Kris Ann Valdez is saying what a lot of moms – especially moms who want more babies – don’t: She doesn’t love their beloved family dog. Her kids pleaded for a dog and, despite wanting a third child, she eventually gave in despite a lot of resistance. But then she got pregnant again, and her relationship with her sweet pup changed forever. Let her tell you the story in this (maybe) cautionary tale.

Katie McPherson knows meal prepping. As she writes today, “When we get home from the grocery store, we wash and cut up all the produce we just bought — cleaning and drying it helps it stay fresh longer, and storing it ready to eat means we actually reach for it when we’re hungry. And if we’re in the kitchen cooking one meal on the stovetop, we tend to pop another in the oven, just to have it for lunches and quick dinners. And let me tell you, having the right gizmos to reach for in the kitchen is so nice when you’re trying to get done cooking and back to playing with your kid (who is actively shoving himself between your legs and the counter trying to get your attention).” So let her tell you her favorite tools to help keep your sanity – and time management skills – in check.