I hope everyone who celebrates it had a happy Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful time, and I'm so thankful for so many things in my life. Including my blog, even though I have not been very active lately.
On Thanksgiving four years ago, I set up this blog and wrote my first post. Over the next four years, I wrote pretty regularly, writing down stories about my kids for posterity, creating poetry to reflect my feelings about motherhood, sharing the wonders and frustrations of parenthood with others going through similar life experiences.
Except for recently.
Lately, I just haven't been writing. I haven't been posting on my blog, on Facebook, on other people's blogs, on Twitter, anywhere.
It's not for lack of material, or even ideas about how to write the stories of my life. I often come up with ideas and write it in my head. I just don't type it up on the blog. It's not as if I'm busier now than I was before, considering how busy and sleep deprived I've been since having kids. I have time to read and play on my iPhone and put together jigsaw puzzles (my latest obsession).
I've just not done it. I've not felt like it. I've not followed through when I have felt like it.
I always wondered why people who blogged regularly slowed down in posting and even stop blogging. I was always sad when bloggers I enjoyed stopped blogging. I never understood how they could just stop blogging.
I don't want to do that. I don't want to stop blogging. I'm not going to close my blog down or just leave it up in the air. Although, now I totally get how it happens.
I'm going to keep blogging. I've been doing it for four years now. I know I'll get inspired to blog more often again. I miss writing and recording my life and stories about my children. I don't know how to feel inspired again, but I will keep working on and try not to let too much time pass between posts. I know that the longer I wait, the harder it is to get back into it.
I am just going to accept that this is where I am in my life. I don't feel guilty for not keeping up with my blogging or my friends' blogs. I refuse the guilt that is so easy for moms to feel. Instead, I'm going to just try to capture my life when I think of things to write, and just do it when I can. That's all I can do.
And how have you all been?
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Expanding My Thoughts and Topics
I have been feeling a bit stiffled on my blog lately, and I think it's because I'm not writing some major things I've been thinking about. I'm skipping some serious topics that pertain to my parenting because of some arbitrary distinction I made when I started this blog to stay away from things that might cause arguments or controversy.
But you know what? I'm not in that place anymore. I'm not as sensitive from pregnancy and nursing hormones. I'm not as unable to put together complex thoughts on deeper topics due to sleep deprivation. The focus of my thoughts have expanded outside the limitations of getting babies and toddlers to sleep, eat and poop. Although they certainly include those thoughts, too!
I'm a feminist, and I would argue that most people I know are to some degree as well. Do you think that a woman should be paid the same amount as a man doing the same work? Do you know that your daughter can be anything she wants to be when she grows up? Do you believe that women should have the same rights as men? I would say that most of the women and men I know would agree to all those. And that, my friends, makes them feminists. Your degree of feminism may vary from mine, but if we want our daughters and sons to be raised in a fair world where they can both be whatever they want to be, then be scared to say we are feminists!
So why don't I speak about feminist topics on my blog? I believe very strongly in raising my children with a firm foundation of feminism, as does my husband. Why don't I talk about issues of race or religion? These are also topics that I feel strongly about but rarely even talk about them offline. What good does that do anyone?
Keeping the thoughts and ideas we have in our heads means they stay in our heads. If we don't open dialogues about important topics such as racism, sexism, religion and politics, then how can we progress or come to agreements or simply just understand each other better? We will never be able to "just get along" unless we try to understand where others are coming from and communicate with each other.
I'm not saying that I'm changing the focus of my blog. Afterall, all the topics I had deep conversations about in college now have a different slant to them since I've experienced more of the world and, most importantly, since I've had kids. I have a different perspective now as a parent. I have different concerns as a parent. I have to make choices I never worried about before as a parent.
I guess what I'm saying I said in the title. I'm going to expand my thoughts and topics here on my blog. As always, it's important to me for me and anyone else commenting on my blog to be respectful and kind to each other. I love to hear other perspectives and ideas, so I hope others will share and not shy away from commenting.
Let's see how this goes.
But you know what? I'm not in that place anymore. I'm not as sensitive from pregnancy and nursing hormones. I'm not as unable to put together complex thoughts on deeper topics due to sleep deprivation. The focus of my thoughts have expanded outside the limitations of getting babies and toddlers to sleep, eat and poop. Although they certainly include those thoughts, too!
I'm a feminist, and I would argue that most people I know are to some degree as well. Do you think that a woman should be paid the same amount as a man doing the same work? Do you know that your daughter can be anything she wants to be when she grows up? Do you believe that women should have the same rights as men? I would say that most of the women and men I know would agree to all those. And that, my friends, makes them feminists. Your degree of feminism may vary from mine, but if we want our daughters and sons to be raised in a fair world where they can both be whatever they want to be, then be scared to say we are feminists!
So why don't I speak about feminist topics on my blog? I believe very strongly in raising my children with a firm foundation of feminism, as does my husband. Why don't I talk about issues of race or religion? These are also topics that I feel strongly about but rarely even talk about them offline. What good does that do anyone?
Keeping the thoughts and ideas we have in our heads means they stay in our heads. If we don't open dialogues about important topics such as racism, sexism, religion and politics, then how can we progress or come to agreements or simply just understand each other better? We will never be able to "just get along" unless we try to understand where others are coming from and communicate with each other.
I'm not saying that I'm changing the focus of my blog. Afterall, all the topics I had deep conversations about in college now have a different slant to them since I've experienced more of the world and, most importantly, since I've had kids. I have a different perspective now as a parent. I have different concerns as a parent. I have to make choices I never worried about before as a parent.
I guess what I'm saying I said in the title. I'm going to expand my thoughts and topics here on my blog. As always, it's important to me for me and anyone else commenting on my blog to be respectful and kind to each other. I love to hear other perspectives and ideas, so I hope others will share and not shy away from commenting.
Let's see how this goes.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Midwives for Bloggy Book Club
I mentioned a while ago that I wanted to host an online book club discussion for those who were interested. Well, today is the day for the book discussion about Midwives!
Originally, I was just going to host it here. But then it occured to me that I was writing my review of the book to start the discussion, and I was concerned about putting possible spoilers on this blog, where people might be scrolling down to read other things and happen to see something that would spoil their enjoyment of a book I highly recommend. So I decided to put my review, and hopefully host a discussion, over on my review site.
Please come participate in a discussion about Midwives.
If you haven't read the book Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian, I highly recommend it. I truly enjoyed this book and will be thinking about it for a long time. If you do read it, stop by the discussion to join in at any time!
Originally, I was just going to host it here. But then it occured to me that I was writing my review of the book to start the discussion, and I was concerned about putting possible spoilers on this blog, where people might be scrolling down to read other things and happen to see something that would spoil their enjoyment of a book I highly recommend. So I decided to put my review, and hopefully host a discussion, over on my review site.
Please come participate in a discussion about Midwives.
If you haven't read the book Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian, I highly recommend it. I truly enjoyed this book and will be thinking about it for a long time. If you do read it, stop by the discussion to join in at any time!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Not Just Any Name
I've recently told a few people that they should start their own blogs. I love it when people I've become friends with start their own blogs, and I love discovering new blogs. I like to follow what's going on in people's lives, hear about what they are going through, be able to share with them in their experiences by commenting.
But let me offer this bit of advice for those about to start a blog: Check the name you are going to use to make sure that someone else isn't already using it.
Blog names are different than email addresses, domain names or even handles you may use when commenting somewhere. Blog names are an integral part of a person's branding, a distinctive name that a person uses to identify themselves and represent their product/service. Whether or not you think branding is/will be important to you or should be important to anyone else, it does become important.
I gave a lot of thought to what name I wanted to use when I first started commenting on other blogs three years ago. I wanted something that reflected me and was at least somewhat unique. I came up with the handle caramama. When I started my own blog a few months later, it was natural for me to use that name and call my blog "Cara Mama." I did a cursory search around to make sure no one else was using that name, because I did want it to be unique. So I started using it; I made Cara Mama my online home.
Less than three months after I started blogging, I read a post on Girl's Gone Child's site that really got me thinking. Wow. Did I check the variations on the name Cara Mama? Was I thorough enough in my research to be sure I wasn't using someone else's name? I knew that if there was another out there with a similar name who'd been around longer, I would change my name. I felt it would be the right thing to do. So I quickly googled and searched and did true due diligence to make sure that I was in clear. Fortunately, I was.
In the years that followed, there have been a lot of new blogs that have come onto the mommyblog scene. Also, the laws, regulations and general etiquette surrounding the online world and blogosphere has evolved. I have paid cursory attention to it, mostly to be sure I stayed on top of the new FCC laws and make sure I wasn't stepping on anyone else's toes.
Recently, I happened upon another blog using an extremely similiar name to mine. One letter off, similar. She is another parenting blogger also in the DC area who had started her blog last fall. As Rebecca put it, I'm sure it was a case of "great minds think alike." But I still felt a little put out.
I have spent almost three years building my reputation, my branding, using this name. People know me by this name, know that I do get togethers in this area. This name of mine, this blog title, it is my trademark, my brand. As her name had become tied to her reputation and brand. Unfortunately, I realized that I had been getting traffic intended for her blog (those hits weren't from typos after all!), and even had some Twitter traffic that was meant for her. I think it's logical that other people must have been getting her instead of me.
I reached out to other bloggers who know way more about this stuff than I do, who have been through this issue themselves. They gave me great advice, advice that they have used themselves. It became clear to me that this is no longer just an issue of being respectful of other bloggers, as it was when Rebecca wrote her post. It is now an actual legal issue. So I discussed this issue with a lawyer who has specific knowledge in this area of law.
I emailed the woman, and after some back and forth, she has changed her name. I appreciate the fact that she did, knowing the effort it must have been. Although we seem to have different audiences, this will help clear up any future confusion that might have been.
This was truly an unfortunate situation. I am blogging about it in the hopes that it saves other people from going through similar situations, as Rebecca's post had got me thinking about this issue back when it could have been me who was using someone's online identity.
The blogsphere is a big world, and it has plenty of room for all those want to join in. Every old and new parenting blog can have a place, an audience, and room to grow. Just please be sure to check your name thoroughly, learn the laws (trademark, copyright, etc.), learn the regulations (FCC and any others) and be sure you are respectful and courteous with the others in the blogosphere, just as you do/are in the world around you.
