If you read through the content of this blog, you can probably guess where I stand on this topic. I have a couple of policies and boundaries that I created for myself and my family before I published my very first post in August 2009:

• I do not use the real names of my toddler, my husband, or any other family member. I have 2 reasons for that. I value and respect their privacy and none of them have given me permission to use their names.
• I do not post face-forward pictures for the exact same reasons.
• I do not write about them very often and, when I do, I make sure that it’s not about something that will come back to haunt or embarrass them later. Or, at least, I don’t think it will.
• My family has the power to veto a post.

Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog is a blog about parenting. I identity myself as a mommy who blogs. I blog about parenting, family, and relationships but I also blog about national and global issues that I believe affect us as parents and families. Having a platform to write about topics that speak to me has been an incredible and valuable outlet. However, it’s also been a great exercise in self-restraint and censorship.

Just like nearly any other mother, I love talking about my kid and regaling tales of his funny, smart, and clever expressions and antics. I love sharing pictures of his perfect gorgeous face, impish smile, and beautiful blond curls. He is the most amazing and beautiful person I have ever met and, as much as I would love to share him with the world…I won’t. My Monkey has not asked to be shared with the world and it is not my right, even as his mother, to allow it without his permission.

There are boundaries for me when it comes to talking about my loved ones and the line that I have drawn comes down to these questions:

• Am I exploiting my child or my family to increase blog hits and gain readership?
• What are my motives for blogging about a personal situation or story?
• What are the potentially negative implications that may arise from this personal post?
• Do I feel comfortable enough with this post to publish it?

There are no easy answers to these complicated questions. However, before I hit the “publish” button on any personal blog post, I have to question my reasons and possible consequences. If I can’t answer these questions with a positive and constructive answer, I hit “delete.”

Sure, there is a good chance that I am being paranoid and/or over-protective, but I would much rather be too protective than throw caution to the wind in a foreign environment. No other generation has grown up in the public eye like the children of mom and dad bloggers. No one knows the long-term issues that may arise from the public family scrapbook. As more and more parents publicly share personal pictures and stories, we can only hope that it will be a positive experience for both the parents and the child. I am not very optimistic that it will be, but I hope to one day be convinced otherwise.

Do I think other mom and dad bloggers who post pictures and names of their children are wrong? No, I don’t. Do I think parents who share potentially embarrassing stories of their children or family are wrong? Absolutely not. It’s just not right for me and my family. It’s good to know where you stand before you publish a blog. It’s important to have a good idea about your boundaries and the boundaries of your family. They may change over time, if your personal convictions allow for it, so it’s a good practice to regularly ask yourself these questions. And, ultimately, it all comes down to this: when in doubt, delete.

Thoughts? Would love to hear them.

Sorry I’m so excited about this, but it kinda feels like a milestone for me.

This time last year, I wasn’t even thinking about blogging. It never even crossed my mind that, one day, I would join the esteemed ranks of mommy bloggers. But I’m so glad I did. The past 8 months or so have been a whirlwind of writing posts, reading posts, and meeting and connecting with (both online and off) some wonderful bloggers.

So in honor of…well…my blog, I think this 100th post needs to showcase what I consider to be the highlights from the past 100 blog posts. Maybe you’ve read them all (Hi, Mom and Dad!) or maybe this is your first time here. Either way, I welcome you on a little journey through my favorites.

September 2009

Belly Bullies – A post where I declare war on people who (wo)man-handle pregnant women and disregard their feelings. If I ever get pregnant again, I’m going to make a t-shirt that says “If you touch my belly, I will sit on you.”

Bring Back the Yips Yips (An Open Letter to Sesame Street) – I think the title says it all. I miss the Yip Yips on Sesame Street! Please sign the petition if you agree.

Where’s The Music? – In short, a summary of my favorite music for babies and toddlers. You won’t see Baby Mozart on this list.

Your New Baby Is Here. No Accessories Included – My list of all the products that helped me during the newborn and infant stage. I forward this list to everyone I know who is expecting their first baby or is in search of the perfect baby gift.

October 2009

Big Brother (Part I) – A series of posts where I contemplate making my little Monkey a big brother. It’s an ongoing internal conflict that is leaning towards…I still don’t know.

Guest Post: Get Crafty With Lauren from The Little Goat – My first guest blogger, Lauren from the blog and Etsy shop, The Little Goat. Her “wunzees” are adorable!  She gives you some tips on how to make your own.

November 2009

Turn Off Yo Gabba Gabba. It’s TV Time for Yo Mama – A list of must-see TV for couples that may otherwise have trouble finding shows they both enjoy. Most husbands will not watch Real Housewives with their wives. This list will help couples before they resort to going to two different rooms to watch TV. Don’t let that happen to your marriage.

Oh, The People In My Neighborhood – Live on a street where you have wonderful neighbors, people throw block parties, and you all get along perfectly? You probably won’t understand this post and that’s a good thing.

