Feb

3

The night before

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

716 Responses to “The night before”

  1. Naomi on February 3rd, 2008 9:02 pm

    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.

  2. Megan on February 3rd, 2008 9:06 pm

    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.

  3. Jamie on February 3rd, 2008 9:07 pm

    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!

  4. Melanie on February 3rd, 2008 9:08 pm

    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?)

  5. Laurie on February 3rd, 2008 9:09 pm

    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!

  6. justmouse on February 3rd, 2008 9:10 pm

    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!!!!)

  7. Bel on February 3rd, 2008 9:10 pm

    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!!!

  8. erin on February 3rd, 2008 9:11 pm

    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. :)

  9. gabby on February 3rd, 2008 9:11 pm

    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!

  10. Laura on February 3rd, 2008 9:11 pm

    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)

  11. Melissa on February 3rd, 2008 9:12 pm

    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.

  12. Charlotte on February 3rd, 2008 9:12 pm

    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.

  13. trena on February 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm

    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!

  14. Heather C on February 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm

    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.

  15. TinaNZ on February 3rd, 2008 9:16 pm

    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!

  16. hilary on February 3rd, 2008 9:16 pm

    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.

  17. b. on February 3rd, 2008 9:16 pm

    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.

  18. Erin on February 3rd, 2008 9:17 pm

    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!

  19. eileen on February 3rd, 2008 9:17 pm

    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”.

  20. Erin on February 3rd, 2008 9:18 pm

    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!

  21. Kelly on February 3rd, 2008 9:20 pm

    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!

  22. Kristin on February 3rd, 2008 9:21 pm

    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.

  23. Amy on February 3rd, 2008 9:23 pm

    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 :)

  24. Mary on February 3rd, 2008 9:23 pm

    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!!!

  25. Allison on February 3rd, 2008 9:23 pm

    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!

  26. Alice on February 3rd, 2008 9:24 pm

    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.

  27. maureen on February 3rd, 2008 9:24 pm

    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.

  28. Victoria on February 3rd, 2008 9:24 pm

    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

  29. Samantha on February 3rd, 2008 9:26 pm

    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.

  30. Erin on February 3rd, 2008 9:26 pm

    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 :-)

  31. breckgirl on February 3rd, 2008 9:26 pm

    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.

  32. jen on February 3rd, 2008 9:27 pm

    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!

  33. g on February 3rd, 2008 9:30 pm

    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.

  34. Ally on February 3rd, 2008 9:30 pm

    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.

  35. Tomika on February 3rd, 2008 9:32 pm

    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!

  36. Quinn on February 3rd, 2008 9:33 pm

    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

  37. Jen on February 3rd, 2008 9:34 pm

    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.

  38. Amy on February 3rd, 2008 9:35 pm

    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? :)

  39. Kristin on February 3rd, 2008 9:37 pm

    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.

  40. Danielle on February 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm

    -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.

  41. Banana on February 3rd, 2008 9:41 pm

    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.

  42. Nikki on February 3rd, 2008 9:43 pm

    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 :)

  43. miranda on February 3rd, 2008 9:44 pm

    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!

  44. Melissa on February 3rd, 2008 9:46 pm

    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!

  45. LJ on February 3rd, 2008 9:47 pm

    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….

  46. Stacey on February 3rd, 2008 9:47 pm

    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.

  47. BethanyWD on February 3rd, 2008 9:47 pm

    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.

  48. Elizabeth on February 3rd, 2008 9:47 pm

    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!

  49. Elizabeth on February 3rd, 2008 9:48 pm

    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!

  50. Anonymous on February 3rd, 2008 9:48 pm

    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!

  51. velocibadgergirl on February 3rd, 2008 9:49 pm

    sorry, that last one was me :P

  52. Heather on February 3rd, 2008 9:49 pm

    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!

  53. Frannie on February 3rd, 2008 9:50 pm

    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. : )

  54. Shana on February 3rd, 2008 9:50 pm

    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. :)

  55. Irene on February 3rd, 2008 9:52 pm

    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.

  56. Heather-in-Australia on February 3rd, 2008 9:52 pm

    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!! :)

  57. Elissa on February 3rd, 2008 9:52 pm

    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!

  58. Emily on February 3rd, 2008 9:53 pm

    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 :)

  59. April on February 3rd, 2008 9:53 pm

    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!

  60. Emily on February 3rd, 2008 9:54 pm

    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!

  61. Lisa on February 3rd, 2008 9:54 pm

    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.

  62. amykatrina on February 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm

    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.

  63. Heather-in-Australia on February 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm

    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!

  64. TinaNZ on February 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm

    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).

  65. Josie on February 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm

    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.

  66. Tess on February 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm

    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!

  67. Val on February 3rd, 2008 9:56 pm

    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.

  68. Amy on February 3rd, 2008 9:57 pm

    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.

  69. Jem on February 3rd, 2008 9:59 pm

    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

  70. Kathryn on February 3rd, 2008 9:59 pm

    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!

  71. janet on February 3rd, 2008 10:00 pm

    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!

  72. Heather on February 3rd, 2008 10:01 pm

    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!

  73. Jess on February 3rd, 2008 10:02 pm

    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.

  74. Belle on February 3rd, 2008 10:02 pm

    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!)

  75. Heather on February 3rd, 2008 10:02 pm

    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!

  76. Naomi on February 3rd, 2008 10:03 pm

    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.

  77. Brenda on February 3rd, 2008 10:03 pm

    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!

  78. jill on February 3rd, 2008 10:04 pm

    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.

  79. Tannis on February 3rd, 2008 10:05 pm

    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!

  80. Missy on February 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm

    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!

  81. andrea on February 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm

    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!

  82. Cari on February 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm

    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.

  83. Chloe on February 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm

    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!

  84. deanna on February 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm

    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.

  85. Cara on February 3rd, 2008 10:13 pm

    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!

  86. H on February 3rd, 2008 10:13 pm

    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.

  87. clarabella on February 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm

    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.

  88. heather on February 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm

    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!

  89. Chloe on February 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm

    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.

  90. Lara on February 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm

    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.

  91. marilyn on February 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm

    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.

  92. Tracey on February 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm

    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!

  93. bouncy on February 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm

    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!

  94. clarabella on February 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm

    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!

  95. Melissa on February 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm

    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.”

  96. Cassandra on February 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm

    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!

  97. Marilyn on February 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm

    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!

  98. Melissa on February 3rd, 2008 10:20 pm

    oh, i almost forgot:

    Best, best, best of luck with all the Operational Procedures going on tomorrow… oh–and HAPPY BABY!

  99. Jamie :) on February 3rd, 2008 10:20 pm

    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 copies… Okay…now I’m done kissing your virtual ass…thanks, for entertaining me on a daily basis! And CONGRATS!! :)

  100. Tracy on February 3rd, 2008 10:22 pm

    Good luck tomorrow, Linda!

    1. I’m Tracy.

    2. I’m 34.

    3. I lucked out and met my great husband back in college. We’ve been married for 8 years and live with our fabulous and fluffy dog in the DC suburbs. Moved here right after grad school for my job, in research, and am still sort of bummed that my hometown isn’t a place where one can find a good job. So I live over a 6-hour drive from my family (and my in-laws) and that’s depressing sometimes.

    4. Hard to say exactly when I started reading, since I read some of your archives after I found you. Think I started reading right before you announced you were pregnant with Riley. I think I keep reading this because this is the kind of blog I’d like to have, if I had the nerve to be so open and the writing skill. The way you share your experiences and the humor with which you are able to do so is entertaining and often moving. Also, you seemed at least a little ambivalent about children before Riley came along, so I find reading about your experience as a mother interesting. I am as sure as I can be, without having had the experience, that I don’t want children. Somehow reading about your experience informs mine, in a weird way.

    Lastly, since I’m going long here, I thought I’d mention that I am thinking about giving up reading blogs for Lent (I’m not religious, but was raised Catholic and some traditions die hard), due to the huge time suck it has gotten to be. It’s missing out on your blog that is giving me the most pause about this.

  101. dani on February 3rd, 2008 10:26 pm

    you know me, so I’ll skip answering the questions. but I will say this: GOOD LUCK TOMORROW, though i am sure you won’t need it. still, you are a braver woman than I.

  102. elizabeth on February 3rd, 2008 10:28 pm

    Survey says….

    1. Elizabeth
    2. 19
    3. Actually, I was just recently hired at Walt Disney World! I just got to Orlando yesterday and my first day is tomorrow. It’s all terribly exciting. I work in Entertainment, doing character stuff, shows, parades, meet & greets, etc.
    4. I’ve been reading for about…oh, four or five years? Since Diaryland, I’ll put it that way. I don’t know how I found you, but I’ve always kept reading because I love your sense of humor and candor. And your beautiful pictures!

    Wishing you a magical day tomorrow!!

  103. Carmen on February 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm

    My name is Carmen, I’m 35 and I live in Vancouver, BC. I am married to a wonderful man – who does all the cooking, how lucky am I? – and I have a 22 month old son, Kieran. I’m currently (barely) pregnant with #2, due at the end of September. I am a research scientist at the University of British Columbia, and I am currently doing research on Salmonella and E. coli – trying to figure out how they make you sick. But I’m actually starting a new job in two weeks – one with a lot more responsibility that involves a bit more management along with some research. I’m alternately terrified and excited!

    I have been reading this blog since around the time I went on maternity leave. I was home rattling around the house for about two weeks before Kieran was born, and I found you then. I think through a comment you left somewhere else, but I’m not sure where. I then read your entire archive, because you write brilliantly and you make me laugh. And you write about things I relate to: small children’s temper tantrums, fear of spiders, etc. Hopefully this won’t sound like I’m stalking you – but I read all your blogs. I just can’t get enough of your combination of wry humour, honesty and little snippets of perfect family life.

    Anyway, I’m glad you posted this evening – I’ll be rooting for you tomorrow and I’m looking forward to seeing photos of Smalltopus. Good luck!

  104. Ashleas on February 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm

    1. Ashlea
    2. 21
    3. I’m a Digital Arts Student at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. My life consists of Art, Art and living in a dorm room! Seriously. I should not be sharing less than 150 sq ft with another human being. My roommate is awesome though and our room is covered with pictures of hot guys. I get the top bunk, she gets the bottom bunk. I have two betta fish, Calcifer and Oyakata. Cal is Red and Oy is Blue and I have them trained to bite my finger when they are being fed.
    At home, I have a Mother and a Father of course. My Father is currently battling colon cancer, but things are looking up. I live with three cats, Oliver, Synders and Sammy, and one Papillon puppy named Kirby.

    4. I’ve been reading you for about a year. I have to admit, I find myself drawn back by the horror stories of raising children. Hate to say it, but I’m becoming more and more convinced I’m not cut out to be a mother.. but that may change in five years. Who knows. I love your sense of humor and your obsession with Zombies. I think JB is cute but he’s all yours and I love Dog and Cat and they need more love!

  105. Anonymous on February 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm

    1. H.
    2. Turning 27 in a couple of weeks
    3. I’m a grad student, currently living by myself in Southern California
    4. I’ve been reading this blog for about 4 and a half years. Your sense of humor and openness are what attract me to this blog. Following how motherhood has turned out for you has been inspiring!

  106. Cortney on February 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm

    1. Your name: Cortney
    2. Your age: 32 and growing older by the minute…lol
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I’m happily married (10 years in August) and am raising my 14 year old stepson full-time. I work from home doing the books for my dad’s property management company, and I also do administrative work for my husband’s insurance consulting business. Yes, I know…that all sounds pretty boring, but I like working from home because I can set my own schedule and be available for my family when they need me. I am also a big animal love and have 3 dogs and 3 cats that basically rule my home. lol
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I think I’ve been reading your blog for about two years now, and I keep coming back because you are funny and down to earth, and I wish I lived in Seattle because I know you would be a cool person to hang out with. I am always happy to see a new post in my blog reader from you! :)

  107. April on February 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm

    1. April
    2. 35
    3. I moved to Denver from Chicago four years ago on a hunch that a long-distance friendship might turn into something more… and it did. Making that leap of faith was the best thing I ever did for myself. I love Chicago and I miss my friends but I’m a much, much happier girl now. Things have been falling into place ever since- got married, got two of the best, most ridiculous dogs, bought a house and got pregnant (I know what you mean about the mosh pit- I have been caught yelling “enough already!” to my belly more than once) and landed in a job that is mostly good (I’m an audiologist).
    4. I am not sure how long I’ve been reading but it’s probably more than a year now. Not to sound totally creeptastic, but you are one of the bloggers where I think that we would be friends in real life. Particularly when you talk about JB, who sounds like the spitting image of my husband- sense of humor and all. (An old post comes to mind where he was showing you or wanting to show you something totally inappropriate on a security camera you were installing? Or something like that?) Anyways, I can’t wait to see pictures tomorrow…

  108. Mary O on February 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm

    Wow. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear your baby news. I just had my second c-section and found the whole experience to be so much better than the first time, this one being all planned out and all. The worst part about it was getting the anesthesia and after that was over, it was great. Even the recovery was not as bad as the first time. I hope you find it to be the same. Anyway…

    1. My name is Mary

    2. 26

    3. I’m a stay at home mom to my two-year-old, Oliver and my three-month-old, Everett. Also Paddy the dog. Oh yes, my husband also lives with us!

    4. I’ve been reading your blog for over a couple of years now. About the time you had Riley, I think. I was pregnant with my first son at the time and had a lot of time on my hands, so I went back and read quite a few of your archives too. I loved reading your pregnancy stories, since that’s what I was going through at the time. There’s lots of reasons why I like reading your blog. First of all, you are hilarious and make even everyday things worth reading about. I like hearing about Riley, since he is a few months older than my first son I can kind of get an idea of what is around the corner. Also, you live near Seattle, which is where we used to live so it’s nice to hear what’s going on in that area too (we miss it). I’ve also gotten such great tips from you on this site and Sundry Buzz. Keep it up and good luck tomorrow!

  109. Angie on February 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm

    1. Angie

    2. 37 (gulp)

    3. Aloha from Hawaii! I’m here with my Navy husband, one child (a girl, 10), and two dogs. We’ve been here since July, and I just now made my first friend :( It’s hard to make friends when you don’t work, you know? I enjoy being home, but man oh man oh manischewitz do I miss working. The whole “having a life outside of the home” is mighty appealing to me right now, and I’m mulling over my options, limited as they may be. On the other hand, we just adopted our second dog, and although she’s 8 months old, she’s neither potty or leash trained, so I guess that really is my job right now. I don’t know-it’s always a struggle between the desires one keeps buried deep inside and the reality of what one must do in order to keep life (and family) running smooth!

    3. I’ve been reading you for quite awhile. I’m sure I followed a link from Mo or Robyn, and I remember when you went to Thailand (?) with JB before Riley was anywhere near the picture. I also remember JB’s updates when Riley was born-he is a man of few words, for sure! I’ve always loved reading your journal/blog, and it’s such a joy to see how you’ve become such a strong and evocative writer. You know how time passes and there are some journals that you kind of drift away from because you no longer have that connection with the writing? Yeah, that’s never happened with you. You’re always able to just hit the note, tweak the nerve, and just draw me in-even if you’re only talking about zombies! I really appreciate you taking the time to update consistently, and I wish you smooth sailing these next few weeks!

  110. jane on February 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm

    1. Jane Emma Yee

    2. 29

    3. I live with three boys in Auckland, New Zealand (not my boys – they’re flatmates). I work as a publicity manager at a record label, and also do some TV presenting (which was a full time gig up until a month ago – now I just dabble). I have a dog called Stella.

    4. I have been reading for… I dunno, since a while before you were pregnant with Riley. I found your blog through Jemma’s, and I met Jemma when she was a regular in the chatroom of the TV show I was working on. Funny little twisty-turny world isn’t it? Anyway, I keep coming back because you’ve managed to suck me into your life, and also because – while I think I am funny – you are much funnier, and I like to use that as inspiration.

    Sending lots of good wishes over the sea towards you, JB, Riley, and STP!

  111. Rachel on February 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm

    1. Rachel

    2. 33

    3. Married very nearly fourteen years, mother of an almost-twelve-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter, homeschooler, lazy homemaker, part-time student/aspiring nurse, just bought our first house and got our first dog (above two facts have TAKEN OVER MY LIFE), live in rural California foothills in the same town where I was born.

    4. It’s been a long time. I read you at Diaryland starting in… 2003? I have scarcely missed an entry in all that time, not only because you are so refreshing and funny, but because you are also open and honest and sometimes raw, and you make me think about things in ways I haven’t before.

    Best wishes for tomorrow. I’ll be thinking of you, Riley, JB, and of course your new little guy.

  112. Erin on February 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm

    Hi Linda, good luck today!
    I’m Erin (about the 4th one who has commented today!) and I’m 26, and in the Portland, OR area. I’ve been reading you since I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, Riley, who is going to be two in May. I promise, I didn’t steal your name on purpose! :)
    I work in as a freight broker in the transportation industry, and I’ve been split up from my husband since June, although I haven’t done the paperwork yet. Looking forward to moving into a townhouse in May, and just dying to get out of my apartment.
    I really enjoy your writing, and I’m excited to hear how this crazy childcare thing works with TWO. I can’t imagine!
    If anyone can handle it, you can!

  113. Jacqui on February 3rd, 2008 10:42 pm

    jacqui, 25, seattle! i work full time and am going to school full time to get my masters in ed. ive been reading your blog for quite awhile, and i keep coming back because every time im here, i cant stop laughing. love your writing! good luck and good wishes to you!

  114. shal on February 3rd, 2008 10:43 pm

    Oh, good luck Linda! I hope they give you lots of narcotic love for that C-section/newborn pain.

    1. Shal
    2. 29
    3. Live with my husband, my almost 3 year old and my 3 month old sons; work as a librarian, which is the best job ever, despite the sad, pathetic looks people give me when I tell them my profession, like I just said I kick puppies for a living.
    4. I’ve been reading for…well, 5 years? Can that be right? I remember reading your entries before you bought your house, so…about that long. I keep coming back because, well, you’re an excellent, funny writer. Besides the kid factor, I don’t think I have that much in common with you, but I cannot STOP reading your writing. If I could write, if I had a blog, I would write like you. Yours is the only blog where, if my RSS reader has not spat out a new post from you, I get ANGRY with it. If I ever see you randomly around Seattle, I am going to ask for your autograph.

  115. Rachel on February 3rd, 2008 10:44 pm

    1. Rachel
    2. aged 21 years
    3. My life in a nutshell: I’m a full time student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying creative writing. I work as a respite therapist to kids with autism, but as of now I only have one client. I also work at Anthropologie, a women’s clothing store. I’m one busy mofo. I’m also addicted to my google reader.
    4. Google reader recommended your blog to me and I have been reading ever since–about 2 months, by now. I come back because you are funny, and have a grasp on the English language that doesn’t make me want to eat my future young.

  116. Anonymous on February 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm

    Hi Linda, good luck and welcome new baby!

    My name is julie. I’m 30, live in Philly with my boyfriend, 5 cats and a turtle and I’m 26 weeks pregnant with my first baby – a boy.

    I have been reading you since diaryland as well, possibly since right before you moved to Seattle? Before you had dog! I keep reading because we have a lot in common. I am very proud of you. I didn’t stop drinking until I found out I was pregnant even though we were trying. You have vast amounts of will and determination and desire and I also must ask that you never stop writing.

    And thanks for linking swistle. She’s great, too.

  117. Jennie on February 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm

    1. Jennie
    2. Twenty… something
    3. I live in California, and though everyone complains about it I love it here and probably will never leave. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, we have one 2 year old daughter named Alaina, one bun in the oven (8 months), and one neurotic, psychotic cat. I’m mostly a stay-at-home mom, but I also run a cosmetics business on the side. Gives me a little something to do aside from wiping dirty bottoms all day (well, bottom, but soon to be plural).
    4. I’m not sure how I found your blog, but I’ve probably been reading for a year or a little more. I keep coming back because you are hilarious in that honest, no-bull sort of way that I find so refreshing. I also love reading about your family life, since it’s difficult to find real-life friends who has a similar point of view to my own. Your blog is awesome and that’s why I read. =) Lately I’ve even been lurking around your other blogs too!

