Hello, friends! Dropping a quick note on the blog to let you know that I'm soon to be a second-time mama, and now *officially* on maternity leave.

My husband, daughter and I can't wait to welcome our second baby girl into the world. 

Since I've done this once before, I know that I won't be emerging from my baby bubble for at least 2 months, and I plan to enjoy each and every kiss on those cute little toesies. 

As an independent author and freelance writer, I am so blessed to be able to set my own schedule and the direction of my creative pursuits. 

Big plans for new books are in the works for 2019! I promise to keep you posted here and on social media. 

See you on the other side of motherhood round 2! 

I’m about as Type A as they come, so this is difficult for me to come to terms with: pregnancy is utterly exhausting, and it’s time for me to start slowing down a bit.
 
In a little less than 10 weeks, I’ll be having my second child. My husband, daughter and I are thrilled to welcome another baby girl into the world in December.
 
Here’s the problem – I’ve been beating myself up internally about all the things I should be doing with my writing and book promotion, on social media, around the house, and in preparation for our growing family, even though it’s physically impossible for me to tackle everything on my to-do list.
 
I’m at the point where it’s an extreme challenge just to put on my own shoes (aside from flip flops, standing up, of course).
 
Heartburn strikes at all hours, regardless of what I’ve eaten.
 
A daily nap is a must.
 
If I get two hours of writing work done on any given day, that’s a major win.
 
I’m now completely useless in the evenings, when I previously tied up loose ends and caught up on whatever I didn’t have time for during the day.
 
But, you know what? I also published a book while pregnant.
 
I suffered through months of debilitating nausea and still managed to complete and publish a freaking book – doing everything but the cover design and professional editing myself.
 
I’ve been interviewed on a podcast, in a local magazine, and for my business email and grammar expertise. 

And I also managed to care for a three-year-old and a surgeon hubby on top of it all.
 
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in 2018.
 
Now I’m choosing to shift my own paradigm – altering the expectations I have for myself.
 
The reality is that I have about 2-4 hours of quality energy in my personal tank every day. Rather than moaning and groaning or denying this fact, I am going to start using that time wisely.
 
I will NOT waste energy obsessing over what I should be doing. I will NOT waste energy feeling guilty.
 
Instead, I’m going to enjoy this time that I will never get back: quality 1:1 time with my daughter and husband, and the joys of nesting and preparing for a new baby.
 
Ultimately, this means I’ll be taking an extended break from this blog, as well as social media.
 
I’ll be revving down instead of up so that I can focus on my family and stay sane and healthy.
 
I’ll be recharging my batteries so that I can enter this next exciting phase of life and give it my all.
 
I’ll share this journey with you, my readers, as time and energy allow.
 
In the meantime, I wish you all the best and brightest! If you need me, I'll probably be sleeping (while I can!). 

This month on The Write Life, a trusted blog on the business and craft of writing, I'm drawing inspiration from real life. 
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Specifically, on life with a toddler and as a writer, and where the two paths intersect.

So, what do toddlers and bad writers have in common? 

You'll have to read the article to find out. If you're a parent, writer, or both -- this one is not to be missed.

Find all of my articles on The Write Life here.  

You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma:
On The Write Life: 18 Ways to Support an Author (Besides Buying Their Book)
On The Write Life: 17 Incredible Possibilities if Writers Ran The World
On The Write Life: Get Inspired! 20 Writers to Follow on Twitter
Article on The Write Life: Think Like a Journalist to Improve Your Writing (Trench Coat Optional!)
How to be the perfect friend: a guide for the ladies
Writing tips: What I want to blog about vs. what I actually blog about
One year after my major career change from full-time mom to full-time writer: reflections and lessons learned
For writers: All your writing fears, squashed!
A real, imperfect day in the life of a writer: me
Your writing conference checklist: how to make it worth every minute and every penny (takeaways from the 2017 San Francisco Writers Conference) 
The write stuff: An author’s favorite books and authors 
Writing tips: Cutting down on word fat and other newsletter best practices 
All about writing: writing 'til it hurts 

We all know that parents lie, even though sometimes we don’t realize it until we’re fully grown.
 
In most cases, these lies are innocuous and serve the child’s greater good.
 
Sometimes, though…sometimes a little white lie is the only thing that stands between a parent and exclusive membership to Club Cuckoo Bananas.
 
Might as well own it. 

21 Lies Parents Tell Their Kids to Save Their Sanity

1.  Santa/God/Jesus/Your Teacher/Preferred Religious or Authority Figure knows exactly what you’re doing
It’s like having a nanny cam 24/7—even at school. So, don’t even try it, kid.
 
2.  Sorry, the toy store is closed today
And the next day, and the next day, and the next. Until you forget about that ridiculous talking/singing migraine-maker.
 