But let me offer this bit of advice for those about to start a blog: Check the name you are going to use to make sure that someone else isn't already using it.
Blog names are different than email addresses, domain names or even handles you may use when commenting somewhere. Blog names are an integral part of a person's branding, a distinctive name that a person uses to identify themselves and represent their product/service. Whether or not you think branding is/will be important to you or should be important to anyone else, it does become important.
I gave a lot of thought to what name I wanted to use when I first started commenting on other blogs three years ago. I wanted something that reflected me and was at least somewhat unique. I came up with the handle caramama. When I started my own blog a few months later, it was natural for me to use that name and call my blog "Cara Mama." I did a cursory search around to make sure no one else was using that name, because I did want it to be unique. So I started using it; I made Cara Mama my online home.
Less than three months after I started blogging, I read a post on Girl's Gone Child's site that really got me thinking. Wow. Did I check the variations on the name Cara Mama? Was I thorough enough in my research to be sure I wasn't using someone else's name? I knew that if there was another out there with a similar name who'd been around longer, I would change my name. I felt it would be the right thing to do. So I quickly googled and searched and did true due diligence to make sure that I was in clear. Fortunately, I was.
In the years that followed, there have been a lot of new blogs that have come onto the mommyblog scene. Also, the laws, regulations and general etiquette surrounding the online world and blogosphere has evolved. I have paid cursory attention to it, mostly to be sure I stayed on top of the new FCC laws and make sure I wasn't stepping on anyone else's toes.
Recently, I happened upon another blog using an extremely similiar name to mine. One letter off, similar. She is another parenting blogger also in the DC area who had started her blog last fall. As Rebecca put it, I'm sure it was a case of "great minds think alike." But I still felt a little put out.
I have spent almost three years building my reputation, my branding, using this name. People know me by this name, know that I do get togethers in this area. This name of mine, this blog title, it is my trademark, my brand. As her name had become tied to her reputation and brand. Unfortunately, I realized that I had been getting traffic intended for her blog (those hits weren't from typos after all!), and even had some Twitter traffic that was meant for her. I think it's logical that other people must have been getting her instead of me.
I reached out to other bloggers who know way more about this stuff than I do, who have been through this issue themselves. They gave me great advice, advice that they have used themselves. It became clear to me that this is no longer just an issue of being respectful of other bloggers, as it was when Rebecca wrote her post. It is now an actual legal issue. So I discussed this issue with a lawyer who has specific knowledge in this area of law.
I emailed the woman, and after some back and forth, she has changed her name. I appreciate the fact that she did, knowing the effort it must have been. Although we seem to have different audiences, this will help clear up any future confusion that might have been.
This was truly an unfortunate situation. I am blogging about it in the hopes that it saves other people from going through similar situations, as Rebecca's post had got me thinking about this issue back when it could have been me who was using someone's online identity.
The blogsphere is a big world, and it has plenty of room for all those want to join in. Every old and new parenting blog can have a place, an audience, and room to grow. Just please be sure to check your name thoroughly, learn the laws (trademark, copyright, etc.), learn the regulations (FCC and any others) and be sure you are respectful and courteous with the others in the blogosphere, just as you do/are in the world around you.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Recipes Review, Bloggy Book Club and August Meet Up
Recipes Review
Get this: I posted a cake and muffin recipe review on my review site! Didn't know I had a review site? Well, I haven't posted in a LONG time. But it was one of my New Year's Resolutions to start posting on my review blog again. I've got all sorts of things I've been wanting to write up, but to get me going at all I started with some easy recipes. They are good ones I found on allrecipes.com, though. And the upcoming reviews are even more interesting!
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Bloggy Friends Book Club
In early July, hush did a book discussion for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I definitely have plans to read the book and add a (hopefully) meaningful comment to the discussion. If you've read it, head over and post your thoughts!
I had had this thought that those who like reading and are interested could host a book discussion on their blogs and/or comment to participate, thereby creating a sort of Bloggy Friends Book Club that meet at each others' places to discuss the book of the month.
So I'd like to host a book discussion of Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian on August 11, 2010! If you are interested, get the book, read it and come here and comment on August 11th.
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August DC Area Meet Up
I know everyone is more than ready for an adult-only get together. Let's do it in August! Please vote for the day and time in the poll on the side panel. There are lots of options because it occured to me that I should offer lunch and dinner times for each day. I'm unable to do the weekend of the 21-22, so I didn't include those.
I'm thinking we meet in McLean and go to one of the restaurants there. I really like a few in the Tyson's Corner II mall. What do you guys think?
Get this: I posted a cake and muffin recipe review on my review site! Didn't know I had a review site? Well, I haven't posted in a LONG time. But it was one of my New Year's Resolutions to start posting on my review blog again. I've got all sorts of things I've been wanting to write up, but to get me going at all I started with some easy recipes. They are good ones I found on allrecipes.com, though. And the upcoming reviews are even more interesting!
-----------------------
Bloggy Friends Book Club
In early July, hush did a book discussion for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I definitely have plans to read the book and add a (hopefully) meaningful comment to the discussion. If you've read it, head over and post your thoughts!
I had had this thought that those who like reading and are interested could host a book discussion on their blogs and/or comment to participate, thereby creating a sort of Bloggy Friends Book Club that meet at each others' places to discuss the book of the month.
So I'd like to host a book discussion of Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian on August 11, 2010! If you are interested, get the book, read it and come here and comment on August 11th.
-----------------------
August DC Area Meet Up
I know everyone is more than ready for an adult-only get together. Let's do it in August! Please vote for the day and time in the poll on the side panel. There are lots of options because it occured to me that I should offer lunch and dinner times for each day. I'm unable to do the weekend of the 21-22, so I didn't include those.
I'm thinking we meet in McLean and go to one of the restaurants there. I really like a few in the Tyson's Corner II mall. What do you guys think?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Question of the Week - You Be the Parent at Bedtime
A bloggy friend of mine does a really neat series of posts, which she calls You Be the Parent (her older posts were on her previous blog). It's like the Choose Your Own Adventures of parenting decisions. Not only do I like reading them and contributing to them, but I love to read everyone else's answers. It seems like a great way to get lots of opinions, as well as see where you are in the bell curve of people you know.
After approval fortotally stealing borrowing the idea, I am doing an edition of You Be the Parent: Bedtime as my Question of the Week this week:
Although your three-year-old daughter has never gone to sleep easily, you worked hard over a couple of months to get her used to going to sleep on her own. You slowly weaned her from being cuddled and sang to in order to get to sleep, to sitting next to her and rubbing her back, to sitting across the room from her while she lied down by herself, to finally her going to sleep on her own without you in the room. To finally get her to do it by herself, you came up with a rewards chart, which had just started to work.
Then a few weeks ago, she stopped going to sleep by herself. In addition to having problems going to sleep, she has been quite a handful lately, and you suspect it might correspond to the sleeping issues. You are trying to re-wean her, and get her to stay in bed so you can start moving towards and then out the door. She is simply not ready to try the rewards chart and prizes at this point.
Bedtime has become miserable. It takes you 1 to 2 hours to get her to sleep, and it involves a lot of arguing, fighting, yelling and crying--and that's just on your part! Your daughter has occasionally hits and one time bit you! You are frustrated and dread bedtimes. Your partner is having an even worse time than you are.
You have spent 3 years and 4 months suffering through long, frustrating bedtimes with your kid. You are at your wit's end. Your husband thinks the process of weaning that worked before simply isn't working anymore. You both are wondering if a drastic change is needed, or if you should stay the course through this period of regression.
Do you:
A) Go back to lying in bed with her and singing her songs/telling stories to get her to sleep, in order to try to get her to sleep quickly and easily. It worked for a long time, it will likely work again.
B) Stay the course with weaning her from parents at bedtime by continuing to try to get her to stay in bed by herself until she is asleep. Eventually move away from the bed and reinstate the rewards chart to get out the door.
C) Try letting her stay up watching shows or playing quietly in her room until she is tired enough to go to sleep without a fight. She'll eventually fall asleep or climb into bed to pass out.
D) Sell her to gypsies or on eBay, whichever will take her first. See if they will also take the dog.
E) Other?
In the words of my friend, I eagerly await your input!
After approval for
Although your three-year-old daughter has never gone to sleep easily, you worked hard over a couple of months to get her used to going to sleep on her own. You slowly weaned her from being cuddled and sang to in order to get to sleep, to sitting next to her and rubbing her back, to sitting across the room from her while she lied down by herself, to finally her going to sleep on her own without you in the room. To finally get her to do it by herself, you came up with a rewards chart, which had just started to work.
Then a few weeks ago, she stopped going to sleep by herself. In addition to having problems going to sleep, she has been quite a handful lately, and you suspect it might correspond to the sleeping issues. You are trying to re-wean her, and get her to stay in bed so you can start moving towards and then out the door. She is simply not ready to try the rewards chart and prizes at this point.
Bedtime has become miserable. It takes you 1 to 2 hours to get her to sleep, and it involves a lot of arguing, fighting, yelling and crying--and that's just on your part! Your daughter has occasionally hits and one time bit you! You are frustrated and dread bedtimes. Your partner is having an even worse time than you are.
You have spent 3 years and 4 months suffering through long, frustrating bedtimes with your kid. You are at your wit's end. Your husband thinks the process of weaning that worked before simply isn't working anymore. You both are wondering if a drastic change is needed, or if you should stay the course through this period of regression.
Do you:
A) Go back to lying in bed with her and singing her songs/telling stories to get her to sleep, in order to try to get her to sleep quickly and easily. It worked for a long time, it will likely work again.
B) Stay the course with weaning her from parents at bedtime by continuing to try to get her to stay in bed by herself until she is asleep. Eventually move away from the bed and reinstate the rewards chart to get out the door.
C) Try letting her stay up watching shows or playing quietly in her room until she is tired enough to go to sleep without a fight. She'll eventually fall asleep or climb into bed to pass out.
D) Sell her to gypsies or on eBay, whichever will take her first. See if they will also take the dog.
E) Other?
In the words of my friend, I eagerly await your input!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Help Me, Internets! I've Been Oblivious!
Now that I'm coming out of the "survival mode" of the infant stage and the fog of winter (because of my SAD), I'm starting to realize some things that I feel pretty lame for not having noticed before.
