Guys, this may surprise you, but there are some things going on in my life that I am not *entirely* an expert on. Like, for example, being a mom and writing a blog. But, you may be thinking, aren’t those the only two things you’re doing right now? Taking care of a baby and writing a new blog? Why yes, you are correct. This can pose a dilemma when it comes to crafting material for said blog.
Another item for your consideration: Nolan is still too young to talk, or walk, or crawl. Ok you’re right, he’s not too young to crawl, but he IS too lazy. The reason I bring this up is because I’ve found myself in the position of writing a blog about being a mom to a largely inanimate object, whose opinions and thoughts I can only guess at by his various bird-like sounds.
It’s not like I can write about all of the funny things Nolan did at pre-school, ya know?
Although, that does remind me of something funny he did the other day. We were at a restaurant and Nolan was sitting in a high chair and completely flirting with this baby girl who was in the high chair across the way from him. He was talking in his best pterodactyl voice and flipping his hair back and forth in a come hither way (also in a way that kind of looked like a twitch). And the baby girl was totally eating this up, babbling back to Nolan and showing off her headband (which, poor thing, was just sitting there on her bald head. I told Nolan not to make too much of a big deal about his luxurious hair but it was like he couldn’t even hear me through his sideburns). Anyway, as it turns out, the entire time Nolan was flirting he was doing so with an enormous dump in his diaper. That’s not how to win a lady, Nolan.
Now to my point. I could use a little help with ideas for the blog and/or expertise from moms who actually know what they’re doing. Some of the best ideas for posts so far have come from readers. Baby-Celebrity Looky-Likey Contest? Thank you Chrissie! 10 Pieces of Advice to My 22 Year-Old Self? Thank you Lynda! Comparing Match.Com to Care.com? Thank you Tina! (I haven’t written that one yet, but I will and when I do, watch out!).
What’s been really cool about having a blog so far, besides the fact that I’ve made almost enough money in 5 months to buy a single sweater from The Gap, is the interaction with readers. Getting emails and comments makes my day. Nolan could care less, but he’s a diva that way. I try to tell him “No man is an island” but he’s all “What’s an island?” and the conversation stops there.
So. The purpose of today’s post is to solicit ideas from you, the readers. Got topics you think would make for good blog material? Leave them in the comments section! Funny news items that would be good fodder? Comments section. Contest ideas? Well, if you don’t know where to leave your suggestions by now I can’t help you (hint: comments section).
Finally: If you have any ideas for regular weekly features that you’ve seen on other blogs and think I should steal for this blog – that’s right – leave them in the comments section.
To sum up: Any ideas you have for what you’d like to see on the blog, throw them my way. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving an idea in the comments section just shoot me an email at amothershipdown@gmail.com.
It would be super helpful and ensure that I don’t have to think too hard, which I’ve heard is bad for your looks. And remember, this is your blog too. Unless it becomes wildly financially successful, in which case it’s exclusively my blog. Thanks everyone!
Emily
You’re remodeling? I vote what Betsy (aka – Nolan’s Cougar) suggested
Liz
We’re in the sketching things out phase for a remodel, but it’s probably still a ways off. I do think this would be a good topic though! Maybe I’ll start documenting things now to build up suspense, then boredom, then eventually suspense again when we finally knock some walls down.
When I was staying at my sister’s friends house in the Cape last week I did creepily bring my tape measure and graph paper and take photos and measurements of her kitchen/tv room because I liked the flow. Ha!
Sara
Traveling with kids!!! Planes, trains, or automobiles…..nothing quite humbles you like a vomiting short person at 14000 feet while the seat belt light is on. Or, a toddler talking about how HUGE and stinky her poop is in a public restroom. Or, an infant with a huge stinky poop at 14000 feet while the seatbelt light is on….fellow flyers love that.
Liz
Sara, I just got back from a 3 day road trip to Maryland alone with Nolan! We weren’t on a plane, granted, but still. Good material on land, sea, or plane…
Courtney Coleman
I have nothing useful to add but I freaking love your blog! And if your baby and my baby (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10404402_10101548714974663_6335353339740035059_n.jpg) had a baby, it’d be the hairiest baby ever.
Keep up the hilarious work!
Liz
Woah, Courtney, that is some amazing hair on your child! We should definitely get them together, maybe for some sort of baby hair convention!! I’m glad you like the blog! And even gladder that your child is covered in such a beauty of a mane.
Lynda
How about the occupation your child might be pre-destined for, based on their personality, interests, motivation or lack thereof, etc. What type of employee or manager? What type of boyfriend/girlfriend? What type of parent? Just a thought.
Katie
Maybe a post on how previous jobs/work experiences have helped develop the skills needed to be a mom/jack of all trades. Example: I feel like all my years of waiting tables has helped the most…especially when I try to figure out how many balls I can juggle while moving from point A to B in the shortest amount of time!
LP
With N’s 1st birthday on the horizon, maybe a post about the pressures (from within, from society) to throw a big shindig or to keep it simple, within one’s budget, and age-appropriate.
Liz
Oh I like that idea a lot!
LP
Baby’s 1st dental visit. Per ADA in today’s paper, it should occur NLT baby’s 1st birthday. Impact on both the baby and the parents. It can’t be easy. How do you help get your baby ready for some stranger to be probing around in their mouth? Perhaps simulating banjo picking, on your baby’s teeth. Making a game out of it. The larger subject is subjecting your baby to procedures or experiences that are ‘good for them’ or ‘necessary,’ but not from the baby’s standpoint. Think immunizations, 1st day of school, being held by scary Uncle Hal who smells like pipe tobacco, etc.
LP's identical twin
Just heard on the World News that a government report is out. A child born last year will cost his middle-age parents $245,340 from age 0 -18 (exclusive of college). Costs include food, housing, childcare, education. Ouch! The least kids can do, in return, is their chores and eating their vegetables.
Mariana
A day in the life of a mom
Liz
Yes! I like this.