Tales From the Crib — Jennifer Coburn

House in the 'burbs: check. Baby on the way: check.
Rock-solid marriage: Can I get back to you on that one...?
People say my timing with a wisecrack is flawless, but my real-life "special moments" sensor is clearly on the blink. Then again, so is Jack's, and this whole thing is his fault. I know...it takes two to make a baby. But it only takes one to ask for a divorce. And Jack was the one who asked--ten minutes before I announced my pregnancy. But Jack had a plan. We would raise the baby together and stay married in name only, free to see other people while still providing a stable home for our child. Co-parenting, Jack called it. My label for it was something slightly less sophisticated. So why did I find myself agreeing?

I could blame any number of things, including hormones, panic, and the prospect of moving back in with my complete diva of a mother. In any case, here am I, Lucy Klein, cuddling my adorable son while my sort-of husband cuddles his adorable...girlfriend. Okay, fine--it's a totally bizarre arrangement. Still, this may not be the weirdest thing that happens in my life this year. Between trying to maintain my city-girl attitude while languishing in New Jersey, surviving children's parties featuring Barney and bloodshed, making it through my cousin Kimmy's wedding to herself, and trying to get at least one date (just to prove that I can), my hands are pretty full. But if there's one thing I'm determined to learn from all of this, it's how to be a great mom without losing myself in the process...