Whatcha Expecting?

What candies are we boofing as we head into this festive season? What does boofing mean? And the biggest question of them all -- are we giving our kids sugar in the forms of pumpkin pie, candy, and cookies before they turn 18? No answer is the wrong answer (unless it is) but it’s interesting to see how different parents form different decisions and rules around these sweet delicacies. Sugar intake is small potatoes, but it has Claire and Kate wondering about the boundaries we put in place for kids now as well as in the future.

We...

To have or not to have multiple children. THAT is the question! But the other question is, how many years apart should multiple children be? And the third question is, are people still having three kids ever? Claire assures us that a trio ensures a fantastic sibling experience while also assuring us that she will not be giving that experience to Rodney. Kate considers the possibility. Joe shares his expert experience of parenting real-life siblings!

Weekly Plugs:

Pope Leo XIV

The City of Chicago

Vatican Health Care

Editing, recording...

This week, Kate and Claire show how much they care…about daycare! Claire recently switched daycares because of her move, and Kate’s son has recently started in daycare. How do you choose the right program for your family? How do you learn to trust others to care for your kids? And if you’re Joe, how do you decide what (if any) merchandise to buy? Tune in this week to hear all the new skills Kate and Claire’s kids have picked up, and why it’s awesome to make friends with other parents (Claire totally agrees and is definit...

Welcome to Season 4, Babies! Claire and Kate are both officially mothers to TODDLERS. And … is Claire expecting another little one on the way? Or does Kate just enjoy asking her that? They’ll discuss the semantics of “toddlers” vs “babies” vs “twaddlers.” What IS a twaddler? Maybe just the friends we made along the way. Enjoy!

Weekly Plugs:

Luxurious Matching Pajamas (for adults. Don’t buy luxury pajamas for babies. Or twaddlers.)

Frame Coffee NYC

Facebook Marketplace

Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo.

Music by Christoph...

It’s the end of Season Three, and Kate’s baby is almost not a baby anymore! This week, Kate and Claire discuss Kate’s plans for her soon-to-be-toddler’s birthday, and the two consider how far both their children have come. Claire shares the new milestones Rodney is reaching, and Kate answers rapid-fire questions from Claire of Anthony facts. Kate shares her new year wishes for Anthony, as we close out the season and get excited for Season Four!

Weekly Plugs:

Stand up diaper changes

Taking things slow and making time to reflect...

This week, Claire’s in charge, which obviously means everyone is taking a Buzzfeed quiz! Having never seen the questions before, Kate and Joe patiently take the quiz and don’t have any criticisms at all of how the questions and answers are written. When will they get their kids a phone? What would they do if their kids were sent to the principal’s office? Who is REALLY the lazy parent here? Find out this week, and take the quiz yourself – and finally find out, what kind of parent are YOU (according to Buzzfeed, the real authority here)!

Wee...

It’s summer, so you know what that means…it’s time to go for a swim! This week, Kate’s baby-almost-toddler had his first swim lesson. Claire’s son, meanwhile, has been in swim lessons for awhile, and Joe’s kids are basically on the Olympic swim team at this point. Hear Joe’s hot takes on swim lessons for babies, Kate’s anxieties about submerging her baby, and Claire’s experiences getting Rodney comfortable in the water. Don’t be shy, dive right in…get it?!

CW: Reference to child loss and drowning

Weekly Plugs:

Ed...

Once the babies are down for the night, what do you do with yourself? Do you hit the hay? Drink a beer? Scroll for hours? How important are these quiet(er) moments for you? This week, Kate and Claire selflessly spend their precious moments recording this podcast episode, sharing what they would normally be doing and reflecting back on to what their own parents did once they went to sleep. Or, at least, what we think they were doing? We were asleep, so we're not actually sure.

Weekly Plugs:

Busy Boards

Donut Peaches<...

This week, Kate is moving far, far away to the distant location of slightly further south within her own neighborhood! Meanwhile, Claire is trying to secure a house for her and her family. With all these big moves come big feelings (but that’s a different episode, go back and listen, we’ll wait). Kate shares the ways that packing, naturally, makes her think of death. Kate and Claire discuss the parts of your life you mourn as you make space for what’s new. Hey, we weren’t kidding about the big feelings!

Weekly Plugs:

Clothi...

Your favorite MAMAZ are taking a quick reset for the week while they navigate impending and finalized moves, schedule conflicts, and just being all around BOSS BABEZ! To that end, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes from Season 1 that felt very on-brand. See you next week!

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Claire’s moving! This week, Claire’s packing for her imminent move to Kansas. She considers the things she’ll miss about living in New York, while being excited for her new home (which has TWO bathrooms?!). Kate’s world is getting narrower as it gets physically harder t...

