Mama+Dada: A brief lingual history
In the many smatterings of languages I have heard, I have noticed that the word for Mom/ Mama/ Mother/ Mommy nearly always contains the /m/ sound.
Tag: babies
Three stories: #payitforward
Well, I won’t lie – it’s been a hard week, for reasons I don’t want to explain to you. Would you like to be entertained? Here are three snippets that made me laugh. First Dear Stranger in the Thrift Store: I do not usually bum a diaper off someone I do not know. Thank you […]
Peanut butter and dragon wings
Confession: My son caught me crouching in the pantry with a large spoonful of peanut butter and honey halfway to my mouth. ??!!?? he said. The spoon made it the rest of the way, hastily. Regan, I said firmly, I am gathering shthrength to care for my children. Now go play. * Three weeks of […]
In the thick of it
You might cry, at nine o’clock pm on a Saturday night when you’re cleaning the last bathroom and your man comes in and finds you. “Hey, hard workin lady,” he says gently, and holds you. You might cry then, though you’ve been strong all day. They’re in bed now. It’s not so much that you […]
Just for new moms
Confession: Nowadays, my biggest mothering challenge seems to be saying “What?” so many times. “Hey Mom.” “What?” “Guess what?” “What?” “Do you know what happened today?” “What?” “Um… I forget what I was saying.” “WHAT??!?!” Okay, there might be a few bigger challenges, like sibling rivalries, preadolescent attitudes, and foster bye-byes. But my point is […]
On miscarriage
Dear Son, It is always easier not to feel. Some days, even weeks, I am entirely numb, knowing I lost you but unable to feel a thing—no love, no loss, no tears. Then comes a day when it all breaks over me. And afterwards I get up and clean my house again and cook supper […]
There’s going to be a baby
(Maybe.) ***** I do not know if you will be a boy or a girl. I do not know if your skin will be black or white, or something in between. I do not know if you will be an infant or already grown into a toddler. I do not know if you will come […]
Owning home
Confession: I can’t help but wonder if it is this way for everyone— if the sound of singing at your own church on a Sunday morning is deep comfort and healing like the smell of your own home and the feel of your favorite blanket. We returned to sorrow and joy interwoven: birth and healing, […]
Receiving a child
Confession: I find ladies’ parties irresistible, especially when they celebrate life. This week I hosted one to celebrate the coming of an unborn baby, first child of my friend Kayla. Here are some things I am (slowly) learning about the hosting bit: Ask for help! * My […]