I'm not even going to write about the things that I've been oblivious to or left undone in real life. Instead, I'm going to talk about things in this awesome online community I have become a part of that I feel stupid for missing.
-Some people who I feel that I've become good online friends with have blogs that I didn't even realize existed! How could I have missed the names with obvious links to google profiles with blogs listed or the blogs themselves. Am I blind?
-Some blogs that I did discover previously are not in my reader, even though I totally thought they were and that the person just must not be updating. Once I realized that I'd missed some, I've checked out my reader and tried to update it.
-I didn't realize that some people who are on Twitter and even following me were not in my Follow list. These are people whose blogs I read and have even commented to me on Twitter. I've just gone through and added a bunch of people to my Follow list, but I'm concerned that I'm still missing people who I want to follow.
-I wanted to keep up with email correspondence and replying to comments on my blog, but I keep lagging behind or don't have the time. I'm trying to parse through my overwhelming gmail inbox, but that's not a quick and simple task.
-The DC area meet ups pretty much don't happen in the winter, but I'm finally getting back to organizing them. Who the heck put me in charge of these?
-Perhaps the thing I'm most disappointed about is the way the email support group for DC area people has not become what I had hoped it would. I know that it is up to me to really get it going, but for whatever reason I have not been able to. I'm not quite sure how to make it what I want it to become, but even when I do send out email, there isn't a lot of response. I guess I've been hoping that once we start doing the meet ups again, people will start emailing more. However only two people responded about the May meet up. The point of it was to become a network of support for each other, but no one seems to be reaching out.
So I come to you all as a petitioner. Please let me know the following:
-Have I missed your blog either by not visiting or not having you in my blog roll (which should mimic my reader)?
-Am I not following you on Twitter?
-Have I missed an email or a response to something you wrote that you would like a response to?
-Can you come to a DC area meet up in May? Which day? (Please note that there have been two requests for it NOT to be the first weekend of May, so it won't be this weekend.) Where? I can just decide all this and whoever shows up shows up, or you all can have some input.
-Does someone else want to help me organize and keep up with the DC area meet ups and the email group?
-In what ways can I/we improve the DC area email group to work better for you all?
I like you people, and I want to put in the work to keep up with my online friends. Can you please help me do that? Unless you can't stand me and wish I would stop commenting on your site. In that case, you can send me an email to let me know and I total will. After I leave one last comment telling you to suck it!
I'm not even going to write about the things that I've been oblivious to or left undone in real life. Instead, I'm going to talk about things in this awesome online community I have become a part of that I feel stupid for missing.
-Some people who I feel that I've become good online friends with have blogs that I didn't even realize existed! How could I have missed the names with obvious links to google profiles with blogs listed or the blogs themselves. Am I blind?
-Some blogs that I did discover previously are not in my reader, even though I totally thought they were and that the person just must not be updating. Once I realized that I'd missed some, I've checked out my reader and tried to update it.
-I didn't realize that some people who are on Twitter and even following me were not in my Follow list. These are people whose blogs I read and have even commented to me on Twitter. I've just gone through and added a bunch of people to my Follow list, but I'm concerned that I'm still missing people who I want to follow.
-I wanted to keep up with email correspondence and replying to comments on my blog, but I keep lagging behind or don't have the time. I'm trying to parse through my overwhelming gmail inbox, but that's not a quick and simple task.
-The DC area meet ups pretty much don't happen in the winter, but I'm finally getting back to organizing them. Who the heck put me in charge of these?
-Perhaps the thing I'm most disappointed about is the way the email support group for DC area people has not become what I had hoped it would. I know that it is up to me to really get it going, but for whatever reason I have not been able to. I'm not quite sure how to make it what I want it to become, but even when I do send out email, there isn't a lot of response. I guess I've been hoping that once we start doing the meet ups again, people will start emailing more. However only two people responded about the May meet up. The point of it was to become a network of support for each other, but no one seems to be reaching out.
So I come to you all as a petitioner. Please let me know the following:
-Have I missed your blog either by not visiting or not having you in my blog roll (which should mimic my reader)?
-Am I not following you on Twitter?
-Have I missed an email or a response to something you wrote that you would like a response to?
-Can you come to a DC area meet up in May? Which day? (Please note that there have been two requests for it NOT to be the first weekend of May, so it won't be this weekend.) Where? I can just decide all this and whoever shows up shows up, or you all can have some input.
-Does someone else want to help me organize and keep up with the DC area meet ups and the email group?
-In what ways can I/we improve the DC area email group to work better for you all?
I like you people, and I want to put in the work to keep up with my online friends. Can you please help me do that? Unless you can't stand me and wish I would stop commenting on your site. In that case, you can send me an email to let me know and I total will. After I leave one last comment telling you to suck it!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Question of the Week - Pets
Today, I and my dog are featured on Coffee with a Canine! There are pictures of my lovely beagle dog, and even one of me (sort of). It's a great blog, full of interesting people and their dogs. You should go check it out.
When you get back, you can answer this week's Question of the Week:
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind(s)?
We have a dog and a cat. I've written about the Beagle recently, and I've written about both of the pets here and there over the years. And although I am usually complaining about the cat peeing on stuff, he's pretty sweet and very fluffy in general and I plan to write about him specifically soon.
I love our pets. They were our furbabies before we had real babies. They are part of our family, and have been for a long time. We got the cat when we first moved in together back in 1999, and we got the dog in the fall of 2001. Although they can both be frustrating for different reasons at different times, overall they are very good pets and have made our lives more wonderful by being in it.
What about you? Do you have a dog, cat or turtle? Did you have any pets growing up? Do you have any good stories about your pets? There are many of you who write about your pets on your blogs, but surely there is something you want to share here, isn't there?
When you get back, you can answer this week's Question of the Week:
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind(s)?
We have a dog and a cat. I've written about the Beagle recently, and I've written about both of the pets here and there over the years. And although I am usually complaining about the cat peeing on stuff, he's pretty sweet and very fluffy in general and I plan to write about him specifically soon.
I love our pets. They were our furbabies before we had real babies. They are part of our family, and have been for a long time. We got the cat when we first moved in together back in 1999, and we got the dog in the fall of 2001. Although they can both be frustrating for different reasons at different times, overall they are very good pets and have made our lives more wonderful by being in it.
What about you? Do you have a dog, cat or turtle? Did you have any pets growing up? Do you have any good stories about your pets? There are many of you who write about your pets on your blogs, but surely there is something you want to share here, isn't there?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Trying New Parenting Techniques
If you are interested in child development, child psychology and a behind-the-scenes look into kids as you are trying to parent them, you really should be reading the Child of Mind site. Recently, Bella and Tracy have been writing about discipline and parenting techniques for dealing with those kids of ours. I particularly enjoyed the posts on the coercive cycle and being a flexible parent.
Recently Bella offered to sort of host a parenting challenge. For this challenge, she is going to post a write up about a different parenting technique on Mondays, and those who want to try it out over the week should do so and then comment about how it is working in that Monday post. I'm always wanting to learn new parenting tools, especially with a place to discuss its effectiveness with other parents whose opinions I admire, so I'm in for the challenge.
This week, the parenting challenge is "Let's Pretend." She highlights a strategy from Playful Parenting, one of my favorite parenting books. I tried it out on Tuesday morning, because mornings can be so frustrating in my house. And? It worked like a dream that morning!
I do love to be a "playful parent," although it can be so hard when I'm really tired, stressed, depressed or rushed. There are times when I just want the Pumpkin to just do what I say because I said so or because it just has to be done. There are times when I don't want to have to come up with a game just to try to get her to do things.
At those times, I try to remember that I want children who cooperate with me and others, not ones who mindlessly comply. I don't want to raise children who are automatons, who follow authority figures and simply do what they are told. But as the book Raising Your Spirited Child pointed out, the traits we admire in adults can be so frustrating in our children.
Regardless, playing "Let's Pretend" is right up my girl's alley, and mine as well. This is one I have used in the past and will continue to use. Feel free to join in the parenting challenge if you are interested!
Recently Bella offered to sort of host a parenting challenge. For this challenge, she is going to post a write up about a different parenting technique on Mondays, and those who want to try it out over the week should do so and then comment about how it is working in that Monday post. I'm always wanting to learn new parenting tools, especially with a place to discuss its effectiveness with other parents whose opinions I admire, so I'm in for the challenge.
This week, the parenting challenge is "Let's Pretend." She highlights a strategy from Playful Parenting, one of my favorite parenting books. I tried it out on Tuesday morning, because mornings can be so frustrating in my house. And? It worked like a dream that morning!
I do love to be a "playful parent," although it can be so hard when I'm really tired, stressed, depressed or rushed. There are times when I just want the Pumpkin to just do what I say because I said so or because it just has to be done. There are times when I don't want to have to come up with a game just to try to get her to do things.
At those times, I try to remember that I want children who cooperate with me and others, not ones who mindlessly comply. I don't want to raise children who are automatons, who follow authority figures and simply do what they are told. But as the book Raising Your Spirited Child pointed out, the traits we admire in adults can be so frustrating in our children.
Regardless, playing "Let's Pretend" is right up my girl's alley, and mine as well. This is one I have used in the past and will continue to use. Feel free to join in the parenting challenge if you are interested!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Allergies, Cops and DC Area Meet Up (Oh, My!)
Because I'm even more oblivious to things than normal, I found out only yesterday that this week is both Food Allergy Awareness Week and National Police Week. These are two topics that mean a lot to me, so I'm going to talk about them a little before I get to the post about the DC Area Meet Up (which looks like it will be 5/23!).
----------------------------
Since it looks like the Pumpkin is allergic to peanuts, awareness of food allergies has become especially important to me. I highly suggest everyone learn at least a little about food allergies, because even if your kids don't have an allergy, one of their friends or familily members might. It's important to understand how to be respectful, informed and considerate of those with food allergies.
I have always thought, what if it was my child who could literally die if she was exposed to ______? Wouldn't I want understanding from others, not just eye rolling and frustration from another parent who can't pack a lunch with, say, peanut butter? Now that it might be (probably is) my child, I really hope that others try to learn a bit about how serious these allergies can be and want to learn to create environments that are safe for ALL children.
