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About This Blog

Welcome to my blog. I'm Anne-Marie Nichols, a 40-something WAHM to Nathan, 6, and Lucie, 3. I've been married 12 years to their dad Paul, a scientist. When I'm not doing the mommy thing, I'm a freelance writer, and vice president of the board of directors for a Colorado public charter school. In my spare time I like to sleep, eat, read, and decorate cakes.

I created this online journal to share some entertaining and insightful stories from my own experiences as a writer, domestic engineer, and mom. I encourage you to share this blog with your friends, and hopefully it will spark some lively discussions on issues we can all relate to. Enjoy!

Today's Recipe

Banana Sour Cream Waffles
Servings: 6-8 waffles
Prep and cook time: 20 minutes

These waffles are light in texture but intense in flavor. Serve maple syrup as a wonderful complement to the fruit.

Read the recipe >

Jun 19 2009

Have you seen our brains anywhere?

Category: Just Me


Lucie and I were driving back to the house one afternoon after running errands. She was singing her ABCs, "A-B-C-D-E-F-G and now I know my ABCs." Knowing that she wasn't getting it right, Lucie started getting frustrated.

"A-B-C-D, now I know my ABCs. Oh ,that's not right! Mooooom, I think I lost my brain!!"

I started laughing, struggling to keep the car on the road. Convinced that my brain matter was expelled along with the placenta after Nathan and Lucie's births, I replied, "Honey, join the club. I lost my brains a long time ago."

 

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Jun 18 2009

My daughter, the doctor

Category: At Home


Paul and I are convinced that Lucie's going to be a doctor. Even before she turned three, she loved to play with the doctor's kit Santa gave her last Christmas. When Nana was here, they watched a veterinary show on Animal Planet. For several days, all Lucie could talk about was being an "animal rescue doctor" so she could help dogs when they "had blood" (Lucie's term for being injured).

She's fascinated with boo-boos and being sick. Also, she's constantly decorating her body with band-aids and slathering ointment on her "scratchies" (patches of eczema on her legs, tummy and arms).

The other afternoon, Lucie walked into the kitchen wearing the glasses from her doctor's kit and holding a play stethoscope. She greeted me by saying, "Hi, I'm Dr. Sushi. How are you today?"

Gosh, a real live house call. Hope my insurance covers it.

 

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Jun 17 2009

Why I'm not a minivan type of gal

Category: Just Me


When I drop Nathan off in the mornings, I notice that I'm one of the few parents driving a sedan. I look at the long line of vehicles in the school parking lot, and question why many parents think a minivan is as indispensable as a stroller or crib.

Since I can barely fit Lucie's car seat and a couple of booster seats for Nathan and a buddy in my '91 Honda Accord, I do understand the need for a minivan when you have a big family. But what about families with one or two kids? Maybe it's got something to do with acting like a mom.

Some women embrace the whole "I'm a mommy now" thing. They start quoting Dr. Sears and play kiddie music in the car. They give away their dry clean only clothes and start wearing sweaters with teddy bear motifs. They get practical mommy haircuts and start driving minivans.

Well forget that, I want to be a rebel mama! I want to wear vintage cowboy shirts, and pink Chuck Taylor sneakers. I want to listen to the Ramones, not Radio Disney. I want a funky, multi-colored haircut and nerdy glasses. And I want to drive a cool car!

OK, ok -- I know that a '91 Honda Accord is not cool. In fact, it's kind of a beater. But it's trustworthy and I don't freak out when the kids spill food or puke in the back seat. But, hey, at least it's not...

 

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