Feb
3
Your Baby’s Development at Week 39 of Pregnancy: You may notice that your baby is not moving around very much — he or she is in cramped quarters at this point!
Well, part of that statement is a big old no-shitter, but apparently Smalltopus has not been doing his Required BabyCenter.com Reading, or maybe he’s gotten wind of this whole cutting-into-the-belly-with-sharp-objects business that’s supposed to happen tomorrow and he figures his best bet for a safe exit is to simply mosh-pit his way out of there. I have grave concerns about this child’s ability to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time, based solely on his fetal activity level, which I would describe as “excruciatingly energetic”.
I am having a very hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this baby is going to be on the outside of my body tomorrow. I mean, I am more than ready to make good on his eviction notice because DUDE, human beings just shouldn’t get this pregnant, we should eject the babies when they’re about the size of a grapefruit and then keep them in fur-lined pouches or some such thing, but I can hardly believe that I’m going to meet my youngest son in a matter of hours, and that he will have a tiny little face that I will be able to look at.
Will he look just like Riley did? Or completely different? What if he looks like Trogdor — coupla beefy arms, consummate Vs? What if the ultrasound tech got her anatomy screwed up and STP is actually a girl, which would be fine, except the whole coming-home outfit would be ALL WRONG.
I am awash in anticipation. Also: fear. Also: chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
We go to the hospital tomorrow at 6 AM, and I’ll need to spend a few hours on some medication (NOT magnesium, thank god) before going into surgery. My guess is that they will stash us in some room where JB and I will languish for the entire morning until someone remembers we exist and whisks me into the OR. During that time, I imagine I will be oscillating between a full-body freakout and mind-numbing boredom, so I’m hoping you might indulge me with some bloggy entertainment.
I know lots of you have already sent your good wishes and I sure appreciate that. Here’s what I’m thinking: if you’re up for it and you read this in time, will you hit the comments box sometime between now and Monday afternoon and tell me a little bit about yourself? I’ll be able to read your comments from my phone, and it seems like a fun, distracting thing to do while cooling my jets in a depressing hospital room.
I have a little questionnaire in mind:
1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like)
2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like)
3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school, obvs.)
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
Oh, I know, I know. That last question is so lame, sorry. What can I say, I’d love to know your answers.
At some point tomorrow I think one of us should be able to update this site with some baby stats, otherwise check in with my Flickr page. Will there be at least one crappy newborn photo taken with a cameraphone? You bet.
All right, friends. I’ll see you on the flip side.
Comments
715 Responses to “The night before”
1. Naomi Rachel
2. 30 on Feb 11
3. I live with my boyfriend in CA, work in Derivatives + Commodities Trading documentation for a big bank in San Francisco (corporate America), enjoy reading, writing (few small works published, working on more publications!), photography (building a business focusing on pregnancy/baby photography) and spirituality. I love NYC (it’s my soul’s true home, lived there from 2002 - 2005) and hope to move back there this summer.
4. I’ve been reading your blog for a month or two, but I’ve ready pretty far back, and I keep coming back because you’re funny and quite entertaining and a really engaging writer! Also I love the photos you post.
Your name: Megan
Your age: 26
Your life in a nutshell: Second year grad student in Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M, living with my husband and a small fuzzy dog. Work consists of going to school and reading prodigiously boring textbooks in the hours between classes
How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading since shortly before you found out you were pregnant; I come back because you so often say things that I can COMPLETELY relate to, but cannot articulate in such a hilarious way. (See: posts about spiders, etc. I’m terrified of all bugs, and yes I group spiders in the “bug” category. Too many legs and no internal skeleton. EW.) Some of your posts have made me laugh so hard I’ve cried.
My name is Jamie, I’m 30. I live in Utah (no, I’m not mormon) and I live with my husband and 2.5 year old son and I am currently pregnant with son #2 due in June. I am a SAHM though I never thought I would be, I worked full time during my son’s first year. Not having a part time option, I decided to try being home for a while, and lo and behold, I kinda dig it! With a new one on the way, I don’t plan to work outside the home again for a couple more years.
I first started reading you at Purple is a Fruit and kind of freaked out when you announced that they were shutting down their blogs, so I went looking for your other blogs and found this one. SO HAPPY I DID! I love your writing style and since our boys are the same age (and we’re both pregnant with our second boys) I find I can really relate to what you talk about here.
Anyhow, GOOD LUCK TOMORROW! It will all go down without a hitch, I’m sure. Can’t wait to see STP’s first pictures!
Hi Linda!
My name is Melanie and I may or may not have commented on your blog before. Also, I’m 24.
I’m going to be starting school in March to become a licensed esthetician, down at a school in Renton. (Facials, anyone? *wink**wink*) Right now I have a shitty job answering phones for a company that is slowly stealing my will to live. No kids, but “watching” you do the whole pregnant thing is really making me start to think that not taking my birth control would be an awesome idea.
I’ve read this blog probably going on two years now. I come back because you are hi-larious, and because I think you would understand the necessity of a zombie/apocalypse evacuation route. And a survival kit. Not that I have either of those ready in my closet, or anything.
Also, it’s great to read a blog by someone from the area.
Thank you for sharing your blog with us and congratulations on the new baby, whatever size/gender/species he may be :)
(Also, remember to caucus on the 9th! Not that you’ll be busy or anything, right?)
Laurie, 30, I live with my husband and three kids (7 and twin 2 year olds.) I work in government records (much more interesting than it sounds.)
I’ve been reading since Riley was born, which was around the same time as my twins. Raising a toddler is hard work, but you put a funny twist on everything. I come back because you make me laugh and I can totally relate.
I went through the waiting room before C-Section and getting forgotten once admitted. They put me on some meds then about an hour later asked me to sign a consent form to allow nursing student to watch the delivery. If that happens to you, don’t sign or you’ll end up with a delivery room so packed, it looks like a movie theater with you as the main attraction.
Good luck!
1. Justmouse (sue)
2. 34 (never saw much point in lying about my age…well, except for the whole getting into bars thing…but that was a LONG time ago!)
3. (random flash of Austin Powers “help! i’m in a nutshell!”) hmm…i am married - almost 10 years now, to my best friend. he doesn’t live with me anymore, though…but it’s not like THAT. he works in a small hickville town 2 hours away. maritally, we are still stupidly happy. i live with my 16 year old son who is my OTHER very best friend in teh world, without whom sanity would cease to exist. thing Gilmore Girls, only he’s a boy. for work i type. alllll day long. then for my TWO part-time jobs…i come home and type some more. sometimes i type for over 12 hours a day. sometimes i really hate my life. i have a large hairy dog who smells like bum, but i love to death. i wish i did more with my life and had the motivation/energy/attention span to pursue passtimes i actually enjoy (mostly artsy things). i am constantly torn between feeling about 100 years old, and being perpetually 14.
4. i have been reading you for YEARS! i think i love you in a non-creepy, non-stalkerish sort of way. i envy you, i admire you, i look up to you, and i hope someday to meet you and buy you as many fancy caffeinated beverages as you want from starbux. your sense of humor is delightfully sharp. you have made spurt diet coke out of my nose with laughter (”engorged labia”!). you’ve also made me cry for you with your honesty in dealing with lifes hard parts. you’re wonderful. i look forward to reading your blog more than any other i’ve ever found. (the only thing that perhaps enthralls me more is Cuteoverload.com and icanhascheezburger.com - sorry!) please. don’t EVER stop writing!!
(and good luck tomorrow! i’m so excited!!!!)
Hi there Linda!!!
1. Your name
Bel
2. Your age
22 (I’m not old enough to lie about it…yet!)
3. Your life in a nutshell:
Well I live in Western Australia in a house with my boyfriend, which we’re renovating. I’m very excited because we are getting air-conditioning installed today…it’s been between 30-40degrees celsius with no rain for about a month and a half now! I have recently finished a politics degree and work in a policy role.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
I’ve been reading this blog for about 6 months - another blog I read has a link to this one. I keep coming back because Riley is so cute (I’m very clucky for a 22 year old) and I’m looking forward to seeing how cute Smalltopus is! I also enjoyed reading and seeing pictures of your completed renovations - I am renovating and it’s the LAST TIME I’ll do it because living on concrete floors and without ANY doors in a house sucks! But looking at your completed reno’s reminds me that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel…If you would like to read my blog it is belsbigblog.blogspot.com other than that - good luck with the birth Linda, I can’t wait to see the gorgeous newborn pics!!!
1. Erin (they call me mama on Flickr)
2. I’m 32, 33 in April
3. I’m married to an Air Force officer, so we have moved around a lot in our 9 years together. We have two little girl, 4 and almost 2, and I stay at home with them. Before that I was a teacher. Oh, and we have an 8 yr old choc. lab and an 8 month old Great Dane puppy. They keep me pretty busy, too. I am striving to become a better photographer. And I’m learning the ropes of Photoshop.
