Mama’ing is incredibly complex. Multiply the mamas times two and a host of new logistical and emotional issues emerge. Vanessa Jones of The Boston Globe reports (May 29, 2006) on a volume that was culled and edited by Harlyn Aizley of Roslindale. This collection of 18 essays (including pieces from five Boston area mamas) is titled “Confessions of the Other Mother: Nonbiological Lesbian Moms Tell All!” and gives voice and description to the challenges faced by nonbiological lesbian moms.

“Confessions” is available on Amazon (regular retail $16, currently on sale for $11.20).

I am a huge fan of Melissa & Doug wooden toys, and was thrilled to find “My First Shapes Book." This wooden puzzle book not only has lots of great objects to help babes with their vocabulary and shape matching skills, but puzzle pieces are magnetic. We have had the book for several months and we still have all 32 pieces!

I found my copy at TJMaxx, but you also can order a copy at Amazon for $14.99.

An admittedly OCD Boston mama highly recommends the housecleaning services of Keity (pronounced “Katie”) Barbosa from Wonderful Cleaning. Keity and her team provide one-time or regularly scheduled visits and customize the price depending on what you want cleaned.

Keity is insured and bonded, and is great with kids. Please let Keity know that Jude M. (a happy customer of 5+ years) referred you.

An admittedly OCD Boston mama highly recommends the housecleaning services of Keity (pronounced “Katie”) Barbosa from Wonderful Cleaning. Keity and her team provide one-time or regularly scheduled visits and customize the price depending on what you want cleaned.

Keity is insured and bonded, and is great with kids. Please let Keity know that Jude M. (a happy customer of 5+ years) referred you.

I would cry over spoiled milk. How could I not, after having experienced food poisoning induced “labor”?

But this isn’t about me. The July/August 2006 issue of Cookie Magazine features innovative sippy cups by Second Nature. The Second Nature Stay Kool Trainer Cup has a freezable gel-filled plastic center to keep beverages cool for hours.

The magazine lists these super cool cups as being available at Target but I didn’t see them online. Try a Target store, or order through One Step Ahead. The 6 oz Trainer Cup with handles ($4.95) is suitable for babes 3 months+; the 8 oz Kid Cup (no handles; $5.95) for babes 9 months+. Three-packs of the trainers are available for $15.49 at Amazon in red and blue.

I would cry over spoiled milk. How could I not, after having experienced food poisoning induced “labor”?

But this isn’t about me. The July/August 2006 issue of Cookie Magazine features innovative sippy cups by Second Nature. The Second Nature Stay Kool Trainer Cup has a freezable gel-filled plastic center to keep beverages cool for hours.

The magazine lists these super cool cups as being available at Target but I didn’t see them online. Try a Target store, or order through One Step Ahead. The 6 oz Trainer Cup with handles ($4.95) is suitable for babes 3 months+; the 8 oz Kid Cup (no handles; $5.95) for babes 9 months+. Three-packs of the trainers are available for $15.49 at Amazon in red and blue.

As a mama, it’s all about multi-tasking. So when you next hit a crisis inspired by a closet full of pre-mama clothing that no longer fits, head to Second Time Around. This boutique offers new and resale clothing – a place where you can sell your pre-mama clothes and boost up your wardrobe all in one stop. A mama friend can’t say enough good things about this shop’s chic collection and tech savvy approach (you can track the status of consignment pieces through your online account).

Check out Second Time Around’s website or contact one of their many area locations (3 Boston stores, Cambridge, Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Portsmouth, NH) for consignment details; however my mama pal did pass along the general rules that consignment pieces should be: 1) in season; 2) from within the last two years; and 3) from a fairly popular store/designer (although they rarely take anything from the Gap).

As a mama, it’s all about multi-tasking. So when you next hit a crisis inspired by a closet full of pre-mama clothing that no longer fits, head to Second Time Around. This boutique offers new and resale clothing – a place where you can sell your pre-mama clothes and boost up your wardrobe all in one stop. A mama friend can’t say enough good things about this shop’s chic collection and tech savvy approach (you can track the status of consignment pieces through your online account).

Check out Second Time Around’s website or contact one of their many area locations (3 Boston stores, Cambridge, Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Portsmouth, NH) for consignment details; however my mama pal did pass along the general rules that consignment pieces should be: 1) in season; 2) from within the last two years; and 3) from a fairly popular store/designer (although they rarely take anything from the Gap).

Sometimes the best way to cope with the rigors of mamahood is to let out an emphatic “Ohm!” To locate a studio near you, check out Boston Yoga; this resource website is blissfully clean and easy to navigate. The studio directory extends to the Cape, Southern New Hampshire, and beyond.

Even better, Boston Yoga loves mamas! Check out their pre/post natal class recommendations.