An Introduction

With the birth of my first child in February, 2006, I quickly learned that infancy and parenthood are not as neat and clean as they make it look on TV. Nobody warned me that the first weeks of infancy would be as difficult as it is and all anyone asked shortly after she was born was, "isn't it just wonderful?"

No, it's not wonderful. Sleep deprivation, lack of timely showers, and the inability to type an email with one hand all add up to a survival mode few new parents are prepared for.

My life changed significantly in those early weeks as I tried to keep a brave face when one dear friend (and mother of two at the time) called and declared, "it's a living hell, isn't it..."

A relief warmed over me as I realized in that moment that we all, on some level, feel the same way about the fourth trimester, as I've taken to calling it. That relief was immediately followed by a question: why don't people talk about this?

Thousands of books have been written about the joys of parenthood. The most successful ones will guide you through the steps of the first bath, breastfeeding, and diaper changing... but none of them tell you how insane it all is. None of them say it's okay to feel like your life has been turned on it's head, shaken, and dropped from a ten story building.

With the birth of my son in January, 2010, I decided to chronicle the mayhem of my life and share it with the world in the hopes of reaching just one new parent out there who, like I was four years ago, is combing the internet in a desperate search for a light at the end of the tunnel of infancy… or at the very least, proof that there is an end to the tunnel.

And so, to all of the parents out there struggling to get through the night time feedings, the arguments with their preschoolers about what to wear, and everything in between and beyond, I dedicate this site. I hope that by talking (or in this case, typing) out loud about the silly, the serious, and the downright maniacal experiences I have as a mother, I can bring a little laughter, a little reflection, and a little perspective of this crazy time in our young children's lives.

I invite you to join me in the absurdity of it all. Your comments, suggestions, and stories are welcome here. The more we share, the more we can laugh with and help each other - and ourselves.

For laughter, I have learned, is not only the key to survival, but the thrill of life.