Mummy MIA

I will NOT gloat. I will NOT brag. I am well aware that the success we enjoyed on our vacation to Disney World was an absolute crap shoot. It could have easily gone awry. It could have been filled with tears and tantrums, snot and sass. We somehow dodged the bullet and had an amazing time. O was unbelievably good. He rolled with everything. I am still amazed. He exceeded any expectations I had (although, as you know, I kept them very low.). It was absolute joy and we can’t wait to go again. Let the countdown begin! Again!

So since I can’t complain about my child’s behavior on our trip, let me let loose on a real parenting fail we witnessed whilst in the happiest place on earth. Its unfortunate to see. You think, wait, this is a place for family vacations and being together, right? I suppose there are all types of families and all types of a-holes.

We were enjoying the zero entry pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge one day and this little girl decided to attach herself to us. She was British and very chatty. She was 5 years old. I looked around to see where her parent or parents might be? Strange to see a 5 year old on her own in the huge pool. She clearly could not swim, though she protested she could. Her attendance to us became a little awkward as she started to hang on my husband while he was holding O to swim. I told her it wasn’t safe for her to jump on anyone in the pool. She then waded back to where she could stand on her own. A woman appeared, who I assumed was her mother. The woman told the little girl to watch her little brother. And off the woman went. To the bar. In fact, the whole table of “adults” from that “family” were sat out of good view from the children in the pool. Now little Chatty Cathy is in the pool again hanging around us while her 3 year old brother wades in shallower water. He had swimmies on his arms, but really? 3!!! Alone in the pool with a bunch of strangers and his barely treading water 5 year old sister! Mind you, this pool is HUGE. I asked Chatty where her parents were. She pointed to the bar area, “over there somewhere.” What the heck, people! Are you kidding me? You don’t leave children (5 & 3) in the hotel pool by themselves. Are you complete idiots? As a parent, are you thinking, “Well, someone will watch them.” ??? Like the parents who are actually IN the pool with their kids. Like us?

Listen, I get that we ALL NEED a vacation. I get that we are ALL in vacation mode. But just because you are in Disney World doesn’t mean bad things don’t happen to kids there. AND…you don’t get to take a vacation from your kids in Disney World. If you wanted alone time, you should have left them at home and went to some adults only all-inclusive where the drinks are free, as clearly that is where your head is at. As parents we don’t get to take a respite from our duties of caring for the well being of our children. It’s a 24/7 job. Sorry. Even on vacation. And this isn’t about letting your children be free and not helicopter parenting…..this is about safety and, I don’t know, maybe spending some quality time with your children! Who am I to say, right? And, yes, it certainly does takes a village. But when the parents vacate the village for the local watering hole, leaving their young to latch on to just anyone, it really pisses this villager off. If you don’t understand the incredible privilege you have to be a parent, then you certainly won’t understand my point. We GET to be their protectors! It may feel like a job some days, but make no mistake, it is a special opportunity, not enjoyed by everyone. It is my humble opinion, that if you piss away that time (yes, I just said piss away), you are a fool. End of rant.

Until next time, I’ll try not to rage on. Remember, behind every great kid is a mother who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Thanks so much for reading. Xo

Back In The Saddle

Well, hello! It has been quite a while, friend. My hiatus from writing just might be over. I have taken a long enough pause to re-group my thoughts, to step away from the rage inspired by ridiculous politics, and to muster the courage to feel that, somehow, perhaps, my words might actually matter. It has been a long needed respite. If you have stayed with me through this nothingness, I’m truly grateful. I couldn’t expect it of any reader. If you are new to my musings, I invite you to go back to the beginning. Take the journey which will lead you to where we are now – an advanced maternal age mother (now of three years) navigating her way through preschool pandemonium. I have matured in my mothering, but the certainty of it all still eludes me. I feel I am now wise enough to know the uncertainty will most likely never go away.

I have not stopped thinking about writing. It has always been at the forefront of my thoughts this past however many months. I’d have to go way back to see exactly how long it has actually been since my last post, but I think it was last May. Even before that, my posts were becoming few and far between. After a gut wrenching election cycle, the state of our nation was really getting me down. It felt like I couldn’t not make every post about something political. That isn’t what I had set out to do. Also, I began teaching voice and acting at a fantastic arts academy. It takes up quite a bit of time for prep work. Time I used to use to write. The teaching has now expanded, which is brilliant, but again, I only have so much time. I chose to let this go for a while. Did I mention that I have matured and realize that I can’t actually do Everything?

