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Welcome to CharlotteMommies!
As part of The Mommies Network, CharlotteMommies.com is a free community for moms in Charlotte, Pineville, Matthews and Mint Hill, North Carolina. We realize that all moms need local support -- and who can't use another friend? CharlotteMommies.com offers a simple way to connect with local moms for friendship, support and fun. Members meet on our private discussion forums to share information on everything from where to get the best haircut to tips on transitioning to a "big kid" bed. Each month, we also offer many face-to-face events for our members, their children and their families.
Register today to access our discussion
forums, events calendar and more! It's free and we'll keep your info secure and private. CharlotteMommies Blog
Every morning, I do the same thing. I get my cup of coffee while I make breakfast for the kid. I gather the clothes together, making a small pile on the sofa next to me- awaiting the completion of whatever cereal or breakfast bar is being consumed by the little one in the kitchen. I sip my coffee and grab my phone, and I log into my chapter of The Mommies Network. I click " View Your Posts" to see if there have been any responses to my latest musings. Then, I go onto The Mommy Forum, then Relationships,usually heading to the conversations that have the most appeal...the ones with the most posts! Maybe take a timeout to get the kid dressed. Then onto my area group, then my support groups. Then I swing over to my Facebook, then my Twitter, then back to my chapter of The Mommies Network to see the newest posts. I do this about 20 or 30 times a day...rinse and repeat. Occasionally, I will get particularly attached to a post...be it my own or someone elses. Then, I might check in 40 or 50 times a day ( thank God for smartphones!). Every now and then I'll be a part of a conversation that is gaining traction...bunches of posts, and my heart is lifted with each page of conversation that is added...one page...two pages...five pages! It's like Christmas morning every time I open a page....a slight joy to see what has been added.
Sometimes, it's fluff...a coupon I found or looking for new homeowners insurance. Sometimes it's personal...an issue with my Mother-in-Law or a behavioral issue with my little one. Sometimes it's topical...a news piece or an article I found. But each time, it is the same feeling. I am a part of something- a community that shares something special and something unique. How many times have you done this? Now, I need to think about what that MEANS to me. I knew early on that it meant a great deal to me; it meant that I was a part of a network of women who took on their identity as a Mommy, and took it to another level. I knew that becoming a mother forced me to re-identify who I was as a person, because I was forever changed by the little wonder that appeared in my life. But being a part of The Mommies Network took it to a new level. It allowed me to take the new me.- the mother me- and USE it. By using it, I became a Mommy. I used all of those tools that came with motherhood and I applied them. My words became softer, my ideas became firmer, and my passions shifted from what was good for me to what was good for the world I was creating for my child. Along the way, I have met mothers who are very different than me. I have encountered people that I would have never counted as my friends in my life before motherhood. However, I can now see them for what they are ... exactly like me. Their ideas might be different, and their style may be different, but their reasons and their execution is cornered in exactly the same place as mine. Everything they do is the result of their love for their children. They, too, have been forever changed by becoming a mother, and they are on the same journey as me, figuring out how to apply this unique relationship to how they relate to the world.
So, when I think about The Mommies Network, I need to think about what it is to me, and the solution becomes so simple. The Mommies Network gave me to the place to FIND all of these things. It was the platform, the medium, the safe space where I was able to make the most of the new me. The value in that is not simple to measure, but it is clear to me that I have to find a way to measure it, and give back in turn. There are so many ways to give back, and if you are like me, you want to give back to someone else what you have received. This network does not exist on it's own. It takes time and energy and money and resources. There are opportunities to give back at every turn. You can donate time, you can donate resources, you can sponsor, you can donate money, you can be a part of the events, or you can just show up to witness the efforts of others who have given back. All of these things expand the network. They make it available to more and more women who are just like you. As we work together, we make the number of mothers in our network larger and larger, and we are able to do more and more to make the world a better place for our children.
I encourage everyone to look at themselves as a Mommy, and think about what it means to you. Right now, The Mommies Network is holding their annual May is for Mother's campaign to help meet the monetary demands of running the network. If being a Mommy has value to you, match it with a donation. However, there are other ways you can contribute. There are volunteer positions available both at The Mommies Network and at the Chapter level. Consider donating your time to this worthy cause. If you are a business owner, consider sponsorship with The Mommies Network as a way to give back to these communities and engage with the membership. But, most of all, see your identity as a Mommy as something that makes you a part of something special, and embrace what that means to you! Because there are a million ways to mother ... and one network for us all.
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
I have accepted the fact that I will
never be pregnant again. I pretend that it isn't true. My brain
realizes what my body, mind, and soul have gone through over the past
18 years. My heart, well, that's a different story. I have never
said it out loud, but writing it down is the first step. I am not
having any more children. The realization hurts. It is a dull ache,
so it is not always noticeable. Every once in awhile, it hits me
again.