    GOOD LUCK tomorrow with baby number two! I hope everything goes smoothly and I can’t wait to see pictures! Congrats in advance!

  118. Anne L. on February 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm

    I’m Anne, 40
    I’ve been reading this blog and its various incarnations since… well, for a WHILE! I got married just about 2 years ago after living together for 6 years. Aaaand, we are pregnant with our first, due on March 26th (!!!) I am a catering chef, and my husband is in the service industry as well. 2 cats and 3 ferrets. Hmmm, what else?
    I’ve always loved your writing style, and especially enjoy the way you write about parenting and pregnancy. When I first found out I was knocked up, I had to comb your archives and read all about your pregnancy with Numero Uno!
    OK, long-winded much? Take care Monday!

  119. vague on February 3rd, 2008 10:50 pm

    1. Alfina the Vague

    2. Just turned 30 in December – I call this The Decade of Awesome.

    3. I live with a dachshund and a fat, mean cat in a small, somewhat crappy apartment. It was supposedly “upgraded” right before I moved in, but the paint and general repairs seem to have been done by a crack team of eight-year-olds, or possibly monkeys. I teach writing and literature at a big southern university in a very small, largely backwards town. I spend my life trying to get the students to talk more and the pets to shut up.

    4. I have been reading here since shortly after you had Riley. I think the first post I read was one where you wrote very frankly about your relationship with drinking, and I found it so compelling. I keep coming back because your stuff is consistently frank as well as witty and interesting. This is probably my favorite blog.

    I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow and that you and the family are back home safe and healthy and happy as soon as possible. Can’t wait to see pictures!

  120. kelly on February 3rd, 2008 10:50 pm

    Hi Linda, I’m Kelly. I’m almost 24, a disgruntled bookstore employee part of the time and a student the rest of the time, plowing my way through the end of my bachelor’s degree (finally!). Oh, and I live in Virginia.

    I’ve been reading you since you were on diaryland, around 2003 I believe. I keep coming back because I feel invested in your life, and you always make me laugh. I remember entries about your evil cat that were endlessly amusing, since at the time I too was the owner of an evil cat. (She went to live with my brother, whom she liked *much* better than me. I am not a cat person.)

    Thanks for sharing your anecdotes and stories. I hope everything goes wonderfully tomorrow.

  121. Andrea on February 3rd, 2008 10:51 pm

    1. Andrea
    2. 7-9-82 (25…and a half)
    3. I live just over the Cascades in Yakima and work for a large social service agency. I live with my husband and golden retriever in a “fixer-upper” house meaning endless hosue projects. We are talking a lot about having kids this year…which leads me to the next question.
    4. I have been reading for almost a year and I keep coming back because you have a really humble way about expressing the joy and awe parenting brings with a healthy dose of realism that is a fresh breath of honesty. While I recognize your blog is just a snapshot of your life, I feel like I’m getting an honest look at parenting and family life.

  122. Jo on February 3rd, 2008 10:53 pm

    1. Jo.
    2. 25 and getting younger each day.
    3. I run a very successful, long-running arts festival in Huntsville, Alabama. I’ve lived here all my life and can convince just about anyone that it is the best little city in the world. I have been dating a wonderful man, Jeff, for about 18 months; he has a precious 3.5 year old girl and a terribly intelligent 7 year old boy. Jeff’s a professional photographer and has got me hooked on shooting. In my volunteer life I run a 90-seat theater that showcases small plays and musicals. I also teach 4 flute students and housesit for 6 different clients. All of this should tell you might greatest weakness is not being able to say no.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading for about a year. You are absolutely hilarious, but I really come back for the pictures.

    Thinking of you as you go through your big day. Hey, have you ever seen “The Business of Being Born”?

  123. ivymae on February 3rd, 2008 10:54 pm

    1. Ivory/Ivymae
    2. A ripe ol’ 24.
    3. Just another mom, writer, crafter, student, reader, wife, chronic choco-holic, laundry-a-phobic girl. I am a nomad at heart, living in the Inland Northwest with my very-rooted husband, and our two little gremlins, Ella (26months old) and Alice (2 months old).
    4. I’ve been reading since around Riley’s birth, and can’t remember how I got here. Since he and Ella are so close in age, it’s been fun to watch him grow up just a step or two ahead of Ella, and now Alice and “D” will be stepinstep also. I think what is unique about your journal is the balance you are able to find between raunchy humor and thoughtful consideration. You can be reverent and cheeky all in the same sentence, which effectually blows the dust off what could be a bland day-to-day update on your family.

  124. Formerly DDM (Sonia) on February 3rd, 2008 10:54 pm

    1) Sonia
    2) 34.
    3) Let’s see if I can nutshell my life. I am the mom to a 7 year old boy named Braeden. He had brain surgery in Jan. ‘06 and has just celebrated the best two years of his life since then. Braeden has developmental delays and is mostly non-verbal and also the sweetest face and personality in the WORLD, if I do say so myself. ;-) In a past life I was a pharmacy technician for 15 years. When Braeden turned 2, I quit for a year to allow me to get him to therapy appointments etc. After one year off, I went back to work part time 3 days a week until Braeden’s neurosurgery, and I haven’t gone back. Now I *work* two nights a week in my friend’s salon for mommy breaks and extra $$. I’ve been happily married for 11 years to my wonderful husband, Brian. We live North of you on Puget Sound.
    4) I’ve been reading here at least 1&1/2 years. I can’t remember how I got here, but I’ve been back almost daily since. I read for several reasons, the first of which is your fantastic writing. As I read along, I can almost hear you talking, and I think you are hilarious Linda! And poignant when it warrants. You come across in your writing to be just like any of my favorite friends in *real* life. In short, I think you’re great. And a smartass. I mean that in the BEST possible way. ;-)

    I will be thinking about you on Monday morning Linda, and sending you good vibes for relaxation and NO NERVES before your C-section. You are all in my thoughts, and I cannot wait to meet little D in photos!!!! CONGRATS!!!!

  125. angela on February 3rd, 2008 10:55 pm

    I am thankful that it’s going to be a stress/magnesium free delivery for you. w00t!

    1. Angela
    2. 27, 08/12/80
    3. I live in SoCal. I have a career in biotech manufacturing as a Quality Systems Analyst. I live alone. I’ve been with my BF for seven years. He used to be my boss and is 22 years my senior. I have three “step-children,” aged 21, 19, and 9. I have a miniature schnauzer puppy named Chips. He makes me LOLz. I love to cook, read, and consume cheese.
    4. I’ve been reading since before you bought your home. Don’t really know how long that is. Your writing makes me laugh.

  126. Erin on February 3rd, 2008 10:59 pm

    1. Your name – Erin

    2. Your age – 28 though more often than not I have to think about this for a bit as I still feel something like 23, and when I’m reminded that I’m nowhere near that I freak out a little.

    3. Your life in a nutshell – I’ve been married for almost 7 years, and live with my husband and my neurotic cat in West Seattle. I work in accounting though that’s not something I want to do for the rest of my life, but for now it pays the bills. I enjoy cooking, baking and most recently running. I’ve also been enjoying Bikram yoga on a weekly basis (I’ve been doing yoga for years but just recently got into Bikram). I’m planning on doing the Danskin triathlon in August and while working towards getting there I’m doing the Whidbey Island half marathon in April as well as a few smaller races here and there. All in all I’m boring!

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? – I’ve been reading for years. Umm.. since you were back on Diaryland. I can’t even remember how long. Your style of writing totally got me hooked and your outlook on life and just how down to earth you are keep me coming back.

    Good luck with Smalltopus! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures with baby #2!

  127. Julia on February 3rd, 2008 11:01 pm

    1. Julia
    2. 22 1/2
    3. Life in a nutshell: I graduated from UW last year with an International Studies degree. I had aspirations of going into the Peace Corps, but a slightly balding best friend of mine changed my mind when we randomly fell in love during the summer of 2006. So instead I now work for the UW in a really, really, really boring fiscal job, but am getting married to the funniest 33 year old you will ever meet. I’m applying to grad school (more UW) and hoping to move out of our tiny condo into a real! big! house! later this year. But first we’re getting married in Vegas in April and going to Costa Rica in June. I love to travel and find that married life will be more exciting than digging latrines in Africa. Hurrah. No kids for another 4-5 years, but EVERY friend of my fiance’s is currently pregnant, so I will soon be surrounded by babies. Which will be awesome.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
    I’ve been reading, for, uh, forever. Like 3 years? Something like that? More? Yeah, more. I think I’ve been reading since just a few months after you started blogging. I don’t remember how I found you, though. Alas.

    Also, since we live just a few north-Seattle towns apart, I always think I’m going to run into you one day and have no idea what to say beyond, “Oh my god, that’s Riley and Linda!”

  128. Leah on February 3rd, 2008 11:07 pm

    Leah here, although you know my real name too. I’m twenty-eight and a half (gak!) and can hardly believe I’m a day over fourteen. I live with Simon (soon-to-be-fiance/husband/baby-daddy if all goes well) and our cats Eve and Linus. I’m an editor, a t.v. addict, and insanely ready to have a baby. I’ve been reading this blog since Riley was about five months old, and I keep coming back because you are a truly talented writer (I get paid to recognize talent like yours!), and I just love the way your brain works. Writers are not trained, they’re born; you’ve got it, lady.

    Happy birthing. I’ll be thinking of you–all four of you–all morning.

  129. Michelle on February 3rd, 2008 11:08 pm

    Hi Linda! I’m Michelle. I’m 37. I live with my husband, my three-year-old son, and my two-week-old son. I work in the IT department of a big telecom company but I’m on a big, fat maternity leave (6 months – woo!) right now. I’ve been reading since before you got pregnant with Riley. I keep coming back because your writing has made me laugh and cry and nod my head in total agreement so many times that I’ve lost count. Hope it all goes well with Smalltopus tomorrow and that you heal quickly from the surgery (c-sections are no fun…I just had to have one myself). I can’t wait to read about your experiences with two kiddos. :)

  130. jenn on February 3rd, 2008 11:09 pm

    Hi Linda! Sooooo excited for you to finally meet Smalltopus, I’m getting farklempt. I think one or two other people already said it, but a scheduled c-section is way more fun than one following the stress of induction. You’ll be all nice and alert and… oh, it’ll just be the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you. It almost makes me wish I could go through it again just to see that perfect little face again for the first time. (My husband would shit if he heard me say that… probably a good thing I had my doc “fix things” while she was in there.) The recovery is better too. You’re going to be just fine.

    To answer your questions:
    1. My name is Jenn
    2. I’m 35
    3. My life in a nutshell: I’m a stay-at-home mom to two boys, Ryan (3.5) and Colin (10 months) who I absolutely adore. I’ve been married for 5 years to the handsome and brilliant Dr. Ray (he has a PhD in economics and works at a bank.) We live just outside Charlotte, NC. No pets. My full-time occupation is pretty much trying to find things to feed my older son, who is allergic to 5 out of the 8 major food allergens (milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts.) Yeah, fun.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading this blog for, oh, close to two years now. What keeps me coming back? I dunno… you just have a way of phrasing things that I find hilarious, and also you write about things that I can relate to because I have two little boys too. I had to go back and look for it, but wayyyyy back a long time ago there was a post you did about toys of Riley’s that you hate like the musical monkey-in-the-box-from-hell, and I remembered laughing my fool head off at that… it’s just one example though. You just keep doing what you do and I’ll keep reading. And when you write that book, I’ll be first in line.

    Good luck tomorrow… I’ll be eagerly hitting refresh!

  131. allison on February 3rd, 2008 11:11 pm

    1. Allison
    2. 30. and a half. ish.
    3. I live here in Seattle (oh, ok: Kent) and I am married to the world’s most tolerant man. I have two boys … My oldest is 2.5 (born in June of 05) and my youngest is almost 1.5 (born Sept of 06). I am currently a full time student at RTC and part time Intern…
    4. I’ve been reading you for … ages? 2003 maybe? Before either one of us had children… I don’t remember how I came upon your page then either. I keep coming back because you paint a very vivid picture with your entries (pics or no pics) and the fact that Riley is about the same age as my oldest, well… I can relate. I like that mention local events/landmarks sometimes too.

    Anyway, I haven’t sent you my good luck thoughts yet, so … GOOD LUCK! I had both of my boys by c-section, so I can relate to that also. I wish you lots of rest, relaxation and I predict that smalltopus will look A LOT like his big brother. Hang in there, and feel free to drop me an email anytime… I know what it’s like to have two little ones underfoot… I wish you the best of luck. :)

  132. Schnozz on February 3rd, 2008 11:19 pm

    1. Jenni
    2. 27
    3. I live in St. Louis with my husband, who is a pilot and thus not home a lot. I work at home as a freelance book editor. I play roller derby, which effectively distracts people from how incredibly boring I am otherwise. (Think me, a laptop, a mug of tea, and hours of silent work.) I do love to travel to weird places, though, if that redeems the old-lady tea thing at all.
    4. I can’t remember how long I’ve been reading. But I keep coming back because you don’t like bullshit. I don’t like bullshit either. I’ve never got the impression you were saying ANYTHING just because you thought you were supposed to.

  133. Sarah on February 3rd, 2008 11:23 pm

    Name: Sarah

    Age: 25

    Nut-Life-Shell: I’m a 4th year graduate student at Stanford, specifically a biologist. I’m a huge men’s college basketball fan, especially Arizona (1st) and Stanford (2nd). I’m married to John, and we’re the proud owners of two cats (his) and a rabbit (mine). We have no current plans to have kids, but I hope they’ll come along eventually. I’m my spare time, I do a lot of scuba diving and sudoku. I also like trashy romance novels, and I bake as a stress reliever.

    Why I come back: You’re entertaining! Been reading for a couple months, I think, and not quite sure how I stumbled here, but I did. You’re a great writer, and I’ve enjoyed reading about your pregnancy and other happenings. Hope Smalltopus makes an easy appearancee and used up all his energy in the womb so that he’s a lovely and pleasant baby. Good luck!!!!

  134. Crystal on February 3rd, 2008 11:24 pm

    1. Crystal

    2. Almost twenty.

    3. I live with my partner Tina and our two kittens, and I’m working as a server at The Cheesecake Factory in Littleton, CO while I put myself through school. I’m working towards a degree in psychology and saving up to join Cross-Cultural Solutions and then the Peace Corps.

    4. To be honest…I’m one of your most loyal
    fans – I’ve read your blog regularly since the auld days of Diaryland – I even remember when you got Dog, for Christ’s sake. I stumbled across you by way of drowning13’s blog (remember him?). The reason I keep coming back is that there is real heart and razor-wit in your writing – it’s addictive. I read your blog to keep sane, have followed all the major events of your life on tenterhooks (Oh little D., I’m so excited to meet you!!)

    My teenage years were awfully rough, and I was being abused physically and emotionally almost every day. I almost died from an eating disorder and dealt with constant visits from Social Services whenever the school nurse noticed my fractured shoulder, my sprained wrists, my bruised cheeks. I hope this doesn’t come off as stalkerish in any way, but I tried to read your blog every day during these awful years. I was reminded every day that there were parents who would love their children regardless of the people they would become, there were marriages that worked and days when people’s biggest problems were to figure out who was smarter – the cat or the dog? Reading about your life reminded me that there was hope out there – hope for a life like yours, so much less turbulent than my own. And what do you know – I was right. I escaped and life is so, so good now, and I like to think your writing is part of what got me through.

    I’m coming out of the woodwork (finally – in all these years I’ve never really commented) to tell you that I love your blog and you fully deserve the blessed life you lead. I am rooting for you all the way and hope your surgery is smooth sailing tomorrow. I will continue to read as long as you continue to write. Thank you for everything. If you’re ever in Colorado, head to the Cheesecake Factory and I guarantee you the best service you’ve ever had. :)

  135. Moose in the Kitchen on February 3rd, 2008 11:25 pm

    1. Amber (Also known as Moose in the Kitchen because my hands are decorated with enough scars and burns to make the casual observer think I’m an operative of the CIA. Unfortunately, I just don’t know how to operate a knife. Or the oven. Or a ziploc bag.)

    2. 29 and desperately yearning to be 30 because someone once told me that’s the age your life will be Officially Pulled Together. I’m beginning to smell a rat.

    3. I’m almost always thinking about food. A personality trait that will land me on the wrong side of 300 pounds one day. I live with my dog and my boyfriend in San Francisco and we are planning to have a kid. Eventually. Assuming the therapy works out. (I kid. Sort of.) I’m a writer/editor and am currently working for the editorial department of a place that sends out lots of 50-page legal reports. Last week’s number one legal document typo: “Asses.” I assume it was meant to be “assess” but WHO KNOWS?

    4. I read you because you’re damn funny and have a lovely way with words.

  136. misty on February 3rd, 2008 11:27 pm

    1. Your name Misty
    2. Your age 31, i think
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my husband, I started my own accounting biz a few months ago, after being laid off. Scariest thing ever, but also its been great. I have an almost 10 year old boy, and an almost 7 month old boy. 2nd marriage, and all that. 1st time I was just a child, i realize looking back at it now. This time its been much more fun, less stressful. I love them both equally, but in different ways. You realize that you love their traits, and not so great habits, but there is a 10 year difference, so of course there will be different ways. As the baby grows up, I will love him in the same ways i love the oldest one now. I know you had the question before, so I wanted to let you know my feeling on it. They are different people, with their own way of doing things.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
    I started reading quite a few years ago. I cant even remember how I got here, although, I am sure it was linked thru someone elses diary that I loved. I keep coming back because you are hilarious, thoughtful, and a great writer.

    Good Luck!!! My thoughts are with you, JB, Riley and the new wee one!

  137. Melanie on February 3rd, 2008 11:30 pm

    Happy Birthing! My name is Melanie, and I’m 44 years old and live in Mississippi.

    By day I am a court reporter working in criminal court, and by nights and weekends I am a wife and the mom of two boys, ages 11 and 6, as well as the pack mother of two boxers, Daisy and Trixie, and two cats, Jane (a/k/a The Rattlesnake) and Queenie, world’s most expensive and klutzy cat.

    I’ve been reading you for probably four or five years…guessing? At first I totally hung around for the Dog and Cat stories, but I feel like I’ve come to know all of you from afar and love to hear stories of all of you. And cry with you (home remodeling: been there, done that, don’t want that t-shirt.)

    And I keep coming back for your honesty, the fabulous writing, as well as the pictures. I’m also a huge fan of your aunt’s blog, and can’t wait to read her book.

  138. Meagan on February 3rd, 2008 11:31 pm

    1. Meagan B. Call
    2. 26
    3. I’m a Clevelander living with my fiance (oh the scandal) and two cats (oh the more shame?). I have no children, but obsessively read parenting articles and blogs because biology is making me WANT children in spite of the wonderful birth control provided by reading parenting blogs and articles. I’m currently working on getting my MFA in creative writing. My BFA was in studio art, so in about a year I’ll have TWO useless degrees. I’m working on a novel for my thesis which is about faeries, adolescence, or humanity depending on how hard you want to think about it. I spend my time writing, drawing, blogging, web-designing (not actually a verb) and most of all avoiding doing all of the above, not because I actually mind doing them, but because I am addicted to procrastination.
    4. I’ve been reading ever since some considerate a-hole posted a link from parentdish during the DOG fiasco. I come back because I love your sense of humor and want you to know that not everyone who reads parentdish is an a-hole.
    5. Good luck tomorrow!!!

  139. MB on February 3rd, 2008 11:33 pm

    1. MB

    2. 29

    3. I live in Kentucky. I’m single but I just started dating someone seriously. I have a serious, grown up, went to college for it job and was also working at Starbucks for a time until I decided that two jobs wasn’t really getting me anywhere any quicker than before.

    4. I think I’ve been reading for about a year but I forget how I discovered you. I keep coming back because you’re funny and just a little wicked, like me. I read several blogs each day but I save your blog to read each day at lunch (I am the youngest person where I work and I get asked a lot of inappropriate questions about my love life so I often eat in my office). You often make me laugh, have tried something new that I’ve just seen in the store or offer a very honest perspective that makes for a great read. I look forward to it each day because my job is really stressful.

