Made To Mommy

Documenting my millennial mom life

  • Coparenting During the Holidays

    Coparenting during the holidays can get easier each year. But the first year is the hardest.

    Coparenting During the Holidays

  • When It Rains, It Pours

    When life gets tough, as ladies, bosses and mamas we just need to power through. Don’t forget the universe gives you things you can handle. Not things you can’t.

    When It Rains, It Pours

  • Mom Truth Monday: Divorce Is Never Easy

    This Mom Truth Monday we’re talking about how divorce is never easy. Did you know that approximately 40% of first marriages end in divorce?

    Mom Truth Monday: Divorce Is Never Easy

  • Let Me Reintroduce Myself

    Where is Made To Mommy headed? Founder and writer Leigh shares in her latest post.

    Let Me Reintroduce Myself

  • Mom Truth Monday: Self-Care Is Important

    When you’re pregnant with your first child, you—and others around you—encourage self-care. What does that mean? Well, when you have no kids, but are pregnant, it can mean getting a relaxing prenatal massage, a mani-pedi, some girl time with your besties, taking a long nap… [Continue Reading]

    Mom Truth Monday: Self-Care Is Important

MOM LIFE

MOM LIFE

COPARENTING & DIVORCE

COPARENTING & DIVORCE

TIPS & TRICKS

TIPS & TRICKS

REVIEWS

REVIEWS

Coparenting During the Holidays

Colorful holiday lights wrapped around trees and scattered across a grassy area, creating a festive atmosphere during the evening.

My first holiday season during my divorce was the hardest. I had to be away from my kids during one of the most family-oriented times of the year. At the time, it felt unfathomable. My ex-husband and I hadn’t really solidified a coparenting counselor or parenting plan yet, so everything was kind of on a whim. If you’re newly separated and in the process of divorce—if your situation allows for it—have a parenting plan set in place before things are finalized. We did this after the fact which made it really stressful for me.

During this time, I didn’t put up the holiday tree (aka Christmas tree, but we don’t call it that), I didn’t really decorate my house; I was not in the holiday spirit. I was more concerned about being away from my kids for the day they were with their dad, mainly because their grandpa (my ex’s dad) was in town. My kids were so young at the time and had never really been away from me for more than a few hours.

Fast forward to the next year, and it was even harder for me. I had just gotten used to being away from my kids every other weekend, but in December 2023, my ex-husband decided to take the kids up to his dad for Christmas. His dad lives out of state, so me being the mama bear that I am, I had conditions and requirements. In retrospect, everything was fine. Their great aunt was there, too, so I felt a little more reassured, but it was the first time I had been away from both my babies for a full week. Mind you, my son was barely two-years-old at the time.

After that Christmas, I vowed to myself to work on ways to ensure that if my ex decides to take the kids places for extended periods of time things would be different than they had been. Any time my ex wanted to take the kids anywhere, I made sure he knew that I’d need things planned in advance if he wanted me to feel confident in his parenting abilities while he has the kids (me feeling confident is still a work in progress, but I know the kids are safe).

Now we’re at the end of 2025. My daughter is about to turn eight-years-old and things are a little bit easier this year. During my therapy session yesterday, my therapist brought up the fact that this is the first holiday season since my divorce that I’ve been more relaxed. Granted, I have a lot going on outside of coparenting, but he’s right.

My relationship with my ex-father-in-law is better than it has been in years, my kids are stoked to go visit and my ex is solely focusing on the kids while he’s up visiting his dad with them.

In terms of holiday schedules, what we worked out is that I get all Jewish holidays, my ex-husband gets Christmas every year, and I get all other holidays on odd years, and he gets them on even years. Birthdays are shared and if things need to change, my ex and I can communicate to adjust…most of the time.

It’ll always be a work in progress, but for the first time in three years, it’s been the easiest since my divorce. Is that a thing? Where things shift come year three, going into year four of divorce? I sure hope so.

If this is your first holiday season without your kiddos, I feel you and I’m with you. If it’s your 15th holiday season without your kiddos, you’ve got this and while it’s still hard, you’re so strong and the snuggles will be extra special when your kids are back with you.

