(…I have so many questions.) So, remember a few weeks back when I dropped off a roll of actual film from an actual- prehistoric- disposable camera and people had many, many reactions to it? I sure do! (It may take a few more sessions of therapy to get it out of my brain.) Well, I finally picked it up and was so excited to see what was on that ol’ wedding table camera! Drunken party guests? A sweet candid of my groom {Read More}
Chicago kids like to swim deep and climb high
April 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: Nora, Suzy, and Jasper are thrilled to bring you the best in kid-friendly Chicago activities on the bi-weekly. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and more-athletic-than-their-mama children are entirely my own. *** Goldfish Swim School- Bradley Place Guys, full confession time: I am not a strong swimmer. Like, I dog paddle for a few minutes before someone- usually P.J.- has to step into the shallow end and lift me like an errant piece of driftwood. I want better for {Read More}
2 to do: Chicago’s coolest things ever (for April)
April 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: I’m frequently invited to try out, witness, and drink artistic greatness. More disclosure: Yes, I know how great this is. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and stoked family members are entirely my own. *** Cavalia’s Odysseo is billed as “The Greatest Show Ever.” Here’s why it totally is. First off, even if you’ve seen a majestic show under a big top, even if you’ve gotten ‘been there, seen that’ about spectacle in general, you really haven’t seen what {Read More}
Want to help Syrian refugee babies? Do this.
April 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment
I’ve been looking at baby pictures lately. This isn’t wholly unusual, but it definitely ramps up as we hit new milestones (lost teeth!) or fall back on old frustrations (remember when sucking her thumb was cute?) or, really, any time I have feelings about life and love and loss and worry. Like I said, I’ve been looking at baby pictures lately. I delivered all three of my babies in a wonderful hospital in a major city with a skilled surgeon {Read More}
Two years.
March 30, 2017 By 2 Comments
Hi, Dad. It’s been two years since you died. It’s weird; typing “died” feels so harsh, so final. Like it’s rude to acknowledge it in that word. But I’m not feeling particularly fanciful, so neither “passed on” nor “departed” or “shuffled off” are words that feel right to me today. Honestly, using “died” doesn’t feel right to me either, on a number of levels. I know I don’t have to over-explain this one; I never had to with you, pretty much {Read More}
Two types of children: Chicago activity edition
March 29, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: I love working with Chicago-based companies to find the very best in kid-friendly, body n’ brain-stimulating activities all across town. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and stubborn children are entirely my own. *** Windy City Ninjas Let’s lay it all out on the table, shall we? Even though I have three children, I only have two types of children: One is the kind of kid who shies away from newness, believes wholeheartedly in stranger danger/”Mom, can I sit {Read More}
Hey, gang, let’s put on a show! (With Netflix & the #StreamTeam)
March 28, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: As a member of Netflix’s Stream Team, I get to have a stupid amount of fun and pretend it’s all for the children. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and felt creations are entirely my own. (Okay, fine, the kids helped.) *** Remember back in the day, back when Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, et.al were all about Putting On A Show? (I’m not saying it’s back in MY day, but it’s definitely in my mental Filofax of cultural {Read More}
Things I didn’t do today.
March 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment
In honor of the fact that I’ve been saying ‘what a week, right?’ since Monday evening, I’d like to offer a list of things which presented themselves to me today, and of which I decidedly did not take advantage. You’re welcome. Things I didn’t do today: Hit someone at the crosswalk. Even though my car was fully stopped (by law) and he had the right-of-way (by law), he still felt the need to do that hands fully extended thing as he shuffled off {Read More}
