Having a baby changes everything.

I’m not going to apologize to Johnson and Johnson for borrowing their ad slogan to introduce this web log (blog from here on out, okay?!?) They are just stating the obvious. Any woman, and her man for that matter, will attest that having a baby does more than produce a family heir and irresistible cuddle buddy.

Nurses put that baby in my arms and in an instant, I changed from fun-loving ‘Mary Mary’ into a mother. No one can warn you about the metamorphosis. You wouldn’t believe anyone anyway.

For instance, the obligatory “So You’re Having a Baby” books tell you to catch up on your sleep before the baby is born because the baby may wake up frequently during the night. That’s true. But would you have believed the author had she (or better yet, he) written this: Catch up on your sleep, mom, before the baby is born because, after birth, covert genetic programming kicks in that alerts your sleeping brain to every burp, sigh and whimper your newborn (and 27-year-old) makes?

This writing space, the MomBlog, is devoted to moms (dads are welcome, too!) living the small town life and all that means. Every week, I’ll throw out a few thoughts and I hope you’ll throw back a few of your own. I envision a writing space where previously cool people who are now parents can debate things we’d have laughed at B.C. (before children), such as “Are you required to write thank you notes for children’s birthday party gifts?” “Can I skip the PTA meetings and booster club and still be a good mom?” or, perhaps, “Is it true cradle cap can be fixed with some olive oil and a fine-tooth comb?”

And we don’t have to keep it light. There are moms right here in north Florida struggling to keep their marriages together “for the kids”. Is that always best? I bet there are a few moms out there who can provide guidance on that one. We have moms whose children are grown now mothering their own parents. I bet MomBlog readers can offer her a few survival tips. What about dads who are mothering children whose mom has checked out on drugs? They could use some support and advice.

Agree with what you read. Disagree with what you read. Just don’t ignore what you read because the MomBlog needs you to share your thoughts, gripes, ideas and emotions to be a success.

Now tell us what you think about that.