DC Metro Moms

The Body Scoop for Girls by Dr. Jennifer Ashton: A SV Moms Group Book Club

What questions do teen girls have that they are embarrassed to ask? Who will they be asking? And what answers will they receive? Knowledge is power - why not give our daughters some of that? Join us today as we discuss the book The Body Scoop for Girls by Jennifer Ashton, M.D., Ob-Gyn with Christine Larson.

Here are what the SV Moms Group contributors have to say today, all inspired by the book The Body Scoop for Girls:

• Jennifer from Connect with your Teens through Pop Culture and Technology says that teen girls today have more pressure, yet also more resources
• April from It's All About Balance sees that these girls, they are a'changing
• Lisa from Grandma's Briefs has no talk here
• Michele Spring Fajeau from ReadOutLoud advises to "just say know"
• FireMom from Stop, Drop & Blog reviews The Body Scoop for Girls
• Nancy from From Hip to Housewife asks when is puberty ed a bit too ed-ucational?
• Eileen from The Breezeway gets emotional about the future
• Amy from Occupation: Mommy is giving her girls the scoop
• Cristie from The Traveling Circus talks hormones with the girl
• Bonggamom from Finding Bonggamom explain that girls have xxx and boys have yyy
• Roxane from Rox and Roll has a confession to make
• Rachel E. Ayers from A Little Each Day is doing a little advance planning, since her daughter is only 15...weeks old
• Melissa from Life with Sophia states that it's not a vagina, people
• Dannie from DannieSpeaks thinks it's ok to have a guide
• Vanessa from Chefdruck Musings talks about the birds and the bees at home
  

DC Metro Moms Blog is hosting the book club discussion this month. Please leave a comment below to join in the discussion.

Past SV Moms Group Book Clubs have included:

• Just Let Me Lie Down by Kristin van Ogtrop, Editor of REAL SIMPLE magazine
• National Geographic's Green Guide Families by Catherine Zandonella
• Top 100 Finger Foods and Top 100 Baby Purees by Annabel Karmel
• The Possibility of Everything by Hope Edelman
• The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex by Kristen Chase
• Coco Chanel & Igr Stravinsky by Chris Greenhalgh
• See Mom Run by Beth Feldman
• Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind by Phillip Done
• This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Topper
• Do One Nice Thing by Debbie Tenzer
• Birth Day by Mark Sloan, M.D.
• What Happened to the Girl I Married? by Michael Miller
• Testimony by Anita Shreve
  
• Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
  
• Much to Your Chagrin by Suzanne Guilette
  
• It Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson
  
• Who By Fire by Diana Spechler
• The White Trash Moms Handbook by Michelle Lamar
• Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues
• The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert W. Sears
• The Other Mother by Gwendolen Gross

Click here to read all about the SV Moms Group Book Club.

Discussing Same-Sex Marriage With Kids, At Breakfast Of Course

Why are those two guys in the paper, Mommy?  Why are they holding those babies?   How come the babies are so fancy?

Read about these guys.  Read the story.  Would you please read this one, Mommy?

The questions and requests were simple, and although the answers should be just as easy to share with my 6, 4, and 3 year-olds, they weren’t.   Usually, our newspaper reading is a little less exciting, but today, it really got us thinking.

I realized in the brief moment between putting Cheerios on the table and pouring my coffee, that I had never really talked to my kids about same-sex relationships.  It’s not something that I’ve tried to hide from them, but before now, the opportunity to discuss same-sex marriage has never arisen.

I remember in my early 20’s, pining for a Carson Kressley to enter my life.  I envisioned marathon shopping trips topped with unlimited and unsolicited fashion advice.  I wanted a pal and confidant to guide me in all the ways we straight women--for some strange reason --believe that gay men would if we had one as our best friend.   It’s silly, ridiculous, and I’m embarrassed to even write it.

Still now, I--we--don’t have gay friends.  We really don't.  We don’t know many people—okay, anyone—in a same-sex relationship.  It’s 2010.  What on earth is wrong with us?  We’re a liberal, forward-thinking, open-minded, educated couple in the very diverse mid-east.  Where are our gay friends?

Did I Really Say That? Really?

There are times when I look back at things I have said in the past and cringe to myself.

Because I was one judgmental little pain in the butt.

When I was in my 20's I was someone who felt the need to tell everybody ALL my views on life and oftentimes, how I thought others should be living their lives.  I think I thought I was providing a public service of some sort.

Well if that me was standing in front of this me now, I'd have a real bone to pick with her.

And she (I) might have even gotten a little b&%ch slap from me.

SLAP.

It mainly had to do with the obnoxious things "Old Me" would say to my friends who had children.  Being a mother myself now (one who can hardly find the time to brush my hair, mind you), "New Me" would really like to go back and pick a really nasty old fight with "Old Me".

And I am surprised more of my friends didn't.

