Abby Off the Record — The scoop on life, writing & raising kids

On Mister Rogers and Makeovers

October 26, 2012

I am turning into Mister Rogers. Those of you who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s like me will remember the mild-mannered host of the PBS kids’ show featuring puppets and an iconic theme song. You know how he always came home and right away traded his sport jacket for a comfy cardigan and […]

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18 Years is Only the Beginning

October 24, 2012

You know what makes me laugh? When people say things like, “You’re having a baby? Congratulations! Get ready for sleepless nights for the next 18 years!” Or some variation thereof. People love to latch on to the 18-year thing, as if your child becomes a legal adult and then you’re free and clear. If I’m […]

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Flashback Monday: Scary Stuff

October 22, 2012

I was reminded of this post from my archives when I naively took my 3yo to Party City in search of a Batman costume. As soon as we stepped through the door we were confronted with ghouls and goblins and giant inflatable headless horsemen. I had to carry my son while covering his eyes until […]

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The 5 Best Sitcoms for Moms (and Dads)

October 19, 2012

Did I ever tell you that one of my dreams is to write for a television sitcom? Some of you might recall that Sean Hayes, aka Jack on Will & Grace, briefly hosted a reality series called Situation: Comedy on Bravo in which aspiring screenwriters competed to pitch and develop their ideas for new sitcoms. […]

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I Choose Daddy

October 17, 2012

My first-grader has a new friend. One day Miles remarked, “I’ve never seen his dad.” “That’s because he lives with his mom. His parents are divorced.” In the simplest terms I could, I explained what that meant. “Will you and Daddy ever do that?” I assured him we wouldn’t. He thought about this a moment […]

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It’s Dinnertime — Kill Me Now

October 15, 2012

Honestly, I don’t know why I even try. Probably because I read somewhere that families that sit down to dinner together regularly have fewer kids on drugs or on reality shows. In theory, and to people who don’t have small children, it sounds great: the whole family gathered ‘round the table enjoying a wholesome home-cooked […]

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From ‘I Do’ and Dancing to Diapers and Dog Pee

October 12, 2012

As I opened my eyes, the late-morning sun streaming through the windows, I noticed the bed was strewn with rose petals. A piping-hot mug of coffee sat on the bedside table. On it was propped a note: “Happy Anniversary, my love.” And then I woke up. Specifically, I woke up in the dark, cold pre-dawn […]

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Why I’m in Favor of Kid-Free Flights

October 10, 2012

Have you heard about those airlines in Asia that are offering child-free zones on their flights? Baby-hating travelers are nothing new. Remember Mitch Albom? But here’s the thing: I actually think it’s a good idea. Just not for the reasons you might think. Read the rest at TheBump.com. P.S. You know how people often joke […]

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Tales of a Work-at-Home Couple

October 8, 2012

My husband has started working from home a couple days a week. If you think that sounds awesome, you obviously haven’t experienced this arrangement. Two work-at-home spouses are like Clark Kent and Superman – they can’t exist in the same space at the same time. C. set up shop in the room formerly known as […]

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Life Is…

October 5, 2012

People love to say life is short. In some cases, that’s certainly true. My grandfather’s father died in a car accident at age 48. For him, life was too short. Yet his son has outlived two wives, a son, and most of his friends. He will turn 100 in a couple of months. Ask my […]