My parents belonged to my elementary schools PTA. Them and about five others. I dont what they actually did at the PTA meetings because they were held behind the closed doors of the faculty lounge that reeked of stale coffee, cigarettes and boredom.

Ava has spent the last six months assuring me that she will hate kindergarten. Ive spent just as long trying to convince her otherwise. Youll have a new playground! Ill get hurt. Youll meet new friends! I hate new friends. Youll have so much fun.

Somethings up with my stomach. Its bloated. Not just post-Thanksgiving dinner bloated; this is more serious. I have to tuck my stomach into my jeans, and when I went swimming with my daughter, I couldnt even go underwater. Instead, I bobbed on the surface like a beach ball with legs.

A little girl and her family are coming to stay with the neighbors, my mother-in-law announced to Ava. Shes from another country and doesnt speak English.

Parents with kids who eat anything thats served to them pat themselves on the back for teaching their kids to be good eaters. I, however, find myself constantly apologizing for my bad eater”–a child with very specific culinary tastes.