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The Only Baby Advice You Really Need
I’ve found the only baby advice you really need. It’s the advice I wish I had known before my daughter was born, something I have to remember daily, and still true if your baby is 2, 10, 25, or 45. So last year, I traveled across the country for my sister’s baby shower. She was expecting a much prayed over, long-hoped for baby, who is now a super adorable 1 year old! Part of her baby shower was that we were asked to share our best baby advice on these cute onesie-shaped cards that my mom placed into an album for her. Talk about pressure – how do you summarize…
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Adoption – The Cost
Adoption costs are part of the journey many avoid discussing. However, few people are truly aware of or prepared for the adoption costs. Families come to adoption in various ways, after long infertility battles or even as the way to grow their family by choice, or desire to give a family to a child in foster care. This is only our story and experience. Seven years ago today, we officially started our adoption journey with our first conversation with an adoption facilitator and our first sticker shock. I went from excited to defeated in one call, but we had a plan. We don’t want to think about the costs. It…
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Adoption – Getting Started
If you’re considering adoption, getting started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips based on our family’s journey. Adoption – Getting Started Decide your time frame for really starting the adoption process. We spent 2-3 months researching before taking the first step. During the research process, decide on a budget and financing. Start saving money at first glimmer of choosing adoption to build your family. Most agency adoptions cost between $20,000-40,000, you may be able to find the agency’s basic costs outlined online which will help you formulate a budget and choose an agency. You can raise funds, get a loan, and expect a tax rebate. Research…
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Seriously Harvard!? How I reset my parenting expectations
My parenting expectations were WAY out of whack. I realized this after a harmless Facebook post almost sent me into a tizzy. A mom friend posted on Facebook. “My 6 yo daughter is so smart! Harvard should get ready.” She was being quippy. (Heaven not Harvard is as a participant in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) But my mommy radar sounded an alarm, seeking some measuring stick by which to gauge if my daughter might also be in this very elite kindergarten predestined for Harvard group. I began to type a long comment, but paused. She was being funny. Her…
