Milkmemos Blog

When I was a little girl, my mom read books to me all the time. I still have vivid memories of snuggling up next to her while she read “Frederick” — it was one of her favorites, because she was an artist. Years later, she often took me down to the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder to enjoy an afternoon people-watching and browsing for books at the Boulder Book Store. I even applied for a job at the Boulder Book Store during college (I ended up selling CU sweatshirts at another mall instead — don’t ask me why). All of this to say that I grew up peering in on other authors holding book events upstairs at the BBS, and I used to dream about what it would be like IF I ever wrote a book and IF I ever held a signing. Well, last night, I got my chance.

Thirty minutes before the event, I scarfed down two pieces of ”Chicago Seven” pizza with Cate, my husband, Caleb, Cate’s family, and Cate’s neighbors…15 minutes before the event my palms started to sweat, 10 minutes before the event I wished I hadn’t eaten those two slices of pizza so quickly, 5 minutes before the event I asked for a glass of water to cure my dry mouth, 3 minutes before the event only four people had shown up….2 minutes before the event Cate reminded me that she never arrives early for anything, so why would anyone else?…..And finally, SHOW TIME! About 40 of our friends, family, colleagues — and even some strangers — came to support and cheer us on. It was wonderful. We talked, we read excerpts from our book, and we answered some questions. We even signed books — just like famous people do. So, even if we aren’t famous…we felt like stars! — Andrea

Just between us, I must confess that there is a small part of me (ok, not that small) that wants to become famous for The Milk Memos.

Let me back up a minute. Fame is NOT the reason Andrea and I wrote the book. And we are NOT trying or expecting to get rich. The honest-to-God reason we wrote the book is to reach out to other moms who are experiencing something like what we and the other Milk Mamas at IBM went through during those first days/weeks/months back to work. We want moms to relate, laugh, be moved, feel inspired, and find useful tips. It is a DREAM COME TRUE each time we hear from a reader who enjoyed and benefited from the book. THANK YOU ALL for e-mailing us and writing in The Milk Memos forums and other internet forums and message boards.

Nevertheless, back to the fame. I can’t help but want to be on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and the list goes on. Just before the book was released, I found myself wondering – should I wear pants or a skirt? I can’t even walk in heels — should I wear heels? Andrea had a dream a while back that we were on the Today show, but we didn’t discuss beforehand what we would wear. She showed up all professional and polished and there I was in PINK CONVERSE HIGH TOPS! It could happen. If only we’d get on TV. To reach more moms! And sell more books. And maybe then I’d find myself on a whole new career path…

So far, we’ve done 4 radio interviews. We have another one tomorrow. They’re fun! You can wear whatever you want, and have notes and papers all around you to reference in the interview. Before our first interview, my good friend Julie (HI JULIE) asked: “What are you going to wear for the interview?! Did you clean your desk? How about perfume - are you going to wear perfume?!” I assured her that I would wear just a touch of perfume (Clinique Happy, though I REALLY want Vera Wang) and my BEST underwear. And I did!

Who knows what the future will bring? For now, I’m totally enjoying the ride.

xxoo, Cate 

We just finished our first radio interview with Diego Mulligan on Santa Fe public radio! Before the interview, I couldn’t imagine what Diego would talk to us about for 45 minutes, but the time went pretty fast and felt easy-going (good thing he couldn’t see us sweating)! We hope we conveyed that we’re not nursing zealots — but do believe that it’s possible (and well worth it) to keep breastfeeding after returning to paid work. I know I couldn’t have done it without the support and friendship of other moms — and a sense of humor. During the interview, Diego chuckled after hearing about the time I leaked breastmilk during a meeting. He said, “That gives a whole new meaning to the idea of wet T-shirt contests!” We hope the interview inspired at least one new mom out there to give breastfeeding while working a try! And we hope readers of our book (and blog) will feel inspired too. We’ll post the interview in our “publicity and events” section if we’re able to. More to come. Andrea

I can’t believe this week is finally here. The Milk Memos will be released on Thursday, March 15!

It reminds me of when Charlotte was about to be born, and I had no idea what it would actually feel like to be a mother. It was all so conceptual, even though I could feel her moving inside me. I practiced saying the word “daughter” and it brought tears of joy to my eyes.

Now, after 4 years of carrying this book with Andrea, and all the hard work of thinking, learning, researching, writing, editing, re-writing… after investing so much energy and pouring my heart and soul into this book, here it is. Andrea and I are about to be published authors.

More importantly, the fruits of our labor will finally be out in the world, helping other brand new moms cope with the overwhelmingly challenging transition back to paid work. Pray God that The Milk Memos makes a difference for these women!

With fingers crossed and hope abounding, Cate

I guess you could say The Milk Memos found me. I always loved writing, but it never occurred to me that I could write professionally, and certainly not a book. Maybe I was too practical. My goal after graduating from college was to get a job – one that was challenging, rewarding, had short term bragging rights and long term career potential. Graduating in 1988, my degree in Information Systems was just the ticket for a job in the high-tech industry at a time when technology was changing the world. I began working for IBM right after college, starting in Sales, and then moving into various Marketing and Strategy roles. Within the first five years, I knew high tech Sales/Marketing was NOT my life’s purpose. I considered everything from joining the Peace Corps to going to veterinarian school to becoming an Episcopal priest. But I never could put my finger on my true passion. So I stayed at IBM – 17 years and counting. Things got more challenging after I had my first daughter, Charlotte, in 2001. I found joy and meaning in motherhood, and in contrast, I felt even less fulfilled at IBM. I began the lactation room notebooks (which started on a paper towel), and through the notebooks, I met other new moms who were also struggling with how to meet the needs of baby, work, family and self. I poured my heart out daily, and in the process I began to notice how much I loved writing, and how much better I felt sharing the experience with other moms. It struck me that the notebooks could be the basis for a real book for new working moms. Andrea had independently dreamed up the same idea, and when we first talked about it, fireworks exploded. Despite our passion, we had to overcome countless obstacles to even get started on the book, and unbelievable hurdles to see it through. It’s been an incredible journey paved with such serendipity that it must be part of a bigger plan. Who knows where it will all lead, but I am deeply grateful for all the experiences that have led me to this point, and I’m confident that the future holds a purpose more fulfilling than I could have ever hoped for.