4. I read because you’re funny, you say the things I only wish I had the guts to say (my family reads; I’d be too embarrassed), and you take great pictures. I’ve been reading for quite awhile now, a year maybe? More? I’m more of a lurker, but I comment every now and then. Like tonight! Plus, you are embarking on an adventure I’ve already lived: the birth of your second baby. I know you’ll find it as wonderful as I have with my two girls. :)
1. gabby
2. I just turned 34 last Friday
3. I live with my hubby of nearly 9 years and my 18 month old son. I’m an at home mom who is sllllllloooooowwwwly getting back into freelance journalism after taking a nice long break. However, we are moving states in a couple of months, so I think I should add a couple more os to slowly.
4. I’ve been reading for…at least a couple of years. I think I started right after you had Riley ish. I keep reading because you are funny. And say what we all think & would say if we dared. Or had a blog of our own!
Congrats & good luck tomorrow!
1. Laura (as it says above (below?))
2. 24
3. I go to grad school in Toronto. I live in a crappy tiny 6 bedroom apartment. I study medieval things and spend a lot of time answering such exciting questions “what are you going to do with THAT?” I also take a ton of photos and have just started knitting. Ta daaa.
4. I started reading back when you were on diaryland. I kept coming back because I found you very funny and very interesting. (what a keener answer)
1. Melissa
2. 35
3. Your life in a nutshell: I’m an independent children’s bookseller, and I live outside of Philly with my husband and our sixteen month old daughter. We’re moving to St. Louis in June.
4. I’ve been reading this blog for about a year, although we actually met at JournalCon Austin and I think I read it for a few months then. I stopped reading journals altogether for awhile. I hope tomorrow goes really well for you.
I’m 24 years old and live in Georgia. My life cannot fit into a nutshell, but I will try. I was a Navy brat in a dysfunctional/extremely abusive home, moved away from the crazies when I was 17. Went to school for sociology and psych, graduated, did a live in nanny job and more and now work in management for FedEx 600 miles away from said crazies.
I hang out on your blog cus you are an amazing writer and you write out what I’d love to say myself. I love to see pictures and hear about positives and negatives in a normal functional home. I like your suggestions, your thoughts and the readers of your blog are usually intelligent and can have great conversations. It’s an awesome little community you’ve got going here.
Name: Trena
Age: will be 32 in August
My life in a nutshell: will be married for 4 years in June to my husband, mama to Owen who will be 2 in July, work part-time for the Red Cross but since that BA in history hasn’t exactly panned out, I also go to school part-time studying IT stuff (who knew there was a computer geek just waiting to mouth-breathe her way out?) and I do a little web-design on the side. We all live in fabulous SW Virginia.
How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I think (?) I started reading right before Riley’s first birthday(maybe? that would have been right after Owen was born…so things are still a little fuzzy). I keep coming back because you’re funny (in a good way) and you say things that a) I wish I had the nerve to say and b) in a much more articulate manner than I ever could. That and Owen gets so excited to see pictures of Riley (what can I say–keeping him locked in that closet all day makes him lonely for other kids–I KID!!!)
Good luck tomorrow–hope everything goes without a hitch and we’ll be eagerly awaiting updates!
1. Heather
2. 32
3. I’m married, two cats, no kids. I live in Quebec City, and I am an event coordinator/public relations thingy/shelf monkey at the city’s only English bookstore. My husband and I have just bought our first place. I’m crazy afraid of wasps, and hope to move to Barbados someday.
4. I’ve been reading this blog for many years… at least six, maybe more? I keep coming back because you’re so damn funny, and your writing is brilliant. You say things the way I wish I could say them.
Congratulations on Smalltopus’ arrival! I wish you a speedy recovery from the delivery, and lots of ice cream.
Oooh crikey, self-revelation, shoe on the other foot etc.
Tina, 48 years old (sadly true) but mentally stuck around 14 I think. Separated, two BOYS! who are wonderful and live with me. I have a boyfriend who is a hell of a lot younger, which keeps the insecurities alive and kicking. I work as a business analyst for a company in the agriculture industry (yawn) but it means my office is out in the country with a lovely view from the window.
I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog for years and years. I’m a fair way on from the new baby thing but I remember it well. Going into the hospital and seeing an empty bassinet in the corner of the room, realising with a jolt that pretty soon there would be a -whole-nother person in there. When I had #2 I was filled with surprise - hey, he’s different!
What keeps me coming back - your humour, your openness and your wonderful way with words, for starters. Also - consumate V’s!! You get 34,987,347 extra points for having Trogdor in your blog!
1. Your name
Hilary
2. Your age
34
3. Your life in a nutshell:
I am married, with a 2.5-year-old girl and another one on the way in early June. I work part-time as a writer and editor. I go to the office 3x a week for a nonprofit where I delight in wearing something other than cargo pants and chatting with my single girlfriends about their dating woes, and then cram in as much editing and writing work as I can during my daughter’s naps and on the weekend. I live in San Diego 2.5 blocks from the beach–the trade off is living in a very small house. I USED to compete as an amateur boxer (as a hobby) and I hope to get back to training after #2 is born…but can’t imagine being anything but round right now.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
I started reading about a year ago–I think I found you through Kristin’s blog. The reason I started reading was bc our kids are the same age, but I keep coming back because you’re hilarious, honest, and sound like someone who would be wonderful to know.
GOOD LUCK! I’m so glad I’ll get the truth on dealing with 2 from you before I step off that cliff.
You’ve been in my thoughts all week. Tomorrow by this time, you’ll all be a family of four, and the thought just blows my mind. I’m really happy for all of you.
Questionnaire:
1. Your name:
b.
2. Your age:
31 — but I’ll be 32 in a couple of weeks.
3. Your life in a nutshell:
My life is currently defined by my marriage: because of it, I’ve gone completely around the world in a Magellan-like circle. I have lived in a small Middle Eastern village, and I have two very energetic, very mischievous little boys. Currently, though, I’m just a Bostonian suburban housewife. Being from the South, I find Boston to be as nearly as foreign as any place I’ve ever been. I keep my mind from atrophying through blogging and connecting to others via their blogs. It isn’t that I don’t enjoy my life as-is, but there are only so many conversations about how trucks go BUUUUUUURRRRGH that one person can take — and there’s nothing very exciting about laundry, is there?
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
I started reading your blog when you were still at Dairyland. So. However long that’s been. What keeps me coming back? Your sense of humor, your perspective, your writing — and the sense that you are exactly the sort of person who, if I knew you IRL, I’d want to consider a friend. I can’t say the same about all the blogs I follow, but it is something that I can say about yours.
Best wishes for tomorrow! Can’t believe the big day is finally here.
Hi Linda,
I’m Erin, 33 years old and living it up in Ballard in what is gradually turning into condo hell. I’m a mental health social worker and I run a program that helps people reintegrate into the community. I’ve been reading you for a few years now–pretty much because you’ve got the funny and your writing appeals to me. No kids but I’m warming up to the idea and my boyfriend and I are doing what we can to move that along. Good luck tomorrow!
I’m not going to say anything other than I’m 40+ and have been following your Web site since I found it just before you announced you were pregnant with Riley.
May all of you have a blessed tomorrow! I look forward to meeting little “D”.
My Name: Erin
My Age: 33
All about me: I live in Canada with my husband, my son (who will now share a birthday with your son!), my daughter and two dogs and I do freelance graphic design and photography.
How long have I been snooping around: Long enough that I can no longer remember. I started reading you when you still had your old site and a good amount of time before Riley. My brother and/or my sister-in-law initially pointed me in your direction and I’ve been reading ever since.
Good luck tomorrow! I know how exciting/nerve racking the night before can be, but I can also offer that I found the recovery for a scheduled section much easier then for an unscheduled one. Either way you get a great little bundle in the end!
1. Kelly
2. Turning 28 on Feb. 4, so I’ll share a birthday with STP! :)
3. Your life in a nutshell: Quit my job as a news anchor to stay home with my kid, who is now 8 months old. Contemplating a career change. Trying to adjust to being a SAHM: love being with my kid, hate the new budget and lack of creative outlets. I live in PA. Working now as a freelance writer from home.
4. I’ve been reading for a while, and I come back for pics of your adorable kid, glimpses into my future with a boy, and most importantly, your kick ass writing. Hilarious!
Good luck tomorrow, and happy bday STP!
1. Kristin
2. 27
3. My life in a nutshell is that I was a library assistant for the past 8 years until I decided to go back to school to become a mental health counselor. Now I am an intern, complete with a client case load and therapy groups and it’s really just too much change from a quiet library to really wrap my mind around! I live with my partner of 7 years and my dog (whose named Riley and I know you hate that dog name-baby name thing so I apologize in advance!)
4. I’ve been reading your blog since you were about 3 months pregnant with Riley. I’ve really been a lurker for most of this time but thought you may want to know that I’ve been reading your blog consistently all these years. I keep coming back because your voice and stories are unique and real and I often relate so much to the struggles, joys and everyday life that you describe. I don’t read very many blogs online but I have sundry mourning bookmarked and I always look forward to new updates!
I wish you the best of luck tomorrow and I can’t wait to see how smalltopus will look and act. Riley was the most adorable child and I’m sure the 2nd will be just as beautiful as the first.
