I Held My Ground

March 27, 2018Kids/Teachingchildhood, children, kids, morals, parenting, teaching, tutoringEmily

I wish I could blame this on pregnancy hormones, but no. This shit drives me nuts.

Fair

March 26, 2018pregnancybabies, baby names, children, marriage, pregnancy, relationshipsEmily

Discussing baby names…

Eric: “How about [name]? Or [other name]?”

Me: “No. And no. You don’t like [name I suggested weeks ago]? I’m really growing attached to it.”

Eric: “No, I do like it. I don’t know if I’m sold on it.”

Me: “But you aren’t sold on anything.”

Eric: “I know.”

Me: “Ok, so then that’s her name. I’m sold and you like it enough.”

Eric: “That’s it? That’s how it works?”

Me: “Yes.”

Eric: “That doesn’t seem fair.”

Me: (looking down at my bulging uterus, dry, stretched skin, weird-looking belly button and painful, sore boobs as he sits there not sharing organ space with a tiny human)

So yeah that’s her name.

I Still Think It Was Me

March 25, 2018Kids, Kids/TeachingADD, ADHD, children, kids, ritalin, teaching, tutoringEmily

Working with a kid who never pays attention to anything I say, ever.

Me: “I noticed you are extremely focused today. I love it!”

Kid: “Yeah well I realized that you are really smart and have a lot to teach me, and I should really listen to you because you’re a great teacher.”

Me: “Really? So all this focus is because of ME? You just woke up and suddenly realized I’m great?!”

Kid: “Yeah. Is that so crazy? I’m going to listen from now on, because you helped me see that’s important.”

Me (tearing up): “Wow, I just never knew I could have that kind of influence on you. It just goes to show that having one positive role model can really change–

Kid: “Oh and I started taking Ritalin. So maybe that’s also it.”

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Liberal Parenting

March 25, 2018pregnancybabies, baby, fatherhood, liberal, motherhood, parenting, pregnancyEmily

Me: “18 weeks today! Our baby is the size of a bell pepper, and now has a fully formed uterus and fallopian tubes.”

Eric: “Yeah, if she’s still a girl.”

Me: “What does that even mean?”

Eric: “Well, you know. Everything’s a choice these days.”

Great Lermans Think Alike

March 24, 2018Family, Uncategorizedfamily, family dynamics, sibling dynamics, siblingsEmily

(loosely related to A Tired, Dehydrated People )

The sisters Lerman know how to spend a bright, sunny Saturday.

A Simple “Read This Book” Will Suffice

March 20, 2018Familyeducation, family, family dynamics, higher education, politicsEmily

This is what happens when a PhD student gives you a book recommendation. It comes with a lecture.

Ebola Mom, Part 79

March 14, 2018Kids/Teaching, pregnancybabies, children, ebola mom, etiquette, kids, parenthood, parenting, parents, pregnancy, social skills, tutoring, upper east side, upper east side parentsEmily

(Part of the Ebola Mom series )

On Monday I sent an email to all my clients letting them know I am pregnant, and giving them a heads up about my planned maternity leave in the fall. Every single one of them responded with congratulations and well-wishes, except for Ebola Mom, who did not respond at all.

And just now I received this:

I Shouldn’t Have Led With the Word “Exciting”

March 13, 2018pregnancychildren, kids, motherhood, parenthood, pregnancy, teacher problems, teachers, teaching, tutoringEmily

Yesterday I sent an email to my clients letting them know I am pregnant so that they can plan for my time off accordingly. One Mom responded, “That’s fantastic news! Please share with [kid] at her session today, she will be SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!”

Me: “So…your mom wanted me to share some exciting news with you…”

Kid: ms-3icPaY