-
15 weeks: The Art of Doing Our Best
•
6 min read
It seems I’m a Sunday-evening-to-Monday poster now, and that’s okay. The important part is just to keep writing. I’ve felt less inspired lately — not because of you, Clara (you’re endlessly inspiring) — but because, ironically, I have too many thoughts floating around my head. Some of it is new, but a lot I’ve already…
-
Month 3 With Clara: Seasons of Change
•
7 min read
Shifts in Season, Shifts in Us The seasons are changing, my dear. We had our first rain in a while, and the light in your nursery now fades quicker during your last nap of the day. Summer has gone. Lately, you’ve been falling asleep around 6–7 p.m.—right when your dad gets home—so you don’t see…
-
13 Weeks & 34 Years
•
5 min read
Today is my 34th birthday, Clara! Someday you’ll think, “Wow, that’s so old,” and compare it to your friends’ parents’ ages. Someone will always win with the youngest parents. You’ll probably land somewhere in the middle—and I hope you feel comfortable with that. Building the Life That Brought You Here One day you’ll ask why…
-
Week 12: Fresh Air, Gentle Lessons
•
4 min read
Seeing the World Together This week we saw more of the world, my dear. We got out of our cavernous two-story condo and into the world within a five-minute driving radius (since that’s about your car seat limit before crying). These are the moments I’ll remember with you: wandering parks, running to the grocery store…
-
Week 11: Long Days, Lasting Imprints
•
4 min read
A Sleep Snapshot You smack your lips in dismay at hearing “You Are My Sunshine” for the 1000th time, ready to drift off. I’m there with you, bouncing mindlessly on the yoga ball, your body perched on my arm like a parrot. Your chest drapes across my shoulder. Your legs dangle from my swing of…
-
Week 10: Struggles, Snuggles, and Small Joys
•
5 min read
A Rocky Start This week was a doozy, my dear! After the soy slip-up, you had blood in your stool on Monday which warranted a pediatrician visit. She told us it was probably from the soy and not to worry if it continued to get better. Thankfully, it did. The next day we were back…
-
Week 9: Two Months In, the World Sharpens onto Focus
•
5 min read
Whoops! Looks like the scheduled post didn’t publish. Anticipate two posts today! You’re two months old, Clara! Incredible. I may shed a few tears over how fast time is going, even though the days themselves feel long. (“The days are long, the years are short”—there’s truth to that expression.) Wake Windows and Sleep Experiments We…
-
Week 8: Sleep, Smiles, and Soapy Milk
•
6 min read
One day, Clara, you’ll read back and think, “I was really like that?” I’m sure these stories will turn into well-weathered tales you’ll roll your eyes at later. Maybe one day you’ll even carry them with you while thinking about starting your own family, or whispering as your newborn sleeps as your dad and I…
-
The Puzzle of Paid Parental Leave
•
6 min read
Clara, as I mentioned in week 6, there are only 7 states that provide separate disability-related leave for childbirth by state law. Can licensed providers (OBGYNs and potentially NPs or Midwives) make a case for disability leave in other states? Yes, but it’s not a right. Providers can document the need, but it doesn’t guarantee…
-
Frogger. We still call you that. You’re still long and leggy, although much chubbier now (a good thing!). Sometimes, when you’re upset, you’ll stand right up on your legs against my chest. The changes from newborn to now are so noticeable—your face used to fit entirely in my palm. You’re starting to babble, finding your…