1. Amy
2. 26
3. I just finished grad school here in Seattle this past June and I now work as an instructional designer/technical writer for a consulting company (which sounds way cooler than it probably is). I live by myself for the moment, but sometime within the next year I’ll either be changing apartments or heading back towards the middle of the country where most of my family and friends are. I really wish I had enough room for a dog.
4. I’ve been reading you since Diaryland. My friends and I had journals at the time that were our means of keeping in touch and one day when I was wishing someone would post because I was lonely, a banner for your site came up. Shortly after, you posted a picture of Dog with a red glowing nose for Christmas, and I was hooked. I continue to read because you don’t mince words or life experiences- life is what it is and somehow you seem to have come out of everything a functional and happy person. What can I say- I must be looking for your secret :)
1. Mary
2. 46. Almost 47. Obviously a senior member of your fan club. Hate that.
3. I live in Edmonds with my husband, 18 year old son, 14 year old son and ten year old daughter. One dog and one recently acquired cat. Dealing with college applications, and finding, to my surprise, that teenagers are way cooler than anyone ever told me. I do taxes for a living.
4. I’ve been reading you for ages, I read you on diaryland for a long time before you moved here. I love your writing, your honesty about your life and your great pictures of your beautiful family. I hope, in a very non-stalker-ish way, that someday I will run into you at Fred Meyer. Somehow I think we have a lot in common.
Best of luck tomorrow, I will be sending good thoughts your way!!!
1. Hi! I’m Allison.
2. I’m 22.
3. I live at home with my parents (officially), I also live with my boyrfriend (weekends) who is in the Australian Army. I work in Recruitment in Sydney, Australia and I love my job, I have a Labrador named Spencer, I use a Nikon D70s, I’m going back to Uni this year to do Human Resource Management. I don’t have a blog but I have a Flickr page.
4. I’ve been reading your lovely blog since diaryland, firstly because you wrote about Dog, then you wrote about Riley, and now you’ll be writing about little-D. I’ve been coming back because it’s like a good book I can’t put down - I want to know what happens next! Sounds totally lame, but it’s true.
Fingers and toes crossed for tomorrow!
Hi Linda!
I’m Alice. I just turned 28. I live in Washington, DC and I’m a lawyer. I’m single and childless, but I think Riley is one of the more precious creatures I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I love your blog for its hilarious, raw, honest writing. Basically I have a girl crush on you, and a family crush on the gig you’ve all got going on out there. I’ve been reading for about two years and cannot wait to meet STP tomorrow. Good luck - I’ll be thinking of all three/four of you.
I am 43 soon to be 44.
I live in a tiny little town in northeast Nebraska where I teach video production/media at a small state college. My life consists of my 18 year old son, my great dane/lab dog, and my job. I was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer when a tumor broke the L2 vertebra in my back so I’ve been on the
disabled list for a semester.
I’ve been reading since before the birth of Riley.
I keep coming back because you’re funny and a good writer. You cheer me up.
Thanks for sharing your life with us. Good luck with the new one.
Hi and good luck and eeeeee!
I’m Victoria (ok, not really, but yeah)
I just had my birthday and this year’s a doubler for me (also an internet secret, but there’s your treat for your baby’s b-day)
On the interweb, I pretend I’m a spy. But I’m not. I just am making sure I have some illusion of anonymity and I want to make sure I’m not too tempted to talk about work. I live by myself and am not sure if I’m happy about that or not. I’m not in a relationship and each time I come out of one it reminds me that I don’t feel ready to be in one. I miss having someone to snuggle with though. I’m an aunt and I love that, but am not sure I want kids of my own. I don’t do much outside of work cuz being a spy’s a pretty tiring job! I like books and movies and I still sleep with my teddy bear.
I can’t remember how I found this site, but I’ve been reading for a few months now. I’m not sure how many… three… six? I keep coming back because I like your writing and your stories and your pictures.
I hope everything goes well tomorrow.
Hugs,
Victoria
Blessings and good thoughts going your way!
1. Your name: Samantha
2. Your age:32
3. Your life in a nutshell: I have been married to my husband, Brant for 9 years, we live in a teeny tiny cracker jack box, where we are raising our seven y/o daughter, Zoe. I teach preschool, and Brant is a Schwan’s man.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I have been reading this blog for AT LEAST two years. What keeps me coming back is your honesty, and most definitely your sense of humor.
I’m Erin, I don’t think I’ve commented before, but I’ve been reading for about 3 months (and read backwards quite aways and love your writing and the honesty in your stories).
I’m 29 and I live with my husband and two dogs in Portland, Oregon. I work in college admissions and my job is wonderful and crazy-making at the same time. I’m a doting aunt, but not a mom yet. I’m currently days away from finding out if I might be moving to Germany this summer.
I’m afraid I’ve answered your questions in a very round about way and I hope you’ll forgive me.
Best of luck to you tomorrow! I hope all goes smoothly and I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful mom to two. I’m very excited to see pictures :-)
Name: Stephanie Breck
Age: 38 (there is an old one in every group, isn’t there?)
Nutshell Life: Married almost 8 years, one crazy 2 year old little boy, Wyatt. Live with husband Justin in Kalispell, Montana - right, I know you’ve never heard of it - it’s near Glacier National Park. Moved here in 2005 when we found out I was pregnant to be near Justin’s fam (we were in Los Angeles where I worked in a hellish job, but had originally met in Oregon in law school). We are both lawyers. Would much rather be SAHM, writer, personal trainer, barista, I don’t know - anything but lawyer - but must pay off staggering student debts. Clearly, I have a big nutshell… Hoping to get pregnant this year to squeeze one more out before 40.
Why your blog: Been reading since I was pregnant, I think, so at least 2 years. A friend sent me the link. I’ve been sending it to friends, too. I return because you are a great writer that I really enjoy reading, I can identify with your every day issues (toddler hell, clothing dilemmas, home decor, horny dry-humping husband, etc.) but I also identify with some of your other more personal issues (the alcohol, to be exact). I appreciate your transparency - it is what makes you a great writer that people want to return to and read over and over again.
My blessings to you and your family - I will be praying for you and your child’s safe entry into this world. I am so excited for you guys - enjoy every little thing about the experience, Linda. Um, except for the part where they shave off half your bush. JB will be calling you Half-Beard for the next year, but it will all be worth it.
1. Name: Jen
2. Age: 27
3. My life in a nutshell: I was living in Seattle, but recently moved out to Northern Idaho to “be closer to nature.” (Which I accomplished; there’s a good five feet of snow directly outside my front door. ;o)) I live with my amazing dog, next door to my best friend, and have a friend of a friend staying with me for two weeks while he relocates to the area himself. I’m a grad student, and have about a year to go before I’m teaching in the college classroom. Watch out, world! ;o) Endless papers keep me plenty busy, but I do find time to volunteer at the local animal shelter.
4. Readership and return: I’ve been reading since way back in the Diaryland days. I don’t even remember how I found you, but I’ve been reading all this time because you convey an honesty that is pure, refreshing, and quite hilarious in your writing. I always wanted to drop you a line when I was still living in Seattle, to meet up or something… cause you just seem completely awesome… but I guess I figured that was a little too much like being a stalker. ;op'’
Best wishes for tomorrow!!! Er… perhaps today, when you read this!
1. g
2. 32
3. I live with my husband of 2.5 years and our 8 year old cat. We currently live in Florida where I’m getting a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology but we spent a few years in Portland, OR before grad school. We’re both Westerners at heart, having grown up in Idaho. My research frequently takes me to Latin America where I go into serious blog withdrawal!
4. I’ve been reading (lurking) for a couple of years. I keep coming back because I love your honesty and think you’re one of the best writers on the Internet. You’re also the kind of mom who makes me think I might want to have kids, which is a new feeling for me. That you share both the hard parts and the achingly wonderful parts in equal doses makes parenthood seem frighteningly real and totally worthwhile.
Congrats on #2! I can’t wait for the pictures.
I’m Allyson. My husband, baby, and the bean (EDD 3/11) live in South Carolina. I started reading you sometime before our boy was conceived and keep coming back because I have really enjoyed your stories and can really relate to some of your experiences.
Best wishes. I hope STP’s delivery is textbook.
My name is Tomika and I’ll be 29 (for the first of many times, I’m sure!) on Feb 23. I live with my husband and 2.5 year old daughter in the Houston area. My daughter is exactly one week older than Riley. She was also born at 37 weeks by c-section after a crazy attempt at inducing her birth. But, to top that all off, I then spent 4 weeks watching Hurricane Katrina news in the hospital cafeteria while she lay in the NICU. It sucked. We even started having to show our IDs to get into the hospital because the hospital was down the street from where all the New Orleans evacuees were staying in Houston. Then the day after we got her out of the hospital, we were in that mass exodus from Houston because of Hurricane Rita. That sucked too - took us 17 hours to drive 200 miles with a baby who only wanted her NICU nurses back!
