Category Archives: Beyond Childbirth

I’ve been working on an article introducing teens to Feng Shui. As a longtime follower, I know a lot about the ancient Chinese art. Yet, in doing research for the article, I am reminded that my latest household arrangements have not consciously incorporated feng shui practices. In fact, as I cast an eye around the place, I am confronted with a number of feng shui faux pas: Sofie’s messy bedroom is probably contributing to her recent bout of sleep problems; the sharp corner of my dresser is a poison arrow shooting me in my sleep; creaky door hinges are likely keeping money away and — OMG! What’s that plant doing in my heath corner? It has prickly leaves, for crying out loud! I didn’t pay attention when I received the plant; I am really off my game. My problem now is that the feng shui-focused part of me is butting … Continue reading →

It seems my daughter may trade in her ballet shoes for a yoga mat, which has taken me by pleasant surprise. When we registered Sofie for ballet lessons in September, it was the culmination of fourteen months of a growing interest in ballet. “Mommy, I want to be a ballerina for Halloween.” “Mommy, can I watch Angelina Ballerina again?“ “Mom, I want to learn ballet.” And, always while I am in the middle of making dinner, “Mom, watch me do an arabesque!” So we signed her up. She adored the leotards and shimmery skirts, the pale pink shoes, the dance accessories. She found a friend to attend class with her. And when she stepped cautiously across the threshold, the instructor firmly shut the door. I was left to squint through dusty blinds that covered the studio’s single window, hoping for a glimpse of my daughter. The claustrophobic waiting area smelled … Continue reading →

There’s news in the DeForbes household: Sofie has officially proclaimed herself a Big Girl. After several weeks of focused potty learning, Sofie, Mike and I are celebrating this milestone. Not just for developmental reasons but for the eco ones too: I never have to buy disposable diapers again. Okay, she’s still wearing a pull-up at night, but I have immediate plans to buy a few pairs of waterproof underwear so that I never have to buy disposable diapers again. Yay! That’s less plastic pull-ups in the landfill! The whole potty learning process went quite smoothly. Sofie was an eager pupil who moved at her own pace with lots of encouragement from me, Daddy, her teachers and Elmo. She just loves her potty (wherever the location), but mostly she loves being a Big Girl. She enjoys peeing at the same time I do, reading while on her potty, and she takes … Continue reading →