Why I Chose To Formula Feed

September 25, 2019 – I knew very early on, before kids actually, that I didn’t want to breastfeed. I was a formula fed kid myself and I turned out pretty good!
I was a healthy baby, child, and adolescent, so and as far as adulthood, I can say the same. I knew I wanted to formula feed my own kids, just like I was. I was confident in my decision then, confident when I was pregnant and confident when both my children were formula fed from day one; I wouldn’t change anything.

Stop Mowing the Lawn

September 16, 2019 – I’m sure you’ve all heard of “helicopter parenting.” This is when we as well-meaning parents hover over our children to step in when they need us. But have you heard of Lawnmower Parenting? Lawnmower Parenting is when parents literally, “mow down” problems for their children, so they don’t have to face them.

Nesting

June 10, 2019 –

Gently gliding back and forth in the rocking chair of my soon to be baby girl’s nursery. I remember the feelings of nervousness, excitement, curiosity and peace that this nightly ritual provided me. I also fondly recall the planning. The preparation. The detailed list of tasks I created and then embarked on with great zeal as I readied the nest for my newborn.

A Medical Mom’s Travel Checklist

June 05, 2019 –

As my son reaches three and a half, it’s safe to say he’s quite well traveled. He’s had probably 10 ambulance rides, and just as many road trips and plane rides. Now, the ambulance rides were not by choice — albeit necessary, but the other voyages were all in the name of visiting family and other personal life choices. No matter why you travel with your medically complex kiddo, you’ve got to bring a lot of baggage.

Transitions

May 08, 2019 –

It was just yesterday that I held you in my arms. You were the sweetest most beautiful little girls and truly a blessing in every way. How could I be so lucky as to have these amazing gifts? We had fun with Playdough, puzzles, dress up and watching the girls take flight on the playground swings.

Post Baby Blues are Real… And You Aren’t Alone

April 12, 2019 – They tell you that having a baby is the most magical time in your life. Words like, ‘unconditional love,’ ‘amazing,’ ‘pure bliss,’ are thrown around to describe that moment you become a mother, and it’s true you do feel all these amazing feelings. An exuberant joy descends upon you and transcends you into the most euphoric state, beginning the moment that baby is placed in your arms, and from that moment, you shall never feel sadness again.
Excuse me while I chuckle.

Prenatal Genetic Testing

January 31, 2019 – As a mom of a child with a rare diagnosis, the topic of prenatal genetic testing has come up more times than I can remember. When I was pregnant, I felt that knowing information about my child’s future ahead of time would set him up for the best care possible after birth. While there are many views on prenatal genetic testing, I would like to share mine in an effort to offer an opinion of a mom who actually does have a son with a genetic condition.

Imperfect Action

September 30, 2018 – One thing I hear a lot - and I’m sure many other special needs moms hear a lot — is “I don’t know how you do it all.” What has become so common and normal for us, seems insurmountable to the non-special needs parents. The truth is, if you were in our shoes, you’d just figure it out, like we do.

Follow the Leader

July 18, 2018 – My child is the one having the surgery, and while I am allowed to be anxious and nervous, I really should be following his lead. If I act and look scared around him, he’ll pick up on that energy and feel like he’s supposed to be scared.  If I treat him like he’s “sick” all the time, he’s going to act “sick” all the time. 

Fireworks Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

July 03, 2018 – Watching the Fourth of July fireworks is a family tradition in South Florida and across the country. It's a time when parents and children share the "oohs" and "aahs" of these colorful displays that light up the night and celebrate our nation's history. It's also a time to play it safe, particularly when lighting sparklers or setting off Roman candles or other fireworks at home.