Sending love this holiday season.

When It Rains, It Pours

Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash

Or something like that…

I once was told that the universe doesn’t give you things that you can’t handle. At the time, my father had just passed away, I was 18-years-old and completely ignored that statement. I likely victimized myself—as any barely-an-adult does—and took it as an insult.

But there is some truth to it. A whole lot, actually.

The last two weeks have been anything but easy. My eldest got walking pneumonia and was out of school for three days; then my youngest spiked a 105°F degree fever—the highest he’s ever had—and we landed in the emergency room last Monday night. With all the other symptoms and the fact that this throat had yet to have white spots, he was still diagnosed with strep throat. He, too, was home for three days.

And to top it all off, I’m dealing with a family member on hospice and handling all the logistics since she has moved to be closer to me, my mom and the kids.

How the hell did I come out of all that sickness unscathed?

Maybe it’s my spectacular immune system!
I doubt it.

My head keeps going back to what I was told 18 years ago (huh…18 seems to be a pattern, here). Does the universe think I’m Wonder Woman? Does it think that I’m The Hulk and super strong? Does it think I’m invincible?
I doubt it.

I take it as a compliment now, though. It must mean something.

But still…I’ll only be able to handle all this for so long before the other shoe will drop and my immune system takes a hit and I’ll be down for the count.

What then?

Still power through, I suppose. I’m Wonder Woman, remember?

In all seriousness, these last couple of weeks have made me just stop and say “what the…” to myself.

As moms, as bosses and even as ladies, we have to persevere, no matter how hard life can be. When it rains, it does pour. So bust out your umbrellas ladies and mamas… We’ve got shit to take care of.

And hopefully take care of ourselves at some point, too.

Mom Truth Monday: Divorce Is Never Easy

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

According to Modern Family Law, approximately 40% of first marriages end in divorce. Believe it or not, this number seems to be a percentage decline in recent years. That being said, the word divorce is still a scary one and one that’s still hard to talk about.

Is it still taboo? Maybe. The fact is, it’s all the more common and more times than not it’s the woman in the relationship that initiates it. At least that was the situation in my marriage.

I filed for divorce. I wanted out. I needed out.

But let’s rewind for a minute. While I wanted and needed out, it was my ex-husband who decided to leave. I’m just the one who told him that if he walked out the door, he wouldn’t be walking back in. And that took a lot of courage on my end to hold steadfast to.

Out of respect for my children, there are things I won’t share, but there are definitely things I will. Like how it took me two years to work up the courage to even think about filing for divorce. You read that right: think.

In hindsight, I’m glad I waited because I wouldn’t have my son if I didn’t, but my marriage was falling apart long before he was even born. Communication wasn’t there, needs were definitely not being met—and while, I too, can take some blame for things falling apart, a majority of it wasn’t me.

But, me being who I am, tried to fix it. I wanted to be able to tell my children that mommy did everything she could to fix what was broken.

It was too broken to fix.

Values and priorities no longer aligned. The children, me, this marriage were no longer priority for my ex-husband anymore.

So, I filed for legal separation at first. Then, after a few months of working through the process with my attorney—and my ex-husband’s true colors coming out—dissolution of marriage.

That was in May of 2022.

My divorce wasn’t finalized until my birthday, September 15, of 2023. Over a year later. It was the best birthday present I have ever received. The best email from my attorney. But in that grueling year I had to:

  • Meet with the superior court to come up with a step-up plan regarding the children for my ex-husband
  • Show up to multiple court hearings
  • Write countless legal responses to things said about me that weren’t true
  • Write a settlement agreement
  • Agree on a co-parenting counselor
  • Pay legal fees
  • Try and maintain my mental health
  • Ensure my kids remained happy and healthy *this was the most important of them all

Fast forward to July of 2025, and me writing this Mom Truth Monday post. Divorce is never easy. Emotions run high and frankly, they still are at times.

Are me and my ex-husband successfully co-parenting?