Here are just some of "Old Me" views on life that I felt the need to share with anyone who would listen.

No. YOU Take Your Sexy Back. Keep it.

I had the pleasure of reading Mominatrix: A Guide to Sex by Kristen Chase recently. 

There is no double entendre in that statement.  I read the book.  It was excellent.  It made me happy.  I laughed.  I cried.  I got my money's worth from the bulk box of tissues we get from Costco. I will recommend it to friends.

Now, when I say that I cried, please note that this is NOT a sad book.  It's actually quite funny, bravely frank and a complete riot.  Kristen Chase has chutzpah and passion combined with a smart, witty mind and the writing skills to execute.

I really do heart her.  (Happy Valentines Day Kristen!)

I think it's just find that maybe, (maybe?) I have found myself in a teeny bit of a sad place when it comes to anything that has to do with my own individuality. and well.  Hmmm . . . .

Well, I guess the best thing to say is that the sexy me went on a bit of "hiatus".   Not like a two week hiatus.  More like a several year hiatus.  I don't know when she is coming back (She is SOOOOO, inconsiderate like that.  John is hopeful but I told him that she may let him down.  No updates to her itinerary have been made available).

As a mother of two children still in diapers - I was very excited to get this book through the Silicon Valley Moms Book Club in honor of Valentine's Day. 

I told my husband we would be receiving it in the mail and dropped hints as if he was to expect some immediate rewards once I finished the book.  I also tried to give him meaningful winks, but given my total and utter lack of sexiness these day, he mistook it for a twitch and asked if I was dehydrated.

He's a really sweet man.

I was hopeful that being in possession of the book would be all I needed to reclaim some of the "old Kiran."  This would be in contrast to "OLD Kiran" which is how I feel now.  They may sound like the same thing, but they are very different.  Very much so.

"old Kiran"  knew how to party like a rock star and have a good time.  Party more than Keith Richards.

"OLD Kiran?"  Hmm.  Not so much.  But she more closely resembles Keith Richards.

Sexy Is An Attitude, But Sexy Panties Help-Mominatrix Lead-In

I'm addicted to panties. Not as in I can't go commando, but I love buying underwear. I'm not picky about the material either: cotton, satin, silk or lace. I get excited when Victoria's Secret has their semi-annual sale. I love the bargain undies bin at Frederick's of Hollywood. Heck, I've even sewn my own.

I even like the word panties. Not underwear, not undergarments, but panties. Sure, I'm guilty of throwing on the mom uniform of t-shirt and jeans, but I like having a cute pair of panties under them. Why? They make me feel womanly, sexy even. When you're a mom of two small children, it's hard to get your mojo on at the end of a long day of spit-up, dirty diapers, and a whining preschooler. After reading Kristen Chase's The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex: A No-Surrender Advice Book for Naughty Mom, I second her belief. Dressing the part helps bring the sexy back. (Cue some Justin Timberlake).

The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex by Kristen Chase: A SV Moms Group Book Club:

With Valentine's weekend just behind it, we're having a little love talk...well, sex talk, really. Do moms still have good sex lives? Can they? Join us today as we discuss The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex: A No-Surrender Advice Book by Kristen Chase.

• Thien-Kim from DC Metro Moms leads us off, saying sexy is an attitude, but sexy panties help. Thien-Kim also gives us some tips on her personal blog Laugh in Bed about parent-friendly sex toys
• Kimberly from Tippy Toes and Tantrums states that her boundaries are easily tested
  
• Vanessa from Chefdruck Musings waxes oh valentine
• Melanie from tales from the crib's countdown continues
• Bonggamom from Finding Bonggamom asks what is fun in the bedroom? sex or text?
• Cristie from The Traveling Circus is talking about sex so run for your life!
• Kristine from Mommy Needs Therapy or a Bottle of Wine
   advises keeping your naughty mom groove on
• Lisa H. from Hannemaniacs asks if her blog is blushing
• Monica from Lady M talks about friends with books
• Mamaneena from hooney! critic is doin' butt
• Rox from Rox and Roll is speechless
• Amy from Occupation Mommy has another occupation: wife
• Meghan from Meghan's Mindless Muttering talks about dry spells
• Alma from Marketing Mommy finds What Every New Mom Wants.

DC Metro Moms Blog is hosting the book club discussion this month. Please leave a comment below to join in the discussion.

Past SV Moms Group Book Clubs have included:

• Coco Chanel & Igr Stravinsky by Chris Greenhalgh
• See Mom Run by Beth Feldman
• Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind by Phillip Done
• This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Topper
• Do One Nice Thing by Debbie Tenzer
• Birth Day by Mark Sloan, M.D.
• What Happened to the Girl I Married? by Michael Miller
• Testimony by Anita Shreve
  
• Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
  
• Much to Your Chagrin by Suzanne Guilette
  
• It Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson
  
• Who By Fire by Diana Spechler
• The White Trash Moms Handbook by Michelle Lamar
• Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues
• The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert W. Sears
• The Other Mother by Gwendolen Gross

Click here to read all about the SV Moms Group Book Club.

