Ten Years Ago Today

-I was 10 pounds lighter.

-There were snow flurries that morning and plenty of wind.

-I cursed the cold because the weather had been beautiful the weekend before.

-I wore a white dress, high heels, and awkwardly held a few calla lilies as my dad walked me down the aisle.

-Marc looked happy and very handsome in his tux. He also looked a bit nervous.

-His momma cried because even when your son is 32, a part of you will always view him as your little boy.

-We met up at the alter. The minister’s breath smelled like something you’d find dead in between your walls.

-The ceremony was my favorite kind – finished in about 20 minutes.

-We went outside to take photos. The sun started to peek out as we assembled in our to-be-photographed groups.  This photo? Is our favorite one. It was taken by my dad.

Ten years. It has been a period of tremendous personal growth for both of us. As in any union, there have been good times and bad. But we’re still standing.

I feel hopeful for our future. And blessed.

I’ve been blogging for more than four years now. During that time, I’ve learned alot about motherhood, friendship, marriage and children. I’ve cheered other bloggers on in their battles. Others have cheered me on in mine.  It has been a meaningful, monumental journey. And I’ve met some incredible, inspiring people along the way.

The last year has been a time rife with questions. Should I quit blogging or stay? If I stay, in what capacity? Should I change directions? Should I pour my energies into an entirely different creative process?

I have felt a bit binded by this blog at times. There are so many things I can’t talk about because over the years people that I, my family or husband knows, find out about the blog. I think about the people who might be reading -  parents of some of Seth’s classmates, husband’s coworkers, my parents’ coworkers, relatives, old classmates and friends of friends. I have to really think about how my words can be construed. And if a prospective employer is to google my name? This blog comes up. What impression are they getting?

I need a new focus. But I’m unsure as to what to focus on. So pretty please give me some ideas. What’s missing on the blogosphere that you want to read about? More or less humor? What subjects do you want tackled? Should this become a products review blog? A blog about how to the knit dog hair that you vaccum up into sweaters for the whole family? A blog devoted to the deconstruction of the Twilight books? A serious blog about orphans in Africa. A blog about all of the crazy stuff you can find on Craigslist. (Because I didn’t start looking that site until recently and I’ve learned you find a job, a couch and a hooker all on one site!)  A blog about current events and my spin on the sitch? A blog that talks about events only within St. Louis or the Midwest? Or should it span the whole of the United States or the entire world?

Please, oh please, oh pretty please. I need your input. And you don’t have to worry about my feelings getting hurt. Because dude, if I ask you “Does my butt look fat in these pants?” I want an honest answer. Because I’d rather change pants than have someone lie to me and walk around in pants that make my butt look strange. Ok?

So lemme know. Oh and I’ve got a new review on MotherOfBun Reviews about a cool software to build social skills thanks to PBN.

This past year was a year of intense personal growth for me. If I told you that I didn’t spend alot of last year questioning my sanity, my self worth, my everything, I’d be lying. I no longer feel like the same woman I used to be. I’ve learned alot this past year.

The girl friends I’ve made over the years all have one thing in common - a gentle strength and refreshing resiliancy. I couldn’t have gotten through this past year without their inspiration. They’ve taught me to trust my instincts. In turn, I learned I’m smarter than what I give myself credit for. And I’m stronger too. Much stronger emotionally than I every thought.

I’ve learned that sometimes you have to let go. Sometimes, you have hold on. Sometimes, you have to ask for help. Sometimes you have to give it. Sometimes you have to let go of beliefs you’ve held onto for years. Sometimes you have to create new ones. Sometimes you want to give someone a solid kick in the butt. But sometimes its YOU who needs it. But always. You always need to be true to yourself.

There’s anxiety in change. But there’s also opportunity and hope. And if you keep your mind, heart and eyes open? Who knows what will happen.

When Seth was around preschool age and he’d get upset, we’d often try to sort out the matter by talking, snuggling and rocking. Once he’d calm down he’d burrow his face into my chest. (I know! Insert your own “motorboat” joke here.) In his words, he was “wipin’ ob-fff da ca-wi-yin.”  (”Wiping off the crying” if you don’t understand the toddler dialect.) Once accomplished, all was fine. It was as if a dried face was the emotional equivalent to a clean slate. He was ready to start anew. 