  140. April on February 3rd, 2008 11:36 pm

    1. April
    2. 29 on March 31 (holy crap)
    3. I’m a full-time college student, finishing up my BA in English after a long break and ill-advised marriage/life derailment. I live with my boyfriend and our two adorable kittens.
    4. I have been reading your blog for about 8 months or so. I read yours and other parenting blogs because it helps to calm my rampant baby lust. Plus you’re a great writer.

    Good luck with everything tomorrow! Yay for meeting Smalltopus!

  141. Leah on February 3rd, 2008 11:37 pm

    1. Leah
    2. 30
    3. I am a software engineer living in Vancouver with my husband, no kids but two cats. I ride and show horses as a hobby (eventing). I currently ride a stallion (and I don’t mean my husband (he likes to add that one in there)) and I’ve been looking for a new horse to buy for the last 6 months and it’s driving me crazy and occupies most of my free thoughts and time (see crazy).
    4. I’ve been reading for years and I keep coming back because your such a talented and engaging writer. And I never comment, but this is a special occasion.

    Congrats!

  142. babs on February 3rd, 2008 11:41 pm

    1. Barbara
    2. 36
    3. I live in Austin with my 2 dogs. No guy in the picture, but maybe sometime soon? I’m a freelance marketing writer, but wouldn’t venturing into something completely different.
    4. I’ve read your blog since before Riley was born… I remember the progress of the belly! Your writing style keeps me coming back, and I love your advice blog too. Your commenters also have excellent taste in books, music, etc.

    Good luck with everything. Lots of positive energy should be flowing your way!

  143. Jen on February 3rd, 2008 11:42 pm

    1. Jen McKay
    2. 30
    3. I’m a Canadian, transplanted with my husband and dog to London, UK approx. 1 year ago for said husband’s job. My first baby (a girl) is due in 5 days. I’m keeping it hidden from my mother that we’ve planned a home birth in a pool in my kitchen. Should be interesting. I’m nervous and insanely excited.
    4. Been reading for, gosh, I think about two years now, I think via Kristin’s old blog. Yours is the first I read every day without fail. You’ve unknowingly been a kindred spirit throughout this pregnancy for me. Can’t wait to see pics of the new addition. The very best of luck to you.

  144. Kate on February 3rd, 2008 11:42 pm

    I’m Kate. I’m 31. I live with my husband, my six-month old daughter, and my dog in New York City. I’ve been married for almost four years, but have been with my husband since I was nineteen. I work full time doing sales and client management for a consulting firm. I don’t feel like it’s my calling, but I like it well enough. My daughter is in a day care center, which I’m mostly okay with, but sometimes I wish I had a better option.

    I’ve been reading for years, since at least six months before you got pregnant with Riley. I think I followed a link on plain-jane.com, although I just looked and if she used to link to you, she doesn’t anymore. I keep coming back because I feel like I can relate to you on a bunch of different levels, and because you write well. Sometimes you write about weighty things – alcoholism, or ambivalence, or balancing work and motherhood – very poignantly. Also, when you had Riley, I developed a strong case of baby envy. He was so cute that I wanted one of my own. And then, while I was pregnant, I avidly went back and re-read your archives, using your pregnancy for a frame of reference for my own (e.g. when did you start wearing maternity clothes? find out the sex? feel kicking? etc.) I absolutely wish you all the best tomorrow and can’t wait to see your little family grow.

  145. confiance on February 3rd, 2008 11:47 pm

    Hi Linda!

    1. Alison
    2. 22
    3. I’m a senior finishing up at Penn State, majoring in English, History, & Jewish Studies. I applied for grad school in the fall, to study Library Sciences and am currently waiting to find out if any schools actually want to take my money. I live in a tiny little studio apartment, by myself, and can’t wait to go to grad school so I can get a one bedroom place AND have my cat. Hopefully, the boyfriend of 4 years will end up at the same school or at least, close by, but we shall see. I love books, horse back riding, photography, & knitting. (And that totally felt like I was writing a personal ad.)
    4. I have no idea how I found you, but I know that it was recent – since the New Year. I keep coming back because I love your sense of humor and the way you make every-day, boring life seem like the best Thing Ever. When I grow up, I want to have the same sort of outlook on life (and my family) as you do.

    Hope all goes well tomorrow and that Smalltopus learns how to sleep from the get-go.

  146. Jacqueline on February 3rd, 2008 11:56 pm

    Good luck tomorrow! May it all go smoothly for you.

  147. PandA on February 3rd, 2008 11:58 pm

    Anya
    34 (jeez, it sounds old spelled out like that)
    I live in Northern CA, wine country which used to be apple country back when I lived here as a kid. I used to be in human resources and was a major go-getting multi-tasking young woman and now I am a SAHM and can barely brush my teeth before hitting Target at noon with kiddo in tow. Mom to wonderful 9 month old son, who reminds me a great deal of some of the stuff you write about Riley (spirited personality, did you say a few times?) Married to amazing husband who I knew as a friend in high school and he was voted typical/nicest guy in the yearbook but of course as a high school girl you don’t care for that type at the time! 10 yrs later due to a misdirected mass e-mail, we meet again and bliss :-)
    I started reading you a few years back when my sister in law sent me a link to your Giant Spider entry since I am a spider phobe (I made the mistake of clicking on the picture, even though there was a warning!) I come back daily because you say things out loud that most people only think about their lives, jobs, kids, husbands and oh especially the pets! (I am also mom to obsessively licking old dog and self-absorbed obese cat) I am very eager to watch your two child family scenerio since I kinda hope that is in my future but I am waiting to see if you go crazy or not ;-)
    Wishing you a speedy recovery, a bit of sleep the first few weeks and lots of comfort food!

  148. Emily on February 4th, 2008 12:01 am

    1. Emily
    2. 23
    3. I live in Eugene, Oregon with my boyfriend. Last spring I graduated from the Univ. of Oregon with a psychology degree. Still trying to figure out what to do with that… In the mean time I’m stalling, I mean, working at Starbucks to pay off student loans (gotta love ‘em).
    4. I’ve been reading for a couple months (but I’ve read back quite a ways). It’s like reading the blog of a big sister I never had. It’s always hilarious and your outlook on life is excellent. I’ll be around for quite a while.

    Good luck tomorrow, I’m so excited for you and your family. Can’t wait for pictures!

  149. Blythe on February 4th, 2008 12:04 am

    Blythe
    36
    I’m an American living in Germany due to my husband’s job. We’ve been here for a couple of years; before that, I was a college administrator in Portland. When we moved overseas I became a lethargic and unmotivated German language student/whiner. Then I had a baby and now I wear my PJs until naptime, when I perform my highest achievement of the day: a shower. I love to read and travel and cook and eat.

    I found you via Jonniker, when she linked to your shrink-yer-butt salad. I’d read some of the Purple posts and had seen your comments, but I’ve become a dedicated reader just in the past year. I read you because you can write like a mofo, you obviously love Riley with all your self but you talk about motherhood with an edgy sense of humor and honesty that I find refreshing, and I like reading about the Pacific Northwest that I miss.

    I will be obsessively refreshing your Flickr page today. Good luck with the surgery and your new little Smalltopus.

  150. Tanya on February 4th, 2008 12:05 am

    1. Tanya Nicole

    2. 25 in March

    3. I live with my parents (sad but true) in Southeast Minnesota. I moved back in with them because I’m a struggling college student and needed to save some money. I work full time at a group home where I help care for six adults with developmental disabilities. I’m also in school full time, getting a bachelor’s in early childhood education and elementary education with pre-primary.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog since you were still on diaryland. It’s been quite a few years. I do believe, in all those years, this is the first time I have commented so hello! Good luck tomorrow, I know he will be just as gorgeous as Riley is!

  151. sooboo on February 4th, 2008 12:09 am

    Just wanted to wish you, JB, and Baby D all the best tomorrow. I’m sure it will be a day you never forget. In the best way.
    I’m Susan
    I live in Los Angeles with my husband and our two cats. I make drawings of aerial views of cities which I sell for real money. I’m super lucky. I love what I do and I spend a lot of of time alone, which I also love. I also am the go to girl for my mom who has Parkinson’s. She’s lives in assisted living, but I handle all aspects of her life, which is kind of a part time job.
    I have been reading your blog since 04. I used to read a lot of blogs, but yours is one of three that I have stuck with. I admire your humor, strength, and honesty. You say a lot of things that I think. I have had not met many other women, lately, who I feel share a simliar outlook on the world, so it’s nice to read a voice that I connect with. Cue the stalker music…

  152. Anna on February 4th, 2008 12:11 am

    1. Anna
    2. 28 – although some days I feel like I am 68
    3. I am a mum to an 11 month old living in small town New Zealand. My husband and I have just moved back and we are living with my Mum while our house sells . Its been okay so far….I work for a government agency doing planning and reproting – its okay when its pay day. My husband is a paramedic and loves his job – I envy him.
    4. I have been reading for about 2 years – gee that long? I keep coming back because your writing often makes me spit my juice out from laughing so much.

  153. Fernanda on February 4th, 2008 12:16 am

    I never commented here before and tought this was a good opportunity!
    My name is Fernanda.
    I live in Sao Paulo, Brazil
    I’m a stay at home mother with a 5 month old baby boy!
    I live with my husband and two of the cutest dogs you ever seen!!
    I’ve been reading your blog since you were pregnant with Riley, at the time I was thinking about getting pregnant and seeing you go trough it was fun for me!!!
    I really like your sense of humor and outlook on life!
    You’re the first blog I check everyday!
    Enough about me!
    I wish you all the luck today! Can wait to see your new addition to the family!

  154. Kay on February 4th, 2008 12:20 am

    I am so so excited for you guys!!
    Ok, here goes.

    1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like) Kay

    2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like) 39. For realz though, this is the year of the big 4-0. Hold me.

    3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school, obvs.) Right now I am living the life of Riley (my grandma used to say that and, heh, got to use it!) :) I work from home, computer accounting type junk. I want to go back to the real world but my little arrangement with the grandkids 2 days a week just keeps me like it is. I am happy been married for 15 years to the best man ever. Seriously why is he still hanging around me?
    Anyway..next question.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? 4 years? I remember the first year I got a Christmas card and it was not kids, just dogs ( I want to say two back then? Can’t remember for sure). Anyway I found you through Plain Jane. Remember when she had those little descriptions by the names of her links? Yours was something about how cute/funny you were and she didn’t want to like you but damn it she did (totally winging that, can’t remember exacts). I came on over and fell in love with you writing style and then you. (hee..stalker sounding anyone?) You just seem so genuine, you make Mommy blogging bearable and dare I say it? Fun. I honestly believe what you write is not just a ploy for getting hits, making money or serving an inner diva.

    Ok I will let you go on to the next person now as I have bored you enough.

    YAY for BOYS!! :)

  155. Melissa on February 4th, 2008 12:23 am

    Dear LORD you have a lot to read…

    1. I’m Melissa (sometimes Messylissa). Hi.
    2. I’m 23, will be 24 on March 5.
    3. I’m a first year grad student up at Western (in Bellingham) studying for my MS in Experimental Psychology (going for the PhD in Developmental Psyc, eventually). I live with my boyfriend and cat (and a bearded dragon I don’t want) and secretly hope for Linda-JB-Riley sightings when we venture south to IKEA (was that stalkerish?).
    4. I’ve been reading you since…oh, forever. Way back in the Diaryland days, actually. I migrated away to Typepad myself, and then somehow found my way back to your blog where suddenly you had a baby(!). It’s been so freaking enjoyable ever since. I once spent an entire weekend catching up on everything I had missed, here & at ClubMom, because not only did I need to know what I missed, but the pregnancy stuff was fascinating for someone who hopes to be in your shoes in the next 3-5 years. I can’t wait to read along with you in this new, exciting phase of your life.

    Best of luck tomorrow!

  156. Kay on February 4th, 2008 12:23 am

    Please excuse the above typos, gosh they were bad! My excuse? I had the grandsons tonight, 7 months and 25 months. I can relate to your fear of adding another one in and what it does to the older one. It really works out fine. Believe me on this one. Your heart will double in size and Riley will more than likely not be worried about him past the 2nd day, well, until he starts touching him. And his toys. And gets a bigger piece of Gooey cake..and…

  157. Melissa H on February 4th, 2008 12:27 am

    Name: Melissa
    Age: 32 (as of 2 days ago–still getting used to it)
    Life/nutshell: California native, grew up in San Diego County, not blonde, can’t surf, currently reside in Sacramento (state capitol, you know :) with hubby and daughter who is about 2 months younger than Riley. I work as a fundraiser for a university-fell into that mostly on accident but it pays well while I figure out what I want to do with my life.
    Blog: found you via ClubMom when I had a short stint writing for them. Followed you here. You’re a great writer and I like reading blogs of folks with kids my kid’s age. Keep up the good work.

    and HAVE FUN WITH THE NEW BABY. I am a teensy bit jealous (not pregnant with #2 but wish I was) but totally happy for you and Beth Fish (as much as you can be happy for someone you don’t even know :)

  158. Jenn on February 4th, 2008 12:28 am

    1. My name is Jenn.
    2. I’m 28 although I’m told I don’t look much over 19. I hate it and generally give anyone who cards me the look of death.
    3. I live just north of Los Angeles. I graduated from law school last May and I feel like I’ve been studying for the bar ever since. I take it at the end of the month and hopefully this is the time I pass. I can’t take many more hours sitting at my desk memorizing flash cards.
    4. I really don’t know how long I’ve been reading. I think it must have been before Riley’s first birthday, although maybe I think that because I’ve read the archives? In any event, it’s been awhile.

    I keep coming back because you’re funny and terribly honest. I admire that.

    Good luck tomorrow. I’ll be thinking good thoughts!

  159. maia on February 4th, 2008 12:29 am

    I’m Maia.

    I’m 24.

    I live in Vancouver with my boyfriend.

    I spend my days wishing I was doing something more interesting with those days.

    I’ve been reading your writing for about two years, and I keep coming back because you are brilliant and all of the good things said above. You are funny and wise and you make me not so worried about future stages in my life. I’ll be thinking good thoughts your way tomorrow.

  160. Amanda on February 4th, 2008 12:31 am

    1. Amanda W
    2. 21 (22 on March 17th)
    3. I am a college student. I will have my AA degree soon. Then it is off to USF for my communications degree. I live with my dad…sorta he lives mostly in Texas now,while I am here in florida. I work in retail.
    4. I have been reading your blog for about 3 or so years. I love it, it kept me sane when I was nanny during the day for my nephew. Good Luck Today with new baby.

  161. Christy on February 4th, 2008 12:33 am

    1. My name is Christy unless you are reading my anonymous blog then I am Constance The One Hundredth (Guess I’m slightly less anonymous now)
    2. I’m 24
    3. I live with my husband and 4 month old daughter who I quit work to stay home with (I didn’t much like my crappy job). During my pregnancy I developed high blood pressure and was put on bedrest at 28 weeks. At 34 weeks I went in for a check up and was hospitalized for severe preeclampsia. The next morning my blood platelets were dropping and they delivered her via emergency c section. It all happened so fast that I barely had time to freak out before they were cutting into me. From the time he told me they were going to deliver her till she was born was about 30 minutes. I would not handle it well if I had as much time as you did to think about the surgery! Anyway, all is well now. My days are consumed with mothering my daughter and trying to make my marriage work.
    4. I have been reading you for a year or so. I first was reading Purple Is A Fruit then I found you here when Swistle (I think it was her) linked to this blog in one of her posts. When I realized it was you I was so excited I went and read all of your archives. I love reading what you have to say. You have an amazing way with words and can make me laugh out loud. You make the day to day stuff fun to read about just by putting your perspective on it.
    Good luck with everything, I know all will be well. I can’t wait to hear all about it and see pictures of your precious new boy!

  162. Jo on February 4th, 2008 12:35 am

    1. Jo
    2. 25
    3. I am currently living in Christchurch, NZ with my parents but on June 29th my best friend and I are moving to Ireland! So…as of July 1st I’ll be living somewhere on the Emerald Isle (probably Dublin). I work in marketing and am looking forward to handing in my notice in May and having a complete change of scene, drinking some Guinness, eating lots of potatoes and trying not to drool too much from the onslaught of sexy Irish accents…
    4. Must be at least 3-4 years now, I’m pretty sure you were still on diaryland. I keep coming back cos I love the way you write so honestly (and crack me up laughing on a frequent basis). Plus you take amazing photos.

    So excited for you as you welcome STP, will be thinking of you all :)

  163. Emily on February 4th, 2008 12:53 am

    OH MY GOD GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS TODAY. !!!!

    Sorry, I don’t usually like to do that, but I don’t know you and can’t call you and scream, so.

    1. Emily
    2. 25, going on 26
    3. Nutshell, um. Only child growing up in Milwaukee, always wanted to live in California (we had family there so I’ve been visiting infrequently since I was about Smalltopus’ age), but only made it as far west as Minneapolis. Minnesota is COLD, and reminds me daily of why I want to be in California, but now I’m in a kickass job at an art museum, boyfriend lives here, is hard enough being this far away from the family, etc. I live alone, and it’s great.
    Dream life? Photographer and (blog)writer, doing all my shopping at farmer’s markets, and someday hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. The End.
    4. Well, my jury is still out on the kid thing, but reading your blog…well it doesn’t help me decide at all, because you don’t sugar coat, but I like that you’re awesome and sarcastic, and have life goals other than momming. I love your voice and how open you are about your life.
    I discovered your blog last spring when Not Martha posted something about your Goodwill/thrift finds, and I’d just found some things at Goodwill, and I thought the entry was intensely hilarious, so I’ve stuck around.

    Congratulations again. Can’t wait to meet D!

  164. Jennifer on February 4th, 2008 12:56 am

    1. Jennifer, and I comment on your Flickr photos as jkl_gaijin.
    2. Late forties, and in complete denial about hitting “that next decade;” I’m pretending it’s not going to happen.
    3. I live in Bellingham WA with my husband and 2 cats (oops! we forgot to have kids!). I work in marketing and sales for a computer chip company. It’s a good job but has lately been stressing me out of my mind.
    4. Started reading Sundry just after Riley was born. I return because you have a most excellent way of weaving a story, regardless of the topic. I find that most bloggers ramble on and on (which can also be entertaining; I keep reading them too) but you have a way of starting and wrapping up an entry in a nice little package. Also, it’s a relief that you know how to spell and how to construct a grammatically correct sentence. I’m sure you work hard at it, but I really think you’re a born/gifted writer.

  165. Nerida on February 4th, 2008 12:59 am

    1. Nerida
    2. 28
    3. I’m an Australian grad student on the verge of submitting my PhD. At the moment my PhD is my life. I’m living with my parents while I am studying full-time. I’m looking forward to getting my own place when I start working full-time in about a month. I’m not sure what my boyfriend of 4 years will want to do then. Should I move in with him? Should I buy or rent? How will I buy if I’m renting?
    4. I’ve been reading your blog for over 2 years. I also read your “Purple is a fruit” blog, Sundrybuzz and I even scan through ParentDish to read yours and Kristin’s posts – even though I don’t have children. My feed reader keeps me coming back ;) No, just kidding. I really enjoy your writing. You put great humour into it, but you also write about some of the serious stuff and how it makes you feel, but without your writing feeling forced or too emotional or like you’re trying too hard. Thanks. I look forward to reading all about Smalltopus and his impact on the lives of you and Riley and JB.

  166. Josie on February 4th, 2008 1:02 am

    wow, there’s another Josie ahead of me! Hi other Josie! your name rocks!

    1. Josie (ha.)
    2. 25
    3. my life: I’m married to my high school sweetheart and live in Seattle (in Queen Anne) with said husband and our dog. I’m in my first year of a school psychology phd program at the U-dub and have been having fun getting to know my new city.
    4. I’ve been reading you since I found you through (kristin? amalah? hmmmm) someone and kept coming back because you are so gosh darn likeable. I think that was about a year ago. Before I moved here and started school I worked at a horrible medical secretary job that reading blogs like yours at my desk totally got me through. So thanks!

