Patch Blog: Adventures in Parenting

When I was offered the opportunity to blog for Patch, I took a good look at parenting blogs that have resonated with me. What is it about these blogs that keep me reading?

One of my favorites is Motherload by New York Times reporter Lisa Belkin. Lisa writes of her own experiences and shares news and tips that impact families. She reviews parenting books and hosts guest posts, including a recent piece by the author of the novel I Don’t Know How She Does It, a look at the exhaustion, pride, joy and self-doubt that comes all rolled into parenting. She’s also written recently on the guilt a mom feels when taking a business trip and the all-consuming search for the right backpack to carry on that important first day of preschool.

I like that her blog isn’t one dimensional – there’s a little of this and a little of that – because, after all, isn’t that what parenting is all about? That’s what I hope to do here.

As for me, I was a journalist for more than 10 years before moving to a job in public relations. My husband and I have a 14-month-old baby girl. We recently moved to La Crescenta from Atwater Village and love the parks, the friendly people, the farmers markets and the quick jaunt to Descanso Gardens. We already feel at home.

Our daughter, who was a baby a year ago, can now practically run across a playground, show off some seriously fun dance moves, point to her “ears, hands and feet,” page through books and amaze her parents in some new way everyday.

We’re tired, yes. Our date nights are few and in-between. I have a work deadline looming, applesauce on my shirt and I just sat on Sophie the Giraffe. It's not easy, but I know exactly "how I do it" - and she is a pint-sized, sippy cup toting, Sandra Boynton-loving cutie who gives the world’s best hugs and has a laugh I can’t get enough of.

Welcome.