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A Heartfelt Goodbye to the Tooth Fairy, My Dad
home insemination syringeI always knew this moment would arrive. But knowing doesn’t ease the pain. Grief doesn’t care for advance warnings; I’ve discovered that truth time and again. A part of me was in denial, clinging to the belief that…
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The Significance of a Simple Blue Coffee Mug
home insemination syringeWhile it may seem unremarkable at first glance, my blue coffee mug holds profound meaning for me. Each morning, in the stillness of my home, I reach for it as I embrace the quiet of a new day.…
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In a Sea of Princesses, This Girl Chose to Be a Hot Dog
home insemination syringeAmidst a room filled with princesses, one little girl decided to stand out as a hot dog. It’s common for children to want to dress up as beautiful princesses, dreaming of royal adventures and fairy tales. Yet, one…
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What I Learned When My Friend Confessed to an Affair
home insemination syringeOne evening, my friend Lisa arrived looking like she had just come from a battlefield. She revealed that she was having an affair with someone other than her husband of two decades. They had a son together, but…
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Goldilocks Will Not Be Joining Us for Future Playdates
home insemination syringeIn the realm of parenting, managing relationships with other families can be as intricate as navigating a medical procedure. When it comes to playdates, not every child meshes well with yours, much like finding the right fit for…
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A Journey of Hope: The Story of Liam
low cost IUIHello, I’m Maria Thompson, and I played a part in passing a significant law in West Virginia. This is the story of my son, Liam, and my journey alongside him.Yes, me, a dedicated stay-at-home mom to my two-year-old,…
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Please Respect My Child’s Boundaries: A Call for Understanding
home insemination syringeDear Visitor at the Shoe Store,You may not recall our brief interaction, but it left a lasting impression on me. A few weeks ago, while my family was on vacation, we visited a shoe store where my mother…
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A Journey into Shapewear: My Brief Encounter with Waist Training
home insemination syringeAs I adjusted to a snug fit, I found my breath coming in shallow gasps, my ribcage feeling constricted, and a sense of lightheadedness creeping in. I had unwittingly entered the realm of waist training, and I was…
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I Once Envisioned Single Motherhood to Be Like ‘Kate & Allie’
home insemination syringeAs a child, I found immense humor in “Kate & Allie,” the 1980s television show featuring two divorced mothers who cohabitate to manage work, parenting, dating, and their independence. This portrayal resonated with me because it mirrored the…
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How I’m Preparing to Be an Amazing Grandparent
Parenting Insightshome insemination syringeIn the next decade, it’s quite likely I will embrace the role of a grandparent. My eldest child, with any luck, will have graduated from college and begun navigating adulthood. And we all know what often follows…
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.
- 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
- 4 Surprising Upsides to Gestational Diabetes
- The Best of Intentions: Navigating Parenting Conversations
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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 I knew…
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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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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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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…
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How ’80s Films Can Guide Us in Parenting Tweens and Teens
low cost IUI As my children have grown and we’ve finally bid farewell to those endless Caillou reruns, my husband and I are thrilled to introduce our two tweens to the wonderfully nostalgic world of ‘80s movies—the greatest cinematic era, if I do say so myself! Watching these films takes me back to a time…
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Teaching Our Sons About Respect and Consent
low cost IUI Hey there, fellow parents! When I say, “We need to teach our sons not to engage in harmful behaviors,” here’s what I’m getting at. Let’s kick things off early—like, really early—when they’re too young to even think about it. Instilling Respect for Their Bodies Start by instilling respect for their own bodies.…
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A Tidy Home (or Not!)
low cost IUI We like to think of our home as “rich in love, but light on cash.” Back when we were flush with both affection and funds, we had a little help keeping the place tidy. Fast forward to today, and the responsibility for house cleaning falls squarely on our shoulders. The result? Well,…
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The Joys of Raising an Autistic Teenager
low cost IUI Parenting is a wild ride, especially when your child is on the autism spectrum. My eldest, Emma, arrived just as autism diagnoses began to skyrocket, and parenting books were still figuring out their best advice. Now that she’s a teenager, I’ve embraced our unique journey and can truly appreciate the many benefits…