I don't yet know much about the food allergy world, but there are other bloggers who do. Please check out some of these other bloggers who know more about this stuff and have links to resources with even more information:
From the Desk of Mama
The Nut-Free Mom Blog
No Whey, Mama
----------------------------
A family member of mine was a police officer in DC for more years than I want to count right now. While I've always been extremely proud of this person and what he has done, it is not easy having a police officer as a family member. (Nor is it easy have a member of the family in the armed services, fire and rescue or so many other dangerous professions that many people just take for granted, but today I'm going to focus on the police force).
You never know when the call might come. If that call comes, you never know how serious it might be. Police officers put their lives on the line every single day. They run into danger while most everyone else is running out. They protect others even if it may cost them their own life. They bring criminals to justice. They search for the truth. They put the wellfare of others and the community in front of their own. Without the police, thing truly would fall into disorder and chaos.
This honorable job with honorable men and women can come at a truly high price. When a police officer falls in the line of duty, the police force and the community they serve suffer. But even more is the family and friends they leave behind.
I have to stop writing about this now, because I'm too emotional to write what should come next. I'll just leave you all with this: If you see a police officer, thank him/her for their service. If you are in the DC Area, there are plenty of police men and women from across the country here this week remembering those who have fallen. Let them know that you appreciate them.
----------------------------
Okay, let's move on to some fun stuff. Crazy, emotional, hormonal pregnant woman needs to not dwell on sad things like children who could die from an allergy or police who have died.
The poll clearly shows that May 23rd is the winning date for a DC Area Get Together. It turns out that weekend is Memorial Day weekend! But since it's a Saturday, I'm guessing the BBQs and other get togethers won't interfer too much with a play group.
Many people have requested an indoor place in case of rain. I agree that this is a good idea, however I am concerned about the crowds on Memorial Day weekend, especially if it is raining. Perhaps if we get to the At Play Cafe early enough we could claim a good spot. I think early is also important for those of us with kids who need an afternoon nap (not that mine will actually nap for me, but I've got to keep trying her). The Play Cafe opens at 9:30 on Saturday, and I believe I could be there then.
Another suggestion a few people had is the National Building Museum (which was also a contender for the last meet up). I know nothing about this place, but it sounds good! It opens at 10 on Saturdays and has free admission. (Don't you love the price of museums in DC?)
I'm also totally game for planning the get together at a park/playground (Stacy suggested a few) and having a back-up rain plan. I'm willing to make the call a day or two prior, but I'm not sure if you all need more specific plans in advance.
So if you are planning or hoping to come, please leave a comment with the following:
1. The fact that you are planning/hoping to come
2. Your name or alias so I can keep track
3. How many kids and adults would come with you (everyone is welcome!)
4. Your location preference
5. If you are okay with meeting in the morning
6. Your feelings on last minute rain decisions
7. Howcrazy awesome I am for attempting this when I'll be in my 9th month of pregnancy
That's all I've got for now, that I know of. I do currently have the memory of a goldfish, and I've always got the tendency to ramble on and on. So there might be something I forgot and lots of things I said that couldn't have been edited. Either way, I'm going to hit Publish Post now!
----------------------------
Since it looks like the Pumpkin is allergic to peanuts, awareness of food allergies has become especially important to me. I highly suggest everyone learn at least a little about food allergies, because even if your kids don't have an allergy, one of their friends or familily members might. It's important to understand how to be respectful, informed and considerate of those with food allergies.
I have always thought, what if it was my child who could literally die if she was exposed to ______? Wouldn't I want understanding from others, not just eye rolling and frustration from another parent who can't pack a lunch with, say, peanut butter? Now that it might be (probably is) my child, I really hope that others try to learn a bit about how serious these allergies can be and want to learn to create environments that are safe for ALL children.
I don't yet know much about the food allergy world, but there are other bloggers who do. Please check out some of these other bloggers who know more about this stuff and have links to resources with even more information:
From the Desk of Mama
The Nut-Free Mom Blog
No Whey, Mama
----------------------------
A family member of mine was a police officer in DC for more years than I want to count right now. While I've always been extremely proud of this person and what he has done, it is not easy having a police officer as a family member. (Nor is it easy have a member of the family in the armed services, fire and rescue or so many other dangerous professions that many people just take for granted, but today I'm going to focus on the police force).
You never know when the call might come. If that call comes, you never know how serious it might be. Police officers put their lives on the line every single day. They run into danger while most everyone else is running out. They protect others even if it may cost them their own life. They bring criminals to justice. They search for the truth. They put the wellfare of others and the community in front of their own. Without the police, thing truly would fall into disorder and chaos.
This honorable job with honorable men and women can come at a truly high price. When a police officer falls in the line of duty, the police force and the community they serve suffer. But even more is the family and friends they leave behind.
I have to stop writing about this now, because I'm too emotional to write what should come next. I'll just leave you all with this: If you see a police officer, thank him/her for their service. If you are in the DC Area, there are plenty of police men and women from across the country here this week remembering those who have fallen. Let them know that you appreciate them.
----------------------------
Okay, let's move on to some fun stuff. Crazy, emotional, hormonal pregnant woman needs to not dwell on sad things like children who could die from an allergy or police who have died.
The poll clearly shows that May 23rd is the winning date for a DC Area Get Together. It turns out that weekend is Memorial Day weekend! But since it's a Saturday, I'm guessing the BBQs and other get togethers won't interfer too much with a play group.
Many people have requested an indoor place in case of rain. I agree that this is a good idea, however I am concerned about the crowds on Memorial Day weekend, especially if it is raining. Perhaps if we get to the At Play Cafe early enough we could claim a good spot. I think early is also important for those of us with kids who need an afternoon nap (not that mine will actually nap for me, but I've got to keep trying her). The Play Cafe opens at 9:30 on Saturday, and I believe I could be there then.
Another suggestion a few people had is the National Building Museum (which was also a contender for the last meet up). I know nothing about this place, but it sounds good! It opens at 10 on Saturdays and has free admission. (Don't you love the price of museums in DC?)
I'm also totally game for planning the get together at a park/playground (Stacy suggested a few) and having a back-up rain plan. I'm willing to make the call a day or two prior, but I'm not sure if you all need more specific plans in advance.
So if you are planning or hoping to come, please leave a comment with the following:
1. The fact that you are planning/hoping to come
2. Your name or alias so I can keep track
3. How many kids and adults would come with you (everyone is welcome!)
4. Your location preference
5. If you are okay with meeting in the morning
6. Your feelings on last minute rain decisions
7. How
That's all I've got for now, that I know of. I do currently have the memory of a goldfish, and I've always got the tendency to ramble on and on. So there might be something I forgot and lots of things I said that couldn't have been edited. Either way, I'm going to hit Publish Post now!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I'm Back, Baby!
You may have noticed, as my friend paola did, that I've been around a lot more. Not only am I posting more on my own site, but I'm also jumping back into conversations on Ask Moxie, catching up with all the blogs I used to read (and I really do go back and read most of the posts, depending on how many I'm behind), and even commenting more frequently again on other blogs.
I recently said that I felt my spirits lifting because I could tell I was about to feel better. Well, now I can officially say that I feel better. The fog that was in my brain has melted away. I'm able to think more clearly and plan things to do and even do things like run errands after work! In other words, I'm feeling like a normal human being again.
However, the exhaustion? Still here. But I truly believe that's due to the pregnancy and a toddler who is not a good sleeper, rather than my SAD. Considering I was exhausted pretty much my whole pregnancy with the Pumpkin, I'm not surprised to be exhausted this whole pregnancy, especially considering how rare it is for me to sleep through the night.
I'm 27 weeks and starting my third trimester. The due date (June 19) is less than 3 months away!
Anyway, I just wanted to make a note that I'm back in the blogging world. I'm interacting with people again. I'm feeling like my social self again. So if you see me around, don't be too surprised. I used to be around all the time. It was just a rough winter.
Oh, and I would like to plan a DC Area Get Together for sometime in April or early May! Who's with me?
I recently said that I felt my spirits lifting because I could tell I was about to feel better. Well, now I can officially say that I feel better. The fog that was in my brain has melted away. I'm able to think more clearly and plan things to do and even do things like run errands after work! In other words, I'm feeling like a normal human being again.
However, the exhaustion? Still here. But I truly believe that's due to the pregnancy and a toddler who is not a good sleeper, rather than my SAD. Considering I was exhausted pretty much my whole pregnancy with the Pumpkin, I'm not surprised to be exhausted this whole pregnancy, especially considering how rare it is for me to sleep through the night.
I'm 27 weeks and starting my third trimester. The due date (June 19) is less than 3 months away!
Anyway, I just wanted to make a note that I'm back in the blogging world. I'm interacting with people again. I'm feeling like my social self again. So if you see me around, don't be too surprised. I used to be around all the time. It was just a rough winter.
Oh, and I would like to plan a DC Area Get Together for sometime in April or early May! Who's with me?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
These Green Beans Never Get Old
I'm writing this post as part of Tranny Head's Great Green Beans Giveaway. Tranny Head has come up with the euphemism of green beans for, well, sex and sexual acts (as best I can tell). She has challenged other bloggers to write about sex on this Thanksgiving--and she even wrote a post about it herself. Since I'm very thankful for the hot sex I have with Londo and since I do love a challenge, I'm spilling the green beans about my sex life! (Londo, I hope you aren't reading this. If you are, please don't kill me!)
Please note that I'm just not creative enough to use the term green beans to cover what I want to talk about, so I'm just going to come out and say what I mean. I think that Tranny Head, who is a person who calls it like she sees it, will be okay with that. Also, if you aren't reading Tranny Head at Law school sucks and so do lawyers, you should. She's extremely funny!
I started dating Londo 11 years ago this November (or December, depending on who you ask*). It's been less that 11 years since we starting having sex, but more than 10 years. So, we've been having sex together, with only each other, for over 10 years. That's a long time to be intimate in that way with just one other person... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
First of all, we've always had great sex. Really fantastic, actually. We seem to be very compatible in the bedroom in all ways. But in all these years, the sex has never gotten boring. It's never routine or old or bland. In over 10 years!