I feel ready to give voice to this next phase of motherhood, however tight my time may be. My little O is no longer a baby. (That is super hard to say!) He is 3 1/2 years old. He is tall and full of personality. He has the energy of the Energizer Bunny and the mood swings of Sybil. He is funny, emotional, and all over the place. He is imperfectly perfect. I don’t want to miss chronicling this time in our lives because I am crunched for time or because I get lazy. This blog is ultimately for him. So here I am. Back in the saddle.

Until next time, keep fighting the good fight. Remember, behind every great kid is a mother who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. My current life story! Lol. Thanks for reading. Xo

Lonely Mommy Long Winter

This Mommy business is a lonely one. While I am basking in the joy of it all, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I feel lonely quite a bit of the time. I have a hunch that I’m not the only mommy out there who feels this way, at times. Let’s face it, my constant companion is a two year old who doesn’t speak in full sentences yet and who has mood swings that rival the best of schizophrenics . I keep hearing that motherhood is so rewarding. But I am guessing the big reward is a type of delayed gratification. Like after all this hard work, one day I’ll look up at my son while he accepts the Nobel Peace prize and know it was all worth it. Right? But for now, staying home raising a child, while full of great moments, can be exhausting, and most definitely, lonely.

I find myself alone in my thoughts for a great part of the day. For me, that isn’t always good. I tend to over think things. It makes my husband crazy. Sorry, lover. But, it is hard to avoid. I often find, if something is important to me, it is hard to just let it go. I take far too much to heart and listen to far too much CNN radio. The icing on that cake of disaster, is that I am incredibly sensitive with a two year old for company.

I find most other moms out and around where we live, pretty much keep to themselves. At the play area in the mall the other day, I sat across from another mother. I could tell her son was at least a year or more older than O. She looked stylish, involved, (but not hovering), and a bit older (like me). I thought to myself, I wonder if I could be friends with her? The children played and we knowingly nodded to each other here and there. At one point I commented on how I loved her son’s hair. A head full of curls. He was a gorgeous child. She politely said “thanks.” But that was the extent of our interaction. We each moved onto our own day each with our own child in tow. It’s weird. Yet, I suppose it would be weirder to approach someone you don’t even know, in a mall, and say, “let’s be friends!” Yeah, that is most definitely weirder.

The truth is, I guess I am a bit of a loner. It isn’t necessarily always by choice. It reminds me of high school at times….when you walked into the cafeteria and didn’t see your friends. You would feel awkward or uncomfortable until you spotted your group. You might give off an I don’t care air, just to self preserve. Maybe I give off a stand-offish vibe off to other moms? Ironic, the self admitted loner saying she gets lonely. Ha. But it’s true. It is absurd that I worry that O doesn’t like big groups. Neither does Mommy (or Daddy for that matter!) I swear, does our child stand a chance?

I look up at the skylight in our family room. It is covered with frost on this frigid November morning. Winter is fast approaching. It’s gonna be a long lonely one unless I jump out of my comfort zone. I need to commit to putting aside my mild discomfort with new people. I need to venture into the unknown of new friendships. I suppose I find that most of the moms I encounter are much younger than me. But, in truth, age has little to do with commonalities shared among moms. I’m looking for excuses to stay stuck.

No, it is time to put on my big girl layers of cuddle duds and flannel. I have had wonderful friendships in my life, that still exist, though almost all are now at a long distance. It’s time for some more day to day friends. My life is here in New England now where the winters are cold and often long. What I know of friendship is that it is necessary and most definitely warms your heart.

Until next time, keep fighting the good fight, and remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Yup. Pretty much every day. xo

Touchstones To Get You Through The Election Season

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a season that generously boasts such bold beauty. In New England, it is truly spectacular. If you are like me, you might be having a hard time seeing all the positives through this ugly election season that is truly putting a damper on my autumnal affection. I decided some touchstones were in order. Enough of all the negativity. I voted early. It’s up to the Gods now. Moving on! It’s time to let in all the sunshine and make LOVE my priority. I implore you to make your own list of things that bring you joy during this season. The act of writing them down brought joy to my heart. It is good to remember what brings us to life. Everyone’s list, of course, is different, because we are all wonderfully deliciously different. And that is a glorious thing. Here are some of mine.

