Devorah's Blog

This is a blog I never wanted to write about a little girl I never even knew. Ayelet Galena passed away yesterday at age two. She had been ill for quite some time with a rare bone marrow illness. I know that because, like thousands and thousands of people, I followed her ups and downs on facebook and on her blog.

The minute my 5-year-old put his hearing aids in, my outlook changed. Any sadness or apprehension I felt for him or for me was tossed out the window (I’d like to use a football reference here because I feel like they throw things really really far, but I’m Canadian). I did cry, but it was pure joy. I cried because my kid walked around the audiologist’s office tapping on the walls, the floor and the chairs because suddenly he could hear tapping. And it didn’t end there. He’s tried out snapping his fingers, rubbing his feet on the carpet and whistling. All because he can hear stuff now. Lots of stuff.

This isn’t a push to get you to join Facebook (though if you haven’t yet really what are you waiting for). This is a story about everything that is lovely about ChallahCrumbs. In fact, this might be my love letter to our readers.

I recently (and by recently I mean right at this very minute) traveled all by myself. I said goodbye to my 5 children (2 cried, 1 was stoic, 2 are just waiting for the guilt presents on my return) and to my wonderful, inexplicably patient husband and got on an airplane. In fact, I am still on the airplane as I write.

Today is World Prematurity Day. For me, it is a day of being thankful and grateful for what I have – for great doctors, a great husband, great friends and most importantly for a great great kid.

by Devorah Katz

Rosh HaShana asks us to reflect back on our year. Most days I need to remind myself to brush my teeth so introspection falls somewhere below pairing up the 173 (note the odd number) socks sitting in their very own laundry basket in my laundry room. But as a good Jew, one with a strong sense of Jewish guilt, I decided to give a moment or two to look back on the year and reflect. Here’s what I’ve broken our year down to…

by Devorah Katz

A grandfather's love letter.

by Devorah Katz

Another roll with it parenting moment.

by Devorah Katz

How one mother contends with watching her baby grow up.

A family in Toronto is raising their child genderless. Not a boy. Not a girl. Just a baby.

How I can help Moses in the desert.

Devorah Katz wonders just how competent we are as parents.

The final thing that needs to be done to officially end the holiday: eating pizza.

Certain to encounter a mutiny among her children, I wonder if we can shake up the world of Afikomen presents.

After 33 years of trying, a mother finally gives birth to twins. They may be just a little disappointed that their newborn babies are girls. Really?

Costumes should be about where your child finds joy and wonderment.

Pleased to report that normal is the new awesome.

It's a Day Full of Love. Devorah Katz gives you her wish list.

Parenting Anxiety #137: The Siddur Party.

Tu B'Shvat gently reminds us the importance of unplugging and stepping back.

One very tired mother examines the Family Bed.

How much crazy is too much crazy? A ten-year old's foray into the world of scary.

Tackling the pre-dinner hour with a little help from kind strangers on our facebook fanpage.

I was taught women relax while the candles are burning each Chanukah night. And while I sort of pretend to maybe relax, I completely and totally fail.

With Chanukah fast approaching, I wonder how much giving is too much?

Dreaming about adding one more hour to my day.

While baby boys have a simple entry into the world of Judaism, celebrating baby girls is far from easy.

Four boys on antibiotics is enough to make any mother search for sanity.

Who decides what children remember?

I often joke that my nine year-old son would make a wonderful Christian. He has the confessional part down pat. For as long as I can remember, as soon as he gets home, he dumps his bag and the confessional begins. I, of course, play the part of his priest. I am told who he fought with, how many times he left class, what perceived slights he endured, what he doled out to others...

Welcome to ChallahCrumb's Newest Feature! One mother's attempt to parent with grace, dignity and humor with dishes in the sink, laundry to fold and chauffeuring to be done.