It boils down to the fact that we both know EXACTLY what gets the other person's blood burning. After all our years together, we know just the right move to make or way to kiss or whatever to send chills right down the other person's spine and send them over the edge. We know all the likes and dislikes of the other person, and we both want to please the other person even more than we want to please ourselves (which is a great combination, because we are both winners every time).
When I read or watch TV and see new couples having their first kiss or learning each others' bodies, I'm not jealous. In fact, I think, "I'm SO glad I don't have to go through that." I've heard other people talk about the thrill of discovery and the excitement of the new-ness. I'm sure it's wonderful for many people. But not me. I get thrills and excitement from my husband the minute he touches me and kisses me, because he knows exactly what I like, including how to read my ever changing moods.
Finally, I also believe that the comfort we have with each other is so freeing. I'm never nervous about how I look, because I know how sexy he finds me. If I'm not comfortable or not in the mood, I can just say that without feeling embarrassed. I'm never worried about suggesting something new, because he is open to new ideas. And yes, even after 10 years, there are new things. Not many, but a few. Hehe.
Even though the sex is fantastic, we have gone through periods with little to no sex (ahem*pregnancyandpostbaby*ahem). And that's okay too. We are completely committed to each other and care about how the other feels, so if I can't or if we are simply too tired, we don't feel guilty or bad. We are just understanding of where the other person is. And we know we will have great sex again, just not right then.
All that to say, sex with my husband simply hasn't gotten old. I don't think it ever will either. Green beans don't age well, like cheese or wine, which is why a metaphor wouldn't have worked in my post. But unlike 10-year-old green beans, the sex I have with Londo is as great as it was 10 years ago... probably even better!
*Londo and I have an 11 year disagreement about the date, but I still maintain that if I thought we were just going out as friends and we didn't even kiss, then it does not count as our first real date!
Please note that I'm just not creative enough to use the term green beans to cover what I want to talk about, so I'm just going to come out and say what I mean. I think that Tranny Head, who is a person who calls it like she sees it, will be okay with that. Also, if you aren't reading Tranny Head at Law school sucks and so do lawyers, you should. She's extremely funny!
I started dating Londo 11 years ago this November (or December, depending on who you ask*). It's been less that 11 years since we starting having sex, but more than 10 years. So, we've been having sex together, with only each other, for over 10 years. That's a long time to be intimate in that way with just one other person... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
First of all, we've always had great sex. Really fantastic, actually. We seem to be very compatible in the bedroom in all ways. But in all these years, the sex has never gotten boring. It's never routine or old or bland. In over 10 years!
It boils down to the fact that we both know EXACTLY what gets the other person's blood burning. After all our years together, we know just the right move to make or way to kiss or whatever to send chills right down the other person's spine and send them over the edge. We know all the likes and dislikes of the other person, and we both want to please the other person even more than we want to please ourselves (which is a great combination, because we are both winners every time).
When I read or watch TV and see new couples having their first kiss or learning each others' bodies, I'm not jealous. In fact, I think, "I'm SO glad I don't have to go through that." I've heard other people talk about the thrill of discovery and the excitement of the new-ness. I'm sure it's wonderful for many people. But not me. I get thrills and excitement from my husband the minute he touches me and kisses me, because he knows exactly what I like, including how to read my ever changing moods.
Finally, I also believe that the comfort we have with each other is so freeing. I'm never nervous about how I look, because I know how sexy he finds me. If I'm not comfortable or not in the mood, I can just say that without feeling embarrassed. I'm never worried about suggesting something new, because he is open to new ideas. And yes, even after 10 years, there are new things. Not many, but a few. Hehe.
Even though the sex is fantastic, we have gone through periods with little to no sex (ahem*pregnancyandpostbaby*ahem). And that's okay too. We are completely committed to each other and care about how the other feels, so if I can't or if we are simply too tired, we don't feel guilty or bad. We are just understanding of where the other person is. And we know we will have great sex again, just not right then.
All that to say, sex with my husband simply hasn't gotten old. I don't think it ever will either. Green beans don't age well, like cheese or wine, which is why a metaphor wouldn't have worked in my post. But unlike 10-year-old green beans, the sex I have with Londo is as great as it was 10 years ago... probably even better!
*Londo and I have an 11 year disagreement about the date, but I still maintain that if I thought we were just going out as friends and we didn't even kiss, then it does not count as our first real date!
Happy Thanksgiving! And Happy Blogiversary to Me!
Thanksgiving a year ago, I wrote my first post on the Cara Mama blog (which was also my first blog post ever). So in theory, today is my one year blogiversary! Except that last year, Thanksgiving was apparently on November 22. I can't believe I missed the actual anniversary, but I really think of it as Thanksgiving. So we will just pretend I didn't miss it and that it is today, m'kay?
I am so thankful for the blogosphere, specifically the parenting blogs. I'm thankful for the whole community of wonderful moms and dads out there who share the wonders and the hardships of raising children, being parents and struggling with relationships of all sorts. I'm thankful for the ability to share my own, and for my real life and internet friends who read, comment, and chat with me about life. I'm very thankful for my beautiful daughter, wonderful husband, sweet dog and cat, and my family and in laws. I am very blessed.
Stop back later tonight when I will spill the green beans about my sex life, for which I'm extremely thankful! I'm writing that post as part of Tranny Head's Great Green Beans Giveaway--hey, any excuse to brag!
I am so thankful for the blogosphere, specifically the parenting blogs. I'm thankful for the whole community of wonderful moms and dads out there who share the wonders and the hardships of raising children, being parents and struggling with relationships of all sorts. I'm thankful for the ability to share my own, and for my real life and internet friends who read, comment, and chat with me about life. I'm very thankful for my beautiful daughter, wonderful husband, sweet dog and cat, and my family and in laws. I am very blessed.
Stop back later tonight when I will spill the green beans about my sex life, for which I'm extremely thankful! I'm writing that post as part of Tranny Head's Great Green Beans Giveaway--hey, any excuse to brag!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Why I Am A Mommyblogger
Let me take a break from complaining about the sleep issues in my house. Instead, let's talk about "mommyblogging."
When I was at the DC BlogHer conference, I introduced myself to one young lady (did I just write "young lady"? I am getting old. But I wanted to write girl, but that wasn't fair) as I did to everyone else, "I'm a mommyblogger." She asked me why I call myself a mommyblogger, after all just because I'm a woman (and I assume she means a woman and a mom) does not mean that all I am is a mom because I could blog about anything. She proceeded to name a bunch of different things that I have little interest in as topics to blog about. I gave her a shorter version of what I'm about to explain to you all now.
Before I became a parent, I did not understand why in the world people would blog. I don't like reality TV or talk shows, which is basically what blogging reminded me of. I didn't understand why people would want to talk about their lives on the internet. I just didn't get it.
Then, I had my child. My lovely, wonderful, fussy, high-needs child. My first foray into anything blog-like was when I was struggling with the fact that the only way my child would sleep at night was swaddled in a swing. A good friend sent me a post from Ask Moxie (this post) which made me feel so much better, and I began to devour her site. Here was a woman who was talking about how hard it was to be a parent, and the comments of other women who understood and comisserated. There were good things too--bright uplifting things that kept me going through those tough first few months. This site became a daily place I went daily to read and feel better.
Then, I went back to work. I went to a new project and got along well with my new coworkers, but they were almost all men. Young, unmarried or just-getting-married men. In my large office, there were other parents, but I didn't know them. The other new mothers were still out on maternity leave. In fact, I was the only person using the Mother's Room at the time, which was nice for privacy, but lonely for understanding. The young men I worked with would listen to how tired I was, ask good questions to understand how hard, and were really great about welcoming me and letting me talk about the Pumpkin. But they just didn't understand and couldn't share their similar experiences (being an uncle is simply not the same).
So one day, as I'm in the Mother's Room pumping, I'm IMing a friend who also had a baby and went back to work. She asks if I've read any mommyblogs. I told her that I'd been reading Ask Moxie, which she hadn't discovered till I told her. She told me about Mom-101, Motherhood Uncensored, Girl's Gone Child, Her Bad Mother and probably a couple others. After a while of IMing about the mommyblogs, my friend fessed up that she actually has a blog, which I quickly added to my favorites.
Wow. These people understood what I was going through. They were talking about it, writing about it, sharing the good and the bad. The comments were other women who were going through the same things. The light came on in my head, and I felt like I finally had a place, a community. I finally understood why people blog, and why people read and comment.
I quickly became an addict. I read those blogs and used their blogrolls and comments to find other blogs. I started understanding that even on Ask Moxie, I could click a commenter's link and read their blog too. Then, I started leaving comments (after coming up with a name for myself). This was better than parenting magazines. This was better, to me, than even parenting message boards, which I had been going to. This was like the best of both non-fiction articles of magazines and the interactiveness of message boards.
I debated for a while about whether or not to start my own blog. I talked about it with Londo, because I wouldn't talk about our lives without his backing. Finally, last Thanksgiving, I decided to do it. I started a blog myself. This way, when I commented on others' sites, they could come back to me and see who I was, what I was going through. It would be more two-sided, more like a conversation. Like a community.
I generally only read mommyblogs, although there are some others I read. Since having kids, that's what I want to talk about with other people. I can't do that at work or with non-parents, as they quickly get bored. But I don't get bored with stories about people's kids or parenthood and all that we go through. I eat those stories up and look for more (I still haven't updated my blogroll, but I read A LOT of blogs).
Why am I "just" a mommyblogger? Because that is what interests me. Why are do some people blog only about politics or sports or their type of job or books? That is their area of interest. Why do some people just blog about their lives and all that encompasses? It's what they want to blog about.
I prefer to keep my blog focused on my area of interest. More than that, I have discovered an online community of women and men who are going through what I am going through. Parenthood. It's not easy, and those who don't have kids won't understand. But those who do, and who reach out and are supportive and kind to each other? Those are my people. My fellow bloggers and commenters.
Finally, although we talk about poop, developmental milestones and problems sleeping, we also talk about politics and work and marriage (or partnership) and life. We are more than just mommybloggers. We are women and men. We are also parents and there is nothing wrong with blogging about that. In fact, there is so much that is right about it and this parentblogging community.
I'm proud to be a mommyblogger.
