Babies Archives - MothersRest

I ran back to work after my son was born

I was never meant to be a stay-at-home mom. I knew this at age eight. When I asked my own stay-at-home mother what she did all day. I thought it consisted of playing bridge with her friends, eating cashews, arranging...

Nursing mother or nursing ADDICT? You decide.

I don’t know about you, but some of my best friends are addicts. And when I was nursing my babes, I noticed a few, unsettling similarities between me, the innocent and devoted, nursing mother, and my fun-loving, crack-craving brothers and...

The joys and crazy of two kids under two

Four years ago, I called my sister-in-law and announced we were “ONE AND DONE!” Because sleep deprivation is hell. Also because when our miracle baby turned one, the stomach bug to end all stomach bugs entered our lives. Y’all, this...

Don’t use your cell phone at the table (and other dinnertime rules for kids)

I got in this bad habit when my oldest was born of EATING LIGHTNING FAST – and only things you can grab and go, like pop tarts and brownies and french fries. That kiddo is 6 now and I still...

Why you need the flu shot. Especially if you’re pregnant.

My sister was premature. Because my mom got the flu. Not only was she premature, her lungs weren’t fully developed. And they collapsed. I was 10 at the time and terrified. Waiting at my Nanna’s house with my little brother...

The secret to get your kid to eat more veggies and fruit

One year for Christmas, my ingenious sister-in-law gave me this fancy blender. Because new moms need blenders. To make baby food. You know, like, soupy purees, where avocado and peas and broccoli all look exactly the same. So if baby...

We have toddlers and no TV

We’re one of those weird families that avoid the TV like the plague. The other day, my oldest said: “Mommy, I know how to turn on the TV. Do you want me to show you how?” In other words, yes,...

15 fun, FREE ways to entertain the kids this summer

What are your favorite, FREE things to do with the kids on a hot day? Especially when your little ones start crawling the walls because: BOREDOM. In case you’re at a loss and already SO OVER the pool, I polled...

Feeling like Mommy Dearest: why you need REM sleep

As a first time mom, I experienced a high level of anxiety. Then I wandered into a dark world. Suddenly, I found myself in a place of rage. Too strong a word? Perhaps. How quickly lack of sleep took its...

5 signs your breastfed baby’s getting enough milk

5 signs your baby’s GOT MILK. Including: your boobs feel great! And baby’s got wet-noodle arms.

You can ROCK daylight savings this spring

You guys, the days are getting LONGER! Are you not beyond excited over this? Maybe you’re like me and turn into a cute, little bear and hibernate all winter long. As in, I am ready to stuff my face with...

Pregnant? You need a health advocate.

The nurse leaned in with plenty of disdain and said, “You seem VERY suspicious of the medical establishment.” Yes, perhaps because you keep coming into my room and asking if this second child I’m birthing is a product of IVF....

The working girl’s guide to survive maternity leave

Under “normal” circumstances, we moms can tackle the deepest of issues with aplomb. We build things. We conquer things. We move mountains. I am woman, hear me roar. But life with a newborn is, well, different. You are ON! 24-7....

5 tips for easy, breezy Christmas decorating

Got the tree trimmed? Stockings hung? Wreath on the front door? Wait, no? Not yet? Well, if you haven’t decorated for Christmas yet, perhaps one of the following applies: 1. You don’t do Christmas. 2. You hate Pinterest. 3. You’re...

Miracle baby turned TWO

How is it possible that this sweet little guy is TWO already?! To celebrate, he enjoyed popsicles at daycare, toy airplanes with daddy, and birthday brownies at the lake with Mimi and Poppa. I actually have TWO miracle babies. And...