Toes in the Pacific Ocean, off the Oregon coast. Early November. Icy cold water. Clear skies. Bright sun. “Tomorrow morning we’ll engage in some time of silence and solitude,” explained a mama friend who graciously had coordinated this much-needed weekend away. I’ll probably spend that time making the November and December calendar for the kids, meal planning, and, and compiling…

My son Nico greeted this bright, wonderous world December 12, 2016. A whopping 9 lbs. 12 oz., this little moose brought with him the *loudest* screams I have ever heard. In my whole life. Ever. Simply put, Nico has some pipes. Sure, he fussed just like any baby. But other times this sweet, highly anticipated love-sponge would issue the sorts…

UA Flight 581 to Portland is delayed and now will depart at 8:30 from Gate C27. *Insert 9 million eye rolls.*  The notice on the reader board was the latest in a series of unpleasant travel updates on my trip to Portland. Those of you who travel with any degree of frequency know exactly this moment in your itinerary. As…