So last week when I found I had miscarried, I cried. Alot.

I have learned the hard way that when I feel utterly depleted, I just need to be left alone for a few hours. If I try to continue on with the daily chaos of life, that feeling intensifies and it takes longer for me to pull myself out of that pit. Thankfully, I have a very wise husband who understands this and gives me that space when I need it. 

So last Friday night Marc came home and took care of our son while I had my alone time. After a few hours, I decided I had cried enough. I know I’m very fortunate. I’ve got a healthy little boy, wonderful friends and family. I’ve taken quite a bit of solace in those these things. I also realized I need to take better care of myself (less sweets and soda, more water and walks) than I had been before this surprise pregnancy. 

So I took a page out of my little guy’s book. I “wiped ob-ffed da ca-wi-yin” that night and looked at Saturday as a clean slate. There are still moments where my eyes start to water and my heart breaks all over again. I “wipe off the cryin’” when I need to then try to focus on the future. I’m moving forward, slowly, but alas I’m beginning to heal.  

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone. So thanks to: Mama Geek, Jo, Jordan, Nicole, Kelli, Jen, Isis23, Jenn, Laurie, Nancy R, Stacie, Amalie, Farrell,Imstell, Nonlinear Girl, Debra, Jessica, Candygirlflies, and Diana.

I should have known better than to announce a pregnancy in the first trimester. I should have known better than to let the fertility gods know we were thrilled with their decision. And I should have known better than to start cleaning out my office, thinking of it now as “the baby’s room”. Because today some cosmic force decided we were in need of a blind-sided, bitchslap.

The embryo growing within me was more than a developing clump of cells. It was a growing bundle of hope. For a number of reasons, 2008 was a very tough year for my husband and me. Yet we survived. We might not have gotten through it all gracefully, but we withstood the hardships and managed to gain some valuable insights along the way. We saw this delicate, tiny surprise as the cosmos’ ”reward” for surviving the struggle. This baby we’d tried to conceive for years was a result of love recaptured and restored.

An ultrasound from a few weeks ago revealed a strong, beating heart. We were elated and started to refer to the baby as “Roo”. But when today’s ultrasound brought silence and stillness, Marc and I both knew what would come next. This has become a familiar path for us… The experience begins with the ultrasound tech’s awkward silences and after a few minutes, a quiet apology…  It ends with numbly scheduling a surgery and driving home only to realize you aren’t coming home the same person you were a mere hour ago…

At some point this week, I will emerge from an artificial sleep and stare into the bright lights of a surgical recovery room. I will hear a nurse cheerfully say, “Its all over. You did fine.” As she helps me get dressed, I’ll know that our little Roo is no longer inside of me. My husband will wheel me out of the center and gently help me in the car. But the grogginess won’t prevent me from noticing the physical feeling of hollowness inside me. 

My body will heal. There will be good days. There will be bad days. There will probably be a time or two where I call my mom to cry. But at least we have our Seth. Our sweet, silly, lively, little man. Maybe someday we’ll have more children. Maybe not. For now, we hold our son close. We learn what we can from this experience. We shed tears when we need to. We laugh, cry and wonder aloud, “What else is the universe going to throw our way?”

We keep our hearts open. And we remain thankful for that burst of sunshine we revelled in this winter — as fleeting as it was.

In hindsight, this surprise pregnancy shouldn’t have been that much of a “surprise” to us. Looking back I realize we were teasing and taunting the fertility gods. They saw what was going on and decided, “Hey, that couple looks like they get at least seven consistent hours of sleep a night. And they seem to have some energy as well. I know! Let’s ensure she gets knocked up this month! That’ll fix THEIR wagon.”

Indeed it has.

I’m going to tell you exactly what happened. (Well, not the conception part.) And how you too can tempt the fertility gods (or avoid tempting the fertility gods).

1.) Lose weight. Get within two pounds of your pre-pregnancy weight. (Don’t recommend losing it the way I did tho. We are STILL triying to pay off the hospital bills. OY!)

