Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
To You on Your Birthday
I want to start this off by wishing you a happy, relaxing and joyous 28th birthday. As my big sister, we haven't always been on the same page but because this is for your birthday I'm not going to dwell on that... Well, too much. I am writing this to explain to you just how much you mean to me in case you don’t already know, and it's a lot. You are a wonderful human being with unlimited potential and such a kind, caring, and outgoing personality and you deserve to be celebrated by all of the people in your life. You always take into account the feelings of those around you and act accordingly, no matter the situation, and that is a rare thing to find.
By Hannah Taylor7 years ago in Families
Baby-Led Solids
Never feed the baby?! Come, again? Are you suggesting I starve my baby? Of course not, people! I'm talking about offering solids and allowing baby to feed himself. This is baby-led solids. It is also referred to as 'baby-led weaning', but in my humble opinion, the term 'weaning' tends to scare moms who have a breastfeeding goal of at least one year. Technically, the introduction of foods means that we are moving away from breastmilk consumption. However, breastmilk or formula should be baby's main source of nutrition for at least the first year of life. Meaning: baby should be getting enough breastmilk or formula, alone, so that if baby isn't really interested in solids for a while after six months, it's okay because they are still getting everything they need from the milk. So, I feel like 'baby-led solids' is a more breastfeeding friendly term.
By Ashley Lichenstein7 years ago in Families
Halloween as a Mom
I am a procrastinator when it comes to everything. Yes, even when it comes to my favorite holiday! This year I had huge plans, I was going to go big and dressing my whole family up. Suddenly I realize, it’s the day before Halloween and I don’t have anything. No candy, no paint and worst of all, no costume for my two year old!
By Catrina Palko7 years ago in Families
A World Beyond Our Own
“There’s more to life than what you see,” My mother used to say to me as we drove through town in the dead of night. She delivered newspapers to every home in our tiny village of Sabina, Ohio, and once I turned ten she finally allowed me to stay up late and join her on her escapade. I can’t remember what possessed her to want to stay up after midnight to deliver papers and then get up early in the morning to deliver mail for the postal service, but my mother was always one to keep herself busy. She hated sitting around and doing nothing; it made her feel useless. “There’s a whole ‘nother world out there,” She pointed to the night sky, millions and millions of stars blinking at us, and the moon that provided a dim white light.
By Charleigh Haley7 years ago in Families
The Letter. Top Story - October 2018.
Dearest Princess, By now, you are used to these letters. I must admit that I am not. Even though it is how we must communicate now, I struggle. With every word I write the desire to see your life unfold becomes stronger, and ridden with a passion I have never known. Its as if I can see the years playing out before me, shrouded in a foggy haze. It's like looking at brief glimpses of a clear picture as you turn the dial on a faulty TV set. The picture is static amid clarity; I know what lies ahead for you, but I am unable to see the final act. There are so many things your life is about to hand you. Difficult, beautiful, hard, simplistic, unreasonable, wild, passionate, calm, and wonderful adventures that will amaze you. I can't even begin to tell you how much life is meant to be enjoyed. I have a feeling you will complete the task effortlessly.
By Jody James7 years ago in Families
Forever Missing My Dad
January 31, 2018 was a day I will never forget... I remember every detail. It was a Wednesday, and I had just began to work on my second patient of the morning when I heard my office manager behind me. I turned to see if she needed me, and saw her pointing. I read the words as they silently rolled off her lips, “Your brother is here.” Immediately, my heart sank. I knew something wasn’t right. Tears started to well up as I excused myself from the operatory. I stepped out of the room to see my younger brother standing there at the end of the hallway waiting for me. His face was troubled, his body was tense, and his voice was almost unrecognizable. My dad had gone missing the night before, and his body had been found that morning. Sooo many questions started flowing through my mind. Why? Where was his body found? How did this happen to him? Maybe there was a mixup. There was no way that it could be “MY DAD.” No possible way that he could really be gone. It was so difficult to put the pieces together... It was troubling to believe. It was harder to even BREATHE. My world came crumbling down in an instant.
By Chelsea Jones7 years ago in Families
Why Halloween is So Important in Our House
The 31st of October means different things to different people, in different parts of the world. "Halloween," "Samhain," "Dia de Muertos." In our house, despite the tendency towards masks and costumes, Halloween is a chance for us to be ourselves.
By Megan Paul7 years ago in Families
