18 Comments
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Mendy Graves's avatar

Well, Ames is positively lovely. Congratulations!

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Emma Straub's avatar

love you, love Ames, love this newsletter <3

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Amy E.'s avatar

Aw, Ames and I are birthday twins! Congratulations to you and your family!

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Casie Gambrel's avatar

Many Congratulations to your family on the arrival of dear sweet Ames!! Also, welcome back!

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Alison's avatar

So lovely to read this. You write about it in a way I recognise, the exhaustion, the elation, the miracle of it all, the chaos. I have never witnessed a birth other than the active participation of giving birth three times. I envy you that experience! I’d like to see that.

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Andrea's avatar

I just laughed out loud about the momentary loaf of bread/baby mix up. Ohhhhh how I can relate...

Congrats to you all and so good to read your words again!

PS. I too would happily back pay the months you did not charge. Paid leave for all!

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Molly Wizenberg's avatar

Thank you for saying that, re: back pay. Unfortunately it's not something that Substack is set up for, but it made me happy that you would want to! But don't worry -- I *have* had paid leave for the past several weeks, through the State of Washington's PFML program. It's only a percentage of my regular income, but it's something. Three cheers for progressive state governments!

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Jenny Rosenstrach's avatar

So happy for your family Molly! Congratulations and kisses to beautiful Ames.

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Pam's avatar

Like Wendy, I did not realize you weren’t charging during your absence and, if there is a mechanism for retro-paying, please do charge my account for “back pay.” Paid maternity leave should be a right, in my book.

And welcome back! Can’t wait to read more.

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Molly Wizenberg's avatar

Thank you for saying that, re: back pay. But don't worry -- I *have* had paid leave for the past several weeks, through the State of Washington's PFML program. Now we just need more states (or, preferably, the federal government) to *guarantee* it for all.

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C L Milne's avatar

Same!! ❤️

Paid leave & welcome back

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David Marshall's avatar

I am so excited to read about your new little one! And even more excited to know that you're back at the newsletter. I've missed your unique voice and your unique take on the world.

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Wendy's avatar

Molly, I didn't realize you weren't charging us during this time. You deserve paid parental leave as much as anyone else! Thank you for sharing with us--the topics you mention are of intense interest to me, if you ever do want to expand on them.

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Molly Wizenberg's avatar

Oh Wendy, thank you. Don't worry -- I *have* had paid leave for the past several weeks, through the State of Washington's PFML. It's been absolutely essential.

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Pam's avatar

Still, if you can retro-pay yourself, please do. My small contribution from too far away to offer much meaningful help with Ames.

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Sueanne's avatar

I am soooooo happy you’re back…however that turns out to be! And so very happy for your new fam! Can’t wait to hear more!!!

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Mónica Villalón's avatar

Bienvenu au monde petit Ames! Congratulations Molly, Ash, and June!

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Luisa Weiss's avatar

Hooray for Ames! And Ash! And you! And formula!!!!!! 💘💘💘💘 Sending love and hugs from afar. You guys made it through the first 8 weeks! 🥳

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