Lucy Knisley has made a career out of sketching her life.
Its both intimate and highly informative, illustrating the science and history of reproductive health.
Knisley also just released a picture book calledYou Are New, which celebrates the joy of being a baby.
Heres how she parents.
Did life happen mostly as planned or were there surprises?
Ive been very lucky and very happy in the work Ive gotten to do.
Take us through your morning routine.
What are your best tricks for getting out the door?
How much outside help do you get as a parent?
Who or what cant you live without?
Shes also an artist as well, so we have things in common and can chat about work.
Its absolutely wonderful and I love her.
Have you come across a parenting product thats been life-changing?
Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?
Yes, its amazing how productive you get when youre paying for the privilege to work.
Whats your greatest parenting hack?
Im inordinately proud of this one: his didgeridoo.
Wed blow in the end and make didgeridoo noises, so it became his didgeridoo!
Early on, I made it clear that all stickers go on the didgeridoo.
Thats just where stickers go!
A new sticker from the doctors office?
A sticker pack from a birthday party?
Those would look great on the didgeridoo.
Why did you decide to create a graphic novel about pregnancy?
Ive always been fascinated by reproductive health.
In fact, from an early age, I wanted to be a midwife.
Im a cartoonist now, but making this book is something of a fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Any pregnancy hacks you’ve got the option to share?
Dont buy any shoes, if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
I had to throw away all my shoes when I went up a size after pregnancy.
Im still mad about it.
Is there something that your parents did that youd like to pass onto your child?
I dreaded having a picky child.
How do you decompress?
Naps, when I can get them.
Now if I get the opportunity to nap, its like Ive won a free spa day.
Whats been your proudest moment as a parent?
Currently, its whenever he poops in the potty.
But Ive also been so bowled over whenever he does something kind and sweet, unprompted.
What moment are you least proud of?
Whenever I lose my temper.
Yesterday I went Augh!
and just stormed off, so that was a pretty low point.
What do you want your kid to learn from your example?
I hope he learns empathy and kindness.
Its something Ive always prided myself on, and my partner has also taken pride in.
I want him to consider others; the earth, strangers, friends, family, animals.
What are your favorite funny/weird/special family rituals?
My partner always kinda rolls his eyes, but he gets it.
I hope Pal lets me do it until hes like 18.
Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?
Ive always appreciated that sympathetic indicator that this wont last forever.
Whats the hardest part about being a parent?
But its a good thing were hungry!
Whats your favorite part of the day?
Every parents favorite part: Tubby time.
Bedtime in sight, one-on-one hangouts, adorable nekkie butts.
I hope Pal lets me do it until hes like 18.
Its unhealthy to expect people to do it all on their own.
Is there anything else youd like to share?
The opposite has held true, for me.
So if youre worried that having a kid might derail your artistic ambitions, c’mon dont!
