So today was hands down the warmest nicest day of the year so far. The little man and I started the morning out going to music class, followed by a walk and flanked with baby Einstein dvd's and crawling. When the hubby came home, I had Whole Foods Sushi waiting, and we enjoyed some sake to complete the meal.
These days are truly rejuvenating. I really think that these are the times I will remember when I think back to my first born's baby years.
I know I have been slower on the blog posts this week, but I am trying to maintain the balance I set out to have when I decided to become part time. I think sometimes I get these ideas in my head and can't stop forging forward, at the expense of enjoying the moment.
Being part time gives me more dream time, and time to create the vision of what I want for the future. I know that someday I want to own my own business and be a WAHM, but I am trying not to get too ahead of myself by working during any free time I have. That time was meant for Little Man.
Priorities and Balance. The story of my life, and the theme of most of my posts these days.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Best of Both Worlds and not enough
So I wanted to discuss something that is near and dear to my heart. Working and/or being a stay at home mom. To each there own, but I have the luxury of working part time. This is more than a luxury, I am super lucky and blessed. Shortly before getting pregnant I landed my dream job in marketing. I am not only in marketing but I am in Search Engine Marketing. In my opinion this is the best place to be as a marketer. Our budgets are increasing at the expense of others. But that isn't the point of my post today. My point is more along the lines of "never enough".
I am a complete total perfectionist. I also have to see something from beginning to end. I do not feel comfortable with ambiguity. Which brings me to my problem. I feel in between both worlds and that I never get enough of either world. In the deepest part of me I want to be home full time with my baby. The other part which is almost as deep inside wants to work. I say almost because if I had to chose, which I don't, I would choose to be home.
The part of me that goes to work, is the part of me that believes in being an independent thinker and a woman who is not dependent on her husband. I hate to talk about what-if's but what-if something happened with my husband? What if it was up to me to support our house and life? Giving up my career wouldn't allow me to easily step into that role. I can't give up the security I have by working. It is comforting to know you have money coming in to help.
But I do feel that I am between both worlds and not doing either fully. Each and everyday I go to work, I chose to give up time with my son to go. Giving up that time with him better be worth it. But what defines worth? To me, I want to go to a place where I am important, needed, and where what I say counts. Yes, by getting a pay check my company tells me I am all those things. But I would be a liar if I said working at a large company makes me feel complete in the ways I defined.
I am assuming this is a internal battle of all moms. Everyone of us had a certain definition of ourselves before babies. I personally think that having a baby changed me, I mean "rocked my world" at the most primal level. It is an experience that makes you different in ways you cannot even describe.
I hope this post helps to put some words to a small part of that change...
I am a complete total perfectionist. I also have to see something from beginning to end. I do not feel comfortable with ambiguity. Which brings me to my problem. I feel in between both worlds and that I never get enough of either world. In the deepest part of me I want to be home full time with my baby. The other part which is almost as deep inside wants to work. I say almost because if I had to chose, which I don't, I would choose to be home.
The part of me that goes to work, is the part of me that believes in being an independent thinker and a woman who is not dependent on her husband. I hate to talk about what-if's but what-if something happened with my husband? What if it was up to me to support our house and life? Giving up my career wouldn't allow me to easily step into that role. I can't give up the security I have by working. It is comforting to know you have money coming in to help.
But I do feel that I am between both worlds and not doing either fully. Each and everyday I go to work, I chose to give up time with my son to go. Giving up that time with him better be worth it. But what defines worth? To me, I want to go to a place where I am important, needed, and where what I say counts. Yes, by getting a pay check my company tells me I am all those things. But I would be a liar if I said working at a large company makes me feel complete in the ways I defined.
I am assuming this is a internal battle of all moms. Everyone of us had a certain definition of ourselves before babies. I personally think that having a baby changed me, I mean "rocked my world" at the most primal level. It is an experience that makes you different in ways you cannot even describe.
I hope this post helps to put some words to a small part of that change...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Re-alignment, time managment, and family
So this weekend and early week has been about re-alignment. I am working on time management. Balance can be hard to find with work and family. Yes it is only Tuesday, but I feel refreshed already. Not in the rested way - when are we ever really rested -- but in the spiritual way. Family time really does fill me up inside. I have spent some good quality, in the moment time with the family over the past couple days.
