Thursday, May 06, 2010

Identity Crisis!

I'm not talking about my own identity. I think I have a fairly healthy sense of self. I mean I'm having a BLOG identity crisis! The beauty of blogs is that they each have their own identity and purpose. Some are merely to post cute pictures for posterity and family/friends who don't see the cuteness in person very often. Others are to express political views and rile up the opposition. Others are by mommies for mommies. There are blogs about cooking, gardening, science experiments, travel, video games, scrapbooking--you name it. Lately I've been questioning: what is my blog's purpose and who reads it? What makes someone come back and read it again? Because as much as I always say the blog and the writing is for me (which is still foundationally true) I'm human and I love knowing people are interested in my thoughts.

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I think my blog purpose is mainly to record pictures and stories about this season in my life, especially with 2 small kids who often do funny or infuriating things. But sometimes I need to throw in random posts, such as the anatomy of a perfect dish brush, cuz, you know, it's still my blog and my prerogative to change the course at random. Lately I've gotten really interested in reading adoption blogs and learning about the complicated, uh, let's say process, because I hate the word "journey." I love reading about day-to-day realities with a newly adopted Thai toddler, and also I'm learning and growing by reading posts about God and adoption (and the 126 comments about that post!). Actually, that whole blog is full of food for adoption thought if you are interested.
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And because of this newfound interest, I find myself wanting to write about adoption a lot. But I also love writing daily mommy life. And sometimes I'm just to tired or busy to post at all. So, I guess I'm trying to figure out a)what I feel like posting about more (and how much time and energy I want to invest in the blog) and b)what are people hoping to find when they click here? Feel free to answer if you'd like. But mostly I'm just venting.
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For now, back to my bread and butter: The Monkey and The Bird.

I went out of town a few weeks ago, and Sydney has not let me forget it. She's been super clingy lately. Wanting to be held all day. I try to just take advantage and sit with her and snuggle. But it gets a little dicey when it's time to make dinner or, I don't know, use the restroom.
But she's at what I think is one of the most adorable looking phases of childhood: transitioning from a baby to a girl. I love dressing her and seeing her prance around the house like she owns the place. And, heck yeah, I put her to work!
Until she wants to be held again.
She's VERY into opening and closing doors. This is a poor attempt (hello, armpit!) to catch her gorgeous smile as she was playing peek-a-boo with me using the door. It was even cuter in real life.
This is her cheesy camera smile.
Thank GOODNESS Carson and I are having a better month than last. I've been making a conscious effort to give him my undivided attention at least a few times a day I hope that is helping. He had a "mom's day" at preschool on Tuesday, and he loved showing me around the classroom.
He's such a big boy! I'm not ready for him to turn five next fall.
Man, I love that kid so much! He really is my little man. Even though he looks like he's entering the middle school "mom stop hugging me" embarassment a little early.
WARNING: This video is kind of disturbing. Especially to cautious parents and grandparents. (You know who you are.) Sydney bonks her head at the end and it is loud, but she really was OK. I walked in the other day to Carson and Sydney wrestling, and I fought my instinct to halt the game, because Sydney actually seemed to be enjoying it. Instead I got my camera, like all 21st century mothers would do.
Maybe that's my new blog purpose: Preschool Fight Club!

11 comments:

Robin and Kyle said...

Yep, wanting focus for our blogs has led our family to have *four* that are in various states of neglect. ;)

Kristi said...

I love your blog whatever you talk about. :)

Also, has anyone ever told you how much your kids look like Trent? That was sarcasm. But seriously, holy smokes. The first pic of Sydney in her purple shirt looks like Trento. And that last one with you holding Carson? Yeah, I swear I have a picture of you holding Trent like that and he is making the same face! :)

woosterweester said...

I think that's the beauty of a blog! The identity can evolve, just the person's life. You do whatever you like with it dear girl...we read it because we like catching up with YOU, and whether that includes thoughts on adoption, pics of the kids, or random scrub brush info., we'll be reading.:)

April said...

I think blogs are like a fingerprint. Unique to you.

The people who love you will love whatever you write about and want to know what you're thinking whether it's about adoption or your every day life. I love hearing about scrub brushes by the way :)

Steph said...

Agreed with the above. No matter what you choose to blog about, it is still my favorite thing to read every day (that you blog)!

Nina said...

Being out of town from you it's a way to stay in touch with what's on your heart. Whatever you write about and whenever you blog it's always important to me!! Love you sweet Jen (=

Wonder Boy said...

Carson saying "Woops." after nearly giving his sister a concussion was AWESOME!

Jess said...

My vote: write to your heart's content!

I love your blog and am always impressed by your ability to write so WELL (ahem...not a skill God chose to bless me with)!As a proud aunt, I love when you write about the kids--I don't get to see them enough so it helps me feel that much more connected. Mostly, I love that your blog gives me a little glimpse into your life...and provides a strong reminder that we are NOT ready for kids yet...:)

Sarah Carter said...

Ah, yes, very much connect with this :) And I'm excited to check out the blog you shared about adoption! Looking forward to whatever you write about next ;)

Carrie said...

I think your blog is a great way for old (read: long-time) and faraway friends to feel a part of your everyday life.

Carson's "Woops" when you asked if Syd was OK made me laugh out loud...for reals. (See, how would I know you abhor lol if it weren't for FB & blogs?)

Nina said...

Happy Mothers day Jen! You have two beautiful children inside and out. You are one awesome mommy!! I am so proud of you. I love you lots!