Family

So I’m now a year into this whole balancing motherhood-working-illness thing. I originally planned to write this post, the first in a two-part series, three weeks ago, and yet here I am. There’s a lesson there for anyone tempted enough to write about balance:

It doesn’t really exist.

Posted: 11/1/2011 in Family  |  Also posted in: Coping

Ann Curtis and her husband knew they wanted kids, despite the risks associated with her high blood pressure. This week, read about the final piece of her pregnancy journey: the aftermath of delivery. This part's pretty rough, but we promised to give it to you straight—we think you'll see it was worth the ride for Ann. If you're a Babe who's considering pregnancy, we hope you enjoy this series on pregnancy and chronic illness—and please let us know if you'd like to tell us your story, too.

Posted: 6/8/2007 in Family

Ann Curtis and her husband knew they wanted kids, despite the risks associated with her high blood pressure. This week, read about her harrowing third trimester and delivery, and next week, she'll tell us how she and her daughter are doing now. If you're a Babe who's considering pregnancy, we hope you enjoy this series on pregnancy and chronic illness—and please let us know if you'd like to tell us your story, too.

Posted: 5/31/2007 in Family

Ann Curtis and her husband knew they wanted kids, despite the risks associated with her high blood pressure. This week, read about the early days of Ann's pregnancy journey; in weeks two and three, she'll tell us how her delivery went, and how she and baby are doing now. If you're a Babe who's considering pregnancy, we hope you enjoy this series on pregnancy and chronic illness—and please let us know if you'd like to tell us your story, too.

Posted: 5/17/2007 in Family

The canceled plans, dirty kitchens and general grumpiness that go along with having headaches, whether episodic or chronic, puts strain on even the best of relationships. With all my experience, you'd think I'd have some suggestions for dealing with this, but my brilliant strategy is to feel guilty. Not too productive, I know. But my friends and family accept me for what I can give now - which may be different than I gave three years ago or will give two months from now. That's the beauty of love.

Posted: 1/26/2007 in Family  |  Also posted in: Relationships

It's amazing what a little conversation can do. One day a few years ago I learned that I wasn't the only person in the family to have fibrocystic breasts. "Wouldn't that have been a nice thing to tell me a few years ago?"I asked my mom. This was after I had undergone a panic-attack inducing ultrasound after finding a large, rope-like lumpy area in my left breast -- only to have the test turn up nothing.

Posted: 7/7/2005 in Family  |  Also posted in: Crafty

People often tell me that I don’t "look" like someone with rheumatoid arthritis. This frustrates me, just as it does when they tell me my son with autism "seems fine." What exactly should someone with rheumatoid arthritis look like, I wonder? Dierdre Smith writes about the little things that bother her about RA...and the big thing that makes it all worthwhile.

Posted: 11/14/2011 in Venting  |  Also posted in: Family

I recently asked one of my readers, “What’s the biggest struggle you face with being married and having a chronic illness?” Her response surprised me: Chronic illness is like a mistress in a marriage.

Posted: 11/3/2011 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Family

Guest blogger Heather Grace writes about challenges to relationships when one person is ill. She cites numerous resources and gives us the chance to think about what we can do to nurture relationships in need. This is a must-read!

Posted: 11/1/2011 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Family

When I read stories about other ChronicBabes and their illness experiences, it's always an education. I love hearing their perspectives, reading all the little details that make their lives more complex and full, finding out what makes their days more difficult—and more simple.

Holly Finn's story of trying to create a family—despite endometriosis, despite other acute health issues, despite the ticking clock—is no exception. This is a fellow ChronicBabe whose voice resonated deeply for me. Reading The Baby Chase, which is newly available from Byliner.com (and makes for a great Sunday afternoon read), was an incredibly moving experience.

Posted: 7/20/2011 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Family

The Babe offers advice on considering having a child - and how to talk to folks about your process and decision.

Posted: 6/22/2005 in Ask the Babe  |  Also posted in: Family