Not really.
Maybe sometimes.
Depends on the month.

I’d say we’re probably successfully parallel parenting. We agree on the big things regarding the kids—like doctors and schools—but there are other things that we may not agree on and still need the help of our co-parenting counselor. I am still in therapy. I’m not sure if he is.

The children are primarily with me and are happy, healthy, thriving and growing up to be the best versions of themselves they can be. My son will never know his parents together as we divorced when he was six months old, but my daughter still remembers. She had four years of her mom and dad together.

But it was still the best decision I ever made for my kids. And me.

If you’re going through divorce, or thinking about it, just know that I see you, I’m with you and you’ll make it through. It’s hard, but your happiness matters, too. It’s the right decision. I promise.

Let Me Reintroduce Myself

When I started this blog almost eight years ago, my life was in a very different place. I was married and pregnant with my first child while working for one of the top parenting websites in the industry (RIP Red Tricycle). Fast forward to 2025 and things have changed.

Hi, I’m Leigh and welcome to Made To Mommy.

Now a single mom of two beautiful children my newfound goal of this website—this community I’m building—is to speak to those who are in a similar position as me: a millennial single (or not!) mama, who’s trying to survive this thing call parenthood. Whether we’re a single mom, a solo mom, have a spouse who contributes us moms were made to mommy.

Leigh, you haven’t written on the blog in ages. Why now?

Great question! Full transparency, I was laid off from my full time job back in January, and although I’m still actively looking for work, there’s been a hole in my heart for a long time. That hole has been writing. Speaking to those who understand what I’m going through, or those who I can speak to who just need to know there’s someone out there just like them going through the same things as them.

What will you be covering now that you’re a single mom?

Wow! You’re on a roll—another great question. I’ve been a single mom for a little over two years, so there will be a lot more single motherhood content. I’m hoping to have guest contributors, as well. I want to showcase the people I’ve brought into my life who helped me during one of the hardest times who helped guide me through it.

But don’t you worry! I’ll be covering the same things as before, but from a perspective of a mom of a 7.5-year-old and almost 4-year-old since that’s the stage of parenting I’m in right now. I have a lot of insight to share on toddlerhood now that I’m on my way out of it for the second time. I’m also fast approaching tween season, goodness help me.

Will there be a podcast?

Maybe.

What about a substack?

I’m thinking about it. Like really thinking about it.

So, if you want to follow along on this new journey of mine, subscribe to the blog or follow me on instagram @madetomommy. Let’s stay on this ride together.

Mom Truth Monday: Self-Care Is Important

Photo by David Lezcano on Unsplash

When you’re pregnant with your first child, you—and others around you—encourage self-care. What does that mean? Well, when you have no kids, but are pregnant, it can mean getting a relaxing prenatal massage, a mani-pedi, some girl time with your besties, taking a long nap or diving into a good book. But when you’re a mom of one or two, self-care seems to get put on the back burner. You’re always running after a toddler or changing a diaper, helping with homework or driving to extracurriculars.

Sometimes it feels never ending, but so fulfilling at the same time.

When you’re a divorced single mom of two, self-care is a lot easier said than done. At least it was for me in the beginning. I spent my time without my kids yearning for their return because I missed them so much when they’re at their dad’s house. Truthfully, I still do. I miss them every time they’re away from me. It took a solid four-to-six months of adjusting to the custody schedule before I finally took a second to breathe.

As I’m sure I’ve said before, being a mom has always been a dream of mine and I’m lucky and grateful for my two littles. However, rediscovering myself after divorce has been really amazing. I put a part of myself on hold to house, birth and care for my two amazing children, and now that they’re older I get to unpause that part of myself, albeit slowly. And even though the stressors of life, navigating co-parenting, school runs and playdates take up a majority of my brainpower, when I don’t have to do focus on that for a night, or a weekend, I’m able to practice my own version of self-care.

For me, self-care is going to a pilates class or putting on a nice outfit and doing a full face of makeup to go out with my girls for a night. It’s also diving into a new book after doing my 4-step skincare routine and putting on my cozy robe. It’s nice to finally feel comfortable enough to give myself the attention I need when my kids aren’t with me (even though I wish they would be).

