For the past nine months, I’ve been drawn to pregnancy literature of all sorts — books, newsletters, birthing class handouts, and more. Sometimes it feels like information overload, but in general, I would rather have more information than not enough. I’ve bought a lot of pregnancy and childbirth books in hopes of learning more about Madelyn’s development in the wombContinue reading “Books I’ve enjoyed reading during my pregnancy”
Author Archives: Mallary Tenore Tarpley
How the last few weeks of pregnancy are teaching me to embrace unpredictability
I’ve found the last few weeks of my pregnancy to be the hardest. Physically, I’m feeling pretty good. I have some aches and pains, and sleep is getting harder to come by, but I still have energy to go on walks every afternoon and work full days. I’ve found it really difficult, though, to come to termsContinue reading “How the last few weeks of pregnancy are teaching me to embrace unpredictability”
A note to my sweet daughter
My dear Madelyn, Your due date is quickly approaching, and Mom and Dad can’t wait to meet you. For nine months, you’ve rested under and in my heart. You’ve been my source of inner strength, my motivator for eating healthy and treating my body with respect. I find myself rubbing my belly all the time; itContinue reading “A note to my sweet daughter”
A sneak peek at Madelyn’s nursery
The last month has been filled with preparation for Baby Madelyn. Troy and I have been visiting pediatricians’ offices, interviewing nannies, and taking childbirth classes. (I have one more eight-hour birthing class to go this weekend!) Of all the prep work we’ve done, decorating the nursery together has been the most fun. I picked out everything forContinue reading “A sneak peek at Madelyn’s nursery”
Learning to develop the ’empathy reflex’ as a parent
When you’re pregnant, your brain plays tricks on you. I’ve had my fair share of “pregnancy brain” moments and have been curious as to why pregnancy causes women to be more forgetful and absentminded than usual. The related research I’ve read has helped me realize that pregnancy brain is a real (and normal) symptom. It has also taught me the importanceContinue reading “Learning to develop the ’empathy reflex’ as a parent”
Taking a break from running during pregnancy
Earlier this year I ran my first marathon. Now I probably couldn’t even run a mile. It’s been seven months since I last ran – the longest stretch I’ve gone without running in 15 years. Running has always been an integral part of my adult life. It’s been my outlet for stress, my connection toContinue reading “Taking a break from running during pregnancy”
In the wake of tragedy, the hardest question to answer is ‘Why?’
As a child, I was always in search of answers. I was curious about the world around me and my favorite word was probably “why.” Aware of my inquisitive nature, my mom bought me a series of books titled “Tell Me Why: Answers to Hundreds of Questions Children Ask.” I recently flipped through the books, whichContinue reading “In the wake of tragedy, the hardest question to answer is ‘Why?’”
Three months to go before Baby Madelyn arrives
Today marks the beginning of week 27, also known as the start of the third trimester! (Some measure the start of the third trimester at week 28, but I’m sticking with week 27.) With each passing week, I feel more confident about Baby Madelyn’s health. She is at the age of viability, meaning survival outside the wombContinue reading “Three months to go before Baby Madelyn arrives”
10 things I’ve learned during my pregnancy
Pregnancy has taught me a lot — about my body, self-care, and the early stages of mother-daughter bonds. I could easily think of 50+ pregnancy lessons, but I’ve narrowed it down to a Top 10 list… 1. The human body is pretty remarkable. Pregnancy is so common, and yet it seems so miraculous. I’ve become increasingly fascinated by theContinue reading “10 things I’ve learned during my pregnancy”
Highlights from Madelyn’s first baby shower
Gratitude. That’s the one word that keeps coming to mind as I think about the baby shower my mother-in-law threw for me and Troy in Texas last weekend. Everyone showered us with gifts, well wishes, and encouragement. With each gift we opened, I got excited for Madelyn and thought about how lucky she will be —Continue reading “Highlights from Madelyn’s first baby shower”
Essays on motherhood 