As the mother of an active toddler, I barely remember my pre-baby self. Lyss Stern, founder of Divalyssicious Moms, sent me a copy of her new book If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself.

On Wednesday, I’ll board a plane for the first time since my son’s birth in April 2008 to attend the BlogHer conference in Chicago. I would like to thank Medela for sponsoring my trip to BlogHer and WebmasterRadio.fm for their support.

While I know a few moms whose children never watched any TV before they turned two and who strictly limit screen time for their older children to the occasional educational French cartoon, this standard of perfection can be next to impossible for the rest of us to meet. 
The huge gap between experts’ advice and the actual viewing habits of American children demonstrates the need for some more realistic and pragmatic recommendations.
So stop feeling guilty. While Mama Luxe pretty much avoided any TV before Baby Diva’s second birthday, Mama Mwah often starts her day …

Her Pants Are So On Fire Izzy ponders how to teach her daughter not to lie. Some moms seriously bashed Izzy in the comments, but all she did was temporarily confiscate a favorite toy. What do you think? (IzzyMom)
Paternity Test Men can be so weird sometimes, but at least Rebecca has a sense of humor about it. (Girl’s Gone Child)
Activities That Encourage Reading (Part Two) Great advice from one of my favorite bloggers and a reminder that next week is National Children’s Book Week. (Scribbit)
And This Will Help…What, Exactly? …

F is for Freud…in which we pick up where we left off from last week’s session…
pump and dump: a fairy tale for the modern working mother (momomax)
V Is For Vulva (That’s Good Enough For Me): subtext for tots (Her Bad Mother)
I May Very Well Be the Stupidest Person on Earth: A roller coaster ride–but way to stand up for yourself. (IzzyMom)…
Oh, and no you aren’t, Izzy. I believe that honor goes to this justice judge idiot: Omaha court case widens from screening test to baby’s meals… (Hathor)
We are NOT …

Who needs therapy? The internet is cheaper.
How to Raise your Children to be the Type of Adults You Want Them to Be: I began writing what they call a mission statement… (Thingamababy)
To Put it Bluntly, Kids Are… (Suburban Oblivion)
Stepping Off: A Frog in Hot Water: When divorce is a new beginning. An inspiring read even if your marriage is healthy. (via Maya’s Mom)
Postpartum depression nearly killed me. Then I had a second baby.: An honest and personal account that provides hope for those who suffered from postpartum depression and want …

Going Green for Halloween Creative suggestions from Mama Luxe on how to have a fun and environmentally-friendly Halloween. (MamaSaga)
Adults-Only: Why Are Cities So Child Unfriendly Rebecca rightly distinguishes between the self-absorbed parents who let their precious darling babble throughout a wedding ceremony and the average, considerate mom who just wants a cup of coffee without facing the glares of strangers. What do you think the proper balance is? How do you handle a Starbucks run when you’re with your toddler? (Babble)
No Kid, Huh? A witty and insightful essay by Izzy …

Our Bodies, Ourselves…
Mommy Body: Embrace It Or Fix It?: It is great that moms (and yes, Grannies) can be chic and hot, but that doesn’t mean we need to slice ourselves into plastic clones. Resistance is futile–embrace the Mommy Body. (Love Shak, Baby)
What I Believe: Feeding our children: Like mama said, “Slow down and eat something good.” (CDG)time again to squeeze your lemons for signs of breast cancer: A powerful post with some good questions. (mod*mom)What I Don’t Know Can Hurt Me: “I don’t mind being old. I much prefer …

Growing up and getting creative:

Preschool is good for the three-year-old soul: Sometimes you have to nudge them out of the nest a little. (CityMama)
My Kids Can Do It, Home Depot Can Help: I can’t wait! I want to become handy, too! (Daddy Forever)
Artwork Thursday: Autumn Greetings: Nice Japanese influences–perhaps she has impressionist tendencies? (Clare’s Dad)
That Mom: Confession, I’m already that mom. Oh, and a purple sun is WAY cool. (GGC)
Hey, like I was saying… Hi!: The sparkle in the eyes–a psychological examination worthy of Rembrandt. (PJM)

Celebrating with carnivals …