Totally Mommy: Recent Episodes
Totally Laime
Another podcast from the newly-mommy'd Elizabeth Laime - host of Totally Laime and Totally Married! Why? because there's no bigger melting pot of emotions than motherhood and that needs to be broadcasted! Totally Mommy is an honest discussion about all the good, the bad, and the funny that being a mom has to offer. Write in with questions & tune in between diaper changes every Wednesday!
For Elizabeth and Andy's weekly show, please subscribe to (and rate!): Nobody's Listening, Right?
- To continue listening to this podcast in the future, please subscribe to "Nobody's Listening, Right?"
Four years later, Elizabeth and Vanessa have reunited for a one-time live stream show (via internet) for DynastyTypewriter.com !! If you missed the event and want to hear their good/bad/funnies and unqualified advice, park your ears here!
To all of our listeners - thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and wine glasses) for being along for this incredible podcast (life?) journey. You've taught us so much about being better mothers and humans and that compassion and kindness and love conquer all. With incredible parents like you out there, our children are in good hands and the future is bright! We'll think of you with gratitude for every good/bad/funny to be. With so much love and respect - Elizabeth and Vanessa.
Elizabeth and Vanessa get into our very last questions - giving their unqualified advice to listeners about whether or not to get involved with an infant niece when your brother has become an absentee dad, how to handle precocious children who comment on "big tummies", the love is there in droves, but when does the "like" kick in with newborns, how to address severing ties with a toxic mother to your child now or in the future, whether to invite out of town family to a baby shower, what's more important - healthy food or non religious pre school, how to navigate choosing a baby name that is more of a nickname, how to broach the subject of periods with young daughters, and what are the first steps to take when you first get a positive pregnancy test? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share their good/bad/funnies (Sitting up on own! Love of plants! / Unravelling the sick perks! A long toddler instructions list! / You want ice cream, you got it! Not interested in what's for dinner!) Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to navigate a former friendship for the sake of the kids, which guardians to choose for your children, how to handle awkward family christmases that aren't good influences for children, what's the appeal of unmedicated birth, whether to continue a blog about motherhood and if it's disrespecting your child's privacy, how to explain makeup to a three year old without guiding him/her into patriarchal stereotypes, how to work from home as a mother and structure your days, and what to do with a facebook happy mother in law whose political views are offensive?
Elizabeth and Vanessa profess their love for the one and only Hillary Clinton! Then they discuss consent, misogyny and a whole slew of awesome listener questions such as - how to deflect anti girl baby sentiment, how to sleep train a four month old, how to overcome PTSD from a first labor to have a good experience with the second, how to cope with mom jealousy, how to teach little ones hygiene, how to navigate a terrible maternity leave nightmare where there's no support, how to encourage your spouse to address their emotional issues before getting pregnant, how to accept a change in family planning that wasn't expected, and what to do if you thought you'd be ready to start a family but aren't sure. Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share their good/bad/funnies (bye bye! Forging a hay path!/ Tooth bruisers! Missed the parent night!/ Hot blue! Finding a parking spot game!) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about articulating to your husband that you need some "me" time, how to include your deceased parent in your children's lives, how to deflect judgmental statements from a mother figure, how to set boundaries going into parenthood with a narcissistic mother, how to avoid having to attend an awful church when visiting grandparents, and lastly can we all cool it with all these kids snacks all day erry day?! Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive right into giving their unqualified advice to awesome listener questions about navigating new sleep patterns after introducing a toddler, bed, how to address some tension with your best friend after a toddler tiff, when and how to begin having a dialogue with your toddler about their bodies and private areas, what to do about a oujia board table in the garage and other creepy stuff going on in the house, how to advocate for your pregnancy when it might be high risk due to cervical issues, how to navigate family get togethers when one relative has guns, how to alleviate the daughter guilt with your mom in order to alleviate your mom's guilt yourself, and what to do about dealing with depression and anxiety going into becoming pregnant? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share their Halloween costume plans as well as their good/bad/funnies before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to deal with mentally ill and armed neighbors, how to prepare your child for baby number two, how to set a road path for fertility, and what to do as a nanny about exclusive or discriminating mom groups? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss their good/bad/funnies (I'm mad at you! Peeing in the potty! / Make this great day end! / Naked in Michaels! Batman origin story!) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about looking into doggy adoption in a home with kids, how to navigate not wanting to travel to family for holidays with a brand new born, what to do about having seen something that bordered on abuse to a child, how to navigate a strained relationship with an alcoholic mother in relation to your child, and how to handle judgment on your child's name? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share the news that they are bringing this podcast to a close - sending all listeners so much love and gratitude for being along for this wild ride! After the news drop, they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to find joy in the new title of "mommy" and an unpleasant pregnancy, how to proceed in a relationship with a cousin who has a rocky road ahead in motherhood, how to deflect weird comments about babies' weights, and how to reconcile wanting to be a mother but not being comfortable around children? Enjoy!
Elizabeth shares Vanessa's beautiful poem about motherhood before they dive into their good, bad, funnies! Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to deal with an immature and difficult sister for the sake of her kids, how to support a best friend who is proceeding with caution in her pregnancy, what a bedtime routine with two children looks like, how to make sincere mom friends, whether a child's new coping technique is cause for concern, and how to find the joy in a surprise second pregnancy when it is making you sick? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss how life perspective gives us, well... perspective! They give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to set "birth time" boundaries with a best friend, whether to trust an OBGYN who is playing "fast and loose" with the Clomid :), what gift to give to a friend to make car trips with her toddler a little easier, how to navigate toddler street safety with your spouse who is not on the same page, what to do about a friend who is taking advantage of your generosity as a babysitter, and how to decide when to take the plunge with pregnancy number two after having suffered from PPD? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share their good/bad/funnies (Preschool success! We have two good eaters! / Sayonara snuggles! Where's Grandma?/ Precious preschool moments! He's growin' up!). Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to choose what kind of labor you want (hospital or home) for a second birth when you know what it's all about, how to prepare for an international flight with a thirteen month old, what to do to start planning and preparing for baby when you've just gotten your positive test, and how to deflect unwanted comments about assumed gender disappointment when there is none? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive right on into the pool of listener's fantastic questions! They give their unqualified advice on how to be there for a best friend who is becoming a mom, whether to invest in new friendships in your new neighborhood or keep up with your older mom friendships, what to say to a friend who hasn't been supportive of you but has also been focused on new motherhood, what's the deal with the bravo show, There Goes The Motherhood, how to playdates work when the babies can't yet really "play", how to avoid not feeling heard regarding latching problems with your second baby as you were with your first, what are the rules with baby names that sound close to friends' kid's names, and how to navigate time with an older cousin who is potentially a bad influence? Enjoy!
V-Dog is back in action! She and Elizabeth discuss their good/bad/funnies (Trip success! Otis playing games! / Pacifier weaning! Daycare closing! / Sandcastle-suitcase! I know you love me!). Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to foster healthy sleeping habits after getting off track, how to respond to compliments about your daughter that make you uncomfortable, how to find great babysitters in a new are, how and when to find time to be intimate with you husband with opposite schedules and a toddler, and how to change grandparent names after they've already been established? Enjoy!
While Vanessa's on vacay, Elizabeth's radiant and very pregnant friend, the wonderful Michaela McManus is filling in! They discuss pregnancy the second time around, the beauty of lists and their good/bad/funnies (The end is nigh! Imagination play!/ Transitions! Lack of balance! / The doggie ate it! Restin' and chattin') Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about whether or not to leave your child with a friend who has raised some red flags, and how to navigate correcting grandparents on your child's name/nickname? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss what exactly the term "laying pipe" might mean (Vanessa's still not quite clear...) and then their good/bad/funnies! After that they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about what things to consider in your life to prepare to start trying to get pregnant - financially, emotionally and physically, and how to navigate a friend who always has negative "just you wait" advice when it comes to motherhood? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa cozy up and give a ton of unqualified advice to listener questions about picking the right godparents for your future children, how to navigate grandparents who pressure your child to give unwanted hugs/kisses, how to (if to) offer support to a friend who might be suffering from PPD, whether or not it's normal to miss the baby days when you have a toddler and/or crave the later years when you have a baby, what we'd suggest to do with your first born to create special memories before a sibling enters the picture, how to navigate going on zoloft for PPD when it comes with some mom/wife guilt, how to find peace with a father getting quickly into a new, strange relationship after losing your mom and becoming a mother? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss the heart heavy events of the world as well as their good/bad/funnies (Sibling sharing! being present! / Being bound up! Questioning childcare choices! / Bathtime shenanigans! Spooky spaghetti!) Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about addressing a lack of help and support from a husband who is hands off on childcare duties, how to navigate a spouse who is gunning for a boy baby and compares everything to a golden nephew, and whether or not baby signs are a waste of time?
