Category: expectations
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Never Alone
There’s something about this time of year. School’s out, summer’s on, and transitions are underway. In our home, a kindergartener is now a first grader. And we have two rising seniors, one in high school and one in college. Friends have kiddos heading to sleepaway camps, where kids are learning to be a bit more…
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Knowing
Years ago, I worked for a large school district. Whenever we hit red tape and roadblocks, my mentor Carol would smile at me and ask, “Can you live with ambiguity?” And each time I’d reply with a grimace and mutter, “Nope.” I’m one of those recovering perfectionists whose comfort zone is clarity. Understanding who, what,…
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Both/And
Since losing my dad a few weeks ago, I’ve been living in the Land of Both/And. It’s where two diametrically opposed feelings co-exist. Both gratitude and disappointment, both acceptance and sadness, both peace and grief. I’m feeling it all. Dad was blessed with 92 amazing years. His heart and mind were as beautiful as his…
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A Kind of Kindness
Writing again feels so good. I’ve been navigating a swept-away season since the birth of our LO 3 years ago. Stretch-and-grow moments have been plentiful since then. Time for capturing those moments here? Not so much. But, seasons change and mine is evolving again. So, onward we go. And, I’ll start with a lesson that…
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Endings & Beginnings
It’s hard to believe that we’re quickly nearing the end of this very special pregnancy. I think back to last fall, when my eyes kept adjusting to the pink lines on the home pregnancy tests (I took 2, remember?). In shock, all I could think was, are you kidding?!? I have more than enough “life”…
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At This Moment
“Are you getting ready for the baby?” (Pause) “Uhhh . . . no.” My response to this popular, well-meaning question has likely surprised some folks. So, let’s be clear: We are over-the-moon happy and excited for Baby Dancy’s arrival this spring. And we’re equally grateful for a healthy pregnancy and growing baby in my tummy.…
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The 4th Reaction
Ever since sharing our surprise pregnancy at age 47, my hubby and I have received quite an assortment of reactions. He has his own stories of responses from guys (let’s just say they involve a lot of high-fives). For me, reactions from women have varied but ultimately fall into 1 of 4 categories: 1. “Wow.…
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Expecting the Unexpected
My hubby and I are ardent planners. Over the last 19 years, we’ve come to value having a roadmap for our journey together. Buying a one-story home we can easily maneuver later in our golden years? Yep. Having two kids, 3 years apart so “they could play together?” Uh-huh. Career moves that let us balance…
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Road Bumps
So, the other day, I messed up. Hubby was out of town overnight, so I was parent-on-point. I looked at the calendar. Only one Saturday morning activity? No problem, I thought. I got this. Well, it turns out that I didn’t “got this.” Our son was scheduled to play his first game with a new…
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Bees & Buttons
I’ve always been industrious, busy as a bee. As a kid, I could keep myself occupied for hours by creating art using typing paper, tape and crayons. As a teen, I stayed busy with homework, school clubs, music, and church. And none of that changed as a young adult. Yet, I’m not a high-energy person.…
