Is it the Heat?

Please say it's the heat. My kids have gone crazy, and I'd like to blame the extreme weather - as opposed to my parenting. I've tried letting them shake out their energy by running in the sprinklers, going to the playground, run in the backyard. But it's just too darn hot to be out there for extended periods. And, as a result, strange things are happening. Here's a few examples:

Strange Happening #1:
Yesterday, our 2.5yo decided to strip from the waist down, throw his clothes in the potty, and proceed to "wash" then "air dry" them by flinging them around, soaking himself, the furniture and the floor.

Strange Happening #2:
My toddler son totally outed me when I told my 6 year old that I was only 29 years old. He knew instantly that I was telling a little white lie and said "No you're not. You're 36!" How did he know? He's 2.5!

Strange Happening #3:
Me: "Max - Where are you?" Max: "I'm here!" Me: "Max, I don't see you. Where are you?" Max, even louder: "I'm here, Mama!" Me: "Max, you have to tell me where you are. Mommy can't find you!" Max: Mama! I'm UP HERE!" He was on the top shelf of our floor to ceiling bookcase. Ay carumba.

What are you doing to keep your family sane in this heat? Clearly, I could use some advice!

Darn Technology!

My new business is a one-woman show. I am president and CEO, accountant, Director of Programming and the IT department all wrapped up into one...Trust me when I say that there is a learning curve.

It is for that reason that I ask you to bare with me as I post my second blog of the day. I am simply trying to figure out a new Widget (whatever that means) and hoping that the strange text ("Importing blog feed using NetworkedBlogs") that was mysteriously posted next to my last blog post disappears. Wish me luck as I struggle through this!

If anyone knows what I'm doing wrong, I'd love to hear!

Let's Talk

First - I have to give props to Carly Cooper, owner of Balance the Motherload, for inspiring this blog post. She recently posted her own blog about the subject of encouraging us to find our own fulfillment and to continue to pursue our own dreams and passions, even in the midst of the daily chaos of family, home and work. She even created a "Mind Movie" to inspire moms to find their balance and their own joy.

I launched BlueLoop because I know that moms are searching for more - more connection, more inspiration, more knowledge. However, I know how difficult it is to find the time. But we need to and we need to find that connection, inspiration and knowledge in each other. Why? Moms take comfort in the ups and downs, successes and challenges of other moms, as it validates our own experiences, whether they our celebrations or struggles. It easy to feel disconnected and as though what each of us is feeling is our own, solitary struggle. But the truth is that none of us experiences motherhood in a vacuum - motherhood is our shared, common adventure. So, let's talk about it. Let's talk about motherhood.

I'll start. I have a spunky, energetic toddler who I worry about. I am about to have a fourth and I'm excited but scared. I work from home and have trouble keeping myself honest. I hate making dinner. I had a rough night with my 6 year old and got too angry. Who's with me?

In an attempt to help moms share and connect, BlueLoop has launched its first in a series of "Support Groups" designed to enable moms to engage, discuss and tackle the issues we all face. The first is a Working Moms Support Group, which begins on Wednesday, September 15 and runs for four consecutive Wednesdays. Upcoming support groups include New Moms, Moms of Multiples, and Moms of Toddlers. If you have any suggestions about topics which you'd like BlueLoop to address, please let us know. In the meantime, let's keep talking. We'd love to hear your feedback.