So your pregnant, congratulations. Now how do you decide whether you will stay at home with baby or work for a income. I say work for an income because you will soon learn that motherhood is a job to itself.

 The decision to stay home without income or juggle work and a baby is a big decision. Factor in the need for income, your personality, goals as a parent, the personality of your baby and the expectation of others.

 Can I say it is ideal to stay at home, yes for some. But then again, I have been fortunate to be at home with my children, at home being payed to watch someone elses children, and able to work while someone else (briefly) watched my children. Each had its benefits, challenges and ultimately... I found what worked best, spliting the shifts mine evenings, my husbands days, childshifts always a parent at home.  I had the freedom to work, be independent, create income, and be at home. I did miss a few first, as did there father, but there are lots of first. We are

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Just finished the book Free Range Kids, by Lenore Skenazy. You may remember Ms. Skenazy as the mom dubbed "America's Worst Mom" after allowing her 9-year-old son to ride the New York subway alone. Well, she's defended her choice by asserting that when we deprive children of all independence and exploration opportunities, we're stunting their development and growth as people.  Remember, we're raising adults here, not children. Of course, there's a fine line between neglect and free-range parenting (as Ms. Skenazy calls it) that each parent must navigate based on their comfort level and their child's readiness for the next steps.

While I don't expect to put my daughter alone on a bus or train when she's nine (although we've got three years until then - who knows?), I'm taking baby steps toward granting my kids the independence they'll need to succeed. The other day I let my three-year-old walk a letter to the mailbox without my or her sister's company. The next, I put lunch on the table

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Ok, I am not going to lie, life is crazy right now!  Between everyone coming to see John, the lack of sleep, the mess..oh the house is a mess, engorgement, and worst of all the day we got home from the hospital Reaghan came down with a 103 degree fever!  We have to try to keep her germs away from the baby and still encourage her to bond with him.  Thankfully my awesome Grandma stocked our freezers with pre-made dinners that we just have to thaw and reheat...she made enough for a month! (GREAT idea for someone for a baby shower or something by the way, we have really appreciated it!)  The days FLY by...I don't know where the time goes!Now, besides all of that, we are so happy to have our little boy!  I am head over heels in love with this little guy, I dont even mind the middle of the night feedings and changings  because we get to enjoy a peaceful house and just nurse and snuggle.  The girls have really been great with him and all the changes that come with having a new baby in the

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