Gretchen Pierce
Gretchen is a former communications manager turned stay-at-home mom to son Shepherd (Dec. 2016) and daughter Rosemary (Oct. 2019). She grew up in Minnesota and the D.C. area but is so happy to call Austin home, even in the summer. Gretchen and husband Ryan also have two high-maintenance fur babies, Hank and Gracie. She is a wannabe minimalist who enjoys tennis, creative projects, lake time, and spending time outdoors with her kids as much as possible.
The Reality of Nature Deficit Disorder, and How You Can Fight It
My toddler has a lot of demands these days, but one that I always try to accommodate is when he asks to go outside (usually followed by another request to take his shoes off)....
13 Products to Help You Gear Up for Baby #2
When I was pregnant with my first child, building my registry was a daunting and painstaking process. I researched everything to death, trying to curate the perfect list of items that would ease the...
10 Best Nonstop Flights From Austin For Family Vacations
When I’m considering any sort of travel with my toddler, my criteria for the flight are 1) it must be nonstop, 2) it must not be longer than 3.5 hours, and 3) it must...
Your Birth Experience: Knowledge Is Power
Before even getting pregnant, I watched the documentary The Business of Being Born, which explores the experience of childbirth in the U.S. today. While I recognize the film’s biases, it was enlightening for me....
Ultimate Austin Summer Bucket List for 2019
Summer in Austin is all about having adventures and beating the heat. From water play to movie nights to day trips, there are endless ways to find fun under the (really hot) sun. If...
10 Reasons Why Parenting Was Less Stressful For My Mom
Being a mom has brought me the most joy I’ve ever experienced, but also the most stress. From struggling with breastfeeding and sleep; to worrying about screen time, discipline, and nutrition; to stressing about...
Boobie Business: Tips And Tricks To Help With Breastfeeding
If you decide it’s right for you, breastfeeding is a wonderful way to feed your baby. But it’s not always easy. I thought I was totally prepared for breastfeeding—after taking a short class and...
Naptime Is for Me, And I Can’t Survive Without It
Nap-time Is for Me, And I Can’t Survive Without It
It’s 1:45 p.m. My son is supposed to be napping, and I’m supposed to be eating bonbons on the couch, right? (Or tackling my to-do...
Ultimate Guide To Mommy & Me Activities In Austin
As a mom to a 2-year-old, I’m always on the lookout for activities my child and I can do together that will engage her and give me some social time with other parents. And...
Kid-Friendly Brunch Places In Austin
For a while after our son was born, my husband and I thought our brunching days were over. We no longer had the time to wait around for a table at the latest hot...