Last week, I was catching up with a friend over text. (A theme, it seems: though I much prefer to chat in person–on a walk, perhaps, or with something warm to drink–texting is more manageable these days. I’m working on doing what I can, when I can.) We shared some of what was happening in … Continue reading "When God’s Help Looks Like a Post-It Note"
Read MoreTag: Abby
On Riding Bikes and Modeling Love
Sometime in August or September of last year, Katie and Abby were riding their bikes in the front yard while I tidied up inside. I peeked out at them from time to time, and it was clear they were doing more than just riding. They were playing some sort of game. One of them would … Continue reading "On Riding Bikes and Modeling Love"
Read MoreWhat I’m Teaching My Kids
At a recent meeting at our charter school, Abby was admiring the keyboard skin on our ES’s* laptop. Abby has long had a fascination with technology. (Her running birthday request for the last three years has been a phone, and she was legitimately disappointed not to receive one when she turned five.) The skin was … Continue reading "What I’m Teaching My Kids"
Read MoreAm I Doing This Thing Right?
Once, when Katie was three and having a hard time obeying, I told her, “When Mama or Daddy asks you to do something, you need to listen.” Her response? “I don’t believe that.” The incident is clear in my mind because that was the moment I knew I was totally and completely in over my … Continue reading "Am I Doing This Thing Right?"
Read MoreWhat I Lose, What I Gain
This past weekend, Jonathan sent me away. That is, he booked three nights in a secluded cottage in the woods. He ordered meals for me from HelloFresh (which, by the way, is a genius way of feeding yourself in a vacation rental). He took Friday afternoon and all day Monday off, and gave me a … Continue reading "What I Lose, What I Gain"
Read MoreStories from Lockdown
Eight weeks ago, when the term “social distancing” was just beginning to infiltrate our national vocabulary, when the first wave of events was being cancelled out of an “abundance of caution,” when toilet paper memes were starting to make their way around social media, the two small girls of this house decided to play one … Continue reading "Stories from Lockdown"
Read MoreHow to Use This Time Well
Confession: we have not done much that resembles “school” around here the last few days. This, despite the fact that we have nowhere to go, no place to be except home. This, despite the fact that we are used to this homeschooling gig and have not been thrust into it involuntarily like so many others. … Continue reading "How to Use This Time Well"
Read MoreAll Mama Wants is a Silent Night, Part Two
Miles, in a surprising turn of events, slept well last night. Because the sleep gods are merciless, mercurial beings, however, he was the only person in this house who did. Sleep well, that is. Sometime between 8 p.m. and midnight, both girls’ digestive systems went into full revolt and determined to empty themselves by any … Continue reading "All Mama Wants is a Silent Night, Part Two"
Read MoreHold My Baby, I'm Busy Being a Doctor
I was about to step into the shower a few days back when Abby rushed into the room, a dress-up lab coat askew across her back, a doll dangling from her hand. “Mama, can you hold my baby?” she asked. “She’s sad and she wants someone to hold her, and I’m busy being a doctor.” … Continue reading "Hold My Baby, I'm Busy Being a Doctor"
Read MoreChoosing These Moments
I’ve had it in my head to “start writing again” for many months now. But it’s always a difficult thing, beginning is, especially after so long an absence. (I don’t regret that long absence; while my writing fell silent, my life certainly did not, and the last year has been full of good and worthwhile … Continue reading "Choosing These Moments"
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