Tag Archives: motherhood
Week 22: Big brother
Even though he’s our firstborn, Roo already has competition for his parents’ love and affection – our dog, Finn. This furry little companion is obsessed with his Papa (not that I can blame him). He greets him at the door … Continue reading
Book Club: The Fourth Trimester: Understanding, Protecting and Nurturing an Infant Through the First Three Months
This month, the P&N Book Club delves into the science behind an infant’s first few months of life. In The Fourth Trimester: Understanding, Protecting, and Nurturing an Infant Through the First Three Months, long-time medical journalist Susan Brink details the importance of … Continue reading
Giuliana Rancic on motherhood, fashion and her favorite diapers
“Being a mother is so much fun—as they get older it gets even better!” gushes Giuliana Rancic, E! News anchor and mom to 7½-month-old son Duke. As a new mother, Rancic opts for a comfortable look that doesn’t sacrifice style. … Continue reading
Week 21: Labor of love
For 25 years, I observed yesterday’s holiday as not much more than that: a single day to celebrate my mom. It always involved a card with a sweet sentiment and a gift of some sort, but that’s about as far … Continue reading
Where we stand: A look at the State of the World’s Mothers report
Today, international humanitarian organization Save the Children released its annual State of the World’s Mothers report. As its title implies, the report details how nations around the world are performing in terms of keeping their moms and babies, quite literally, … Continue reading
His biggest fan
I’ve found myself lately, wondering what Isaac with be like as he grows up. As bittersweet as it is, I know he won’t always be a baby. I wonder if he’ll be into sports, or cars, or construction equipment. Maybe … Continue reading
Teach your children well
It is no secret that mothers are our first teachers. From kisses and cuddles to talking and walking, they are there with love and guidance. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and we want to give a nod to all … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Naomi Davis
Name: Naomi Davis Age: 26 Lives in: New York City, New York Occupation: Blogger Partner in crime: Josh Davis Website: lovetaza.com Favorite item in her closet: A vintage pink dress that makes her feel girly and pretty Strangest pregnancy craving: She … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Carmen Matthews
Name: Carmen Matthews Age: 33 Lives in: Leland, North Carolina Occupation: Registered nurse Partner in crime: Mike Matthews Favorite song: Too many, she just loves country music Strangest pregnancy craving: Slim Jims First thing she does in the morning: Brushes … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Jessica Boulanger
Name: Jessica Boulanger Age: 35 Lives in: Washington, DC Occupation: Founder and designer of More of Me Maternity, vice president of communications at the Business Roundtable Partner in crime: Todd Boulanger Website: moreofmematernity.com Favorite holiday: All of them, even Flag … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Emma Bing
Name: Emma Bing Age: 29 Lives in: Los Angeles Occupation: Writer Partner in crime: Russell Ali Website: whattoexpect.com Favorite movie: What to Expect When You’re Expecting Strangest pregnancy craving: Black olives First thing she does in the morning: Pees (for … Continue reading
Five fascinating moms: Kerri Walsh Jennings
Name: Kerri Walsh Jennings Age: 34 Lives in: Los Angeles Occupation: Professional beach volleyball player Partner in crime: Casey Jennings Website: kerriwalsh.com Favorite television show: Anything on Bravo Strangest pregnancy craving: Lemonade First thing she does in the morning: Procrastinates … Continue reading
Going the distance
When you’re stumbling along the path of early parenthood, life can become pretty foggy. Simple decisions—the blue shirt or the green? (for the baby, of course—you haven’t had a clean anything on your body in days)—become overwhelming. The normal tasks of adulthood like … Continue reading
Small chops
I can remember the day my son got his first tooth. I woke up that morning and elbowed my husband to get out of bed and check on our little guy. For the first time ever, he had slept the … Continue reading
Still figuring it out
Isaac turned 6 months old this week. I can’t quite wrap my brain around that. We’re half way to his first birthday already! I remember sometime around the 8-12 week mark thinking, “Okay, I’m starting to get the hang of … Continue reading
There are no sick days when you’re a mom
As I write this, it’s 9:08 p.m. We have yet to eat dinner and I’m coughing. A week ago tomorrow, the scratchy throat began. “Oh, it’s just from sitting out in the drizzle at that soccer game,” I told myself. … Continue reading
Listening ears
A couple of months ago I thought about having Matilda’s hearing checked. Surely, my sweet child would not just ignore me? After careful examination I realized the sad truth… it was indeed just that. She was tuning me out. Parenting … Continue reading
Book Club: Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers
April’s Book Club selection is for writer moms (veteran or new) who could use a little kickstart when it comes to penning their motherhood memories. Kate Hopper’s Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers is a helpful how-to that can nudge … Continue reading
Pregnancy & Newborn’s Inaugural Essay Contest
“I can hardly count the ways that being a mother has broadened my writing, deepened my connection to all other women, and galvanized my commitment to the Earth and its fate. As difficult as it is, sometimes, to find a … Continue reading
Wake-up call
At kindergarten drop off this morning, a fellow mom stopped to show me pictures on her phone. “See, I told you my niece looks just like your daughter!” she beamed. I agreed and smiled back whole-heartedly, carefully studying her friendly … Continue reading
Holidaze
I just read this hilarious article on the craziness of holidays with kids, “let’s bring the holidays down a notch.” As if life isn’t crazy enough, with the era of pinterest upon us you feel like a bad mom if … Continue reading
Under wraps
Confession: I’m not a modest person. I’ve been known to sunbathe topless in my (privacy fenced) backyard, and in college I spent many a weekend night dancing at a local club clad in only a leopard- print bra because I … Continue reading
Calm down
As a mom, your first instinct when your baby cries is to pick her up and cover her with kisses. However, there comes a time when it’s important for your little one to learn to self-soothe, so you’re not constantly … Continue reading
The blame game
