Whatcha Expecting?

Content Warning: Suicide, AlcoholismThis week, Kate and Claire are joined by an actual mental health expert…Aimee LeCours! Aimee is a stand-up comedian, improviser, mom, and licensed mental health counselor. She produces and hosts Psych!, A Stand-Up Therapy Comedy show (how cool is that)?! Kate and Claire ask Aimee the hard hitting questions like, should every parent be in therapy? Why did she go into the mental health field? Why do parents always think about death? You know, fun stuff only! Note: episode does not replace actual therapy (sorry).Weekly Plugs:Swim lessons for kids - New Yorkers or find an ISR instructor near you. Harlem MeerFlorida Comedy CollectiveEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo.Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

Big news! Claire is finally…unemployed! With Claire’s job having ended, Claire has a clear sense of her identity and everything is fine. Kate and Claire discuss the logistics of the workday, and how Claire will be balancing her time now between freelancing and being a MAMA! The two discuss the role that your career plays in your sense of self as a mother, and what the future might look like for them both. Sidenote, totally unrelated, if you need someone to assist on your social media needs, we know a very talented tradwife person with a little time on her hands.Weekly Plugs:A good beach read Project management software Monday.comCrocsNordstrom RackEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo.Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

This week, Kate and Claire (mostly Claire) are having some big feelings about big feelings. As Rodney has fully entered his tantrum-having toddler era, Claire is struggling to navigate whether to give him what he wants to hold her ground. (She definitely never gives in, obviously.) Kate and Claire marvel at the size and newness of all their kids’ feelings, and reflect on the big stuff making them feel big feelings right now as grown ups. Who knew big feelings weren’t just for kids?!Weekly Plugs:You Make My Heart Go VroomBoogie Manja Sketch ShowHow to Be a Saint Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo.Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

This weekend, it finally happened…Kate’s family hung out with Joe’s family (and Claire’s family wasn’t even invited!) How did Joe’s kids react to having a baby in their space? How did Anthony respond to playing with such bigger kids? How will Claire ever forgive them for not flying her out for this epic hang? Kate, Claire and Joe discuss how hanging with the big kids can push you to stretch out of your comfort zone. Tune in for the heartfelt stories, stay for the babka lore.Weekly Plugs:GarlicPurse pouchesPonchosKossar’sEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

This week, Kate and Claire check in on how feeding their babies has been going. Last season they discussed breast is best vs. fed is best; now that Kate is a MAMA, how has her breastfeeding journey actually gone? Claire reflects on nearly a year of formula feeding, and considers what it will be like as the balance shifts away from formula and towards solid foods and cow’s milk. What would they do differently in their feeding journeys next time? And has there ever been a less relatable anxiety than Kate’s this week?Weekly Plugs:Tomato soup and grilled cheese Hobonichi Techo plannerBanana and peanut butter on toast Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci

Happy holidays! This week, Kate and Claire discuss their plans for the winter holidays with their families as new moms, and consider the role religion will play in their sons’ lives. Has Rodney been baptized? What kind of synagogue might Anthony be raised in? How do you negotiate the role of religion for your kids when two partners have different relationships to religion? You know, just some light, fun, simple topics! Come for the holiday cheer, stay for Claire’s Catholic school anecdotes. Weekly Plugs:Our Lady of the Presentation Dreidel Planned ParenthoodEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Ouch! This week, Claire and Kate discuss the ever important topic of boo boos. From head bonks to little finger cuts, they talk about the minor everyday injuries their sons are facing as they grow. They reflect on how physical danger was treated in their own childhoods, and how fragile they did or didn’t feel as a result. They consider what it’ll be like to have their kids out in the world as they get older, and how to manage risk without instilling too much of your own fear in your kids. Plus, tune in for Claire’s hot takes on gentle parenting (not so gentle)!Weekly Plugs:LexaproErgo Baby Embrace CarrierThe BreatherHarmonicasFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Season Two Episode Seven: The Thanksgiving EpisodeHappy Thanksgiving! This week, Claire, Kate and Joe share heartwarming, mundane and/or capitalist anecdotes from Thanksgivings past. They reflect on the things they’re grateful for this year, and the ways in which gratitude seeps into life in a new way. They discuss strategies for attempting to be more mindful of the things they’re thankful for on a daily basis, and close out with a special list of gratitude plugs. Did Joe do his plugs wrong, or is he maybe the only one who did them right? You be the judge!Gratitude Plugs:Leaning on familyCleverly deployed screen time Having moments for yourself Supportive partner Mom friends Pediatricians(Honorable Mention) Protein bars Getting to re-live and shape childhood Loving unconditionally Laughing at farting Follow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.