This week Kate and Claire welcome Tori Wade -- aka @kccoolmom -- to the show. Tori was a woman with a plan. She planned to have her baby girl and be a stay at home mom while also nannying part time. Fast-forward a couple of years, Tori realized that to be the best mom and best version of herself, she needed a creative outlet and began creating social media content. A little over a year later, she shares with us what it was like navigating the mom guilt during her realization, her advice to other stay at home moms...

Get your own personality! This week Kate and Claire share how their sons are starting to mimic those around them with varying degrees of success. Gestures, words, and even personality traits! Is this normal, and should we be flattered? We also reflect on what we would like them to mimic and who we ourselves mimicked growing up.

Weekly Plugs:

Mornings at The Farmers Market

Queens Night Market

Music by Christopher Morucci

Follow @whatchaexpecting.

Content warning: Abuse

This week, an expert parent/comedian/all around fabulous human joins as a guest -- Carolyn Castiglia! Kate, Claire and Carolyn discuss how to not totally mess up your child. Carolyn shares her insights from having achieved the seemingly impossible -- successfully raising a child (on her own!) through the teenage years, who is now a happy, well-adjusted adult. How do you avoid repeating the cycles you were raised with? How has Carolyn's style as a teacher connected to her role as a mother? And how much did Kate love having had Carolyn as...

When they go low, we go high ... chair. This week, Kate shares how Anthony has gone from restaurant accessory to restaurant consumer; what they pack and don't pack, how he prefers his steak prepared, and whether or not we should all be mopping the floors once our kids have torn through. Claire shares the early-bird strategy she and Cody employ for taking Rodney out to eat.

Weekly Plugs:

BRAT diet for upset tummies

High-coverage bib

Picky by Helen Zoe Veit

Mommy Bliss Constipation Ease

Music by Christopher...

It’s the week we’ve been waiting for…Kate’s baby’s nine month appointment! Having learned from Claire’s experience in Season Two (go listen to the whole thing, we’ll wait…), Kate had a bit more of an idea of what to expect. Claire shares recent milestones of Rodney’s, and issues a formal apology to her pediatrician’s office. Tune in for such insightful questions as, why does poking at a Cheerio in a bottle matter? Why would a baby be holding a cracker or cookie? And how is this baby almost a toddler?!

Weekly Plugs:

Content Warning: Suicide, Alcoholism

This week, Kate and Claire are joined by an actual mental health expert…Aimee LeCours! Aimee is a stand-up comedian, improviser, mom, and licensed mental health counselor. She produces and hosts Psych!, A Stand-Up Therapy Comedy show (how cool is that)?! Kate and Claire ask Aimee the hard hitting questions like, should every parent be in therapy? Why did she go into the mental health field? Why do parents always think about death? You know, fun stuff only! Note: episode does not replace actual therapy (sorry).

Weekly Plugs:

Swim le...

This week, we’re getting a GRASP on things – because Kate’s baby has his pincer grasp! Seemingly overnight, he can now pick things up with his thumb and index finger, a milestone that Claire didn’t realize was a thing until Rodney’s nine month appointment. The two talk about how quickly big changes can happen, and how something seemingly so small can mean the beginning of the end of the baby phase, a fact which Kate doesn’t have any feelings about so you can stop asking now, OK?!

Weekly Plugs:

Hanna Andersson

Green G...

Big news! Claire is finally…unemployed! With Claire’s job having ended, Claire has a clear sense of her identity and everything is fine. Kate and Claire discuss the logistics of the workday, and how Claire will be balancing her time now between freelancing and being a MAMA! The two discuss the role that your career plays in your sense of self as a mother, and what the future might look like for them both. Sidenote, totally unrelated, if you need someone to assist on your social media needs, we know a very talented tradwife person with a little time...

This week, Kate spent her first night(s) away from her baby for a humor writing reunion! Claire also spent her [insert large number here]th night away from Rodney for one of the final weeks at her job. What was the trip like for Kate? Has travel away from family gotten easier or harder for Claire? Kate and Claire discuss how spending time away from your family can be occasionally guilt-inducing, but also restorative to your sense of self. Mostly, just tune in to hear Kate gush about St. Nell’s (guess what her plug is this week…you’...

This week, Kate and Claire (mostly Claire) are having some big feelings about big feelings. As Rodney has fully entered his tantrum-having toddler era, Claire is struggling to navigate whether to give him what he wants to hold her ground. (She definitely never gives in, obviously.) Kate and Claire marvel at the size and newness of all their kids’ feelings, and reflect on the big stuff making them feel big feelings right now as grown ups. Who knew big feelings weren’t just for kids?!

