After I gave birth to my daughter 11 years ago it felt incredibly difficult to breathe. I felt overwhelmed with a sadness and bleakness about my life that both frightened me and had me feeling intensely shameful. This was supposed to be the most awe-inspiring and revelatory moment of my life as a woman. It was supposed to shock my heart, body and soul with all these hormones raging with the desire … [Read more...]
Jump into Fall and enjoy OUTDOOR Staten Island Family Fun
Let me preface everything I write by saying: I could never have survived both of my children's infancies and toddlerhoods without disposable diapers. I use plastic bags by the dozen on a daily basis, and I'd likely choose going to the movies over taking a hike in the forest. But I've also become incredibly anxious ever since I saw the documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," about the seriousness … [Read more...]
Do Dinosaurs have ears and other questions my 7 year old asks which freeze me in my tracks
Like many parents, I feel like I am on this constant, never-ending multi-tasking treadmill--sound familiar?! And in the process of getting so utterly swept up in the minutiae of dishes, laundry, brushing teeth--(my 7-year-old just had three cavities filled and a big ole tooth extracted) dinnertime, my dogs, e-mails and the list goes on I often forget the reason behind my actions...who the heck I'm … [Read more...]
Parenting Dreams versus Parenting Reality
Guest post by Paulina DeLuca When I first started to think about writing, I initially thought I would write a book. Then common sense kicked in and I thought, "Really, who the hell am I kidding here!" I tend to get so many ideas, and they all run through my head at the same time, so I tend to be a little disorganized with my thoughts. Plus, I work a full time job and I have a very spirited, … [Read more...]
Taking the babysitter plunge (even though I’m totally NOT ready!)
I was raised on babysitters. It was the eighties and let me, if I may, paint a picture for you: Rhonda. A gum cracking, hair crimping, Walkman-wearing, boy-crazy teenager who spent three quarters of her time "babysitting for us," on the couch necking with her boyfriend, or chatting with random cars that "just happened" to drive down our street jammed with her friends. And so while she was … [Read more...]