-
I Miss My Children—And I Embrace It
Parentinghome insemination syringeI awoke too early this morning with that familiar sensation: a subtle tightness in my chest, a nagging feeling that something was amiss despite the peacefulness of the day ahead, and a low buzz in my mind that…
-
20 Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Anxiety
home insemination syringeNavigating the world of parenting an anxious child can often feel like a unique challenge. If you suspect your child may be grappling with anxiety, you are certainly not alone. Here are some key indicators to consider: Your…
-
7 Essential Insights from a Stay-at-Home Dad
Get Pregnant FastWhen my partner and I relocated to China, it was primarily to support her academic career, allowing me the opportunity to take on the role of stay-at-home dad. I envisioned a laid-back existence filled with reruns of my…
-
10 Activities You Engage in “For Your Kids” That Actually Benefit You
home insemination syringeAs a devoted parent, you undoubtedly prioritize your children’s happiness and development. However, some of the activities you partake in may serve your own desires just as much, if not more. Here’s a look at ten such instances…
-
Embracing the Gift of Raising a Child with an Old Soul
Get Pregnant FastThe other day, my son, Max, excitedly exclaimed, “All my friends are having a huge playdate today, and they’re bringing their Nerf guns and everything!” My heart sank a little as I prepared to navigate his feelings about…
-
An Insight into Caregiving: When Your Loved One Transforms into a Stranger
home insemination syringeMissouri is a state rich with interestingly named towns that evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection: names like Versailles, Rome, and Cairo bring the world a little closer. Other place names, such as Licking, Peculiar, and Tightwad,…
-
Celebrating the Premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
home insemination syringeThis week marks the highly anticipated premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” igniting a wave of enthusiasm among fans. Mark Thompson, a notable figure in the tech world, joined in the celebrations by sharing a delightful photo…
-
A Commitment You Hope You Never Have to Uphold
home insemination syringeIn the realm of parenting, there exist certain commitments that one would prefer to avoid contemplating. These pledges often revolve around hypothetical scenarios—events that seem too painful to fathom. They are indeed weighty promises, and before you tuck…
-
The Annoying One and The Amazing Sibling
low cost IUIParenting The Annoying One and The Amazing By Joyful Mommy Updated: Aug. 23, 2015 Originally Published: Feb. 1, 2012 (Adapted from Judy Blume’s The Pain and The Great One, which resonates with my two older kids just like…
I write about fertility, conception, and reproductive health. My latest resource, “Paths to Parenthood,” is now available to support your family-building journey.
"home insemination kit" "home insemination syringe" "self insemination" at-home insemination baby care body positivity breastfeeding child development childhood child safety communication community support education emotional journey emotional support empathy empowerment family family dynamics family life family planning family support fertility home insemination humor Kindness life lessons love marriage mental health motherhood nostalgia parenting parenting advice parenting challenges Parenting Humor parenting tips personal growth pregnancy pregnancy resources relationships resilience self-acceptance self-care social media support women’s health

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 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
- 4 Surprising Upsides to Gestational Diabetes
-
The 10 Characters You’ll Encounter During Your Baby Journey
low cost IUIHaving 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 cast…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…