Neverland Diaries

Here's a short list of items that we have pulled out of Max's nose so far:  Raisins, corn, peas, ground beef, bark from a tree, cookies, cheese, old cheese from under the couch, rice, oatmeal, pieces of crayon and playdough. Basically, if it's the size of a pencil eraser or smaller, Max is going to try and cram it up into his sinus cavity. I'm really terrified of the prospect of pulling a bug or cat food or something worse out his nose one of these days.  This little quirk of his is particularly concerning for us, because, not too long ago, Max underwent ear, nose and throat surgery. Plagued with chronic ear infections and snoring (just like his brothers), we knew he was going to have to get Eustachian tubes and have his adenoid removed, and probably his tonsils eventually too.  This sticking food up the nose thing is all new territory for us. Why on earth is he doing this? It can't feel good; besides he gets mad every time he does it and cries unti...

Ali Wong in her Netflix special Baby Cobra When I was pregnant with my first son, there were not a lot of "pregnancy-truthers" out there. Pregnant women at that time were still led down a primrose path, encouraged to believe that pregnancy and new motherhood was basically the real-life equivalent of a Snapchat floral crown filter. People would ask me how it felt being pregnant, and I would be met with confused or horrified faces when I told them the truth ... I hated it. "Just give me the baby, I like the baby part!" I would say, half joking and all the way serious. The only thing that I enjoyed about being pregnant was feeling them move and kick, but even that lost its charm once those darling little fetuses figured out how to pummel my bladder and ribs. I didn't like the attention my pregnant body brought. The endless advice and words of wisdom from well-meaning and smug strangers alike were more than my soubrette sensibilities could bear. As someon...

Being a parent is challenging and rewarding no matter what, but being a "boymom" is a unique experience all its own. From now until Mother's Day, I'm going to profile a few fellow awesome "boymoms" for a little insight into their crazy and wonderful worlds.  This week, we get to know Juli, mom of Ryan, 18, from Clearwater, FL: What is the most rewarding part of being a "boymom"? Seeing a life through a different perspective. Most boys end-game is different than girls.  What is the hardest part of being a "boymom"? Giving Ryan freedom where I’m not involved. Planning the prom... I have no clue what’s going on. But I will when he needs.    Please tell me a funny story about living with all boys (I know you have them!) Everyone used to think my favorite color was pink because I used to buy everything pink so no one would touch it. It worked til I got tired of the color pink.  When you do find time for yourself, what do you lik...

Being a parent is challenging and rewarding no matter what, but being a "boymom" is a unique experience all its own. From now until Mother's Day, I'm going to profile a few fellow awesome "boymoms" for a little insight into their crazy and wonderful worlds.  This week, we get to know Jenn, a Hospice ARNP/Nursing instructor and mom of Tucker, 6, from St. Petersburg, FL: What is the most rewarding part of being a "boymom"? Teaching them empathy, oh and being ok with poop jokes, fart sounds and dirt (lots and lots of dirt...) What is the hardest part of being a "boymom"? The constant energy needed to keep up! Please tell me a funny story about living with all boys (I know you have them!)  Just the constant silliness ! When you do find time for yourself, what do you like to do?  After drop off at school in the mornings- beach, paddleboarding, reading. What do people get wrong about being a "boymom"? They think they...