My last three pregnancies were very
hard - two losses, a diagnosis of an incompetent cervix, bedrest, and
a micropreemie. Add eight children into the equation and you must
think I am crazy for even contemplating another pregnancy. I am now
considered to be of Advanced Maternal Age. Those three little words
written across the top of my chart are enough to make me pause. My
husband and I had a deal. No more pregnancies after 35. I almost
kept my word, delivering my last baby a few weeks after I turned 36.
I get a similar feeling when I get an
email from Target advertising its baby sale as when I received emails
about my baby registry after I lost the boys,. I don't need those
things anymore. At the mall, I run into Motherhood Maternity to use
their bathroom. Have you noticed how cute maternity clothes are? I
will never need to buy anything there again. I will miss maternity jeans. When else is it acceptable to wear cute
jeans with an elastic waistband? Recently, I gave all of mine away,
so I am not tempted to throw a pair on while lounging around the
house.
My mind plays funny tricks on me.
Every once in awhile I think I can feel movement in my stomach. Why
would I assume it was hunger or simply gas? No, I let my imagination
wander, fantasizing about creating another perfect little addition to
my family. Then, I stop to remember the hospital stays, the NICU, and
the strain pregnancy placed on my family. I pour myself a cup of
tea, and all of a sudden the rumblings subside.
My last baby is slowly becoming a
little boy. I am blissfully happy living in the land of Toddlerhood.
I may never get to sniff the top of my newborn's head again, but
there is so much more I will get to experience. Each day, I get to
watch my children learn new things and master new skills. I am
trading in my baby bag for a cute purse.
Plus, when I think about never having
to experience morning sickness again, elastic waistbands are not such
a draw anymore.
Jennifer Swartvagher blogs at
www.beyondthecrib.com about her life and her adventures raising eight
children, ranging in age from 17 to one year. The journey beyond the
crib doesn't end when the kids are out of diapers, and no one judges
us as hard as we judge ourselves. Beyond The Crib's goal is to help
other moms (and dads) see that we are all in this crazy world of
parenthood together.
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
We wanted to share this exciting event for our NC families, you must check out the Free Family Carnival sponsored by :
LakeNormanMommies and the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station present an afternoon of fun for all ages! Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2013 11a.m.-4p.m. for this family-friendly event featuring the following organizations and businesses from the Lake Norman Community!
Touch-a-Truck
Coca-Cola Discovery Truck
Cornelius Police Department
Huntersville Police Department
Huntersville Fire Department
North Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Community Outreach & Awareness Ballas Chiropractic Earth Fare
Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
Novant Health Women's Health Education A Safe Child - car seat safety & baby proofing demonstrations Refreshments Bruster's Ice Cream - ice cream, hot dogs, beverages available for purchase
Carnival Games and Activities
Carnival games and other activities are provided by our vendors.
Games include duck pond, wheel spin, knock 'em down, penny toss, fishbowl ping pong toss, and more. Each winner receives a ticket to be entered into a drawing for a prize in the prize tent.
Activities include crafts, face painting, carnival themed photo booth, and more.
Prize Tent
Did you receive a ticket at one of the games or activities? Be sure to head to the Prize Tent to be entered into a drawing for the prize of your choosing!
Prizes
Prizes include products and services from Ballas Chiropractic, Bird Nest Boutique, Burn Bootcamp, Carolina Women's Defense, Carowinds, Earth Fare, Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts, Innovative Speed Shop, Insley Photography, Jamberry Nails, Jockey Person to Person, MM House and Office Cleaning, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Perfect Fit, Pink Zebra, SnookySmiles, Stella & Dot, Sunshine Borders, Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture, Tupperstars, Twist the Balloon Man, WildTree, and more!
How to find us:
From Charlotte I-77
Take I-77 to Hwy. 73 (exit 25). West on Hwy. 73 (toward Birkdale Village). Go approximately five miles to the stoplight at McGuire Nuclear Station. The EnergyExplorium is just past Southlake Christian School and Church. Turn right into plant entrance. Stay in right lane and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.
From I-485
Take I-485 to Hwy. 16 (exit 16). West toward Newton. Exit east onto Hwy. 73 toward Huntersville. Go approximately five miles to the stoplight at McGuire Nuclear Station. Turn left into plant entrance. Stay in right lane and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.
From Mooresville I-77
Take I-77 south toward Huntersville to exit 25. Turn right off the interstate ramp and follow Hwy. 73 west approximately five miles. The EnergyExplorium is just past Southlake Christian School and Church. Turn right at stoplight for McGuire Nuclear Station and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.
From Charlotte Hwy. 16
Take Hwy. 16 North toward Denver. Take Hwy. 73 exit and turn right off interstate ramp. Follow Hwy. 73 toward Huntersville. You will pass Cowans Ford Dam on your left; the next stoplight you come to will be the McGuire Nuclear Station entrance. Turn left into McGuire and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.
How exciting, looks like such fun! See you there!!
TMN girls
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
From all of us here at The Mommies Network, we celebrate all moms today!!
Have a Happy Mother's Day!
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
