Mommybloggers: Kristen, the Mommybloggers adore your open, honest, no-holds barred way of writing on your blog. You really have a way of writing that makes your readers really feel like they know you. With a blog name of Motherhood Uncensored, we have to ask, is there anything that you consider off limits in your writing on you blog?

Kristen: It’s funny that you should ask that. I just got a real life card (like they still make those??) from a fellow blogger who shared a bit more about her family and work that she keeps off her personal blog and when I went to write her back I realized I had absolutely nothing to tell her that she probably didn’t already know.

I’m a pretty open person, even in “real” life, however my blog is definitely my little space to just let it all out. With that being said, my in-laws and husband don’t read my blog; if they did, it just wouldn’t allow me the freedom to be as uncensored as I am. I like to think my posts are laced with sarcasm and irony in such a way that folks who came across them and actually “got” them, wouldn’t be offended. That is everyone but my in-laws. *insert nervous chuckle* For the most part, as was particularly obvious in my recent post about kid leashes, the people that read me regularly get me and know where I’m coming from. That is very satisfying.

Mommybloggers: Why do you blog and how has your blog evolved since you first started it?

Kristen: I started blogging back in November 2005 when a dear friend of mine and fellow military spouse shared her blog [imwithsocrates.blogs.com] with me. She encouraged me to start one and since my days mostly consisted of figuring out ways to get my daughter to sleep in a flat, horizontal position that didn’t involve me holding her, I figured it might challenge my rapidly atrophying brain.

Also, I was always pretty honest about mothering (sometimes even with they didn’t ask…I’m always great fun at a baby shower…) – like how I would sing “Why did I do this to myself??” to the tune of Twinkle twinkle while rocking my daughter to sleep at 3am, or how I passed a blood clot the size of my boob after birthing my daughter and thought it was part of the placenta. Mainly it was the crap no one ever tells you about and moms never really talk about. I distinctly remember pacing the halls of my house thinking “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done… why didn’t I know this?” Anyway, I decided that maybe I could tell the dirty secrets of motherhood that no one else was talking about and help out another mom like me.

And most importantly, I needed to do something with my time. I was teaching one class at the local university I resigned from after having my child and I had absolutely no hobbies – nothing that I could call my own. I was getting pissed every time my husband wanted to go out with work friends, or play golf and basically, I was totally enmeshed with my daughter and needed a shot of something (legal, of course).

Being a New Jersey transplant living in Mississippi, I felt (and still feel) entirely out of place. Coupled with having NO friends here in town (the sans-kids folks never ask you out once you’ve had a kid and the moms with kids that I know are more the scrapbooking, sober-bunko crowd), I needed some like-minded folks with whom to share my stories – and really, someone to tell me that I wasn’t crazy.

Originally, I debated about making my blog public. And then I realized that comments are blog crack and I liked getting feedback and connecting with people. When I go back and read my early posts, they seem somewhat forced – like I was writing a college essay on “breastfeeding.” Also, I used to post about 12 times a day and while I do have a lot of material, I try to spread things out a little better. Better blog strategery…

I feel that just in the last few months I’ve really found my own writing style and my “way” of telling a story. It helps that I read a TON of blogs and learn from some really great writers out there. But overall, I feel as though what you get on my blog is ME.

Mommybloggers: Tell us about being a total, overeducated misfit in a podunk town. Share some about some of the run-ins with freaks and hicks. I know there must be a lot of material there!

Kristen: Well, there was always the popping butts story I wrote about where the mom of a tiny preemie 9-month was talking to the other "gals" during our mommy-baby class about how her daughter started spitting food out and she just picked her up and POPPED her on the butt. Yeah. Nice one. And these were edumacated ladies themselves.

Mommybloggers: Have you had any bad experiences with blogging?

I’ll let you know after this interview is over. (heh). Actually, not yet *knocking on wood.* Blogging has been really good to me. It’s given me a new outlook on life, opened up new opportunities that I never thought were possible, and it’s made me comfortable with myself. Even my non-blogging friends notice a difference in me.

Mommybloggers: Let's talk about the controversy you unleashed about children with leashes. Did the backlash bother you or did you see the humor in the fact that so many people did not get your sense of humor and that you were writing tongue in cheek?

Kristen: At first, I was really surprised that people had a problem with the post. And honestly, it was only a few people that did - most of the readers that visit me regularly stated their opinions in a tactful manner. I was called judgmental and an "anti-tree hugger" but I wasn't offended. I mean, I am like a twice removed tree hugger cousin. How can I hate on my own relative?