2.) Find not one, but TWO perfect pairs of jeans. (That make your butt look good and you feel great.)

3.) Replace sensible shoes with a number of sexy high heeled shoes, strappy sandles and boots.

4.) Since you’ve lost that weight and found some kick ass jeans, you will need some closer fitting tops to show off smaller waistline. Buy many. Feel confident in doing so because you are POSITIVE you’ll never get pregnant again.

5.)While we’re on the clothing subject, get rid of maternity clothes, get rid of a bunch of baby clothes and give away stroller and stuff like that.

6.) Go out with your *feisty girl friends who love to have fun. Start doing this on a regular basis.

7.) Rediscover the hubby. Flirt more. Dance more. Laugh more. Find that your marriage is far healthier now (and more fun) than it has been in ages. 

Viola! You should be pregnant within a few month’s time.

What’s the phrase? “We plan. God laughs.”

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone. So thanks to: Sugar, Babybloomr, Xytrex, AMC, Cereal Dieter, qt, Amy in StL, Sugared Harpy, Rachel, Jennifer, Susan, Chris Cactus, Queen of the Mayhem, Jo, Mary, Tori, Maggie, Dammit, Heather, Michelle, WhyMommy, Carmasez, and Adventures in Babywearing,

*Feisty girlfriends (and our fun evenings out) have seen me through a lot of really tough stuff in 2008. Thank you Dana, Chris, Sarah, and Jess. btw- Tina? We miss you!

One quiet evening after ”the boy” was off to bed, the hubby offered to make me cosmo. (We’d started having a drink at night now and again when we were alone. It was a lovely way to sit down, talk about our days, and relax.)

I told him to wait before he made that drink. My period was late and I should probably take a pregnancy test. I could create a structure the size of the Taj Mahal with all of the sticks I’ve peed on over the years. You know, back when we had been TRYING…

The hubby laughed skeptically and began to ice the shaker. I took the test. The results came quick, like usual. But unlike the other elevenity bazillion times, I couldn’t stop staring at the findings. I starred.

And starred.

And starred.

After YEARS of trying, I had often wondered if my husband had gotten a vasectomy on the sly. Over time, I accepted and embraced being the parent of one. I was already making plans for all of that money we wouldn’t have to spend on putting subsequent children through college.  Until a few weeks ago, the only “babies” on my brain were of the canine variety.

But within an hour’s time it felt natural and exciting to talk about “the baby” — as if the little person was already upstairs sleeping in the crib. As if this little person had always been with us.

So the due date is late August. The heartbeat is strong and solid. Odds of survival are at 90 percent. And the new kid has been dubbed “Roo.” (A nickname we picked out many years ago.)

Seth is very excited (especially about the idea of a younger kid thinking he’s the coolest, smartest dude on the planet).

Marc is already campaigning for a third.  I’m thinking that vasectomy will take place in mid-September…

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone. So thanks to: Tash, Mandy, Furiousball, Shonda Little, Angel Smith, Christina the Wench, Kim, Jenny, Laura Healy, Toni, Rose, Elismsue, Jasph, Marrdy, Lilfootsmommy, Linda J, Robin, Fishy Girl, Ashley, The Funky Feline, and Jessica.

Dear Sleep.

You have been an elusive little minx for quite some time now. A first you started teasing me in my 20’s here and there but now in my mid 30’s, you’ve decided to really put the screws to me. Sure you’d let me catch you for a little bit but usually only for a few broken hours throughout the course of an evening.

Once I saw a sleep doctor in hopes of success. He proposed staying away from you on purpose for several nights. The theory would be that after awhile I’d be so tired, you’d come and wash over me. That didn’t happen. In fact, I got so tired that one night I accidentally slammed my hand in the car door. What’s sad is that it took a few seconds to figure out WHY I was inadvertently tethered to the car. (My hand was still stuck in the door.) It took a few more seconds to process the “OUCH!” part.  Not good.