Autumn Afternoons

The sound of leaves falling outside

The smell of a fire burning in a fireplace

Hot cider

Mums in bloom

Pumpkins

Homemade apple sauce

The colors of autumn leaves

Trick or Treat

Lighting candles around the house

Baking in the oven

Stews and soups

Butternut Squash

Pumpkin Spice Scones at Starbucks

Hikes in the woods

Sweaters and fleeces

The sweet smell of my son’s hair after playing outside

My son’s joyful laugh while he tosses leaves in the air

Cabernet by the fire

Dozing in my husband’s arms

Ollie sandwiches (that’s a 3 person hug with Ollie in the middle)

Celebrating gratitude

The brisk night air

Starry autumn nights

Sending you much love and light this season. It’s time for a bit of peace, love and understanding. From what I hear, Kindness is making a huge comeback. Until next time, keep fighting the good fight and remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. #rosecoloredglasses #polyannawannabe

Woof Mommy

I do not want a dog. There. I said it. It is now in black and white. We will NOT get a dog. That is my mantra. I am as firm as I can be on the subject. That being said, I am well aware I am going to be outnumbered when the question actually gets posed. I am assuming it will be in a few years when O is about 5. You see, my husband is a true dog person. He, in full juxtaposition to me, says we WILL get a dog. He doesn’t say it in a challenging, jerky manner at all. He says it as a matter of fact, which is worse. Because I have a sneaking feeling, I will be worn down and will concede to the puppy plea. To be truthful, my husband has almost already worn me down. Add my little then 5 year old boy pleading for a puppy to the mix and I am a goner for sure.

I know all reasons why people like to have a dog. They are fun and sweet and cuddly…blah blah yada yada. But dogs are also a huge commitment. They are messy. Hairy. Slobbery. Not to mention destructive at times. I, on the other hand, am a clean freak. You could eat off of my floors and I prefer it that way. A dog ends that immediately. Everyone I know who has a dog says, “You just have to vacuum a lot.” Well, I already vacuum a lot. And one thing I know for sure is that it will most likely be me doing the extra cleaning.

Yet, as much as I fight the notion, I somehow know it is a lost cause. Because even now on this rainy autumn day, as the raindrops hit the skylight above me, I can envision a sweet golden lab nestled in my lap. I am realizing quite quickly, that I am my own worst enemy in this situation. You can’t not want something and want it all at the same time. Well, you can, but it most always leads to actually getting said something. Woof. I am in for it.

My husband says that a family needs to time the procuring of a dog properly. The idea he says, is that you time it so that the dog’s life expectancy coincides with when your child goes off to college…and then you are free. Ugh. I don’t know. All I know for sure is that I don’t want a dog, but I most surely will have one. Not only will I have one, but I will assuredly clean up after him, walk him, bathe him, and on occasion, even enjoy him. But above all, I suppose I will welcome him into our family and love him. And then we will get a weekly cleaning service.

Until next time, keep fighting the good fight, and remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Thanks for reading. Woof! Xo

Sneaky Mommy

The following nugget I am about to share with you is not one I can claim as my own brainchild. It is a Pinterest find, but an absolute gem in the picky toddler eating games I am currently eye ball deep in. If you are in my current predicament, you also have a toddler who refuses to eat many things put in front of him or her. I could take the path of eat it or go hungry. He has gone hungry. And then I thought, why don’t I get creative and, dare I say, sneaky? Yes, I decided to trick my son into eating healthy fare. Thus far, it seems to be working out deliciously!

Here is one of the super healthy and super sneaky picks! Spinach muffins! I have changed the recipe to suit our tastes, but it is essentially the same. They are awesome. And they freeze beautifully!

Serves: 12 muffins

Ingredients
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup almond milk
1 (6 ounce) bag fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup mashed banana (from about 1 to 2 bananas)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line one 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl: flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a blender, place oil, milk, and spinach. Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until completely puréed. Add banana and vanilla; blend on low just to mix.
Pour puréed mixture into dry mixture and fold together with a rubber spatula until completely combined.
Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full and bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

These days, I call most everything cake, apple sauce, yogurt or ice cream. Yes. I do. These muffins are now affectionately called “breakfast cake” in our house. O gobbles them up. Now you could certainly change out the sugar for apple sauce. I already reduced the amount of sugar from 3/4 cup to 1/4 cup. The key is to have really over ripe bananas. There is no denying it is a great way to trick your toddler into eating some very healthy spinach packed “cake.” Right now, that is what is working for me. Complete and utter trickery.

