Always a blog researcher, never a blogger

I’m sitting in the Nashville airport (on the floor because that’s the only place I could plug in my weary laptop) and reflecting on my first blogging conference, Blissdom.  I’ve been studying women bloggers for some time now, but this is my first immersion experience.  I liken it to studying a foreign language.  There’s only so much you can learn from Rosetta and then you actually have to travel to a place where people speak the language you are learning.  After immersing myself in the world of women bloggers for a few days, I’ve learned a few things:

• These women are amazing.  Many of them are blogging while working full-time, raising one or more children and managing households, schedules and businesses. 
• I am not cut out for this.  As the five of you who read my blog know, I mostly blog about what the kids are up to. I’ve often wondered whether I should branch out and become a more active blogger. I realize now just how much time and energy it takes to do this well. I think I’ll stick to studying the bloggers.
• I want to learn as much as I can about women bloggers.  I, like many others, have often referred to this group of bloggers as “The Mommy Bloggers.” Like most broad generalities, this one is sorely lacking. The women I met were all impressive, but all different.  Some were married, some were not.  Some worked outside the home, some didn’t.  Some had children, some had pets.  Some had both.  Some were young, some were younger.  Some were conservative, some were liberal.  They make for a fascinating group to study because they all have a different story, and many have different motivations for blogging.  
• Big brands and prominent PR agencies have these women squarely on their radar.  I was overwhelmed (I shouldn’t have been, but I was) by the presence of the top consumer brands and agencies at this conference.  They spent a lot of money (and spent it well if you ask me) trying to connect with these women.  I plan to follow up with many of the brand representatives I met, but I suspect they will say the money was well-spent. 

Well, that’s all I can regurgitate right now.  My brain is mush and I am missing my babies and Fred. Now boarding for New Orleans? See you later!

John Parker at 11 months

Saturdays don't leave a lot of time for blogging at my house, so I'm posting this a day early.  We're nearing the first birthday and I cannot believe it! Here's what our little man is up to:

• Babbling more and more; not really a talker yet.  I'm trying not to worry about this.  I know he's a boy and his big sister says everything for him.  I have to admit, I'll be a little sad when his primary form of communication is no longer growling.  It's pretty cute :)
• Walking all over the place.  He moved up to the Wobbler Room at school and being with all the older boys (and one girl) has been strong motivation.  Fred says he looks like Frankenstein when he walks.
• Still not a bottle lover (hallelujah that we're almost done with that), but loves table food.  Last night I fed him for an hour before he was full.  I think he's going through a growth spurt.  
• Increasingly observant.  He loves watching Kate and Alli and he always seems to be studying what they're doing.  
• Still a little inconsistent with sleep.  Some nights are terrific and then we hit a spell where he doesn't sleep as well (ex: last night).  Any advice from moms on improving sleep consistency?

Little man, I can't believe you'll soon be a year old. Wow. I am head-over-heels for you.  I'm expectant, but reluctant about watching you celebrate your first birthday.  My baby is growing up! 

In other news, I'm heading next week to a MomBloggers conference, Blissdom, in Nashville.  I'm doing some research on MomBloggers with a colleague at work.  I'll be talking to some of the more well-known MomBloggers and I wonder if any of you have questions you'd like me to ask them.  Let me know in the comments section.  Thanks!