Melanie McGehee
Melanie McGehee never knew she wanted to be a mom. Even marriage caught her somewhat by surprise, in spite of the fact that she met husband Andy through a matchmaking service. She thanked eharmony by writing about that experience for an anthology, A Cup of Comfort for Women in Love. Almost two years to the day after marrying him, she stared at two pink lines and wondered aloud, “Is this okay?” His response, “Kind of late to be asking that now.” It was a bit late – in life. But at the advanced maternal age of 35, she delivered by surprise at 35 weeks and an emergency C-section, a healthy baby boy. Ian, like Melanie, is an only child. She’s written much about him during her years with the blog, but he’s now a teenager. Please, don’t do the math. It’s true. Momming in middle age is the best!
15,000 Diapers and Counting
15,000 diapers.
That's how many diapers one mom told me she had changed in her lifetime. 15,000!
I polled a few friends and this estimate was certainly the funniest, especially since she added "this is gross."...
Show and Tell Ideas from A to Z {+ Creative Hints}
When Show and Tell was first created, it was traditionally used in elementary grades to teach children the art of public speaking. The child held the object and told its story or, at the...
A Cheater’s Guide to Meal Planning
The best thing that ever happened to my meal planning was THEMED NIGHTS. What's evolved is the answer to the grocery list. I can quick shop without one - and have food to eat...
The Power of a Pen Pal Project
It was recently Universal Letter Writing week, which had me wondering:
Does anyone still take actual pen to paper?
So I did what any tech dependent would, I posted my question on Facebook:
Anyone out there have a...
Why Thank You Cards Make All the Difference
Dear Child of Mine,
I need to let you in on a little secret.
Folks who send thank you cards tend to receive more presents.
How do I know? I watched and listened when I was your...
Local Mother-Daughter Cancer Survivors Bring “Waves of Hope”
Seven-year-old Edie Gilger greeted me with a smile and a confident handshake when we met. Her poise was befitting of our interview setting, the Sims-Stackhouse Mansion in downtown Columbia, SC. And as her family...
The Boy Who Hated Make Believe
I make that sympathetic face when you tell me that your child discovered the great truth this Christmas.
But, inside, I'm really not feeling it.
You had your fun for much longer than I did. And...
An Easier Way to Have “The Talk” With Your Daughter
A lot of my friends are talking about the book, The Care and Keeping of You by Valorie Schaefer.
Now I don't always jump on the bandwagon of book club popularity, but even as an...
5 Things I Love About Living in West Columbia
I'm a glutton for research. So when my husband got the job out near the Congaree Swamp and that agent started driving me around the Midlands, I freaked out at the number of options....
5 Ways to Celebrate Columbus Day with Kids
My mom was a banker. Odd federal holidays were unexpected three-day weekend treats and I enjoyed them.
Chances are good that you're not getting a three-day weekend this October, though. Some states don't even continue...
When I Threw Pinterest and “Homemade” Out the Window
There's too much chatter about food these days.
Just last week I met another mom at a coffee shop. I'd been scribbling on a pad of paper before she showed up and she asked what...
The October Dress Project
My invitation came via social media.
An out of town friend posted this article and I was intrigued. Intrigued, as in, this sounds cool, I'll share it on my facebook page.
Almost immediately that notification ding...
Why I Said No to the Tickle Monster
He showed up at our house within a few months after our son was born.
The Tickle Monster.
This unknown persona would suddenly overtake my husband and I'd become third wheel as the two of them, father...
Passing on the School Bus … Again
I still remember riding the school bus. It was a rite of passage. I'd just graduated from the afterschool daycare that was within walking distance from Z. L. Madden Elementary ... basically across the...