Gretchen
Gretchen is originally from Virginia and currently lives in North Carolina where her husband is in the Army. She is the mother to two girls and a mental health counselor. She enjoys reading, writing, occasional slow running, trivia, dessert, and cheeseburgers.
Extended Breastfeeding, Part II: I Just Weaned My 3-Year-Old
This is part two of a series about extended breastfeeding. To read part one, click here.
Growing up, I had very little exposure to breastfeeding. My mother did not breastfeed and I recall seeing one family...
Exhausted + Burned Out: Finding My Break In The Work From Home Era
I know I'm not alone when I say I am overwhelmed. I am exhausted. I am burned out.
It started with working from home in March, which was sustainable because the Army wanted my husband working...
Voting: Your Right and Your Duty
Did you know that there is a very important election this November?
The 2020 United States elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020. All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives, 35...
We Just Want Our Normal Lives Back
Mothers everywhere are collectively screaming inside their hearts.
We are tired. We are anxious. We are uncertain. We are lonely while simultaneously craving an entire day without the presence of anyone else. And we see...
Go Green: Your Guide to a More Eco-Friendly and Wallet-Friendly Period
When you really think about it, menstrual products create a large amount of waste.
Tampons, pads, liners, menstrual discs, and soiled undergarments end up in landfills. If your period lasts 5 days, and you use 6 tampons...
Undiagnosed Day: Raising Awareness for Those Without Answers
"Does she have autism?" Oh, if I had a dollar for every time I've been asked that question.
My daughter is six years old and developmentally delayed.
She is completely nonverbal. She walks with an awkward gait,...
What Makes a Good Mom? It’s Simple – Love
You are a good mom.
Unfortunately, I don't think mothers are told that enough. Some people are lucky to have "words of affirmation are my love language" partners, friends, or family members. But not everyone does.
My...
Friday Favorites- Gretchen’s Necessities for Traveling with Small Children
Welcome to our newest series. In "Friday Favorites," our team will share a handful of favorite items. These can range from clothes to beauty products to recipes to books and anything in between.
We just...
My “In Case I Die” Binder: Important (and Neurotic) Info
I recently wrote a piece about my increased worry since becoming a mother. Along with this generalized worry came the fear of how my family would manage if I died. Somehow, a spreadsheet of...
Motherhood Has Changed Me … for Better and for Worse
Motherhood changes you.
And I'm not just talking about your boobs and pelvic floor. Motherhood has changed my mind and my heart; my body and my health. It has changed me for better and...
Life Lessons from My 6-Year-Old
My oldest daughter just turned 6 this weekend. She has taught me a lot about myself, about parenting, and about how to face the world in the last 6 years. Now I will share...
Unexpected Lessons I Learned at the Gym
I would say I am "mildly athletic." I played sports in high school, got out of shape in my twenties, and discovered distance running (and by distance, I mean I prefer 5Ks to half...