I accidentally skipped last month, I think? And I’m happy to be back with our monthly update because…these are fun! And it seems like you like them too which is the best! I’m going to share what happened in April, what’s coming in May, and things that have inspired me along the way! ← See what I did there?
I also want to take the opportunity to thank you for being here. Maybe it’s the hormones, maybe it’s because I recognize how valuable and finite your time and energy is, but it means a lot to me that you’re here. That you open this email, click the post, and read what I share. You don’t HAVE to, you CHOOSE to and that is not lost on me.
I’m also going to share more below about how my maternity leave is developing and what that means for you and me, here in your (in)box for the next chunk of time as I welcome and recover from bringing a new human to the world and our home. I’m honestly getting SO excited that I want to rush through the rest of this pregnancy (also I’m pretty uncomfortable) but also want to savor this time with the baby conveniently on the inside and Everett all to myself. The calm before the storm if you will.
Ok, so let’s get started with…what happened in April!
I turned 39! And I’m feeling fine! But really. I feel great and am excited for what’s to come this year and I honestly am VERY excited about the big 4-0 next year. This year (like many in the past) my birthday fell onPassover which I hosted for my family in our new house which also gave us a reason to get a dining room table! We have a dining room now! Thankfully Koshper for Passover desserts have come a LONG way since I was a kid!
Episodes about how the second time around (marriage & baby) are unique opportunities to assholeproof my life, a ridiculously healing conversation with Dana Black (fellow Skidmore Alumni and podcast host) about how you don’t have to BE a mother to NEED a mother (this is easily the most vulnerable episode I’ve ever published), what motherhood and astrophysics have in common, and how effing the shoulds and doing the wants is where it’s at with Your Joyologist Tricia Huffman.
If you want to know what’s cooking over on Myth of Motherhood, make sure to subscribe on your fave podcast platform so you never miss an episode! This also supports the show (and me) and you!
Taught at the incredible Montclair Baby here in New Jersey!
Had an incredible Maternity photo shoot with the magical Daryl Getman. If you need a photographer, I cannot recommend her enough. She does…all my photos. Engagement, wedding, maternity x2, newborn, family, branding, everything!!!
New article published with Robyn about Navigating Sex And Parenthood!
What’s coming in May:
Hopefully not much more than a new baby!
We do have friends visiting from LA which we are so excited about!!! And we are converting our fireplace to gas which will make this home extra cozy! Jeremy and I are both feeling the final push to get as many things done as possible before the baby comes because we know we will be a bit…brain dead for a while…
I mentioned last week that I’m beginning my maternity leave and how I am figuring out what that means for me. You may have noticed that I…stay busy. I create a lot of things in many ways all over the place and that’s…how I’ve always rolled! Literally in college you had to take 12 credits to be a full time student and no more than 18. I took 21-24 each semester. Yes, I had to audit classes instead of paying more tuition, but I did this consistently because I…have lots of energy and like to move and shake.
AND…I am slowing down right now! Which is not my norm and it feels weird and so good! Is this how other people live?! So I’m creating more space which means…drumroll please…
This monthly update will be how we meet moving forward. I’ll share a monthly recap, what’s coming the following month, and what’s inspired me along the way, lessons, intentions, jokes, songs, you know the drill. Once a month. This allows me to stay sane, protect and honor my energy, and focus on the work I need to be doing. Keeping a new human alive! And who knows! I may pop in to say hi at other times, but I’m trying to gift myself some of my beloved no plan plan for this…experience. I know you understand and maybe this even inspires you to embrace some no plan plan too!
If you like connecting more often, consider becoming a paid subscriber. I’ll be in touch more often over there with what’s going on, what’s inspiring and supporting me, and resources to help us know exactly where our vagina is pointing. Even when we are sleep deprived and covered in spit up. Or drool. Or who tf knows what else…
Sources of inspiration:
Wiser Than Me - Julia Lewis-Dreyfus/ incredible podcast! LISTEN TO ALL OF IT!
Glennon Doyle’s take on recovery being an invitation from the universe to level up.
Sara Petersen’s Momfluenced! Inside the maddening world of mommy influencer culture. And you can listen to her on Myth of Motherhood here.
Holy shit Jessamine Chan’s A School For Good Mothers rocked my effing world.
And a quote that I can’t stop thinking about…
“Complaining is just telling the truth” Fran Leibowitz on the podcast Wiser Than Me
As always, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your front. And I’ve got your undercarriage.
Xo, Alissa