Oh sure, over the years, I’ve taken other meds in an effort to trap you but those left me feeling all groggy. I hear how you’ve been visiting lots of other people I know. I’ve felt like the only girl in the neighborhood who’s still not gotten her boobs. Completely frustrated, confused and utterly left out.

But the fact of the matter is… I need you. I can’t live without you. You not being in my life has caused me to be an overemotional crankypants from the netherworlds that has trouble stringing a sentence together. So I decided I was going to DO something about this little problem.

Thanks to Ambien, YOU ARE NOW MY BITCH. You are like a horny teen boy. Ambien is like the easy girl you are attracted to. Because within a few minutes of closing my eyes, you take hold of me. And you don’t let go for hours upon hours. (Ok. Maybe you aren’t like a teenage boy. I don’t think they can “last” 10 minutes, let alone 6 or 7 hours.)

But anyway… You’ve got to deal with me now — whether you like it or not. HAHAHAHA!

– Lisa

(Have been going over some old posts. Am amazed at how many times I complained about not sleeping and having migraines. Life is SO MUCH better when you get solid sleep on a regular basis. And although I’ve a script for the lowest dose possible, half a pill each night does the job. Hopefully 2009 will see me sleeping well and Ambien-free!)

This is where I pimp my recent finished projects: What did bloggers think of Positive Spin’s newest books? Check Parent Bloggers to find out. And if you still need a gift idea for that little car enthusiast in your life, check this out. There’s lots of new reviews (like for Nature’s Gate and Shop.com) and info about MomCentral’s Holiday Shopping Guide at Midwestern Mommy Reviews. Oh check out the giveaway too!  

As I embark on my 37th year of life, there’s one gift I’d love to have.

I’d love to quit the anxieties and negative thoughts that constantly ping-pong in my mind. I’d love to not feel self-conscious and awkward when I talk to people. I’d like to learn how to accept myself – faults and all.

Like most women, I am my toughest critic. When it comes to the ugly and hateful things I often say to myself, I realize I’d never say those things to someone else. In fact, if someone else were to say the same things to one of my friends or a family member? I’d give that person a verbal ass kicking.

A few days ago, my mother-in-law took me aside. She said she thinks I’m too hard on myself. That I downplay my strengths. I shouldn’t put myself down so much. I don’t know my worth.

That’s true. 

So as I celebrate one more year under my belt. I hope to find inner peace. I hope I’ll learn how to gauge my strengths and accept my weaknesses. I hope to stop berating myself for mistakes everyone makes. I hope to quiet the nasty inner voice that tells me I’m not good enough, attractive enough, smart enough or just plain “enough.”

Life is too short. And I hope that next year, at this time, I can celebrate a rebirth of sorts.

Wish me luck. I’ll need it.

***

(We interrupt this post to pimp the projects I’ve been working on…) Now that the holiday season is upon us, may I recommend Wii’s Littlest Pet Shop game? Or maybe head over to Parent Bloggers Network to find out what’s being said about Hotwheels’ newest toys and three stories about a little fairy named Eve. Oh and a fellow St.L blogger (and friend) is being spotlighted on St. Louis Blogger’s Guild. Check it! And there’s a giveaway for a WordWorld bucket of blocks at my reviews site.

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone.

So thanks to: Todd, Sarah and the Goon Squad, Alissa, Baltimore Girl, Veep Veep, Jen, Ruth Dynamite, Ali, Christine, Jess, Ben, Damselfly, Shandon Fowler, Toni, Chris, Josh, All Adither, Issa and Kyla.

The first of the Twilight movies makes its debut today (I say “first” because from what I hear more are planned) for the general public. And there’s many of us eager to to hit the theaters.

I never got into the Harry Potty er uh, Pottery, er uh POTTER (typos but I’m keeping them) books but I remember watching some women rave about the story line. I had no intention of reading the books and no intention of making even a feeble attempt at understanding the ”why” surrouning the hoopla.

So when the Twilight frenzy started I rolled my eyes and thought, “Oh Crap. More of this?” But this time I thought I’d read one of the books, but only so I could tell people exactly WHY I didn’t like it. Yes, I was expecting to find Twilight trite and cliched. I was expecting a headache from all of the eyerolling I’d do.

