For several months, I slept down the hall. The bed was firmer, and more comfortable, and I could have a restful night’s sleep without R rolling around next to me.

This separate sleeping lasted about three months — and I was pregnant and needed space to … marinate. Many couples sleep that way regularly and they swear it’s better for their marriage.

The alone time allows them to catch up on sleep and focus on hobbies — reading, playing the guitar, watching TV — the other isn’t into, says one Oregon couple in a story on this morning’s GMA.

One marriage and family therapist estimates more than half — yup, more than 50 percent — of couples have separate sleeping quarters.

Right after C was born I was back in our room, and probably won’t leave again till life — again surgery, pregnancy, sickness — necessitates.

Having a baby changed so much, including how I view many people in my life. I have a greater appreciation, and understanding, for those close to me (and a certain profession).

Nurses: Specifically, Emily Ilowit at St. Peters’ labor and delivery unit. She was, in a word, amazing. As my sister (who was in the delivery room) said “whatever they pay doctors, nurses should make four times as much.”

She’s right. Continue reading →

I always hated when, as a kid, my mom would lick her thumb and wipe my face.

“Ew, that is so gross,” I’d cry, while swatting her hand away. “I’ll never do that to my kids.”

Unfortunately, it took all of a week for me to do just that, and plenty of other “nevers,” such as: Continue reading →