web analytics

Does having a Baby hurt your marriage?

16 Jan By 20 Comments

My husband and I met in 6th grade.  He said that he liked my new pencil case , I told him to “Shut-up.”  Well, at least that is what he says happened, I (thankfully) have no recollection of that conversation.  We started “dating” in 8th grade which quickly ended with us rolling each others homes and making several crank calls.  Hey, it was 8th grade.  We became friends again in 10th grade and tried dating again junior year of high school…..and we have been together since!

cubebridgette

Our engagement photo

We were married in April of 2000 after almost 10 years of dating (finally!).  My point, and I do have one, is that we knew each other VERY well before we were married.  We had discussed how we would handle finances and eventually a family.  We were on the same page on every single topic.  In 2003, we decided to adopt a puppy as our “training” to be parents.  After one year of puppy parenthood (and 4 years of marriage), we decided we were ready to be real human parents!

Lily Catherine was born on January 31, 2005 and suddenly we were thrown into a world that no amount of “puppy-training” could have prepared us for.  Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE being parents (so much that we had a second child last year), but you have to admit, your marriage changes once a baby comes into the picture.

6mos

I was shocked (and somewhat comforted) to learn in a recent study that 90% of couples admit that their relationship with their significant other was worse after having their first baby!  Despite the fact that my husband and I could finish each other’s sentences, we still ran across parenting issues that we had not thought to discuss.  I am in no way stating that my marriage is in jeopardy, but we have definitely had to take communication advice from a variety of places.

I have found that a great resource for relationship communication for both expecting couples and new parents.  Expecting Words is a blog that tackles challenging pregnancy topics and provides useful information for expecting couples on how to communicate through the decision making process of a relationship.  It “will cover everything from  ‘how to complain with impact when you’re not getting the support you need’ to ‘how to explain your baby blues’.”  I have also found some great articles providing couples activities that will help open the lines of communication.

My husband and I will make it….no doubt about it.  We are both committed to our marriage and communication has always been one of our strong suits.  Having our daughters has definitely changed our lives.  We relish the good times and overcome the bad.  All in all, I wouldn’t change a thing!

Has having a baby changed your marriage at all?

~Bridgette

this article is a flashback from MomDot 2009/Guest Writer

Filed Under: Guest Writers Tagged With: , , , ,

Small Talk Six: T-Shirts I’ve Read and Loved

9 Jul By 15 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 t-shirts you’ve read and loved.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Ack!  This week really calls for pictures, but I know some of you are already looking for this post as I type this on Friday night.


Here are my six for this week:

1)  ”Come to the Dark Side . . . We Have Cookies” (Star Wars reference, Kids Shirt)

2)  ”If you can read this, then you’re invading my personal space.” (In a tiny font)

3)  ”Pee All That You Can Pee” (Army slogan reference.  This was an infant t-shirt, but I think it would make a great shirt for dogs.)

4)  ”Recently Evicted” (Newborn onesie)

5)  ”I survived The Big Dig” (Click on the link if you don’t know what that is.)

6)  ”Real nerds don’t write html.  They code a script to do it for them.”

~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on Mr. Linky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Small Talk Six: Things That Are Red, White, or Blue

3 Jul By 7 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 of your favorite things that are red, white, or blue.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

I think photos are really called for this week, but since I am running late, I will have to do without any images.  I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July weekend!!  :)


Here are my six for this week:

1)  Ice cold can of Pepsi!  (red, white, AND blue)

2)  An old comfortable pair of jeans (blue)

3)  A blanket of freshly fallen snow (white)

4)  My Tignanello Touchables Large Tote in “Glam Red” (red)

5)  Andy Capp’s Hot Fries (the bag is blue and the fries are orangy-red)

6)  My blog! (red, off-white, and blue)  :)

~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on Mr. Linky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Small Talk Six: What? Spoiled? My Children?!!

25 Jun By 6 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 ways you indulge or spoil your children.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Well, this is a really broad topic, isn’t it?  Let me see if I can narrow it down to just six.


Here are my six for this week:

1)  We reward them for finishing their lunch and dinner with a snack that sometimes is not so healthy.

2)  75% of the time, when we visit a retailer that sells toys, we will leave with something small (a $2 or $3 toy) for each child.

3)  I review a ton of cool toys, so they get new toys too often . . . faster than I can donate the ones they no longer use.

4)  Sometimes our children do not go to sleep right away and we can hear them carrying on.  We sometimes just let them continue in the hopes that they’ll tire themselves out.

5)  Sometimes we cook or order separate dinners for them because they are such picky eaters, rather than forcing them to eat what is available and learning to be grateful that they have food to eat.

6)  We allow them to watch too much television on some days because it is the only way we can have a few moments of peace and quiet.

~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on McLinky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Small Talk Six: What My Dad and I Have in Common

18 Jun By 10 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 things you and your Dad both enjoy.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

This week’s topic makes me think that my Dad and I do not spend enough time together.  My list is mostly based on what I know about him, but these are not necessarily things that we do together.

Here are my six for this week:

1)  Martial arts films

2)  BBQ potato chips

3)  Staying up late

4)  An excellent meal

5)  Dogs and puppies

6)  Seeing his grandchildren smile

~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on McLinky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , ,

Small Talk Six: Six Signs of Stress

11 Jun By 12 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 sure signs that you are stressed out.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Hmmm . . . should I go the serious route or the humorous route on this one.  That is indeed the question.


Here are my six for this week:

1)  Your sweet little angels start to sprout horns and tails.

2)  You suddenly have the overwhelming urge to drop the mound of dirty dishes sitting in the sink onto your husband’s head while he is napping on the sofa.

3)  Someone is tightening the vice around the top of your head without your permission.

4)  Your hair starts to shed more than the family pet’s.

5)  You are starting to wonder if someone replaced your bottled water with hydrochloric acid because your stomach sure is burning.

6)  Your husband starts looking at the calendar, wondering if PMS is suppose to last two weeks.

~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on McLinky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Small Talk Six: Refreshing Summertime Beverages

4 Jun By 5 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 of your favorite cold beverages.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Since it is hot and humid in my neck of the woods today, this topic was an easy one for me.  I can imagine myself drinking any number of these cold drinks right now.


Here are my six for this week:

1)  Pepsi

2)  Vanilla Milk Shake

3)  Orange Julius

4)  Pink Lemonade

5)  Aquafina FlavorSplash or Fruit2O

6)  Strawberry Daiquiri

~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on McLinky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , ,

Small Talk Six: 6 Favorite Flowers

28 May By 13 Comments

smalltalksix-298x300Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “6 of your favorite flowers.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Okay, I have allergies, so my list will consist of which flowers I think are the most beautiful because I rarely smell flowers voluntarily.  :P

Here are my six for this week:

1)   Pink Lilies

2)   Brightly Colored Tulips

3)   White Orchids

4)   Blue Irises

5)   Orange Daisies

6)   Roses in All Colors


~Karen

Now go post your own list on your blog (don’t forget to grab a button) and then leave the direct link to your post on McLinky. Then go check out everyone else’s Small Talk Six lists and leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. If for some reason Mr. Linky isn’t there, just leave your links within a comment.

Filed Under: Memes Tagged With: , , , , ,