Krystal Avila 
I have been Zooming all week. Staff meetings, department meetings, morning meetings, read alouds for my kids, a special ‘happy birthday’ for my son, and my favorite — happy hour. Zoom happy hour has become a regular part of my day, when I carve out time to enjoy a drink (or more) and chat with friends. These calls have been vital to my week and help keep me sane and grounded each night.
Yep, that’s right. After planning a girls night out with friends for some much-needed time to catch up, we spent our night discussing bottles, diapers, sleeping, not sleeping, trips to the hospital, breastfeeding, birthdays, and when we are going to have more. What was once girls night out has become moms night out, and we cannot help it. We are moms and future moms.
These two small-ish projects actually took me several days to finish. And by finish, I mean get everything back in their places so I could once again walk into my boys’ room or actually use the linen closet without things falling on me. I love the idea of being organized and tidy, I really do. I just don’t think I have what it takes to Marie Kondo my entire house. (Well, my 1,300-square-foot condo.)
Everyone gets so excited when family members or friends have a new baby, and we immediately want to see them. I have done the same. Each friend who has had a baby, the first question I used to ask is, “When can I come meet him/her? What can I bring you? I’ll watch the baby while you sleep!” But, things have changed. My son got meningitis at 4 weeks old.
Growing up the ‘burbs, school selection was easy. You live on this street, you go to this school. Eventually, every kid in town ends up at the same high school. Typical suburbs. Well, I don’t live in the suburbs anymore. This is Boston. School selection is a real thing. And it starts at the pre-kindergarten level. My firstborn is 4, and I am already stressed over which school he will attend.
I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. Because I’ve been there too. Next time, I promise to tell you how good of a mom you are. I’ll tell you not to worry about everyone else. Your son was so happy to be helping, to be learning from you, and you were both smiling. Those are moments we need to cherish and think about.
I feel the mom fails commencing on Black Friday, just as we enter into the Christmas season. I love Pinterest, but I do not love Elf-on-the-Shelf Pinterest. I am a creative person and love crafts, but I just can’t do it.
“Mommy, I want the car!” Those are the five most dreaded words any mom can hear when entering the grocery store. Here are the people you can expect to see when you’re lucky (or brave) enough to tackle the cute little car cart.
I couldn’t breastfeed my babies. In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I’m sharing my story about the decision I made.