Sunday it rained here, and I took two mini-naps with the little dude, and then we all went out in search of a new kitchen table. Monday we had a burger dinner on the grill, and then tonight we are back from pizza out.
Tomorrow the little man and I are going to story hour and then swimming. I am also going to take the morning off from working out, and watch the today show in my pjs.
We all need weeks like this sometimes.
Sunday it rained here, and I took two mini-naps with the little dude, and then we all went out in search of a new kitchen table. Monday we had a burger dinner on the grill, and then tonight we are back from pizza out.
Tomorrow the little man and I are going to story hour and then swimming. I am also going to take the morning off from working out, and watch the today show in my pjs.
We all need weeks like this sometimes.
Friday, April 23, 2010
LIttle Man's Birth Story
So I added some static pages to my profile including my little man's birth story which will hopefully live on in the digital format for years to come - I know very modern...
I would go on and on here about his digital scrap book as well. Sorry I am a computer nerd at heart. This post is supposed to be about post about my new static pages.
Particularly I want to open up my "Shop Mom" page to anyone who wants to advertise on my blog. This is free advertising space. I am doing this to support Mom businesses. Send me a note if you are interested. If I found your shop on my own I may have already added you!
If you are reading this post and it looks familiar but different it is because when I re-read it the post didn't flow. I feel like I am losing my mind today and cannot write...so I edited it and re-published.
I think it is time to go read and comment...
I would go on and on here about his digital scrap book as well. Sorry I am a computer nerd at heart. This post is supposed to be about post about my new static pages.
Particularly I want to open up my "Shop Mom" page to anyone who wants to advertise on my blog. This is free advertising space. I am doing this to support Mom businesses. Send me a note if you are interested. If I found your shop on my own I may have already added you!
If you are reading this post and it looks familiar but different it is because when I re-read it the post didn't flow. I feel like I am losing my mind today and cannot write...so I edited it and re-published.
I think it is time to go read and comment...
Don't bother Mommy - She is Busy Bulding her Brand - I Wish
So if you haven't heard there is a great article about Mommy Bloggers in the NY Times. I posted the full article on my marketing blog. It is a long article and I found myself reading it between fusses, so I am going to review here and then if you have time to read the whole article that would be great too.
Title: Don't Bother Mommy I am Busy Building my Brand - I don't love the title it. I am not saying I don't let Little Man fuss while I do things sometimes, but fuss while I build my brand - no - I wish. I let him fuss while I use the bathroom, or while I get 3 bags ready to take him to the pool, or while I prepare him a meal that he hates.
Content: The article is about a Mommy Blogging Bootcamp - the 411 on commenting, getting views, SEO (love it) and taking your blog to the next level. But the article goes it to things that I didn't know about and that I find very interesting, like the advertising disclosure law. The article concludes by discussing how corporate brands have found the blog-sphere to be a viable forum. Lastly the article points to some well know mommy bloggers who get a whopping 36,000 plus visitors a day! WOW.
My conclusions: I think this article is very interesting and I am glad the topic is getting some attention (esp from NY Times versus just Oprah). I would have never said a year ago that I would want to attend a blogging conference , but I do. I find blogging to be a refuge now. I find it to be a place to meet new people and to share thoughts with others. I find it to be authentic. That is not to say that there isn't ruddiness, but I can deal with that, because for this time in my life the pros outweigh the cons.
Title: Don't Bother Mommy I am Busy Building my Brand - I don't love the title it. I am not saying I don't let Little Man fuss while I do things sometimes, but fuss while I build my brand - no - I wish. I let him fuss while I use the bathroom, or while I get 3 bags ready to take him to the pool, or while I prepare him a meal that he hates.
Content: The article is about a Mommy Blogging Bootcamp - the 411 on commenting, getting views, SEO (love it) and taking your blog to the next level. But the article goes it to things that I didn't know about and that I find very interesting, like the advertising disclosure law. The article concludes by discussing how corporate brands have found the blog-sphere to be a viable forum. Lastly the article points to some well know mommy bloggers who get a whopping 36,000 plus visitors a day! WOW.
