Once Upon a Time . . .

Like many parents, I’ve navigated the balance between motherhood & mental health. As my daughter began discovering emotions & language, I searched for a way to explain my own struggles in a way she could understand. When I couldn’t find a story that truly resonated, I decided to create one.

Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure began as a bedtime story—using a gentle cloud metaphor to explore sadness & other big feelings, while teaching her, she wasn’t responsible for my cloudy days, but she can still love & support me.

Creating this story deepened the way my family talked about emotions. Through our nightly conversations, my daughter not only began to understand my feelings, but also started adding her own lines—many of which are now part of the book.

Ziggleoafing Books

*disclaimer: I’m not a licensed therapist- just a mom sharing a story about clouds & feelings. My hope is these pages resonate & encourage others to seek support if they need it, without guilt or shame.

I created Ziggleoafing Books, because children’s stories do so much more than “just entertain”. They help little hearts & minds explore, imagine, & feel.

I wanted to create a world of whimsical adventures, gentle lessons, & capture the magic moments that spark curiosity, empathy, & connection. While also encouraging pausing & emotional honesty.

Cloudy Day Chronicles

  • Mischief with Max: What My Second Baby Taught Me About Motherhood

    The author candidly shares her challenging experience with pregnancy and the early birth of her son, Max, who spent time in NICU. Unlike her first child, Alma, she embraced new boundaries and supported herself through a strong community. Max, now two, is his own joyful, spirited self, highlighting the uniqueness of each child.

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  • Becoming Her Mom: Learning About Alma

    The author reflects on their journey raising their daughter Alma, from initial difficulties bonding due to postpartum depression and silent reflux to discovering a deep connection through communication and presence. As Alma thrives, the author realizes their identity as a mother and embraces the joys and challenges of parenting, ultimately celebrating Alma’s vibrant individuality.

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  • When the Cloud Settles: Coping with Stress, Parenting, & Mental Health (One Imperfect Week at a Time)

    The author reflects on the challenges of parenting amidst chaos and stress, emphasizing the struggle to maintain control and expectations. Despite feeling overwhelmed, they advocate for acknowledging difficulties and allowing oneself to grow through them. The concept of “yet” signifies hope and potential for future improvement. Embracing the metaphor of clouds, they encourage acceptance and…

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  • The Moment Everything Became Real: When Character Art Transformed My Children’s Book Dream

    Discover the magical moment when character sketches transform a children’s book manuscript from words on a page to vivid, living personalities. Follow my journey working with illustrator Juliana as we bring Alma, Max, and family to life—capturing their quirks, expressions, and spirit. Learn why trusting your illustrator and sharing your characters’ essence is key to…

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  • “Be Enough for Yourself First. The Rest of the World Can Wait”

    Depression isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s a quiet tug-of-war between self-doubt and showing up. I’ve learned that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about meeting my inner critic with curiosity and self-compassion. This is a reflection on cloudy days, people-pleasing, and learning to believe I am enough — even when I don’t feel…

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