Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting JourneyParenting

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

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Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Ep. 398: Embracing "Mom Mode"

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a clever chemistry-based solution that saved bath time and a surprising moment of jumping into action to help a stranger. Also, Shanna checks in about adjusting to a new chapter now that the kids are back at school and she must figure out what’s next after leaving her job, while Laura shares an unexpected weekend saga that took a sharp turn. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a full agenda “mommy camp” day and a new hobby that’s quickly becoming a kid’s entire personality. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.


Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's next
  • Giving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shift
  • Handling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from home
  • Solving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdowns
  • Citric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by it
  • When motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situation
  • Planning an all-day outing with kids to avoid a wide-open day at home
  • Watching your kid fall in love with a new hobby


Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:


Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:


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If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!


Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


Ep. 397: Old-School Pregnancy Tests

Mon, 09 Feb 2026

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Laura and Shanna quiz each other about old-school pregnancy tests, the shocking resale value of kids' toys, the cost of giving birth in the 1950s and more! Also, Laura reports on the sweet relief of her kids returning to school after winter break and her 4-year-old getting his first eye exam, and Shanna talks about the surprising result of sending her kids to a week-long "field trip" camp. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a toy that will excite your kids for bath time and a sweet local event that will inspire you to check the activity calendar at your local library. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.


Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Returning to school after a long winter break
  • What to do with your kids during an extended winter break
  • How long, busy days outside of the house affect your child's mood and regulation
  • How much did it cost to have a baby in the 1950s
  • Why are some LEGO sets so expensive?
  • What was the first pregnancy test like?
  • What kids' toy was originally created for adults?
  • How many LEGO bricks are there in the world?
  • A fun bath toy for kids that Laura loves
  • A fun, local, free activity that Shanna took her kids to


Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:


Connect with Us


If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!


Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


Ep. 396: Can Laura Pull Off This Birthday Surprise?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including a ridiculously juvenile question about astronomy and an out-of-the-ordinary query about a popular theme park. Also, Shanna checks in about a major life transition happening during a chaotic holiday week, and Laura talks about the big surprise she planned for Auggie's 7th birthday. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including an outing that made the kids feel like they’d entered a magical new world and a holiday family tradition. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.


Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Experiencing a big work/life change while still in full holiday-parent mode
  • Struggling to get your kids to take medicine
  • Auggie's 7th birthday
  • Pulling off a big surprise for your kid
  • Tips for going to Disneyland in the rain
  • What's the right way to pronounce “Uranus”
  • Do kids these days go to bookstores?
  • Taking your family to a fun holiday light show


Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:


Past BFP episodes referenced in this episode:

  • Ep. 364 (Where Shanna teaches Cece how to swallow pills)
  • Ep. 257 (Where Shanna struggles to get Cece to take medication)


Connect with Us


If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!


Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


Ep. 395: Stroller Envy

Mon, 26 Jan 2026

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of stroller envy and screen time. Also, Laura reports on the people, gifts and baked goods that made her Christmas special, and Shanna talks about managing a hectic, cooped-up holiday week with a sick kid. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a fun family outing and an indoor activity that unexpectedly became a big hit. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.


Topics discussed in this episode:

  • A low-key, rainy Christmas week and what it’s like hosting visiting family (and dogs)
  • Parenting your sick child during the holidays
  • Stroller envy: missing the days when you had a mobile cart for all your kid gear
  • Managing kids’ video game obsession, meltdowns, and tough transitions


Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:


Connect with Us


If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!


Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


Ep. 394: Advocating for Your Child at the Doctor

Mon, 19 Jan 2026

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna reveal the unexpected things they've never done before having kids, including a desperate attempt to complete a puzzle in inclement weather and a disturbing doctor's appointment that ended in tears. Also, Shanna talks about her attempts to have a low-key Christmas, and Laura reports on her family's festive week of ice dancing and dreidel spinning. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.


Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Last-minute holiday decorating and keeping expectations low
  • A kid getting sick right before Christmas and deciding when to go to urgent care
  • Taking your kids to festive holiday events
  • Celebrating Hanukkah with friends
  • When you realize you are doing something wacky and unreasonable as a parent
  • Tough doctor visits with kids
  • Navigating fear, consent and advocating for your child in a medical setting
  • How kids misunderstand medical “threats” and why wording matters
  • A funny public moment involving a kids’ character and an unexpected song choice
  • Volunteering at your kid's school and reading a funny picture book to your kid's class
  • A parenting win: getting your kid re-engaged in an extracurricular activity


Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:


Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

  • Ep. 379 - (Shanna talks about going to the Museum of Illusions)
  • Ep. 358 - (Laura talks about Auggie quitting parkour and starting jiu-jitsu)


Connect with Us


If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!


Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


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