Weekly Plugs:

You Make My Heart Go Vroom

Boog...

This week, Kate and Claire discuss who is and is not currently the preferred parent in their household. Is it permanent? Is it cyclical? Does breastfeeding have anything to do with it? And, how can Claire sabotage Cody so that she can finally have a turn?

Real-Life Example of Rodney Preferring Cody

Weekly Plugs:

Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (undercooked)

Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats

Trader Joe's Brownie Bites

Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo.

Music by Christopher Morucci

This weekend, it finally happened…Kate’s family hung out with Joe’s family (and Claire’s family wasn’t even invited!) How did Joe’s kids react to having a baby in their space? How did Anthony respond to playing with such bigger kids? How will Claire ever forgive them for not flying her out for this epic hang? Kate, Claire and Joe discuss how hanging with the big kids can push you to stretch out of your comfort zone. Tune in for the heartfelt stories, stay for the babka lore.

Weekly Plugs:

Garlic

Purse p...

This past weekend, Claire brought Rodney to a play cafe and an indoor playground. It was (mostly) super fun at the time, but reflecting on the experience, obviously, has sent her into an existential crisis. When you experience something as a parent that you enjoyed as a child, it can be really rewarding – and, surprise surprise, also anxiety inducing! What places are Kate and Claire excited to take their kids that they visited in their childhoods? And should Claire have said something to those 8 year olds who got in Rodney’s way at the indoor playground?

Weekly Plug...

This week, it’s an episode to sink your two tiny baby teeth into! Anthony’s got his first tooth and Rodney has…molars? Wisdom teeth? No, just two and a half teeth! Kate and Claire discuss soothing your child through this painful moment of growth, and both reflect on the foods their babies can eat even without teeth. With this new phase of development comes new facets of independence and that definitely doesn’t fill Kate or Claire with any feelings at all! Come for the thoughtful conversation, stay for the tooth fairy discourse.

Weekly Plugs:

Cuc...

We’re back, baby! This week, Kate and Claire chat about morning routines. What do mornings look like these days with a baby? How has that changed with childcare in the mix? What weekend morning rituals have Kate and Claire picked up? Claire recounts childhood memories of “big breakfast”, a cherished tradition she wants to continue on with Rodney — and which Kate may or may not steal. And they return to the most important tradition of all — making fun of each other, of course.

Weekly Plugs:

Old Navy

Baby Gap

Challah French toa...

Well, it’s the end of season two, and this time Claire and Kate have actually planned for their season finale instead of just going right up until a baby is born! Kate and Claire take the occasion to revisit this season’s topics and update us on where their babies are now. What milestones have they both reached? Is Rodney saying mama yet? Has Anthony been sleep trained? And what might be next in store for both babies (and also their parents) when we return for season three? Get these answers, and maybe one or two more if they...

This is the week that Claire has finally sleep trained her baby…sorry, toddler. What method did she use? Were earplugs required? Claire talks through how being competitive with Kate helped drive her to sleep train (you’re welcome), and the benefits it’s had for her and her family. Meanwhile, Kate shares her own plans for upcoming sleep training, and the considerations she’s weighing in managing night feeds. They chat with Joe about the sleep regressions to expect in the future — there will be none, of course, right? Right?

Weekly Plugs:

Stand up popcorn ma...

This week we’re talking…about talking! While Kate’s baby is babbling up a storm, Claire’s toddler is starting to use all kinds of words. Just one problem; the one word he won’t say, is mama! The two discuss the different methods Claire’s tried for getting him to say her name, and the two marvel at how babies understand our identities as mothers at the most primal level. Will Rodney say “Claire” before he ever says “mama”? What sorts of things are they both excited to hear their babies talk (or gossip) about? Tune in to hear all the non...

Maternity leave is over! As Kate returns to work, she discusses what it’s been like to slowly ease her way into a new routine. Claire recounts what it was like when her maternity leave ended, and how surprised she was to find herself suddenly rusty at skills that used to be second nature. They both consider what it’s like to come back when who you are has so fundamentally changed, and how to manage and embrace those changes. Come for the life lessons, stay for the tangent on the cost of daycare!

Weekly Plugs:

Ch...

It’s official: Claire’s son Rodney is finally a toddler! As we celebrate the anniversary of Claire’s C-section, also known as Rodney’s birthday, Claire reflects on what it feels like for her baby to be growing up. Will they throw a party? Who is a party really even for? After a year of being a parent (or 5 months in Kate’s case), what skills have they both gained? Joe offers his advice on navigating the toddler years, and the three get into very tense arguments — oh well, their friendships were fun while they lasted!

Weekly Plugs...

