Hi ladies - I know this group isn't super active right now but wondering if I could dip my toe in? I've been meaning to join for months but have been lurking! I'm Jen and have always known 100% that I wanted to be a mama. My own mom was an AP parent (she didn't call it that, but she practiced extended breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, and still gets teary-eyed when she talks about all the advice she got to let my brother and I cry it out, and how she "just couldn't ever walk away when you were crying! It meant you needed me!") I think of her as an "instinctual" parent - she definitely didn't engage in all AP practices, but my brother and I both grew up very attached to her, her in a positive way. I've always known I would be like her!
Just as a disclaimer: you might be able to tell from my badge that I work for Mothering. I'm the liaison between our sponsors and the community, which means I run contests, work with advertisers, and see how the community and sponsors are getting along. I am NOT here to sell anything - I work for Mothering, not for the sponsors. I'm also not here to pick your brain or get an "in" with the community - I'm really just here because I want to be here. It's kind of funny, because sometimes I worry that people are going to think I'm some sort of "plant" in the audience, or a spy - but if I was, wouldn't I probably pose as someone with kids? Anyway. I'm here as myself, a Mothering member and employee, but not as some kind of shill or anything.
Here are my get to know you answers:
-Where do you want to live/where do you live?
I live in San Francisco as of about 7 months ago - before that I lived on the SF Peninsula. But I'm originally an LA girl.
*How many kiddos do you want, and does anyone plan to adopt?
Two, for now, but I can see three happening. While I would obviously love any and all children that come for me, I can't help thinking that if I had two boys or two girls, I would probably be more likely to definitely have the third!
*Do you have any hobbies?
Right now, honestly, getting settled into my apartment (my boyfriend and I have recently moved in together) is a big one. We read and watch a lot of sci fi, so that's a hobby (we're huge nerds!) I also dance - currently, only for fun and in Zumba classes (dance exercise - if you don't do it, you should!) but for about 5 years in high school and college I did social ballroom dance - swing, salsa, waltz, two-step, tango. That's my passion.
*What do you do as a job?
I work for Mothering as a sponsor liaison. I do reports, run contests, help write content, the whole deal. You can find me in the Sponsored Content forum
*Any non-crunchy confessions?*
I'm really not very good at eating all-organic and natural. I wasn't raised that way (my mom tried her hardest, but dad was Mr. Meat and Potatoes) and currently my budget doesn't really allow for it. I'm focusing instead on eating as healthfully as possible, cutting out processed foods and almost all non-fruit sugar. It's a challenge because, despite living in San Francisco, my friends and family are not very crunchy! My worst confession is that I occasionally eat McDonalds. I'm ashamed of it, but it's the closest thing to the office and sometimes those fries just call to me.
1. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
No pets are allowed in our apartment :(
2. Do you have anything stashed away for your future kids? (oh-so-cute outfit you couldn't not buy? Special cradle that's been in the family forever?
I saved all my favorite stuffed animals in a big drawer under my bed in my parents house. I know my kids probably won't want any of my super old toys, but I can't help but keep them!
3. Favorite food?
Peanut butter.
4. What brought you to MDC?
Work, originally, but (if you won't tell my boss) I spend more time here reading threads and the blog than is probably necessary :) One of my close friends from high school is having a baby in October
5. Random fact about yourself
I lived in Madrid for 3 months in college and am(was?) fluent in Spanish.
Congratulations, monkey! That's such happy news!
Maybe we should start a new thread? I worry that anyone who used to come around might not be able to find us, but if you do, definitely just post a link to it here. 
."
Now can we get the politicians to respond like that? 
Follow Mothering