My conclusions: I think this article is very interesting and I am glad the topic is getting some attention (esp from NY Times versus just Oprah). I would have never said a year ago that I would want to attend a blogging conference , but I do. I find blogging to be a refuge now. I find it to be a place to meet new people and to share thoughts with others. I find it to be authentic. That is not to say that there isn't ruddiness, but I can deal with that, because for this time in my life the pros outweigh the cons.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The things I should be doing...
Okay so my baby is napping on the couch beside me - okay whatever...I know that he should be in his crib - but I do not wake sleeping lions, I am enjoying some me time reading the blogs...oh oh - he might wake up...oh no eyes can't say open, I might have 5 or 10 more mins...probably 3 but in Mom free time that is like 20.
I should be making dinner now. I mean I am part time and today is my day off - but honestly I have been reading and commenting...so hey I am doing something good.
Okay last thing...this is more of a should not...but I can't help it...I really shouldn't feel guilty but I do...I feel like I cheated on myself. I used to blog all the time and I loved it...I don't know why I quit but I did...I guess I feel so different now that I am back. Why did I ever take it for granted before...I used to blog or be in the blog world every day and sometimes all day on Sundays...reading, commenting, added new things to my blog...
I guess I just feel like I am a new person blogging now...mommyhood does make you reinvent yourself as a woman.
I mean I started it a young eager professional, and I come to blog now as a refuge to read other peoples thoughts and feelings. I guess it is just different on the inside...it is me not you who has changed.
Well I better go on to make dinner while I have the chance - if I don't do it now I will be doing it with a 20 lbs 8 month old strapped in the Baby Bjorn...needs to happen now...god protect the back and shoulders!
Love, MG
I should be making dinner now. I mean I am part time and today is my day off - but honestly I have been reading and commenting...so hey I am doing something good.
Okay last thing...this is more of a should not...but I can't help it...I really shouldn't feel guilty but I do...I feel like I cheated on myself. I used to blog all the time and I loved it...I don't know why I quit but I did...I guess I feel so different now that I am back. Why did I ever take it for granted before...I used to blog or be in the blog world every day and sometimes all day on Sundays...reading, commenting, added new things to my blog...
I guess I just feel like I am a new person blogging now...mommyhood does make you reinvent yourself as a woman.
I mean I started it a young eager professional, and I come to blog now as a refuge to read other peoples thoughts and feelings. I guess it is just different on the inside...it is me not you who has changed.
Well I better go on to make dinner while I have the chance - if I don't do it now I will be doing it with a 20 lbs 8 month old strapped in the Baby Bjorn...needs to happen now...god protect the back and shoulders!
Love, MG
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
My First How-To
This post is how to do the scrolling badge display on my left side. I can't say the idea was mine, so first I am going to give credit where credit is due. I found it first on 365 Days of Being 30 and a Mommy so I need to give credit for it there. Also, read her blog! I am a big fan.
Moving on...so I went to the layout tab, added a widget and pasted the code in red into my widget (html/java script).
First Line: marquee direction="up" onmouseover="this.stop()" onmouseout="this.start()" scrollamount="8" loop="true" height="300" width="200"
- In here paste the sticker codes
Last Line: marquee
Tips: Don't forget to add the HTML brackets <> before the first line and after the last - I took them out for this how to because if I add them blogger renders the html instead of the text.
I hope this helps! Now I can check off my first how-to-do! If this is a good post you are more than welcome to pass it on and post on your blogs or point others here!
Moving on...so I went to the layout tab, added a widget and pasted the code in red into my widget (html/java script).
First Line: marquee direction="up" onmouseover="this.stop()" onmouseout="this.start()" scrollamount="8" loop="true" height="300" width="200"
- In here paste the sticker codes
Last Line: marquee
Tips: Don't forget to add the HTML brackets <> before the first line and after the last - I took them out for this how to because if I add them blogger renders the html instead of the text.
I hope this helps! Now I can check off my first how-to-do! If this is a good post you are more than welcome to pass it on and post on your blogs or point others here!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Blogger List of To-do's
My blogger list of to-do's
1. Read all of my followers blogs - this is something I always said I would do when I first started blogging - it is a promise I made - this is how I learn and meet about new people...