What does self-care look like for you? Leave a comment below.

Mom Truth Monday: New School, New ‘Cool’

When I tend to post these “Mom Truth Mondays” it seems as though it’s something that hard to navigate, or makes me question myself as a mother. Let’s be real: parenting is hard. And doing it as a single mom of two is even harder (shout out to my community and Mom Squad).

But let’s just spice it up and add navigating a brand new school and all the chaos that ensues. Jadyn is now in kindergarten, which is crazy since I started this blog while she was still in the womb. With a new school comes new routines, friends, rules and a change in environment. Going from a private school environment with a 6:1 student/teacher ratio to 23:1 ratio is a definite adjustment.

And not just for the kids.

As a parent, this is just as significant a transition as anything for our littles. Gone are the days of chatting with the teacher at pickup to see how Jadyn handled the day. Gone are the days of individualized attention and correspondences on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Gone are the days of a small-group setting. In are the days of meeting new parents and mucking through the chaos together. In are the days of establishing and encouraging such independence that it makes you happy-cry.

But in are the days of new influences and habits you didn’t see coming. And in are the days of reminding your almost six-year-old to speak up and use her voice if someone is doing or saying something inappropriate or that she doesn’t like.

It’s hard. All of it. But it’s also really cool. I’m grateful for the new friends Jadyn is making in her class, and also grateful for the core group from preschool that are also attending her school. And I’m also grateful for adding to my Mom Squad and embracing new experiences with a new set of “cool moms.”

This Time of Year Is Always Hard. Here’s Why It’s Even Harder This Year.

Fifteen years ago I lost my dad. It was sudden and as a teen who had just started college, I had to grow up very very quickly. I had to be strong for my mom while she navigated the sudden loss of her spouse, but after six months, I broke. I missed my dad so much. The bond between a father and daughter is something special and my dad was my protector. Yes, I had a boyfriend at the time who I was infatuated with, but no one compares to a dad.

Fast forward to today, and I miss my dad more than ever. This year has been particularly hard and I have spent many a nights crying and wishing my dad were here to help me through the separation and—soon, hopefully—divorce. My mom has surely stepped up, as has my village of close friends and my moms groups, but there’s still that bit that is missing. The one man I can always count on isn’t here anymore and it truly sucks.

The light at the end of the tunnel is still a bit aways away, however, I can see it and it’s there. I have good days and bad days, but as long as my kids are happy, then I can handle the bigger things.

I know that 2023 will be a better year, if not the best I’ve had in a long time, and I can’t wait for it to get here.

What helped you navigate life after losing someone important in yours? Let me know below.

Wow, it’s been a minute…

More like almost three years, but who’s really counting. A lot has happened over the last almost three years; Jadyn is now almost 5 (holy smokes!) and I have a son named Ben who is one. I’m recently separated, with my divorce being finalized hopefully in December and I’m just trying to navigate raising two kids with no husband. Thank goodness for my mom’s help, I’ll just say that.

It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure, but I’m ready to focus on myself and find my true partner in life. I hope you’ll stick around with me as I navigate my new norm.

Xoxo,

Leigh

Hello 2020!

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Holy moly it has been a long time since I wrote a post on this site. Once Jadyn started preschool my work got busy and I was just trying to hustle so I could enjoy some family time up in Oregon for the holidays.

I last updated you on Jadyn’s first few weeks of preschool and it’s now safe to say that she absolutely LOVES it. So much so I added an additional day this second semester. She has made friends and says “I had fun at school!” when I pick her up. It just warms my heart. Oh ya…now she’s two! I can’t believe I have a two-year-old. It feels like just yesterday I was updating this site saying that she had finally arrived. Now, I’m just maneuvering this thing called toddlerhood.

We kicked off 2020 by celebrating her birthday on the 2nd and just this past weekend we threw her official birthday party with all her classmates. She had a blast, and the parents did, too. We had her party at this fabulous place called Fox & Kit near our home and they were super accommodating. I usually take Jadyn there on rainy days because it’s just perfect.