3.  No, I’m not eating anything
Because I already shoved it down my throat before you could catch a glimpse of your precious Doritos
 
4.  If you don’t start behaving, they are going to kick you out of here
Even if ‘here’ is literally the hell known as Chuck E. Cheese’s
 
5.  Eat your vegetables or your face will fall off
Because green beans have been known to prevent acute face melti-ture 

6.  Hurry up, I’m going to leave without you!
And take my phantom daughter to daycare. Obviously.
 
7.  You wouldn’t like it, it’s yucky/spicy/gross/only for grownups
Mmmmmm, red velvet cheesecake…
 
8.  I am everywhere
Yup, I’m like gluten. Good luck trying to get rid of me.
 
9.  My phone is broken/dead/sleeping right now
Until you get distracted by something else, that is
 
10.  Mommy and Daddy are also going to bed
In several hours. After we catch up on “Designated Survivor”

11.  I hope your teacher doesn’t find out about this
Although according to lie number one, he/she is always watching you, so there’s that.
 
12.  It’s your bed time! Hop to it!
Or 20 minutes before I want you in bed, but let’s not get too caught up in the math
 
13.  My credit card isn’t working, so we can’t buy it
Are YOU buying this? Good.
 
14.  I know everything
Thanks, Google!
 
15.  Oh no, “Frozen” isn’t loading!
Because I didn’t put it in the DVD player

​16.  I can’t understand you when you use your whiny voice
It’s a very specific hearing problem
 
17.  The car won’t start unless you buckle up
Pay no attention to that big, red start/stop button next to the steering wheel
 
18.  Let’s just rest our eyes for a bit
My grandmother used to use this one on me all the time. It worked!
 
19.  I know when you’re lying
But I hope you don’t know when I’m lying
 
20.  I haven’t seen your old ratty toy anywhere
Since I threw it in the garbage and prayed you would move on
 
21.  Maybe tomorrow/next time/another time
‘Maybe’ should have been your first clue that this wasn’t going to happen

Okay, people: what other lies have you told your kids? What did your parents tell you when you were growing up? Leave a comment!

You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma:
Parenting Life: I Can’t Feel Guilty if…(Holiday Edition)
Family fun: How to have a less stressful and happier holiday season
Mom Life: Imagine a World Run by Moms
60 fun and unique date ideas for the young at heart
Parenting: A no-fuss guide to your toddler’s birthday party for Pinterest-fatigued parents
Baby/toddler travel guide series: going international
Baby/toddler travel guide series: what to pack
Baby/toddler travel guide series: the essentials!
Boss baby: 22 traits shared by 2-year-olds and bad bosses
Vacation fun: 44 things you only do when you're on vacation or holiday
Cruise with kids: 20 secrets to a successful family cruise with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Cruise with kids: Entertainment strategies that keep the whole family happy (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Cruise with kids: Travel tips for cruising with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series)

So, what is up with this whole GUILT thing?
 
Where did it come from? Why is it so hard to shake?
 
Why do I feel the need to write a blog about it to absolve my conscience?
 
I don’t have the answers to these questions. I can only assume that guilt is fundamental and unique to the human experience.
 
I mean, think about it.
 
When a squirrel sees that their neighbor squirrel has just been blessed with a whole tree full of baby squirrels, do you think they feel guilty if they can’t swing by with a homemade acorn pie? 

NO. They do not. Because they are squirrels.
 
The moral of the story: we might be just a tad saner if we aimed to live life more like the squirrels, and delete ‘should’ from our vocabulary.
 
Here we go. Here’s my attempt to shake off some of that guilt.
 
Join me, won’t you?
 
As a parent and an ordinary human being, I can’t feel guilty if…

It’s not homemade
 
I don’t make an appearance at the gym
 
Our laundry seems to spontaneously multiply
 
The best I can do is take-n-bake pizza
 
I spend two hours getting my hair done once a month

Facebook reminded me it was your birthday today. I can’t remember everyone’s birthday without a little help.
 
I take a nap instead of picking through my basement for Goodwill donations
 
I ‘accidentally’ eat six Reese’s peanut butter cups and four Kit Kat bars in rapid succession
 
I order Thanksgiving dinner from the local grocery store
 
We moved in 2.5 years ago and still aren’t 100% unpacked

I didn’t participate in the school potluck, because it was inconvenient, and I just didn’t feel like it
 
I save too many useless receipts
 
I go a little nuts at TJ Maxx…on the regular
 
I resort to a movie to keep my toddler busy
 
If (when) I don’t have a perfect body

I’m a month behind on pedicures
 
I post photos on Facebook immediately or months later, and nothing in between
 
The meal delivery service meals sit in the refrigerator untouched, alongside takeout leftovers, because it’s been that kind of week
 
I show up an hour late to the party. Okay, I do feel a bit guilty, but my kid was napping.

SPILL IT! What are you no longer going to feel guilty about? Leave a comment!