We’re breaking up your regularly scheduled ice storm programming with a little fun in the sun! Back from a recent trip to Florida, Kate shares her travel tips for navigating airports as a breastfeeding MAMA! Claire recalls an early trip she took with Rodney to California, and shares how she’s approaching a family beach vacation a little bit differently. They consider the balance of work and travel preparations vs. relaxing and having fun when vacationing with a baby, and what it’s like to see familiar destinations through their eyes.

Weekly Plugs:

Our podcas...

Drumroll, please; Kate’s baby has been cleared to start solids! But what goes into baby meal prep? What will be on the menu? Kate and Claire discuss what it’s been like for Claire as she and her husband introduced Rodney to solids, how they’ve shared in the responsibilities and joys, and what anxieties still arise as he eats more solids than…uh, liquids. Joe shares more about his family’s journey with allergens, and they consider the fears and opportunities for growth that arise as your baby navigates new foods.

Weekly Plugs:

Solid Star...

CW: Body image, Self image, Weight loss

Fresh from a personal training session, Claire shares a bit about her workout plan and current goals targeting one highly specific part of her body. Kate and Claire reflect on how their body images have shifted during pregnancy and postpartum, how their relationships to their bodies continue to evolve in unexpected ways, and what features they have come to appreciate as mothers. Come for the complex conversation, stay for Kate’s anecdote about a problematic dermatologist.

Weekly Plugs:

Sydney Cummings Houdyshell

Morning pages

...

This week, Kate and Claire check in on how feeding their babies has been going. Last season they discussed breast is best vs. fed is best; now that Kate is a MAMA, how has her breastfeeding journey actually gone? Claire reflects on nearly a year of formula feeding, and considers what it will be like as the balance shifts away from formula and towards solid foods and cow’s milk. What would they do differently in their feeding journeys next time? And has there ever been a less relatable anxiety than Kate’s this week?

Weekly Plugs:

Happy new year! This week, Kate and Claire are chatting New Year’s resolutions. What practices do they want to adopt in the new year? What are they really proud of accomplishing this past year? They discuss a few anti-resolutions (a concept Kate made up that Joe may or may not have qualms with), and make some controversial predictions for the new year. What will Anthony’s first word be? What bonkers trends will MomTok influencers come up with next? Celebrate the new year with your favorite MAMAS!

Weekly Plugs:

Honeycrisp apples

Mutsu appl...

Happy holidays! This week, Kate and Claire discuss their plans for the winter holidays with their families as new moms, and consider the role religion will play in their sons’ lives. Has Rodney been baptized? What kind of synagogue might Anthony be raised in? How do you negotiate the role of religion for your kids when two partners have different relationships to religion? You know, just some light, fun, simple topics! Come for the holiday cheer, stay for Claire’s Catholic school anecdotes. 

Weekly Plugs:

Our Lady of the Presentation 

Dreidel 

Planned...

The doctor is in! This week, Kate and Claire chat with family medicine doctor, Dr. Rachel Tatz. They learn more about how to make the most of your doctor’s visit, and bring her their list of burning questions. What’s a medically riskier time, pregnancy or postpartum? What should new parents be more (or less) anxious about? What even IS family medicine? We’ll discuss these topics and more, including a few listener questions! Please note: Dr. Rachel’s commentary on this episode is not medical advice. For medical advice, please speak to your healthcare provider. 

Weekly Pl...

Ouch! This week, Claire and Kate discuss the ever important topic of boo boos. From head bonks to little finger cuts, they talk about the minor everyday injuries their sons are facing as they grow. They reflect on how physical danger was treated in their own childhoods, and how fragile they did or didn’t feel as a result. They consider what it’ll be like to have their kids out in the world as they get older, and how to manage risk without instilling too much of your own fear in your kids. Plus, tune in for Claire’s hot...

It’s a pizza party! This week, Kate and Claire recount recent adventures taking their babies out dining with them on (separate) outings for pizza. They chat about what makes a restaurant “baby-friendly”. When deciding whether to bring a baby with you out to dine, what do you owe to the other diners, to the staff, to your baby and to yourself? How do you divvy up the childcare duties when dining out with your partner? Hear all this and more — ahem — food for thought. Get it? We know you do, you brilliant listeners!

Weekly Plugs:

Season Two Episode Seven: The Thanksgiving Episode

Happy Thanksgiving! This week, Claire, Kate and Joe share heartwarming, mundane and/or capitalist anecdotes from Thanksgivings past. They reflect on the things they’re grateful for this year, and the ways in which gratitude seeps into life in a new way. They discuss strategies for attempting to be more mindful of the things they’re thankful for on a daily basis, and close out with a special list of gratitude plugs. Did Joe do his plugs wrong, or is he maybe the only one who did them right? You be t...