If you ever need an emergency passport, if you have a sick or dying relative in another country for instance, you can have one expedited.

Go to travel.state.gov to fill out the form and learn about fees and time frames.

If you have questions you’d like answered by a person, rather than a recording on their phone line, head to your local post office who has the passport forms and the answers you need!

Remember, even though your passport expires within 10 years of issuance, you can still renew it within 15 years of the issue date.  As long as you still have the passport book in your hands.

You’ve all seen the commercial, right?  The one where the man in the suit with a red, drippy nose is talking to someone you can’t see and saying, “I’m sorry Billy, I’m just feeling terrible.  I’m going to need to take a sick day.” And then the camera pans to the other side of the room where you see a crib and a baby boy of about 14 months jumping up and down.

There are no sick days as a parent, right?!  You may have to sit a little more often during the day or even lie down on the couch for 5 minute stretches at a time, if possible.  But you are still on.  Babies need to changed, fed, taken to school, cuddled, disciplined, etc.  And the house still has to operate smoothly, and not appear like a bomb went off when your hubby walks through the door.

But, here’s a list of a few things that may make the day more bearable…

• a large sweater
• a mug of hot tea
• a good book
• soft socks
• a box of chocolate