2. Take the time to comment - I am always in my google reader - commenting is great because I have lots to say - and I want everyone to know I am out there
3. Add the links of the blogs I love to my scroll list
4. Add my reading list to a post - I want to share the love - I read so many great blogs daily I want to make a point of passing the list around
5. Do a great give-a-way. I love giveaways - easy ones with good prizes...but I admit I don't do them, and I want to
6. Update some of my stickers, and blurbs
7. Make a static bar of links at the top and write my information for each of those links - about me in more detail, awards, and make a big page of them (love sharing the creativity) and so on..
8. Post how to dos for anyone who doesn't have the time to dig around for answers
9. Post links at the bottom of posts - if you like this - Love those because then I read the majority of a blog before I know it!
10. Post a blog list of blogs I wish I wrote...god I adore blogs - I want everyone to know who I hero worship!
1. Read all of my followers blogs - this is something I always said I would do when I first started blogging - it is a promise I made - this is how I learn and meet about new people...
2. Take the time to comment - I am always in my google reader - commenting is great because I have lots to say - and I want everyone to know I am out there
3. Add the links of the blogs I love to my scroll list
4. Add my reading list to a post - I want to share the love - I read so many great blogs daily I want to make a point of passing the list around
5. Do a great give-a-way. I love giveaways - easy ones with good prizes...but I admit I don't do them, and I want to
6. Update some of my stickers, and blurbs
7. Make a static bar of links at the top and write my information for each of those links - about me in more detail, awards, and make a big page of them (love sharing the creativity) and so on..
8. Post how to dos for anyone who doesn't have the time to dig around for answers
9. Post links at the bottom of posts - if you like this - Love those because then I read the majority of a blog before I know it!
10. Post a blog list of blogs I wish I wrote...god I adore blogs - I want everyone to know who I hero worship!
My New Look and Feel
I am doing it - the blog is in the process of being updated. I am using a free template I found from a fellow blogger. I am going to be posting a link to her site on the side bar in a few minutes here. I love her designs so much I will probably splurge on a new updated look from her in a few weeks here...I just want to get a feel for her style and templates before the big upgrade - so it will be a work in progress. I am also updating my stickers and things to brag about and all that fun stuff. I hope everyone enjoys the process as much as I do. I feel like I am getting a make-over.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Giveaway!
So my friends!! The first giveaway is currently going on over at Stylish Baby Bedding's Blog!
Check it out and enter!
GOOD LUCK
Check it out and enter!
GOOD LUCK
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The grind
You know sometimes the week is just plain overwhelming - go to work, work, come home, sit in traffic - rinse repeat. I think overall I am just feeling it. Tomorrow I am taking the day to spend with the little dude. No, work, no computer, just me and the little one. Everyone needs that sometimes. Just curious, what are your grinds.
Do any of the blogger out there have crazy commutes? Long hours? Rough - high stress jobs. Just curious - I want to hear...feel free to comment - or blog a response.
Do any of the blogger out there have crazy commutes? Long hours? Rough - high stress jobs. Just curious - I want to hear...feel free to comment - or blog a response.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday Blog Day
Yeah it is Sunday morning and our little family of 3 has Sunday traditions. We call this bacon Sunday. Yes, I eat a small bowl of cereal, some coffee, and 3 slices of bacon every Sunday. We started little things like this when I had the baby - little routines we could all count on to make things predictable. We read "Good Night Moon" before bed. Little man and I watch the Today Show in the morning things like that.
Today we are also going to a cookout. I love friends with children - not forgetting my single friends - love them too, but friends with children have cookouts that start at 4 - eat at 5 and home by 8...love it.
Well - now my favorite part of blogging...reading what everyone else is up too...
Today we are also going to a cookout. I love friends with children - not forgetting my single friends - love them too, but friends with children have cookouts that start at 4 - eat at 5 and home by 8...love it.
Well - now my favorite part of blogging...reading what everyone else is up too...
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Latest Project - SEO and Link Building for Stylish Baby Bedding
My latest website freelance job is to optimization of the the pages of Stylish Baby Bedding. (http://www.stylishbabybedding.com). This is a page that offers baby bedding, crib sets, moses baskets, baby blankets, baby gifts and more.
Please visit the site when you get a chance.
I will be a little SEO centric in my plug for them. In any case the boutique is allowing me to share some of my experience with my blogger friends, for my effort. I am going to be posting alot on my Marketinggirly Blog as well.
