Dear Evangeline, It was just about three years ago that the thoughts began to swirl around my head. It was about the same point in time that I became cognizant of my own clinical depression; lucky for daddy, I’d say, because without some self-awareness I’m sure things would not have ended pretty. You see, Evangeline, I still can’t pinpoint exactly… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, I have to admit something. It’s something that won’t come as a surprise to those that know me best, but you’re getting to know me pretty damn well these days so it’s about time I just say it. So many little girls grow up dreaming of their wedding day, and how many kids they’re going to have. But… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, When I was 16 years old, some old man told me, “live it up, kid. Because it’s all downhill from here.” And I have good reasons to believe he wasn’t alluding to the fact that I had no mortgage to pay, children to take care of, or taxes to tally. He was referring to the imminent downward spiral of my… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, There are a few attributes that largely define your mother’s identity (and I am sure you will come up with a few creative ones of your own). I am impatient. I have a big heart and a short fuse. I am Italian and Irish by heritage. And I am sick. But one thing I am not is powerless. I may not… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, There are a few things I hadn’t realized I bargained for when your father and I decided to try to create you. But if one lesson can be learned from all of this, it’s that biological clocks tick hard, but they don’t provide any insight into what the future really brings. All women of childbearing age: beware! Tossing… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, Today I took you on your first trip to the car wash. The weather was glorious for the first time in months, but when the door to the outdoors slammed behind us the look in your eyes glistened stronger than the sun. I let you press your nose against the gnarly glass as you watched the cars swoosh… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, Mommy took a vacation three weeks ago and, though I have been back on New York terra firma for a solid two weeks, I must have left my motivation back in New Orleans along with my Mardi Gras beads. I have, however, been meaning to write. When I started this blog, I wanted to use it as a means… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, I’m going to get right to the point here. I’m beginning to suspect that these self-proclaimed “baby and child-development experts” or “pediatricians” don’t know their asses from their elbows. At your most recent physical, your doctor suggested that toddlers “love routine” and you would learn to embrace a larger selection of foods if they were “offered regularly.” Every… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, You, my darling, are beginning to wrap your head around the idea that “mommy’s belly” is going to take a long time to heal. When I first came home from the hospital, you were sick with pneumonia, but that didn’t seem to bother you. You were so worried about me. The first time you saw me get off… Read more →
Dear Evangeline, Our new puppy, Ripley, wants to have some words with you. As the matriarch of the household, I feel it is my responsibility to speak for her. There are five things, specifically, that Ripley would like to address: 1. I’m having a bit of trouble understanding why you can tear apart my toys and eat MY food, but… Read more →