Nobody got personal and for the most part, I found people were defending themselves to the commenters and NOT my piece.

My friend and I had a good laugh about it - and that's why I decided to write the rebuttal. Mainly, I couldn't believe that only a handful of people got the irony in the whole situation.

Mommybloggers: What has been the most rewarding part of blogging for you?

Kristen: I love the connections I’ve made with other like-minded moms. I finally feel that I am part of a community – and even though I can’t go visit them on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis in person, I can pop over for a cyber visit, share my successes and failures, and know that they support me in my work as a mother. I think a community of mothers is a strong force – not only for the individuals who are a part of it – but in terms of social change and making a better world for our kids. Oh damn. And the attention. I freaking LOVE the attention. *smiles*

Mommybloggers: You told a deliciously wicked tale about a chance encounter with him that caused speculation that it was actually a true-life encounter. Were you surprised that so many people believed you?

Kristen: Totally. I have never considered myself remotely close to a good fiction writer, and ironically, the story that got posted was one where I chose to do a meme interwoven in the text. At the time, I thought it was brilliant, however, I think maybe three people commented. Doesn’t that always happen? Anyway, a few of my blog pals even thought I was for real. I was/am truly flattered.

However, two fans over at the site totally busted me. Apparently, PD is not so into the infidelity thing. Too bad. We would have had a great time.

Mommybloggers: If it came down to it, we just want you to know that at least one of us would take you on if we had to fight over Patrick Dempsey. Do you think you could win?

Kristen: I’m a very tall, half-asian with a lot of pent-up sexual tension. Need I say more?

Mommybloggers: Jenn thinks she can totally take you when it comes to Dr. McDreamy. We're just saying. She won't give up without a fight. Any thoughts on that?

Kristen: Considering she does have to put up... er... I mean raise three and I'm only dealing with one under 2, I imagine she could put up a good fight, however, I just got two full nights of sleep so she may have a bit of a tough time.

Mommybloggers: In your former life you were a published textbook author, musician, college professor and designer shoe glutton. Now you find yourself in the new position as military wife and stay-at-home-parent. Which job is harder?

Kristen: Dealing with college students can be a huge ass pain, particularly music students as you read in my post, but motherhood is by far the hardest thing I have ever done (and the scary thing is that I’m not even at the 2 year mark; I am fully aware it gets a lot harder). The instant I had her (or perhaps it started during…), I had a new found appreciation for all mothers in the world.

Mommybloggers: What has been your biggest surprise as a mom who blogs?

Kristen: I’m surprised at how many moms feel the same way I do. I had always thought I was the only one who called up their sans-kids friends and whispered “Don’t ever do this if you like sleep, freedom, and a worry-free existence.” Turns out, it’s pretty common.

Mommybloggers: Now, it is standard for us to ask this question, so we are asking. Although reading your blog and your eloquent posts on the topic, we realize you consider yourself a mamablogger, but for our readers here, tell us, what do you think of the phrase "mommyblogger"?

Kristen: Being a mommyblogger of sorts has afforded me amazing opportunities, so I can’t knock it. Plus, it has a really nice ring to it and lots of double consonants. How can you not like it?

Mommybloggers: Can we just take a moment to praise your blog Cool Mom Picks? LOVE IT! It is funny and informative. Can you tell us how that came about?

Kristen: I’m so glad you love it. That makes me happier than you know. I got the idea after noticing how many moms out there made really cool stuff that no one knew about. I honestly had never even SEEN a shopping blog. I just wanted to find cool stuff, write funny and witty reviews about them, and perhaps help moms get the word out.

I asked a few of my blogging pals (Rebecca, Izzy, and Nancy) if they would be interested in writing and then went from there. One of the writers (The amazingly fabulous Mom-101 [mom-101.blogspot.com] aka Liz) offered to partner up with me, and we’ve been working hard at the site ever since.

The site was originally called Cool Mom Shit. It just sounded fun and um, cool. However, after realizing that we had found a niche and the blog was really taking off, we decided to change the name to something that people would want to say out loud without feeling weird. Personally, I love saying the word SHIT, but it doesn’t go over so well with the PR folks.

We currently review products, services, and charities particularly those created/owned/directed by women/moms. I like to think that people like the items as much as the funny write-ups. You can’t beat Jesus Jogger booties on Easter. Plus, our items are fairly reasonable and down-to-earth. You’ll find books, music, baby announcements, clothes, etc. Like we say in on our site, no $17,000 Victorian Baby Doll Houses here…

We’ll be doing an official “grand opening” of sorts during the first week of May with lots of fun giveaways. Plus, we’re releasing the first issue of our free monthly newsletter in which we’ll be offering our favorite picks of the month and featuring a short article on a special mom-trepreneur.

