2014 was truly an incredible first year for Columbia SC Moms Blog. We are so thankful to all you, our readers, who were right there with us as we shared stories about our families, highlighted all the fun things to do in this city we live in, and encouraged each other in the equally rewarding and challenging life of being a Mom.
To cap off 2014, we wanted to share our top 10 most-read blog posts from this year. They are stories of motherhood, daily life, loss, saving money and making the most of this great city we live in. We hope you enjoy re-visiting them as much as we did.
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1. What Normal Looks Like
“Oh, I can’t have you over,” other moms always say. “My house is a mess.” I arrive for a playdate and as soon as I come in the door, I’m told, “Don’t judge me, the house is a wreck. No, seriously, it’s destroyed. Please don’t look. I’m so embarrassed.”
Lies. Lies, lies, lies.
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2. The REAL Reason We Wear Our Babies :: A Tribute to Ariadne
Babywearing gave Ari a precious gift. She spent her days wrapped in her mother’s wraps and her mother’s love. She smelled, touched, saw her; she lived and breathed with her. Oh, she got down and ran. She tumbled and laughed and ate watermelon and danced. But when playtime ended, when she wanted a safe place, up she went. Up to mama. Up to her heart. Ari knew she was loved.
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3. 10 Tips to Help a Friend Survive the First Year After Pregnancy or Infant Loss
When a friend loses a baby or pregnancy, it’s really hard to know what to do and say. And often, the mother cannot really express what she needs. The first year after pregnancy or infant loss is especially difficult. As a mother passes through all of the “dates” and baby anniversaries, that dreaded “year of firsts” can be extraordinarily painful.
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4. The Best Free (and Almost Free) Activities for Kids in Columbia
The last school bell’s finally rung, the last mad morning rush has passed, the bookbags are hung up til August. It’s 99 degrees with 99% humidity. Summer’s finally here, and it’s still awesome – those golden weeks before the boredom sets in, before you’re climbing the walls and counting the days til school starts. Keep those golden weeks going with our top ten list of “practically free” things to do during those long summer days. Because, you know, you’ve got to beat those summer blahs somehow.
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5. 6 Outdoor Spots in Columbia for Perfect Family Photographs
Whether you have chosen a professional photographer or are equipped with your own point and shoot, finding the best place to take family photos can be a tall order. Luckily, Columbia has many outdoor options for creating fantastic photographs. Here is our list of six outdoor spots in Columbia for perfect family photographs.
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6. Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Columbia
Two hours to the mountains, two hours to the beach – Columbia’s famous for its easy getaways. But beyond sitting on a beach or climbing a mountain, there’s lots to do within a three hour drive of the capital city. Columbia has plenty of day trip options for kids and adults. Here’s some of our family’s favorite quickie road trips sure to make memories – at a distance short enough to keep you sane.
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7. Top Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Woman
Have you noticed that being pregnant is an open invitation for family, friends, and complete strangers to have free reign over your body? All of sudden everyone on Earth is rubbing your “little Buddah belly” while doling out ridiculous and unsolicited advice. When I was pregnant with my daughter I was blown away by some of the questions and comments I received. I have compiled some of the best worst said to me and my friends below, along with the comments I wish I could have said in response.
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8. Why You Shouldn’t Tell a Mom She Has Her Hands Full
If you ever see me out and about with three (soon to be four) offspring, or if you see any mom who has several small children with her out shopping, eating, or just being, here’s a short list of things to say instead of, “You’ve got your hands full” …
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9. Where Did All My Friends Go?
When my daughter was born I selfishly believed my life would basically stay the same. Sure, I knew some things would change, such as my sleep schedule and ability to fit into pre-pregnancy skinny jeans, but I had no idea how having a child would affect my social life. “Where did my friends go?,” I kept asking my husband as I tearfully scrolled through Facebook statuses on a Friday night.
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10. The Low Income Family :: Making it Work with Less
I know firsthand that it can feel overwhelming, and downright depressing, to barely have enough to get by. Trust me. I know. The thing is, it is absolutely livable, and it is completely possible to make it work for your family.
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Other Popular Posts
A Columbia Mom’s Guide to Splash Pads, Spray Pools, Mist Pads and Water Parks – Mary McCrary
How to Be a Supermom (or just act like one) – Sarah Bradford
10 Things You Should Be Saying to Your New Mommy Body – Natalie Mullis
Walking With a Friend Through the Loss of a Child – Kristi Bothur
Five Things I’ll Never Say to My Son (and Five I Say As Often as Possible) – Marian Cowhig Owen
A Guide to Farmer’s Markets in the Midlands – Catherine Faulkenburg
Intactivist :: My Son Was Born This Way and He is Perfect – Barbara Reggio
Understanding My High Needs/Spirited Child – Stephanie Fuller
How to Survive Endless Nights During the Dreaded Sleep Regression – Cheryl Glantz Nail
Cloth Diapering :: 3 Very Good Reasons to Make the Big Switch – Natasha Brown
Keeping Your Child Safe in a Car Seat – Lindsey Young
The Reality of Adoption with the Conspicuous Family – Kristen McGuire
School Lunch Ideas :: Healthy Options Using REAL Food – Kelly Fici
How to Savor Motherhood :: Advice from an Experienced Mom – Lori Clarke
A Mother’s Guide to Pumping at Work :: Tips and Tricks – Tiffany Nettles
Top Spots in Columbia to Brunch with Kids – Ashleigh Wilder
A Guide to Columbia’s Pick Your Own Farms – Alexa Bigwarfe
Picking a Babycarrier :: Advice from a Babywearing Educator – Elizabeth Broadbent
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Other Popular Topics
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There you have it! Our Columbia SC Moms Blog Best of for 2014. Now we want to hear from you! What are your “Best Of” moments from 2014? Thank you again for an awesome year, and we are looking forward to an even better 2015. Happy New Year!
Thank you for sharing these mom bloggers. I moved to this city 3 years ago to teach Special Education and see how big of a need for help with assisting parents of children with special needs.