I’m inspired by a baby who infected my mind space on a long-haul flight recently. As we all tried to find the patience to wait through an extended delay, buckled-in and caught up in inconvenience and worry, we tensed at the squawk that let us know that a baby a couple of rows back had woken up. I sat in dread, sure a delay coupled with a crying baby might just push me over the edge. 

When all of a… READ MORE

Of all of the icons of our son’s childhood that will eventually give way to cars and girlfriends and, ultimately, adulthood, I believe the one I will miss the most is this sad looking, worn out, ragged little stuffed bear.  Her name is “Jolly”.  She was given to him on his 1st birthday by his aunt and uncle. For reasons understood only by scientists specializing in the study of children and teddy bears, they have been… READ MORE

In our house, we have a very specific bedtime routine with our son. It is a routine we started when he was just a toddler and, to be honest, I never would have guessed that we would still be following it as he nears his 8th birthday in just a few days. There tend to be slight variations, often involving some a little horseplay and a lot of laughing, but the routine remains almost unchanged. We talk about his day; we read;… READ MORE