    I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow while I’m testing catholic school kids for reading abilities =)

  167. Claire on February 4th, 2008 1:07 am

    I’m not sure if I got this on time, its 7pm monday Australia time, so that baby might be out and kicking by now, but what the hey.
    1. Your name
    Claire Cherrington
    2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like)
    21
    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 parents, 18 yo sister and loud cat. I go to uni, studying pe teaching, and I ring people up and annoy them for a living. Yeah, I’m a telemarketer, but I make it ok in my head because it’s for charity. I used to do a lot of nannying and babysitting, which I loved, but it doesn’t really fit in around uni anymore, especially now that I’m actually trying to pass. The other massive parts of my life are soccer, my girlfriend and my friends.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
    Err, since you were on twelve beer. I keep coming back because you’re funny, you’re a good writer who I enjoy reading, and your kid is cute and stories of him are hilarious and heartwarming.

  168. serror on February 4th, 2008 1:17 am

    1. Sara
    2. 28
    3. Live in Seattle with my fiance, work for a company that makes travel shows for public television (sounds waaay more glam than it is) Other than that, planning a wedding in Hawaii to escape the giant guest list in Seattle.
    4. Reading for about 2 years. I keep reading because you are a great writer, pee-your-pants funny and I love how you share about your life. And the damn cute pics of the boy don’t hurt. :)

    Best of luck tomorrow! I am so so excited for your family, and to see pics of smalltopus! Yay!

  169. Donna on February 4th, 2008 1:24 am

    Donna
    fitty
    disgruntled city employee
    nm
    I am proud to say that I have read all of your entries, and have been reading since you started, but I don’t remember who pointed me here. Plain Layne maybe? Who knows. Anyway, congrats on the stp, may it all go well, and quick, and easy, and isn’t it amazing that you have touched so many of our lives? It is a small world, and a nice one, with people like you in it! Thinking about you, and the bebes!

  170. Amber on February 4th, 2008 1:28 am

    1. I’m Amber

    2. I’m 30

    3. I live in downtown Vancouver WA (not BC) with my 9yr old son. My son’s dad and I split up a couple of years ago but things are cool and we share our time with him pretty much 50/50 except for during school breaks when he’s with me when he would normally be in school.

    I have worked as a nanny for a few years now but will be looking for something in my field (Social Science) after said degree is completed in April.

    I have the most considerate, loving boyfriend in the whole wide world. We are big fans of wine, movies, sushi, ping-pong(HELLS YEAH!) and weekends at the Oregon Coast. We have pipe dreams of opening a bed and breakfast near Cannon Beach someday.

    4. I’ve been reading since Riley was brand new. I dig your blog because it seems your idea of an honest observation about life is the same as mine…not such an easy trait to find…In fact great awkwardness can ensue if minds don’t meet and said observation slips out before proper assessment of the other persons position has taken place. Trust me, been there.

    Also I have always wanted to ask:
    Have you ever had a Cheese Zombie?
    We used to get them in school and they are possibly the best version of grilled cheese I have ever had, plus, they’re called Cheese ZOMBIES!
    You should google the recipe when you have time and add it to the Fuckit Buckit Cookbook!

    Good Luck with the wee man this morning, hope all goes as planned!

  171. Dutch girl on February 4th, 2008 1:34 am

    I live in Amsterdam… and I’m sharing on this blog (not yet with this world) that my partner and I are moving to INDIA in the next 6 months, to Bombay. To crazy, tropical, overcrowded, exciting, polluted Bombay! I am scared to death and thrilled to bits :)

    I read you because my google reader suggested you (hee :) ) and now I am hooked. Love your style!

  172. Dutch girl on February 4th, 2008 1:35 am

    and yes, i know i’m supposed to call it Mumbai, but no one else seems to…?

  173. oregoncoastgirl on February 4th, 2008 1:35 am

    I have a little questionnaire in mind:

    1. Stephanie
    2. Just 33
    3. Myself, 1 husband, originally from Coos Bay, 2 dogs, 1 cat, living in Portland, dead-end job, think I know your husband’s uncle? Maybe?
    He is a kind man.
    4. 5-6 years or so; the freakish correlations (pre-baby) and honesty in your writing. Identification with where JB came from. (Not necessarily the reason I come back, but, hey, Coos County represent.)

  174. Rachel on February 4th, 2008 1:41 am

    I’m a sucker for questionnaire type things:

    1. Rachel

    2. 31 today – smalltopus has a pretty good day to be born on!

    3. Live with someone I’m marrying next Saturday, on the West coast of Scotland; work for a research institute.

    4. I’ve been reading for just over two years, I keep coming back because you’re funny, honest , and because when I read your archives you seemed to have the same worries and uncertainties about growing up and having kids as I do. You also live in the bit of the USA I would choose to live in if I ever had to move there – I have a thing about the Pacific Northwest in general.

    Good luck and best wishes!

  175. Jennie on February 4th, 2008 1:50 am

    1. Jennie

    2. 24

    3. Live in Auckland, New Zealand. Live with my husband Karl and our two sons (2 1/2 and 3 months).

    4. I’ve been reading your blog since 05 (I think?) Jem mentioned you once and I’ve never turned back. Your a hoot and one of the best writers i’ve come across. Love**

  176. Kathie on February 4th, 2008 1:54 am

    Hi!
    My name is Kathie, and I’m 27 years old. I’m British, but living in Munich, Germany, with my german husband of 2,5 years, Marc. I’m expecting our first baby in 2 months, which looks incredibly exciting, but also petrifying now I’ve written it down. Living in Germany, I am about to experience the joy of 14 weeks mandatory paid maternity leave, starting 6 weeks before the due date. Until that glorious day, I am sitting it out at the local university, working on the timetabling and generally doing jobs that I certainly don’t need my degree for.
    I’ve been reading you for… I don’t know, a long time, you were certainly at diaryland back then. Why do I keep coming back? It’s clearly some sort of addiction, and one of its symptoms will be mad refreshing all day today, starting now, even though I know full well that you aren’t even at the hospital yet because it’s the middle of the night where you are, but that’s the crazies for you…
    Thinking of you today, and really looking forward to meeting the Smalltopus!

  177. Chiara on February 4th, 2008 1:55 am

    Hi babe! Man, I remember the last time you did this, and I remember seeing Riley in the hospital the day he was born. I wish I could see Smalltopus this time around as well. I wish I could see you and the whole fam in general…looking forward to doing so in July, definitely.

    (Chiara, 32, living for the next two weeks in Wellington, New Zealand, traveling around the rest of NZ and a coupla Pacific Islands for the next four months. Been reading you since 2003 maybe? Still have fond memories of our first lunch together and of good conversations and that sleepover we had that time and that one trip to IKEA and Ladies Who Linner and also of a time when you really saved my life emotionally speaking and damn I miss you. Can’t wait to see you in 2008 sweet pea…will be thinking of you tomorrow, for sure for sure.)

  178. Deanna on February 4th, 2008 2:39 am

    1. Deanna

    2. 32

    3. American living in France, with my French husband, almost 1 year old son, baby number 2 due in August and our 2 year old pug. I’ve been in France for 7.5 years. Lived in Seattle for 5 and born and raised in CA.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog for 1.5 years. You are hilarious and I just love your writing. I’m here everyday to check the blog, photos etc. I can’t wait to see pictures of “baby D”.

    Best wishes at the hospital and give the baby a great big kiss. Bon Courage Linda !
    Looking forward to hearing more about life with 2 kiddos.

  179. Emblita on February 4th, 2008 2:55 am

    1. Embla
    2. 29, will be 30 in July
    3. Live in Iceland, in Reykjavik (where I do absolutely no partying despite this city’s reputation). I live with my husband and 17month old son. My husband works from home and I work at the UI faculty of law- which is a decent job. I’m supposedly a “project manager” which means I do everything- including managing the website and writing the curriculum. I am ostensibly trying to finish my masters degree in history but that would like require you know… doing something. That hasn’t happened in a looong time. Plus, I’m thinking about changing my thesis subject- gosh. I’ll probably finish around 2013.

    4. Like a geek I remember the day I first read your blog. I was living in Hawaii (studying at HPU) and you wrote a entry in your Journal (as it was know at the time)about the horrible designs of bra’s and how none of the sizes match, you were in Victoria’s Secret and cursing the assistant trying to prop your eh…hooters into various torture devices, I mean bra’s. I could totally relate- I hate shopping for bras because they just don’t make the cups big enough! This was back sometime 1999/2000.

    I’ve been reading your blogs/journal ever since and I’ve sorta, come to think of you like an old friend. (God that sounds stalky doesn’t it- luckily for you I live on the other side of the planet so I won’t be peeking through your windows, not that I would if I lived over there… eh I’m just going to stop now) You are hysterically funny, and your writing makes me wish I had even just an fraction of your talent. But instead I enjoy reading about whats going on with you.

    Since I’m like the 2000th person to fill this out you’re probably to busy being a new mom to read this too carefully. But in case you do CONGRATULATIONS with Smalltopus!

  180. Sarah on February 4th, 2008 2:57 am

    1. Sarah
    2. 27
    3. I live in South Yorkshire, England with my husband and my two sons, ages 3 and 22 months. My husband is a History teacher and I am an English teacher, though currently I stay at home with our two little boys. Our third child is due in June. We also have two dogs, a cat and a snake!
    4. I’ve been reading this blog for a couple of months now. I love how honest you are and you make me laugh at the same time.

    Hope everything goes well with baby #2, can’t wait to see the pictures.

  181. Keaton on February 4th, 2008 3:00 am

    1. My name is Keaton! Probably could’ve guessed that if you ever decided to click that link to my sorely neglected blog.

    2. I am a spry and jaded 20.

    3. I currently live in Tokyo for the next 22 hours, and will be living in St. Paul, MN with a friend of mine in a house at college when I get back. I do not actually have a job (some of us ARE students), but I am a Japanese/Economics major. I know, hiss, evil, soulless, whatever. I ownz u.

    4. I have been reading this blog since around the time you started writing about being pregnant with Riley. I was introduced to your site by my then-girlfriend and have been reading ever since. I keep coming back because of two things: your writing is HILARIOUS and INTERESTING, but more importantly, JIMMY LEG. I’m a bit sad that that phase is over. =P

  182. Debbi on February 4th, 2008 3:07 am

    First of all good luck to you. I would say enjoy the last few hours of being pregnant, but after 3 boys i have often been more than ready for the end result, if for no other reason than to tie my own shoes!

    About me:
    1. Your name: Debbi

    2. Your age: 33 (i would lie, but i am too tired to think of what age would be considered cool)

    3. Your life in a nutshell: Let’s see. I have 3 boys (J who is 4.5 yrs, D who is 2.5yrs and I who is 9 months, anyone notice a trend here?). I have been married to DH for almost 6 years (I am almost embarrassed to say that given the number of children we have). I work full time at night (so yes i am awake now and have been for some time) as an engineer. My husband works for the same company during the day. We work such an odd schedule so that we can keep from having to pay the equivalent of a house payment for child care. I spend the majority of my day waiting for the magic hours when all three kids take their naps and i can shut my eyes without fear that something will be set on fire or flushed. I spend WAY too much time surfing blogs at work and live vicariously through those that still go someplace exotic, like a restaurant that serves you.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I have been reading for a little over two years. I have completely forgotten how i found out about you, but i think you are funny and intelligent and i like to read about your life. It’s a perverse pleasure, don’t you think?

    Can’t wait to see photos of the newest member of your family. Later!

  183. Penny on February 4th, 2008 3:15 am

    1. Your name : Penny
    2. Your age: 41
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I am married for 23 years now. We have 5 children BUT we have also taken in 5 other children over the years who have become a part of the family through the fostering and living with us. We consider them ours. I have 8 grandchildren. The latest one born 2 weeks ago, a boy! I am disabled so I stay home and raise kids. I also Teach youth at our church. My youngest child is 15 and my only boy. All the rest are girls so pink has become my favorite color. I have been with my husband since I was 17 years old. I have a bachelors degree in Computer Information Science and will never be able to use it sadly. I love learning and go to classes on all different things when I can. I just signed up for free Hebrew classes..you know just in case I suddenly meet someone who cannot speak anything but Hebrew.. look could happen!
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back: I have been reading your blog since you first got pregnant with Riley. What keeps me coming back is how you make the mundane things in life fun, funny and I love your sense of humor. I think you have a great life and its nice to read someones blog who enjoys life or least makes the most of it.

  184. Angharad on February 4th, 2008 3:15 am

    Hi there! My name is Angharad and I currently live in Cambridge, UK with my boyfriend. I’m 29 and work as an internet researcher for an interent intelligence company that monitors brand infringements, piracy, counterfeiting and the like.
    I’ve probably been reading your blog for just over a year now. I can’t remember where I first found a link to it but I remember that after reading a couple of current posts I went back to the beginning and read them all straight through!
    I keep coming back for the simple reason that you make me laugh. Lots. I have no children and don’t plan on having any but I’ve really enjoyed reading about your experiences with Riley and very much look forward to the same with Smalltopus. Also, I love hearing about Dog. She’s the image of a lab I had in high school.
    All the best for this afternoon (and after that too obv ;-) )

  185. Lindy on February 4th, 2008 3:27 am

    1. Lindy
    2. 37
    3. I’m an Expat living in Manchester,UK. I moved here in 2005 and moved in with my English boyfried. We met while both living in Hell Hole, South Carolina. My daughter was born in June 2006. I’m a SAHM who tries to travel with toddler in tow.
    4. I’ve been reading your blog since I started my own blog- 19 months or so.

  186. mango on February 4th, 2008 3:42 am

    Hey Linda!

    I’ll assume I got here before your hospital journey, so…

    I’m Emma (though my dad wanted to call me Aisling ['sweet dream' in Gaelic *snort*], my mum decided no-one would ever be able to pronounce it – got it as a middle name instead… Oh, and it’s “Ash-ling”)

    I’ve just turned 22.

    I’ve just finished university in the UK and am about to embark on ‘the next stage’ of my life. Hopefully that’ll be a film production company hiring me… Here’s for hoping :) I have a boyfriend who is the love of my life (soppy, I know!) but who lives faaaar away, so I rarely see him – married people say this is an ideal situation ;)

    I have read your blog for about 2 years now and love every minute – you are funny, caring, self-deprecating and judging by how Riley is growing up into a wonderful boy, you should have no worries for when STP arrives.

    The best of luck and love to yourself, JB and Riley (and of course, Suctopus when he makes his grand entrance!)

    Xx

  187. Nance on February 4th, 2008 3:43 am

    Nance, 42, Pennsylvania, married, mom of 2 sons (13, 19), medical secretary. I come back because you’re a helluva writer, you make me laugh and the kid is cute. Oh, and you update regularly. Been reading you since way before Riley was around – years? Yikes!

  188. Zoot on February 4th, 2008 3:44 am

    Kim
    32
    Married (for the second time) with two kids and one more on the way. Cartographer by training, web geek by hobby. 3 dogs. 2 cats. Amen.

    I’ve been reading your site since before Riley. Before you were pregnant with Riley. But I’m not sure how much before. It seems like FOREVER before – but I don’t think that’s possible. I just like it here. Amen. Again.

    Good luck.

  189. diane on February 4th, 2008 3:45 am

    Good morning,
    Best of luck to all four of you and hope you have a short wait today!

    Diane

    60 and loving it

    I started reading just before you announced that Riley was coming.

    I live in CT and am a grandmother to 2 beautiful and brilliant children we adopted from South Korea. I work part time and help my daughter with the children. She had a stem cell transplant this past April 17th and still tires easily. But it’s a labor of love.

    I have a hubby who will be retiring in 2 years and we are both looking forward to becoming nomads.

    I keep coming back because you make me laugh and that is a great way to start my day. I really do remember going thru the things you are experiencing in your life right now and love re-living them without the stress.

    I really think you should very seriously consider writing a book.

    Can’t wait for the first picture of STP!!

  190. Mika on February 4th, 2008 3:46 am

    1. Your name: Mika is close enough
    2. Your age: 34
    3. life in a nutshell: Live with my hubby, my 3 year old boy, and my exceedingly pregnant belly (due in 20 days, not that I’m counting) on the opposite coast from you. I do boring work that can be best by summed up thusly: “I take the specs from the clients, and I bring them to the engineers…I deal with the god damn customers so the engineers don’t have to.” Ah Office Space, that pretty much sums up my business life :-)
    4. I get a kick out of reading well-written funny accounts of things (like crazy toddler tantrums or crazy pregnancy food cravings) that I am going through at the same time! I’ve been reading for quite a while — maybe 4 years?
    GOOD LUCK TODAY!

  191. JMH on February 4th, 2008 3:50 am

    Hello Linda and Welcome little one!

    1. Jill
    2. 36..soon to be 37 (March)
    3. I live in a very small midwestern town. My husband and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage this fall. We have 2 great kids: almost 7 year old girl and a 4 year old boy. I teach computer applications classes to elementary kids (K-4 grades). It is my dream job after suffering through 12 years of teaching special education.

    I discovered your blog about a year ago via Purple is a Fruit. I love your writing since you can always make me laugh. I also like how “non-preachy” or balanced you are with your opinions. In other words, your blogs don’t make me want to punch my monitor.

    Good luck today!! 2 kids are great :)

  192. pamela on February 4th, 2008 3:54 am

    1. Pamela
    2. 27
    3. I live in Argentina (thought you’d like to know you are read by someone so far away) with my son and husband. I work full time in an IT job with a big consulting firm and parent full time as well ;).
    4. I have been reading your other blog (purple is a fruit) almost since my boy was born (18 months ago). I started reading this one when the other one was taken down (I hadn’t realized you also wrote here). I started reading because I became a mother at what is now considered a young age (I was almost 26) and had no one in my family or group of friends in that same situation. So I needed to be in some kind of contact with people who were living through motherhood and were honest about its ups and downs.
    I keep reading your blog because I love your honest (and also I believe overall optimistic) outlook on motherhood. And I must recognize I also love hearing about your little boy, since he is a few months older than my son so I can get a glimpse at what is to come.
    I hope you have a wonderful delivery today and wish the best for you and your family.

  193. thejunebug on February 4th, 2008 4:03 am

    1. Your name: RaeAnne

    2. Your age: 27

    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my husband Jay in north metro Atlanta, GA. Jay is 35 (he robbed the cradle!). We both work in a large, academic library, and we just moved into our first home in 2007. We don’t have any children yet, though we are planning on starting a family next summer. Hmm… I have five siblings, two of whom live in Eugene, OR, two who live in California, and one who lives in Florida. My mom is a crazy biker woman who runs a VFW post.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back: I’ve been reading you since you first started posting on diaryland. :) I started on diaryland in Jan of 2002 (paper-rose… locked now), and I came across your diary and Weet’s around the same time. I stopped reading you when I stopped writing on diaryland (late 2003). At some point I picked up just daily journaling on LJ, and went about finding my old faves again. I found you again just a few weeks before you announced your pregnancy with Riley.

    What keeps me coming back is your honesty, your humor, and the general similar interests and ‘vibes’ that instantly tell me “this person is a friend”. You’re kind and caring, but you also own up to your mistakes. You’re a wonderful woman that I’d be privileged to meet and know in person. Since we live on opposite sides of the country, I’ll just have to be content with keeping up with you on the interwebs. :)

    Blessings to you today, Linda! And godspeed to the new little one. I can’t wait to ‘meet’ him.

  194. MG on February 4th, 2008 4:10 am

    Feels like a dating profile or something.
    1) Melanie

    2) 29

    3) I am married and living in Toronto. I have 2 boys, 21 months and 6 months so am still on my mat leave. I like mountain biking, hiking with the dogs and sleeping. Which I am still not doing as much as I would like.

    4) I’ve been reading for about a year. First I read you at Clubmom but then I found this blog and liked it more. I think it’s the swearing :)

    Best wishes for today. Even though I have never met you I will be thinking of you.

