The Newbie

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the newbie: Family Holiday Traditions

It never ceases to amaze me how thoughtful your comments on this blog are—thank you for the thoughts on balancing work and home. At the height of the holidays, I’m scrambling around the house (my husband made latkes, I decorated the tree and hung June’s new stocking from Grandma). She’s too little to comprehend the seasonal delights, but that doesn’t … read more

Posted in Advice, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | 2 Comments
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the newbie: Balancing Work and Home

I loved your comments on the parental judgment that goes on for all of us—thank you! It’s so nice to know that we’re in this together. This was my first week with a part-time babysitter, and I’m going through a roller coaster of emotions! First, I am so happy to have found a very warm and professional sitter who truly … read more

Posted in Advice, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | 2 Comments
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The Newbie: Judging Other Parents

Your sympathy on the constant-anxiety issue was invaluable—thank you! I’m breathing deeply and relaxing a bit more each day, though I think I’ll always be slightly worried about Baby June (though I’ll probably eventually stop calling her that… maybe). This week I went to a mommy gathering where it was quickly very clear that everyone had the same stance on … read more

Posted in Advice, Featured, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments
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The Newbie: Will the Anxiety Fade?

Your holiday advice will be well taken this season. Thank you! I’ve been thinking about something that’s been a running undercurrent in my emotional state ever since I found out I was pregnant: Anxiety. It’s not like I’m tearing my hair out with nerves, but there’s definitely a low-level worry buzz going on with me pretty much all the time … read more

Posted in Advice, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments
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The Newbie: Holiday Popularity

Thank you for the distribution-of-duties advice. I’m taking it all to heart, trying to both relax about it and create some structure. It’s our first Thanksgiving with a baby and we’ve never been more popular! Between Dave’s family and my family, we’re going to be running around to three different houses this year… and then comes Christmas. For some reason I … read more

Posted in Advice, Featured, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments
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The Newbie: Your Turn!

I appreciate the help (and commiseration) on the housekeeping issue. A combination of “a little each day” and an every-other-week house cleaner is going to ease things a bit, I think. This week, I’ve been thinking about a new type of “discussion” I’m having often with my husband. Let’s call it, “Who does more?” It seems like every time we’re … read more

Posted in Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks | 13 Comments
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The Newbie: Bless This Mess

Thanks for the thoughtful advice about possibly supplementing June’s feedings with formula—we’re still considering it, as I sit here writing and pumping! I’ve been thinking lately about how I grew up in a very tidy house with organized closets that was always freshly vacuumed. My mom worked full-time as a high school biology teacher, then came home and cooked dinner … read more

Posted in Advice, Featured, Guest Posts, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | 8 Comments
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The Newbie: The Right Formula

Thanks for the fun playtime suggestions—hugely helpful! When June was first born, I shared my breastfeeding troubles here and you all weighed in very kindly. I’m happy to report that breastfeeding got MUCH easier (and less painful) and June is happily gaining and growing! But, while breastfeeding is no longer a huge struggle, it is—I have to say—kind of a … read more

Posted in Advice, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks, Voices | 25 Comments
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The Newbie: Playtime

Thank you for all the advice on sleeping through the night and routines and schedules. I have a feeling I may revisit that topic. June is 12 weeks old now (yay!) and getting more smiley and interactive by the day. We go to a baby workout class, we take long walks in the park and we’ve even been on a … read more

Posted in Advice, Featured, Guest Posts, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks | 8 Comments
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The Newbie: Sleeping Like a Baby

Is the expression “sleeping like a baby” misleading or what? June is 10 weeks old and not quite making it through the night, but I feel lucky she only wakes up once to eat. We usually bring her to bed when we go—around 11pm—but I’ve been reading/hearing that we should start a bedtime for her that’s earlier, like 7pm. I’m … read more

Posted in Advice, Parenting, The Newbie, Tips and Tricks | 15 Comments