You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma:
15 Incredible Thanksgiving Hacks that Save Time and Energy
Boss baby: 22 traits shared by 2-year-olds and bad bosses
Vacation fun: 44 things you only do when you're on vacation or holiday
Family fun: How to have a less stressful and happier holiday season
Mom Life: Imagine a World Run by Moms
60 fun and unique date ideas for the young at heart
Parenting: A no-fuss guide to your toddler’s birthday party for Pinterest-fatigued parents
How to be the perfect friend: a guide for the ladies
One year after my major career change from full-time mom to full-time writer: reflections and lessons learned
100 believable excuses to help you avoid doing practically anything
Parenting: You know you’re a mom (of young children) when…
Baby/toddler travel guide series: going international
Baby/toddler travel guide series: what to pack
Baby/toddler travel guide series: the essentials!
Cruise with kids: 20 secrets to a successful family cruise with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series)

Sometimes when I’m cleaning up a puddle of pee or begging my toddler to put on pants, I dream. I dream of a world run by moms.
 
Dream with me, friends.
 
Welcome to a World Run by Moms

All doors at shopping malls, grocery stores and restaurants are wide enough to accommodate a double stroller.
 
There is no such thing as ‘mom jeans’, only ‘your booty looks fabulous jeans’.
 
Paid maternity leave is guaranteed for ALL moms.
 
Diaper changing stations are available in all men’s restrooms, and those restrooms are clean as a whistle. Why isn’t this already a thing?
 
Mornings are peaceful and nag-free. Kids dress themselves, use the bathroom, brush their teeth and hair, and eat breakfast without the constant power struggle. 

Businesses offer free, on-site day care for working moms.
 
Moms in a hurry can opt for the express check-out lane reserved for moms in every store.
 
Anyone traveling with a child (mom, dad or grandparent) is granted unlimited carry-on baggage. Oh yeah, and they enjoy priority boarding, like in the good old days.
 
Car seats are designed to be buckled and un-buckled one-handed.
 
Workplaces are equipped with pumping rooms and napping rooms for new moms.
 
Eating chocolate burns calories rather than piling them on. 

No more mom brain – your to do list magically takes care of itself.
 
Nail and hair salons offer a playground and supervised childcare for your kiddos.
 
Feeling achy? Text the Mobile Mom Masseuse Squad to work out those kinks while you're on the go.
 
When a mom decides she is done having children, she is offered a complimentary tummy tuck and a spa day, because she deserves it.
 
Can’t make it through your errands without a cat nap? Check into Hotel Mom for an hour or two, a plush sanctuary for you to get some rest (childcare provided). 

Every new mother is matched with a highly qualified personal assistant while they figure things out.
 
Out of milk and diapers? Breeze through your friendly neighborhood baby emergency supply drive-thru.
 
Local baristas are trained to memorize their mom customers’ orders to help speed things along. In fact, they have your drink ready as you walk through the door.
 
When you’re up late feeding your baby, click on the Entertain Mom app, filled with hilarious YouTube videos, memes and articles just for moms. 

About to have a total freak-out moment? Step into a discreet, sound-proof Freak Out Pod, and scream and swear to your heart’s content.
 
Moms night out = any damn night (or day) you please.
 
A museum-quality curation service arranges and displays your kids’ art perfectly in your home.
 
Women and men are paid equally. Because we are LITERALLY doing the exact same work. Again, why is this not reality?
 
Drinking fountains are expanded to include coffee fountains, filled with organic cold brew, of course. 

No time to get dolled up before work or a play date? Stop into a beauty café, and a skilled makeup artist will do your makeup while you wait for your latte.
 
No need to worry about re-stocking that diaper bag. It restocks itself when supplies get low.
 
Got a personal haz-mat situation, thanks to a baby spit up or blowout? Pop into a Freshen Up Pop Up for moms, where you can grab a quick shower and a change of clothes without stinking up your car.
 
Ummmm…any entrepreneurial moms out there who want to make this happen? I. Am. In!

You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma:
Boss baby: 22 traits shared by 2-year-olds and bad bosses
One year after my major career change from full-time mom to full-time writer: reflections and lessons learned
Cruise with kids: 20 secrets to a successful family cruise with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Cruise with kids: Entertainment strategies that keep the whole family happy (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Cruise with kids: Travel tips for cruising with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Parenting: A no-fuss guide to your toddler’s birthday party for Pinterest-fatigued parents
60 fun and unique date ideas for the young at heart
How to be the perfect friend: a guide for the ladies
Baby/toddler travel guide series: going international
Baby/toddler travel guide series: what to pack
Baby/toddler travel guide series: the essentials!
How to be the perfect wife: an amateur tells all
Married to medicine: Letter to a young doctor’s girlfriend
100 believable excuses to help you avoid doing practically anything