  195. Lisa on February 4th, 2008 4:12 am

    Hi Linda! You have probably just gotten to the hospital – good luck! I’m Lisa, 38, American living in Toronto, professor at U of Toronto. My partner is British, living in London, so we spend most of our time apart, but tons of time together, b/c we both have very flexible jobs that allow us to spend lots of time outside the office. I’m in London at the moment, and have been since Christmas. We’re trying to find jobs in the other’s city, and trying to get pregnant too (but there are some sperm issues, so no success yet). We both love reading you, though Paul is a bit macho about it, considering it a pretty girly thing to read blogs. I read only a few, and love yours, love your sense of humor, the tips & recipes (I still have the shrink yer butt salad recipe), the pictures of Riley. All in a non-stalkerish way. I’ve been reading you for a long time :)

  196. Kelley O on February 4th, 2008 4:23 am

    1. Kelley
    2. 44
    3. I live with Dave (my husband) and Nancy (his other wife) and JE (Nancy’s almost 12 year old son). Also, Simba (Nancy’s guide dog, a sweet waggy black lab), Pixel (our 18 pound cat) and Max (our 12 pound cat). I manage data (materials, customers and related stuff) and sit on my butt in front of a computer about 12 hours a day.
    4. Have been reading you for a LONG time, where ever you write, because you make me laugh. I actually met you at the Journalcon that was in San Diego several years ago (I was previously known as ThatGrrrl). I share most of your entries with Dave and Nancy (minus the pics because they’re both blind, but I describe the pics for them).

    We are all thinking of you today, and can’t wait to hear all about it and see pictures of the baby OUTSIDE your belly… although the pics of you with him still IN your belly have been quite beautiful as well. But we know you’re tired of having him in there, so good luck today. :)

  197. Marije on February 4th, 2008 4:38 am

    In Dutch!

    1. Marije
    2. 32
    3. Moeder van 3 kinderen, werk als personeelsfunctionaris, woon in Den Haag (Holland)
    4. Ik lees je blog nu een paar weken, ik kwam er via een ander blog (http://nuver.web-log.nl/) dat ik bijna dagelijks. Ik ben op dit moment vooral benieuwd naar hoe je baby er uit ziet.

  198. Lauren on February 4th, 2008 4:41 am

    1. Lauren
    2. Almost 33
    3. Married to Bill (7 years) mother to Max (20 months) former high school English teacher, former quality assurance engineer, currently a doll artist, although I have been on sabbatical for about 6 months or so.

    4. I read at Purple is a Fruit for a long time and then made my way here. It’s the honesty that keeps me coming back and the glimpses to what our life with Max might be like in a few months.

    I pray, pray that you get a good sleeper. Max was really active in womb and he hasn’t changed.. Wishing you all the best!

  199. Bunny on February 4th, 2008 4:41 am

    I am Bunny, I am 28 and I am a stay at home mom to two kids, a boy, almost 4 and a girl, almost 2. I’ve been reading for a long time, I started over at Purple is a Fruit. (so I guess not too long) I was not around for Riley’s babyhood, so I am anxious to follow STP’s arrival. Linda, I love they way you write, I haven’t ever read anyone who is quite so talented with metaphors. You have such a quirky (wonderful) perspective sometimes and I love your honesty. You’ve shared some very personal things and I admire you for doing that.
    I’ll be thinking of you today and hoping for a safe and happy delivery. Can’t wait to welcome STP!

  200. Melissa on February 4th, 2008 4:45 am

    1. Melissa
    2. 28
    3. I live in Fort Lauderdale with boyfriend and our boy/girl twins that are just Riley’s age (he’s one month older). I do work full time and do testing on preschoolers. Life in a nutshell is crazy since my life has been taken over by two toddlers!
    4. I found you at ClubMom and when they closed their blogs I looked you up and found you. You are such a brilliant writer and I enjoy your style in expressing how crazy life can be with a two year old or 2-two year olds for me! I hope Smalltopus doesn’t give you too much work but you are a seasoned pro now! Best of wishes to your family today!

  201. Ann on February 4th, 2008 4:47 am

    My name is Ann and I’m 28 – I live with my husband and our bunny in a Philadelphia suburb. We both work in HR consulting, specializing in personality profiling and assessment. It sounds much more interesting than it actually is. I’m also in school, finishing up my MBA in August.

    Since I’ve never commented, I’m reluctant to admit that I’ve read your blog for at least 2 years. Your writing style and humor keep me coming back but the biggest reason that I read your blog is because you are willing, and very capable of, writing what others are thinking but don’t say. You don’t sugar coat parenting to be one big sunny, puppy-filled box of rainbows and instead show each of us the reality of being a parent – that you can love your child completely yet still occasionally want to boot him off the planet.

    Good luck today – my husband and I will be thinking of you!

  202. alli on February 4th, 2008 4:48 am

    1. Alli which is short for Alicia (Ah-lee-see-uh)

    2. 31, except my three year old keeps telling me I am 2.

    3. I live in Chattanooga, TN with my husband of 8 years, our 3 year old son, and our two dogs. I quit working soon after my son turned two and before I overdosed or slit my wrists because my job sucked that much. Now I enjoy the hectic lifestyle of the SAHM and am gearing up for a lifestyle of being a homeschooling mom.

    4. I’ve been reading you since you were on Diaryland. (I was SillyRed then.) I keep coming back because you are funny, tell a good story, and I like your take on parenting.

    Can’t wait to meet the new guy. I am praying you have a very quick time in the hospital and quick recovery.

  203. Beth on February 4th, 2008 4:52 am

    1. Beth

    2. 33

    3. I live in SC with my husband, daughter (born in August 2005), two cats, and a fetus due in March. I do Web stuff for an insurance company. Outside of work, I like to read, sew, knit, run and watch that Sarah Silverman/Matt Damon video.

    4. I can’t remember when I started reading your blog–before Riley, I know. I keep reading because I love your way with words, and it’s refreshing to read an honest take on raising a child, the joys and the mind-numbing boredom alike. It’s something I wish I had the guts to do on my own blog, but alas, all the grandparents read it.

    Can’t wait to hear all about the new arrival! Best wishes!

  204. Kizz on February 4th, 2008 4:58 am

    1. Kizz

    2. Just turned 39 last month.

    3. Living in an apartment in Brooklyn, NY with my 13-year-old dog and 2 7-year-old cats. I make my mortgage payments by being a secretary for 2 rich old dudes and I make my sanity by acting, writing, and singing. As a matter of fact I’ve got a show coming up in a couple of weeks.

    4. You know, I can’t remember how I got over here to Sundrymourning but I’ve been reading since before it was on this domain. Probably I was scrolling through people’s entries about an event or something and wound up here. Once I get somewhere I usually stay and I like it here, it’s warm and sunny and there’s a cute dog and an evil cat, it feels like home!

    Fingers crossed for less fear and boredom and more action!

  205. stan on February 4th, 2008 5:00 am

    1. John Stanley, known as Stan.

    2. 52. Closer to 80 than 20 – how sad!!

    3. I live on the north side of Belfast, Northern Ireland with May (my wife of 38 years), Jonathan (my 20-year-old son, who is studying Electronic and Software Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast) and Matthew (my 17-year-old son, who is wheelchair-bound and still at school).
    I work in government computing for the Department of Health (and have done since I left university).
    My life outside family and work centres around the church and sport (just watching now!)

    4. I have been reading you since July 2005, just after you had moved from diaryland. I found you through diaryland, really because of photos you had posted of Seattle and Tokyo, both places I had visited. I read back through all your entries and kept on reading because I enjoyed your humour, your insightfulness (if there’s such a word!!)
    I guess I keep reading just to see what happens next, a bit like following a soap opera, but more in a reality TV kind of way rather than with contrived and over-dramatic situations.
    (Although I’m sure today will be a pretty dramatic day for you. I hope (if you ever get round to reading this far down) that all has gone well and you are a proud and happy mother of two. I look forward to reading into the future).

  206. Jessica on February 4th, 2008 5:01 am

    1. Jessica

    2. 28

    3. I live with my husband, 16 month old son, Dylan, and our three dogs. We live in Michigan. I have my BA in Accounting, and my MBA. I work in an accounting firm, and my husband runs a business out of our house. When I’m not working, I’m constantly running after our toddler, and picking up this mess of a house umpteen times a day.

    4. I’ve been reading this blog for about three weeks now, and absolutely love the humor that you have when you write.

    Good luck tomorrow!

  207. Erin on February 4th, 2008 5:12 am

    Hi! I don’t ever comment here, mainly because I am painfully shy (yeah, even on the internet. Sad.)

    1. Erin

    2. 25

    3. I live in MS with my husband and my dog (a black lab.) I work in the marketing department of an aviation company, coordinating tradeshows and creating marketing materials, and zzzz…Yeah, I am boring.

    I am constantly dodging the “So, when are you going to have kids?” question, because why GOD why would you think I am capable of being responsible for another human being at this point in my life? (happy for you though! I swear!)

    4. I have been reading your blog since I was in college (probably around ‘02 or ‘03) back when diaryland was my guilty pleasure, so you know I wasn’t just drawn in by the cute baby pictures (but they are a nice bonus.) I keep coming back because you make me laugh.

  208. umich0504 on February 4th, 2008 5:14 am

    Name: Christina
    Age: 25

    I have a little house and live by myself in suburban Detroit – although my boyfriend (also 25, we went to high school together, but didn’t start dating until after college) is around a lot, and stays here probably half the time. I am a sales and marketing coordinator for an engineering firm (making excellent use of my Psychology/Crime and Justice degree, no doubt). I often dream about quitting my job, falling into a pit of money, and being able to pay my mortgage while going to pastry school. And then I’ll open a bakery and make wedding cakes and cupcakes and all kinds of yummy shit.

    I have no idea how I first came here, but I’ve been reading since shortly before Riley turned one. I keep coming back because you write so well, you crack my ass up, and I can’t get enough of Riley and his unending suspicion. And obviously, I am dying to “meet” Smalltopus.

    Best of luck today!! :)

  209. Erica on February 4th, 2008 5:16 am

    1. Erica Anderson

    2. I’ll hit the big 3 – 0 in August.

    3. I live in Tennessee, basically in the same town I’ve lived in my whole life. My husband Joe and I will celebrate our 11th anniversary in July – yes, we married at the ripe old age of 18 (high school sweethearts – awwww). We have two daughters whom we adopted from foster care over the last five years: Stephanie is almost 16, and Katie just turned 9. We have two dogs and the world’s stupidest cat. I work part time as an office manager for a psychologist and teach one day a week at my church’s preschool, but when I grow up I want to be a photographer. We are currently trying for our our first biological child and I am so excited/scared/freaked out that I don’t know what to do with myself.

    4. I’ve been reading forever. I don’t even know when. A LONG time before Riley. I just like your writing: you seem real, are very funny, and talk about things most people don’t. Also you take really fantastic pictures.

    Best of luck today. I am going to say a little prayer for you and your beautiful little family this morning.

  210. Swistle on February 4th, 2008 5:26 am

    Do you know, I woke up at 3:00 this morning and thought, “SUNDRY BABY TODAY!!!!”

    My name is Swistle, and I’m 34.

    I live with my 34-year-old husband, three aging cats, and five offspring: a third-grader, a first-grader, twin toddlers, and an infant. I’d like to have just one more baby. We live in a raised ranch. I stay at home with the kids, and Paul goes out to work. I blog.

    I’m not sure when I started reading your blog, but I remember how I got here: I followed a link from http://www.bobofett.com/index.html, which was, I think, the first blog I ever read. (I didn’t even know what blogs WERE then. I think she linked to your post about eating the placenta? And I laughed and laughed and laughed. And I checked your blog periodically for awhile, then got really hooked and went back and read all your archives from the beginning (it was so fun reading about your pre-child worries and your pregnancy worries, knowing that Riley was already born and that it had worked out great. It was like being psychic!).

    I keep reading because you’re funny and you’re cool and you hit that perfect combination of “kids make me crazy / kids are so awesome” (Jonniker mentioned this on her blog, and I totally agree). Also, now that I’ve been reading a long time, I, um….*lowers voice, embarrassed*…you know. Care about you. Like, I find your posts highly entertaining, but also I like to know what you’re up to and how you’re feeling and what kinds of things you’re thinking about and buying and so forth. I feel like you’re a neat and interesting person and I always want to know more. There. How’s that?

  211. Sarah on February 4th, 2008 5:28 am

    1. Sarah. Or Biatch. I answer to both.

    2. 26. Or 27. I can never remember. OH, Lord, I just did the math. I very well may be 28.

    3. I just had my first child in December (half the reason I can’t remember simple things anymore, such as age). I work at an engineering firm, but I abhor engineers. (I handle all of the creative stuff that goes beyond shoes with laces.) I am married to a man who is an ovary away from being a woman, and we both do local theatre together. I also am lusting over a Superhero Designs necklace, thank you very much for indulging.

    4. I read this blog because it’s honest. Our little southern metro has quite a few bloggers, but they’re all sunshine-and-unicorns-fly-out-of-my-arse, as southerners are supposed to be. I wrote a very honest journal about my pregnancy, and it was nice to read yours with Smalltopus and hear the same things I said. You’re a real woman, with real issues, and a real(ly) good sense of humor. I’m sending VERY good vibes your way and hope to hear great news about your new delivery!

  212. Becky on February 4th, 2008 5:30 am

    1. Becky
    2. 42
    3. I’m a systems analyst, married for 10 years and have a 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter and a cat.
    4. I have been reading for several years, probably from the very beginning. I love your humor, you let us know what movies we can wait for video, and you seem like an actual friend.

  213. Caley on February 4th, 2008 5:31 am

    1. Caley (Pronounced kay-lee; My mom named me this before it was popular and will swear to anyone that she, in fact, actually INVENTED the name.)
    2. 27
    3. I live in the Northern VA, just outside DC, with my husband of almost 4 years and our sons, Ethan, 2.5, and Oliver, 6 weeks. I stay at home with the boys, and I wish my answer to this question was more interesting! But there it is.
    4. I’ve been reading your blog for maybe a year and a half to two years, and have commented only once or twice in that time! There’s something intimidating about leaving a comment on a post that already has 86 of them- what could I say that hasn’t been said already? (That’s my excuse.) Our kids are very close in age so I relate to a lot of what you write about. I keep coming back because you are so, so funny, and you write the things that I only THINK about parenting and life (and you write them funnier than I even think them).

    I wish you guys ALL the best and more and can’t wait to see pictures, crappy cell phone or not. Good luck!!

  214. Heather on February 4th, 2008 5:36 am

    This is one of the few times I feel like a comment in the 200s will actually get read!

    I’m Heather, I’m 43 and I live in Manhattan (on Park Avenue, actually if you want to sound snooty about it!) with my husband and my two kids. I’m ‘retired’. I was in the jewelry business until my oldest was born (he’s 13 — yikes!). So I have a 13 year old son and an almost 8 year old daughter. My primary occupations/distractions these days is volunteering at the kids’ private school and trying to keep my house from going to hell in a handbasket. Oh, and my son will be having his Bar Mitzvah shortly so I’m planning a little shindig for 250 of our nearest and dearest!

    I can’t recall how I found your blog but I’ve been reading it for nearly two years — maybe a bit longer. You are a wonderful writer (I read all your sites) and I revel in how people from different points in their lives and from different parts of the country can think and feel so many of the same things. When you post your “does your toddler ever…?” questions, I so often feel the need to jump to respond but I wonder if you will roll my eyes if I say “Yes, yes, my 2 1/2 year old did that….TEN YEARS AGO!” But he did, and sometimes, he still does! I feel about boys the way that bond trader joke works — what is the difference between a bond and a bond trader? A bond eventually matures. Boys? Not so sure….

    I already have your Flickr page opened and shrunk to an icon on my screen. I’ll be checking it feverishly. Believe me, my second child was just about the best thing that ever happened to my first child (not to mention to her father and me). Riley’s life will expand 10-fold by having a sibling. Its all good.

  215. Jenn on February 4th, 2008 5:38 am

    1. Your name Jennifer

    2. Your age 25

    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my husband of almost 5 yrs (Valentines Day) in crappy TN where I am getting my Master’s degree in school counseling. I am quickly discovering that school counseling is not my passion but I don’t know what is. As far as work goes, I am a student assistant at a library on campus working in digital archiving where for the past month I have been transcribing Civil War letter. It is a wicked cool job. Oh, and I’m a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. I was active duty for 5 years and lived in New Orleans and Cape Cod (where I will be moving back to if I ever graduate.)

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading this blog since I moved to TN back in June and I keep coming back because it keeps me laughing and I really need that.

  216. jac on February 4th, 2008 5:40 am

    I am jac and I’m 32. I live in Melbourne, Australia and work for a honkingly large company. Sorry for lack of details but THE INTERNET, it has EYES. And, as I understand it, TUBES.

    I have been reading you for over five years, which makes me feel icky and compels me to comment. I drifted away from most interesting-blogs-which-slowly-became-mommy-blogs over that five year period, because I get a bit bored with babies, but I think you retained your voice and your self. Also I like Riley, really. He’s very cute.

    Also I posted a cryptic Xerxes comment and I feel bad about it; even though I’m sure your internet knowledge is such that you would have understood, I feel compelled to post the Flickr link:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarfreak/1715199256/

    kthxbye

  217. books on February 4th, 2008 5:41 am

    Hi Sundry,
    I go by Books on the internets, from my blog title, booksunread.
    I’m 32 years old and am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my first. I live in the Ohio with my husband and very spoiled dog and do PR for industrial and high tech manufacturing firms. I work with such fascinating titles as Elevator World and Occupational Health and Safety, taking pictures of widgets and wingdings and than writing scintillating copy about them.
    I have probably been reading your blog for about 2 years now, although I don’t comment much. My sister is the one who turned me onto your blog, and like the anal retentive freak that I am, I had to go back to the beginning of your archives and read the whole thing so I’d have all the very necessary context for future reading. (So I’m that stalker that kept accessing your archives for like a week straight.) I did that and continue reading because I love your writing, your descriptions are always so vivid, spot on, and usually hilarious. Plus, I’m a total voyeur (bit of a Harriet the Spy gene) and I love to see other peoples live’s and relationships spilled out on the internet.
    Good luck today!

  218. Valerie on February 4th, 2008 5:48 am

    Hi Sundry,

    My name is Valerie and I’m 35. Currently I’m a full time stay at home Mom to my 8 1/2 month old daughter. I also work part time from home as well. I’ve been reading your site for about 6 years now and just lurking happily all of that time. Best of luck to you, JB,and Riley. I can’t wait to see the new baby. My husband and I are also expecting our second child. Yep, they will be about 16 months apart and yes, we are crazy.

  219. AndreAnna on February 4th, 2008 5:52 am

    I read often but don’t comment much, but wanted to wish you a happy and healthy delivery for you and baby!

    And since you have 216 other comments to read, why not one more?

    1. AndreAnna (”on-dray-on-na” in case you were just DYING to know the correct pronunciation.)
    2. 27 o
    3. I run around like a headless chicken trying to keep up with my job in publishing, my small demon spawn of a 20 month old, my forgetful but wonderful husband, endless house projects (I know you know how fun those are), an insane family, all while being pregnant with Spawn Part Deux (SPD to us).
    4. I guess I’ve been reading about a year now, since my kid as old enough to play on her own and I needed to find something to do where I could be close to her on the days I wasn’t in the office. So I found this blog world on my laptop and got sucked right the hell in. I come back because you write like you think, an art form I think is lost these days — too many people trying to “be” something else.

    Ok, good luck again!

  220. Kristen on February 4th, 2008 5:54 am

    Name: Kristen

    Age: 20

    Life in Shell: I’m a college student. I will graduate next summer and then hopefully will be going to law school.

    Reading this blog: Not sure how long I have been reading it. I don’t comment much but I read it a lot. I will definately keep reading as lon as you keep writing. You’re very interesting. :)

  221. g~ on February 4th, 2008 5:55 am

    1) Grace
    2) 30 in June
    3) Live in GA with husband, Bryan (33) and children Drew (4) and Malyn (2). I stay at home with the kids but often lust for something besides Mommy/house chores. Was an elementary school teacher–will probably go back to that eventually.
    4) I’ve been reading you for one or two years now, I think–possibly longer? But I am a HUGE DORK and I read all your archived posts–even from Diaryland (?). I keep reading because we seem pretty similar in attitude, JB seems a lot like my husband (and I have a tiny crush on him–strictly because he reminds me SO much of Bryan–outdoorsy, athletic, witty and genuinely in love with his family) and you often reflect my feelings about parenting, work, life, marriage, etc. (Except you write about it much more eloquently than I can even think about it…) And, of course, because you are so utterly hilarious it makes my brain hurt.
    Good luck today. You’ll adjust to having two kids–you don’t really have a choice–except possibly a firehouse “safe drop zone”.

