I am in desperate need of some advice from my fellow mothers.  My only child, Campbell, turned one a couple of weeks ago.  Since she was born, we have struggled with what to do with my dog, Fitzy.  He is an 8-year old Westie and is a good dog most of the time.  He had a little trouble adjusting to Campbell's presence - the crying, etc. really stressed him out - but he has gotten used to her and accepts her as part of his pack.

Cross posted at www.camperky.com

There is a tremendous article that explores Barack Obama's foreign policy vision (The Obama Doctrine by Spencer Ackerman). It's a wonderful read and an example of concrete policy ideas and visions, and yet another example of what makes Obama unique.  In short, he envisions a world where, to borrow the words of John Kennedy, America commands "respect throughout the world, not only for its strength, but for its civilization as well."

Obama recognizes that terrorism is a foe that can't be pinpointed and annihilated by precision missiles. Terrorism and those that foster such hate can only be destroyed if the root causes of such desperation are attacked. In the words of Obama advisor, retired general Scott Gratian:

   "It's about attacking pools of potential terrorism around the globe.  Look at Africa, with 900 million people, half of whom are under 18. I'm concerned that unless you start creating jobs and livelihoods we will have a real big problem on our hands in ten to fifteen years."

There is a fabulous article in The Washington Post about the struggle Moms face in deciding whether or not it is feasible to adopt a non-traditional work schedule in order to spend more time with their children.  I've  posted some reflections on my blog: www.camperky.com.  But what I am interested in here is a discussion of what non-traditional opportunities folks out there might enjoy.  And, how did you address the subject with your employer?

Yesterday I wrote a diary on the NYT article discussing single sex public education alternatives.  I just had a chance to follow-up and read all of the comments and am still mulling the thoughts over. Thanks to everyone who shared!

To me there is no topic more important than education. My parents were big on education and I was blessed with a fabulous one so I am already finding it all too easy to stress out about how to provide an education for Campbell.

There was a fabulously interesting article in the NYT Magazine yesterday about a ground swell of support for gender segregation in public school classrooms.  I have to admit this was a concept I'd never really considered and would have probably dismissed without thought before reading the article.  But the article's citation of studies showing that girls and boys learn differently has left me curious - though not fully converted.

As we watch Super Tuesday fade away in the rear view mirror with an even closer contest than we had going in, talk of a heated convention and brokered deals has started making the blog and talk show rounds.  CNN reported yesterday on an interview with Howard Dean in which he stated that he wanted this settled before the convention and would push for a "compromise" before Denver.

Excuse me? If it is the Democratic Committee's job and privilege to select the nominee then what have we been doing the last six weeks? Why have millions of people gone out in the rain or cold to stand in long lines to vote if not to select the nominee themselves? Why have millions of dollars been spent on ad buys and bumper stickers and jet fuel so candidates can meet these millions of voters "face to face" if not so that the people can choose their nominee?

What say you, MotherTalkers? Thanks for posing this question, camper! -Elisa

When Adam and I decided to start a family I did so knowing that I not only  needed but wanted to keep working. That said I also knew that there was no way, despite knowing myself well enough to know I am not cut out for staying at home full time, that I would not experience guilt at leaving my sweet girl behind to go to work.  So I was prepared for the tears some mornings (my tears, not hers) and for the days where I can't concentrate for thinking about my girl and wondering what she's doing and missing her gummy smile. What I wasn't prepared for was the professional guilt I would feel when being a mommy gets in the way of work.

Campbell is almost 8 months old and today she was diagnosed with an ear ache. Normal, childhood stuff, no worries there.  We've started the antibiotics so hopefully the crying and discomfort on her part will soon subside.  But, as I emailed my office after putting her to bed I was struck by a sense of unease - of guilt - for not going into work tomorrow in order to stay home with Campbell.