Coffee High

Sippy cups are for double Frappuccinos ...

The Crazy Relative You Can't Live Without

I recently decided to take my kids up to see my Aunt Thelma. She's 83 now and has had three heart attacks in the last six months. She's always been my favorite relative, regal in stature, a wellspring of compassion, and just this side of sane.

Why Didn't I Marry a Metrosexual?

I love the scent of vanilla citrus candles (soy only), the smell of the belly-button looking part of a ripe cantaloupe, 400 count Egyptian cotton sheets, and a good psychic -- one who can convince me that she senses my "energy" and tells me I've "done my work" and that she can "feel it" -- and cashmere socks, and a whole slew of other sensory stimulants that my husband either doesn't know about, doesn't care about, or mocks.

Mommy Who Doesn't Drink

The other rainy December morning I loaded Gideon, my 16-month-old, in the car to take him to music class.  When we got back home at 10:15 (AM) there was a puddle on the bedroom floor from a roof leak, the dishwasher was broken and my babysitter called in sick.

I Want to Be a Fifth Grader Again

Forget about being as smart as a fifth grader, I just went to my son's holiday assembly at his elementary school, and with all the rainbow-striped tights and floppy hats I saw, I want to dress like one.

My Hubby's Private Retreat

One mom shares the surprising reason why her husband has been MIA these days ... and why she's less than thrilled about it.

The First Kid Is the Easiest

The other morning my toddler threw himself on the ground, tugging at his ears and rolling around the floor screaming and crying.  So of course I assumed he had an ear infection.  I took him to the doctor as soon as the office was open.

I'm a Recession Maniac!

My husband asked me last night what I wanted for Hanukkah and I jokingly responded, "Gee I don't know honey, how about we just figure out how to pay our bills?" To which he said, "Great idea!" That was easy. But not very fun. How do I let the recession not suck the joy out of this holiday season?

Happy? Who? Me?

We just got back from vacation. We haven't done anything as a family that hasn't involved working, or a meal, in five years. But in this awful financial climate, our timing couldn't have been worse.

I'm One Cranky Mommy

Hey Pregnant Man: You're a Lady!

Older Mommy Lament

I recently got an invitation to my 25th High School Reunion. I opened it while I was feeding my baby. Which made me think, "who has a baby 25 years after graduating from high school?" I quickly (actually slowly because I suck at math) did the calculation and discovered I'll be 63 at my son's high school graduation.

Kindness is for Losers, Right?

Guest blogger Dani Klein Modisett: "You fix it! YOU FIX IT MOOOOM!" My son's best friend screamed at his mother halfway through our last playdate. His toy was oozing in a way he found displeasing. The woman blushed at being yelled at by her son like an army drill sergeant in front of me. I played with my baby and acted like I didn't notice how rude the boy was behaving.

Life Lessons from AM Radio

Guest blogger Dani Klein Modisett: I listen to AM talk radio because I am in the car a lot -- and NPR gives me narcolepsy. Also, I take to heart the expression, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. 

Greed is a Good Thing

Guest blogger Dani Klein Modisett: In a culture currently driven to self-destruction by ambition and greed, does it make me simple-minded to think that what I have is enough?

Sleep is the New Sex: The Aftermath

Guest blogger Dani Klein Modisett: My post about preferring sleep over sex has received over 10,000 hits from various websites. I wish I could write that it didn't bother me, but I'm new at this.