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Stephanie Shipman
Stephanie and her husband moved to the DC area from St. Pete, Florida (but hail from the Midwest) with their French Bulldog Reggie in 2018 for her husband's job. A few weeks after arriving, she discovered she was pregnant. Carson was born later that year, and with no family around, had to create her own village of mom friends. The family of four live in Mclean, Virginia. A former journalist, she recently rejoined the client success industry after being laid off at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She enjoys activities with both Carson and Reggie, including walks around the neighborhood and visiting dog-friendly parks and monuments in the DMV area.
Guide to Pizza Places in the DC Area
Need help with dinner tonight? Pizza is usually a fan favorite, and it's definitely a kid-pleaser. Check out this round up of great pizza places in the Washington, DC area. We LOVE supporting local...
We’re Not Divorced, Just Sleep Divorced
My husband and I have been married for almost five years now, together for eight. But we don't sleep in the same bed.
We used to. I remember thinking I was so lucky because he...
10 Short Hikes with Toddlers In the DMV
The DMV area has an abundance of nature parks nearby. You can see a waterfall, various wildlife, and serene rivers depending on which park you choose to walk or hike in. Walks or hikes in...
20 Kid-Friendly Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is internationally known as a day of love – but the romantic kind of love. Hallmark, Kay Jewelers, etc. capitalize on romantic relationships when it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day. But what...
How to Celebrate the Holidays with No Family Around
My husband and I had a plan for our life together after our wedding: he'd get his security clearance granted, and once that came through, we'd move to DC. I'd keep my job because...
An Open Letter to All Lawmakers About Parental Leave
Dear All Lawmakers (especially Democrats):
I understand that to compromise with other Democrats and get the infrastructure bill introduced to attempt to be passed, the paid parental leave for parents was cut from 12 weeks...
Introducing Your Dog to Your New Baby
When we found out we were pregnant, I didn't know how our dog would handle it.
At the time, our then two-year-old French Bulldog Reggie was our only "child," and he definitely got all of...
Fox Pest Control to the Rescue
Summer means pool days, ice cream, running through the sprinkler and soaking up the sun before it's time to go back to school. And even though fall is right around the corner, both summer...
Tips for Planning a DC Staycation
Have you considered a DC staycation? I'm sure many of you can relate to this: my husband and I were in desperate need of a change of scenery. But compared to what seemed like...
Outdoor Color Match Games For Summer (And Some Indoor Options for Rainy Days)
Summer is here! Time to soak up the sunshine and play outside. If you're looking for outside play that is relatively educational, and you have young children learning their colors, try these color match...
How My Dog Made Me Doubt My Parenting Abilities
Thoughts of a first-time mom
As a first-time mom, there is always anxiety that creeps in. The constant paranoia: am I doing enough? Is this right? Will my kid need therapy later?
Several of these insecurities...
“Forced” into Being a Stay-At-Home Mom
You could say I was "forced" into being a stay-at-home mom, but I wouldn't change a thing. I've been laid off twice now, and I've become a full-time, stay-at-home mom. The first time was...
What To Do If You’re Laid Off While Pregnant
Two months before I was due to give birth in 2018, I was laid off from my company. It is tough to get laid off to begin with, but add the stress of having...
Zoom Fatigue: What it’s Like With Kids’ Therapies
I know that with every baby, toddler, and childhood stage, there will be a challenge. I was prepared to deal with potential challenges, I just wasn't anticipating a pandemic to coincide with dealing with...