Family

When it comes to maternity leave, The United States earns a pretty dismal ranking when compared to other countries, being the only first-world country, and one of only three countries (the others being Lesotho, Swaziland and Papua New Guinea) that does not offer paid maternity leaves. Not only do other countries have better systems in place for maternity leave, but they have some pretty great welcoming gifts for their newest citizens. In Finland, for example, new parents can choose between receiving the above maternity package filled with essentials for baby's first few months or a tax-free lump sum of 140 euros as a maternity grant.

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Our saga over the passports continues. A few weeks ago, we attempted to get our passports, but it turned into a mess. We got what we thought we needed together, birth certificates, the passport applications and the official photos, but it’s just not that easy. Read more about that experience here.

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I have been to a number of Sea Dogs' games and probably as many, if not more Portland Pirates' games. The one local pro or semi-pro team I have not gone and watched yet is the Maine Red Claws.

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Coolest kid ever, animal lover and recent brown belt, Derek Beaulieu of China took 2nd place in Kata for the 7-9 Boys Intermediate Division for the 2012 Season. Derek trains at United Martial Arts Academies of Augusta.

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Wow, what a two night getaway. We wanted a fun little two night vacation for the kids so picked Jay Peak, Vermont Resort. They're primary draw is the skiing but they also have a rink, golf course and an indoor water park which is why we went.

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Most teens don’t think their moms are cool, but you can bet this kid in South Glens Falls, NY thinks his mother is awesome.

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As I backed into my driveway I knew something had gone terribly awry when I found myself looking toward the passenger side rear-view mirror and staring at the lawn.

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Mainers who use food stamp benefits cards will not have to show photo IDs when they buy groceries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said “no" a request by Gov. Paul LePage's administration to require photo ID.  The Department of Agriculture said that would infringe on card holders' rights and would not fight fraud.  

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Here I am it's Sunday morning sipping coffee and waiting for my dryer to be delivered. There are still two loads of wet laundry in the basement left from Friday when the dryer died. I'm freaking about mold and mildew in jeans but I guess they're okay, I'll rewash the loads when the dryer gets here.

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I remember lots of driving around with Mom in the passenger’s seat with both hands on the dashboard. My Mom was not the best at making me feel comfortable behind the wheel. However, this program can help you help your kids become good drivers. It's the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program.

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