When I was at the DC BlogHer conference, I introduced myself to one young lady (did I just write "young lady"? I am getting old. But I wanted to write girl, but that wasn't fair) as I did to everyone else, "I'm a mommyblogger." She asked me why I call myself a mommyblogger, after all just because I'm a woman (and I assume she means a woman and a mom) does not mean that all I am is a mom because I could blog about anything. She proceeded to name a bunch of different things that I have little interest in as topics to blog about. I gave her a shorter version of what I'm about to explain to you all now.
Before I became a parent, I did not understand why in the world people would blog. I don't like reality TV or talk shows, which is basically what blogging reminded me of. I didn't understand why people would want to talk about their lives on the internet. I just didn't get it.
Then, I had my child. My lovely, wonderful, fussy, high-needs child. My first foray into anything blog-like was when I was struggling with the fact that the only way my child would sleep at night was swaddled in a swing. A good friend sent me a post from Ask Moxie (this post) which made me feel so much better, and I began to devour her site. Here was a woman who was talking about how hard it was to be a parent, and the comments of other women who understood and comisserated. There were good things too--bright uplifting things that kept me going through those tough first few months. This site became a daily place I went daily to read and feel better.
Then, I went back to work. I went to a new project and got along well with my new coworkers, but they were almost all men. Young, unmarried or just-getting-married men. In my large office, there were other parents, but I didn't know them. The other new mothers were still out on maternity leave. In fact, I was the only person using the Mother's Room at the time, which was nice for privacy, but lonely for understanding. The young men I worked with would listen to how tired I was, ask good questions to understand how hard, and were really great about welcoming me and letting me talk about the Pumpkin. But they just didn't understand and couldn't share their similar experiences (being an uncle is simply not the same).
So one day, as I'm in the Mother's Room pumping, I'm IMing a friend who also had a baby and went back to work. She asks if I've read any mommyblogs. I told her that I'd been reading Ask Moxie, which she hadn't discovered till I told her. She told me about Mom-101, Motherhood Uncensored, Girl's Gone Child, Her Bad Mother and probably a couple others. After a while of IMing about the mommyblogs, my friend fessed up that she actually has a blog, which I quickly added to my favorites.
Wow. These people understood what I was going through. They were talking about it, writing about it, sharing the good and the bad. The comments were other women who were going through the same things. The light came on in my head, and I felt like I finally had a place, a community. I finally understood why people blog, and why people read and comment.
I quickly became an addict. I read those blogs and used their blogrolls and comments to find other blogs. I started understanding that even on Ask Moxie, I could click a commenter's link and read their blog too. Then, I started leaving comments (after coming up with a name for myself). This was better than parenting magazines. This was better, to me, than even parenting message boards, which I had been going to. This was like the best of both non-fiction articles of magazines and the interactiveness of message boards.
I debated for a while about whether or not to start my own blog. I talked about it with Londo, because I wouldn't talk about our lives without his backing. Finally, last Thanksgiving, I decided to do it. I started a blog myself. This way, when I commented on others' sites, they could come back to me and see who I was, what I was going through. It would be more two-sided, more like a conversation. Like a community.
I generally only read mommyblogs, although there are some others I read. Since having kids, that's what I want to talk about with other people. I can't do that at work or with non-parents, as they quickly get bored. But I don't get bored with stories about people's kids or parenthood and all that we go through. I eat those stories up and look for more (I still haven't updated my blogroll, but I read A LOT of blogs).
Why am I "just" a mommyblogger? Because that is what interests me. Why are do some people blog only about politics or sports or their type of job or books? That is their area of interest. Why do some people just blog about their lives and all that encompasses? It's what they want to blog about.
I prefer to keep my blog focused on my area of interest. More than that, I have discovered an online community of women and men who are going through what I am going through. Parenthood. It's not easy, and those who don't have kids won't understand. But those who do, and who reach out and are supportive and kind to each other? Those are my people. My fellow bloggers and commenters.
Finally, although we talk about poop, developmental milestones and problems sleeping, we also talk about politics and work and marriage (or partnership) and life. We are more than just mommybloggers. We are women and men. We are also parents and there is nothing wrong with blogging about that. In fact, there is so much that is right about it and this parentblogging community.
I'm proud to be a mommyblogger.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Fun at DC BlogHer!
I'm so excited that BlogHer did their Reach Out Tour and came to DC. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet other bloggers and sit in on seminars about blogging. Networking and learning. What more could a blogger geek want?
At the networking breakfast, I met up with Colleen. Shortly after, she introduced me to ClumberKim, who'd I'd seen comment on other blogs I read so it was nice to meet her. I also saw another blogger who I went to high school with and other bloggers who I had met at a bloggers cocktail a month or two ago. Throughout the day, I met many new bloggers, including a brief conversation with Goon Squad Sarah, who was really nice and funny.
As for the sessions, they had two tracks, one for Blogging Basics and the other was all about online community building. You can read the summaries of the sessions by clicking here and clicking the one you are interested in. I went to Online community building as natural promotional tool, Online community building for a cause, and Blogging Basics: Managing information overload.
My only issue with the whole Reach Out Tour in DC--and this is MY issue, not an issue with BlogHer at all--is that there could be only two tracks, and since we are in DC, the track not about Blogging Basics really focused on causes and political action. This makes total sense for the DC area. I just happen to be one of the few people in this area that does not blog for a cause and does not get into politics. And yet, I wasn't really in need of most of the basic blogging tips. But again, this was my very small issue and I knew it when I signed up.
I still learned a lot, discovered some interesting new bloggers, mommybloggers, and blogs for causes I care about. I got some cool swag, good food and great converstations. I got some great tips for dealing with all the information that is coming in to me, and that I am seeking out. I also have some great new ideas for updating my blog. If only I can implement some tips in order to find the time to do it...
All in all, I had a great time and am only sorry that I got to tired to stay to the bitter end of the cocktail hour(s). I am really looking forward to going to another BlogHer conference. But like Colleen says, next time I do anything blogger related, I need to make business cards with my blogs on them so I can hand them out. I think I was one of the few without a card.
At the networking breakfast, I met up with Colleen. Shortly after, she introduced me to ClumberKim, who'd I'd seen comment on other blogs I read so it was nice to meet her. I also saw another blogger who I went to high school with and other bloggers who I had met at a bloggers cocktail a month or two ago. Throughout the day, I met many new bloggers, including a brief conversation with Goon Squad Sarah, who was really nice and funny.
As for the sessions, they had two tracks, one for Blogging Basics and the other was all about online community building. You can read the summaries of the sessions by clicking here and clicking the one you are interested in. I went to Online community building as natural promotional tool, Online community building for a cause, and Blogging Basics: Managing information overload.
My only issue with the whole Reach Out Tour in DC--and this is MY issue, not an issue with BlogHer at all--is that there could be only two tracks, and since we are in DC, the track not about Blogging Basics really focused on causes and political action. This makes total sense for the DC area. I just happen to be one of the few people in this area that does not blog for a cause and does not get into politics. And yet, I wasn't really in need of most of the basic blogging tips. But again, this was my very small issue and I knew it when I signed up.
I still learned a lot, discovered some interesting new bloggers, mommybloggers, and blogs for causes I care about. I got some cool swag, good food and great converstations. I got some great tips for dealing with all the information that is coming in to me, and that I am seeking out. I also have some great new ideas for updating my blog. If only I can implement some tips in order to find the time to do it...
All in all, I had a great time and am only sorry that I got to tired to stay to the bitter end of the cocktail hour(s). I am really looking forward to going to another BlogHer conference. But like Colleen says, next time I do anything blogger related, I need to make business cards with my blogs on them so I can hand them out. I think I was one of the few without a card.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
DC Area Blogging Happenings
You all are wonderful, and it helps to read such supportive comments. Thank you. Now if only you all lived close to me and could get together and hang out with me!
On Monday, October 13th, I'm going to go to the BlogHer DC '08 Conference, which is part of the BlogHer Reach Out Tour '08. For those of us who aretotally geeks about blogging interested in learning more about blogging and want to network with other bloggers but couldn't make it all the way out to San Francisco last July, BlogHer is doing this Reach Out Tour to different cities. Luckily, DC is on the list!
I know that Colleen is going. She and I are already planning to meet up at breakfast. Is anyone else going? It's apparently not to late to sign up, if you happen to be free on Monday.
Also, I had talked about spearheading another DC area get together in late September or October. Here we are almost mid-October and I haven't said a word about it. I was actually starting to think that maybe we could do something Halloween themed, maybe on Saturday, November 1st, the day after Halloween? What do you guys think? Maybe a play date at my house, which will be all decorated?
Anyway, that's all that my brain can handle right now. I'm still exhausted, and the Pumpkin is still sick. She did sleep last night... On me... In the glider/recliner... Shifting and kicking and arching every hour or two. So, I'm still exhausted. Did I say that already?
On Monday, October 13th, I'm going to go to the BlogHer DC '08 Conference, which is part of the BlogHer Reach Out Tour '08. For those of us who are
I know that Colleen is going. She and I are already planning to meet up at breakfast. Is anyone else going? It's apparently not to late to sign up, if you happen to be free on Monday.
Also, I had talked about spearheading another DC area get together in late September or October. Here we are almost mid-October and I haven't said a word about it. I was actually starting to think that maybe we could do something Halloween themed, maybe on Saturday, November 1st, the day after Halloween? What do you guys think? Maybe a play date at my house, which will be all decorated?
Anyway, that's all that my brain can handle right now. I'm still exhausted, and the Pumpkin is still sick. She did sleep last night... On me... In the glider/recliner... Shifting and kicking and arching every hour or two. So, I'm still exhausted. Did I say that already?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Songs in the Key of Pumpkin
Sometimes I think I live in a musical. In my house, we really do randomly break out into songs. Sometimes they are existing ones like Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star or the Alphabet Song. Sometimes we make up words to existing songs to be about the Pumpkin or to fit the moment. Other times we make up new songs altogether for the Pumpkin or the dog or the cat.
Probably the favorite song of Londo's, mine and the Pumpkin's is one I am proud to say I made up completely for the Pumpkin. It's basically her first name, middle name and last name, and then some words describing each name. Unfortunately, I don't use the Pumpkin's real name here at Cara Mama, so I won't be able to share with you all my genius. Besides, it's a tune I made up, so you wouldn't get the full effect of my brilliance by reading.
Instead, I will share two other songs that are very near and dear to me and my relationship with the Pumpkin.