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive right on into giving their unqualified advice to listener questions in today's episode! They discuss what to do about spending time with friends who have a far different parenting style with their kids which makes you uncomfortable, what things would we tell ourselves to do before getting pregnant now that we know what we know, how to correct people who are mispronouncing your baby's name, how to navigate the issue of vanity and self esteem through motherhood, how to navigate taking a dream trip with your spouse while leaving the baby home with caregivers, and how to react to people who have criticisms of your parenting choices whether it's sleep training or circumcision? Enjoy!
Vanessa's back after a fun filled vacay, yay! She and Elizabeth discuss their good/bad/funnies (Awesome trip, no tantrums! Siblings holding hands! / Flight back fear! Choking scare! / Hola Man! Husband jumped ship!) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about whether a toddler's aggressive behavior is just a phase or something more, how to navigate playdates with children of varying levels of aggression and mothers with varying degrees of comfort, and what to do about a sister who is a new mom and might be in a terrible hoarder/controlling husband situation? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive head first into question city on today's episode, giving their unqualified advice to queries about a nice gift for your son's step-mom-to be, how to cope with in laws who seem to favor the other grandchildren, what to do with strong feelings of competition with an awesome sister in law, what to do about a childless friend who seems upset about her changing friendships due to motherhood, how to let a relative know that it is not okay to post photos of your children online, how to introduce more veggies into your picky toddler's diet, what a good come-back is for rude people judging your expanding family, and how to let a well meaning mother in law know that she is over staying her welcome? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share their good/bad/funnies (Medicine! Oliver's box! / Tactical tantrums! Sleep stress! / Why on earth is he crying? Oliver rehearsing scenes! ) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about whether or not thank you cards are a thing of the past, how to navigate a trillion toddler birthdays and gifts each summer, what are the must haves for becoming a new mom, and what to do about family planning when you and your spouse are not on the same page? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive out of their wine glasses and into some awesome listener questions about what to do or bring for a friend who has just had her first baby, a VERY IMPORTANT question about whether or not it's okay to use "cute" names for private parts with our children, whether it's a good idea to bring baby for a 5 day work trip or leave at home with Daddy, how to navigate a stressful living situation with your sister in law who might be a neglectful parent, and lastly, is it okay to intervene if you suspect there's some learning delays for a child that are not being addressed by a friend? Enjoy!
Vanessa and Elizabeth get into self help territory to start before sharing their good/bad/funnies (Fun in the water! Last pump session! / Rambunctious energy! Weaning hormones!/ Youtube personality obsessions! Inside singing jokes!). Then they give their unqualified advice to a fun listener question about how they chose their children's names! Enjoy!
To kick off another super happy snappy podcast, Elizabeth dives into her crippling fear about death (don't worry, she's going to a therapist!) before she and Vanessa share their good/bad/funnies (Feeling Feelings! Camping Success!/ Sleep Troubles For Both!/ Mama Went Poo! Oliver's "Bits"!) Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to handle family's annoying comments comparing your baby to a cousin, what to do about a friendship that doesn't quite fit in with your life since becoming a mother, and what is our take on around the house nudity? Enjoy!
Vanessa and Elizabeth go all in with their unqualified advice on some great listener questions about the emotional challenge of weaning, pros and cons of daycare, plan for introducing formula, how to bounce back from overstepping bounds with a mom friend, and how to navigate a child care arrangement with a friend? Enjoy!
Laimemoms, we salute you!! We discuss our Mothers Days as well as our good/bad/funnies (Sharing rooms! Adaptable Oliver! /New specs! Scary dreams! / Orangutan mishap! Ordering Chips and guac!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about what to bring to a unisex baby shower, what's the deal with acupuncture, how to keep from obsessing while trying to get pregnant, and lastly how to reconcile baby photo contests with wanting to promote healthy body image? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss their Napa dreams as well as their good/bad/funnies (Sibling greetings! Playing solo! / Giving Medicine! Sprained ankle! / First baby flirt! Pacifier tribal dance!) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to handle working mom guilt, how to navigate playground glares, dealing with night wakings and boob obsession at 18 months, and lastly a big question about how to deal with realistic looking toy guns at the park? Enjoy!
Vanessa and Elizabeth are mood soul sisters once again! After discussing their recent social anxiety, they dive into their good/bad/funnies (Smiling at an angel! Book memorization! / Sleep Regression! Food tantrum! / Neighbor goat! Mo Ball!) Before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to temper pregnancy excitement and curb anxiety after several early losses, and how to see eye to eye with a partner regarding adoption and fostering children with potential special needs? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss the beauty and point of life (well, Elizabeth rambles on forever about it...) then their good/bad/funnies (Sibling interactions! Doggie friendships!/ The lack of balance!, New tantrums!/ Goats! No money, Mama!). Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about what we suggest to do for friends who are new moms to make things easy for them, and how to navigate sharing the news of a new pregnancy in a high stress, young skewing workplace? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss Elizabeth's experience of a nursing strike and an eye opening lactaction consultant visit as well as the plague that has befallen both homes. They discuss their good/bad/funnies (Formula for the win! Train joy!/ Failure to thrive!, Scary moment by the street!/ Old Macdonald Mama style!, Mary Had A Little Lamb with choreography!) Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about giving a special gift to a sister who's having a child after having lost a child, whether or not to get a doula when your husband is not on board, how to handle a friendship with someone whose political views are troubling? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive right on into giving their unqualified advice to some awesome listener questions about what to do about having grandmothers as childcare when it's affecting your marriage, how to make new mom friends in a new area, what are the postpartum recovery essentials no one talks about, how to be there for a friend who is having an unplanned baby, what to do about the not great eating habits of your in laws, how to handle a creepy situation with a coworker who is obsessed with your child, whether it's selfish to not have your baby spend the night at a relatives house, and lastly how to put a mother in law in her place about unsolicited (and unqualified!) advice? Enjoy!
Happy Births-days to us! Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss the wonderful new frontier of having two year olds, a challenging mothering moment for Elizabeth and their good/bad/funnies (Birthday boy! Incredible memories!/ Daycare dropoffs! Falling off the bed!/ Sweet wake ups! Teddy tattling on mommy!). Then they give their unqualified advice to a listener question about handling the worry and anxiety around a speech delayed toddler. Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive right in and give their unqualified advice to listener questions about setting boundaries in a family with mental health issues who are active in your kids lives, whether to sacrifice the mother's sanity for a child's athletic endeavors, what to do about the fear of losing yourself to motherhood and letting go of a hard won creative career, how to navigate dealing with infertility when you are surrounded by other people's pregnancy joy, what we think a grandparents role should be in grandchildren's lives, and lastly what is a good gift to bring a three month old and their mother? Enjoy!
Warning: Elizabeth and Vanessa get off to an x rated start before launching into their good bad funnies (Mama's Funny! Disney delight!/ Exhaustion!, Working away!/ My mama!, Disturbing reactions!). Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about choosing to be a single mother, what to do about a husband who isn't supportive of having a doula, how to approach freelance writing as a new mom, and what to do to deal with the frustration of not getting pregnant month after month? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa discuss their good, bad, funnies (routines! dog and kid walk! / Prolapse! tantrums!/ pumping noise! Penis butt! ) before really going big on a fantastic listener question about spanking, and whether there is a better way to discipline? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa find out that they have even more in common than they thought via bakery businesses and food issues before diving into their good/bad/funnies (baking together! Solo play!/ Marriage backburner! hair cut!/ Making new mom friends! He loves hats!). Then they answer a two-parter listener question about breastfeeding - what was Elizabeth's experience with elimination dieting for digestive issues, and what can we say in regards to the struggle of breastfeeding and the decision to stop or supplement with formula? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa dive into their good/bad/funnies (Table manners! Great gusto!/ A low moment! Naughty time! / "Thanks!" Poopnut!) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about how to communicate with in laws about their visiting and enthusiasm for a new baby, how to talk to our children about their bodies and sexuality through the ages, what to do about confronting parents who are allowing their child to tantrum in a restaurant, and whether or not to have a third child as a single mom? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Vanessa share their good/bad/funnies (Valentine's day fun! Fun nephew visit!/ I want to go "home"! A sad three year anniversary / Boogies in your face! Loving that Mexican food!) before giving their unqualified advice how to navigate mentoring a new mother, how to cope with fragile feelings around others parenting, and what to do about worries that your child might be facing developmental challenges? Enjoy!
