ChicagoNow | Parenting In the Loop

Did you know that I write another blog over @ChicagoNow?

For several months now, I have been publishing thoughts on a blog at “Today’s Grandmum”. It has been challenging to keep up with new and interesting stuff on two sites and I am not sure that as of this moment I would consider myself successful at this challenge…at least not yet!

This past Sunday, I was able to enjoy a front page New York Times story about a NYC firefighter. It touched my heart in many ways. It was a short memoir experience of sorts, which made me experience the empathic feeling of being in Firefighter Sullivan’s heavy gear. I shared his anxiety and fear and finally his relief and joy afterwards.

Firefighter Sullivan’s experience as a “probie” in New York City’s Fire Department was chronicled from his lowly firehouse chores to his “baptism by fire” at his first fire where he rescued an infant with whom he shared his oxygen mask to give the child needed air to save his life. A new firefighter rarely has enough oxygen for himself during his first fire due to his nervousness which cause him to suck in from his tank rather than just breathing normally thus depleting his reserve of oxygen must faster than normal.

First fire stores are burned into a firefighter’s memory forever more. They use their story to help other young firefighters prepare for their initial fire.

Firefighter Sullivan’s “baptism by fire” inspired my latest blog post @ChicagoNow

I invite you to read my blog, Today’s Grandmum for the full story.

Let me know what you think about my new effort. Read a few of the posts and remember comments are always welcome. I appreciate all my readers and would love to hear from you here and over at ChicagoNow where there are many interesting blogs by some very talented writers.

I am excited to tell you all that I have a new blog,

Today’s Grandmum at ChicagoNow.

I will be continuing to post on both blogs,

Parenting in the Loop and Today’s Grandmum.

It has been thrilling to be chosen to join the great group of bloggers at ChicagoNow.

It is my hope that you will click on it and enjoy some of the great topics from some of Chicago’s finest bloggers.

When I began this blog a little more than five years ago, it was a very new endeavor for me. At the time, I was a new grandmother and I was interested in everything baby and newborn. As a former, mother/baby nurse, newborns were hardly a mystery but I had to admit that much had changed in the years since I had my own children. Fortunately, it seemed that all my questions about baby products, foods, diapers, sleep training etc could be answered with a click of my mouse.

Not only were products available but young moms, who had real experience with these products were posting their opinions on their blog.

It was somewhat overwhelming.

But then, I began to realize there were no grandparent opinions. I am not quite sure what I was looking for but there was not anyone over 40 blogging about their parenting and grandparenting experience. The reality is that there are many grandparents raising their grandchildren due to varied circumstances. Where were they?

So my decision was made…I would attempt to blog about parenting as a grandmother.

and

Parenting in the Loop was born!

I have met so many wonderful parents, grandparents and people in general, who are on this journey and are willing to share it.

At the click of my mouse, I can talk to virtual friends all over the country and the world.

It has been a truly gratifying experience and it has helped me share my knowledge now that I am somewhat “retired” from nursing and social work, although I remain available online and on Skype for parenting support.

I welcome you to my blogs and Facebook. I am always grateful for your comments.

Happy Friday!