Grateful Mondays: 9/4/17: Life after the storm

All I know is it's about high time we started counting our blessings a little more consistently than we currently do.

So every Monday, my wife and I will take this time to reflect through all the weekly struggles, frustrations, screaming children, unplanned expenses, surprise bills, disappointing date nights, speeding tickets, unbearable co-workers, and whatever else the week throws our way to highlight what we're both grateful for.

We know too many friends and family who lost every single thing they owned, but still got away with their lives to complain about the bullshit.

Culture, FamilyIsom KuadeSeptember 4, 2017Hurricane Harvey, gratefulness

The time we received a phone call from the vice-principal on our son's first day of kindergarten

My wife and I couldn't believe it - our firstborn's first day of kindergarten was upon us already. It seems like not too long ago we were witnessing his first steps, now here we are spending an arm and a leg on his school supply list.

Like what kind of kindergartner needs 4 boxes of Crayola brand 24 count crayons, 2 cans Play-Doh Classic in assorted colors, a box of gallon Ziploc bags, and not to mention 24, that's right - 24 Elmer's glue sticks? What adult needs 24 glue sticks for that matter? I mean who the hell can afford these school supply lists anyway? Just for clarity, if there's 15 students in the class, that's three hundred sixty glue sticks. 360 glue sticks! What the hell are they planning to build this year? Trump's Wall?

A few days prior, we had the chance to meet our son's new teacher during the school's meet-n-greet night. At our son's previous Montessori, he learned a ton, up to and including how to kicked out of a Montessori. So during his time out of school, at the suggestion of his now former Montessori, we took him to see a behavioral therapist who confirmed our concerns after a few weekly hour long sessions. Our son was diagnosed with ADHD as well with another mental disorder we won't get into today.

FamilyIsom KuadeAugust 22, 2017First day of school, KindergartenComment

My Husband Is No Longer The Man I Married

My husband is pretty much a regular guy. He works, helps take care of the little people, enjoys the outdoors and loves a good hot plate. His sense of humor can run the gambit of a Family Guy episode but he can be just as serious when the situation calls for it. He has a unique world perspective because of his background as a military kid having lived all over the world and as a person of mixed race. I will say he has some pretty good qualities about him. So much so, I once looked at him as someone far superior than anyone I had ever dated and kind of even myself in some ways. But over time, particularly over the last year, I've come to realize, he's not so extraordinary. Let me explain.

People don't wanna hear good news, and that's a damn shame because sh*t is awesome for me right now

I just had a daughter. She's five months old, and the best thing ever. Sure, she cries and shits and won't let her mother and I get full night's sleep - seriously, it's been 5 months since we've had a full night's sleep - but she's simply the best thing ever. She recognizes me with a smile each and every time. A huge toothless smile. All gums. All genuine. I dare you to name one person or even animal in your life that recognizes you with a huge genuine smile that says, "I'm actually really happy to see your face right now." If you can, you're already richer than most billionaires. Now imagine that person is your own flesh and blood? Now imagine you know that joy is temporary because babies grow the fuck up. So I savor every smile, multiple times per day, for as many days she's willing to bless me with them.

Lifestyle, FamilyIsom KuadeAugust 1, 2017lifestyle design, Parenthood, share good news Comments

I Just Wanna Sleep!!!

Third night, fourth night. I really don't know anymore. I've lost count. All I know is that my sanity has left the building. I'm exhausted and angry. I'm tired of spending my nights here with you on our couch. I'm supposed to be in my bed and you in yours. But you seem to have another agenda. One of which I have yet to become aware. These last few nights have been worse than other nights previously and we're only 4 weeks in. The thought of you teething, another growth spurt, the 4 month sleep regression all scare me.

1st Letter To My Daughter: Meet Your Father And Welcome To Your Life

Your 35-year-old father just spent the last 16 minutes before writing this, my first letter to my daughter, in our garage, dancing solo to Jidenna's first solo album blasting through home iPhone speakers, hot-boxing the newly cleaned space. It's lovely in our garage ever since we installed our Garage King storage racks. Even your mother was impressed by the drastic change and that's saying something.

FamilyAmber WashingtonJuly 6, 2017

Hello 2017 - A Marriage Stuck Between Fear And Gratitude

January 1st 2017 - It's time to keep it 100. 2016 is written. Boom. On the books. Chapter closed for better or worse.

FamilyAmber WashingtonJuly 6, 2017

5 Symptoms Of Pregnancy For Which I Was Not Prepared

It finally happened and all it took was a year. Now as some of the more proper folk would say, I am with child. But some of us on the more ratchet end of the spectrum would simply say I'm knocked up. Me? I'm finally preggers ya'll. All thanks to 6 lbs 12 oz baby Jesus. According to the ultra sound its just one.

11 Years And Counting: Our Anniversary Weekend

This past weekend the hubs and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary!! Whoop! Whoop! To be quite honest, about 5 years ago, I didn’t think we would be standing here. But all I can say is, but God. So here we are, another year under our belts. I have no stories for you on the lessons learned this far. Just know that its been work, compromise, communication (actively listening) and whole lot of respect for one another. But it’s also been filled with plenty of laughter and fun times.