I used to work full-time outside of the home for a local university. I was a software trainer so I got to teach the professors. In August (wow - it’s been 6 months already!), I quit my job and now I’m a full-time Ph.D. student and part-time graduate assistant. I work mostly from home, though, since the school is 100 miles from my house. I always said that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom while sending my child to day care. This feels pretty close to it and I’m loving what I do right now! I’m also in the process of trying to convince my husband that some money will fall out of the air for additional childcare should we procreate again in the near future.
I really am not entirely sure how long I have been reading your blog but, it started around the time that the ClubMom blogs started up. I read you sporadically for a while and now I’m hooked. Hooked because you crack me up and I really just enjoy your writing.
Good luck with everything tomorrow!
1. Your name : Quinn
2. Your age : 20
3. Your life in a nutshell: I’m a college student in Boston. One who is very depressed after watching a perfect football season go down the tubes. No kids… haha. Studying psychology here at a small all womens college right next to Fenway park. Live with a roommate in my dorm room that is smaller then a closet… and probably smaller then your new baby’s room.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
Started reading it because it was linked off another blog “When in Doubt, Use Parsley” that I found randomly searching my name on google (sounds very lame now) because her daughter is also named Quinn. I’ve been reading about a year and a half now, and your writing keeps me coming back, I love love love your style, wit, and sensibility.
GOOD LUCK from a college student who has no idea what you’re going through right now, but wishes you all the best!
Quinn from Boston
1. My name is Jen
2. I’m 31 years old.
3. I live by myself currently, i’m also currently unemployed but reading the want ads, applying for all kinds of jobs, and I have a degree in Early Childhood Education. However, i’m not sure I want to continue in that path so I’ve been applying for just about everything. (Dog groomer, Air Traffic Controller, superhero etc…)
4. I’ve been reading for, oh, about a billion years. Back from the Diaryland days. I stay around because I love your writing, and because I can relate to some of the things you have been through. Just thought i’d stop by and wish you good luck for tomorrow, it’s going to be so awesome and exciting and amazing! Well, except for the sitting around and waiting part.
Amy, 32
I live with my high school sweetheart and our kid (just a few days older than Riley). I did the parent full-time thing up until recently, when I started doing consulting for my old company (research in secure operating systems and networked platforms) part-time. We live on the Central California coast, but I pretty much constantly pine for New England, where we grew up. Maybe this summer, in the few weeks between hubby’s last teaching commitments and my own due date?
I’ve been reading since shortly after Riley was born, when an old flame of Chiara’s pointed me at your blog. I keep reading because you have a particular gift for capturing slices of life with wit, passion, and clarity. Thanks so much for keeping up with what must be a fairly time-consuming hobby!
And good luck with the little ones. Let us know how it turns out? :)
1. Name: Kristin
2. Age: 32
3: Life in Nutshell: I think you know about even the most uncomfortable bits — I’m a fairly recently single Mom of a two-year old who is a few weeks older than Riley. I have a wicked sense of humour, a love of swear words, bananas on my yoga pants, and a tendency to assholery at times. I’ve been obsessively reading you since…when, 2004 maybe?
I kind of feel like you are living the life I may have lived if the sliding glass didn’t close two seconds earlier, you know? I loved meeting you as much as I enjoy reading you, I love working with you over at the Insane Gravepit of Often Hysterical Commenters, and inexplicably, I am feeling nauseous for you right now.
Can I do something? I feel like I should be making cookies or pacing or something.
So excited for you, friend.
-Danielle
-just recently 27
-live by myself in a great little town in PA. I work in mutual fund regulation, but I’m desperately hoping to get out of it soon. For fun I like to play outside and buy cheese from the cheese shop a block away.
-I’ve been reading for about a year and a half. I think I got linked here from a comment you left on another website. I really enjoy your writing style and love to read your stories. Congratulations on Smalltopus!! Best wishes for tomorrow. I hope the waiting isn’t completely horrendous.
Good luck tomorrow! We’re all excited to meet your new little guy.
1. I’m Anna - super-secret-very-creative blog name Banana
2. 28
3. I live in Seattle with my husband. We just bought a house less than a mile from my parents house, where I grew up. I work as an event planner/wedding planner and an operations consultant for an arts non-profit. Hopefully in two years I’ll be operating my own business full time - half my time spent consulting and half the time planning weddings. I’m a crazy breed of planner and organized, OCD, nerd who LOVES to plan huge parties - weddings being the ultimate party. We just made the decision to start trying for a baby, so hopefully I add mother to my resume in the next year or so.
4. I’ve been reading you for a year and a half or so. My friend turned my on to your blog and I’ve been addicted to blogs ever since. Seriously addicted. I keep coming back because you are a wonderful writer and so relatable. Also, you’re pretty freakin’ funny.
I’m Nikki, 32 (33 in March) and live in Ohio with my 3 sons. I started reading you back in the Dland days and have just followed along since. I’ve enjoyed reading your writing not only for the laughs but also for the honesty of it.
I hope everything goes well tomorrow!!
Can’t wait to see pics of Smalltopus :)
1. I’m Miranda
2. I’ll be 25 exactly three weeks from today, which should be more exciting than it actually is.
3. I graduated from college in ‘06 and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life so I moved from Ohio to London to be a waitress. When I rand out of money I backpacked around Europe for awhile then came home to mooch off my parents, who are super cool. Now I have my first grown-up job in a cubicle and health insurance and trying not to go crazy working in a cubicle all day and writing when I can, which isn’t that much because boring office job + status as low man on the totem pole = very little free time or creativity.
4. I’ve been reading this blog for a couple years and keep coming back because, even though I’m single and not a parent, I like to think I’ll be a mom like you someday — brutally honest about the whole experience — the good, the bad, the wonderous and frightening. I like that you don’t sugar coat what it’s like to be a mom and don’t let being a MOM take over your whole identity. Best of luck tomorrow and the days following. Here’s hoping your day moves quickly enough for you to be comfortable but not so fast that you don’t remember it!
Melissa, 36, living with a lovely husband, two dogs, and a leaky roof. I’m a secretary for a few graduate programs at the area university. I’ve been reading for maybe two years, commenting irregularly, and I keep coming back because I like the way you write, you post great pictures, and I’m impressed with your husband’s fence-jumping abilities.
All the best to the soon-to-be-expanded family tomorrow!
I’ve been reading you for over a year. Can’t quite remember where I picked you up but love your funny posts. You have such a way with words and some of the most beautiful pictures. You know it’s always great reading about someone else’s life. I’m 47 and live in LA with my husband and two children 18 and 15. My daughter is in college where I work and my son is in the 9th grade. We love animals and have a dog and cat. I can totally relate to your life - reminds me of mine when my kids were young. Funny short story for you - mentioning your baby “accidentally” being a girl made me think back and smile - mine really was. She was a “he” through several ultrasounds and all during labor with the heart monitor hookup. OOPs. We had all boy clothes, a room done for a boy, blue stroller, blue highchair, etc.. AND diapers. That was back when the diapers came in big bulky boxes - blue or pink. No white… Ultrasounds have come a long way since then. Hope everything goes well with you tomorrow. We’ll be waiting to see your beautiful baby boy….
1. Stacey
2. I’m 30
3. I live with my husband of 2 1/2 years, 2 big old dogs- a German Shepherd and a lab/ shepherd/ border collie (we think) mix, and 3 cats.
I’m a pediatric physical therapist- I work with kids of all ages that have special needs. I’ve been doing this for over 7 years, and I really love it.
Thinking about having kids soon, although I’m not quite sold on it just yet. Reading your blog does make me want to inch a little bit closer, though- you make parenting seem like a fun adventure. Your son is awesome- I’m sure the next one will be just as much fun.
4. Gosh….a long time. I don’t even remember. 3-4 years, maybe??? Definitely since before you switched sites- I still remember the “much ado about everything” site. Back when cat and dog were the stars! I keep coming back because you write the way I think- I could hear myself saying the things you write. You know…if I lived your life or something. Not to get all “single white female” on you or anything. Don’t be afraid. Oh- and I love your pictures, too. Your whole site is endlessly entertaining.
Good luck tomorrow!!!! How exciting!!! I can’t wait to see the pictures of the newest spud. Soon, please. Kthxbai.
Is it selfish to ask that baby no 2 stays in until Tuesday, ’cause then we’d have the same birthday? No? Okay, then here’s the questionnaire to keep you entertained.
1. Your name: Bethany
2. Your age: I’ll turn 32 on Tuesday, February 5.
3. Your life in a nutshell: born in Portland, OR; moved to Tacoma for college; graduated and got a job in the area so I stayed; got a different job; married and then we moved north to Snohomish County (yup, I’m in your general ‘hood). Mom to two kiddos, a son, born May 2003, and a daughter, born May 2005. For work, I am in fund development and grantwriting for a local municipality. Snore, but I like it. But for fun I like to sew, read and hang with my kiddos.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? Gosh, I really can’t remember, is that terrible? I’m pretty sure I started reading around the time of Riley’s birth. What keeps me coming back is your honesty and humor about motherhood. I also like to read local bloggers - I love hearing about local haunts and insider info.