Vanessa and Elizabeth have a rather dark check in (shout out to The Mental Illness Happy Hour!) before discussing their good/bad/funnies (sunny daycare drop offs! Feeling better all around! / Night wakings! Adorable sleep regression!/ Poop nearly in the potty! The hershey kiss of fecal matter!) Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about whether to take a full time job and sacrifice family time or not, whether or not to have a second baby shower, and how to approach the delicate subject of TV time with your child's daycare? Enjoy!
Big news!! Our from here on out all official and all cohost, VANESSA RAGLAND is here to discuss our good/bad/funnies (Otis taking a bottle! Making outside fun!/ Post baby blues! Emotional daycare drop offs! / Coffee again (aka, Elizabeth is dumb)! My son is licking the pavement!). Then we give our unqualified advice to a listener question about reserving pumping space in an office and how to deal with a coworker who doesn't get the rules. Enjoy!
Elizabeth dear friend - writer, actress, and friend to all doggies, KATYA LIDSKY is here to cohost! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Tantrum avoidance! Waiting 'til you're ready!/ Mom to two guilt! Overwhelming paralyzation!/ Poopy monstah! Honey the dog has passed!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to approach a health concern with a parent of a child you provide childcare for, and how to navigate the difficult world of feeling good in your incredible body (that just created a baby!) post partum? Enjoy!
Back in the Mommy saddle times two! Couldn't do it without the eloquent and good-smelling VANESSA RAGLAND! We discuss car birth, two kids and our good/bad/funnies before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about the fear of passing on mental illness as a qualifier in whether or not to have children, and how to heal a marriage that post partum has had a rocky start? Enjoy!
In this special episode, we are thrilled to share our joyful news of our baby boy, Otis, joining our family! We are over the moon with happiness and excited to share the story of his birth (born in the Volvo!) as well as how the first week has been and how having this sweet little angel in our family has been for each of us. We are filled with love and gratitude and sending that your way as well – Happy Holidays everyone!
Happy Holidays Laimemoms & Dads! Cohostest with the mostest, VANESSA RAGLAND is here to discuss impending baby-dom, our concerns over gun safety as mothers, and of course our good/bad/funnies! (Learning to relax! Pie sharing! Feeling anxious about labor! Turkey day sick den!/ Belly crumbs! Santa impressions!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about a heartbreaking situation involving a spouse's betrayal and having to face single motherhood, how to cope with "gender disappointment" and why some parents seem hell bent on making it seem like being parents is, well... hell? Enjoy!
Hip hip hooray! The multi talented comedy person and Apple sister, REBEKKA JOHNSON is in the house! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Waving to everyone! Great fathers!/ No sleep for the sleepless! Feeling overwhelmed!/ The year 3000! What's the deal with sex?) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how a second pregnancy is different, what toys to have on deck for small spaces, and how to handle to beginnings of tantrums? Enjoy!
Fabulous cohost, VANESSA RAGLAND is here for today's gratitude themed episode! We discuss documentaries and an awesome non profit that helps refugee parents before diving into our good/bad/funnies (Giggly Delight! Nesting mania!/ Pickle meltdown! Not a great scene at daycare!/ You're my hero! Performance prompting!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to address a behavioral issue that only happens at daycare,how to go about finding the right doula,how to be supportive to a new mother who is struggling with her work situation, and what to do about teaching children how to address adults? Enjoy!
She's an actress, improvisor and mother to Maggie - triple threat TARA COPELAND is cohost today! We discuss our joint venture in baby safety training, and how that paid off, plus our good/bad/funnies (Communicating with kindness! Sweet to bugs!/Sleep struggles! Mom friend nostalgia!/ The power of KEITH! Mom fog rollin' in!) Then we give our unqualified advice to a listener question about a mother in law who is circumcision obsessed!
Elizabeth and cohost/love VANESSA RAGLAND breeze through their good/bad/funnies (Communicating fun! It's all good!/ Watering can finale fail! Wack weekend and hurt foot!/ Kissy Mommy! PIZZA!) before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about navigating a vegan or vegetarian diet while breastfeeding (in a family of meat eaters), how we feel about Santa and kids, what are some meditation techniques appropriate for young ones, and how to choose and ask potential guardians for your kids were something to happen to you? Enjoy!
Hooray! The hilarious and mega talented CASEY WILSON is here to cohost! We discuss the challenging post partum period, having the right kind of support, and of course our good/bad/funnies! (Lovey and tantrum lessons! Sleep, glorious sleep!/ Body confidence plunge! Mom guilt and balance!/ Cleaning Lady spiral! Leather jackets!) Then we give our advice to a listener question about pregnancy forums. Enjoy!
Aww, yeah, VANESSA RAGLAND is in tha house and we're gettin' loopy! After many sidetracks involving baja fresh and scary men on planes, we discuss our good/bad/funnies (Sleeping IN til 7! Rolling Down Hills!/ TV monster! Tree dirt!/ "Oh MAN!" Goat kisser!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about navigating a relationship with a "parenting" competitive relative, how to respond to inquiries about your family planning and timing with work, how much TV is okay for an 18 month old, and whether to choose being a stay at home mom over working if it means feeling a little financially tight? Enjoy!
Elizabeth good friend and multi-hyphenate, LeeLee Pitts is back to cohost, discussing the start of school, why time outs should be time-ins, and of course our good/bad/funnies! (Full sentences! School success! Judging other parents! Reaching a breaking point! Ruby wil fix it! Telling jokes!) Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about dealing with family fueled jealousy over a sister's pregnancy, how to handle a challenging child while struggling to face your own mortality, and what's the perfect response to those annoying, "when are you having kids" questions? Enjoy!
It's a Vanessa week! The Curated Tee's co-founder VANESSA RAGLAND is here to discuss our recent experiences with little monster people (eeep!) plus our good/bad/funnies (Consistency success! Watching the kid emerge! Existential time realization! Poop parade! Hippo doggies! Tiny smart alec!) Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about moving forward with a new pregnancy after a traumatic loss, how to handle an uneasy feeling about having a well meaning Grandfather provide childcare, what to do about a jealous and passive aggressive mother in law, and lastly how to let future grandparents know that a sensitive topic regarding their grandchild will be off limits? Enjoy!
The loving, radiant actress and mom, MICHAELA MCMANUS is back to cohost! We discuss our motherhood shift in identity, plus our good/bad/funnies (18 months! Car seat install! No sleep ever again! Mom guilt! No thank little bro! Adorable emotional mirroring!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to handle rude mother in law comments about post baby weight, what activities to do for children with a wide range of ages, and how to help yourself heal emotionally around sex after physically healing? Enjoy!
Cohost extraordinaire is back to discuss ALL things motherhood - good/bad/funnies, nighttime routings, circumcision, and a bunch of other stuff we never thought we'd be talking about on a mom podcast! Also we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about memory photo books for kids, some practical questions about diapers and weaning, whether or not to visit a friend immediately after giving birth at the hospital, what food to bring, etc... and a question about how to be supportive to a mom to be who is dealing with a family crisis? Enjoy!
Hip hip hooray! Our only official "qualified" guest to give advice is here - newly CA licensed psychotherapist ALEXIS JAEGER is back to discuss our good/bad/funnies (Time away! Work is legal! New baby anxiety! Feeling unorganized! Teddy's reaction to our return! Four year old's wisdom!) before giving our advice to some doozie listener questions about whether or not to suggest adoption to a struggling mother to be, and what are the right questions to ask when exploring whether or not to have a child? Enjoy!
