Pregnant Without My Mom

I am 20 weeks pregnant with my first child (a girl!) and my husband and I are thrilled about our upcoming arrival. Like many women, I always thought the first person I would tell about my pregnancy, besides the father-to-be of course, would be my mom. I had long pictured the look of excitement on her face when I told her the news, us picking out baby furniture and a layette together, her being my go-to babysitter when my husband and I needed a break, and her answering of all my child-rearing questions for many years to come. I never envisioned being a mom without my mom.

But two years ago this month, I lost her to breast cancer. At age 34, I wasn’t prepared to be without my mom, let alone be a mom without her. As much as I always knew I wanted to be a parent, it took me until just a few months ago to even want to become pregnant and go on this journey without her. And now that I am pregnant, I find myself having to think about things I never thought I’d have to. I have to find a baby nurse (I didn’t envision needing one before because my mom lived so close and I knew she would help me in those first few days and weeks), and a full-time nanny for when I go back to work. (My mom had retired a few months before she was diagnosed with cancer and had already made it clear she wanted the job one day.)

People ask me how I am feeling during my pregnancy, and physically I feel great. The most pain I’ve had is not having my mom here to see the one thing she couldn’t wait for–me to have a child.

I know from the moment my daughter is born and through all the milestones of her life–her first steps, her first day of school–I will think about all of the special moments my mom is missing. But I am comforted by the fact that I know I will be a great mom because I had a wonderful role model. My mom was caring, fun, thoughtful, silly, and always made me feel like the most important person in the world.

Another comfort: a few months before she passed away, I told my mom the name I would give my daughter if I ever had a girl. I saw her face light up at my choice and heard her say the name out loud. My daughter will be given that name and I smile knowing my mom will know it.

JESS MICHAELS is the Director of Communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey, a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the quality of the summer camp experience and helping families find the right summer camp for their child. She and her husband Mike live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and are expecting their first child this December. She looks forward to raising her child in New York City and taking advantage of all that the city has to offer young children.

Camp Lee Mar

A private 7 week residential summer program offering a unique curriculum incorporating a strong Academic and Speech program with traditional camp activities. Our campers flourish at Lee Mar due to the structured environment we provide which allows our campers to feel comfortable and secure. Careful study is made of parent input, school (IEPs), camper interview, etc., so that the interests and needs of each child can best be determined for suitable grouping prior to the camper arriving. At Lee Mar the children find comfort and friendship with children of similar age and functioning level. From this foundation we encourage our campers to embrace and learn new skills and have new experiences which they can build upon on their return home. We also focus on building friendships which last throughout the year, as well as learning how to cope with the dynamics of group situations. Development of the whole child is our goal. We work hard at improving the daily living, social, and life skills of our campers, while giving them the happiest summer of their lives!

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

Launch Math+Science Camp

<h1>Launch Math + Science Centers</h1> For more than 15 years, Launch Math + Science Centers have provided toddlers to tweens with inspiring math instruction and STEM-based camps and classes. Launch offers a true educational experience for students with small group sizes and big opportunities for learning. For Summer 2024, Launch Math + Science Centers offers exciting and educational one-week STEM summer camps for kids from kindergarten to 7th grade (5-12 years old). With a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, children at Launch&rsquo;s exciting specialty summer programs explore the adventures of archaeology, discover the details of robotics, reveal the wonders of chemical reactions &ndash; and that&rsquo;s just the beginning. Each week is jam-packed with hands-on STEM projects and fun camp activities. <h2>The Camp Day</h2> Each camp day kicks-off at 9:00 am and consists of designated educational segments that are designed to inspire. -STEM Projects (core lessons and builds tied to the theme of the week) -STEM Discoveries (challenge-based learning through problem-solving activities) -Active Adventures (a blend of tech and camp games in Central Park) -Math Mania! (engaging mathematics-based projects and activities) Standard dismissal is at 3:30 pm, with the option to extend to 5:00 pm. <h2>Weekly Camp Themes</h2> Juniors (K+1st Grade) I Wanna Be&hellip; A Marine Biologist! I Wanna Be&hellip; An Archaeologist! I Wanna Be&hellip; A Sports Doctor! I Wanna Be&hellip; A Techie! Kids (2nd-4th Grade) Coding + Animation Remarkable Robots + Marvelous Machines Potent Potions + Fizzing Formulas Rocket Science: Destination Mars Tweens (5th-7th Grade) Coding + Game Development Rockin' + Robotics Chaotic Chemical Reactions Architecture + Engineering <h2>Register Early, Save Big!</h2> Huge discounts for Early Bird enrollments. Register by March 31st and receive $200 off EVERY camp after the first. For well over a decade, Launch has delivered engaging STEM programs for children throughout New York City. Real-life rocket scientist, Scott Heifetz, founded Launch with one mission in mind: Inspire children to love and learn math and science!