Another act of misrepresentation is my veggies and fruit purees I put in re-usable pouches. The pouches are sold by WeeSprout and are fantastic. They come in different ounce sizes. I ordered the medium size of 5 oz…they are perfect. I steamed a bunch of carrots, spinach, pineapple…..puréed it and added some organic unsweetened Apple sauce. I do the same with beets, greens, etc. Any combo of veggies and fruits is spectacular. My son is none the wiser. We can add proteins, grains, you name it….and I get to decide the nutrition he gets. He thinks he is having an apple sauce or yogurt pouch. He is happy. And I know he is getting the nutrition he needs. For now it is a win….I’ll take it. So I can still serve him new things and not worry too much that he doesn’t touch it. Eventually he will. My doctor says it can take up to 15 times for a child to try a new food. (Oye!) So while we navigate that bumpy terrain, I’m sneaking in the vitamins, fats and minerals he needs to develop. Sneaky Mommy. :))

Until next time, keep fighting the good fight and remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Thanks for reading! Xo

Back 2 School

As the end of summer approaches and the days become shorter, my Facebook feed is overflowing with posts rejoicing in the fact that children are finally heading back to school. There seems to be a collective sigh of relief among mothers of school age children, as if the school year couldn’t start soon enough. As a first time mom of a two year old, I am not there yet. The back to school fervor is obviously not on my radar. But it makes me wonder what it’s all about.

I am sure there are mothers out there, who adore having their children home with them for the summer. I just haven’t caught their posts about it. Maybe they are too busy making homemade organic Popsicles to spend time on Facebook? I mean, there are moms who enjoy their summers with their kids at home, right? When I was growing up, my Mom always looked at Summer as magical. Didn’t she? At least she seemed to enjoy it. Perhaps even loved it. There is no denying that it was a different time then. The world was a simpler place just some thirty years ago. I’d like to hold onto my illusion that my mom actually enjoyed having us out of school for the summer. When I think about it, most of the neighborhood kids would spend summer days at our house because we had a pool. My mom would essentially be the den mother to all the kids on our street. There was never a complaint from the other mothers. Huh, that’s not surprising. I think the back to school sigh of relief was around back then as well. I also surmise that my mother was a rarity among her friends.

The thought of sending my O to school for full seven hour days at the age of five, sends my head into a spin. And then I hear moms of older children talking about the failing education system and lack of emphasis on the children being active, and it makes me want to homeschool our guy. I want to take him away to some Nordic country and have him schooled there where they play outside for hours each day. When did the idea of learning through play become invalid? Maybe this is why some parents seek out Montessori schools? Maybe regular public schools are mostly a type of glorified government daycare? They shove them through, make sure they pass a specific state test, and mind them for nine months out of twelve each year. Could that be true? And if it could be, don’t we want more for our children? Oye! I’m digressing.

I guess what I want to say is that I can’t imagine a time when I will want to send O away from us for seven hours a day. I understand the importance of doing so, but I can’t imagine liking it. But then again, I am a newbie. You seasoned moms are rolling your eyes at me about now, and that’s ok. I admit I don’t know what it will be like down the road. I just know that even now, when the days are tough, I don’t will them to pass any quicker. Time is going by fast enough, thank you very much.

I say it again and again. I feel that being an older mother gives me an advantage on contentment. I am not wishing the time away so that I can get back to my life. This is my life. I am living it. Perhaps it took me living so much of my life to know that this time is the best time. Every choice and action of my life has led me to this place and time. And I guess I am wise (and old) enough to be oh so grateful.

Until next time, remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Thanks for reading! Xo

It’s The Best

Like with anything in life, there are positives and negatives. This week I want to focus on the positive. The topic: Having children over 40 and why it is the best (in my opinion). Don’t worry, I’ll also share with you why it is a drag (in my opinion)….just not this week. This week it’s all about how incredible it is to have a child when you are in your 40’s!

Let’s face it, if you have had a child at 35 or over, you’ve most likely heard all the terrifying warnings and reasons not to. My first prenatal visit at age 43 was colored with all sorts of possible doom and negative what ifs. I chose to filter out the gloom. While I was educated about the risks, I kept the information out of my mind and body. One of the best things about having a baby in your 40’s (in my opinion) is that you can. So many women struggle with conception. If you can get pregnant naturally (or with help) over 40, well, that’s something to celebrate!

