Motherhood 2.0

Motherhood looks different for me these days, now that I have 3 children instead of one – and now that one of those 3 kids is an interesting breed of child called a “tweenager.” My days used to be characterized by preoccupation with breastfeeding, physical exhaustion, and the constant tension between the time I wanted … More Motherhood 2.0

Goodbye Oscar: A Pet Owner’s Story of Love and Loss

Because writers write when we feel intense emotion. Right now I feel relief, sadness, nostalgia and pain. Relief because I’m no longer a witness to suffering and I don’t have to clean up volumes of pee off my hardwood floors. Sadness because my first baby is gone. Nostalgia because I remember fondly our times together … More Goodbye Oscar: A Pet Owner’s Story of Love and Loss

That was me: A millennial woman’s experience with racism

A black girl was called the N-word on the playground in elementary school in the 90’s-that black girl was me. A black girl was called ugly because of her dark black skin in elementary school in the 90’s-that black girl was me. A black girl created and independently executed a project for the science fair … More That was me: A millennial woman’s experience with racism

My Black Man

So today marks the 14th anniversary of my marriage to Thomas N. Howard. It’s a point of celebration in the midst of such tragedy. I want to take this time to tell you about my black man, whose life matters. We met in 1998 when we were both in high school.  He was the co-president … More My Black Man

The Talk

I just had one of the most difficult conversations I’ve ever had.  This is saying a lot given what I do for a living. As an OB/GYN, I have tough conversations all the time. They start in various ways. For example, “Mrs. So and so, I’m sorry but the discharge you’ve been having is from … More The Talk

The Balancing Act

I have never been fond of the term “work-life balance.” When I think of balance, an image of a gymnast on a balance beam comes to mind.  The beautifully sculpted body moves with incredible accuracy and precision along the length of the beam, periodically leaping like a ferry into the air. The body folds and … More The Balancing Act

Happy (Would-Be) Mother’s Day

I wrote this blog on May 14th, 2017 for all of the Would-Be Mothers, especially those struggling with infertility.  Chances are, either you or someone you know, can relate. Enjoy. ****************************************************************************** I woke up this morning to my sweet husband kissing my cheek and saying “Happy Mother’s Day.”  Friday, Nayla gave me her gift she … More Happy (Would-Be) Mother’s Day

Chew, Chew, Chew!

“Do you guys really have to check her labs every 4 hours?” I asked. Nayla hated getting her blood drawn as every baby would. It was painful seeing her scream in terror every time the phlebotomist would come draw them. I was really anxious as we did all of the pre testing before surgery to … More Chew, Chew, Chew!

The Air in the Spare

So, I took off a few days for Nayla’s spring break so that we could do something special. I decided to drive from Birmingham to Chattanooga to see the aquarium and the children’s museum. I heard great things about the aquarium, mostly that it was smaller and less crowded than Atlanta’s aquarium but equally fun. … More The Air in the Spare