1. Elizabeth
2. 29
3. living and working as a teacher in Japan, married to a Japanese guy, only kids so far are 4 cats
4. I really can’t remember when I found you - it was when I first discovered online journals/blogs, probably about 4 years ago. I keep coming back because there is a “realness” about your writing that makes me want to find out what will happen next for you and your family.
Best wishes on your new baby!
1. Elizabeth
2. 29
3. living and working as a teacher in Japan, married to a Japanese guy, only kids so far are 4 cats
4. I really can’t remember when I found you - it was when I first discovered online journals/blogs, probably about 4 years ago. I keep coming back because there is a “realness” about your writing that makes me want to find out what will happen next for you and your family.
Best wishes for your new baby!
1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like) — velocibadgergirl
2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like) — 26 for another month or so
3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school, obvs.) — live with my husband and a spoiled cat; work in nontraditional education; eat too much ice cream; read a lot; love to be outdoors; buying a house (OMFG)
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? — two years, I think…I come back for the humor and the great writing. Also, the cute kid photos.
Best of luck tomorrow! Can’t wait to meet the STP!
sorry, that last one was me :P
1. Heather
2. 32 I’m a Christmas baby!
3. I live in Joliet, IL with my husband of 7 years and our two mutts. I work for a local radio station and spend lots of time on the train getting to and from work, but I love my job it so it’s worth it.
4. I’ve been reading you for several years and I love your complete honesty with the good and the bad of life. Life ain’t no freakin’ bowl of cherry’s all the time and some days it helps to know you aren’t the only one who has highs and lows :) Good luck with the new one and keep writing!
1. My name is Frannie
2. I turned 27 on Feb. 1…god, can’t I just stay 26??
3. I’m an LPN, working on my RN–still in school fulltime and working fulltime. I have a boyfriend and a cat Mazey. I live in downtown Orlando.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
I started reading your blog when I had diaryland-that was EONS ago. I was a young early twentysomething/brink of divorce/living in Bumfuck, OK. I found your writing to be completely hilarious, interesting, honest and cathartic. I really want to start a blog soon!
I’m happy for you and your family. : )
1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like)
Shana, rhymes with banana.
2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like)
I just turned 38. :/
3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school, obvs.)
I’m a SAHM to 5 kids. 16 yr old twins, one who lives with my mother because he’s very disabled. I also have a 4 yr old, 2 yr old, and a 6 mo old. I’ve had 3 VBACs, and the last one was a homebirth which lasted only 1.5 hours! I only have one daughter (the 16 yr old non-disabled twin) and 4 boys. I live with my passle of children and my Canadian husband in San Francisco, where I was born and raised. I’m one of those environmentalist whack jobs, but I still use toilet paper (for now). We cloth diaper 2 of my boys right now and buy ll organic and local, if we can. Oh, and I’ve gone back to school because I’m a glutton for punishment.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
I’m not sure. I think I started reading blogs right after my 4 yr old was born, so I could do something while I nursed. I’m pretty sure yours was one of the first I came across. And are you kidding?? You are a fantastic writer and your life is interesting. I love the pictures you paint with words.
Good luck tomorrow, Linda. :)
My name is Irene and I’m 40 but feel more and think more like a kid and sometimes behave like a teenager.I live with my hubby Kevin and for the moment we are staying at his Mom’s.We live on Cape Cod and just before we moved back we were living on Martha’s Vineyard for awhile and that was a different experience let me tell you.Everyone knows more about you then even you do and the gossiping that goes on is amazing.I’ve read your site for like 3 years maybe 4.I keep coming back for the humuor and great writing.
The personal lubricant photo and story still gives me a chuckle and disturbs me to this day.Please never stop this kind of thing.
Good luck with the new wee one.
Hiya, all the best for tomorrow :).
I’m Heather, 36 years old, live in Brisbane, Australia, with my deliciously nefarious husband Ian and our two dogs, a few chickens and several Siamese fighting fish. Incredibly excitedly yet still somewhat surreally expecting our first baby in early July, so 18 weeks up the spud :).
I’m a qualified EEN, choosing to work in the mental health arena which is an endless source of all sorts of fascinating and rewarding things. I LOVE it. I am also planning to start maternity leave at 36 weeks, a mere 18 weeks from now, the idea of which I also LOOOOVEEEE.
We’ll all be thinking of you!! :)
What a great idea! Plus it will definitely kill some time if you are waiting!
1. Elissa
2. I am… 34. Not so good that I actually had to think about it.
3. I was born and raised in the North Seattle area. My parents still live in the house where I lived from the age of 5 until I was an adult. I live with my hubby and our cat, Lucy, in Lynnwood. We have a VERY small house that is driving us nuts and have been looking for a nice house with land. Which is apparently impossible if you don’t make more money than we do. :P My brother and sister live within a half mile of me. One in an apt and the other in a condo with her teenage son. I am a Registered Nurse and work in North Seattle. Currently I work in a locked psych ward but am transferring to the special care unit. My husband got tired of me being assaulted by patients and wants me to work on a “safer” unit.
4. I have been reading for….. Geez….. I don’t know! Maybe 4 years???? I came across you from someone linking to you and keep coming back for many reasons. You are honest and have a wicked sense of humor. Those are my top two reasons. Plus, the way you speak about your family is really enjoyable. You love them beyond reason and are able to share with us hysterical stories that makes us feel like we know you. You are a very funny lady!
I’m Emily, 22 years old and I live in Victoria (BC). I just quit my job and started a new one at a brand new hotel downtown. I love ‘the industry’ because in the summer there’s always so much going on here and after more than a year of non-stop school and unemployment it’s GREAT to just be responsible for showing up at work every day and nothing else!
I can’t even remember how I found you or when I found you but I read Purple is a Fruit and this blog for probably almost a year? Anyway, I love your sense of humor (I don’t mean to stroke the ego, but it’s hard! Obviously we all come back to read you because we like what you write) and think the stories about your family and pets are hilarious.
I hope all goes well tomorrow! Congratulations in advance :)
1. April
2. On the verge of 25
3. In my final year of grad school at the big university in the metro where you live. I’m married and have 2 dogs. When I’m not studying I’m knitting and reading blogs. And trying to get myself to the gym.
4. I can’t remember how I initially came to your blog (maybe 1-2 years ago? I can’t remember), but I keep coming back because I think you’re hilarious, I love your pictures, and I like that we share the small connection of living in the same area of the country. When you post something about the weather, I think “oh yeah, I know that weather!”.
I’m looking forward to new baby pictures!
Also I’m adding you as a contact on my flickr (I think my contact name is emilygrace or emilyoliver… I can’t remember) but I thought I’d let you know I’m not a creep!
1. Lisa
2. 34
3. Nonprofit arts pro, married, buried in Chicago winter snow, breeding my own acrobat who is due to show me her face in late March.
4. A good friend in Seattle just introduced me to your blog a few weeks ago (she was hoping I’d be inspired to emulate your belly henna, which I’m still contemplating if we can get a damn pediatrician chosen and I can get enough damn work done to stop panicking about what will happen when I leave the office for three months…). I keep coming back because 1) you’re hilarious, and 2) I can relate. Fuckit Bucket is my new favorite phrase.
Good luck! Can’t wait to see the new little guy.
Hi Linda and fans. First off, I wanted to alert you all to my attempt to make a slightly healthier “Gooey Butter Cake”. It didn’t work. Click my link to see.
1. Amy Katrina.
2. Age is 30, 31 this month.
3. I’m living in Shanghai, my husband was offered a job here for a year. We have also lived in Spain (beautiful), Japan (wild and weird) and Portland (sweet, sweet, west coast home). I work on the internet for a student exchange organization - it’s not exciting.
4. I’ve been reading All & Sundry for 5+ years and keep reading because you make me feel like I’m at home. Also you’re funny and also, it’s like getting periodic installments of my favorite book.
PS: See, I keep coming back! HA!!
:::Clears throat::: Ok, I keep coming back because you write very, very well, take some great pics, are so clearly in love with yet real about your little family (even Dog, heh ;)) it’s joyful to read of and also? You’re fucking hilarious, Dude!
Oh crap, so excited to be writing about ME that I forgot to say - all the best for today, you have a global network of well-wishers going along with you. Internet hugs!
(can’t wait to read all the other comments; one of the other things I come back to your blog for is you have the most amazing community of sane, funny, open-minded commenters).
1.) Josie
2.) 26
3.) I work for a Large University doing administrative-ly stuff, but I also write novels, the first of which is getting published soonish. Divorced and single (thank god…honestly) but I hope to, you know, change that at some point. Your own story of finding love and family gives me hope.
4.) I’ve read you for years and years, and have found you to be quite an inspiration. Sundry, you are an eminently beautiful and creative writer, with an amazing view of the world that always makes me say “Christ, I wish I thought of wording it in that way but if I couldn’t I’m glad SHE could” And that’s why I come back. Well, that and the cute baby pictures.
Best of luck with this next life change! I’m keeping my fingers crossed and will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Hi Linda! I hope you are not too bored and am enjoying the experience as much as possible.