So I bought a copy and started reading. And I got a headache. But that’s only because my eyes were so strained — I couldn’t put the freakin’ book down! Sure I did do some eye rolling and mumbling at the beginning but it soon sucked me in. Course what didn’t hurt? Was finding out that Robert Pattinson is playing Edward Cullen. So having a beautiful face to put with the character kept me reading. He’s so… dreamy.

After I read the books, I thought about becoming a vampire — if this were an option. I think I’d be interested in taking that step. I mean really, look at the pros!

1.) At the time you are bitten, you no longer age. You could be 19, 25, or 30 forever. No looking old and decrepit for YOU! Think of all of the money you’d save on Botox and Oil of Olay.

2.) You don’t need sleep anymore. Think of all of the time that frees up. You could take on a second job, read lots of books, learn different languages and musical instruments.

3.) You don’t gain weight. Ever. Think of how much mental energy that would free up for so many women!

4.) You morph into a supermodel with a rockin’ bod. According to the Twilight books, the transformation gradually changes your features somewhat so you look totally hot — all the more to lure your prey.

5.) No more periods. A menstral cycle is one of constant change. Since your body will no longer change? No cycle. No PMS! No cramps or migraines! No worries about accidents!

6.) You move with grace and fluidity. That a big plus for those of us who can fall UP the stairs. Plus? You are superfast and strong. Carrying that 35 pound bag of dog food to the car is much easier.

Course there are some cons:

1.) You can’t eat real food anymore. You now have to take down people or deer and suck blood. Your beloved chocolate will now taste like dirt.

2.) Since you don’t age, you have to invent some excuse as to why you can’t see your loved ones and friends anymore. Cause when your little sister’s shrunk 4 inches, while sporting blue hair and dentures? Well, she’s gonna wonder why you still look like a 20-year-old unlined, Victoria’s Secret model. She may be the teensiest bit resentful of that.

Um yeah, that seems about it for the cons.

What do yo think? Are you planning to see the movie. (Am very eager to see it because I hear they’ve stayed true to the book and hearing that ALWAYS makes me happy.) What do YOU think of the frenzy?

Served up fresh this week: Buying presents for boys? May I recommend Hot Wheels? Don’t forget a chance to win a Disney dvd for the little ones. And while the kids are engaged, why not browse through Amazing Baby or pamper yourself with Obagi. Oh, and the St. Louis Beacon spotlighted a few of us St. Louis moms and dads. (A big, squishy, puffy pink THANK YOU goes to Kristen for making it sound like I have more than 2 brain cells and know what I’m talking about!)

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone.

So thanks to: Kimberly, Atherton Bartleby, Karen Andrews, Amanda, Gina Maria, Mike G, Karen, Maria, Rachel, MamaLiz, Antique Mommy, Kimblahg, Avalon, Kristen, Kateanon, Lisa Milton, Mp, and Suburban Turmoil.

 My son and I had this conversation this past week.

Me: Hey Seth, Let’s watch Sound of Music.
Seth: Does it have robots?
Me: No. It’s about some mischievous kids and their nanny.
Seth: Does it have light sabers?
Me: No. But it’s a cute movie. Someone plays the guitar. Give it a chance.
Seth: Why doesn’t it have light sabers? Or robots?
Me: Watch it for 10 minutes. You might like it.
Seth: Can I pretend it has light sabers in it?
Me: Sigh… Sure. Why not. I just want to sit down for a minute. I’m tired and I don’t watch to watch Star Wars. Let’s just try something different. There’s a puppet show.
Seth: Are there bad guy puppets?
Me: I don’t think so…
Seth: Can I pretend one of the puppets is really a bad guy and know one knows but me?
Me: Works for me. Let’s sit down.
Seth: We’ll name the bad guy puppet Darth Vader. K?
Sigh….

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone.

So thanks to: Ibdawnk, Lisa Marie Mary, Lara, Keri, Schmee, Dana, Lisa S. Kelly of West Coast Girlie Blather, Three Under Two, Melanie, Gwendomama, Carol, Stefania, Laura from the Fringe, Kelley, Liz and Manager Mom.

