The thought has crossed my mind lately that while I love the idea of pregnancy, the practical aspects feel nightmarish right now. At 36 weeks pregnant with my fourth baby, all the pregnancy discomforts are here in full force: the aches, extreme fatigue, pressure, acid reflux, feeling that I can’t take a real breath because baby is pushing up against my lungs, lightheadedness in the July Texas … [Read more...]
I Tried Something Scary and You Should, Too
No, I didn't get a bunch of new tattoos. This isn't a photo of me, but I really love the message on the mug in this photo. Because this week I did something scary. A few weeks ago I was contacted about doing a freelance piece for a publication on a topic I love. I was excited and after I signed on, I looked up the journal to get more information. The style of the publication is more academic … [Read more...]
In Marriage It’s the Little Things That Matter
This week my husband Daniel and I celebrated 12 years of marriage. I know we’re not coming up on our golden anniversary or anything but 12 years, 10 moves (2 cross country), and almost 4 kids (she’s due late July), have taught us a few things. And one thing that I’ve been reflecting on lately is that it’s the little things that really matter. Last Friday I threw a surprise party for Daniel. His … [Read more...]
The Glorious Pro-Family Anti-Capitalism of My Neighborhood Mexican Restaurant
My favorite Instagram account to follow is that of the family-owned Mexican restaurant just down the road from my house. And it’s not because of carefully-curated, professional quality photos or excellent marketing material. There is none of that. In fact, this account is the opposite of everything “They” tell you to do to promote a business on social media. It’s primarily pictures of … [Read more...]
The State of the Homeschooling Year Address (2017-2018)
I've had a lot of requests for a homeschooling update lately. Since the school year is wrapping up, it seems like the perfect time for one. 2017-2018 has been an exciting year watching the kids grow and learn. It's also been a challenge because from November through March I was mostly out of of commission due to hyperemesis gravidarum during this pregnancy (it's another little girl due this … [Read more...]
The Great Carrots Backyard Farm Tour!
As my husband Daniel and I have been sharing photos of the bounty from our urban garden, I've gotten lots of requests for a backyard farm tour. Your wish is my command! One of the biggest selling points of the house we bought two years ago was the giant backyard. After a great experience doing an agricultural internship for a year on a working farm (yes, that farm where we lived with no … [Read more...]
“So Are You Done Having Kids?”
“So are you done having kids? Is this your last pregnancy?” I’ve been asked this after each one of my pregnancies. And until this one (my 4th), I have always responded with a resounding “no!” (with the caveat that none of us are entitled to a baby and we can’t always predict secondary infertility). But keep the babies coming! No plans to stop! Enough for a quidditch team! But this time my … [Read more...]
Baby Name Reveal for Baby Carrots!
I am a baby name nerd. You need to know this to understand this story. I make extensive lists (despite my aversion to listmaking) of baby names I love for future use. I have a giant document on my laptop of first names, middle names, various combinations that I update every time I fall in love with a new name. Since my pregnancies are rough, choosing a name is one of the rare joys I experience … [Read more...]
This Is My Body, Broken for You
I was staring up at the crucifix during Mass. I was too sick to kneel, so I was just sitting in the pew while everyone knelt around me. I was desperately trying not to throw up, the pregnancy nausea coming in waves, impossible to ignore. It was my first Mass in a month. I had been too sick with hyperemesis gravidarum to leave the house for weeks. The previous week I had tried to get out of bed … [Read more...]
Is This Why Some Women Regret Motherhood?
I read an interesting but heartbreaking article about the growing number of women speaking out about regretting that they ever had children. The article claimed that feelings of regret surged after the Pill made motherhood a choice rather than just an inevitable season of married life and also highlighted the stories of several women who have experienced regret over having become mothers. It’s … [Read more...]
