Guest Blog - All Comments

re: 50 Toys in 50 Days - Conclusion

jenny ciptak — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:45:44 GMT

Mara,

Thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions. I have referred a friend whose son has autism to your blog and she is also very thankful. This last list of travel toys is particularly useful to me as our family is planning our first plane trip with our two year old daughter. We hope you had a happy holidays, too. - Jennifer

re: 50 Toys in 50 Days - Fidget and Tactile Toys

iheartfandi — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:06:00 GMT

Hi! As an occupational therapist, I have been enjoying reading your posts!

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

Nichole — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:38:53 GMT

What a wonderful letter. Have fun with those boys. I've always felt the conflict between a career and missing the time I could have with them each morning. If part time or felxible hours were an option for my job, I'd work while they napped, slept, or went to school. My consolation is that I'm only 10-15 min from home and my job is very 9-5. I can get home and leave my work at work, and truly enjoy my evenings and weekends focused on my boys.

Best of luck. I know you'll be thankful you did this.

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

Diana — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:44:46 GMT

Thank you all for your comments, support, and conflicted feelings around this issue. I feel for those who have expressed sadness. It seems that there are no bad choices here -- what professional women are able to model, and the ethics they're able to pass on by example, are something I admire in many strong women I know who express their love by sticking with their work. (You know who you are!)

Best wishes to all,

Diana

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

cschrubb — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:08:20 GMT

Best of luck to you all Diana,

I think you will find it both rewarding and challenging in ways you couldn't imagine. Kids grow up to fast to not take advantage of this time if you are able to do so.

with Love,

Carol

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

Sandy Masters — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:39:08 GMT

Diana, I knew you before you were a president or a Mom. Liked both! This decision had to be harder than other people doing the same thing since you were involved in a family owned company. You rise to every challenge - from mail room to boardroom - and wonderful young woman to wife and Mom. Continued peace and contentment in your choice. I can tell you are happy not just in your head but also in your heart. Love to you, Chris, Zachary and Oliver. Sandy

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

imw102 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:36:48 GMT

Wonderful article : )

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

amanda — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:49:28 GMT

Congratulations! You won't regret choosing to stay home with your children. I know how difficult it can be when you have a desire to continue in your chosen profession and be a stay at home mom . Life is short, we never know what tomorrow will bring. So take each day as it comes and enjoy them now, before you know it, they'll be heading to college! I'm just glad I am one of the fortunate ones who can enjoy to benefits of working for myself, and being home with my kids.

Good Luck!

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

FF Girl — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:23:50 GMT

First of all, congratulations on your decision. I'm sure you won't regret it. Secondly, congratulations on all you have accomplished in your career. Your decision does not make you any less of a woman or any less intelligent.

Lately, I've had the desire to stay at home, but know it is not financially possible, at least at this time. By the time my husband would finish his schooling, if he continues, both my girls will be in grade school and this time will be lost. So I suffer in silence. It is the decision I made knowing this is how it would have to be. But I didn't expect it to be so hard. I just want more for my girls that I can offer right now.

Best wishes in your new "career path". It will be exciting!

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

meg12704 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:17:26 GMT

I think you are making a great choice. If I had the opp to do it I would also. I just wish I could spend more time with my son, who will be starting kindergarden this year. I am so sad. Best wishes to you.

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

Facie — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:00:12 GMT

I admire your decision. I was laid off spring of this year, and although it has been difficult, it has also been a blessing in disguise as I have been able to spend the last four months with my child. I don't care so much about the stuff I have had to give up; I will never get another chance to spend this time with my daughter before she starts first grade in the fall.

Pittsburgh really is a great place to raise a family!

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

mrhyde — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:34:19 GMT

Congratulations to you. I hope that some day men will be able to make the same choice to stay home with the kids without being ostracized.

re: A message from the Post-Gazette President

thepcmom — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:37:20 GMT

I know you will be happy with your choice. I too made the same choice. None of us are ever going to look back and wish we had spent more time working and less time with our children. I wish you well!

re: A message from Diana Block

Heather — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:13:29 GMT

DIana,

What a beautiful letter. I'm sure we all understand the tug of war that is job versus kids and I'm happy that you've made a choice that will give you more time with the boys. Perhaps you can join us for our next PittsburghMom play date :)

Good luck in your new path, kiss those boys.

re: Disparaging Daycare

adirvan51 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:28:06 GMT

Great one and very informative!! Thanks for the post!! By the way, have you heard of MiNeeds.com?It really simplifies finding affordable nannies. I used it to find them for my children. Essentially after i described what i need on this site, I recieved several competitve bids from local nannies. I liked the fact that I did't have to call around and negotiate with each, and that nannies really came to me.