One of my goals for 2020 is to be more diligent about updating this site! I want to do a better job of documenting how I’m handling everything in this crazy time in parenthood (can you say “terrible 2’s?!”) and also share any cool recipes, tips and tricks and lifestyle hacks.

Now I feel like we’re past the milestone phase and into keeping things fun with littles. I hope to see you in the comments this year!

Mom Truth Monday: Preschool is Hard

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

I wanted to start a new series called Mom Truth Monday and talk about things that we deal with as moms (or dads!) that can be tricky, hard, humbling and more.

Remember when I was excited that Jadyn was starting preschool a few weeks ago? Well, three weeks into the school year and I have come to the realization that preschool is hard. Like really hard. More for me than for her, I think.

I’ll be the first to admit that right after her first official day, I walked down the steps to the café by her school, opened up my laptop to start my work day, all while silently crying to myself like that mom. I had to be strong in front of my kid. I didn’t want to cry in front of Jadyn because that would make her really upset and have her transition into preschool life be that much harder. She’d also likely cry with me.

Let me back up here for a brief moment.

Thinking about my daughter as a little person instead of the baby she was not too long ago, my husband and I came to the conclusion that we’d be doing her a huge disservice by not enrolling her in some sort of program before the age of two. She’s such a social butterfly outside of the house; she loves playing with kids, going on adventures, being outside and just loves living life. We decided to enroll her in the local JCC Preschool program, which caters to development versus a curriculum (although, they have a curriculum they do follow pretty loosely).

Jadyn is one of the youngest in her class–she’s only 20 months. This whole transition thing is really hard on her, especially since she’s in a “mommy, mommy, mommy!” stage and separation anxiety is real. Since I have been with her every second of every day (perks of working from home for Red Tricycle), I knew this would be hard, but I didn’t know how often my heartstrings would be pulled every drop off.

While I don’t really believe in astrology, I do think it provides a good sense of personality traits–at least from what I can observe about myself, my daughter and my husband. My daughter is pretty spot on with her Capricorn traits:

  • She’s persistent
  • Not comfortable with drastic change (read: sensitive)
  • Practical (I mean, she’s a toddler so how true is this right now, amiright?)
  • Disciplined

Preschool is a drastic change for her and others her age. Think about it: these little humans don’t have the robust vocabulary or the ability to form thoughtful sentences to articulate what they want. The “bye-bye mama” or “no, no” sentences we get is all 20-month-old toddlers can really form. Unless your little has been in daycare since early babyhood (more power to ya, if so!), then this is total chaos for their brains.

One thing that’s really helped us has been sticking to a morning routine during preschool drop offs. Here’s how our morning goes:

  1. Wake up, have breakfast, get ready and we’re in the car by 8:50 a.m. since preschool starts at 9 a.m. Luckily, the preschool is a 5 minute drive from our home.
  2. On the way to school, I always ask who Jadyn is going to see that day and mention some of her classmates. I always make sure to mention her teachers, as well.
  3. Once we arrive, we walk into the lobby area and say good morning to the fish in the fish tank for about two minutes, then head to her classroom.
  4. Upon entering Jadyn’s classroom we say good morning to her teachers and the kids who are already there, put her lunchbox in her cubby and I always ask her where she washes her hands. After we wash our hands, I let Jadyn either pick out two books for me to read to her or we do a puzzle. Once those books are read or puzzle is completed, I always say “okay, mommy has to go to work now, but she’ll be back right after lunch! I love you.”
  5. This is when the separation anxiety kicks right back in for my little and where I struggle to actually leave. A few times over the last three weeks I’ve had to hand my crying child to her teacher and head out the door. Not my favorite thing.

While I know the tears are only short-term (at least I hope they are), I know this is a drastic change for Jadyn. I have no doubt that within a couple more weeks, she’ll be fine and really excited to go to school and see her friends. Still though, this whole process doesn’t make it easier.

How’d you cope with sending your mini off to preschool? Leave a comment below.