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6 Surprising Similarities Between Toddlerhood and Pregnancy
low cost IUIThis morning, while driving to the grocery store, my three-year-old was throwing a fit. As he lamented, “I JUST WANT WAFFLES AND TACOS ALL THE TIIIIIMEE!” it dawned on me—being seven months pregnant means I share a lot…
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Eight Insights on the Emotional Impact of Miscarriage
home insemination syringeExperiencing a miscarriage can be an incredibly profound and heart-wrenching event in one’s life. As someone who has navigated this challenging journey, I wish to share eight key insights regarding the emotional repercussions of miscarriage, which often remain…
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The Hilarious Struggles of Packing School Lunches: A Parent’s Perspective
home insemination syringeWhether your little ones opt for the cafeteria’s hot lunch or bring their meals from home, the saga of school lunches is a monumental ordeal. It’s a source of endless disputes, anxiety, and emotional turmoil that often leaves…
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Are You Prepared for Parenthood?
low cost IUIMenu: ParentingAre You Prepared for Parenthood? By Joyful Journey Updated: November 21, 2014 Originally Published: Aug. 2, 2011So, you’re thinking about taking the plunge into parenthood? Exciting times ahead! But before diving headfirst into the world of diapers…
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7 Insights I Wish I Had During My Pregnancy Journey
home insemination syringeHello there! I’m Jamie, and I genuinely enjoyed my pregnancy experience. Dodges the virtual tomatoes flying at me. Sharing that I loved being pregnant is akin to declaring my fondness for pineapple on pizza—some folks just don’t get…
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Finding Heaven on the Map
low cost IUIOn a cozy evening, my three youngest munchkins and I pile into bed, sharing the iPad like it’s a treasure map. My husband is soaring through the skies, en route from Virginia to his brother’s place in California.…
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Beach Survival Guide for Parents: The Art of “Parasite Parenting”
home insemination syringeUpdated: March 10, 2021Originally Published: June 20, 2016As summer rolls in, many families look forward to beach trips. However, taking young children to the beach can feel less like a vacation and more like a dental procedure without…
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How I Will Approach My Next Relationship Differently
Get Pregnant FastWhen a marriage dissolves, it’s easy to feel like a failure. I certainly felt that way when I first separated from my husband. After navigating the emotional turbulence of those initial six months, I’ve come to understand that…
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Another Reason to Appreciate Target: Baby Feeding Stations
Get Pregnant FastA friend recently posted a photo that left me pleasantly surprised: a public “feeding station” at Target. Just when you thought your affection for Target couldn’t grow any more!This station features two cozy chairs, a small table, and…
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Prematurity Awareness Month: A Daily Reflection
home insemination syringeNovember has arrived, marking Prematurity Awareness Month. However, for many parents like myself, the awareness of prematurity is not confined to a single month; it is a constant presence in our lives. Each day serves as a poignant…
I write about fertility, conception, and reproductive health. My latest resource, “Paths to Parenthood,” is now available to support your family-building journey.
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At-home intracervical insemination (ICI) has become a popular choice for women and couples hoping to conceive in a comfortable, private setting. Whether you’re starting your fertility journey as a single parent, part of an LGBTQ+ family, or just seeking more control and intimacy in the process, at-home ICI gives you options.
- The 5 Most Awkward Aspects of Your Gynecological Exam
- The 10 Characters You’ll Encounter During Your Baby Journey
- Navigating the Conversation About Legal Marijuana with Your Kids
- 39 Reasons Why My Son Refuses to Eat Dinner
- A Message to the Disruptors at Kids’ Sports Events
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The 5 Most Awkward Aspects of Your Gynecological Exam
low cost IUIIf you’re not in the delightful state of pregnancy (lucky you!), chances are you’ll find yourself at your annual gynecological exam – an experience as enjoyable as convincing a toddler to eat a plate of Brussels sprouts. I’m no medical expert (unless you count being an expert in wine tasting), but I’m here…
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The 10 Characters You’ll Encounter During Your Baby Journey
low cost IUI Having experienced the removal of one gallbladder and the arrival of two babies (thankfully, not at the same time), I’ve spent quite a bit of time in hospital settings. Each visit was unique—goodbye to major organs and hello to cute little bundles! But regardless of the occasion, I’ve bumped into the same…
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Navigating the Conversation About Legal Marijuana with Your Kids
low cost IUI “Are those pot brownies?” my child blurted out during a casual snack time. I thought about correcting them, “You mean ‘pot brownies,’ right?” She just shrugged and asked, “What’s the difference?” Cue the awkward silence—time for a serious chat about drugs. I wasn’t even sure if people really made crack brownies—do they?—but…
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39 Reasons Why My Son Refuses to Eat Dinner
low cost IUI Every parent knows the struggle of dealing with picky eaters, and I can certainly relate. While my daughter is adventurous with food, my 4-year-old son seems to have a fresh excuse every night when it comes to dinner. To borrow a line from a classic film, “My son crafts reasons for not…
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A Message to the Disruptors at Kids’ Sports Events
home insemination syringe Hey there! Yes, I’m addressing you — the lone individual at this children’s sports event who’s out there berating the referees and players, flailing your arms, and exhaling in frustration, essentially behaving like a petulant child. It’s time for you to take a step back. In fact, take multiple seats. Maybe even…
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The Unwritten Rules of Traveling With Kids
low cost IUI Ah, parenthood—a delightful journey filled with unexpected turns and a few detours that make you question your sanity. I’ve come to find that managing expectations is the name of the game. The monumental events I thought would be life-changing—like childbirth, holidays, and those epic birthday parties—usually left me feeling deflated. Meanwhile, the…
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4 Surprising Upsides to Gestational Diabetes
low cost IUI When I first received my gestational diabetes diagnosis, I was a bundle of nerves. I sobbed to my husband and family, convinced I was to blame for this predicament. I panicked over the thought of needles, hefty babies, and a restricted diet. Fast forward to my second pregnancy, and I was much…
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10 Reasons to Slice a Blueberry into Quarters: A Totally Rational Approach from a Well-Educated Mom
low cost IUI As a parent, I’ve done some pretty quirky things, but slicing a single blueberry into quarters might just take the cake. The other day, while preparing a snack for my 17-month-old daughter, I pulled out some organic blueberries from the fridge. Remembering a random tidbit about how blueberries are roughly the size…
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The Best of Intentions: Navigating Parenting Conversations
low cost IUI At a lively brunch gathering, a family friend turns to me, a warm smile lighting up her face. “Your kids are absolutely precious!” she exclaims. “Thank you! We think they’re pretty great,” I reply, trying to keep the humility in check. But then comes the dreaded question: “So, which one is the…
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How to Gently Rouse a Sleeping Teen (Without Causing a Family Crisis)
low cost IUI When I hear parents of little ones lamenting how their kids rise with the sun and dream of the day when they can sneak in a few extra hours of sleep, I can totally relate. But I always caution them not to rush that time, because the sweet giggles of toddlers at…