It’s Hard Out Here For A Cashew – What’s it like being raised half-Catholic and half-Jewish, otherwise known as a Cashew? Let’s start with double the guilt. In fact, I feel guilty even writing about this topic.

Foodie Friday Special Edition: This Ain’t Yo Mama’s Turkey – Chef Ryan explains how to cook the perfect turkey. There is a reason why this is one of my most popular blog posts. This turkey recipe is perfection!

December 2009

It’s Good To Be a Feminist Housewife – No, really, it is. Find out why.

My Grandparent’s Guide To Love – I wrote this post a few days before my beloved grandmother passed away. Five months later, her husband (my grandfather), is just trying to maintain the will to live. This is a love story that is 70 years in the making and it will continue long after he is gone, too.

A Mama’s Year-End Review -  If my 2 year old could give me a year-end review, this is probably how it would go.

January 2010

Foodie Friday: Lamb Ragu with Homemade Spinach Fettuccine – Do I even need to explain this one? Save your weight watchers points for this incredibly delicious recipe.

February 2010

The Games Couples Play – I love playing games with the Dude. No, I mean real games.

Mental Monday: A Lifetime Sentence To Worry – You never stop being a parent. And once you become a parent you’ll never stop worrying, either.

March 2010

In Support Of Gay Rights: A Message To Mamas – We need to stop the bigotry and intolerance against the LGBT community and I’m asking moms to step up. Why? Because not only is it the right thing to do, but it might be one of our kids that will need equal rights, protection, and acceptance.

Mental Monday: ‘Til Death Do Us Part - To know profound love is to also know intense pain and heartache.  But, if you ask those that have lived through the death of a partner, it’s all worth it.

Foodie Friday: Reservations for Two…Plus a Highchair -  Don’t go to restaurants with your young kids without reading this guide for dining out with children.  You do not want your kid to be that kid in the restaurant.

April 2010

Favorite iphone Apps for Toddlers – The iphone helps me be a better parent and here are the apps that make it possible.

Foodie Friday: Sunday Morning Bacon and Zucchini Frittata – The Dude explains how he treats random Sundays as Mother’s Day, by making me a delectable frittata. This recipe is just one of the many reasons why I married him. Awwww….

The Children of Afghanistan – A photo montage of children in Afghanistan, photos courtesy of my sister who lives there.  These pictures both break and strengthen my heart.

May 2010

Foodie Friday: Eat Your Heart Out, San Francisco – A food diary of sorts of all my favorite restaurants, specialty food shops, and markets in the various neighborhoods of the Foggy City. I’ve been asked how long it took me to create this list. Surprisingly not that long. I’ve been a *yelper* for almost 3 years, so most of these places were on my review list already. Take this list with you if you’re visiting SF or try new places if you’re already there! 

Thanks for coming along the ride down AYMB memory lane. It’s a short lane, but a lane nonetheless. Hope to keep seeing you down the road.

My Two Special Guys - the Dude and the Monkey

Hello! Welcome to Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog (AYMB). My name is Aimee.

I am a SoCal native, born and raised, but fled to San Francisco when I was 20 years old. I lived there for about 12 years before moving back to the land of Housewives and Hummers. During my time in SF I met a really smart, funny, and all-around cool Dude*…despite the fact that he’s a lawyer. I married him and we have a little boy who is 3 years old. We nicknamed him “Monkey” when he was first born (original, I know) but he really has turned into one.  He grunts, likes to climb stuff, loves bananas, and has opposable toes.

I have a BA in Sociology, a Masters in Public Administration, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology. You might wonder what I actually do with those degrees. After many years working in low-income government housing management, I am now a registered pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFTi).  Once the Monkey came along, I put aside my career in counseling to be a stay-at-home-mom. I started this blog in August 2009, which has led to some great opportunities. Aside from writing about topics that I love, working with great companies and agencies that I respect, and hosting the occasional fabulous giveaway, I also write parenting articles for the wonderful Tight Bod With a Pod website and have been featured in a few other publications, including the StrollerDerby Blog via Babble.com. In addition to this blog and the occasional freelance writing opportunity, I also sit on the Board of Directors for a non-profit philanthropic organization.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to contact me at aimee@aintyomamasblog.com if you have any questions or comments.

You can follow me on twitter or fan the AYMB page on Facebook!

PR Policy: My blog is PR friendly, with some exceptions. Not all products will be approved for a review. Please also note that I will not review or endorse a product unless a give-away item is included. All reviews and opinions are based on my own honest experience with the product and will not be influenced by free product or compensation.

Comment Policy: I have the right to delete or ignore comments that I consider to be offensive, disparaging, or irrelevant to the topic. You have the right to disagree with me, but please do so in a civilized and constructive manner. I’ll make sure to do the same.

*Why is my husband called The Dude? Two reasons: I actually do call him that (among more embarrassing nicknames) and I am a HUGE Big Lebowski fan.  But, unlike the original Dude, my own Dude does not call himself The Dude nor does he particularly care for White Russians. He is, however, an excellent bowler.