  222. Tess on February 4th, 2008 5:56 am

    Hello lady, so excited for you. Hope the delivery goes smoothly.

    1. Tess

    2. closing in on 27

    3. life in a nutshell: bored housewife trying to lose the flabby bits while saving money to immigrate & go to school for holistic nutrition, hypnotherapy and that other hippie stuff. 3 cats, 1 hubby, 1 IT company, 2 blogs.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog for years… many years, it seems like forever. I know so much about you but am such a big weenie lurker! I come back because you are open and honest, funny, witty and your family is just so adorable!
    Plus, you drive a VW and we can’t underestimate the importance of vehicular choices. VW is the best!

  223. Kerry on February 4th, 2008 5:57 am

    Name: Kerry
    Age: 29
    Life: I’m a law student and paralegal in NJ. I am currently trying to conceive but no luck so far (then again, it’s only been 2 months, I guess I should be patient). I have been reading your blog for about a year because I think your writing is funny and clever. I also like SundryBuzz a lot. Good luck today!!!!

  224. Erin on February 4th, 2008 5:59 am

    Erin

    30, but 31 this Friday.

    I work full-time as a state wildlife biologist, have two boys (ages 2 & 6 months), live with them, my husband, and two dogs.

    I’ve been reading for 2 years now, since my oldest was a baby and I was home on maternity leave LOSING MY DAMN MIND. Your blog was the first “blog” I ever read. I found sanity and reassurance here, your writing is so honest and funny.

    Good luck today! I’m thinking about you!

  225. Anonymous on February 4th, 2008 6:01 am

    My name is Susan. I am 36. I live with my husband of 13 years and our 9 and 4 year old daughters. I am a former elementary school teacher, current stay at home mom. I found your blog about a month or two ago through Swistle. I’ve been checking it daily since. I keep coming back because I like your writing style. Good luck with your delivery and being the mom of 2!

  226. Jennifer on February 4th, 2008 6:01 am

    1.) Jennifer

    2.) I’ll be 33 in May

    3.) I live in Atlanta with my husband the Walrus and our two pets (cat/dog). We got married in October after being together for six years. No kids as of yet, but we’re officially starting soon (HOLYFUCKINGSHIT).

    I’m a network news producer and that’s what brought me to the ATL. I keep myself busy by knitting, reading and doing volunteer work. Getting my fat ass off the couch and getting some exercise should also be on that list – I’m working on that one!

    4.) I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and yours is one of only a tiny handful that I check every day. You write so very well and I love all of your pictures!

    I come back because you are someone I would like to be friends with if, you know, we lived in the same city and actually knew one another. Many of your entries have left me nodding my head and saying, “I feel that way too!”

    Good luck today! I’ll be thinking of you all!

  227. el-e-e on February 4th, 2008 6:04 am

    Best of luck today!!

    1. el-e-e (Lee)

    2. 33

    3. Married, working mom, with 3-y-o boy and 2nd one due the 24th. I project manage in the website design/content field.

    4. Not sure how long I’ve been reading, but I read you everywhere and just love your style. Plus, I want to be one of the cool people by association.

  228. Julie on February 4th, 2008 6:08 am

    My name is Julie, I’m a 35 year mother of 2 (Piper is 5 and Noah is 2). I live with my husband in the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. I’m a work at home mom (I’m a family historian and freelance so I’m able to do all my work at home). I’m also currently doing a good 50% of my husband’s homework so he can finish his MBA (I hate business classes!)
    I think your blog was one of the first I found when I started reading blogs 2 year ago when my son was going through some medical problems. I thought and DO think that your blog is hilarious and the problems/ joys you have with Riley are similar to the problems and joys I have with Noah (Piper’s as well, but she has new problems and joys since she’s 5 (God, how’d that happen!)).
    I do wish you the best on your delivery! My delivery with Piper sucked but with Noah, I checked us both out of the hospital the next day and went home! Hope yours goes just as well!

  229. Cass on February 4th, 2008 6:09 am

    Hi. I’m Cass. I’m 28 and my life is going through the big change of going from zero babies to one baby in July. I would say 90% of my energy is being expended worrying about having an actual human being in me and then having that same human being try to get out of me, that last 10% is consumed with what exactly I should eat to get the absolute most out of this pregnancy. Oh that and I work. I am an Internet Marketing Program Director for the big consulting company that uses Tiger as a spokesperson. I really do enjoy my job which is mostly fun and always challenging. My husband is known on my blog as the FH – which he believes means Fantastic Husband….which it does…most of the time. We started a business when we graduated from college which consumes all of his time…he works in Basketball. Division 1 and NBA and he developed and sells a series of products that these teams use. This basically means that there is always a game on at my house which I find pretty annoying as I don’t like to watch anything where I find myself NEEDING to give direction to players and referees and they can’t hear me. I do like going to a lot of the games live. I’m a big Giants fan and I am shocked and so excited that they won the superbowl last night. The last question, well I started reading your blog in early May…I really enjoy what you have to say and how you say it…I followed you over to your other spots too and often wanted to stand up and have your back to people on ParentDish who left you nasty comments. Who do they THINK they are? I’m wishing you luck from the other coast today and can’t wait to find out what the D stands for. Thanks for sharing your life with me…with all of us.

  230. incvd on February 4th, 2008 6:09 am

    1. Jack

    2. 23

    3. Student, studying psychology.

    4. Have been reading for just over a year. Keep coming back because I love your writing style. It’s a bit weird but every time I visit it’s like the next episode of some really intense Truman Show.

    Good luck!

  231. Melissa on February 4th, 2008 6:10 am

    Melissa, 29. I live in NE Ohio with my husband and 18-month old son. I’m a RN (just working part time these days), although it’s not fulfilling to me and I’m trying to figure out what else I want to do with my life. I’ve been reading since the last few months of your pregnancy with Riley. Your blog is a favorite of mine for the same basic reasons everyone else listed: you’re honest about life, marriage, and motherhood; you have a great sense of humor; and your writing is amazing. Love your photos too!

  232. Christy on February 4th, 2008 6:12 am

    Hi, Linda… My name is Christy, I’m 35 (gulp) and a mom to a boy just about Riley’s age. At present, I live in New England with my husband. I moved here 5 years ago after we met online (craziness, I tell you!). A move back to Texas, where I’m from, is imminent and way overdue, if you ask me. I am a labor and delivery nurse and love my job.

    I only recently discovered your blog since you started posting on ParentDish and have become a faithful reader since. I think your writing is some of the best in the blogosphere, and enjoy reading your witty anecdotes. Look forward to hearing about life with a 2 year old and a newborn.

    Good luck with your surgery. I hope you’re not sitting there starving for too long. In my experience, a scheduled c-section results in an easier (hopefully!) recovery. Congratulations on the new baby boy!

  233. Ellen on February 4th, 2008 6:12 am

    1. Ellen
    2. 23
    3. I live in New York City with my two roommates (a friend from a previous job and a grad student we found on Craigslist). I’m a digital media assistant, travel blogger and very-part-time book critic.
    4. I think I’ve been reading your blog regularly for about a year. I think you’re really funny, and although I feel a little odd reading about someone else’s kid, I just enjoy the way you tell it. And to go into cheesefest, you’re a cool mom, and I want to be a cool mom. (I don’t know any iPhone-toting tattoo-having thrash-listening moms.)

    And for the record, I think those people on ParentDish who think everything you do is wrong? Are bonkers.

  234. Katie (The Yap) on February 4th, 2008 6:13 am

    Hi, Linda! This is all so exciting. I am sure you are a bundle of nerves at the moment and the last thing you feel like reading is ten million comments! But, just in case you are really bored….

    1. Katie
    2. 32
    3. Nutshell: have a 2 year old. Would like to have number 2 in the near future. Live with husband and daughter in Maryland. I am a full time mom, but kind of wish I were working as I don’t really think I’m cut out for this stay at home shit and my kid probably watches way too much TV.
    4. I found you through Amalah years ago (you were newly pregnant with Riley). I laughed out loud at your pregnancy descriptions (I was pregnant too) and have been back every day since. You are hilarious. You are a gifted writer. I love the way you manage to balance the TRUTH (about how shitty toddlers can be) with the beauty in it all. I don’t seem able to do that myself. I end up just bitching. So, I really admire that. I feel like I know you (which is really weird, I know)!

    Happy Birthday to STP, today! I will be checking nonstop looking for photos! There is something so amazing about that first glimpse of a new baby. I’m so excited for your family (and also a little curious about how it will be to have two, so I’ll be reading closely!)

  235. Leah on February 4th, 2008 6:13 am

    1.) Leah
    2.) 28
    3.) I’m staying at home with my 18 month old. I like photography (very amateur, of course),cooking, and homebrewing.
    4.) I love your writing, of course, but I also feel very invested in your family at this point. it’s like how I like to know what my friends are up to – even though we’ve never met. Creepy? Why, yes, a little… Sorry about that.

  236. heather on February 4th, 2008 6:14 am

    I’m Heather, I’m 32, and I’m newly relocated to the St. Louis area with my husband and 2 kids; a four and a half year old daughter and my son who is just a month younger than Riley. I only got plugged into the blog world about a year and a half ago, when we moved across the country away from most of our friends and family. Two moves in one year actually. So I’m made many new friends through blogging, but also of course have my favorite reads whom I will probably never meet… i.e. YOU! I probably have never left a comment here, but I’ve been reading for a while, chuckling along with Riley’s antics that I know oh so well from my own lovely two year old. Also, we are from the NW, so reading and recognizing things in your stories and pics from that area are always fun!!

    Best wishes today! Can’t wait to meet your newest baby boy!!

  237. Frank on February 4th, 2008 6:16 am

    1. Your name: Frank
    2. Your age: 56
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my wife and two minature schnauzers. The kids (3 of them) are grown, employed and are out on their own. My job consists of buying missiles for the air side of the Navy.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading for a few years now. Cerainly pre-Riley. I like the way you write. You’re funny. The fact that you’re also cute is just icing.

  238. Daren on February 4th, 2008 6:17 am

    My name is Daren. I am 29 (for another 4 months!) I live with my husband of four years, our two daughters, two out of three of his sons, two dogs and some fish.

    Some days, I have four kids. Other days, I have three husbands. It’s…um…interesting.

    What I do? Officially, I’m a stay at homer who does the kids, laundry, cooking thing. Optimistically, I’d like to find a job that will pay me but let me still be at home with the girls.

    I’ve been reading you since I was pregnant with Annie in 2005. Back then, the internet knew everything about being pregnant and what on earth I was supposed to be doing with the little grapefruit. Now I know the truth. Internets know all, from every angle.

    I keep reading you because you are the real deal, it seems like. You have no idea what you’re doing most days, but it’s okay. You know you’ll get through it, and end up with a great person on the other end. Almost exactly like me. You don’t sweat the small stuff, you’re just not always sure what the small stuff is.

    Also, as a recovered (recovering) addict, I enjoy knowing that if you can overcome alcoholism and have this terrific (usually) life, then my life is not some undeserved carrot on a stick that will be whisked away.

    In short, I keep reading you because you inspire me. You make me laugh. You make me cry. You are a friend who’s never heard of me but still manages to be there.

    Good luck getting Smalltopus into the world! I can’t wait for squishy newborn photos!

  239. beebop on February 4th, 2008 6:18 am

    1)beebop
    2)29
    3)mama to 20 month old girl,preggo & due on her 2nd bday in 4 more months…work part time as financial analyst, have blonde hair, blue eyes, 5′10, size 8.5 shoe, size im not telling you pants, favorite feature? my dimples on my cheeks, (on my face).
    4)been a reader for nearly 3 years now, cant wait to read about your new journeys as mama to 2, while still maintaining some sass! good luck, & congratulations!

  240. Kim on February 4th, 2008 6:18 am

    Thanks for asking!

    Kim Fanning
    38
    I live with my husband of eight years and dog of seven years in Columbia, South Carolina. I work at the University of South Carolina in the Center for Child and Family Studies with social workers – we provide training classes for Dept. of Social Services staff. I like my job. If my job was professional Reader of books and Watcher of movies, I’d like my job even more.
    I’ve been reading you since sometime in 2003, when my sister’s brother-in-law told us about you. I’ve never looked back since – you were my first blog! You are still my favorite blog.
    I hope today is amazing for you.

  241. beebop on February 4th, 2008 6:18 am

    oh shit, forgot…am from cleveland!

  242. Sarah on February 4th, 2008 6:19 am

    Best wishes today!! Hope all goes well and can’t wait to see that crappy cameraphone pic! :)

    1. Name: Sarah

    2. Age: 26

    3. My Life: Wonderful! Wife to a great husband. Mommy to a beautiful 8 week old little girl. Also, mommy to two crazy cats. Accounting tech at large university.

    4. How long and why I’m still here: I started reading when I became pregnant (approx. 8 months + 8 weeks). A coworker recommended your site and that I read the older entries about your pregnancy with Riley. Well, I did and loved it. You have an amazing talent that keeps me coming back for more. So I read all of your old entries until I got caught up and now I’m all subscribed and stuff so I can keep up on the regular. Thanks for doing what you do – you keep writing, I’ll keep reading. Deal?

  243. Anonymous on February 4th, 2008 6:19 am

    Hello,
    My name is Lisa. I am 42, married 21 years, with two children. One daughter, almost 15 and one adopted son who just turned 5. I have read your blog for a very long time and I enjoy most your honest approach to everyday lfe. I wish you the best today and know that everything will be fine.

  244. black sheeped on February 4th, 2008 6:20 am

    I’m Kara Marie. I turn 27 this month. I live in Iowa with my husband, two eighty pound mutts, two ridiculous cats, and a betta. I work as a design consultant, designing and coordinating bathrooms and kitchens, mostly. I’m also (primarily, in my head) a painter, and work on my art at night and on weekends.

    I think I started sticking around back at Dland because of things like the unicorn drawing, and of course, Cat. I keep coming back because of your honesty. And maybe because I like when we get glimpses of Cat. Just maybe.

    Best wishes, we’re all looking forward to meeting the new member of your family. Also, if he looks like Trogdor, you should win some sort of award.

  245. Alishia on February 4th, 2008 6:20 am

    Alishia, 33, Phoenix, AZ.
    I raise my two daughters. The second was a planned c-section so I know the feelings that you’re describing. But I also had a lot of feelings of being a big loser because so many of my friends were natural child-birthers. To that I say, “Yeah? Well, you didn’t go under the knife!” Touche.
    I just started reading as a result of Swistle posting that you’re pregnant. I come back for baby news, but I like your stuff so I’ll probably come back anyway. And I used to live in Seattle. Queen Anne, baby.

  246. Claire on February 4th, 2008 6:21 am

    1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like): Claire; there’s no point in anonymity anymore
    2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like): almost 29
    3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school, obvs.): Work for a University, husband works for DOT, have one son, Elliot, who is 5 months old.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? : I started reading back in November of 2006 and we were starting to think about children. Then I got pregnant in December and I kept coming back for all your sage advice! Ok, your very down to earth take on parenting, really.

  247. Scott on February 4th, 2008 6:21 am

    Hi — and good luck!

    I’m Scott, from Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m 34 years old and am living single (imagine Queen Latifah singing that). But I’m thinking about getting a rabbit.

    I work as a fundraiser for a church in Indy, and I’ve been visiting your site for a while now — found it as a link from FishSuit.com when I was googling old high school classmates.

    If you’re REALLY bored this morning, you can click over to my blog and read my liveblog of the 5 hours before the super-boring Super Bowl half-time show last night.

  248. Scott on February 4th, 2008 6:27 am

    PS — I share your zombie apprehension.

  249. Melanie on February 4th, 2008 6:29 am

    I am Melanie 37 live in Kansas with my two 15 and 16 year old work in IT at a bank.

    I started reading you about two years ago and I keep coming back because you are so funny.

    Good luck today.

  250. Jeanette on February 4th, 2008 6:29 am

    Hi I’m Jeanette I haven’t read through all of the comments (who has time, jeez!) but I’m guessing that I’m the oldest reader so far at 51 years old. Anyway, I live in Michigan with my husband of 31 years. We have two grown children Christopher and Shauna and a beautiful daughter-in-law Marissa. We also live with 6 cats! I work as a secretary in the pathology department of a large hospital. I have been reading your blog for approximately a year before you got pregnant with Riley. I think he’s the cutest little boy ever. Hope all goes well for you!

  251. Kelly on February 4th, 2008 6:30 am

    1. Name: Kelly

    2. Age: 24

    3. My Life in a nutshell: I’m married and unfortunately live with two roommates who just happen to be hubby’s brother and best friend. It’s just as much fun as it sounds. :-) I also have a cat. But life is good. I work for a homeless shelter and also at the YMCA.
    4. How long and why I’m still here: I found your blog late one night, and I think it was when Riley was around 3 months old or so, so I went back and read through the archives. Yours was one of the first blogs I’d ever read, and I’m glad I found yours first! I love your style of writing and sense of humor, it’s always fun to read your updates. Best of wishes today, I can’t wait to see pictures of your newest little man! :-)

  252. squandra on February 4th, 2008 6:31 am

    1. I’m Sandra. Hi!

    2. I’m 25, and I live with a boy named James. We hope to soon add a Boston Terrier puppy to our home, whom we plan to treat every bit as cruelly as you and JB treat poor Dog. :) We shall name him (Snuffleupa)Gus.

    3. I’m a TV News Producer. One of my co-workers summed it up best: “Write a lot, pick out the news, try not to get yelled at.”

    I’m a student, too, technically — in English and Journalism. I left the full-time school/ part-time work life a few years ago for my first “real” job, and have chipped away slowly ever since. To date, American Lit I, Spanish IV, and a directed study in Ernest Hemingway still await me.

    4. I’ve been reading this blog since way back in those FT school/PT work days — which is to say, somewhere in Diaryland. I keep coming back because you’re funny, you’re honest, and you’re talented. If there are any qualities uniting everything and everyone I like, those three are it. It doesn’t hurt that — to my mind — you’re pretty much always right. :) Everyone likes being agreed with.

  253. EB on February 4th, 2008 6:32 am

    Name: Elizabeth

    Age: 35

    Life in a nutshell: I am from Austin, TX, but I live in Hampstead, NC, with my husband who is in the Marine Corps. I do contract work from home for IBM and just graduated in December with my Masters in Instructional Technology from UNC Wilmington. I do not have any kids but have a mini Dachshund named Winston who is my invaluable buddy during my husband’s many long deployments and just on a daily basis while working at home. I ran my first marathon in October and went to Europe (Spain) for the first time last spring. I love to cook and just learned to knit a few weeks ago and am loving all of my newfound down time now that I am finished with school!

    Your blog: I’ve been reading your blog for about a year or year and a half and keep coming back because I think you are one of the giftedest writers I’ve ever read. You make me laugh on a daily basis and I love your honesty and candidness about motherhood. I also love your made-up words. My husband and I remain firmly on the fence regarding when and whether to have children and you frequently put into words the very things I think of and get scared about.

    Good luck today! Can’t wait to see pics and learn the name!

  254. squandra on February 4th, 2008 6:32 am

    P.S. OMG the baby is coming/here! Gah!

  255. Micki on February 4th, 2008 6:39 am

    1. Micki
    2. I just turned 39 (only a little freaked out by this.)
    3. I have one child, a son, Braxton. He will be 7 in May. I have a fantastic husband, Blake. He’s a mechanical engineer. We’ve known each other all our lives–dated for 10 years, married for 10 years. I work at Clemson University (small town in South Carolina) at the library where I work on the webpage. I write the blog (www.lib.clemson.edu/weblog), plus other web stuff.
    4. I’ve been reading since before Riley was born. I may have stared when you were pregnant with him. I really like your writing. I read your other gigs too. I really enjoy Sundry Buzz. I emailed you a question about a bag to take on a cruise and you emailed me back. I really appreciated the advice. YOu made me laugh when you said I would have to carry all my husband’s crap too. Because I totally did!