1. My name is Teresa, but everyone except my family calls me Tess.
2. I am 24 (11/22/1983)
3. I was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. I started my B.A. at UPS, but then met my boyfriend online and moved to Tampa, FL. I finished school in FL and my boyfriend and I just celebrated our fourth anniversary. I work as a supervisor at an insurance company in the mental health claims department. (Not very exciting, but always interesting).
4. I started reading your blog in the Diaryland days, about the beginning of your pregnancy with Riley. I keep coming back because you are hilarious and I love the way you present parenthood with a real face and still convey the true emontional purity that comes with it. I hope you keep up some sort of blog for years to come!
Good luck!
Val, 22
Uhm…rather boring. Decided that I hated my first degree 6 months after college, decided to enroll in nursing school, decided that yes I do like to torture myself becasue that’s all that nursing school is. Have a boyfriend…he’s a fair to middle-ing kind of guy. My first love is more like it. :)
I’ve been reading you for ages…and by that I mean a little over a year. You were linked from another blog and I think that I see my particular brand of crass/sarcasm in you…sort of upsets me becasue I thought I had that one trademarked.
I have my fingers crossed for you tomorrow. It’s kinda cool that you will increase your family by 25% tomorrow. Doesn’t happen too often.
1. I’m Amy. There seem to be a lot of us here!
2. I’m 32
3. I live in Atlanta, Ga with my husband of nine years. We own a plant nursery near Athens, Ga. (I read your updates on my phone during the commute, mostly.) No human kids, but we have 4 dogs. I am interested in photography and invested in my first DSLR recently thanks to your great photos. I love to read, shop and cook.
4. I started reading you just before Riley came along. I love your writing and I almost feel like I miss you guys when you don’t update. We’ve been really busy getting our business started, so keeping up with online journals is sometimes all the “socializing” I’m up for at the end of the day.
Aww, good LUCK! I am SO excited for you.
1. Debs
2. 23
3. I live at home (ha. ha!) because up until the end of last year I was doing my Bachelor of Music with Honours majoring in performance violin. Now I just don’t have a full time job and I don’t know what I’m going to do this year, I wasn’t accepted into Masters which I was relying on, so now I’m thrown for a loop. I’m applying for a job with Air New Zealand for longhaul international concierges which is a new position, and the interviews are this weekend…I don’t think I’ll get the job as I don’t really have any experience in travel, however no harm in trying (I guess). My life is kinda up in the air lately.
4. I’ve been reading this for years, way back before you left diaryland…but I think you know that already. I couldn’t leave now, I like your humour and I’m invested in your life. lol
Kathryn, 28, originally from PA, but live in Chicago with my husband of two years. Wish I also lived with a few dogs and cats (especially after watching puppy bowl today), but my husband is horrible and cruel and mean and maybe allergic. Allegedly.
Anyway, as for the rest of my life, I’m a brand-new lawyer, kind of hate it, kind of expected to. Unfortunately, student loans have locked me into it for now.
I’ve been reading your blog for maybe a little over 2 years? Maybe 3? Not sure…but I always return because you just crack my ass right up. Wow–3 years. I just checked, b/c I found you when someone linked to the entry with Cat, Dog, and the cracker box. Funny shit, seriously.
Anyway, good luck tomorrow!! And welcome, Smalltopus!
1. Janet
2. 26.5
3. Married, live in DC, work at a nonprofit advocacy group (for kids! saving the kids from evil dictator Bush!), 2 cats, no kids because jeez, have you heard about home prices out here?
4. Reading for a long time, at least a few years. I link to you on my blogroll and keep coming back for the hilarious, honest writing and the cute kid pics. I can’t wait for STP pics!
1. Heather from Calgary, Alberta.
2. 30 + several months. I still can’t believe it.
3. Life story? Hmm. A writer, as well as a full-time cubicle dweller. Diagnosed with MS a couple years ago (major suckage), own and share home with parents (no suckage - pretty decent, actually), work full time (often suckage), just started a part-time master’s degree in European philosophy (confusing suckage, so far, but I’m having a lot of fun), and just generally happy, despite occasional suckage. :)
4. Only a couple days, actually - I stumbled across it on Blog Explosion and I like your blog a lot.
Best wishes for tomorrow!
My name is Jess. I’m 23. I live in DC with my fiance, who is German. I really want a dog but our building doesn’t allow them. I also really want a child but want to wait until we’ve been married for a couple years first. I’m a writer/editor at a public health nonprofit.
I can pinpoint the day I started reading this blog because I posted about it in my own blog–it was July 18, 2007. And I started reading Purple is a Fruit first, on April 4, 2007, another date I know because I also blogged about that. It was back when my blog was new and an addition to my blogroll was worthy of a whole post. Also, yours was the first blog I discovered, really. I keep coming back because you are an excellent writer, a great photographer, and a generally nice-seeming, interesting, and relatable person.
Sorry about the novel of a comment. Hopefully it will go some way toward distracting you during tomorrow’s interminable wait.
1. Belle (not really but I don’t use my real name, ever.)
2. I’m 58 friggin’ years old. So far, I’m your oldest reader! I am SURE I do not look that old, tho. hahahahahaha
3. I am married to the love of my life - and it will be 36 years next month. Met him through a mutual friend after a disastrous and abusive 1st marriage to my high school sweetheart//jerk. That was the worst 3 years of my life and it would be a best seller if I ever wrote about it.(mayhegethitbyabigtruckohIreallydidn’tsay that).
My lovely man and I have two kids, 32 and 28. Loved raising them but we are really enjoying the empty nest. I’ve always worked but gave up the big “career” when kids were 14 and 10 so that I’d have time to enjoy their sports and other activities. We about went broke for awhile but I don’t regret it a bit. I later went back to work part-time, then full-time, and have now been working at a university as a dept ass’t for 20 years. I love my job. Mostly.
I never finished college but I wanted to be a translator for the U.N. because I killed at foreign languages. The aforementioned jerk and I got married and then after that phase of my life was over, I just never made time for it. I do regret that but live and learn. I have a ton of hobbies and started taking piano lessons again last year, which I love.
4. I’ve been reading for over a year now. I can’t remember whose blog I came from, but they linked you. I love hearing about the life of a young wife and mother and you write about it so well that I just keep coming back. I miss those days! Enjoy them!
Can’t wait to see the fuzzy picture of the newest darling baby. (And I still think Riley is the cutest kid ever!)
1. Heather from Calgary, Alberta.
2. 30 + several months. I still can’t believe it.
3. Life story? Hmm. A writer, as well as a full-time cubicle dweller. Diagnosed with MS a couple years ago (major suckage), own and share home with parents (no suckage - pretty decent, actually), work full time (often suckage), just started a part-time master’s degree in European philosophy (confusing suckage, so far, but I’m having a lot of fun), and just generally happy, despite occasional suckage. :)
4. Only a couple days, actually - I stumbled across it on Blog Explosion and I like your blog a lot.
Best wishes for tomorrow!
Name & Age: Naomi, 35
Nutshell Life: Manager at a movie theater. Live with my 12yo daughter and recently moved to Texas from Florida for the job. I’m your basic eclectic nutter who likes to spy on people’s lives….thus I’m a blog fanatic. Want to grow up to be a published writer. I’m too wordy for my own good.
Your blog: I’ve been reading your blog since 2003. Found you via diaryland along with Weetabix and Disco. Your wit brings me back all the time.
Adding my well wishes and congratulations to the growing list. Can’t wait to find out the younger one’s name.
Brenda, 38
I live in New Mexico with my husband and almost 7 year old daughter. I work part-time in a home daycare. Most of my free time is spent reading books or reading blogs. The rest of the time I’m taking my daughter to Brownies, cooking, cleaning, and all that fun house stuff.
I started reading your blog a few years ago when I discovered Dooce and found this wonderful word of blogs. I love all your blogs and read them every day (that you post).
Can’t wait to see your new little one! Congrats!
hey there! my name is jill. i’m 36 (where has time gone?!) and live in portland working in a relatively unfulfilling career. i live with two cats, they’re both freakin’ crazy but i don’t know what i’d do without them. i recently (maybe not that recently?) broke up with my boyfriend of 4 years. it was hard losing the companionship but damn, it’s nice just to ‘be’.
i’ve been reading your blog a couple/few years? specifically, the post of you putting a cracker into a box and watching cat and dog try to figure out what was in it. i hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time. i keep coming back because you always have interesting things to say, you express your thoughts in a way that i could never do; and mostly, you make me laugh. your writing and stories are kick ass..!
(great ideas on sundrybuzz too!!)
i wish you, JB, Riley, and STP the best..!! my thoughts will be with you tomorrow…let us know how you’re doing.
1. Tannis
2. 23
3. I live in southern Alberta with my husband of 4 years. He’s a working cowboy, so that would sum my life up right there… We’ve moved three times now since we’ve been married, him working at different ranching jobs and me finding interesting work to keep our heads above water (cowboying pays dick-all really, but it’s good life so that’s why we love it).
