I Took the Pledge

So...you guys.  I started this blog when I was pregnant with Jack, then known as Cheeseburger.  (Due to our decision not to know gender and my undying hunger for cheeseburgers while pregnant.)  I was on bedrest for the final two and a half months of my pregnancy.  I needed something to do with my time, spent in the leather recliner in our living room.  (Though Stacy and Clinton are great companions, I craved more.)  I also knew that friends and family would want to see pictures of Cheeseburger after he/she made their grand debut.  Since this blog started, that's what it's been for.  Lots of pictures.  Very light.  The Jack Show.

But lately, I've realized that this blog means more to me than that.    I have things to say!  About sleep, diapers, potty training (shudder), words, work-life balance, priorities, careers, and how on earth working moms make dinner every night.  

I have stoically resisted the label of "mommy blogger" because I (snarkily) thought, "I have a career, and other interests, and don't want to blog about being a mom all the time."  As it turns out, that was a naive and judgmental way to look at it.  I am a mommy blogger.  Because, you know what?  I blog, several times a week, about my beautiful boy and about the pleasure (and stress) of being his mommy.  You know what else?  I love it.  

I also love the online community of amazing, like-minded, multi-tasking, honest, candid, funny, and intelligent women that I have discovered online.  They are doing their thing, just like I'm doing mine.  Some days are good; some days are bad, but they share the love every day.  And that's awesome.

So, with that, in a seismic blog shift that may be significant to no one but me, I'm doing it.  Opening up, with honesty, about being a mom and all the nuttiness that entails.  And, to ensure that I do that with respect for all the other moms out there, I also took the pledge.  

The Mom Pledge

I am a proud to be a mom. I will conduct myself with integrity in all my online activities. I can lead by example.

I pledge to treat my fellow moms with respect. I will acknowledge that there is no one, "right" way to be a good Mom. Each woman makes the choices best for her family.

I believe a healthy dialogue on important issues is a good thing. I will welcome differing opinions when offered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. And will treat those who do so in kind.

I stand up against cyber bullying. My online space reflects who I am and what I believe in. I will not tolerate comments that are rude, condescending or disrespectful.

I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks with no mention or response. I can take control.

I want to see moms work together to build one another up, not tear each other down. Words can be used as weapons. I will not engage in that behavior.

I affirm that we are a community. As a member, I will strive to foster goodwill among moms. Together, we can make a difference. 

So, you know, there's that.  Happy weekend to ya.

Heather