Big Totally Mommy news - introducing the latest bi-monthly permanent cohost for your listening pleasure, VANESSA RAGLAND! We adore her so much, just had to make it official! She's here to discuss work-in-Bulgaria related weaning, and our good/bad/funnies (Starting daycare! Smooth travels! Crying at daycare! Eating at daycare! Crying upon seeing mama! Fishy faces!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about feeling cracked open and worried in motherhood, what items we'd recommend for a registry (check out our recommendations HERE) how to navigate choosing guardianship for your child, what to do when your husband isn't quite ready for kids but you are, and lastly, how to approach a delicate grandparent jealousy between in laws? Enjoy!
The beautiful inside-and-out, fantastic writer and mother to two, KATE SPENCER is back to discuss all things motherhood - being a member of the "dead mothers' club", answering a four year olds poignant questions about grief and loss, and of course our good/bad/funnies! Then we give our unqualified advice on a listener question about whether to have another home birth or go the hospital route with baby number two. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's cohost this week is the multitalented writer, mother and friend to many, PRIYANKA MATTOO! We discuss "traveling" with toddlers (goodbye vacations!) why the Swedish playground system is heaven and of course our good/bad/funnies! Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to come around to an unplanned pregnancy, what to do in parenting classes when one parent hogs the attention and time, and how to navigate the question of "do we want another?" Enjoy!
Y'all, the sunshine day dream that is Playing House's JESSICA ST. CLAIR is back! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Potty time! Life lessons through Motherhood!/ Baby Oprah's first heartbreak! Tantrums!/ Adorable fake phone calls! Hamming it up over breakfast!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about whether or not it's okay to leave a 6 month old for a four day trip, and how to navigate the challenging conversation about having another baby when the parents aren't for sure on the same page? Enjoy!
She's a cohost triple threat - charming, funny, and wise! The wonderful KIMMY GATEWOOD, mother to 7 month old Lottie, is here to discuss our good/bad/funnies (Potty time! Crawling! Tantrum handling fail! Post partum sounds! Bless you! Dancing baby!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to deal with feelings of guilt or sadness on behalf of your first baby when contemplating bringing another baby into the mix, how to handle being the best man in a destination wedding when it is happening over your baby's due date, and what to do about the annoying aunt and her annoying comments about the baby? Enjoy!
The all around lovely "Mama" and hilarious writer, AMY BARHAM is back to cohost! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Sense of humor! Saying thank you!/ Scary internet! Constant exhaustion!/ Looking up the future! Time for night night!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to cope with early motherhood worry vortexes, and whether or not to let potential entertainment representation know about an early pregnancy? Enjoy!
Elizabeth's life zen master, MORGAN WALSH is back to make us laugh and cry and quote. We discuss our good/bad/funnies (A 3 year old beast! Pregnancy massage!/ Listeless searching! Foot surgery!/ Pooping behind bushes! Diseased water table!) before diving into listener questions about dealing with end of day tantrums, difficulties feeding solids, how to share your pregnancy joy with someone who is struggling with IVF, and lastly how to set boundaries with an enthusiastic friend who wants to be very involved in your infant's life! Enjoy!
The gorgeous through and through co-creator of Curated Tees, actress, mom, general joy giver VANESSA RAGLAND is back to cohost! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Reading! Healthy ultrasound! Daycare guilt! Emotional leaps! Roughhousing copying Mom! Daycare convo backfire!) before giving our honest answers to listener questions about healing from a traumatic birthing experience, how to support a friend who is going through another terrible loss, and what to tell in laws who don't see eye to eye on how to feed your child? Enjoy!
The calming, wise, sage and uber talented LENNON PARHAM (of USA's Playing House!) is here to cohost this week! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Photos under control! Adaptive and communicative! Pregnancy guilt! Toddler tantrums! Cartoon emotions! Lyrical genius!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about ending friendships on your child's behalf, how/when to ask an employer about pumping at work, and a question about whether or not it's okay to have a lovey in the crib with your baby? Enjoy!
Textile designer and Mother beauty (inside and out) NICOLE MYERS STEEL is here to discuss our good/bad/funnies (Morning sickness fade! Easy street! No veggies! Feeding a marriage! Daycare buddy! Who is the bottle for?) before we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to make mommy friends in a new city, how to stop from comparing your baby to others when it comes to sleep troubles, and whether daycare is really worth it when it's making your baby sick? Enjoy!
One of Elizabeth's besties and Totally Mommy fave guest, JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL is back to share her lovely wisdom on all things mommy! She first learns some upsetting news about Elizabeth's hygiene habits before they discuss their good/bad/funnies (Toddlerdom! High fevers! Near accidents! Warranted social anxiety! I'll pass on the broccoli!) Then they give their unqualified advice to an awesome LaimeDAD who wrote in regarding favoritism from babies. Enjoy!
Ring the hooray bells, the wonderful VANESSA RAGLAND is back as cohost with her infinite wisdom and charming smile! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Adorable communications! Mischievous jokes! sweaty planes! blood draws! baby brother no nos! endless spinning!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about coping with mom guilt around breastfeeding, whether to confront a friend who is emotionally abusing her daughter, and how to handle a delicate childcare situation that could potentially hurt your relationship with your sister. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's new mom friend, the lovely actress Natalie Smyka is cohost this week! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Memory books for deceased loved ones! Excitement for travel! Bath poops! Hair wash failures! Mistaking ancient men for Dada! Odd pregnancy symptoms!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about pet love after baby, how to plan for mother/mother in law visits after birth, whether Elizabeth is dealing with guilt in adding a second child, how to handle the grief that bubbles up with motherless motherhood, and how to connect with a nephew who lives across the country? Enjoy!
Elizabeth's super smarty pants Doctor friend, anesthesiologist and mama to a five month old cherub is here! ALEX CONRAD comes on and discusses going back to work and balancing it all before we dive into our good/bad/funnies (Sweetie pie bedtime routines! Chicken tenders save the day! The hassle of pumping! Bathtub wipeout! Eating solids! New words!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to deal with unsafe grandparents, and how to handle letting your coworkers know about your pregnancy if you are suffering from morning sickness and it's affecting your work. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's husband and co-partner in family building, PSYCHIC ANDY!, is here to discuss our latest big news! Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about transitioning beverages for babies at one year, whether or not to have a tubal ligation during cesarean, how to acclimate pets to new babies, how to divert unwanted parenting advice, and whether or not to pay extra for a baby shower due to someone else's extravagance.
The all around talented, beautiful and wise actress ROSEMARIE DEWITT is here to charm us all with her insight on motherhood's gift of boundaries, our good bad funnies (Babies interacting! Balancing the marriage part of it! Not making a little bad into a big bad! New inflections! Husband pranks!) Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about fear of becoming our parents as parents, how to manage a young au pair for two little ones, how to keep your pregnancy news to yourself until you are comfortable sharing, how to stay connected to family and their children when they live far away, and lastly, what to do about friends who post insensitive things online about their children in an attempt to be funny? Enjoy!
She's a new mom friend to Elizabeth with a lovely, calm and sage energy. Mom to two, COURTNEY GATEWOOD is here to discuss our good/bad/funnies (postpartum depression preparedness! Couples therapy! Room sharing conundrums! Affordable housing! Sock obsession! Lentil shower!). Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about making a huge move/life transition two months postpartum, whether there are nicknames associated with Kendall, what to do about flat boobs after baby, and how to handle a toddler who is upset when Mom comes to pick her up from Grandmas. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's dear friend and wonder mama, LeeLee Pitts is back cohosting and bringing hilarious stories true to form! After some quick, light discussion of horrific natural disasters and mommy worry, we dive into our good/bad/funnies (Clean house, clean heart! snuggle time! sapphire vomit! tantrums! Knock knock jokes!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to navigate visiting relatives who want the most time with baby, how to gracefully dodge nosy nellies when it comes to trying to conceive, and lastly, a big question about dealing with not getting pregnant right away and whether having had an abortion earlier in life might play a part. Enjoy!
