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I’ve been writing the series “Notes from the Playground” about Wallingford Playfield, but since it’s winter and our park excursions have reduced considerably, I thought I’d broaden my scope a bit with a new series about parenting called Wallymom.

There are all these sayings about parenthood. How being a parent is the best job in the world, the hardest job, the most rewarding, the most enriching, that it’s a gift, etc. Four years and two kids into this journey, I’m finding that it’s all those things. And more.

It prompts this strange mix of thought from philosophical musings about the meaning and significance of our lives and how we see our place in the world to the most detailed minutiae about things you once took at face value. Things like eating, going to the bathroom, and the all important topic of sleep. Pre-kids, I never thought about sleep. I just slept. Who knew it was such a complex issue? Now it’s all about how to get your baby to sleep, why your baby doesn’t sleep, why your baby used to sleep but now won’t, and ultimately, how you can possibly get more sleep.

Parenthood also seems to be a strong community builder, bringing people together in a way that was surprising to me. From organized groups like PEPS and online forums like Wallingford Moms to friending strangers in coffee shops to commiserating with old friends, it’s fantastic to have company on this wild and wonderful trip. I’m hoping Wallymom can contribute to the dialogue.

Some quotes about parenthood…

“The joys of parenthood are never fully experienced until the children are in bed.” – Author unknown

“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” – Milton Berle

“Parents were invented to make children happy by giving them something to ignore.” – Ogden Nash