She’d stayed after lab and told him, explaining about the morning sickness and the positive pregnancy test. He collected his things, said he had to go, telling her he’d call later that night. The gym teacher was in his place at the front of the classroom the next day. She never saw him again.

Getting help for yourself can sometimes be the best thing you can do for your baby.

Some want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Some make it happen.

But she’s too afraid. Afraid that if she begins, she’ll start to cry and never stop, that she’ll be swallowed by her sadness, her fear, how overwhelmed she is, how certain she is that everything she has is slipping away.

You know what, sweetheart? If you ever feel even slightly inclined to come into my office and seduce me while I’m writing, you should act on it. Immediately. Even if I’m on the phone with my editor. Even if my parents are there. Even if I happen, for whatever reason, to be hosting a meeting with the pope. I will stop the discussion, and I will pleasure you right then and there, in a wholly spectacular fashion.

In fact, the US is the only country besides Papua New Guinea that doesn’t mandate paid leave. The United States. The country of family values.

The only thing worse for a woman than making herself dependent on a man – ’” Nell finishes her sentence: “‘ – is to have a child dependent on her.

Try a glass of warm milk, a square of cheese, or even a little turkey breast before bed – these foods contain tryptophan, which will help encourage a good night’s sleep.

Attention all kitchen utensils, unfinished books, “useless childhood artifacts,” and general household objects: take heed. Colette Yates is nesting. None of you are safe.

None of it matters, these steps to look completely different, to be completely different. She’s still her. She’ll always be her.