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What I Did Friday
As my daughter approaches age 13 -- as strong-willed as I am now, and as sensitive as I was then -- I see the "letting go" process in more noticeable steps. Not only is she the same height as me now (I think it happened last week!). But I learned from her social studies teacher at conference that her A-plus in that class is based largely on strong critical thinking and reasoning skills, grappling with political and philosophical issues in a way that has earned respect not only from her teacher, but from her classmates. 
I think about the conversations she and I have had over the years -- about Choice Motherhood, about conservative views of family life, about donor conception, about growing up without a father. I am, of course, proud of her growing ability to articulate what she feels about on any given issue. I instinctively want to open new doorways for her to explore, and am already looking at ways she might volunteer this summer on an issue campaign that means something to her.
And... I want her to remain my little girl forever, too. So... yesterday... I did something I would normally avoid at all costs. I took her to the Mall of America. With thousands of other tweens and teens. To catch a glimpse of new movie stars. Talking about the pending movie sensation Hunger Games. (A book series she's read five times.) Gad.
As Choice Moms, we have drive. Our kids learn from that. They can become amazingly sophisticated, and thoughtful, and patient. In fact, read this new "Being the perfect single mom" parenting article for Choice Moms by Lori Gottlieb, a Choice Mom and counselor, about the gifts we give our children.
And, as always, oh the gifts they give us! If I hadn't played hooky Friday afternoon with my daughter, I would have been working. Diligently. As usual. And... you would have received this e-newsletter one day sooner. :-)
P.S. Speaking of our hearts, I have now received my copies from Blurb.com of the new Choice Moms storybook "I Felt You Flutter In My Heart," written by Choice Mom Stacey MacGlashan and illustrated by six Choice Kids. It's the perfect size for young fingers. A simple and bright story about how much we love them. Learn more about it here.
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Chicago Networking Event Registration Now Open (more coming!)
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Choice Kids at one of our events
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Registration has begun for our April 1 networking event, at Embassy Suites O'Hare within free shuttle distance of the Chicago airport. Join us! One of the raffle prizes: a free vial of sperm from sponsor California Cryobank. Early bird deadline ends March 20. Details here.
Also upcoming: Baltimore (June 23), New York City (June 24), Austin (September 9) and San Diego (October 21). Click on the Events tabat ChoiceMoms.org for updates.
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| New on ChoiceMoms.org
Q and A: What to do about missing family support
Regional -- Atlanta: Casting call
Commentary: "Singles Awareness Day" (a new look at Valentine's Day)
COMING SOON: We're putting the finish touches on our Choice Mom E-Guide to Home Insemination; look for it on the websitein the coming week!
Highlights: Choice Mom Resources
Regional Guides: "So you want to be a Choice Mom in Toronto"
Directory: Choice Mom-friendly fertility clinics
E-Guide to Embryo Donation -- especially useful for women whose eggs might not be viable.
The Choice Chat podcast is a great tool for hearing from experts and fellow moms; this post will lead you to all of them.
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