I’ll start this off with a confession: As I write this, I am suffering from a severe case of mom guilt. It involves an adorable little boy, a case of (according to him) incapacitating hiccups, and a running-late mommy without … Continue reading
All the single mommies
Just as pop stars take their own unique paths to stardom, moms-to-be often travel varied roads on their journey toward solo parenthood. For some, loudly ticking biological clocks lead to sperm donor catalogs and fertility clinics. For others, spur-of-the-moment one-night … Continue reading
Finding order
I recently hit a low. Reached rock bottom. Fell face-first into a big pile of disaster—well, a big pile of laundry really. It happened on a run-of-the-mill Thursday night. I had called my family to the dinner table, placed our … Continue reading
Shifting gears: Back to work after baby
When it came to making child care arrangements for our soon-to-arrive firstborn, my husband and I spent the third trimester dutifully following the advice of every tip sheet we could put our fingers on. We interviewed, we inspected, and we … Continue reading
Homegrown traditions
This year, make sure your tree isn’t the only green thing in your household. Follow these five easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to three new family traditions: reducing, reusing and recycling. Give up store-bought gifts Sure, … Continue reading
A common thread
Name: Erin McKenna Occupation: Founder and owner of BabyCakes NYC Age: 35 Residence: New York City, New York Favorite holiday: Fourth of July Strangest pregnancy craving: Beer (Don’t worry: She doesn’t drink it, just craves it.) Best way to spend … Continue reading
Back to class: Why parenting is like high school
It has been said that you never really leave high school, and we’ve unfortunately found that to be true. The same cliques and insecurities that plagued us in our teenage years are found all too often in playgroups and parks … Continue reading
Around the world in 280 days
Babies are conceived and born each day all over the world. While most of us are familiar with childbirth norms and traditions in ourown country, we often know very little about customs and practices in other countries. Within every culture, … Continue reading
Au naturel
When I was 4 years old, I distinctly remember my great granny whipping up a black concoction that was thick like maple syrup with a taste that resembled a rubber tire. “You’ll be better in no time,” she assured. And … Continue reading
Between Us
No one was around to see it, but that didn’t keep me from feeling a little self-conscious the first time my daughter and I curled up with a book together. She was just a newborn, far too young to understand … Continue reading
Companies that care
California Baby California Baby founder and developer Jessica Iclisoy talks about the inspiration behind her business. P&N: How did California Baby come to be? JI: California Baby was born out of necessity almost 20 years ago when I set out … Continue reading
Motherhood at any age
20s: The raring-to-go mom The mom in her 20s is the woman most likely to be found giving horsey rides and turning cartwheels to “show them how it’s done.” Her energy, flexibility and youthful outlook make her a fun hands-on … Continue reading
The postpartum timeline
After nine months of wild emotions, massive body changes and strange pregnancy symptoms, you might be looking forward to things returning to normal once baby finally decides to make his entrance into the world. However, the first six weeks postpartum … Continue reading
Day tripper
A lesson all new moms quickly learn: Sometimes a girl just has to get out of the house. And let’s be honest—no matter how much you enjoy shopping, you can hit the mall only so many times in a month. … Continue reading
Tricks of the trade
It seems as soon as your belly pops, words of so-called wisdom start flying at you from every direction, and even your childless great-aunt Sue suddenly becomes an expert in baby-rearing. Before you become overwhelmed by the avalanche of advice … Continue reading
Habitat-healthy habits
Delicious produce, extended daylight hours and warm weather make summer one of the easiest seasons during which to make and keep eco-resolutions. Adopt one planet-conscious routine at a time until your baby steps add up to a great, green leap … Continue reading
The friend revolution
Motherhood transforms us in so many ways that we don’t always notice the changes occurring in our relationships until they’re firmly in place. This “friend revolution” is key to sanity—not just for new moms, but for all moms. But gaining … Continue reading
Emotional overload
When I was expecting my first child, I was so gripped by the excitement of delivering my little guy and bringing him home that I gave little thought to what would come next. My body had already been through so … Continue reading
Simple ways to clean up your act
Saving the planet doesn’t have to be an all or nothing venture. There are dozens of small changes you can integrate into your daily routine that will leave you feeling like being good to Mother Nature has finally become second … Continue reading
What to expect when you’re no longer expecting
You did it! You waited nine long months to see your baby, and she’s finally here in your arms. Not only do you have an exciting future to look forward to, you also have a great war story to share … Continue reading
And baby makes four
For many parents expecting their second child, there’s a concern bigger than the pregnancy itself: the baby they already have at home. Whether a 1-year-old or a 7-year-old, the firstborn is likely the center of mom’s focus as she figures … Continue reading
Fear not!
You know the feeling: It’s 3 a.m. and your partner is snoring beside you, but you’re wide awake, playing out 100 different scenarios of what motherhood is going to be like … Will my baby be healthy? What if I … Continue reading
Facebook frenzy
Family and friends may as well give up on that anxiously anticipated phone call from the hospital—baby’s arrival is likely to be announced via status update long before the new parents start dialing. And don’t expect today’s mom to keep … Continue reading
Tips for photographing your baby
Your baby has arrived, and it’s time to let the world know! Professional photographer and mom of two Angela Morris walks us through the process of capturing a perfect picture for your baby’s birth announcement, so you can share your … Continue reading
15 ways to make your life as a mom easier
Create a routine (and stick to it). Moms who are natural planners might find this one to be a no-brainer, but if you’ve always lived life flying by the seat of your pants, take note. Babies—and parents—who have a loosely … Continue reading