When the Pumpkin was a newborn who would not be put down and needed to constantly move, I would pace the hallway of our first floor with her in my arms or a sling and bounce while I walked. And I would sing to a tune I made up:
What's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
What's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie of mine, of mine.
Nothing's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
Nothing's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
She just likes to cry and whine
It went on with versus about how she liked to bounce up and down while we walked all around, and then I'd make up whatever else came into my head. I haven't sung it much for her lately, since she doesn't seem to cry and whine for no reason anymore and tends to be soothed in other ways or with other songs. But I sang this song multiple times a day for weeks straight there in the beginning.
A song I made up the lyrics for in the first few weeks of her life that I still sing is the following one, which is to the tune of Brahms' Lullaby. I sing this to her every night and every nap (with slight variations) that I put her to bed:
Lullaby and goodnight.
Go to sleep little Pumpkin*.
Go to sleep. Go to sleep
Cause it's time for you to sleep.
Close your eyes, rest your head,
And just go to sleep.
Mama sings and Mama rocks
so that you can sleep.
You are loved very much
By your Mama and Daddy
Your dog and cat, all your friends
And your whole family.
We all want you to sleep
Because it's your bedtime
And you'll feel so much better
If you get your sleep.
And we hope that tonight
You sleep all through the night
And not wake, even once
Until six o'clock or later.
We all feel much better
when we sleep till morning.
And tomorrow when you wake up
I'll be right here.
Since coming up with those lyrics, I've looked up the real lyrics to Brahms' Lullaby. I like mine much better.
*I sing her real name here. Although in the first song, I really do sing Pumpkin Pie.
This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as an entry for a contest sponsored by Bush’s Beans. This week's Blog Blast by Parent Bloggers Network was Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Proud to support a campaign by Bush's Beans. Bush's Beans is having a contest for people to rewrite the Beans Beans Magical Fruit song. Check it out!
Probably the favorite song of Londo's, mine and the Pumpkin's is one I am proud to say I made up completely for the Pumpkin. It's basically her first name, middle name and last name, and then some words describing each name. Unfortunately, I don't use the Pumpkin's real name here at Cara Mama, so I won't be able to share with you all my genius. Besides, it's a tune I made up, so you wouldn't get the full effect of my brilliance by reading.
Instead, I will share two other songs that are very near and dear to me and my relationship with the Pumpkin.
When the Pumpkin was a newborn who would not be put down and needed to constantly move, I would pace the hallway of our first floor with her in my arms or a sling and bounce while I walked. And I would sing to a tune I made up:
What's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
What's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie of mine, of mine.
Nothing's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
The Pumpkin Pie
Nothing's so wrong with the Pumpkin Pie
She just likes to cry and whine
It went on with versus about how she liked to bounce up and down while we walked all around, and then I'd make up whatever else came into my head. I haven't sung it much for her lately, since she doesn't seem to cry and whine for no reason anymore and tends to be soothed in other ways or with other songs. But I sang this song multiple times a day for weeks straight there in the beginning.
A song I made up the lyrics for in the first few weeks of her life that I still sing is the following one, which is to the tune of Brahms' Lullaby. I sing this to her every night and every nap (with slight variations) that I put her to bed:
Lullaby and goodnight.
Go to sleep little Pumpkin*.
Go to sleep. Go to sleep
Cause it's time for you to sleep.
Close your eyes, rest your head,
And just go to sleep.
Mama sings and Mama rocks
so that you can sleep.
You are loved very much
By your Mama and Daddy
Your dog and cat, all your friends
And your whole family.
We all want you to sleep
Because it's your bedtime
And you'll feel so much better
If you get your sleep.
And we hope that tonight
You sleep all through the night
And not wake, even once
Until six o'clock or later.
We all feel much better
when we sleep till morning.
And tomorrow when you wake up
I'll be right here.
Since coming up with those lyrics, I've looked up the real lyrics to Brahms' Lullaby. I like mine much better.
*I sing her real name here. Although in the first song, I really do sing Pumpkin Pie.
This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as an entry for a contest sponsored by Bush’s Beans. This week's Blog Blast by Parent Bloggers Network was Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Proud to support a campaign by Bush's Beans. Bush's Beans is having a contest for people to rewrite the Beans Beans Magical Fruit song. Check it out!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Of Childbearing Years
Hey, I won the Parent Bloggers Network Blog Blast I Live in a Zoo for my entry All the Monkey's Aren't in the Zoo! I was randomly selected as a winner, but let's pretend it was due to my excellent writing, m'kay? It was a fun topic, and there are tons of other great posts. You should check some out!
And now onto today's regularly scheduled post...
It is tough to be of childbearing years, especially the time period between children. There are so many things I can't do just in case. There are all these things that I can't give away, from my maternity clothes to baby toys. I find this time period difficult in many ways, from caring for my body (or "The Vessel") to finding places to store everything.
I miss drinking and dancing and late nights. I really do. This last weekend, I was at a wedding were I actually DANCED! It was so fun and I missed it. I know many people will say that you can still drink and dance and have late nights. But I can't. I know me and my body. I can't handle it anymore. Not only that, but the amounts I used to drink are not compatible with breastfeeding or trying to conceive, so it's been a long since I really truly got WASTED! I suppose that's a good thing, because I know my recovery period will be much longer now than it was in my early 20s. But I still miss it sometimes.
As for dancing... Do you know where I'd have to go to go out dance? To clubs and bars and places that I don't frequent because of smoke and single guys and Lord knows what else. It's just not part of my lifestyle anymore. It's not what a mom does, or even wants to do. Now, Londo and I did used to take dance lessons where we learned everything from the waltz to swing, and we loved it! But that costs money that we don't have anymore, and it would require a babysitter. We are just not in a place in our lives where we can do that. We will again some day.
Because of trying to conceive, I am trying to take care of my body. Which means no late nights, not a lot of junk food, trying to cut down on stress (although that doesn't always happen), giving up coffee (OMG, I miss my coffee!!!) take care of my skin and hair, not taking most medications, and so much else. The Vessel needs to be in prime condition, after all. We are spending time and money on the fertility treatments, and I am trying to make sure to do everything I can to help.
Except exercise. I really just can't find the time or energy to exercise. I've lost all my pregnancy weight and some of the weight I gained last round of fertility treatments, so that's awesome. But my body has definitely changed, and my clothes don't fit exactly right. But I just don't have it in me to kill myself fitting in a workout routine when I am hoping to pregnant again soon. I stopped exercising last pregnancy because of spotting issues, and I didn't want to chance another miscarriage. I won't want to exercise this time either, just in case.
Which leads me the fact that I have all these clothes in a variety of sizes! Where am I supposed to store them all? I do have a good-sized walk in closet, but I'm running out of room. I've got the maternity clothes, two sets of in between sizes for going up and back down from pregnancy, my clothes that fit me now, and my skinnier clothes for when I am done with kids and ready to exercise and get back my smoking bod! And for most of these sizes, I have summer and winter clothes. I can't get rid of them, because I'm not done with the childbearing (I hope), so I will need them again. I am NOT going to buy all new clothes each time I go up or down a size. So I have to find somewhere to put them.
I also need to store all the sizes of childrens clothes. Everything from the newborn to the 12 month size that the Pumpkin has grown out of. She's got a lot of clothes. (Should I mention that I don't like doing laundry often, so I like to have at least 2 weeks worth of clothes for her. And me.) These clothes will likely be handed down to the future child. I like to buy some things that are girly and pink but also other things that are neutral, so even if we have a boy next there are a lot of the clothes we could reuse. And we still don't know if we will have 2 or 3, so I will have to continue to store them for a while.
Also, the baby toys and equipment. We got A LOT of hand-me-downs from my sister's daughter and my brother's twins. We had 3 bassinets and 2 exersaucers (not that she really used any of those), as well as three swings (she would only use one, but that was the one that let us sleep at night), two bouncy chairs and tons of little rattle and squeeze toys. It was way more than we needed, but when it's free, how can you say no? And now I worry that the next child (or two) will be do different and need even the things that the Pumpkin did not. I also worry that we will have twins next, since our chance of multiples does go up with the fertility treatments (Lord, help me!). So I don't want to get rid of any of it. Just in case.
But where oh where do I put all this stuff? Our storage room is overflowing and my closet is stuffed to the gills! I think it's time for an overhaul of the storage room, but I'm not sure we can make more out of what we have. If only I had Mary Poppin's carpet bag...
But once I'm out of these childbearing years and done with having children? You better believe we are having the most amazing yard sale! Come one, come all! I'll make deals and deals galore! You won't want to miss it! Everything must go! And what doesn't sell will go straight to a cause in need.
And now onto today's regularly scheduled post...
It is tough to be of childbearing years, especially the time period between children. There are so many things I can't do just in case. There are all these things that I can't give away, from my maternity clothes to baby toys. I find this time period difficult in many ways, from caring for my body (or "The Vessel") to finding places to store everything.
I miss drinking and dancing and late nights. I really do. This last weekend, I was at a wedding were I actually DANCED! It was so fun and I missed it. I know many people will say that you can still drink and dance and have late nights. But I can't. I know me and my body. I can't handle it anymore. Not only that, but the amounts I used to drink are not compatible with breastfeeding or trying to conceive, so it's been a long since I really truly got WASTED! I suppose that's a good thing, because I know my recovery period will be much longer now than it was in my early 20s. But I still miss it sometimes.
As for dancing... Do you know where I'd have to go to go out dance? To clubs and bars and places that I don't frequent because of smoke and single guys and Lord knows what else. It's just not part of my lifestyle anymore. It's not what a mom does, or even wants to do. Now, Londo and I did used to take dance lessons where we learned everything from the waltz to swing, and we loved it! But that costs money that we don't have anymore, and it would require a babysitter. We are just not in a place in our lives where we can do that. We will again some day.
Because of trying to conceive, I am trying to take care of my body. Which means no late nights, not a lot of junk food, trying to cut down on stress (although that doesn't always happen), giving up coffee (OMG, I miss my coffee!!!) take care of my skin and hair, not taking most medications, and so much else. The Vessel needs to be in prime condition, after all. We are spending time and money on the fertility treatments, and I am trying to make sure to do everything I can to help.
