That's right! For months now, I have been pregnant and keeping it a secret. "Pregnant!?" you say (while trying not to judge me.) Yes! Pregnant! Pregnant with possibilities! Pregnant with purpose! And, today, I can barely contain myself as I introduce you to my baby...WeParent.com!
Several months ago, I decided to start blogging as a way to build up a writing routine that would eventually lead to my authoring a book about African-American parents and co-parenting. My first blog, as some of you know, was actually called WeParent and was going to be about my co-parenting experience. It lasted two posts, one about my pissedoffedness with my son's father over the booster seat and the other about why I feel so passionate about co-parenting.
Then, I started The Mama Spot...and fell in love. I discovered a gift, a new way of connecting, a community...an entire new universe. And, somewhere along the way, I also discovered a calling. When you weren't watching, I was becoming convinced that by sharing my rocky journey through self-growth honestly and humbly, I could help people find a path to change in their own lives and eventually find a way there, myself.
As that new consciousness was converging with this role called "co-parent", I committed myself, perhaps for the first time fully, to one of my "brilliant ideas" (You would be shocked to know how many others are sitting dusty in drawers, closets and long lost notebooks.) I stepped into that awesome space of allowing my faith to be stronger than my fear; of truly believing that my "..playing small does not serve the World." And, that one step propelled me into a mission to create a space where mothers and fathers like my son's Daddy and I can find information, healing, encouragement, advice and perhaps even joy as we parent together even though we now live apart.
Sleep and meals have become distractions as I find myself getting high off this thing! It truly has become my baby. And, as far back as its conception, it has been surrounded by the love of an unwavering village for which I feel endless gratitude. As I stand here before the Academy...oh...my bad...wrong speech! But, really, there a are a few people who I need to big-up for their role in this birthing process...and a whole lot more who I'll thank outside of the blogosphere. So, here goes: (pulling list out of lapel pocket) Shout out to Ronald, my technology guru and unfailing cheerleader; my son's father, who shall remain nameless, but who made all this possible by being my Baby Daddy (and who has been supportive even when it means that his business gets shared with all of you); my own Daddy who is a constant voice of encouragement; and to John of Sozo's Design who brought the vision to life and who has truly offered this as a labor of love...a website Baby Daddy of sorts. Renee of CutieBootyCakes, my cyber-inspiration among many other great things; and Tish who provided the creative vision for the site. And, of course, to so many others whom I count among the miracles that guided me to and have joined me in this exciting new adventure.
So, now, finally, here's what you'll find on WeParent.com:
- Blogs like MamaSpeak and Fatherhood Freestyle where a team of blogging Mamas and Daddy's tell what's on their minds
- Columns like Real Families, which features co-parents making it work and Words from the Wise, our advice column
- WeParent Connect our online community where members write their own blogs, engage in discussion forums and share cute pics of their kids
- And lots more...
I hope that each of you will visit the site, and share it with someone you think might benefit from the support of a community of parents and parent advisers focused on strengthening our families. And, don't fret, now that we've launched, I'll be back posting weekly on The Mama Spot.
I can't wait to hear what you think about WeParent! Please spread the word!