All new mothers hear the polite advice from well wishers, time and time again. My son is 2 and I still get it. “Enjoy every minute! It goes so fast!” Well, the main reason I think having a baby in your 40’s is the best (in my opinion), is that you actually do enjoy every minute. Even when it’s hard, there is a baseline of joy that just can’t be beat. There is a patience I possess that, for me, has come with age. I’m certainly not saying that women having children in their 20’s and 30’s don’t enjoy their children. I can only speak from my experience as a 20 and 30 something. In my 20’s and 30’s, my life was all about me. The pace of my life was all about me. The choices I made were basically all about me. And I wanted it that way. I lived my life fully and with purposed abandon. I travelled the world, fell in and out of love and enjoyed freedom from most responsibility. It was how it should be for someone at that stage of their life (in my opinion). Conversely, with the birth of my son came profound responsibility. And at the age of 44, I welcomed it wholeheartedly. Someone younger might think my life now is a bore. The Veuve doesn’t flow as freely (or at all, come to think of it) and my bedtime is often before the curtain used to go up. The things I possessed and the adoration I sought are not barometers for bliss. My god! I thought a new pair of Gucci shoes equaled happiness. Silly girl. All those things are well and good, but they are not the stuff of life.

I get to do this parenting thing with a full awareness that it goes far too fast. I don’t wish time away like I used to. I get to be mature enough to share with my baby, my patience and my understanding of what true happiness really is. I get to not only enjoy his process, but have the emotional maturity to understand that he is his own person, and that while he is our whole world now, we will not always be his. I am old enough to know he will have to fail to succeed. I understand there will come a time to let go.

Anyone who has hit the 40+ mark understands what I am saying. I’m not saying you don’t have moments of doubt anymore or that you don’t feel like you are screwing up a lot of the time. That is the nature of parenting in a nutshell. But there is a level of surety and confidence that I bring to my parenting, to my life, that I did not possess in my 20’s or 30’s. It makes me a better mom. And THAT is the best thing about having a child over 40 (in my opinion).

Until next time, keep fighting the good fight, and remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up! Thanks for reading! Xo

Bon Appetit Baby

That’s it. I’ve had it. It is time to reign in my picky eater and broaden his horizons. I will expand my child’s palate or die trying. Ok, that is a bit dramatic. But I mean, come on! I refuse to accept that I must only give him pasta, PB&J, or yogurt, as these are the foods he eats willingly. In my short sightedness to get him to eat, I started giving him only things that he liked. Day after day….and now it has turned into my toddler refusing to even try anything that looks different. It is ridiculous. It is my own fault. And it is time to end this craziness.

I’m not supposing this will be easy. It is learned behavior on his part, that I have indulged. He does seem to have an issue with textures, but instead of helping him through that, I let him avoid it. I could kick myself. (Hindsight, right?). Now that he is well over the two year mark and in the throws of being a toddler, he can absolutely eat anything and in my opinion, should. My husband and I are adventurous eaters. We enjoy different foods, spices, wines and whatnot. It is unacceptable to me that I will raise a child to be a pedestrian eater. It just won’t jive with our rhythm at home. He will need to learn to eat what we eat, and it starts now. Did I say I know this is going to be difficult?

When O was a baby, the doctor, and pretty much everyone, said, “He will know when he isn’t hungry. He’ll stop himself. Babies know when they are full.” Well that may be true, but I’m not convinced a toddler knows. My son would eat as many graham bunnies as I gave him. He would also prefer them for dinner, if I’d allow it. His new tactic when he doesn’t want to try something is to say “All done.” So I’ve now started to say, “OK, all done.” I’ve stopped offering anything else. Down he goes from the table. Dinner is over. No second chances. He will go to sleep with an empty stomach. My hope is that he won’t let himself go too hungry. Right? Harsh, I know. But I refuse to be a slave to a finicky child.

Last night, we had roasted summer vegetables and turkey kielbasa over brown rice. It was actually very nice. O only ate some of the rice. I wanted him to at least taste the meat and vegetables. Mind you, there were sweet potatoes and carrots in the veggie mix, which he likes, but because they were in chunks he would not even try them. Really? It’s maddening. So, once the rice was picked over, he asked for apple sauce, which was denied. He followed up with a wail and an “All done!” I make no fuss over it. I simply say “OK, all done.” I take him out of his chair and send him on his way…hungry. Eventually, the stubbornness will yield to hunger, right? Are you thinking that I am a horrible mother now?