Served up fresh this week: Win a gift certificate to Target and some Pledge. Enter the giveaway here! And while you’re on Midwestern Mommy Reviews, check out a little gadget that can saw through all kinds of stuff. And while we’re on the subject of new products: PBN reviewers are raving about a cool new book called “Amazing Baby.” Read what they’ve got to say. And? This week the Hot Wheels campaign launched. Check it out.

He flits around the room, from one activity to the next. He’s always moving and talking — as if there’s something internally and eternally propelling him noisily onward. Unfinished pages of coloring books fill his art drawer. He is impulsive, often interrupting others’ conversations. He has trouble following directions. He’s easily distracted. And he’s easily frustrated. He wears out other kids his age.

But he’s also a fast learner. He excells in math. He can hyperfocus when he immerses himself into something of great interest. He has an amazing memory. He can quickly grasp some abstract concepts like God and the soul. He has a big heart. He seeks out ways to be helpful. He is eager to please. He’s snuggly. He is kind to his friends and family. He’s charming. He has a generous nature. He has a large number of interests. He has so many wonderful qualities. 

This is my son. And in May, a doctor confirmed what I’d (and a few of his teachers) suspected for awhile — he has ADHD. We had put off going the medication route but we finally agreed to try it out. 

For now, it is working. He’s still the same active little person. His personality and sense of humor hasn’t changed at all. He’s definitely not one of those “over-medicated zombies” you hear about. But at least now he is able to pay attention in class. He is now able to stay on task. When he’s working in a group setting, his classmates don’t have to keep redirecting him. His teacher doesn’t need to keep going over directions and redirecting him either. She’s able to focus on the other kids who need her help.

I’m not saying medicating your child will make all of your problems go away. No way! In fact, he isn’t on the medicine during holidays, weekends or during summer vacation. But it has helped him harness that energy. When he gets older, he will determine whether or not to remain on medication. He will have to learn how to adapt his behaviors, how to channel all of that energy into constructive and positive endeavors without relying as much on medication.

Did you know that Albert Einstein, Ansel Adams, Bill Gates, Earnest Hemmingway, Steven Spielberg, Leo Tolstoy, Socrates, Bethoven, Mozart, Abraham Lincoln, Galileo, the Wright Brothers and Virginia Wolff all have (or had) ADHD? When they combined their energy with their passion for their respective fields, they became legendary.

Now as a parent, it is my job to help Seth discover his passion, nurture his strengths and to help him adapt. There’s no doubt in my mind that he has limitless potential to go with that limitless energy.

Someday he may ask me to take down this post. He may feel it an invasion of privacy. But for now it will stay. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. And I want others to see that too. He has ADHD. It is something he’ll have to learn to work around — like so many others have done before him. Having ADHD is not the end of the world.

In may aspects…. it is merely the beginning.

I wrote this post because the more I researched ADHD, the more I realized there’s a stigma there. (Some people don’t believe in ADHD and think it is a matter of crappy parenting.) If you totally disagree with my way of thinking, that’s perfectly ok. Am interested in hearing all points of view. Just please know I don’t consider medicine the “quick fix”. For now its one of the tools we’re using. (Along with teaching him organizational skills and a few other things.)

The support I received after this post was amazing. (Thankfully, the scary ordeal is no longer “scary” nor an “ordeal”.) But I wanted to thank everyone who took time to read the post and comment. So I’ll be thanking a group of people as a part of each post until I’ve thanked everyone.

So thanks to: Anissa, Linsey, Patrick D, Wendi, Julienne, Heidi, Carolyn Bahm, Chelle, Jenny, Kelli, Moosh in Indy, Canape, Sandira, Sheri, Mistie, Califmom, Kim, and Sweetney.

Served up fresh this week: Win a little something cool to keep you warm from Lands’ End. Enter the giveaway here! And speaking of giveaways, Parent Bloggers Network is giving you  a chance to win a free children’s book from Positive Spin. (I’m working on this campaign!) Check out the books and enter here. Also, don’t schedule any gyno surgical procedures before you read this.