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In this episode, I'm connecting with fellow Vermonters and parenting podcasters Mike and Meghann Oquendo, hosts of Pondering Parenthood, to talk about the journey from educators to parents, the grief and chaos of early parenthood, and the deep work of reconnecting to themselves, to each other, and to their joy.

From miscarriage and pandemic birth stories to sleepless nights, relationship strain, and rediscovering glimmers, Mike and Meghann share their honest, funny, and deeply relatable story of what happens when love meets exhaustion, and how healing comes from community, therapy, and gratitude.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Parenthood brings both joy and grief—and it’s okay to feel both.
• Early parenting can feel isolating, but community and honesty create healing.
• Bonding doesn’t always happen instantly; connection grows through time and presence.
• Practicing gratitude and therapy helped Mike rediscover joy in fatherhood.
• It’s okay to step away when overwhelmed—both babies and parents need regulation.

💬 Soundbites

1. “Having a kid is not all joy. It’s a lot of joy and it’s also a lot of grief and mourning—and that’s okay.” — Mike
2. “Sometimes the safest thing you can do is put your baby down and walk away.” — Meghann
3. “I didn’t start really enjoying being a dad until six months ago.” — Mike
4. “This podcast brought back a piece of my purpose I thought I’d lost.” — Meghann
5. “Parenting isn’t a checklist anymore. It’s presence.” — Mike

Check out Pondering Parenthood on Instagram, and listen wherever you get your podcasts! 

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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