As a huge thank you to all of the wonderful people who had a hand in naming My Mom Genes as The Bump’s Best Working Mommy Blog, we are giving away our prize - a $100 Pottery Barn Kids gift card – to one lucky reader.
Here’s what you have to do to have a chance at winning:
- Think about your all-time favorite My Mom Genes article.
- Add a comment to this article with the following information:
- The title of your favorite article
- The reason why it is your all-time favorite article
- Your first name and state
- Wait for the results!
We at My Mom Genes will review all of your entries, pick our favorite as the winner, and send you the gift card. Entries will be accepted until Friday, October 30th, and the winner will be announced on Monday, November 9th. Best of luck – we can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
Official Contest Rules
1. This contest is open to anyone who would like to participate.
2. Selecting the winner is at the sole discretion of the My Mom Genes bloggers.
3. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 30th.
4. The winner will be notified by email and announced on My Mom Genes.
5. Once notified, the winner will need to provide My Mom Genes with a valid name and mailing address to which to send the gift card.
6. The giftcard will be mailed to the winner as soon as we receive it from TheBump.com; My Mom Genes has no control over when we will receive it, but promise to pass it on as quickly as possible.
October 21, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Lessons Learned is my favorite article. I actually forwarded it to all of my friends because wow. I didn’t realize what a huge undertaking it is (hello, understatement of my LIFE) to raise a child — I’ve only been a parent for fifteen weeks and already I’m amazed by how she consumes my heart.
I want so much for her, and much of it will be in her hands; up to her to achieve. All I can do is be the best mother I can be to her. Give her the tools she’ll need to be a good, decent human being. This article nails those tools.
And the love a mom has for her girls just radiates. I printed it. I aspire to it.
Congratulations on your win. It’s totally deserved.
Stephanie, CT
October 21, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Seperation Anxiety
This was a timely post for me. My husband and I had been kicking around the idea of a 4-5 day get away sometime in the next year for just us. I had all these visions of 4 days on the beach with a fruity cocktail, sleeping late, staying out late, etc. We started talking more seriously about it, and as I was surfing around for ideas and deals, I started to think more and more about it. Can I really leave DD for 4 days? Does it make me less of a mom if I do? Does it make me less of a woman/wife if I DON’T? We haven’t made any plans yet, but our 4 days in Key West is looking more like a long weekend away somewhere within driving distance. And I’m ok with that.
October 21, 2009 at 1:46 pm
“Work in Progress” written by Fitz in July 2008 has thus far been my most favorite My Mom Genes article.
If I’m being honest, it made me cry.
We’ve been having a tough time in our house lately. Ok, if I can be more honest, since our son was born in March 2008!
I was a working, professional woman used to the challenges put upon me by people whose salaries far surpassed mine. I was given deadlines that I never thought could be reached. Though exhausted, I did it feeling like a million bucks. I got feedback by people that I may not have agreed with but I took it as an opportunity to learn something about myself; to grow into an indispensable employee.
While I love my son, I’ve fallen victim of SAHM-dom. My challenges started with trying to get my son to STTN, now it’s getting him to nap. My deadlines now are rushing out to playgroups or whether or not to give my son the H1N1 vaccine. Do I or don’t I? Ugh. My feedback now is crying and whining and when his father is around, to run into HIS arms and kiss HIM. Makes my heart break but then the next instant my heart melts as I hear him giggling. I want to shed a sweet tear when he runs to me from across the room into my arms for a hug. These moments are rare but they are now my new reality. This is the “new” me, for now.
Times are tough and finding a job to help this SAHM find some adult interaction without having a booger handed to her has been tough. I’m going to do it so I too can find the fulfillment that Fitz described in “Work in Progress”.
Thank you Fitz and thank you ladies for doing such a wonderful job! Your win was absolutely well deserved!
October 21, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Before Sunrise is my favorite. Not only was it beautifully written allowing me to really SEE those early moments, but I love the nostalgia. Time does go by quickly, and I appreciate articles like this one that note the impending passage of time. The small moments, the quiet time wiht your new son before the world awakes, these are precious and make up a life. I really do think that somewhere deep in his subconscious at a cellular level, Atticus will remember. Or he can read about it
October 21, 2009 at 1:58 pm
“SOAPINMYEYES” is one that had standed out for me. ALthought I did not deal with the direct loss of an immediate loved one, it was so touching and on some level I was really able to relate. I see myself in my daughter and I see my mother in myself. I’m understanding what she went through. I was raised with out grandparents but my daughter is fortunate enough to have them all. I just found this artical to be the most touching, yet humorous and very rememberable.
On a sidenote, I don’t shop at potterybarn. But I am hoping to win it to purchase some goodies for a Christmas toy drive that my work does each year! Rest assured, if I’m picked, your kind gesture to give your prize to us, will be the gift that keeps on giving as I pay it forward!
October 21, 2009 at 2:43 pm
While there have been many I felt were written directly at/to me (even though I’m not a mom yet) I think “Same Team, Ladies” by Duff is the most pertinent & all time favorite – right now. About to have my first child in less than a month, I’ve gotten advice of all kinds from each of the types of moms listed…and each comment or piece of advice has made me feel even more unprepared.
