I thought about your comment to go broke to put her in private, but we don't have enough in our retirement. As a matter of fact, I recently learned we are way behind in that dept which makes me doubly retch to think about. I mean, if I could invest that same money we'd be able to retire at a normal age. I just can't…

Nope, Chicago. It's windy here and you need a PHd to get into a good Kindergarten, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Yeah, I was pretty happy actually. The fact her little three-year-old brain tried to think of something I'd like and that was accessible to her really melts me in the ole thumper.

Mother's Day is actually one of the few gift-giving occasions that doesn't have a set protocol. On Christmas, people universally put up a tree, eat sweets and give gifts. Valentines day is flowers all around. But some people get socks for Mother's Day and others get brunch or manicures or cars. I myself got a weed…

Er shit, take a vacation!

I think this article is outstanding. It sounds like Kittensandrainbows may have something to protect in Missoula, as evidenced by his/her connection to the Missoulian.

Eee! I want to play!

Aw, a little cave man! *love*

Guess why I weaned at 12 months? VANITY! Worst reason of all and my kids are fine - they're breathing and everything.

I was going to mention that. I saw 8-month-olds walking so of course they stood and nursed. My kids were late walkers, but super early talkers. My 10-month-old could verbalize that she wanted to snooze . . . and I still nursed her.

It seems to me you made the plan and the sacrifice to cater your life around having a family. You left the glitz of the city for your hometown. You gave up bigger opportunities and focused on what you really wanted. And got it.

**standing ovation**

And your recognition upon graduating grad school is [DRUM ROLL] a degree! Probably a graduation party! I'm pretty sure you'd rather the cake say "congrats grad!" instead of "yay for not having a baby!"

Exactly. And where would it end? Kudos to the childless or kudos to everyone who has less than three kids or kudos to everyone in America who isn't the Duggars or Octomom?

Then you would be getting a "thank you" for volunteering and accolades as you cross the finish line. Not a thank-you for not having kids.

HAHA! No. They pinned that note to your child?? I wonder if that will happen to my youngest. She has curly hair from her dad and I'm at a loss. Product? No clue. I'll wait for my note. (Thanks for the laugh :)

Leave Hilary ALooooOONNnne!

Quite a zinger, Rosemary! It befuddles me why you aren't surrounded by a loving family.

Thank you! I say no cookies as well. Let's all just handle our shit. Seriously, are we so precious we need accolades to confirm all our life choices?

I have no hostility toward my choices. I made them deliberately and celebrate them every moment I am alive. Perhaps if more women on this thread were happy with their own choices, we wouldn't be having this conversation.