So with that my next post is going to be about how you can help - AND WHAT YOU GET for the help...see...anyone who helps gets some benefit - I am working with the client to map out what that is...
Hope my blogger friends enjoy the journey.
Please visit the site when you get a chance.
I will be a little SEO centric in my plug for them. In any case the boutique is allowing me to share some of my experience with my blogger friends, for my effort. I am going to be posting alot on my Marketinggirly Blog as well.
So with that my next post is going to be about how you can help - AND WHAT YOU GET for the help...see...anyone who helps gets some benefit - I am working with the client to map out what that is...
Hope my blogger friends enjoy the journey.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Blog Roll, Blog List, In need of Update
So in self-response to my blog post of yesterday, I am not only going to update my look, but I am calling all my readers to let me know about you. I need to update my blog list on the side. I read a ton of your blogs and I want to update the side bar. Let me know if you are our there and lurking so I can make sure I add you.
Love to you all! MG is keeping up the amazing-ness.
Also does anyone have a good mobile solution that they use. I want to read blogs and comment using my android...let me know if you have any favorite solutions.
Love to you all! MG is keeping up the amazing-ness.
Also does anyone have a good mobile solution that they use. I want to read blogs and comment using my android...let me know if you have any favorite solutions.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Missing out
So one of the hardest parts about taking a blogging vacation. I am going to call it a vacation because it feels bad to call it a forced break due to life - is that everyone has changed and some have left since then. Do these sentences even make since?
I am trying to say that alot of people have new designs, way more followers, different stories, new additions to the family. I guess I feel in some ways like a bad friend. In other ways I feel new to blogging again.
I guess it is the flow of things. I am hoping if I keep my blogging promise that in a couple weeks it will all feel normal again.
Okay so also - I used to read Misadventures of a Newlywed regularly but her blog is by invite only - if anyone is in touch with her I would love an invite. I miss her alot.
I am trying to say that alot of people have new designs, way more followers, different stories, new additions to the family. I guess I feel in some ways like a bad friend. In other ways I feel new to blogging again.
I guess it is the flow of things. I am hoping if I keep my blogging promise that in a couple weeks it will all feel normal again.
Okay so also - I used to read Misadventures of a Newlywed regularly but her blog is by invite only - if anyone is in touch with her I would love an invite. I miss her alot.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Yipee it is almost 7am
and I slept what I now consider to be all night. That is baby boy went to bed at 8 and got up at 6 am. I nursed him, pumped, and now hear I am - blogging...keeping my commitment. You know, when you become a mom you lose alot of things. Fortunately for me I lost weight as well, but let me tell you that went with other things too. I am going to try here at 6 am to compile a short list of what comes to mind.
1. Sleep
2. The ability to go back for seconds and linger while you eat
3. Evening social life
4. Clothes budget
5. Long phone conversations
6. Pick up and go mentality
7. Blasting music in car
8. A spotless house
9. The ability to write this list without thinking about all the amazing positives
With that what I love:
1. The zoo members only night - hottest spot in town
2. Cuddles
3. Family Cuddles
4. Open mouth kisses from baby
5. Baby coos
6. My husband and I laugh so much more
7. Stroller status (this is a whole post in it self)
8. Mommy friends!!!
9. The Mom Club
10. Knowing you can do anything after having gone through labor
1. Sleep
2. The ability to go back for seconds and linger while you eat
3. Evening social life
4. Clothes budget
5. Long phone conversations
6. Pick up and go mentality
7. Blasting music in car
8. A spotless house
9. The ability to write this list without thinking about all the amazing positives
With that what I love:
1. The zoo members only night - hottest spot in town
2. Cuddles
3. Family Cuddles
4. Open mouth kisses from baby
5. Baby coos
6. My husband and I laugh so much more
7. Stroller status (this is a whole post in it self)
8. Mommy friends!!!
9. The Mom Club
10. Knowing you can do anything after having gone through labor
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Bookstore Saturday
It feels like Sunday today in my world. We did the family outing to the bookstore. Normally that is a Sunday thing. We also went to pick up another new carseat for the little man. Yes, this is the same 7 month old that ate a whole muffin today. Yep - I have a big eater just like his mama. I love it! On to enjoy the purchases.
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