The most talented voice actor of all time, GREY DELISLE GRIFFIN is here to delight us with tales of mothering two boys (age 8 yrs and 9 mos) and of course we share our good/bad/funnies! (Understanding concepts! Hilarious thoughts of an 8 year old! Sick babies! Pre-eclampsia! Snot brush! Johnny Cash!) Then we discuss a heartbreaking listener question about co-parenting a four year old through a separation and potentially a divorce. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's dear friend, the talented and beautiful inside-n-out, Vanessa Ragland is here for this question/unqualified advice heavy episode. We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Independent play! No naps! New frustrations! Cheese! Carpet Poops!) before diving into a whole lotta listener questions about how much science (genetic testing, IVF, etc) to use when there is a chance of having a child with a genetic disease, what are the slam-dunk new baby items we think everyone needs, when did Elizabeth do acupuncture for fertility when it worked for her pregnancy, how to stay connected to your sisters when they are all mothers and you are not, whether or not it's appropriate to post a breastfeeding photo online, and lastly, how to reconcile the fear that your child will be like an unpleasant relative who share a birthday? Enjoy!
LaimeMoms, SHE'S HERE! The co-host we've all been waiting for, the glorious JUNE RAPHAEL comes on and charms our mommy socks off! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Morning sunshine! First steps! Supporting friends! Diaper Rash conversations! One year old car cruising! Knock knock who's there?!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to divert or avoid instigative comments and questions about your pregnancy to-be, and also how to cope with the disappointment of not getting pregnant every month? Enjoy!
One of Elizabeth's besties, Mary Elizabeth Ellis is back with her hilarious stories and full of heart insights to the aftermath of childbirth (bubble of peace to anyone who is pregnant for the first 25 mins!) why she'll take placenta pills and of course their good/bad funnies! Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about pelvic pain during pregnancy, how to handle a kid who will not eat solids, and how to address a potentially touchy situation with a nanny regarding attention and care. Enjoy!
Our cohost today is mom to a 2.5 yr. old, storyteller extraordinaire and author of "Gawky" and soon-to-be released "Long Story Short" MARGOT LEITMAN! We discuss the challenges of sleep troubles plus our good/bad/funnies (including a super funny about toddler love as well as a train debacle) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to help parents with their parenting issues when you are the nanny, and how to explain death to a child in a way that they understand at the age of 4. Enjoy!
The charming and delightful Young Adult novelist, LEILA HOWLAND, is cohost today! (Be sure to buy her upcoming book, "The Forget-Me-Not Summer" in May!) We discuss work/life balance, and our good/bad/funnies (going to sleep giggles! Watching complex thought processes! Regressing in sleep routines! Weaning failures! Faking injuries! Spouse frustration karma!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about posting photos of children online and appropriateness, as well as a question about home configuration that accommodates baby! Enjoy!
Elizabeth's dear friend and authenticity afficionado AMY BIEDEL is back to discuss being true to yo'self, DANCE, and of course our good/bad/funnies! (Highlights include a hall of fame "mic drop" by a three year old and a baby putting on heels). Then we give our unqualified advice to a universally felt listener question about delayed post-partum. Enjoy!
The spectacular all around MORGAN WALSH is back co co-host (much to Elizabeth's delight!) We discuss friendships and unfriendships as well as our good/bad/funnies - Morgan's funny includes the pinnacle of awesome that her daughter experienced recently, before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about how to encourage your spouse to spend some one on one time with your child (without seeming judge-y) and how to support your young nephew when he is dealing with the trauma and devastation that comes with having an alcoholic mother. Thank you for listening and... Enjoy!
The super talented and lovely and hilarious DANIELLE SCHNEIDER is here to cohost! We discuss her experience as a super busy working mom, why Sidney Poitier has a special place in her heart and of course, our good/bad/funnies! (Mommy Kisses! Family Connections! Unable to find balance! Wanting to be #1! Disgusting breastmilk tricks! Acting out scenes!) Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about whether or not to provide homemade food to daycare, if it's okay to (and how to) give momma advice when you see a baby carrier being worn incorrectly, what the deal is with pacifiers and nursing interference, and lastly how to handle a two year old's new phase of not wanting her Daddy around? Enjoy!
The super talented actress and co-host of the fantastic podcast, The Mo Mo Show, MO GAFFNEY is here with tales of the teen years! We discuss what it's like parenting a teenager, how to cope with "style" rebellion, and of course our good/bad/funnies (aka, happy/sad/grateful/weird!) Then we give our honest advice to listener questions about how to be there for a sibling who will be a teen mom, how to cope with a change in career plans due to motherhood, whether or not to support a sister in law who has made some bad choices, and lastly, what are our positive pregnancy test and sharing the good news with our partners stories? Enjoy!
In this special episode of Totally Mommy, Elizabeth wishes Baby Oprah a very happy first birthday by re-sharing the episode of Totally Married (#142, A Tale Of Two Cheeks) that she and Andy recorded just one week after Baby Oprah joined their family and brought endless joy into their lives. Regular programming back next week. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's soul sister, Vanessa Ragland is back cohosting to talk her down after having an existential crisis over Teddy's first day at Daycare. We discuss the seismic shift that is our babies' upcoming first birthdays and our good/bad/funnies (First day of Daycare and freedom! Vrooming cars and intentional play! Abandoning a screaming baby at daycare! The insane juggling act of being a self employed mother! Precocious four year olds at daycare! And a baby who likes his sensory supplies like he likes his food - in his mouth!) Before answering an awesome listener question about mom wars, and how to avoid letting other moms' opinions get to us. Enjoy!
The beautiful and lovely AMY BARHAM is back to cohost with her soothing British accent! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (four years old! new communication! scary dreams! ER visits! Valentine's gone weird! No habla Englais!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about dark post partum dreams and how to handle explaining adult stuff (prison visits) to your six year old when they are beginning to piece things together. Enjoy!
Style maven, DANIELLA LIBEN PALLY is back to discuss taking stock of your closet as a new mom, and what it’s like having kids super close in age (15 months apart!) Before she and Elizabeth dole out their good/bad/funnies (Learning to sniff! New little man of the house! Mom boredom! Potty Training! Not crying wolf after all! First crayon drawling!) before answering listener questions about the pain/healing part of labor and delivery (bubble of peace y’all!), how to handle a family member who seems disinclined to have her children bond with the family, and lastly, what’s the deal with giving kids the father’s last name? Enjoy!
She’s a PR queen extraordinaire and fellow mama to a darling daughter. Elizabeth’s friend HOLLY SHAKOOR is here as co-host! She and Elizabeth discuss their good/bad/funnies (Buying new clothes/self care! She’s crawling! Daycare guilt! First sickness! It’s a girl… and her name is Teddy! Name doubts based on emails!) Before answering listener questions about how to set up boundaries with female relatives after some major hurts surrounding motherhood, and how to let your husband know in a fun/cute/meaningful way that baby number two is en route! Enjoy!
The lovely and honest THERESA THORN from Maxfun's One Bad Mother is back to discuss all things doggy! ER... mommy! And doggy! We talk about training these wild beasts before doling out our good/bad/funnies (Rays of sunshine! The 10 month sweet spot! Stuff, all the stuff! Sleep regression! Sippy cup drink-off! Ruby's new reality!) before giving our unqualified advice to listener questions about introducing new dog to new baby, why Elizabeth doesn't like for strangers to touch Baby Oprah, and lastly a question for our Laimemoms - anyone out there have a child with hearing loss who can offer support/advice to a fellow new mom? Enjoy!
The glorious VANESSA RAGLAND is back and in primo co-hosting mode with tales of being lost with a full bladder and hysterical texts from babysitters. We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Dancing! Climbing stairs! Balance! Diaper Change fiascos! Reading farts! Dog poops matching baby food!) before answering listener questions about the fun/good/bad/funny vortex that is the pregnancy message board, whether or not to get the flu shot while pregnant, and the biggest question of them all - to circumcise or to not circumcise? Enjoy!
Dear friend and Psychotherapist, the wonderful ALEXIS JAEGER is back to discuss all things Mommy! We talk our good/bad/funnies (Healthy babies! Snuggle love! Feeling trapped! Food foiled! Three year old comments! Diaper on the car!) before answering listener questions about how to approach the topic of discussing private parts and good/bad touching as well as how to manage favoritism amongst kiddo siblings. Enjoy!
Today's episode is co-hosted with the all around lovely and sage LeeLee Pitts! We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Siblings communicating! Baby Oprah's a genius! No sleep! Being smug parents! Sleeping through the night!) before we answer listener questions about how to handle gifts that don't jive with your style or space, how to approach vegetarianism with a little one, and lastly how to handle the chaos of holidays/family get togethers when your sister's parenting style and energy is too much to handle. Enjoy!