I know I’ll make mistakes, and I know I’ll question my parenting skills. This article served as a reminder that I have to be confident in my decisions and not let anyone make me feel like I’m doing something wrong. A much needed lift for a scared mom-to-be.
Can someone remind me of this sentiment in about 6 weeks?
Congrats MMG!
Jen, CT
October 21, 2009 at 3:01 pm
The New Normal is my favorite article. I think it really struck a cord with me because I just had my first baby (and by just, I mean almost 5 months ago). I can remember the nights when I thought I would never make it through and then one day, magically, it just worked. I was still sleep deprived, still cranky, still confused, but it worked. I found a routine and I could do it. It just made me feel so much better that someone else went through something like that too. I think we spend a lot of time talking about how great motherhood is (and it is), that we don’t really talk about the hard parts. So, when you are going through a hard part, you feel like you’re the only one who has ever been there.
Cait, MD
October 21, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Honestly, I can’t decide between Before Sunrise and Love Song. Because each echoes the love for my children right now, as that love is different because they are different and in different stages. With Mr. T, I snatch every moment with that same quiet desparation that comes with the realization that this is my last baby in all likelihood that was in Before Sunrise. Every kiss and cuddle I realize will not be the same as the next day’s because he will have grown — becoming more wonderful, more charming and more independent, but still leaving me with a wisp of nostalgia for the baby of the day before. With Peanut, I watch her adamant declarations of “I do it myseff”, pointing out “monsters” with fearful eyes towards dark corners and mangling of common children’s songs with the same fierce love, pride and curiosity about who she will become that was related in Love Song. It’s amazing to have this love for two different individuals that is so different but yet the same in strength and that combination of posts relates that perfectly.
Kerry (aka Pesky), CO
October 21, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Coin Toss by Duff is by far my favorite post. It was nice to venture over here one day during my own battle with infertility to see a post on a mommy-blog that was acknowledging others struggles and how it can effect everyone involved.
Even though I am not yet a “mom” I am exciting that that day is finally (!!!) on its way and I am so glad to have this blog to see what I can look forward to
The good the bad and the ugly will become a part of my life very soon and thanks to you ladies I have a better idea of what that balance might look like.
Congrats on the win. You deserve it.
Alexis
October 21, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Hi Girls!
Yes, I’m leaving my comment for the giftcard!
Seriously though, I come here often, just to laugh and say “YES”. I think that
“Supermom: A Fairy Tale” by duff is one of my fave posts.
Being a working mother is pure insanity. Your morning is nuts, your commute is nuts and your evening is most likely, pure madness.
I really related to this post because as much as I’d like for everything to be perfect and sunshine and rainbows…well, sometimes there’s a yell in there or a mess or a screwed up dinner. This is real life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I also love anything that AVM posts because she’s the most awesome person, I never met.
Thanks ladies for telling it like it is!
October 21, 2009 at 5:28 pm
The “before sunrise” post. Made me shed a tear and gave me serious baby fever!
October 21, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Singing Her Praise
When I read that article, it jumped out at me how many dreams I’ve never noticed, or gave up on are coming to fruition… Making up songs for my son, because I can never remember the right words. Or how the simple act of holding his hand while he sleeps in the crib & me on the floor leaves me contented if not stiff…
How picking him up at the end of the day from daycare only to be met with the biggest hug, kiss & word “Mommy” is the salve I need to get up & go to work the next day.
Fitz is right, it doesn’t seem right that he is the salve to heal a heart to bursting with joy, but my son does. And like her, I can only hope that one day I can give back to him the joy & peace he gives to me…
Ali in Indiana
October 22, 2009 at 10:09 am
Evolution by Fitz was by far my favorite article because I felt such a connection to it. It was posted on the eve of getting a night out with my bff’s, who are all single and childless. I always have a difficult time leaving my little guy even though I crave the time away. I don’t think that my friends truely understand how it is to have this kind of responsibility and how torn you can feel between two types of lives.
I forwarded this to my friends and told them to read the fourth paragraph where Fitz says “to remember that you’re not that carefree girl anymore, but a woman with a child of her own. To know better than to be reckless with your skin and your safety, and to be on high alert to make sure those around you are safe. I miss that old, young girl sometimes…I longed for her this weekend.” I find myself longing for my old life every now and again. I miss those carefree days where we could pick up and go anywhere at anytime and all I had to do was grab my purse. But I wouldn’t trade my life as a mom for anything. Coming home and seeing those big blue eyes, that happy smile and that tiny little voice yell “Mommy!!” is the best feeling in the whole world.
Congrats on your win ladies! I’m sure I will have many connections to your blog in the months to come!
Megan in Connecticut
October 22, 2009 at 11:23 am
Lessons learned is my favourite since I’ve started following the blog.
Can’t enter the contest as I am not living in the US.
Congrats on the award!
October 22, 2009 at 6:14 pm
“Before Sunrise” by Duff. I even commented, which is rare for me since I read via google reader via blackberry (usually in the middle of the night while breastfeeding).
