Nesting and pregnancy

I feel as though I have neglected this blog over the last few weeks. The truth is I haven't been able to do anything worth blogging about! Not surprisingly, I went into preterm labor and have ended up on bed rest. Which to most people would probably sound like heaven, but I have a nesting instinct so powerful that I'm going out of my mind, and worse still, I can't satisfy it. My husband has been nesting for me.

The pantry has been re-arranged, the house scrubbed from top to bottom and the closets tidied. Dinners have been cooked and laundry has been done, but I am ashamed to say not by me. And he's done a better job of it.

Still, by the end I'll have a beautiful baby girl as well as my handsome little dude and my family will be subjected to my somewhat chaotic housekeeping methods once more. I just hope it's sooner rather than later, I'm going out of my mind.

The life of a 'work at home mom'.

It's been a long week. The Dude had music class and toddler class, we've taken a tour of daycare (he's going once a week so I can focus on my work now that things are picking up) and we've been to the library, the pediatrician, and the store - Several times.

On top of that, I've been trying to publish an article or two every day, have applied for a couple of jobs and eaten a lot of food - at least every 30 minutes! I feel like I've accomplished a lot in 5 days. Yet, the house still looks like a wreck. In fact, as I type, I'm waiting for the washing machine to finish so I can put the last load on. When did life become so fast-paced? Why do we feel like we have to cram so much into one day?

I've written an article about Fall leaves games and crafts today. I'm ever so proud of it! Check it out and tell me what you think. http://www.examiner.com/x-20546-Hartford-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d10-Fall-leaves-play-and-craft-ideas

Do you have any games or crafts you like to do with your kids that relate to the Fall season? If so, please drop me a line by posting a comment below. I love to hear from you!

Career defining moment!

I am so happy right now it's ridiculous!

When I first went into freelance writing, my son was 4 months old and I was a total wreck where organization was concerned. I knew I wanted to get into publishing - my dream is to work for a publishing house some day, but I had no idea where to start.

So, I trawled through the pages of Amazon.com and read every editorial review going about starting a freelance career. That's when I came across 'The Writer Mama' by Christina Katz. It's broken down into easy-to-follow sections with a task at the end of each chapter - which is the best way for me to learn. She also gives practical advice on how to juggle Motherhood with a writer career - something I was in desperate need of.

So I bought it, loved it and signed up to her E-zine. It's become my writing bible.

I didn't realize that Christina is on Twitter until today when I read through my copy of her newsletter, so I decided to follow since I find her advice invaluable. Guess what though - she is now following me back! I have said that I will write an Amazon review for her - I promise I will, but I'm too star-struck for words right now.

It definitely feels like a defining moment in my whole writing career so far; like I've finally 'made' it. I feel like she's been a huge help every step of the way through her writing, but I'm so glad I've finally been able to thank her. I'm so looking forward to taking one of her classes and I hope she likes the Amazon review!

Other blogs to check out

If you like this blog, please take a look at some of my inspiration by clicking on the blog-titles to the right of my postings.

Julie Powell's blog is definately up there with the 'greats' (I loved Julie and Julia by the way, I can't wait to go see it again with Jo Jo and Dot!)

If there are any blogs that you think I should take a look at, drop me a line and let me know by posting a comment or two. I love hearing from my readers :-)

Victoria .x.