Happy New Year, Laimemoms! Good friend and frequent co-host, the hysterical STEPHANIE ESCAJEDA is here to keep it real with discussions of poosplosions, plus our good/bad/funnies (Christmas! Daddy Time! Santa Truths! Fear Wormholes! Words Of Wisdom! High Fives!) before answering listener questions about wanting your spouse to share your excitement for having kids, and how to get back into the groove after baby. Enjoy! *Warning, don't play this around kids for various reasons including Santa and orgasms!
Happy New Years Eve, Laimemoms!! For this special episode - also our one year anniversary!! - I decided to share a story of two beautiful new beginnings told by the wonderful Kate Spencer (Editor and Chief of Mommyish.com) Back to our usual good/bad/funnies next week - thank you for going on this amazing journey of parenting with me over this past year, I adore you!! Enjoy!
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Here's to a fantastic holiday with your kiddos and loved ones - Elizabeth's all time favorite Co-host, Psychic Andy is back to discuss how the holidays feel different now that we're parents, plus our good/bad/funnies (Christmas munchkins! First waves! Santa lines! Bathtub spills! Clapping while Crying! Eating like a champ!) before answering listener questions about how to ask a relative about why they won't let people hold their baby, to cut or not to cut (your daughter's hair), how to handle the stress of not getting pregnant right away, how to navigate the legalities of assigning guardianship of your child to your sibling should the unthinkable happen, and what to do about difference in parenting styles (ie, spanking versus not), a heartbreaking question about how and when to tell new people in your life about having lost a child, and lastly, what's a great gender neutral baby gift to give to some hip parents to be? Wishing you all a festive holiday! Enjoy!
Elizabeth's awesome baby music class teacher, singer-songwriter MELISSA GREEN is as co-host here to discuss the beautiful story of how her little babe came into her and her wife's life as an eleven-day-old darling! Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about the practical - car seats! To the horrifying - what to do when your eleven year old asks you some tough questions about oral sex? Enjoy!
She’s a hilarious writer/ improvisor and fellow new mommy to an adorable six month old baby boy - SUSANNAH BECKET is here to discuss our good/bad/funnies (times two!) including Making it through the first trip away! Enjoying independence during Christmas prep! Falling hard! Breastfeeding stress! Post fall cuddles! Scratches on Mama! Baby Strength! and Peeing off the scale! Then we give our unqualified advice to listener questions about when it’s time to stop saying “I just had a baby” and how to handle work, childcare, financial losses during baby sicknesses, and how to address coworkers who are posting pics of your child without your consent? Enjoy!
The sage and beautiful mama to three MORGAN WALSH came back on for some awesome “hot topic” discussions about choosing your battles, compassion, and gender creativity in kids. We share our good/bad/funnies (Heads on chests! Uniting like-minded children! First colds! Busy mode! Christmas music surprise! Frisbee mishap!) Before answering listener questions about intrusive questions from a Mother In Law, and how to cope with feeling overwhelmed when pregnant. Enjoy!
After her last brave and beautiful episode of Totally Mommy, the inspiring VANESSA RAGLAND is back! We discuss our Good/Bad/Funnies (Clapping! Playing Together! Separation Anxiety! First Swim! Media Entertainment!) before diving in with our unqualified advice to listener questions about introducing dog and baby, struggling with fear of pregnancy and labor, and how to communicate with your mom about your choice to stay home with your kids when that wasn’t what she did with you. Enjoy!
What a treat! Our first Mother and Grandmother (only technically!) cohost of Totally Mommy is here to discuss the importance of family, long time friends and the chance to brush your teeth twice a day. We share our good/bad/funnies (Fun Ages! Good Health! Traveling with a wee one! Not having parents around! The three little amigos plus baby! Funny back seat conversations!) before discussing listener questions about a sister who won’t come to your baby shower, how to connect with a sister in law who has become distant since becoming a mom, how to respond to jerk friends who project rude things to your shy child, how to overcome the guilt of being a working mom, and lastly when is the right time to transition baby to a new room? Enjoy!
Doula, actress, fellow animal lover and friend AMY BIEDEL is back to discuss our good/bad/funnies (Loving School! Sneaking hand while nursing! Graphic content! Regressions! It feels like crickets! It’s my first party and I’ll cry if I want to!) before diving into listener questions about VBAC or C-section and anxiety around a second birth, how to cope with morning sickness and how to know if you want kids at all and if so, how do you make the decision of when? Enjoy!
Elizabeth has her dear friend, talented and beautiful (inside n out) actress Michaela McManus back for some real talk about sensitive times! They discuss the Good/Bad/Funnies (Crawling! Communicating! / Schedules! Target Confrontations!/ Pirouettes! “Petting” cats!) before answering listener questions about making mom friends and how important is it really, how marriage has changed since becoming parents, and what are some good organic must have gifts to give to a soon to be mom? Enjoy!
She's a new mom friend of Elizabeth's and is ACTUALLY qualified to give some sage advice - psychotherapist ALEXIS JAEGER is here to discuss our Good/Bad/Funnies (New friends! Clapping and waving!/Teething! The never-ending laundry!/ Smell my finger! Let's finish this book!) before answering listener questions about how to break up with a new mommy friend, how to decide what sort of school to send your child to, when/how/why to sex? and lastly, a big question about managing the new overwhelming and existential fears that come along with motherhood. Enjoy!
She’s back! Beautiful, wise, calming and hilarious - LENNON PARHAM, co-creator of our fave show, “Playing House” is in the house. We discuss our good/bad/funnies (Patty Cake! First tooth!/ Forgetting promises! Again don’t touch the baby!/ Croc to face! Daddy’s buying beer!) before answering some big listener questions about how to handle a friendships that don’t align on the parenting front and a question about an unsupportive mother when it comes to pregnancy. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's co-host today is the dude with the tude, ANDY! He's back for some Daddy talk - good, bad, funnies (Baby wearing! Excercise!/ Don't touch the baby! Breastfeeding merrygoround!/ People poop! Outdoor picnic!) before giving incredibly unqualified advice to listener questions about how to warm your man up to the idea of kids, what changes the most in a couple after having a baby, what 'gear" we like and why, how to handle the grim reality of infertility and some major health issues in a partner, and lastly how important is a no-tv rule and how hard is it to implement? Enjoy!
She's back for more! The talented and wonderful actress/writer/producer Leonora Pitts is here to discuss our good/bad/funnies (Scoot scoot boogie! Comforting siblings! Don't Touch My Baby! Helping hell! Race Conversations! New Food Faces!) before diving into a big listener question about making friends, ending friendships and developing friendships. Enjoy!
She's a TV personality, a chef extraordinaire, mom to a gorgeous 11 month old and a ray of sunshine. Newly published cookbook author, AARTI SEQUEIRA cohosts today and discusses our good/bad/funnies (Baby winks! Apologizing for your baby! Dirty Diapers in Trader Joes Parking Lots!) before diving into listener questions about: at what age do you flip carseats to forward facing (and whether that's a battle worth fighting), how much socializing a young child needs early on, and lastly a doozy of a question about becoming a surrogate. Enjoy!
She's one half of the hilarious mommy podcast, One Bad Mother and mom to two - BIZ ELLIS is here to discuss the creative way that she and her hubs keep fun in their marriage involving kids toys, what the best age difference between siblings is, and why keeping your cool when your kid eats rocks should win you some mom awards. Then we answer a listener question about how to handle an uninvolved husband/father to your two kids. Enjoy!
She's a gorgeous and lovely screenwriter who Elizabeth has wanted to "get to know" for a while, well now's her chance for all to hear! AMY BARHAM came by and discussed the good/bad/funny (Independent play! She found her tongue!/ Potty training! The never ending story!/ Cloud butt! Defaulting to mom!) before answering listener questions about which books or websites to read before baby, and how to deal with a difficult family situation involving the writer-inner's sister and her challenging son. Enjoy!
She's the super cool easy breezy mommy that Elizabeth aspires to be - fashion copywriter LUCY SPRIGS Is today's cohost - we discuss our Good/Bad/Funnies (Patience! Quick Asleep-er!/ Poop on leg! Party Fussbucket!/ Animal Cracker Turd!) before answering listener questions about navigating maternity leave and childcare in a foreign country, how to add some husband wife time back into the mix, and what to expect financially when having a kiddo. Enjoy!
