It dawned on me today that we mothers could learn a lot from Fight Club. We could benefit a lot from a basic set of rules and some generally acknowledged truths, and if you think about it, what better source than a film about someone fighting with themselves? If there is one thing I’ve learned it is […]
I’m Falling Apart at the Seams
Up until last week the only thing I had to worry about slipping out was a little bit of pee if I jumped up and down too much. Now I have to worry about my intestines. Apparently I’ve been trying to suck in a hernia. When you discover that your body is falling apart at […]
What a Driving Test Taught Me about Parenting
One of the things you quickly learn when you move to a foreign country is that your identity does not move along with you. Credit history – none. ID cards – invalid. University degrees – where is that school again? But the biggest hassle of all is the driver’s license. Countries have very strange laws […]
5 Things I’ve Learned About Birthdays
Once you have children, it takes a ton of effort by others you to keep your birthday from becoming just another chance to worship at the high holy altar of “well damn, when did I get this old?” Most people have a hard time wrapping their minds around the fact that by giving birth to […]
A Table for Four in the Sun
When the sun shines down on the Oxfordshire countryside, one must simply rush out of the house to take advantage of it. For our family, these sunny days are usually celebrated by a picnic. We picnic amongst the playground equipment of our favorite local parks or we stretch out on the lawn of the Vaults […]
There’s No Nice Way to Ask a Woman If She’s Pregnant
The lovely dark-haired woman climbs slowly out of the swimming pool, trying in vain to detach the two kids from her arms and legs as they attempt to convince her to stay in and play a bit longer. As the water slides off her body and the sunlight shines on her face, she looks nowhere […]
The Twelve Step Guide to Surviving Lice, Worms and Other Parasites
Four little words that strike fear into the hearts of every mom: “Mommy, my _________ itches!” Congratulations, you are the newest contestant in the Parasite Rodeo. You and your partner have got at least 48 hours of a bucking bronco-style wild ride in front of you and there ain’t nothing to hold onto but each […]
What the heck is she saying?
Everyone talks about the upsides of raising multilingual children. Just ask me. I’ll tell you how they’ll be smarter and prettier and just plain better than all of their peers. It will be research this and studies have shown that and I’ll never let you get a word in edgewise. Do you know why? Because […]