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Just me on Thursday, June 03, 2010
Here’s something I’ve noticed: the less I pray, the more impatient I am when I do.
We try to say evening prayers every day, and sometimes during them I get itchy. I can’t sit still, thinking of all the things I have to do before bedtime. I just want prayers to be over so I can get to the stuff that feels more important.
Intellectually, I know it’s ridiculous. I know praying is the most important thing... READ MORE
Transforming Novels
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Just me on Tuesday, April 27, 2010
I was about six years old the first time I pulled The Lord of the Rings off the bookshelf. Not to read it, of course - at that age I still considered Little Women intimidatingly long - but to page through it looking for instances of the word “Arwen” because it was exciting to see my name printed in a grown-up book. Over the next few years I spent many a happy hour that way.
My parents are big fans... READ MORE
