Motherhood Uncensored

A Family That Blogs Together Stays Together

They are just how I imagined.

She is sweet with a graceful stance, trendy without trying, and inexplicably beautiful. He is kind, silly, and approachable. And together, they made this amazing little creature, with the sweetest face and curious spirit.

I'm not sure how a family is supposed to be. My own was pretty crappy and I'm doing my darndest to make good on the one I have created.

But when you see them together, following their little one's wobbly romps around the pool and taking duty turns without question, it's inspiring.

Their story is enviable. His desire to be at home now is met with her willingness to return to work. And it touches me. In fact, they always have. His writing combined with her thoughtful posts and the beautiful pictures of their daughter have made me weepy on more than one occasion. And if I ever wanted to be anyone or anything else than myself, I want to be them.

I guess they represent how I thought my life would be or at least how I had always hoped it would. And while I know they are not perfect, they represent something perfect in my mind.

On their blog and in real life.

I love my life - my husband, my daughter, and myself. But when I see little Juniper sleeping soundly on her mommy's back, it reminds me that all is well with the world. And that the beauty of the family - the one that loves and lives and learns together is still alive and kicking.

And it makes me want to do better for my own family.

Right now.

Withdrawl

Note to self. Do not engage in exciting weekend of massive socialization all while juiced up on preggo hormones.

It causes a massive case of pathetic weepiness.

It didn't help that there were beautiful cute children (and babies) running around and sucking on boobs left and right.

I think my own not-yet-nursing breasts started letting down.

UGH.

And top it off with an invigorating and challenging panel discussion with the likes of Ariana Huffington.

PHEW. I think I might have scared the crap out of the nice lady next to me on the plane as I wiped my non-stop teary eyes for a good 30 minutes.

It's a combination of anticipation and satisfaction - finally meeting my favorite blogpals, and realizing they are even better than I imagined. (Okay, there are many more of you but entering those links are killing me)...

And for someone who doesn't get out much and who doesn't have a lot of female friends (particularly moms) who live anywhere near me, it was amazingly rejuvenating and encouraging.

So now, I'm missing them - I'm not even sure if reading their blogs will be enough now. But at the same time, I'm happy to be home with my little one, even though she wanted Daddy to read her stories and put her to bed.

And now I must go change a poop.

See, some things never change, right?

 

Mom-101, Me, and Izzy sporting This Next swag (yes, those are pasties).

The Long Way Home

I'm sitting in the Atlanta airport waiting for my new plane and gate assignment. It's always nice when they tell you that your plane will not be able to make it to Birmingham. And then you wonder, how many times they've thought that and just didn't say anything.

Hooray for anxiety! My sprite doesn't seem to be helping with that. Damnit.

I can't get home soon enough. It's a mix of hormones and missing my daughter - but I'm rather weepy. It didn't help seeing all the amazing cute kiddos at Blogher, or listening to Q's voice on my voice mail.

Don't get me wrong. I'm happy to exchange diaper changes and meal time anyday. But being away, even for 3 lovely days and 2 glorious nights, is rejuvenating.

Hell. It's fucking fantastic.

I feel like I can do 14 loads of laundry, cook 3 hot dogs, and sit quietly for any number of naps without one complaint.

And, I am reminded that our work as mom bloggers is extremely worthwhile. That our writing of our stories - however we do it, in whatever style or voice we choose, is powerful. And meaningful. And necessary. And that regardless of status or popularity or readership, we all have something to say - and that was truly valued this weekend.

Meeting new and old bloggers, those on my bloglines and those yet to find themselves there, was extremely inspiring - not only as a writer, but as a mother. The connections with women - the ability to share my stories, and laugh about things that no one else really gets - made the trip worth it.

And my sadness about leaving my blog pals and friends is made easier knowing that tomorrow, I'll pop on my bloglines, and read their stories (and yours too) just like I do everyday.

That's comforting and encouraging.

Perhaps more than I ever knew.

--

Mary Tsao of Mom Writes has some great photos of Blogher if you're interested in checking them out.

Friday Recap: You're Not Missing Much

Okay. Before you get all crazy on me, like "Where the fuck have you been and why have you not posted any pictures you bitch" just realize that my camera batteries died - which really doesn't matter because I suck at picture taking. Plus, I'd rather walk around meeting folks with pink heart pasties on my nipples and drinking O' Douls than take really bad pictures of people.

Yes. You read that correctly.

And, I've actually had trouble getting online which is not surprising as I look around the room, there are about 150 other women staring at computer screens and sucking up the limited WIFI.

So, I direct you to Mom-101 and Christina for picture montages.

And just between you and me, meeting all the wonderful bloggers you read daily, including Catherine, Julie, and Asha, getting approached with a huge hug from Amalah, and talking with the likes of Mir, Alice, Chris, the Sweet Junipers, and the Mommybloggers.

Totally SUCKS.

Ugh. What an ass pain.

Okay, just kidding but I didn't want to rub in all my fun.

 

Thankfully, Liz has a camera and she knows how to use it. Or at least entice people to take pictures of us. WEEEEEEE.

Read These!

I'm off to a glorious weekend of Bloggie Love. And I'm leaving my precious toddler with her daddy. It's only the 2nd time I've been away from her for more than a few hours. And don't tell her, but...

I CAN'T WAIT.

Sure. I'll miss her sweet face, cute voice, and joyful spirit.

But c'mon. No diapers, poopies, cooking, cleaning, and laundry for 3 whole days? A chance to dress up, schmooze, party, and be ME!???!

I can't scream "YES!" any louder.

So, in my absence, check out these links of interest listed under READ THESE. Yes. Over there on the right (scroll down beyond the ooooodles of Clubmom Blogs).

And here's why:

Blogher - Simply put, it's where all the women bloggers are. Not just moms.

Cool Mom Picks - My shopping weblog with cheeky reviews of great handmade, indy stuff for moms.

Dot-Moms - Over 40 fabulous writers who talk about everything MOM - updated daily.

Mamazine - A fabulous online web-zine featuring edgy articles and columns (including mine) by moms and the people that love them. Also, it's co-edited by Clubmom blogger Sheri.

Mommybloggers - Interviews and essays by and for moms. The brain child of Jenn and Jenny, more clubmom bloggers.

Parent Hacks - Easy, simple, and free parenting hacks - making life easier and way more fun.

The Imperfect Parent - Um. Need I say more?

The Whole Mom - Quarterly web-zine featuring columns and essays by moms.

There - that should get you through the weekend.