I have some vague, distant memory of being a very good blogger back in the day.  Back when my child was a teeny baby, napped often, and didn't wreak havoc on my clean home in a matter of minutes.  Back when there weren't Barbie dolls to assist in wardrobe changes, tea parties to have, and Scarlett couldn't tell I wasn't giving her my undivided attention when I had my phone in my hand.

It was the beginning of this year I began to realize admit how much the internet was distracting me from my motherly duties. {As in, I could longer ignore and deny it}  It's a charming place the world wide web.  I could so easily get lost for hours reading pretty blogs, saving inspiring pictures for my next baby's nursery, catching up on the latest celebrity gossip, filling up my Etsy basket, and creeping on Facebook.  The time had come, however, to prioritize.  Dang that concept!  I wistfully deleted blogs from my Google Reader that weren't friends and family.  Waking up to hundreds of new blog entries each morning can take a serious dent out of precious play time.  I backed off from social media and unsubscribed my email address from many a online retailer.  It was actually freeing.  I went days with out so much as flipping my laptop open.  I got stuff done.

Indeed, my internet withdrawal (and extreme will power) was giving me more time to tackle my daily chores, dote on my baby, and go to bed at a decent hour.  And my resolution was not short lived -- I kept my browsing at bay for the better part of 2010.  Yet in all my so-very-unselfish efforts to be more present, as Scarlett transitioned out of toddlerhood, I found her wanting more "alone time" to play.  How this could be?  I just don't know.  You mean you don't want mommy to play princesses with you?  How does one play Candy Land all by themselves?  What are you doing with out me for two hours? And not so much as made a peep?  It was a sad acquiescence that my imagination was not up to par with my 3 year old's.   Re-enacting Cinderella in it's entirety with miniature figurines is not for the faint of heart.  My impersonation of the evil stepmother apparently just doesn't cut it, and I'm okay with that.  

Yes, I would be kidding you all if I said I wasn't enjoying her independence.  Gone is the guilt of popping in a movie (or three) as a distraction and forcing naps on a child who clearly does not think they are necessary.  And getting used to these small bouts of free time?  Not difficult.  Getting used to a self-sufficient child? It's odd.

 I have to say though, I still cannot seem to stay on the computer the way I used to.  I check facebook on my phone, rarely.  I have slowly added to my Reader, but still it is mostly reserved for only my closest of peeps.  Most days, I wake up early or wait until after my angel is in bed to pull the laptop out from under the couch.  I come running when my angel girl wants to give me the time of day.

All that said, (did your really read all that? you didn't have to) I knew it was going to take me a while to get back into good blogging habits!  Two or three times a week is probably the best I will ever do.  If you really want to know what we're up to at any given moment of the day {insert need for sarcastic font}, you can follow me on Twitter. Oh yes, I am a twittering machine.  I've found it's a really good way to stay in-the-know with my friends, and I only use it on my phone so {I let myself believe} it's less distracting.  I think everyone should have an account! ;)

And just to totally make this blog post the biggest contradiction ever -- Have you heard about our new virtual book club?  Ha, I know!
An idea concocted by Britt, and 2 seconds later made a reality by Meredith, with myself and Haley as additional commentators, the Blush and Bashful Book Club has been formed.  Hop on over, and if you're interested, please read along with us!  I think it's going to be really fun...and what else do I have to do, right?  {virtual wink}

I still have to blog about Christmas.  I was sick and hardly took any pictures, as I looked like I had been run over by an eighteen wheeler.  It's coming.  For now, I am off to play blocks!