Super Mammy Diaries

I am a hands-on mom. It may not be considered a defining characteristic but it's something that has been incredibly important for me to maintain as I think about the kind of parent I want to be. I didn't have help with my son when I lived in the US (other than my amazing mom) and in spite of living in india I've chosen not to keep designated domestic help for my daughter - atleast until I go back to work. Yes, people think  I'm crazy to do that when I have other options and no, I'm not looking for parenting accolades either - it's just important for me to give as much of myself as I can to my kids at this age because frankly - they are not going to be that tiny for long. It's just as important if not more to have my kids love each other.  Sure, they will fight once in a while, but overall I need the theme to be love  - my brother and I would torture each other at times but  we couldn't be closer as adults. Ok fine, I don't fully accept that he's ...

Before there was an us, or a we, there was just Coco and me. I fell in love with my puppy before I knew my husband existed, or that I would have a beautiful baby boy just after Coco turns 5 years old. He has been the center of half a decade and has brought immeasurable amounts of unconditional love into my life. I am a better person for it and he will always be my first child. Coco, me and NYC. Summer 2009. I know I am not the only one has loved and raised a pet with as much love as their own child. I definitely met people who told me that I wouldn't love my "dog" as much when I had a baby (or who almost got slapped by me for telling me I should give him away before the baby comes), but I knew that would never be the case and it isn't. I am even more protective of him now to make sure that he's well integrated and does not feel left out. Below are the steps I took to make sure that Coco remained comfortable, did not feel any sibling rivalry and did not feel left o...