Join us for a SV Moms Group Book Club: The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex by Kristen Chase

Let's talk about sex, baby! For Valentine's Day, we thought it would be nice to have a bonus book club. Join us next Wednesday, February 17, as we discuss The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex: A No-Surrender Advice Book by Kristen Chase.

About the Book:

Whether your post-baby sex life suffered only minor speed bumps or you had to relearn how to drive, having kids does really change everything. It's not that your libido got stranded at the hospital but rather it just went on mini-hiatus – you know, after the kids are asleep, the laundry is folded, and you've lost the post-partum belly rolls. Or at least bought stock in Spanx.

The last thing you probably need are helpful hints from an expert who just wants to send you on date nights or make you name your husband's private parts.

The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex will help you get back what’s rightfully yours. No harsh judgments, boring commentary, or embarrassing exercises. Just a frank, funny discussion about sex after kids for new moms and seasoned veterans. From the nitty gritty on pregnancy and post-partum sex to spicing things up when the flame starts to burn out, even a chapter that's just for the dads, the Mominatrix takes on everything you need to know or want to ask.

So get ready to toss out those mommy jeans and dust off those handcuffs.

Join us! Purchase your copy of The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex by Kristen Chase here.

Past SV Moms Group Book Clubs have included:

• Coco Chanel & Igr Stravinsky by Chris Greenhalgh
• See Mom Run by Beth Feldman
• Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind by Phillip Done
• This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Topper
• Do One Nice Thing by Debbie Tenzer
• Birth Day by Mark Sloan, M.D.
• What Happened to the Girl I Married? by Michael Miller
• Testimony by Anita Shreve
  
• Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
  
• Much to Your Chagrin by Suzanne Guilette
  
• It Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson
  
• Who By Fire by Diana Spechler
• The White Trash Moms Handbook by Michelle Lamar
• Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues
• The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert W. Sears
• The Other Mother by Gwendolen Gross

Click here to read all about the SV Moms Group Book Club.

Maybe Cory and Conan will fight over me

I don't recall how it happened, whether I followed him first or he found me.  All I know is we shared our love. Yes, it's true. I shared love with a man other than my husband. A man I met over the internet. We Tweeted  expressed it openly and  DM'd it in private.  I told this man, I wanted to visit him and we could continue what we had started online and bring it into our real lives. I even made a video about the love we both share. I know, I know. I'm married. I have two kids. I live in a completely different state.  And yet I told this man I would meet him at a diner in New Jersey so we could both get us some...

Coffee.

Oh what a woman would not do to get a decent cup o'Joe. Maybe it borders on criminal, maybe it borders on the inappropriate, but Cory Booker, the Mayor of Newark, became my caffienated confidant. You see, I could tell Cory about my Java use knowing he was simpatico. Yes, I know, some people would consider it akin to a platonic  affair, disclosing my gold filtered unfiltered feelings to a man other than my own husband, but I don't see it that way at all. My husband has no interest in coffee. Nay, he spurns it.   Do I sneak out of the house to fulfill my needs? No. Absolutely not! I grind at home. Right in the kitchen. In front of G-d and everyone. There is nothing tawdry going on and my 19  year marriage is still a strong brew.

The Sudden Changes in the Life of a Fourth-Grade Girl

As the mother of a nine-year-old girl, I know that when she hits the teen years I'll need to buckle up for a bumpy ride!  Adolescence is notorious for being a time when our children descend into a teen-age black hole from which they don't emerge until at least the end of high school.  I figured I had a few good years to go until I had to face those inevitable changes in my PunditGirl.

Apparently, I've been in denial.

Pretty much every day since she was in kindergarten, PunditGirl has insisted that just dropping her off at the school's front door was not acceptable to her.  I had to walk in with her every day, past the front office while holding hands and accompany her to her classroom before saying goodbye.  She's not alone -- since parents are welcome to do that at her school, loads of moms and dads are always in the halls -- helping with jackets or snowpants, getting things stowed in cubbies and giving that last hug (or air hug!) before running off for the day.  I knew that lovely ritual would end one day, I just didn't want to think about it.

That day is now.

First Comes Princesses, Next Comes Weddings

My three-year-old has been obsessed with princesses since she was one and a half. Apparently the natural progression is weddings. Thanks, Disney. She really wants to get married, even though she really has no idea what it means. 

Previously she asked her dad if she could marry him. “I’m already married to your mom,” was his clever reply.

While using the bathroom at a fast food restaurant, she brought up weddings again. Don’t you know all great parenting moments happen while your child uses the potty at McDonald’s?