Category: Parenting

A Peculiar Way to Know Your Kids Are Happy

It is my ultimate desire as a parent to provide an environment of peace in my home. One might think it would be the intense way my children are engaged in play that would clue me in to their contentment or the quiet way they focus on a project. But truthfully, I have complete confirmation... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
September 10, 2013 at 9:46 am • 

Not Just A River In Egypt: Postpartum Denial

Motherhood is a journey I feel like I waited for my whole life. I always wanted a sweet little babe of my own to cuddle and squeeze. Diaper changes didn’t scare me and I always found breastfeeding beautiful. Having Billy has absolutely changed my life in wonderful ways I never imagined but it has also... Read more »
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By Jess Bedsole,
July 17, 2013 at 8:00 am • 

From Sprout to Blossom: When Kids Grow Up

He continues to grow, despite the fact that I tell him not to. I try to swaddle him up in a blanket but his long lanky legs and bony knees stick out the end of the fabric that once tucked around his entire body. He tells me he is a big boy now; that he... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
July 15, 2013 at 9:17 am • 
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Surprise! It's A Boy!

Surprise! It's A Boy!
by Brandi Lee, Parenting Without A Parachute Contributor I was convinced that my first child was a girl. I decorated the nursery in a gender neutral farm set; little lambs and cows and baby chicks eagerly awaited her arrival. My friends and family dutifully purchased all of the green and yellow items on my registry... Read more »
By pwap,
May 15, 2013 at 8:00 am • 

An Easter Lesson for my Children: When Faith and Forgiveness are Tested on Easter

An Easter Lesson for my Children: When Faith and Forgiveness are Tested on Easter
My life is in upheaval. My world is a carnival funhouse, and I struggle to navigate my way through the path of distorted mirrors and uncomfortable darkness. I’ve been placed in a snow globe, vigorously shaken; and as soon as the hard, white plastic pieces of faux snow fall to the ground, my life is... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
March 29, 2013 at 4:22 pm • 

Life Outside of the Baby Aisle: Living My Middle

by Brandi Lee, Parenting Without A Parachute Contributor Do you remember being pregnant? Did you sign up for the newsletter that would email you a weekly estimate of the size of your baby?  As the weeks went by, your baby would be a compared to a grape, a fig, an avocado, a spaghetti squash, a pineapple.... Read more »
By pwap,
March 27, 2013 at 12:15 pm • 
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Trusting My Instincts

I am an obsessive researcher and throughout my pregnancy I have researched absolutely everything from normal pregnancy symptoms to strollers to baby led weaning ad nauseum. Officially, I have reached my research limit. I cannot read another breastfeeding book, tummy time pamphlet or cloth diaper diagram. So what now? What if I didn’t learn the... Read more »
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By Jess Bedsole,
March 13, 2013 at 8:00 am • 

Minivan = Mom Identity Crisis

Minivan = Mom Identity Crisis
It all started a few weeks ago when we bought a crib for the new baby. We were so excited to find a great deal until we realized that the huge crib box would not fit into my husband’s mid-size sedan. Crap. Again we are calling good friends to help us deliver a large purchase,... Read more »
By Shari,
February 22, 2013 at 11:19 am • 

Mommy Guilt: Play With My Kids or Play With My iPhone?

by Brandi Lee, Parenting Without A Parachute Contributor There have been a few articles and blog posts making the Facebook rounds recently, addressing the evils of the iPhone or other similar cellular devices.  Have you read them? 
I stumbled across the first one a few months ago, and the author’s words coaxed me into a... Read more »
By pwap,
February 20, 2013 at 7:14 am • 
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Odd Side Effects of Pregnancy

Morning Sickness - Thank you hormones for making us feel extremely hungry but not want to eat anything and then throw up.
PWAP’s friend, Jess Bedsole, is due this Spring. Her recent posts got me thinking of what women actually go through while pregnant. There are common side effects that we suffer through that are not talked about too much. Hormones cause most of the side effects. For others, I could not find a reason. Enjoy!… as... Read more »
By Shari,
January 11, 2013 at 10:00 am •