Author: Holly
Crock Pot Old Fashioned Irish Stew
I grew up in a home where we cooked and ate a lot of Italian food. Any meal without homemade sauce and a side of pasta was highly unusual. So when “Mostly Wonderful” brought me home to meet my future in-laws, getting used to their […]
“9” Tips for Toddler Potty Training For Blind/VI Parents
Potty training your toddler is an exciting time! On one hand, you’ve reached the point in parenthood when you’re ready to bid farewell to diaper duty. On the other hand, the realization that your baby isn’t really a “baby” anymore is enough to break any […]
To My Guide Dog’s Puppy Raisers: Thank You
I thought the sudden snow storm that Saturday morning was nature’s way of telling me I did not have to go tour pre-schools for my almost 4-year-old daughter. My husband, on the other hand, was hell-bent on not letting a little snow get in our way. We […]
Birth Options for Mothers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: “2” Cesarean Sections
Once a woman learns she’s about to have a child, her attention is immediately directed towards prenatal care. At the mid-point of pregnancy, approximately 20 weeks, doctors will begin discussing a birth plan with the expectant parents. A birth plan is a document that lets […]
5 Years, 5 Poignant Lessons Learned Though Blindness
“Alive Day” is a term used by soldiers who have been wounded in battle physically, mentally, or sometimes both. It’s the anniversary of the day their lives changed, surviving the impossible, while being unprepared for the emotional aftermath that will undeniably follow. While I’m not a veteran, […]
“7” Tips for Blind Parents: Holiday Gift Wrapping & Organization
Between “Santa’s” gifts for my two daughters and the presents we buy for the family; I wrap a lot of packages throughout the holiday season. My visual impairment sometimes makes keeping track of who gets what a little challenging. While “Mostly Wonderful” reluctantly foots the […]
“8” Most Hazardous Kinds Of People You’ll Encounter With A Guide Dog
Frances and I were en route to my local hospital for a doctor’s appointment. It was a cold, December night and we had taken a cab to our destination. Once arrived, Franny lead me towards the front door of the building. She stopped midway, indicating […]
“7” Tree Trimming Tips for Blind & Visually Impaired Parents
Tis’ the season for Christmas trees! Whether real or artificial, trimming a tree as a blind parent requires a little bit of ingenuity, especially if you have infants or toddlers under foot. Since having my first daughter in 2013, the ghosts of Christmas past have […]
Coping With Winter Dry Eye
Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye problems affecting people today. With winter temperatures dropping and indoor heating systems cranked up, those of us who suffer from chronic dry eye find ourselves in desperate search of relief. Although the actual prevalence of […]
Bottle Feeding Baby As A Blind Or Visually Impaired Mother
Sighted or blind, the decision to breastfeed versus formula-feeding your baby is a personal one. Speak with your OBGYN or mid-wife regarding these options prior to giving birth. While some women may be unable to breastfeed due to health reasons; blindness will not impede your […]
In Memory of My Grandmother – Nana Johanna “Joan” Benford
It happened to me again tonight. I made myself a cup of hot chocolate, the cheap powdered kind. After pouring in the hot water, I dipped my spoon into the mug. That’s when I heard it – the almost lyrical sound of metal hitting porcelain. […]
Halloween Pumpkin Shaped Rice Krispies Treats
Sometimes you just need something to keep your toddlers active. It doesn’t matter if that’s a sticker book and some construction paper, a tub full of legos or a box of your favorite cereal. Case in point, I had two relatively obnoxious children on my […]
Halloween Jokes for Toddler Folks & Pineapple Jack O’Lanterns
Toddlers! Pint sized adults, with inquiring minds, who love to test our patience. I happen to have two of them and boy, do they ever keep me on my toes! Mothering a 3 and almost 2-year-old everyday is exhausting, but then there are those moments when you […]