In France, children O’s age, sit down for a three course meal, daily. They eat all sorts of fish, fruits, vegetables and cheeses. When I say vegetables I don’t mean brocolli with cheese sauce, either. There are no special dinosaur chicken nuggets sold in grocery stores. And there aren’t special kid menus in every restaurant featuring the same items: pizza, mac and cheese, and a hotdog. They are taught from a very young age how to eat and how to appreciate food. International data collated by the International Association for the Study of Obesity show that 15% of children are overweight in France compared to a whopping 30% in the U.S. So who is doing it right?

I believe that food is part of our education as people of a civilized society. To appreciate different tastes and textures is one of life’s pleasures. Sharing a meal with family and friends, is to be part of something. It is a learned sense of community and belonging. Eating is something we need to do for the rest of our lives. Perhaps it should be something we are educated about and learn to do well. Anyway, that’s this mama’s two cents. I’ll let you know how my struggle goes. Did I mention I don’t anticipate it is going to be easy?

Until next time, while I’ll be rocking in a corner back and forth, keep fighting the good fight, and remember, behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Ah, my life story! Bon Appetit!

A New Day

I have been grappling this week with what to write about. It is a familiar struggle, but sometimes it proves tougher than other times. I’m usually blocked because I have something on my mind that I feel perhaps I shouldn’t write about. Or maybe I don’t think anyone else would find it interesting. But censoring myself has never been a productive strategy. So here goes.

I have been very affected by the politics in our country lately. It feels as if the country is divided in a way that I have never seen in my life time. And it scares me. The hate filled, fear mongering rhetoric of a certain tiny hand candidate is appalling, divisive, and small minded. In my opinion, it has no place in the leadership of our country. The parties hateful sentiments do not represent my feelings. Not at all. But rather than write about The Ego with the bad comb-over, who already gets far far too much press, I want to talk about what inspires me. This past week, something amazing happened that moved me greatly, as a woman, a mother and a citizen of the world.

I know I am pretty sappy and have a tendency to get emotional over a Hallmark commercial, but I have to tell you that I was genuinely moved by the remarkable speech from our country’s First Lady, Michelle Obama at the DNC in Philadelphia. I know as a liberal it is assumed that I would be a fan of the First Lady, so I will skip the list of admirable traits I believe she embodies. (There are many). But what really got me was when she said how her daughters, and all our sons and daughters, could now take for granted that a woman could become President of the United States. That struck a chord in me. I realized, quite seriously, that history is being made before our very eyes.

This past weekend I was lucky enough to see Hamilton on Broadway. Beyond it being an incredible piece of theatre, I couldn’t help be struck by the poetic justice of watching an incredibly talented, racially diverse cast, portray our founding fathers. I suppose this must really ruffle the feathers of the David Dukes of the world. It’s funny, but the color of any actors skin didn’t really dawn on me until after the show. It made perfect sense that George Washington should be played by a handsome strapping black man. I was reminded that for all intents and purposes, we are all really immigrants. To say you are not is just inaccurate. I was reminded of the limitations women had to endure regardless of their intellect. In the words of the character Angelica Schuyler, “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, and when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m gonna compel him to include women in the sequel. Work!” The point is, we have come so so far. Why would we ever go backwards? It defies logic. At least to this mommy it does.

This morning I was watching the highlights of the democratic convention. I watched, and re-watched, a woman of 102 years of age, who was born before women could vote, officially report Arizona delegates for Hillary Rodham Clinton for President of the United States. It doesn’t matter what you think of Secretary Clinton. You can love her. You can hate her. But the shattering of that glass ceiling is undeniable and has changed us forever. I suppose if you are against her, you might deny its significance. But in my opinion, you’d be denying reality. I will not get into a debate with anyone regarding Hilz. I won’t change your mind and you won’t change mine. But this is my blog and #ImWithHer, if you hadn’t noticed.

The future of our society, that will be our children’s and their children’s society, is changing. My son will not know of a time when a woman could be considered less important or less capable…and that’s huge. It is so much bigger than Bozo the Clown’s ego. I have a friend who has a daughter who is O’s age. She is especially energized about this new day and all it will mean for her daughter. But I truly think it is something for parents of girls and boys to celebrate. There is hope this week. There is a beacon of light shining through. And as things seem to be going these days, I’m gonna hang onto it.

Until next time, keep fighting the good fight and remember behind every great kid is a mom who is pretty sure she is screwing it up. Thanks for reading. Work!

P.S. I ordered my Hilary For President shirts for Me and O. Watch out world! Photos to follow.

From Gucci To Gerber

Tales, Insights & Observations from an Advanced Maternal Age New Mother

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