Ages + Stages

The long rains and short days have set in, and I’ve settled in for winter hibernation. Well, I guess it’s not exactly hibernation, but I’m definitely spending more time inside than I do doing the warmer, drier months here...

I’m in the midst of back-to-school planning, logistically and mentally. Buying school supplies, planning lunches, making sure everyone has clothes and shoes that fit, and strategizing schedules. If you’re like me, you’ve already begun thinking about how to make...

To the On-Call Advice Nurse, I need to say some things to you. Most importantly, THANK YOU. Thank you for calling me back much faster than the answering service said you would. Thank you for listening to my ten-minute ramble about what...

It’s that time of year--the season when parents all over the Portland area are eagerly visiting preschools, adding their names to waiting lists and hoping beyond hope that their child gets into the best nursery school this coming fall....

I miss summer vacation already! I miss the control I have over who I see and what I do, and I miss filling my days with family activities and carving out special time for the important people in my...

It may seem early to start thinking about back to school shopping, but a little planning now can have you sailing through summer without rushing around shopping for school supplies just as you’ve finally settled into summer mode. Our partners...

Since becoming a mom I stopped caring whether or not my socks match. Frankly, I haven't the time nor patience after doing everyone else's laundry! Isn't that typical? We are used to putting our tiny humans' needs before our...

“It’s Time to Go!” Oh geez. We only have ten minutes. “Son, come on! Put that toy down and get your shoes on!” Ok, I have my phone, wallet, keys, diaper bag…..oh! The snacks! “Son, what are you doing?! Put your shoes on!” Ok,...

Growing up, young people from all over the world lived in our house at different times. Some stayed a few months, some up to a year. I formed not just friendships, but also a genuine curiosity about the world...

Before I had my first child, I was blissfully naive about, well, a lot of things. Many moms-to-be have an overly romanticized version of motherhood BEFORE having their first child. No one thinks it will be easy, but new...