    I’m so excited to hear the baby’s name. I’ve lived vicariously through you and this pregnancy. I’ve only been pregnant once and won’t be again, so it’s been great to sort-of experience it again. I also had a c-section, mostly because I had a 9lb 14oz baby!

    I know everything will go great. Good luck to all of you!

  256. Kayte on February 4th, 2008 6:39 am

    Best wishes for all of you. I know you aren’t big into the prayer thing, but I am sending one your way anyway…this seems an appropriate occasion.

    1. My name is Kayte.
    2. Age…OMW 52…always sounds so old when I write/say it, and undoubtedly when people read/hear it!
    3. I live in Indiana; wife of almost 30 joyful years to Mark who is a trial attorney; mother to two wonderful 15 year old boys; carpooling wizard, but hope to retire that title later this year when the boys get their driver’s license. I do a lot of volunteer work which I find very rewarding at this juncture of my life.
    4. I have been reading your blog for almost a year. I connected to it through another blog’s site when I first stumbled upon the whole blogging world and did not know anything about it at all. The blogger recommended your site to her readers for the laughter and I agree completely…I keep coming back for the laughter. I’m normally all about the laughter in life, so, I thank you for the laughs each day. And, I thank her for introducing me to the whole blogging world.

    Can’t wait to see the photos of the newest member of your family.

  257. Beth on February 4th, 2008 6:44 am

    Name: Beth
    Age: 40 (!)
    In a nutshell: I live in Atlanta with my husband and almost 4-year-old twins and our 12-year-old yellow lab, Annie. I work full-time for a non-profit health agency, managing budgets for their publishing department.
    I’ve been reading your blog for several years now – and your point of view and humor keep me coming back. Love your take on motherhood and work/life balance. Love your photography. Love that you update often.

    Best of luck with the latest and greatest!

  258. Niki P. on February 4th, 2008 6:47 am

    WOW! I am poster #248 Yay you! Lots of reading to do.

    My name is Nicole, I am 35 and I live in cold, icy Upstate NY. Think directly north of the city on the VT border. I am between horse racing in the summer (Saratoga) and skiing in the winter (Killington.)

    I am divorced (much better now thank you) and I live with my 2 sons, ages 12 and 10. I have a good relationship with my ex husband- he isn’t a bad guy I just don’t want to be married to him or live with him or cook or clean or for him anymore. Get it?? ANYWAY I am the branch manager for a large New England bank located in a very small town. I love small town USA. I love my job and I love my customers (for the most part!)

    I have been reading you since just after you had Riley. I don’t even remember how I stumbled onto your site. I keep coming back because of you. Your writing-totally inappropriate- funny-self depreciating- loving- a tad insecure in yourself. These things could decribe myself but I don’t have the ability to put my thoughts down like you do.
    You make me laugh, you make me cry and you make me feel like maybe i am not so crazy after all. I used to talk about putting my boy in a wood chipper. Yup. Way before you mentioned it. See??? You write like I think!!

    Thank you for all that you do. I know you will be fine with your new boy and your old boy will be great too. Best wishes to you and JB and Big Brother Riley.

  259. wilddreemer on February 4th, 2008 6:47 am

    1. Shannon
    2. 26…spring chicken here
    3. I live with my husband and 2 sons in Reno, NV. My oldest is 2.5 years and my youngest is 2.5 months.
    4. I’ve been reading for about 1.5 years and I come back because your fucking hilarious! Also I love seeing pics of Riley because he almost always has on the same things as my son. Oh and I’m a former Touareg owner..and I know all about the naughty love you can feel for a car!

  260. Anne on February 4th, 2008 6:49 am

    1. I’m Anne
    2. I’m 30, living in Bloomington, IN. It’s home to Indiana University, so the restaurants are many, varied, and awesome. Um. Eating is clearly a hobby.
    3. I’m a trainer for healthcare software systems (ooh..EXCITING)and I live with my boyfriend of eight years. We’ll get married when we can both take a lunch hour to go to the courthouse.
    4. I’ve been reading since 2002-ish, because you’re FUNNEEE. I don’t plan on kids, so I thought I’d stop reading when you had Riley, but I’ll be damned if I don’t continue to read every entry of every journal, including the Club Mom/Parent Dish ones.

  261. Christy on February 4th, 2008 6:52 am

    Good luck today Sundry!!!

    I’m Christy.

    When I was 28 in Boston, MA, I finally got fed up with my boring life and my very well-paying “day job,” and decided to chuck it all and apply to grad schools for literature (the idea being that after another 5 years of education I could either be a very-well-educated fry cook at McDonalds or a college-level teacher of literature). Now I am poor but extremely happy 30-year-old in Gainesville, FL. I teach freshmen composition and typically read 1000 pages a week for my graduate coursework. I’m supposed to be writing my MA thesis right now but I’m commenting for your enjoyment instead.

    I live with my boyfriend of 1 1/2 years, Matt, our dog, Homer, and our 4 cats. What’s that, you say? 4 cats is a bad idea? Don’t I know it. Matt had 2 and I had 2 and we moved in together. THEN we had the bright idea to get a dog. It’s a bit of a crazy house, but we love it. Except for the vacuuming. And the hairballs. And the bitchiness at feeding time. And the….ahem. We just love it.

    I’ve been reading you for 4-ish years, I think. I love your writing and your sense of humor. Also you sent me an invite for a gmail account forever ago and I like it when people I don’t know do things for me :o). I can’t wait to “meet” Secondtopus!!!

  262. Eric's Mommy on February 4th, 2008 6:53 am

    1.Cindy

    2.28

    3. I live with my husband and 5 year old son in MA and I work for a Biotech company.

    4. I’ve been reading for about 10 months and I keep coming back because you are hilarious and a lot like me in many many ways.

    I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE STP!!!!!

  263. Christina on February 4th, 2008 6:55 am

    Greetings and GL!!! All will be wonderful & well I am sure!

    1. Christina

    2. 34

    3. I live in small town Midwestern USA (IN). I am married to Kevin (for 5 yrs, been together for 8 yrs on Valentine’s day – ain’t that so sweet it makes you want to barf!?) with one little peanut named Matthew with another on the way (July/August 2008??? Whenever the baby wants to makes his/her way out!) We both work in the same place doing the same thing only different specialty areas (His: Emer. Med; Mine: Pulm/Critical Care/Slp Med.) We are dreaded Physician recruiters.

    4. Probably since March 2007. That is when I discovered the world of blogging. I know a day late and all that jazz. I read your blog because I identify with you, you make me laugh and really as lame-O as this sounds (and this is mostly the reason I read only certain blogs) I could see hanging out with you in the “real world”. OMG, I SO want to delete that – it sounds like I want to date you ;)

    Cannot wait to see the little peanut!!

  264. Haley Linklater on February 4th, 2008 6:57 am

    Hi!
    1. Haley
    2. 28
    3. Living and working in London Ontario at a University as a Gross Anatomy Lab Tech. (I’ll leave it to your imagination what that entails) was a funeral director for 5 years. Live with my new husband and see his three children every other weekend.
    4. I’ve been reading since just before you were pregnant with Riley. I keep coming back because I usually laugh my ass off, also because reading about your trials with Riley and JB are relatable. One more thing, is your honesty. That is so important to great writing.
    Good Luck today, there are thousands of us cheering you on! Can’t wait to read about smalltopus.

  265. HollowSquirrel on February 4th, 2008 6:57 am

    Good luck, Linda! Big day ahead of you! yay!
    1. Stacy
    2. (17X2) + 1
    3. upstate NY, reside with husband, 2 year old and due in a month with another boy. Work part-time at a university. Biggest fear: postpartum depression again.
    4. I think I found your blog when you were preggers with Riley, and I was with Jojo. I like your writing and your son’s face. Our sons are in or near the same developmental stages, so it’s comforting to read your same frustrations/elations.

  266. ESY on February 4th, 2008 6:57 am

    1. Erin
    2. 28
    3. I am married and live with my husband and my dog in the typical suburb setting of Chicago. We struggle with the idea that we are not ready to live in the suburbs and are contemplating moving back into Chicago. No kids yet, but they are in the near future. I am a consultant in Chicago – that means I spend 1.5 hours morning and night traveling from my suburban home to my job in the city. Thankfully it is on a train and technology has made the internet available to me during this commute.
    4. I have been reading since sometime after Riley was born, but before he was crawling. I don’t remember exactly when. I come back for your stories of your family, life, challenges, and successes. I am impressed by your ability to write about your life in such a way.

  267. stephanie brown on February 4th, 2008 6:59 am

    1. Your name-stephanie brown
    2. Your age-23
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I currently am living back with my parents after a 4 year time period of living “on my own”. I moved back in to recover from brain surgery and just kind of stayed (I’ve been “home” a year now). I work at a private hosptial in Raleigh, North Carolina and I’ve been here for 5 1/2 years now, I started 2 weeks out of high school. I am first level (aka: bottom of the totem pole) desktop support for the employees of the hospital, it’s a pretty okay job. I also just started going back to school. I want to be a counselor for families, couples, individuals, etc. and I’m going to a Bible College to obtain that degree (Heritage Bible College). I’m assistant youth leader at my church (Crossroads Church of Clayton) and I lead up a singles group at church for ages 18-26. I am so completely in love with my life right now. I am single, and i have the bestest best friend ever, except that he is in Missouri for school and I miss him terribly.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I have been reading this blog for approx. 4 1/2 years, I believe August of this year will be 5. I found you back in my diaryland days and me and my ex-boyfriend used to just laugh our butts off at the great stuff you write. Even though we are broken up we still talk and sometimes we talk about the funny stuff you write. I can proudly say that I introduced you to Sami and that is how Josh heard about you. What keeps me coming back is your incredible ability to capture my attention fully and totally and I love to read what’s going on with you. My mom thinks it’s creepy, lol. I told her yesterday, “you know the lady that I read her blog from Washington? She has her baby tomorrow!!!” and she just rolls her eyes because she.doesn’t.get.it.
    Anyways, it’s been a lot of fun watching your family grow. Hopefully this questionaire helps you get to me a little bit too!

  268. Jennie on February 4th, 2008 7:01 am

    1. Jennie
    2. 31
    3. I work in the financial industry doing product implementation management. Snooze. I live with two Basset Hounds (Lucy and Linus) on the south side of Indy. We just moved into a new house and can’t find anything.
    4. I started reading your blog back in 2003-ish and I stay around because of your insight and hilarity.

  269. Jaidnoire on February 4th, 2008 7:02 am

    1. Jackie

    2. 30

    3. New little family over here – It’s me, my Husband (an IT technician)and our 4 month old baby boy, Kal-el. I’m an admin. asst. and have a small personalized cake topper / figurine business that I started b/c of my own wedding in ‘05. (see my website link!)

    4. I happened upon your blog during my pregnancy and greedily tore thru your archives like the afore mentioned chocolate peanut butter ice cream, as our due dates were very close. Why do I come back? Gosh…your way with words has left me in tears of laughter and in tears because you’ve touched on something close to my heart. Riley is beyond adorable; you and JB are a riot. Your observations of parenthood (early poems and all!) are so REAL and so well written, as a new mom, how could I not come back?

    Good luck today!! Can’t wait to see and read about your newest addition!

  270. Denise on February 4th, 2008 7:02 am

    258 comments! Holy crap. :) I guess that’s what happens when a lot of people read your blog, huh?

    But if you’re in the hospital bored while you wait, you should have plenty to read, so I’ll add my answers to your questions.

    My name is Denise (last name withheld because the Internet is scary)

    I’m 38.

    I’m single, but newly engaged on Christmas Day. My fiance and I live together, with my two dogs and five cats and his two dogs. We don’t want kids, but then frankly we already have nine of them – they’re just four legged and furry.

    I’ve been reading your blog for about three years, I think? Somewhere around there. Before Riley was even a thought, anyway. And I keep coming back because you’re funny, and you’re a great writer! And now I feel like I know you and your family, as much as I can since I don’t really know you, and I like keeping up on what’s happening. And I can’t wait to see Smalltopus, and learn his name. :) I hope your delivery goes well, and that you heal quickly.

  271. Kirsten on February 4th, 2008 7:02 am

    1. Kirsten
    2. turned 31 on Saturday!
    3. I live in the midwest with my husband and 10.5 month old daughter. I work at the public university doing alcohol education (total job security!).
    4. I don’t know how I found your blog but I’ve been reading for about 2 years. I enjoy your humor and the fact that you tell it how it is. Being a new mom, I appreciate that.

    Good luck! And congrats. As you know, babies are so special.

  272. Lisa on February 4th, 2008 7:03 am

    Name: Lisa

    Age: 26

    About me: I’m a civil engineer working just outside of Chicago. My husband and I have been married 3.5 years and bought a fixer-upper house 6 months ago. No kids yet, but hopefully in the next couple of years we will start with that.

    Why I read: I love your wit and great writing style. Your stories about Riley, the house remodel and just life in general are interesting and fun to read. I can’t wait to read about Baby #2 as well. Good luck!

  273. Janssen on February 4th, 2008 7:06 am

    Um? Am I really comment 273? Yikes!

    My name is Janssen
    I’m 22
    I’m married, getting a masters in library and information science at the University of Texas, and working part time at a medical transcription office as a personal assistant. Good times. Except for the homework bit and all that.
    I think I’ve been reading your blog for around a year, maybe more. I originally found you via Amalah and now I keep coming back because your blog is a great mix of the hilariously everyday and thought-provoking posts about other matters.

    Good luck!

  274. Shannan on February 4th, 2008 7:06 am

    Wow, that’s a seriously large amount of comments. Here’s hoping you don’t have time to read all of them!!!

    1. Shannan
    2. 28
    3. Live near New Haven, CT with my husband and 17 month old daughter. When I’m not toddler wrangling I’m a research assistant at Yale (I study brains).
    4. Phew, I think I’ve been reading since I was about 5 months pregnant…soooo a little under 2 years. I love your blog tone (funny, some smart-assery, and also sweet and sentimental).

    Congrats on the ejection of smalltopus!

  275. Emily on February 4th, 2008 7:06 am

    I’m just reading blogs while eating breakfast and I just glanced at the clock. 6:05. “OH my god!” I thought, “Linda’s probably starting surgery any minute now!”
    I think I may need a life? Good luck again!

  276. superblondgirl on February 4th, 2008 7:06 am

    1. Melanie
    2. 28
    3. I live with my husband of 4 1/2 years, my 5 1/2 year old son, our cat Marcel and our hamster Sarah. I work full-time as a “service administrator” (basically order entry/customer service) and go to school part-time (business) so that someday, hopefully, I can make more money. We live in Connecticut, about 2 miles from the ocean, which is awesome, except that it’s also really boring and strip mall-y and I wish I lived in a city and could walk places instead of long boring drives everywhere.
    4. About a year and a half, maybe? I keep coming back because you crack me up, pretty much. Your blog is just hilarious.

  277. Hey Meg on February 4th, 2008 7:07 am

    1. Meg
    2. 28
    3. I live in the Boston area with my husband and baby boy who just turned one. I work 2 days a week doing data systems work for a government agency (wow, that sounds really horribly boring written in black and white! I used to be a consultant, but the constant travel made me crazy.) I may stop working at this job soon and stay at home with my baby. Or I may find a different part-time gig. Or I may invent some ingenious product and make millions.
    4. I’ve been reading since sometime in the middle of your pregnancy with Riley. A friend sent me the link to your blog and I’ve been hooked ever since. Mr. Riley was born the same day as my nephew, too. I keep coming back because you are hilarious and have such a fantastic writing style. I don’t think I laugh out loud as much reading anything else.

    Good luck with the entrance of baby boy the second! Can’t wait to hear the name!!

  278. Erin on February 4th, 2008 7:07 am

    1. Erin
    2. 29
    3. I live with my husband Mike, our 20month old son Logan and our two crazy dogs Foster and Guinness
    4. I have been reading since October 2006. My husband just returned from a one year deployment in Iraq so you helped keep me sane and laughing while I spent thirteen months trying to survive raising a little boy who seems by your descriptions to be A LOT like Riley :)I love your stories and look forward to your updates each date.

    Can’t wait to see pictures and find out his name! Congratulations to you, JB, and big brother Riley!

  279. Christine on February 4th, 2008 7:08 am

    OHMYGOD! Best wishes on an easy C-section. And happy birthday to the Smalltopus!

    Now to help avoid boredom…

    1. Christine A. B.

    2. Twenty Six. I frequently forget and apparently in my mind I got stuck at twenty four.

    3. Life in a nutshell…I live with my fiance in the house we’ve had for two years now (crazy!) we were just engaged this past October and despite all manner of questions I have no idea when in the hell we’ll actually get married. I, at least, am not in much of a rush. Plus we’re poor right now. The fiance sells advertising for a television station and I am a lowly law clerk on state pay. My life at the moment mostly centers around trying to find my next job which I need by September. Uh, what else? Oh we have a cat. The Ginger Ninja. Or just Ninja. I am slightly obsessed with him and seems to suit him just fine.

    4. I’ve been reading this blog a little over two years (shortly after Riley came along.) I think I came over through Beth who was “Whinger” at whingingit.com…which is sadly no longer. I keep coming back because you crack me up, and because in my very active imaginary world, I think that you are the very cool neighbor who I get coffee with and bitch about my day with before sharing a fondness for Zombies and random references. Indeed, my boyfriend asked me about why I read the blogs I read, and that was my answer for most of them…that I think if I actually knew these people we would really get along.

  280. Claudia on February 4th, 2008 7:09 am

    Oh, best of luck Linda! Here are my answers: 1. Claudia
    2. 41
    3. Live in Va with musician husband and two daughters – 7 and 3 1/2. Yes, the second one is the one that makes you want to post your womb on ebay because you are DONE. I work at a college in the fund raising office. I am writing (and writing) a novel.
    4. I’ve been reading you for years. Long, long before Riley.

  281. Aimee on February 4th, 2008 7:09 am

    1. Aimee
    2. 34
    3. I live with my husband, Kevin, and two-year old son, Harmon, in Ann Arbor, Mich. We both work at the University of Michigan (part-time for me since having Harmon), which is where we met back in 1994. We bought our house right before having Harmon (big stress) but things have worked out nicely. We’re planning for baby #2 soon. Oh, we have a pet bunny, Isabel, that definitely does the bunny-trance thing.
    4. I started reading your blog when you were pregnant with Riley and I was pregnant with Harmon (Harmon was born in Nov. 2005). I’ve kept coming back because I love your writing and I can relate to you and all that goes on in your life. I talk about your blog all the time that it sometimes feels like we are friends (I’m not a stalker, I promise). Good luck today. I’ll be interested to hear all about it, especially because I’ll also have a planned c-section with #2. The idea already is freaking me out!

  282. Karly on February 4th, 2008 7:10 am

    I am AMAZED that you received almost 300 comments OVER NIGHT, but I am going to go ahead and add to it!

    1. Karly
    2. 24 for another month
    3. I’m married with two kids, boy and girl, and I homeschool them.
    4. I’ve been reading your blog for about, oh, one week. I LOVE IT and have been stalking it obsessively this last week. Please do not get a restraining order.

    Good luck with the eviction!

  283. veralynn on February 4th, 2008 7:10 am

    Wow, at this point you’re at the hospital. It feels funny to be so excited for someone I’ve never met in person, but hooray! Today’s the day! It’s cool to have your kid born with a built-in fan club cheering him on. ;-)

    I’m Kelly (veralynn online). I’m 35, living near Philly. I live back and forth between my house in the burbs and my boyfriend’s house in the city and have one freakcat, Taz. I’m a communications manager for a biotherapeutics company. I’ve been reading you for years, since diaryland time. Good luck to your whole family today! :)

  284. Margaret on February 4th, 2008 7:10 am

    1. People call me Peggy
    2. 56
    3. Registered Nurse, wife (30 years), Mother (daughter 27, son 21), community volunteer, unfinished Masters in Fine Arts degree, trustee for large community foundation, vice president for county intermediate school district, I live in the freaking woods one hour away from any major city in any direction. I own a dog, a cottage on Lake Michigan (one hour away), I’m 6 years out from metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.
    4. I read Bitchypoo and Nance and follow their links and they both link to you. I read you because you obviously love & enjoy your husband and son, and I identify with your relationship. It’s very interesting to be living a life similar to yours only 25 years later. I have frustrations and joy with my kids (I know they’re adults but the dynamic does remain the same), with the pain of home repair and the struggle for fitness. My son was a c-section baby born with an auburn brush cut and hollered like a hun when he didn’t get what he wanted. My daughter was quiet and watchfull and we were concerned she was retarded. Her first words were when she was 15 months old. She looked at me, put her baby hand on my mouth, and said “don’t sing”. She now teaches string orchestra, plays harp, piano, sings and has perfect pitch. I do not. It must have been a year of hell for her because I sang to that baby every day for hours.