Mommybloggers: What is your favorite part of running that blog?

Kristen: I love getting emails back from people we’ve picked. They’re generous, kind, and very thankful. It’s a good feeling. Plus, it’s fun to work with Liz. She’s amazing – writer, mom, person. She challenges me to write better and really gets me to step out of my box. And, let’s face it. I live in Mississippi. While I used to be reasonably cool, I’m pretty far removed from what’s hot and hip. So, it’s a great combination. She’s a sassy New Yorker who knows what’s in and out, and I’m the Deep South military mom (of sorts) who has an eye for all things practical.

I will say that I’ve probably spent more money in the past few months than I have for 2005 on fun cool stuff. We truly love all the stuff we put on our site and I find myself going “I’ve got to get one of those” all the time.

You work with some other amazing women on Cool Mom Picks and it is obvious that you give both blogs your all as well as other writings you do online. Have you found more hours in the day that we should know about? Where else do you write online?

I just let my daughter watch tv all day. Ha. Honestly, I write my posts during nap time and at night. I’m a perfect example of what being cooped up with a baby for about 18 months with very limited human contact can do. While it might drive some women to insanity, I just got a lot of blog fodder. Plus, I live in Mississippi (did I mention that yet? *laughs*). It’s amazing how much material I get from that.

I have a feeling that I’m on the verge of wearing out my proverbial blog welcome, but I have a column called Misplaced Mommy over at mamazine.com and I’m also a dot-mom.

I have an essay coming out in the new issue of The Whole Mom, as well as my birth story in Fertile Ground Zine. I have to say it's been great writing something other than research articles and textbooks. I love being able to share a part of myself - particularly since in my previous writing experiences, I had to work very hard at keeping myself out of it. I think it was good for my confidence - mainly because if I got a research article rejected, I didn't take it personally. Rejections of my current writing are a bit tougher since I put so much of myself into them. However, I know it's part of the biz. You'd think motherhood would prepare you for tough stuff like that, but I think with all the hormones, it makes it worse.

Mommybloggers: Okay, because we are nosy, tell us a secret that no one else knows. Honest, we won't tell anyone. (We will publish it, though.)

Kristen: I’m a new clubmom blogger. There. You broke it first.

Mommybloggers: COOL! Our first scoop! Thanks! ANd of course, congratulations!

Mommybloggers: And here are the questions we subject all of our featured bloggers to (With apologies to Bernard Pivot and Inside the Actors Studio):

1. What is your favorite parent related phrase?

I like “I’m going to clean, cook, and take the daughter out for awhile so you can have some peace and quiet.”

2. What is your least favorite parent related phrase?

I’ve banned “your large stomach rolls” from ever being said in my house.

3. What is your favorite creative censored curse word used around children?

Um, sadly, we don’t have any yet. Considering I said “son of a bitch” the other day and heard my daughter go “bitch bitch,” I’m thinking we need to think of some quick. I’m open to suggestions.

4. What is your favorite hiding place within your home when you need to get away from it all?

I usually head to the computer room. But, I think my daughter has the nose of a bloodhound since even when my husband is home, she finds her way back to me. I never get much time alone in the house unless I have a babysitter. I figure I’ll be waiting up for her late at night soon enough, so I should enjoy the time that she wants to be with me.

Oh who the hell am I kidding? I would (and do) pay money for time alone.

I recently took my first trip away from my child since I have had her and I read 2 FULL BOOKS while I was gone. I haven't read that much in 3 years... It's amazing what a little alone time can help you accomplish.

However, she would not speak to me over the phone and I'm currently feeding her handfuls of candy to get back into her graces. And doing the four piles of laundry my husband had kindly created for me.

But it was totally worth it. And I would do it again next week.

5. What hiding place have you been found in too often and can no longer use?

See above.

6. If Oprah exists, what would you like to hear her say when you arrive at the Oprah Winfrey show when she features all of our featured Mommybloggers.

“Today we’re allowing these fine women moderate a discussion between Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields. Let the games begin.”

We have had a great time interviewing Kristen. Be sure to come back tomorrow when we have an essay she wrote especially for Mommybloggers. In the mean time, be sure to visit her personal website Motherhood Uncensored and the fun Cool Mom Picks!