Tag Archives: Parenting

What I Wish I Knew …

Three babies – I had a whole three babies who are now my big babies at ages 7, 11, and 14. Before I became a mom, I thought I knew a little somethin,’ somethin’ about raising kids. Turns out I was horribly wrong. There is so much I have learned over the last 14 years and so much I wish I knew before becoming a mama. Here’s 10 things I wish I knew before becoming a parent: #1 They are babies for, like, two seconds – literally. So, savor those moments. The new baby smell; soft, sweet cheeks; baby coos; […]

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Love’s Gaze

For my father, Alvin Ellis Your first gaze upon newborn me escapes the recesses of my memory But I know without question That your first gaze was one filled with love, adoration, devotion, hope, and joy Now as a grown woman with my own family, Your gaze upon me has never shifted, wandered, nor faltered It remains steadfast, sure, and constant It challenges, it propels, it nurtures, it envelops Like an impenetrable fortress your gaze is evidence of a father’s love A love that guides and protects no matter the distance Under the gaze of my father, I have grown […]

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Finding God’s Peace Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Zombie Apocalypse Minus the Zombies Neither my physician credentials nor mental health expertise have sufficiently quashed my apprehension and unease as the world faces COVID-19. This pandemic feels like the zombie apocalypse without the zombies. Numbers grow, panic ensues, resources are limited, and recommendations frequently change. Internally my heart races and my belly churns. I struggle to take the very advice I dole out to others because there is so much we still don’t know. Questions like When will this end? Will the entire country shut down? Fear swirls around in my mind, and doubt threatens my peace. I […]

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Love Lessons for Moms

February is for Love For me, the month of February represents all things love – love of God, love of self, love of family, love of a significant other, love of community, and love of people. Love makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Real love nurtures, sustains, covers, and creates space for vulnerability and faults. And, love is the currency of motherhood. Love Lessons for Mom Your identity exists beyond your role as mom – As mothers, many of us deem parenting our life’s greatest work and our children as our most significant contribution to the […]

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Yasss, Honey! Beyoncé Gets It, Too

Most women have been conditioned to ignore symptoms and just ‘tough it out’ and focus on taking care of everyone else before themselves. I am no longer one of those people. – Beyoncé Forever My Beyoncé If you know me well, then you know that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all things Beyoncé. For me she embodies femininity, strength, beauty, and authenticity. She is #blackgirlmagic and #girlboss housed in one fabulous female form. So imagine my delight when I began reading social media posts referencing her article in the January 2020 issue of Elle. Her commentary spoke to my soul, especially […]

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The Loneliness of Motherhood

Co-Parenting is Good … I’m a happily married woman and mom to three beautiful children, ages 5, 8, and 12. Well, the 12-year-old really isn’t so little anymore – insert sad face here; I digress. My husband and I have been married for 17 years and work very hard at raising our children. While he is not perfect (nor am I), he is truly a wonderful husband and father; he is present, active, and engaged. Many nights he cooks dinner. He will load and unload the dishwasher and washes and folds laundry. He takes our son to baseball practice. He […]

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