Except exercise. I really just can't find the time or energy to exercise. I've lost all my pregnancy weight and some of the weight I gained last round of fertility treatments, so that's awesome. But my body has definitely changed, and my clothes don't fit exactly right. But I just don't have it in me to kill myself fitting in a workout routine when I am hoping to pregnant again soon. I stopped exercising last pregnancy because of spotting issues, and I didn't want to chance another miscarriage. I won't want to exercise this time either, just in case.
Which leads me the fact that I have all these clothes in a variety of sizes! Where am I supposed to store them all? I do have a good-sized walk in closet, but I'm running out of room. I've got the maternity clothes, two sets of in between sizes for going up and back down from pregnancy, my clothes that fit me now, and my skinnier clothes for when I am done with kids and ready to exercise and get back my smoking bod! And for most of these sizes, I have summer and winter clothes. I can't get rid of them, because I'm not done with the childbearing (I hope), so I will need them again. I am NOT going to buy all new clothes each time I go up or down a size. So I have to find somewhere to put them.
I also need to store all the sizes of childrens clothes. Everything from the newborn to the 12 month size that the Pumpkin has grown out of. She's got a lot of clothes. (Should I mention that I don't like doing laundry often, so I like to have at least 2 weeks worth of clothes for her. And me.) These clothes will likely be handed down to the future child. I like to buy some things that are girly and pink but also other things that are neutral, so even if we have a boy next there are a lot of the clothes we could reuse. And we still don't know if we will have 2 or 3, so I will have to continue to store them for a while.
Also, the baby toys and equipment. We got A LOT of hand-me-downs from my sister's daughter and my brother's twins. We had 3 bassinets and 2 exersaucers (not that she really used any of those), as well as three swings (she would only use one, but that was the one that let us sleep at night), two bouncy chairs and tons of little rattle and squeeze toys. It was way more than we needed, but when it's free, how can you say no? And now I worry that the next child (or two) will be do different and need even the things that the Pumpkin did not. I also worry that we will have twins next, since our chance of multiples does go up with the fertility treatments (Lord, help me!). So I don't want to get rid of any of it. Just in case.
But where oh where do I put all this stuff? Our storage room is overflowing and my closet is stuffed to the gills! I think it's time for an overhaul of the storage room, but I'm not sure we can make more out of what we have. If only I had Mary Poppin's carpet bag...
But once I'm out of these childbearing years and done with having children? You better believe we are having the most amazing yard sale! Come one, come all! I'll make deals and deals galore! You won't want to miss it! Everything must go! And what doesn't sell will go straight to a cause in need.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Question of the Week - Free Day
Happy Rosh Hashanah, to those who celebrate!
Well, I'm late with my QotW post. This is par for the course for me lately. You see, my big project at work had taken over my life. I was working long hours at work, and continuing to work after putting the baby to bed. I was averaging 6 hours of sleep not because the child woke up (cause she's maybe 60/40 with sleeping through the night lately, thank goodness), but because I was up late working.
There was one problem after another, and one meeting after another. It was crazy. But it's done--mostly. We released the new version of the software Friday night. I spent 7 or 8 hours on Saturday updating documentation. And yesterday, I spent the day catching up on all my other projects at work, to the best that I could.
Today, other than calling in for a couple meetings, I'm taking the day off!
Which segues nicely into our Question of the Week:
If you had a day off, a day where your child is being cared by someone else and you don't have to work, what would you do?
I'll tell you what I'm doing! Now that the babysitter is here and I've made (and ate) pancakes, I'm going back to sleep. I am! I'm exhausted, and as soon as I post this, I'm going back to dreamland. Then, I have to call in for one of the meetings. Then, I'm taking a nice, long, hot bath. Maybe with bubbles! Definitely with a light romance novel. Once I'm out, I'm going to do my nails. Then I'll call into my second meeting.
After that, I haven't decided. I'm either going to the mall to shop for some clothes for the Pumpkin since she's grown out of her last size and she doesn't have enough pants to see her through a week in the fall. Also, I need new pants that actually fit me. (As a side note, I've found a diet on which I have lost a few pounds within a week or two. It's called the Stressed Out Diet. I don't recommend it.) I might just wait to go to the mall until the weekend, although I have no idea what the toddler will wear on her bottom half for the rest of the week. I wonder how dirty those purple pants that she wore on Saturday are...
The other thing I might do all afternoon is blog. I've missed my blogs! I've got almost 400 posts in my Reader! I have some serious catching up to do, and I would love to spend the afternoon just online reading and maybe some writing and definitely some commenting.
Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. Blog. So for now, I'm going to sleep. But I'll see you all later! For now, please tell me what you would do with a precious free day just for yourself.
Well, I'm late with my QotW post. This is par for the course for me lately. You see, my big project at work had taken over my life. I was working long hours at work, and continuing to work after putting the baby to bed. I was averaging 6 hours of sleep not because the child woke up (cause she's maybe 60/40 with sleeping through the night lately, thank goodness), but because I was up late working.
There was one problem after another, and one meeting after another. It was crazy. But it's done--mostly. We released the new version of the software Friday night. I spent 7 or 8 hours on Saturday updating documentation. And yesterday, I spent the day catching up on all my other projects at work, to the best that I could.
Today, other than calling in for a couple meetings, I'm taking the day off!
Which segues nicely into our Question of the Week:
If you had a day off, a day where your child is being cared by someone else and you don't have to work, what would you do?
I'll tell you what I'm doing! Now that the babysitter is here and I've made (and ate) pancakes, I'm going back to sleep. I am! I'm exhausted, and as soon as I post this, I'm going back to dreamland. Then, I have to call in for one of the meetings. Then, I'm taking a nice, long, hot bath. Maybe with bubbles! Definitely with a light romance novel. Once I'm out, I'm going to do my nails. Then I'll call into my second meeting.
After that, I haven't decided. I'm either going to the mall to shop for some clothes for the Pumpkin since she's grown out of her last size and she doesn't have enough pants to see her through a week in the fall. Also, I need new pants that actually fit me. (As a side note, I've found a diet on which I have lost a few pounds within a week or two. It's called the Stressed Out Diet. I don't recommend it.) I might just wait to go to the mall until the weekend, although I have no idea what the toddler will wear on her bottom half for the rest of the week. I wonder how dirty those purple pants that she wore on Saturday are...
The other thing I might do all afternoon is blog. I've missed my blogs! I've got almost 400 posts in my Reader! I have some serious catching up to do, and I would love to spend the afternoon just online reading and maybe some writing and definitely some commenting.
Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. Blog. So for now, I'm going to sleep. But I'll see you all later! For now, please tell me what you would do with a precious free day just for yourself.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
All the Monkeys Aren't in the Zoo
When I heard that this week's blog blast from The Parent Bloggers Network was I Live in a Zoo to promote Generation Next's brand-new product - iKnow Animals, Letters & Sounds (which looks like a really cool product!), I thought of a few different ways I could run with this topic. There's the fact that we have a toddler, a dog and a cat, all of whom are constantly into things, underfoot and making messes that Londo and I have to clean up. There's the fact that my daughter could likely become a zoologist when she grows up given her love for animals and their sounds. But then it occurred to me how my life is most like a zoo...
My daughter is a monkey.
The Pumpkin is so clingy so much of the time. I'm not exactly complaining, because I do love to hold and cuddle her. She has always been clingy and needed to be held a lot. Goodness knows I would not have made it through the first year without the myriad of slings we got! But occasionally I need to put her down for some reason. And now, she holds on with her legs in addition to her arms when I try to put her down. When she realizes I'm lowering her, she wraps her legs around my thigh and holds on as if for dear life with legs and arms. Do I need to mention she is also fussying/whining when she does this?
When we read one of her animal books that talks about the baby orangutan and how it clings to its mommy's neck, I often joke that its just like what the Pumpkin does to Mama. Like a monkey, she just wants to hold on to me while we walk around, while I cook, while I do dishes, while I do just about anything. Except when she wants to walk and climb herself.
Which brings us to the next resemblance. My child doesn't just walk around and run a bit, she CLIMBS EVERYTHING!! Just like a young simian who is learning how to navigate the trees in its forest environment, my girl sees the couch, chairs, tables, counters and even baby gates and immediately figures out how to climb up. Stairs? She's up them! Playground equipment? To the top faster than you'd think an 18 month old could move. Beds? Picnic tables? Stools? Up, up and up.
My child's monkey-like qualities really have kept me on my toes. I have to figure out creative ways to do things while holding her, and I have to baby proof things I thought were already baby proofed as she figures out how to reach higher by climbing. This makes my life more exciting than I was used to, especially when added to the dog and cat and the animals noises that my daughter loudly shares.
Yep, my life is a zoo. But at least the Pumpkin is not as hairy as a monkey.
My daughter is a monkey.
The Pumpkin is so clingy so much of the time. I'm not exactly complaining, because I do love to hold and cuddle her. She has always been clingy and needed to be held a lot. Goodness knows I would not have made it through the first year without the myriad of slings we got! But occasionally I need to put her down for some reason. And now, she holds on with her legs in addition to her arms when I try to put her down. When she realizes I'm lowering her, she wraps her legs around my thigh and holds on as if for dear life with legs and arms. Do I need to mention she is also fussying/whining when she does this?
When we read one of her animal books that talks about the baby orangutan and how it clings to its mommy's neck, I often joke that its just like what the Pumpkin does to Mama. Like a monkey, she just wants to hold on to me while we walk around, while I cook, while I do dishes, while I do just about anything. Except when she wants to walk and climb herself.
Which brings us to the next resemblance. My child doesn't just walk around and run a bit, she CLIMBS EVERYTHING!! Just like a young simian who is learning how to navigate the trees in its forest environment, my girl sees the couch, chairs, tables, counters and even baby gates and immediately figures out how to climb up. Stairs? She's up them! Playground equipment? To the top faster than you'd think an 18 month old could move. Beds? Picnic tables? Stools? Up, up and up.
My child's monkey-like qualities really have kept me on my toes. I have to figure out creative ways to do things while holding her, and I have to baby proof things I thought were already baby proofed as she figures out how to reach higher by climbing. This makes my life more exciting than I was used to, especially when added to the dog and cat and the animals noises that my daughter loudly shares.
Yep, my life is a zoo. But at least the Pumpkin is not as hairy as a monkey.
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