This was my favorite, favorite post because it pulled at my heart strings and had me in tears. I lost it with this sentence “The world wakes up and he smiles directly into my soul before I get up to prepare us for a day apart.”
As a working mom with a 5 month old this is exactly how I feel. There are so many mornings when I trod down the hall bleary-eyed and half asleep to pick my little guy up and out of his crib. He snuggles up in to my neck and we are alone, just us, before the rest of the world realizes it’s morning. That quiet moment is brief because before I can blink the whirlwind of the day is starting and we spend the rest of the day apart. Duff’s post reminded me to savor those moments and not to wish them away in exchange for more sleep.
-Lindsay in California
October 23, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I can’t choose just one favorite and I’m not the least bit surprised. There are so many articles that are my favorite. So many that make me feel like I could have written them myself (if only I could put the words together as well as the three of you do!) So many articles have sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions from saddness to happiness, from laughing to crying. I’ll never be able to choose just one favorite and perhaps this means that I’m not actually entering the contest. And that’s fine with me. I just wanted to let you all know how great it is that you write what you do and how fortunate I feel to be friends with you. Keep doing what you’re doing. I love reading it all!
October 23, 2009 at 1:48 pm
My all time favorite is Supermom: A Fairy Tale (http://mymomgenes.com/2009/10/02/supermom-a-fairy-tale/)
I could have written something like this myself, it truly resonated with me. As working moms, we really push ourselves to balance all of our roles and you were SO RIGHT in saying that you have to “fake” something. This post made me feel just a little bit better that sometimes my floors don’t get vacuumed one week, or the dishes are left for the morning. Or sometimes my daughter (17 months old) does something incredibly unpredictable and throws my whole morning/day/evening off. Thank you so much for painting such a realistic portrait of workingmommyhood.
-Andrea in Florida
October 26, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I have been reading this blog since it’s beginning, and my favorite post is “She’s Discovered a Flaw in the System.”
Not necessarily heart tugging or offering deep thoughts. But it takes us into the mind of the Dervish. After reading the post, maybe we just don’t give toddlers enough credit for their spunk, ingenuity and sneakiness!
The article shows a moment of time when as a parent you want to be exasperated, but you simply can’t because you are in awe of the complexity of your child’s mind.
P.S. Do I get bonus points for nominating you for the Bump’s contest?
October 30, 2009 at 1:04 pm
[...] ends today! Cast your vote for a chance to win a Pottery Barn Kids $100 gift card! Read the contest details. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Missing PiecesFISHER-PRICE RECALLS KITCHEN [...]
October 30, 2009 at 3:06 pm
It is hard for me to pick just one MMG entry that is my favorite, because so many of them have hit home to me. But right now, I have to say my favorite is “I have a secret” by AVM.
I am pregnant with my second child, and I have decided that this time, I would like to keep the gender a surprise. My husband however, doesn’t agree. After much discussion I have told him that he is welcome to find out and keep it a secret, but I do not want to know.
I can guarantee that I will be reading, and reading and re-reading this entry by AVM many times as the weeks pass and I get closer to my 20w ultrasound. This entry will help keep me strong. It’ll keep me going, the advice coming from a Mom who has done it both ways, saying she prefers the surprise of it, and how AVM describes that delivery room moment – one of the biggest moments of your life, huge huge moment – I want that, and her description will keep me strong.
Now, friends and family keep thinking they will be able to break my husband. But as a former SSG in the Army there is no way, short of torture (and even then probably not) that he will tell. I just hope, that after the 20w ultrasound, when I stay strong, I don’t change my mind and ask him to tell me. And then I’ll be mad at him because he won’t!
October 31, 2009 at 1:57 am
While there have been a ton of great articles, the one that really stuck with me was Passing Judgement. http://mymomgenes.com/2008/06/30/passing-judgement/
I was just about 6 months pregnant with my son when I read this entry. For some reason when I got to the part about the woman coming over to Duff to console her I lost it. Right at my desk just started crying. There was something so sweet about that woman saying the right thing at that right time.
Fast forward to my son being about 7 weeks old. My best friend had just had her baby and I wanted to pick up a few things for her at Babies R Us. About a half hour and a full cart into our shopping trip my son starts losing his sh!t. He was never diagnosed with colic but I think he dabbled on occasion. I beeline it to the bathroom/nursing room area and of course the nursing room is locked. I had a bottle of pumped milk with me which of course was cold. My son wasn’t particularly feeling the cold milk and continued to scream. So I’m standing near the entrance to the bathroom near tears myself and trying to force a cold bottle of milk on my screaming newborn. I’m imagining how everyone is thinking I’m the worst mother ever. And wondering if I should just ditch the cart and make a run for it. Meanwhile woman walks by with her toddler and her own (sleeping) infant in her cart. She looked at me and said. “Don’t worry it’s happened to all of us”. Eventually my son did calm down and I was able to make my purchase. While what that woman said wasn’t quite as poignant as ”How lucky this baby is to have a mother who loves her as much as you do.” It was still nice to hear. And I plan on saying something similar if I happen upon a first time mother with an inconsolable infant.
Keep up the good work ladies.
Christine
CT