Andy and Elizabeth discuss the joys of traveling with a five month old before having a much needed discussion about public Breastfeeding. Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about a trash-bag dad, how to handle a husband who wants to have just the two of you time when you're not ready to leave the baby, and lastly what to do when your partner doesn't see eye to eye with you regarding family planning. Enjoy!
The gorgeous and smart mom to two girls, KATE SPENCER is back! We discuss our Good/Bad/Funnies (Dance routines! Sharp objects! Bathtub mayhem! Hair dingleberries! A baby sweet tooth!) before giving unqualified advice to listener questions about co-parenting with an uncooperative partner, how to re-invigorate a relationship with a friend who is in mommy-land, what to do about developing your child's relationship with his cousin when the mom isn't making it easy, and lastly, how to handle having your mother around your baby when she… well she kinda sucks! Enjoy!
She's an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist as well as the "one who got Elizabeth pregnant", the wonderful BROOKE FRIES is here to discuss Eastern medicine for babes, our Good/Bad/Funnies (Turning 3! Eczema Sabbatical!/ Big Feelings! Sleep "Teaching"! and "That's How They Make 'Em!" :) before answering listener questions about maintaining a friendship that has shifted into motherhood and is not feeling like a two way street, how to handle negativity about your parenting due to age, and lastly whether or not it's socially acceptable to register for an adoption fund instead of wedding gifts. Enjoy!
This is a very special, but very heart-wrenching episode wherein the extraordinarily brave and beautiful inside-and-out VANESSA RAGLAND (Pop My Culture & The Groundlings) shares her story of loss and life through motherhood. Please grab some tissue and have a listen… I'm really honored to share this one.
Elizabeth's partner in super power milk, literary agent HOLLY ROOT is today's cohost. They discuss lipase (it's a milk thang, baby), their Good/Bad/Funnies (Jeans fitting! Word Recognition Joy!/ Whiney with Mama! Photo Stress!/ Funny Songs Inspired by baby!) before answering listener questions about how to deal with difficult father in laws/grandfathers to your child and how to approach the sensitive subject of starting a family with a loved one who is infertile. Enjoy!
She's the co-creator and co-star (along with guest cohost Lennon Parham!) of Elizabeth's new favorite show, Playing House on USA and is a complete ray of sunshine - the hilarious and adorable JESSICA ST. CLAIR comes on and discusses the Good/Bad/Funny (Crib Sleeping and Sleeping Through The Night!/ Egg Allergy or Vaccine and … / Baby photo meltdown and ….) Then they answer listener questions about sex after baby plus… what's the point in having kids? Jessica also shares her very touching story of how she decided to become a mom. Enjoy!
In this special episode, Elizabeth's childhood BFF and mom to three darling girls, KENDALL KOTIZA MAHONEY comes on and discusses the Good/Bad/Funny (Visiting Friends! Mommy Network!/ Poop Streaks! Sleep Regression!/ What's that on your front butt?!) before answering listener questions about sleep training books, babysitting conundrums with sensitive relatives, how to deal with potential infertility, and how to handle a husband's deployment with three kids to care for. Enjoy!
She's the hilarious co-host of the fantastically awesome podcast, "One Bad Mother" and mom to two gorgeous fellas - THERESA THORN co-hosts to discuss the Good/Bad/Funny (Potty Trained! First Flights!/ No Sleep!/ Pee tips from 3 year olds!) before diving into listener questions regarding kids and religion pressures from family members and how to deal with a relative whose mothering isn't quite up to snuff. Enjoy!
Elizabeth dear friend, actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis is back to discuss all things Mommy! They tell their Good/Bad/Funnies (Potty trained! First vacay!/ Accidental Face Slap/ Accidental Arm scratch! Mommy, where's your penis? Sex and The City Girl!) before answering listener questions about multitasking while nursing, how a new baby poses challenges to a marriage, whether or not to leave LA to raise a child, how to deal with relatives' kids who aren't vaccinated, and lastly, how to raise a confident happy child who has some physical challenges? Enjoy!
She's a hilarious mom who keeps it real - and also is a huge inspiration for Elizabeth. Ronna and Beverly's JAMIE DENBO is today's cohost - she and Elizabeth discuss the Good/Bad/Funny (Cute Girlie Clothes! You're In Trouble With The Principal! Racist Children!) before answering listener questions about setting boundaries with kids' freedom, and whether or not it's best to wait after marriage to have kids or to dive right on in? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and her favorite cohost in life, Andy! are back to discuss what's going on in their lives as parents, the Good/Bad/Funnies (Mama chanting! The Little Prince! Elimination Diets! Baby Oprah said Hello!) before diving into listener questions about handling an overbearing mother and sister's expectations, whether or not to use the pushy but free babysitting services of a mother in law, if it's kosher to tell your mom that you don't particularly love the items she makes for baby, if it's too soon to have your son call the new boyfriend "Daddy" after three months, how to politely stand your ground with an over eager step mother, and what to do about a dog-meets-two-year-old situation. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's friend, actress Stephanie Escajeda is back to discuss Mommyhood from 3 month olds to 3 year olds. They talk Good/Bad/Funnies (Back in the sac! Toddler doom! Passionate 3 year old singing!) before answering a real tear jerker of a question about an absentee grandmother. Enjoy!
The co-creator and co-star of Elizabeth's new favorite show, "Playing House" on USA is here! Mommy extraordinaire, the wonderful Lennon Parham co-hosts and discusses the Good/Bad/Funny (Nice playing/Waking up smiling! Hair loss/ Pediatrician undermining! Tiny headphones/ Kevin Spacey!) before answering a listener question about HOT TOPIC: vaccines, dun dun dun… Enjoy!
Elizabeth dear friend and doula/childbirth educator Amy Biedel is back! They discuss the Good/Bad/Funny (toddler beds and sleeping through the night! Buzzcuts and bad doctor's visits! Pacifier shame and too smart three year olds!) Then they give their unqualified advice to an important listener question regarding fertility and surrogacy. Enjoy!
Our fabulous guest co-host today is the gorgeous inside-and-out actress and new mommy Michaela McManus! We discuss our love bugs - two weeks apart in age - in the Good/Bad/Funny (Everything! Poopsplosions! Dog meets nipple shield!) then answer listener questions about the first... ahem... BM post giving birth and how to cope when normal worries of motherhood and pregnancy feel extra scary. Enjoy!
She's baaaack! Elizabeth's own personal Oprah-esque quote giver and confidence booster, the fabulous Morgan Walsh is back with her sage advice and calming presence. She and Elizabeth share their Good/Bad/Funnies (School Plays! Car Troubles! Spanx Fails!) before answering listener questions about exercise during pregnancy and social media as a parent. Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Andy discuss their Good/Bad/Funnies (Finding a bottle that works! Painful toots! Mother's Day Giggles!) before diving into listener questions about dealing with dueling in-laws regarding baby, how to let an estranged mother know that she's going to be a grandmother, how to break the news that a sixth baby is on the way to the other five kids, how Elizabeth feels about the "it's so hard" and "sleep now" advice now that she's actually in it, whether or not certain nicknames are appropriate for a baby girl, and how to handle the disappointment of infertility month after month. Enjoy!
Andy & Elizabeth share their Good/Bad/Funnies - (Smiles galore! Mommy insecurities! She's her father's daughter!) plus they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about dealing with loss and having children, how to cope with feelings of anger regarding your child's rightful inheritance, whether or not to adopt and also if there's ever a switch that flips telling you now's the time to have kids, how to deal with "twin lookers" when it makes you and your partner uncomfortable, and lastly - are second child showers cool to do? Enjoy!
In today's episode we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Funnies (Having an amazing partner, Saying goodbye to Baby Oprah for a work trip, and a banana line up that makes Elizabeth lose her poise momentarily) before answering listener questions about mommy playdates anxiety, labor preparation and parenting styles, whether to connect with the child of a sibling that is bat shit crazy, and how to address a relative about their smokey smell when they visit and care for the sweet smelling baby! Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Andy discuss technology as well as their Good, Bad, Funnies (Getting out!, Eating Issues! Public Sink Baths!) Before answering listener questions about posting your kids photos on social media, how to raise a feminist boy, and how to deal with hearing horrible stories of abuse when you are a new mom, as well as how to deal with your own instincts to protect (or overprotect) your child! (Hint: Baby Oprah will stay in her wrap/baby carrier until she is 18!) Enjoy!
