The first year of my son’s life, I had no idea that febrile seizures were even a thing. As a few of my friends’ kids had them, I learned a little more, but they seemed rare, and while I felt for my friends, I didn’t think we had cause to worry. 

<p>So, fast-forward to early September. My little H noticed some Halloween costumes in Target and asked what he would be for Halloween. I told him it was up to him. Shockingly (no, not at all shockingly), he asked if he could be an excavator. I told him I didn&#8217;t think I could make that, to which he replied &#8220;Why? You made a bulldozer. An excavator can&#8217;t be that much harder.&#8221; Touche, kiddo! I knew I could do it.</p>

As summer break winds down and we get ready to restart the school routine, I often wonder – what are teachers thinking about this time of year?

I came across a book called The Diaper-Free Baby. I had never heard of Elimination Communication before, but it made sense to me. I read parts of the book to my husband, who is notoriously skeptical of things that are “hippie-dippy,” and he said it seemed reasonable.

You can make your personal choices; I am there to support and guide you. Reach. Stretch yourself to your highest potential, so that one day, you might ‘shatter the ceiling’ that you could barely touch when you began.

My oldest child is nine and in fourth grade, so surely no one is talking about sex on the playground!?!  According to his response, no, they don’t talk about it *other* than this one time the girl said she hates that word.  In my head- “”  

<p>Today, 5 months pregnant and counting, I am beginning to get excited about the upcoming arrival of our little squish. I&#8217;m looking for the positives, enjoying the moments I have right now with my son while he is my only son, and dreaming of how awesome of a big brother he is going to be.</p>

I love fall – sweater weather, fires, chili, the leaves changing, what’s not to love? What a beautiful time to improve your children’s language skills while enjoying fall activities and creating memories.

There is so much to be grateful for if your kids are hot messes at the end of the day! It’s all about perspective, even when our patience as parents is wearing thin and we’re ready for the peace and quiet once their adorable, whiny heads hit the pillows.

If you are already in a rut packing lunches or are just looking for fresh ideas, here are some foods to send with your child!