Please welcome the latest mama of two to join Hellobee, Mrs. Chalk!

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Hi there!  I’m so excited to be joining Hellobee as Mrs. Chalk!  I’ve been a fan of the site since I first came across it, and have loved hearing the different perspectives and voices discussing all things baby.  I’m looking forward to sharing some of my own experiences with you and to being part of this community!


Mr. Chalk and I met on our first day of freshman orientation at college during an activity which is best summarized as “find a random person to talk to!”  We sat under a tree on the green, where I learned all about the girlfriend he had left behind in California.  We became part of the same group of friends, but lost touch after graduation.  Five years later, I reconnected with my random person when we were both in the wedding of a mutual friend.  Two states, two countries, five jobs, one wedding, one cat, and two kids later, and here we are today!

At the time of our wedding, we were living just outside of New York City, where Mr. Chalk was working.  I was teaching high school in New Jersey.  We both were ready for a change, and so – just as the world economy was collapsing – we quit our jobs, packed our bags, grabbed our cat, and moved to the UK.

Our UK adventure lasted the better part of a year.  By that point, I was pregnant, the British economy was not improving, and we realized that it was time to come back home, be near family, and get back on our respective career tracks.  By fall of 2010, we were living in Pennsylvania, Mr. Chalk had started a new job downtown, I was working for my present company, and we were awaiting the arrival of our son.

Owen arrived on a blustery October day, and our lives haven’t been the same since.  He is now a two-year-old blonde ball of energy, slowing down just to come by and ask for hugs.  We joke that he is the toddler equivalent of “that guy” at the party – you know, the one who dives head-first into the ballpit, or who is always happy to show off his moves in music class, even if it’s technically circle time.  His enthusiasm is amazing, and it’s something that I hope he never loses.

Earlier this month, we welcomed another little one.  Eloise rushed into the world early one January morning, and has instantly found her place as heart-melter of the family.  The hair, the cheeks, the sweet disposition – we are all smitten.

I am so excited to share more with you.  I have lots on my mind lately, including why I chose natural birth, ups and downs of hypnobirthing, helping a toddler adjust to a new sibling, the good and the bad of working from home, and the looming childcare decisions we have ahead of us, just for starters.  I can’t wait to join in the conversation!