We hit the jackpot last summer, he got a managment position that pays decent and we live so far out of town I have been able to just work alongside… I love not having deadlines to meet, and just getting up to saddle my horse at 5am and heading out for the day to check cows with my best friend…
We are expecting in April, so that was a bit shocking for me… no more carefree summers of riding and roping. Ah but we are excited to start a family and I am sure this wee one will be able to ride soon enough : )
4. I found your blog while surfing the net during a BOREHOLE of a day working in reception (3 yrs ago maybe?). I have been peeping in ever since. It’s your writing that keeps me coming back, honest and very real. Thanks for sharing… and good luck for tommorow!
1. Missy
2. 30 in October
3. I work for an accounting practice in Sydney Australia, I live with my boyfriend of 6 years and am currently in the process of nagging him to death about making an honest woman of me! We have two spoiled rotten kitties (aka fatty catty and Mushu) that we treat as our kids as we are currently unable to have any of our own.
4. I have been reading your blog since a few months after Riley was born. Your humor and honesty have kept me coming back.
Good luck with your newest addition, hope we can successfully keep you from both the crazies and boredom during your hospital stay!
First off, Congratulations. I can’t even begin to imagine how anxious, excited and nervous you must be tonight.
1. My name is Andrea
2. I am 32, where the hell has the last decade gone?
3. I live in Seattle with my husband and 18 month old son. At this point I stay home with the above mentioned child, but will likely someday lose my mind and beg to go back to working outside the home. Not quite sure what that will entail, perhaps I should be using all this free time I have to reinvent myself
4.I have been reading your blog for about 1.5 years. Didn’t realize this whole spectrum of blogging existed until after I had a child and felt the need to figure out how the hell everyone else does this parenting thing. So glad I found you as your writing never fails to entertain and amuse me.
Good luck tomorrow!
1. Name: Cari
2. Age: 30
3. Life in a Nutshell: I live in the Minneapolis area with my husband, my daughter (who will be one on Friday), my dog, and my hedgehog. I am a former massage therapist turned student; I’m studying to be a court reporter. Most days I stay home and care for my daughter and think about studying without actually doing it. I am ridiculously sarcastic and can’t eat dairy, but am drawn to anything chocolate nonetheless. I recently learned to knit and it makes me feel a strong sense of accomplishment to watch a boring ball of yarn turn into something beautiful. If only I could do that with other aspects of my life…
4. I’ve been reading you since I was newly pregnant, so it’s been almost two years. I found you through Kristin and then found her again through you. I come back because you have a beautiful way with words and often seem to say what I only wish I could. I also love your photographs, your sense of humor, and your honesty.
Good luck tomorrow - I will be thinking of you, which seems like a strange thing to say because it’s not like we actually *know* each other or anything. The internet is strange like that.
Well hi there! I’m Chloe, and I’m 24.
Um, I still live with my parents, shitastically enough, but I also spend a fair bit of time at my boyfriends house– which unfortunately, is also his mom’s and brother’s house. You know what that means, regarding sneakiness… but he should be moving out within six months, we hope. We’ve been together for… um, about 16 months, and I’m all mushy for him, but I try to not be nauseating about it, at least online. Um, let’s see, I go to college part time, because I am hoping to get into grad school for the fall semester, but I don’t know if they will take me yet. I have a truly horrible job in retail, at a hardware store which slowly saps my will to live.
Today’s example: Old man walks up to me, at the customer service desk. I say, “Hi, can I help you?” He says he’s looking for heat-proof ceramic lube. It can also be used for glass. This is among the most obscure (and specific) items that I’ve ever been asked for a location on. I don’t even know what you could possibly use it for. I say, “Okay, let me see if I can find out where that is for ya.” I call paint, who I can see standing 50 feet away. Their phone doesn’t ring, and they chat away. I finally tell him to wait, walk over and ask them if they know anything about it. Of course I get the ditzy girl who doesn’t know anything, and she says “LUBE? WE DON’T HAVE ANY LUBE IN PAINT. TEE HEE. WE HAVE CAULK.” Okay, so I call toolworld/hardware. No one answers either of their phones. So I page them. Twice. I give up, and call flooring. They don’t have a phone, so they don’t pick up. I page them. Four times. No one calls back. The old man wanders off to find a step ladder, I tell him I’ll keep trying to find his lube. Hardware calls back 10 minutes later and says they’ve never even heard of ceramic lube. I serendipitously find a phone number that flooring will answer; they also don’t have any ceramic lube. We don’t have ceramic lube. The old man never comes back, making all that effort to find his lube for nought.
That is my life. I said “lube” eight times (now 9) in this entry alone, but I didn’t get to giggle about it EVEN ONCE while I was at work. Apparently, that’s “unprofessional.” :-(
I am looking for a different job, however initial job-seeking hasn’t yielded anything. I really wanted a bakery job, too. No ass kissing is really all I want in any job right now. And actual work instead of standing around while customers slowly sap your will to live.
Let’s see, I believe I started reading your blog a few years before you left diaryland. Um, I believe it was a few months before you got a job at Workplace. Yeah, I’m pretty old school, right? Do I get a prize for loyalty?
I keep reading because you’re funny and honest and I dig your sense of humor. Your life has changed a lot from when I started reading (your readership has a ton more moms in it then it used to also, back in the uniboob/ Aragon-obsessed days), but I still enjoy reading about your life and experiences, what can I say?
Good luck with the c-section, tomorrow! Can’t wait to see little D!
1. deanna marie gabriel [insert last name here]
2. 26 [it kind of scares me that sometimes i forget how old i am and have to do the math…]
3. my life in a nutshell (now i have the barenaked ladies song in my head…”your life in a nutshell…” heh.) i live by myself in a 1 bedroom apartment in astoria, queens, just outside nyc. i LOVE my neighborhood, but often miss my hometown of buffalo ny. i am a pediatric icu night nurse in a busy, high acuity childrens hospital in the city. i also sometimes work on the oncology floor, where i spent the previous two years. when i can see through the bullshit at work, i realise how much i love my job and what a privilege it really is to take care of the kids. in between my 7pm to 7am shifts, i am a part-time student at columbia getting my msn as a pediatric nurse practitioner and a sometimes spinning/dance/pilates/yoga instructor with a large group of gyms in the city. translation: i have no life, let alone time for a boyfriend. although i do somehow find time to attempt to perfect my culinary skills and frequent the many awesome pubs and restaurants in the city.
4. ive been reading your stuff more or less since riley was born. i basically enjoy your sense of humor, honest writing style, taste in music, pictures and general stories of family life in the seattle area. some days you satisfy the little biological twinge inside that reminds me how i would LOVE to be a mom, just not right now.
ill be at yoga tomorrow and offer up my practice for a safe and blissful birth for you and the lil un. good vibes for strength from nyc to seattle! looking forward to seeing pictures.
1. Your name: Cara
2. Your age: 32
3. Your life in a nutshell: Live with my husband Danny, son Payton (b. 9/15/05) and daughter Tori (b. 3/2/07). I build websites freelance for very small businesses (www.MoxieMediaDesigns.com), print & ship state certificates of completion for an online defensive driving company, and stay home with my two babies.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading since January 2007. I don’t remember how I found you, but maybe it was through Amalah? Riley is 2 weeks older than Payton and they always seem to be right at the same stage. I always find myself reading your entries and just nodding my head thinking, “yep, that’s exactly how it is!” A bit of sad stalkerish info….whenever I’m relaying a story from your blog to my husband, I refer to you as “my favorite blogger-chick” or “Riley’s mom” so he’ll know who I’m talking about. But I love your writing style and your honesty about parenting.
I know it’s ridiculous, but it feels like a good friend is having a baby tomorrow and I am so excited for you! And I definately understand all those “this is the last time x happens before the baby comes” feelings. One of the strangest/saddest for me was putting Payton to bed the night before Tori was born and realizing that that was the last time he’d go to sleep as an only child. Aaaand now I’m crying like a freakin’ loon! Good luck tomorrow!
Good luck tomorrow!
1. Heidi
2. 45 (and I feel very old after reading the other comments)
3. Live with my husband, 16 yr old daughter, dog and sometimes my son lives here (he is 19 and in college.) I work out of my home for a large international company and I live in northern Minnesota.
4. I’ve been reading for 1-2 yrs. and come back because you’re funny, the commenters are funny, you write about a wide variety of topics and I’ve grown to care about you and your family.
1. Your name: Claire Brooks
2. Your age: Just (last week!) turned 30 and LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT. (My 20s were a bit of a mess.)
3. Your life in a nutshell: I live in the middle of nowhere Mississippi for grad school, but am from the beautiful South Carolina. I live with my boyfriend and our 9MO Love-of-my-life son. He was unplanned, so we’re adjusting to grad school, scrape-by living, but we’re doing well and love abounds. A crazy 4YO black lab/hound mix also lives with us. He often puts his head in my lap as I read your blog, and I fantasize that he knows there is a beautiful yellow dog like him just across the webiverse.
I am an English grad student but have neglected my Ph.D. in order to be a mother, which I don’t regret in any way whatsoever. One day, I want to live in the Pacific Northwest and teach folks to love literature.
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I have been reading this blog for 18 months. I know precisely because I started reading when I found out I was pregnant and a friend sent me your way. I read all your archives about your pregnancy with Riley and it honestly helped me fall in love with my child.
