Perspectives in Parenting

We had a good run at it, breastfeeding and I. We got 4 good months out of the gig. Well, 3 if we’re being honest, because that last month was hell. I always thought I’d at least make it to the 6 month mark - because how hard can it be? When I was pregnant and people would ask if I was planning on breastfeeding, I would answer with a resounding “Yes!” My “plan” was to get to 6 months and reevaluate, see how I felt, and keep going forward. I only registered for like 4 bottles, for crying out loud. And we started so strong, that’s the crazy thing. When other moms would check in on me those first...

What eye candy we have for you today in this month's Heart & Home tour! Local mom of two, coaches wife, and teacher, Kristen Cascio, is opening her home today and giving us a peek inside. She has thoughtfully created this home from the ground up, with each detail planned out, and you won't believe how simple she makes it seem. Not only that, but this busy mom has managed to maintain a beautiful space, raise happy girls, keep everyone on schedule, teach preschoolers, and cheer for her husband's team all in a day's work. I know you will enjoy this lovely home and the incredible mom behind it! Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your beautiful family. My...

As a child I dreamed of the day I'd become a mother. I never had a doubt in my mind that I wanted children, but often wondered how many children I'd have.  In a perfect world I'm pretty certain that my husband and I would channel our inner Duggar and have as many as we could and we'd love every second of it.  However, my world isn't perfect and circumstances have helped my husband and I make the decision that after three sons, we have decided we are finished having children. I started my momma journey early at the mere age of 21 and had my last child at 29.  Being a mother is such an indescribable feeling.  Your heart learns a new type...

My decision to go from work-at-home doula mom to heel wearing, daily hair washing full-time corporate mom was not an easy one.  In fact, it took me about a year to truly commit to going back to work. But after 2.5 years, it was time.  It had become clear that staying home was not bringing out the best in me as a mom, and the desire to have more financial flexibility for our family led me to pursue career opportunities.  I was blessed to find something very quickly (much more quickly than I had planned to be honest), and a new chapter of our lives was underway. In the months leading up to my career change, I had a lot of...

Friendships are hard.  At least for me.  Growing up, I was a tomboy--one of the guys--with a fierce independent streak. I never had a lot of girl friends. I also moved around a bit, so I don't have any friends that I've known since elementary school.  College and grad school brought dear friends--kindred spirits--but distance keeps us apart these days. My husband is my absolute best friend, and I'm lucky to be married to him. We've had lots of adventures and have moved across country a few times in our nearly decade-long marriage.  Its easy to be best friends with him, especially because we're both slightly weird. Adult friendships, though, are difficult for me, especially with other women. Wonderful and worth it,...