Elizabeth and Cohost Andy discuss all things sleep now that it is the most important commodity in their lives. Plus, they cover good, the bad, and the funny before diving into listener questions regarding technology and children, why Elizabeth wanted the type of birth that she did, and lastly, how do they feel about Toddlers and Tiaras? Enjoy!
Elizabeth and her fantastic co-host/baby daddy, Andy, discuss their first outing failure which involved a shaking dog and an epic Oprah meltdown before they dive into listener questions about vegan pregnancy, how to deflect birth choice negativity, what the process is for genetic testing, whether or not cord blood banking is worth it, and how to decide whether staying at home versus continuing a career is the right choice after baby? Enjoy!
Our guest, co-host today is Elizabeth's BABY DADDY, Andy! That's right, in case you haven't heard, we are two weeks into this parenthood frenzy and loving (mostly) every minute. We discuss The Good, The Bad & The Funny of being parents, as well as answer listener questions about how to handle overly generous in-laws, whether there's a way to have the birth you want when there's no birth center nearby, if it's a good idea to snag your future kiddos' email address ahead of time, and how to balance working and pursuing your creative dreams as a mama. Enjoy!
Laimemoms, today is a special day! I could NOT be more excited for this - For the first time ever in our over 400 podcasts I have the one, the only, MY SISTER! on as cohost - Anna-Marie Claassen, mom to Wright and Turner (my fave boys on the planet) is here to discuss The Good: Dance parties like no one's watching, me being ready to roll into this motherhood thing!, The Bad: I'm missing our Mom a ton, Anna-Marie's 3 year old is too wily for her to discipline, and The Funny: The things this toddler says! And Elizabeth is definitely bringing fast food into her health conscious birthing center. See if you can tell our voices apart! And Enjoy!
Our co-host today is DANIELLA LIBEN PALLY - mom to two year old Cole and one year old GG - two adorable kids with the most gorgeous eyelashes ever invented! We talk The Good: (Cole saying I love you, Elizabeth made a new mom-to-be friend), The Bad: (Getting parenting judgement at the farmers market, Elizabeth has a very big kiddo ready to come out of a very small place) and The Funny: (GG finger painting on the walls with her poop, Elizabeth is once again bad at domesticity). Then they dive into giving their unqualified advice to listener questions including the path through infertility, how to manage feelings when you aren't able to have kids but everyone around you is, what tips mothers might have when flying with infants, whether or not to wait until you are financially secure to have kids, and how to navigate taking time for emotional/mental self care when you are a parent? Leave comments/feedback at totallylaime.com - Enjoy!
One of Elizabeth's besties and Mom to 2 year old Russell, actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis is today's cohost discussing The Good (Russell's adorable little word swaps, Elizabeth's all set to go at the birth center) The Bad (Russell becoming a crib escape artist, Elizabeth having to put something up her butt) and The Funny (Russell directing his two actor parents, Elizabeth's lack of balance causing a crack up during a special ceremony). Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions about empathy for a friend who is struggling with infertility when you are pregnant, whether or not to have the shower after baby arrives, how to get protein in pregnancy as a vegetarian, ideas for gifts for a husband and daddy to be, what are the essentials you need before baby, how to deal with estranged family when it comes to baby, and lastly, how to set boundaries with other moms who are using your play-dates as free babysitting. Enjoy!
Actress and Doula/Childbirth educator SHELLY SLOCUM is our cohost today, here to discuss how labor is a perfect microcosm of motherhood! Also, The Good: (Watching her two girls develop such different personalities, Elizabeth getting an education in carseats and feeling like a good mom) The Bad: (Sometimes not wanting to be a mom) and The Funny: (Shelly's daughter making her laugh over a bag of freeze dried strawberries, Elizabeth's baby gift from Shelly). Then they give their unqualified advice to listener questions regarding balancing two kids instead of one and how to decide whether or not to find out the sex of your future child! Enjoy!
Elizabeth's dear friend Leelee is back co-hosting this week and shares The Good (her lil man turned 1! And Elizabeth had an awesome baby shower), The Bad (Leelee's daughter has been out of sorts, Elizabeth's vulva is no beuno) and The Funny (Leelee's husband had a colorful description of their daughter's behavior, Elizabeth needed snack time during a rock show). Then Leelee has some awesome advice (Elizabeth's is mediocre at best :) to listener questions regarding gender disappointment in pregnancy, dealing with sticky Mother In Law situations, how to handle a "gun situation" with the in laws, and what to do when one child resents the other for the amount of attention he requires. Enjoy!
Fantastic Mommy cohost for today is comedy actress Stephanie Escajeda! She and Elizabeth discuss The Good: (Joining in the parent club, Elizabeth having forgotten how hard it was to get pregnant) The Bad: (Being sick when your kid is sick means you don't get to be sick!) and The Funny: (Stephanie's daughter "acting", Elizabeth's pregnancy flirting with a motorcycle dude). Then they answer listener questions about placenta encapsulation, how to avoid nosy people when you are struggling with fertility, and whether or not to drink during the two week wait between ovulation and plus sign. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's long time friend and soul sister in sensitivity & dog rescue is our co-host today! Actress, singer and doula AMY BEIDEL came on and discussed the good (getting certified in childbirth education) the bad (her son picking up her less than pride-filled mannerisms, Elizabeth's swollen undercarriage) and the funny (her three year old being obsessed with anatomy, Elizabeth crying over a touch being the wrong kind). Then they discuss why Amy thinks one of their dog rescue foibles led to her pregnancy before giving their unqualified advice to listener questions about their thoughts on circumcision, how to navigate fertility testing, how to deal with anxiety about pregnancy weight gain, and how to manage a friendship when you are in mommy-ville and she wants you to get drunk at her wedding. Enjoy!
She's a hilarious comedy performer and actress, and has such a great, balanced insight into motherhood - mama to three, MORGAN WALSH comes on and we discuss the good (pizza hugs), the bad (skin problems), and the funny (lunchbox boobs) plus a discussion about cooking with the kids and then she and Elizabeth answer listener questions about whether or not you have to know 100% that you want kids, and whether or not to remain in a friendship with someone who struggles with alcoholism as a new mother. Enjoy!
Elizabeth's childhood friend and mom to 2.5 yr. old Scout, Erin Collier comes on Totally Mommy to discuss The Good: Scout becoming her own person; Elizabeth excited to meet Baby Oprah~ The Bad: Elizabeth peeing her pants a little bit when she sneezes; Scout throwing tantrums, and The Funny: Andy eating cheezits in their childbirth class, Scout copying mommy's potty mouth. Then Erin discusses the process of becoming a mom with her wife, Brooke. Lastly, Elizabeth and Erin offer their unqualified advice to listener questions! Enjoy!
Listen in for a foreword (it's 13 full minutes so feel free to skip ahead if you'd like!) to this episode regarding birth choices and judgement from Elizabeth before a fun albeit tear-filled conversation with writer and VH1 correspondent Kate Spencer about becoming a Mother when we don't have our own Mothers. Plus some great Good/Bad/Funnies as well as our unqualified advice/answer to an excellent listener question regarding guilt in parenting! Enjoy!
It's our inaugural episode with a guest host! Today Elizabeth's friend ~ actress, director, writer and mother extraordinaire Leelee Pitts comes on and discusses her two unmedicated births, how kids manage to poop up their backs, and how important balance is (whaaa?!). Then they answer a listener question about having a baby shower when it's an adoption without knowing the exact date of baby's arrival! Enjoy!
Welcome to Totally Mommy! In our very first episode, Elizabeth and her guest/Husband Andy discuss the good, the bad and the funny: Good is feeling baby Oprah kick and future In-N-Out trips with Daddy, Bad is being scared they got the gender wrong and less sex than before, and Funny is the reaction to baby's name and something having to do with Adult Content on Andy's part. Then they answer listener questions about fearing social snafu's for your child at school and whether or not Elizabeth enjoys people touching her pregnant belly. Thank you for listening - hope you enjoy!