Today I came home to a letter from a collection agency for a balance we owe on our abortion. An abortion that happened 2 years ago next month.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
THIS IS US -- FROM A PREGNANCY LOSS SURVIVOR
The show This Is Us has become my weekly therapy session. I usually get cozy in bed with my big box of Kleenex, ready for whatever they're going to throw at me next. And for whatever reason, it always feels so good to cry alongside the characters. From the very first episode with the doctor's monologue about life handing us sour lemons, to Kate's body image issues and her strained mother-daughter relationship, this show is so emotional for me because it hits on so many relatable aspects of my life. And tonight, well, it hit the hardest.
Friday, November 10, 2017
NASHVILLE: SANCTUARY FOR ALL
I went to dinner with a friend the other night and we got to talking about what brought us to the Nashville area. My friend's story was the same story I've heard over and over again. It sounded just like mine.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
STAR WARS HALLOWEEN
I love Halloween. Always have. Since having kids, my love for Halloween has risen to a whole new level. What's better than reliving one of your fondest childhood memories through the lens of your own kids?
Saturday, October 21, 2017
ELEGANT BABY SPRINKLE
Babies are worth celebrating, whether it's your first, second or fifth. In the past, showers were typically meant to celebrate first-time moms, but baby "sprinkles" are a new trend that's emerged that ignores that tradition. Basically, a sprinkle is just a scaled-down version of a baby shower -- less people, less frills, and typically less or no gifts since many second time moms already have all the equipment they need. It's a great way to tastefully welcome a sweet new addition.
Friday, August 11, 2017
THE $100 GROCERY CHALLENGE
Monday, June 19, 2017
POST PARTUM BODY
Saturday, June 3, 2017
UNTITLED 66 PHOTOS
I was attempting to organize my millions of photos during my lunch hour on Friday and came across an untitled folder on my desktop. I opened it up and there they were...the maternity photos we took when I was pregnant with Grace. It was right there among my folders titled Faye's Maternity Pictures, Faye's Newborn Pictures and Joe's First Birthday.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
A MUCH LOVED BABY & AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE {GUEST POST}
Written By: Allyson
Friday, April 21, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
STEPPING AWAY FROM ADVOCACY
Yesterday, after spending another day of my maternity leave at Legislative plaza, I learned at 5pm that the committee decided to table SB 1180 for a day due to some amendment written by a Right to Life representative. A delay tactic, if you will, in an attempt to lose the opposition's steam. I returned to my car, paid yet again for the expensive city parking, then sat in traffic for an hour and a half battling downtown Nashville in the rain. I listened to my daughter cry hysterically in the back seat while I cried hysterically in the front. I was angry, sad, defeated and consumed with guilt.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
RE-TESTIFYING
On Tuesday I testified again for Tennessee's SB 1180. My first time testifying against this bill was with the House Health Subcommittee, and this time was with the full Health Committee. I felt really anxious going into this testimony because the last time I testified, Representative Hill dismissed me immediately after I shared my story stating that "for the record, this bill doesn't even apply to her."
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017
CONFRONTING TENNESSEE LEGISLATORS
On Wednesday, Faye and I participated in Planned Parenthood's Take The Hill event. The goal of the day was for Planned Parenthood advocates to meet one-on-one with state legislators to educate them on the importance of women's healthcare needs, and to oppose 3 new Tennessee bills that directly threaten a woman's right to safe and legal abortions. (I've included a brief summary of the 3 bills below for those who are interested. Tennessee friends -- please be sure to check them out!)
Sunday, February 19, 2017
FAYE'S NEWBORN PHOTOS
Sunday, February 12, 2017
PERSONAL REDEMPTION
Earlier this week I took Faye to her 2 week appointment. One of the first things checked during these appointments is the baby's weight, and if I remember correctly, the goal for the 2 week appointment is for your baby to be back up to birth weight. Faye was born 8lbs 11oz, and when we left the hospital 2 days later, she was down to 8lbs 3oz. I remember being panicked with Joe when he dropped in weight, but as a 2nd time mom, I expected it this go around.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
FAYE: HAVE FAITH, TRUST & BELIEVE
On January 23rd, my husband and I welcomed Faye Elizabeth into the world. She weighed 8 lbs 11 oz, measured 19 inches long and has a head full of black hair (which is shocking, because her blonde older brother was bald until he was almost 2 years old!) But more importantly, so far our sweet little girl is healthy. That still feels surreal to say.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
GRACE'S 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
I couldn't sleep last night. I just laid awake replaying the car ride to the hospital over and over in my head. I opened my computer and attempted to write but I had nothing to say. Today, one year ago, was just so fucked up. There's no other way to put it.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
GRIEF
A few days ago we had a new member join our Ending a Wanted Pregnancy support group. She was one day post-surgery and asked the group, "I haven't cried yet. Is something wrong with me?" Her question hit so close to home.