I keep coming back because, honestly–in a hopefully-non-stalkerish-way, I think we would be fast friends if (when!) I ever run into you in real life. We have a lot in common (see: music, movies, baby boys, etc.). And of course, you write in a way, as many have said, that “we” wish we could write: truly, painfully, joyfully, eye-to-eye.
I often find myself choked up when I read your posts because I see so much of my own life in what you share with us from yours. Don’t EVER stop.
Wishing you all the best tomorrow. I will be anxiously checking for the soonest update. I think it’s absolutely beautiful that you have such a web community behind you, so many cyber-friends! I like to include myself in that category. Be well tomorrow. Have the time of your life.
1. i’m heather.
2. 34
3. i live in san francisco, and live alone in a lovely neighborhood called the tendernob with my two cats, ghosty and smoove b. i’ve been single for almost two years, and keep myself entertained by going out on dates with men who are horribly wrong for me. i’m an IT recruiter by trade, but i’m taking a few months off at the moment to travel (and read and write and laze about with my friends and/or cats).
4. i’ve been reading this blog since 2003, i believe. i love your writing, and it’s been so cool to watch all of your changes.
so excited for you tomorrow!
Oh, by the way, do you read pioneer woman?
http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/
I just found her site a week or two ago (which is crazy, cause she’s like, apparently HUGE! She has a wii ad that’s customized to her site– that’s pretty goddamn insane!), and I see she isn’t on your blogroll. I find her writing pretty enjoyable, so maybe that would be a nice addition to your slowly-filling-with-medication loafing hours!
She also has a bunch of butter laden recipes that look super delicious, that I’m not quite ballsy enough to try.
1. Hi, I’m Lara (purplelara on flickr, where I comment on your pics too).
2. I turned 38 in December. I just realized today that means I turn 40 NEXT YEAR. I mean, really, it’s about 2 years away but in 2009? I TURN 40 eeeeeeee. Sorry, where was I?
3. In a nutshell: I live in North Vancouver, BC, not so far from your neck of the woods. I just moved into a condo I reno’d with my brother after living with him for nearly 2 years after a VERY short marriage (15 months? I rule). The breakup left me owing the ex half of MY (MY!) condo so there I was was…broke(ish) and the etc etc that goes along with a breakup…even though I initiated it, right thing to do blah blah blah. Life is way better than ever. Not sure I’ll even have kids due to the advancing age here (god), but that could be ok…I think? I’m not sure. For a living I do application analysis stuff - QA, BA blah blah computer nerd. That was a larger nutshell than I intended.
4. I’m not sure when I started reading, but long before you had Riley, so years and years now (wow). Gee I feel like I’ve known you forever ;) I come back because you are hilarious and even though our lives are at different stages, I find I have things in common with you. Your writing is amazing, you have told some inspiring stories and your family is darn cute. You seem like someone I’d be friends with in real life and I look forward to your posts every day (yours is my favorite blog, btw).
Hope I killed a minute or two of your boredom. Or at least changed up the boredom, heh. Good luck and congratulations.
1) Marilyn Caroline
2) 27, which blows my mind
3) Partly because I was out of school for three years but went back (for more computer science, and to fulfill my dream of living in NYC, here’s hoping the Paris dream might still happen one day), doing the long-distance thing with a wonderful guy who’s also a rockstar even though that sounds like an oxymoron. But his band is down in Athens, GA, so I might move down there to finish my PhD next year. I dunno. Life decisions are a pain in my ass.
4) Snippet from my journal, April 2003 (holy geez!):
“and I was going to go on more, but jesus, I’m even getting on my own nerves about what a whiny thing I am. to borrow a sundry-ism, you guys are probably all thinking, oh, what an awful morning! I’m so sorry! (…you psycho.)
)()()()(
speaking of sundry-isms, sundry mourning is so my new favorite journal. she is the cutest and funniest. and those lips are alluring as hell. they are addictive. it is a good thing for me that she has pages and pages of archives. it is a bad thing for nick’s dislike of dogs and for our tiny apartment that she has the funniest and most adorable dog ever. I want a dog! ”
Not living with nick anymore. (Very good life move there.) Still have a tiny apartment, still have no dog, still reading. I feel a little guilty how it’s like you’re part of my life because I’ve seen you grow up so much in the last 5 years (but still keep the badass child-of-heart thing that’s one part of why you’re hilarious (and a good mom)) and that’s maybe weird because you don’t know me at all. But you’re a tremendous writer because you express so much emotion in every single sentence, even if a lot of it is everyday stuff, it makes the sentimental snippet here and there that much sweeter.
Here’s hoping your day is full of those sentimental snippets– but not so much that you’re in gushy tears all day or anything. Gotta have some Real Life in there with your Creating a New Life thing, too, right? Best of everything to your incredible little family. All your readers have fallen in love with them right along with you.
Hi Linda! Hope you’re hanging in there in the last moments before STP arrives!
1. Tracey
2. 36
3. I live by myself in Ontario Canada. I am divorced 4 years and now newly engaged (to a different guy). I’m getting married in November. No kids yet but we can’t wait. We just bought a house, closed on Thursday. Pretty much gutted it this weekend with the sinking feeling of…oh-oh now it looks worse, maybe we should have just left it alone!
I am in my last year of my PhD in clinical psychology and am doing my full-time internship in a town 200 miles away from my man and said new house. It’s a bit hectic travelling back and forth on weekends and lonely during the week but I LOVE what I’m doing.
4. I think I’ve been reading your blog since Riley was about 12 months old. I come back because you’re my absolute favourite blogger! You are funny, brutally honest, uncouth (in the best possible way) and you update often! Also you seem to have the best little family.
All the best tomorrow…I’ll be thinking of all 4 of you!
hi, i am “bouncy” (28).
I live in CT with my hubby and my awesome Sister-in-law. I am currently unemployed and almost 4 months pregnant. We have two dogs. You were the one who introduced the concept of “power shedding” into our house dictionary. Thank you.
I am coming back to you because (and this might come off weird) I feel you are like my friend and I have to “check up” on you. I realize this is silly because you don’t know me at all and blahblah OtherGoodReasons blahblah but somehow I can’t help it :)
I have been reading your blog since the diaryland times and I enjoy your photography as well.
Good luck tomorrow! This is so exciting!
p.s. my son was crazy-active even into many hours of labor, and he sleeps like a dream, through the night from 3 months on. I wish the same for your STP.
Can’t wait to see him!
Name: Melissa
Age: 20 callow years old
My life in a nutshell: I’m a junior in college and I live with three other 20-year-old girls. I just recently relinquished my dream to be a teacher and am now wondering what the hell I’m going to do with a degree in English and I’m so curious and intrigued about the kind of writing you do at your job.
I’ve been reading this blog since I was 14 years old. What drew me in then was your excellent, excellent writing voice and whip-smart sense of humor, and what keeps me here is the relation between your role as a mother and your unabashed use of the word “fuck.”
1. I’m Cassandra. Hi.
2. I’m 22.
3. I live with my boyfriend in Chicago. I’m going to graduate school. Psychology. When I’m done I’ll take and test and they’ll like… license me to counsel people. And stuff. The world should be worried.
4. I’ve been reading this for about a month. I keep coming back because you’re hilarious, your son is adorable, I like your clothes, and I’m excited for more adorable-ness.
Good luck with everything!
1. Marilyn
2. 32
3. I live in Reno, NV with my husband of nearly 10 years and our 8 year old son, Harry and our 18 month old son, Liam. I have been staying home for so long that I don’t think the workforce would have me anymore. I’m also pregnant again (31 weeks!) with our third and last. It’s a girl this time and I feel woefully unprepared.
4. I’ve been reading off and on for years now but have been a loyal reader ever since I discovered the delight that is Google Reader. I’m a terrible lurker though and rarely comment. I think I read just about everywhere you post, to be honest. You make me laugh out loud ALL THE TIME and I really enjoy your candid accounts of motherhood. Someone has to tell the truth, right? Anyhow, keep it up and I can’t wait to see stories of life with the new little one. I’ll be obsessively refreshing until news is posted, for sure!
oh, i almost forgot:
Best, best, best of luck with all the Operational Procedures going on tomorrow… oh–and HAPPY BABY!
Hey, Linda!! CONGRATS to you and your family on your new addition!! I can’t wait to see new pictures and hear all of your wonderful stories!!
1. Hi, I’m Jamie :)
2. I’m 24, though I often feel like I’m 30…
3. I’m a first-year first grade teacher (six and seven year olds are a blast–you’ll love it when the boys get to this stage!). ;) I live with my dog, Charlie, who is a Maltese-poodle and a big, lovable, pain-in-the-butt. I live for college football, celebrity “news” sites (Yay, TMZ), and hanging out with close friends on the weekend.
4. I’ve been reading your blogs for years now…since I was in high school, I think…since Diaryland…I absolutely LOVE your writing…it’s smart, it’s witty, it’s honest, and it always makes me think (or laugh, or cry). I sincerely hope that you someday publish a book because I know that it would be hugely successful and I would definitely make sure that all of my friends received copiesR