I'm sitting in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel, completely overwhelmed watching all of the bloggers race from one end to the other, welcoming friends, seeking out parties, checking into their rooms. I just had a good talk with the national director of pregnancy and newborn health for the March of Dimes as well as one of my readers, which was totally awesome; I can't wait to do more of that. But after a long day at BlogHer Business, I'm too tired to seek anyone out. So here I sit, waiting for Luke and the kids to arrive after spending the day at my sister's house. Nathan is usually in bed by now, and we'd normally be starting Kara's bath. Bedtime tonight with all of us in the same room will be fun!
I'm also a little emotional. I found out via e-mail today that Parents.com will be taking down their blog community at the end of August in order to re-evaluate their social media strategy. To be specific, Emily broke the news about her own Parents blog on Twitter and immediately I logged into Gmail, knowing if they weren't keeping their top traffic-driver the rest of us didn't stand a chance. They have invited us to continue blogging until August 31, but after that, it's see you later, mommagator.
And I have to say, even though I love my readers and of course the steady paycheck, it comes as a huge relief during a time where there's already so much on my plate. My day job has always been my top priority, so it's not like this blip will foil any plans to become a full-time professional blogger, and I realize how incredibly blessed I've been to keep that gig for as long as I have. A whopping two years, starting before Kara was even born. Plus, I've been wanting to spend more time on my personal site for ages, in addition to exploring other opportunities for maintaining a presence in the blogosphere, paid and unpaid. Closed doors, open windows and all that. So this is a positive thing.
And yet, surprisingly, I am still so sad. Like I said, it's been A WHOPPING TWO YEARS, and while I complain about the timesuck and creative burnout to Luke, that blog is like an old shoe, comfortable, broken in, familiar. And I do enjoy the readers. And hell yes I want that paycheck. It was only a couple of months ago that I allowed us to factor that money into our household budget, as I was always worried that one day it would be taken away and we wouldn't be able to make it up. My nine-to-five compensates me well, and we'll be fine, but still, adjustments are ahead.
Once again, I'm lucky. I'm lucky to be attending this conference on my company's dime and to be at an event with such far-reaching networking potential at the time I need it most. I'm grateful for a chance to reconnect with those of you who have remained loyal to this Web site, the site that's always held the biggest piece of my heart even when it took up the least amount of my time. In that way, I'll be reconnecting with myself as well.
But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that at some point tonight, I'm going to have a good cry.
I am so sad about the Parent's blogs! I love reading your updates there as well as everyone elses! :(
Posted by: Bren | July 23, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Sorry about the parents job. They are making a mistake. This form of communications is now. They need to stay with the now world; otherwise they will go backwards. Good luck in networking with others. Have fun.
Posted by: daddyd | July 23, 2009 at 08:54 PM
I'm so sad to hear that. I've loved reading your blog on Parents.com, but I'm so glad to have discovered your personal site. I love your writing, and am glad I still have a place to read it (also to see pictures of your adorable children).
Posted by: Cookie | July 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM
I'm going to miss those posts! Just gotta keep up with this one! I hope you have a good time.
Posted by: Maggie | July 23, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Boo about the Parents blogs... I'm not even a parent and I read most of them because they are SO well-written.
Enjoy the time at BlogHer... I'm sure that it is going to be an awesome experience when it's all said and done!
Posted by: ClassyFabSarah | July 23, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I'm sorry to hear about Parents, Bree (at least you get to keep the great babies, eh?!) Maybe this is your "God closes a door, opens a window" thing.
I have to say with all of the BH chatter that is on the interweb, I'm sad to not be there with you this time around. Next time I opt out when you're going, kick my ass. Hard.
Posted by: Molly | July 23, 2009 at 10:11 PM
So sad to hear about the Parent's blog, Bree. It holds so much of you and your family over the last couple of years- of course it's an emotional blow! That blog is how I found you and so many other blogs but I know I will be able to keep up with you here (I hope! You're so busy!) and I also know you will be successful in whatever endeavor you pursue next. You're honest and fun to follow and that makes for a big draw.
Have fun at blogher!
Posted by: rkmama | July 23, 2009 at 10:28 PM
I'll be sad about the Parents blog but I do like knowing that I will be able to get my Kara and Nathan fix by checking just one fabulous site!
Have fun at blogher....wish I could be there too!
Posted by: eva | July 23, 2009 at 11:05 PM
I am also so sad about the Parents blog. It was the very first blog I ever read that was written by someone I didn't know, thus making you my first blog friend! I first logged on when we were both about 3 months pregnant with Kara and Dean. I have loved the little group of folks I've met through the comments section over there. It kind of seems like the end of an era. But Eva and rkmama are right...we'll be able to keep in touch over here.
I wish I was at BlogHer! I would sit and be overwhelmed with you and we could crack Your Mom jokes to amuse ourselves. Have a fantastic time. I hope bed time goes well and tonight is easy for you and Luke!
Posted by: Jen L. | July 23, 2009 at 11:17 PM
I'm so sad to hear about the Parents blog too; I read yours, Emily's and Lindsay's over there, and I'm going to miss them all!
It was really nice to meet you yesterday; I hope you're having fun and that the bedtime routine wasn't too hard on all of you!
Posted by: Jessie | July 24, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Boo to Parents for shutting down their blog community. (Never mind that I stopped reading because of the whole lack of reaching parenting thing.) It was still nice to know it was there for the time when.
Have fun a BlogHer!
Posted by: Blanche (Mrs. Higrens) | July 24, 2009 at 08:44 AM
I hope the Parents thing turns out to be a huge blessing, although I know now it doesn't seem that way completely. I think they are making a big mistake, but I guess in the tough economy they are just trying to cut costs as much as possible!
At least you will still have this blog! But, we will have to pester you if you don't blog regularly here because we won't have the back-up of the other blog!
Posted by: AJU5's Mom | July 24, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Sorry to hear that. I read faithfully, even with no kids. I love catching up on everything going on in your life and with Luke and the kids. Just make sure you copy and paste all those entries somewhere so you can always have them.
Enjoy this weekend!
Posted by: Jenny | July 25, 2009 at 01:46 AM
Oh no! So sorry to hear about Parents' decision, I guess everyone is feeling the economic pinch. It's just so sad to put an end to such wonderful blogs!
Posted by: Parsing Nonsense | July 27, 2009 at 06:43 PM