MothersRest

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...

I bribe my children to go to bed

The boys are old enough to put themselves to bed. They’d prefer to do other things. Like yelling or legos or dance-offs or wrestling. So I bribe them. Who knew that 2 quarters could be magical? And yet that’s all...

How to teach your kid to share

I’m a recovering share-addict. My apologies to all the kids I’ve nagged to death til they shared with my boys. Like the kid across the street with the most awesome toys ever. This post includes affiliate links for your convenience....

Life changes fast. Get ready, new momma.

College graduation is here. How is this possible? I'm celebrating my son's rise to adulthood. While feeling all the feels. Hug your baby tight, new momma.

The one-week water bottle challenge (or how to be an eco chick for 7 days)

I recently let down the neighbor kid in a major way. He made me sign a pledge to stop using bottled water for 6 months. Or was it 6 weeks? I can’t remember. I should ask my boys. They were...

We’ve had enough of your thoughts and prayers

Turn your thoughts and prayers into actions and noise. USE YOUR VOICE! Nothing will change otherwise. And mark my words: change will come. Thoughts and prayers to those who do nothing.

Why bedtime is a whacked out game of Bingo

We’re potty training little brother right now. Which entails saying things like, “You’re a big boy now!” This is met with wails of protest from the bigger boy in the house. Who likes to remind us that’s he almost 4....

You think the terrible twos are terrible?

The terrible twos aren’t actually a thing. I know a few of you in the midst of it now want to fight me. Seriously, y’all, 2-year-olds are the bomb. It’s the horrible THREEnager you need to fear. This post includes...

Percocet isn’t your only option when dealing with postpartum pain

Let’s talk about Percocet. Maybe it’s the angel of light for you. For me? It’s the devil. After my C-section with baby #1, the nurses gave me Percocet. Then I vomited (and cried). A lot. So they gave me Zofran....

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...

The two things I know about Jesus

“Mommy, why did Jesus have to die? I wish he was still alive.” And so it begins… You know what? Jesus wants us to love other people and to be kind. If you do those two things, it’s like Jesus...

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,...

4 bizarre things the kiddos (probably don’t) need

There are things your kiddos DO need. Like broccoli, the occasional bath and 12 hugs a day. Then there’s all the junk you can buy for them online. Take my hand. (Think of it as a virtual hug. Because mommas...

How to raise generous children (and stock the shelves at the local food bank)

Early in my career I was the marketing director of a beloved shopping center. That sounds weird, I know. How can you love a shopping center? But it’s true. This mall has been around since 1957 and it’s the place...

Here’s to the joy of sweet, little destructive boys

“You failed to tell me how destructive small boys can be. Especially to Christmas ornaments.” That was the message of distress dear Sarah sent me, as she shewed away her male youngins from the holiday decor. (By the way, spell...