    Good luck & God Bless. Try singing & see what the baby says.

  285. Kelsey on February 4th, 2008 7:10 am

    This is the point where I think, Good Lord is she still really reading these? Which is what keeps me mostly a lurker instead of a commenter.

    1. Hi, I’m Kelsey.

    2. I’m 31.

    3. I live in suburban Ohio (Really, does it get anymore exciting?) with my husband, three-year-old daughter, a mostly insane wheaten terrier, and I’m currently pregnant, due in May, with a son. We’ve been married for five years. I taught first grade before my daughter was born. This fall I finished a master’s degree in library media education. I want to go back to work, and also, I don’t. Since I have the degree I will almost certainly return to work at some point. . . if not my husband is really going to question the painful year and a half we had while I was a full time student! In the last three plus years I have learned a lot about myself including the fact that maybe being a stay at home mother isn’t the dream job I always thought I wanted (hence the return to school). The most difficult thing we’ve had to deal with as parents is my daughter’s severe peanut allergy, not something I would wish on anyone.

    Sorry, that was a long “nutshell.”

    4. I think I’ve been reading this blog since right before Riley’s first birthday? I’m too lazy to go look but I seem to remember homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting? I had recently joined the blogging world, and was sharing some blogs with another friend and I think she suggested your blog. I keep reading mostly because I really enjoy your writing. You make me laugh and I appreciate your candid take on life and non-sugar-coated parenting stories. Although now I would probably keep reading even if the writing wasn’t so good because I feel sort of invested in your family — in a non creepy way of course. Riley is adorable and I am so looking forward to learning about the new baby and seeing him grow. I also read Purple is a Fruit and I check in with the Parent Dish entries. Like everyone else, I’ll be thinking about you all day today! Good luck!

  286. birdgal on February 4th, 2008 7:11 am

    Oh, oh, I love questionnaires!

    1. Amy
    2. Just turned 32 on Jan. 24
    3. I work as a biologist with the state DOT (or, THE MAN) in Raleigh, NC and find it fun to roam around wetlands looking at dirt and endangered plantage. Oh, and I also like to chase after birds and generally look like an all-around dork :). In my spare time, I feed, clothe, and entertain my two year old daughter, Sydney. I also just found out that I am pregnant with my second (hold me!), who is due on or about September 30.
    4. I’ve been reading since just after Riley’s first birthday (I think?), and I believe I found you through ClubMom when Amalah featured you on mom’s daily dose. I keep coming back simply because you make me laugh and I can relate to alot of your Riley stories, having a two year old myself. I also like that you are a WOHM (at least part time), because I am too and I often can’t find that perspective elsewhere (it’s just nice to know that you’re not alone, you know?).

    I hope everything goes well today (boring is GOOD)–good luck! I look forward to your stories of two!!

  287. Gina on February 4th, 2008 7:12 am

    OK – first off good luck and congrats on the smalltopus! I can’t wait to see pics and hear the name. Anyway…

    1. Gina. For the first few years I used a pseudonym, but recently moved to a new blog and decided to go crazy out and use my name. I figured that all my fives of readers already knew my name anyway, so what the hell.

    2. 39 going on 12.

    3. I live in the Pittsburgh area, have a husband, an 11 year old son who knows everything and a 4 year old daughter who rules everyone. Also, stupid dog and fat cat. I work in epidemiological research (also known as: geekdom).

    4. I’ve been reading about 5 years or so. It was the first blog I ever read and it remains my favorite.

  288. Alice on February 4th, 2008 7:12 am

    YAY! so exciting! i hope everything goes like clockwork, and you’ll soon be seeing the face of your little guy…

    1. alice

    2. 27

    3. i’m single, although with a fantastic boyfriend named karl. i’m currently going through a weird housing situation, wherein my awesome house + roommates mysteriously turned into “living with an entire korean family, most notably BOTH PARENTS who are weird and manipulative.” so! that’s fun.

    4. i’ve been reading you since before i even started blogging myself. i keep coming back because you are a really fabulous writer. no matter what you talk about, i feel like i can relate, and i love your sense of humor. also, i am sort of addicted to your recommendations (THANK YOU for bare escentuals, btw)

    i can’t wait to meet smalltopus! thank you for sharing your life with us :-)

  289. Vanda on February 4th, 2008 7:12 am

    I couldn’t sign in on Yahoo because it hates my computer.

    I bet he weighs in at 6lb 3oz.

  290. Kristin on February 4th, 2008 7:13 am

    Hi Linda!

    1. Kristin
    2. 26
    3. I live in Pittsburgh with my husband, two dogs and a cat. We’ve been married a year and a half. I’m a legal secretary by day and a journalism major by night. We spend our free time snow skiing, going to see live music, remodeling our house (GAH!), and watching deliciously geeky movies and tv (OMG! Battlestar comes back on in April!!). We think we might want to try for a baby of our own this year. I spend a lot of time alternating between randomly yelling, “I want a baby!” when I see all those cute little onesies in the store and thinking, “Dear God, I can’t be somebody’s mother! I sleep until noon on Sundays and I don’t floss!”
    4. I think I’ve been reading about two years, maybe a bit more. I keep coming back because you’re goddamned hysterical.

    Good luck today! I can’t wait to “meet” him!

  291. JennyM on February 4th, 2008 7:13 am

    Let’s see, it’s just now 9 am here, so you’re probably at the hospital by now, although you’ll probably have been whisked away to the OR by the time you get to this comment since I’m like, 5,376th. :)

    1. Jenny
    2. 30
    3. I live with my husband and our 120-lb hound mix named Clifford. I’m a commercial real estate attorney, which means you can blame my clients for suburban sprawl, because most of them build giant shopping centers.
    4. I’ve been reading since before Riley was a twinkle in your eye, but I don’t comment much.

    Lots of luck today and may the drugs be with you — can’t wait to see Smalltopus on the outside!

  292. Katie on February 4th, 2008 7:14 am

    Good luck! Looks like you’ll have a metric arse load of comments to help occupy your time.

    Let’s see… I’m a thirty *ahem* mother of an almost two year old. I’m an American living in Canada. I don’t particularly care for the town in which I live. I’m a city girl and this place is just a little too, ummmm… cozy? I work from home in a job that I despise, but they have been good enough to keep me employed despite my location (I telecommute) and temperament. So I try to keep some perspective.

    I moved to Canada about 3 years ago to be with the love of my life. We married in short order and have lived happily ever after. Or, as happily ever after as a hot-headed Texan (me) and a hot-headed French Canadian (him) with a hot-headed toddler (monkey butt) can be. Our poor son doesn’t have a chance.

    I stumbled upon your blog about a year or so ago. I don’t comment really, as by nature I am shy. Even with the veil of anonymity that the Internet provides… I enjoy your sense of humor immensely. I’d like to think that if we met we’d be fabulous friends. Wait, was that too far?

    Anyway… good luck to you today. I’ve been waiting patiently for Smalltopus’s arrival, and I’m so excited for you & your family!

  293. Elaine on February 4th, 2008 7:14 am

    1. Elaine
    2. 33
    3. I live in the Washington, DC area with my husband and our adorable son who will be 2 in a couple of months. I work for a direct mail company 4-days a week. Wish to move to a less hectic town/city some day…we’ll see if that happens. Also hoping to have baby #2 in the next year or so.
    4. I’ve been reading your blog for about 8 months –when I finally crawled out from the rock I must have been living under and figured out what a blog was. Honestly, before that I had no idea! I come back b/c you are honest, HILARIOUS and write about things that I can relate to. Plus, I have an incredibly short attention span at work and Google Reader is an excellent distraction. Wishing you all the best today!

  294. Penny on February 4th, 2008 7:15 am

    You already have a novel!

    1. Your name
    Penny

    2. Your age
    33 (no lie)

    3. Your life in a nutshell:
    I live with my husband and my 1.5 year old in a cramped apartment while our new house is being built. I work from home part time as an environmental consultant but will return full time to work at a large company later this year, mostly because I don’t have enough consistent clients. Am thinking about a career change.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
    Your sharp wit, which shines through the average suburban landscape you so often describe. Also I always hope that you will divulge more of your teen self, back when you were a goth Rebel.

  295. Kristin H on February 4th, 2008 7:15 am

    I’m a little late to the party, but maybe this will find you when you have some down time!

    Name: Kristin
    Age: 36

    Nutshell: I was an English major and worked as an editor of magazines after college. But I felt like I was sort of pigeonholed–the only thing I knew was where to place commas and how to produce magazines. So I came to work for my family’s company doing oil analysis (like the oil out of your car). It’s a great job and I’m really happy where I am. I also have 2 kids: a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. My husband, who I was friends with for 10 years before we started dating, works construction. My God, I’ll stop now. Didn’t mean to go on. Sorry!

    Why I come back: I like to read good writing, and you are a great writer. Also, you’re funny. Also, now that I’ve been reading you for so long, I want to know how you are. I’m so, so happy for you with your second! Good luck with it all. I read the post over at Family Dish about whether it’s easier the 2nd time, and I found that it was, in all respects. But I think you were wondering about hormonally, and yes, I was MUCH more even keeled the 2nd time. So much so that I wondered if there wasn’t something wrong with me–where were the tears? Did I not love my boy as much? But it has been really, really good. It look me a long time to bond with him and I think that’s something no one wants to admit–that the love can take longer with the 2nd child. But it has come, and it’s good. GOOD LUCK!

  296. Tessie on February 4th, 2008 7:16 am

    Oh man, I am sure thinking of you this morning! I believe I have a mild touch of the Nervous Tummy on your behalf (excitement brand, of course).

    1)Tessie

    2)30

    3)I’m a CPA living in Texas with my husband and 18-mo-old daughter. We’re Yankee transplants and our daughter says “Ya’ll”. Not sure why I chose that sentence to sum it up, but I guess it does.

    4)I’ve been reading for at LEAST 3 years, possibly 4? Since the Diaryland(?) days. At any rate, I’ve read all of your posts at one time or another. I think I left my first comment a few months ago or so. Was pathological lurker before I had my own blog. I guess I come back for the same reason many of these guys do–I relate to many of the things your write about, you are funny and interesting, and the type of person that I WISH I knew in my regular life. Also: to stay current on zombies. Just in case.

    Congratulations to you!

  297. Candace on February 4th, 2008 7:17 am

    Hi, Linda, I’m Candace (33 yrs).
    I live in Just-North-of-Detroit, MI with my wife, Melissa. We were married in good-old, open-minded Toronto, Canada last May. Olive and Surly our 2 cats and American Eskimo dog, Mosey fill the corners our bungalow with drifts of multi-colored hair. I’m a pediatric nurse, working in a PICU in the burbs and also on a “regular” peds floor in Detroit.
    This morning, I’m finishing up our homestudy and foster care paperwork. Hoping to get us a baby up in here in the next year or so.
    I have been reading you for years. Between 4-5 yrs, I think. You were living in an apartment, no kids in sight. It has been a pleasure following your life. You have surprised, entertained and even inspired me (I made the glass bead magnets).
    Best wishes for your surgery. I can’t wait to read the adventures of Sundry and the Two Boys! Love the new one’s name, too. I’m positive that I’ve guessed it from the two clues you dropped over the last few months.

  298. megan on February 4th, 2008 7:18 am

    Hi!

    1. Megan

    2. 34 years old.

    3. I live with my boyfriend and our dog (the cutest beagle ever – then again, i am rather biased) in NJ, just over the GW Bridge from NYC. We’ve been together about 4 years, and people ask me constantly when we’re going to get married already. Because god, you know, you aren’t getting any younger. (And to those people I say “Bite me.” As if I don’t know how old I am. perhaps there are reasons? hmmmm?) We’re happy and thats what counts. I work in a small insurance rating office and while my official title is IS Manger, it means a whole bunch of nothing as I seem to do just about everything. jack of all trades, wear many hats – pick your cheesy phrase and thats me.

    4. I’ve been reading you for years!! I can’t remember how long exactly, but it was long before Riley. You are the first blog I check in on every day to see what you have to say. I keep coming back because you are hilarious, warm, intelligent, and just someone I would totally hang with if I knew you. Its quite possible I’d stalk you if we lived on the same coast! :)

    Hope all goes well today and can’t wait to see the pictures!

  299. Jenn on February 4th, 2008 7:21 am

    Hey hey! My name’s Jenn, I live in Atlanta with my husband of three weeks and our scottie dog, Knowshon (named after a UGA football player, of course). I work in government relations for a very large company, and I’ve started to dabble in invitation/stationery design on the side.

    I’ve been reading your blog since 2003 or so, I guess. It was definitely the diaryland days, which is kind of awesome. Does Diaryland even still exist?

  300. taerna on February 4th, 2008 7:21 am

    1. Karen
    2. 31 (gah! – when did that happen?!?!)
    3. Life in a nutshell: live with my fiance, our two insane cats and one giant horse of a shepherd husky mix named Betty; work for a company owned by children’s hospitals, helping them connect to their peers and improve patient care; getting married in may; this year’s hopes/dreams include: traveling to india, spending tons of time with my family (niece and nephew, especially), doing something with all those papery craft supplies that have been languishing in our guest closet…
    4. man, I honestly don’t know how long I’ve been reading… a few years? I come back because you’re honest and funny and insightful and real. I still don’t get the zombie thing, but it makes me laugh anyway.

    Thinking about you and JB today. Hope all goes spectacularly.

    P.S. Thank you for replying to my email about honeymooning in the Pacific Northwest. The jury’s still out, but Seattle is definitely in the running.

  301. Jenn on February 4th, 2008 7:22 am

    Oh, and I’m 28. And I clearly can’t follow instructions.

  302. McWriter on February 4th, 2008 7:22 am

    Kerry

    27

    I live by myself (hallelujah) just south of Boston in a teeny, tiny studio with just enough room for my books and MacBook.

    I am a writer – copywriter – 9 to 5 – for a fashion retailer. During the evenings, I freelance for magazines, large companies and private clients, writing articles, website copy, direct mail copy, wedding invitations, whatever it takes to pass the time until one of my short stories is published, or I finally finish a screenplay.

    I came to this site when Riley turned 1. My sister-in-law sent me a link to the video collage you made of his first year and I cried – right here in my cube. I love your writing style and your willingness to share. The photos are great too.

    Can’t wait to meet the little guy!

  303. willikat on February 4th, 2008 7:24 am

    1. katie. my full name is kathleen ann, and my last name is changing in four months.
    2. 27
    3. nutshell: i live in a downtown of a state capital, with my fiance and my cockapoo. (william, also 27, and cockapoo, Molly, 9). im a writer/editor. i am getting married in may. i consider one of my greatest accomplishments in life the fact that you answered my email. commercials and movies with talking animals make me cry easily. i love cheese and pineapple.
    4. i come back because i think you are a fabulous writer, and you are brave and hysterically funny. i admire your work and your life. i also consider it one of my life goals to get you to comment on my blog.
    congratulations today! i can’t wait to hear more details!

  304. tanya on February 4th, 2008 7:25 am

    1) tanya
    2) 33 today! Happy birthday me and Smalltopus!
    3) I live in Tucson and do massage at a super swanky resort. I am just now (today) getting my own place after having lived with a roommate and her 4 year old daughter for the last year. I don’t want kids but I enjoy your stories. I haven’t lived here very long but so far I like the west coast versus east coast vibe. I am kind of lonely though – making friends here is different. My people – the really excited, love-life, grab your heart kind of people? I haven’t found them yet. Or rather, the ones I have keep moving. Anyway.
    4) Been reading your blog since probably a year before you got pregnant with Riley.

  305. Paula on February 4th, 2008 7:25 am

    1. Paula
    2. 37
    3. Stay at home mom in Columbus, Ohio. I have a 2-yr old son, and I am 34 wks pregnant with a girl due mid-March.
    4. Reading since early 2005. I started reading, and keep reading because I like you writing style and completely get your jokes. Also, my son is 4 mo. younger than Riley – so I glean info about what may be coming next in his development.

    Keep your head up and congratulations.
    Paula

  306. aibee on February 4th, 2008 7:26 am

    1: Anna Bee

    2: is scary large number

    3. I live in Australia with my two year old son and the cat, and in between wondering how in hell such a short ass can create such a huge mess, I pick up after him and wonder why I bother. Also, I work freelance as a trainer and instructor for special populations. Which is a fancy schmancy way of saying I am a personal trainer and have several jobs in places ranging from a nursing home teaching near geriatrics, to a gym teaching Vietnam veterans, to a pool teaching the general population.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog forever, and I keep coming back for the free peanuts :)

  307. Ang on February 4th, 2008 7:26 am

    My name is Angela. I am 32 years old. I’m married (for a second time) and live with my wonderful husband and 4 children (2 are mine; 2 are his). I will be delivering child number 5 in early April. I’ve really enjoyed reading you lately because I can relate so much to the pregnancy stories, but I read you before that, and I keep coming back because of your sense of humor and cute pictures. GOOD LUCK! Can’t wait to see pics of the new baby!

  308. angelo's mom on February 4th, 2008 7:27 am

    I’m late to the game, so if you make it to my comment you are even more wonderful than I ever imagined lol…

    1. Erin (there are a few of us it seems)

    2. just turned 27

    3. I live with my fiance (getting married in May or June, I hope) and our soon-to-be 3 yr old son, and our big old smelly dog in Harrisburg, PA. Right now I am a customer service rep for a check printing company, but my office is closing in April, and then I will become a SAHM, which I am very excited about. I am also trying to go back to school to finish my English degree.

    4. I have been reading your blog for wow, a long time now. Before Riley… probably 4 or 5 years. You were one of the first blogs I have ever read, and one of the few that I still read. I love your honesty, your candor, your humor, and your kick-ass writing style. You seem like a genuinely great person and a wonderful mother, and you have touched a lot of lives through this little site of yours. Your family is very lucky. Congratulations to you all on the birth of Smalltopus!!

  309. Maura on February 4th, 2008 7:27 am

    Name: Maura
    Age: 39
    Status: Mother of two teenage boys 13 and 14, divorced and remarried. Currently employed as an Office Manager of a Home Remodeling Company (completely sympathized during your home remodel). Live 20 minutes North of Boston.
    Reason I read: How can’t I read, you make me laugh, you inspire through your stories and writing, I will forever be grateful for the pumpkin chocolate chip muffins AND Garret Popcorn! Good luck today:)

  310. Liz on February 4th, 2008 7:28 am

    Okay, so I’m Comment #304. That’s retarded. Who gets that many comments?! (Um, you! DUH!)
    1. liz
    2. 34 (I KNOW! Advanced maternal age!)
    3. wife to The Mistah, mommy to Henry (2 next month) and currently incubating a child (a girl, who shall be named Alice) due in June. that’s about it. i’m a freelance editor, too.
    4. been reading for only a month or so, but we run in the same crowd. kind of. but i think you’re a great writer and i can relate.

    best of luck to you today!

  311. Sara L. on February 4th, 2008 7:29 am

    1. Sara

    2. 31

    3. I am currently living in Markham Ontario with my husband, three year old son, and my 9 month old daughter. I say “currently” because we have lived, since getting married, in Heidelberg, Germany, Cary NC, and now north of Toronto. Yeah, the international moves, I don’t recommend them. And yet, they seem to keep happening. Yikes.

    Anyway, came to this site from somewhere (notmartha maybe?) about six months ago and have been hooked since, especially since our boys are about the same age. Gotta love the little boys.

    Hope everything goes well today! Can’t wait to congratulate you on the new little person!

  312. Maddie on February 4th, 2008 7:31 am

    I never comment – makes me feel like I’m talking to a celebrity or something – but distraction while awaiting the knife? That’s a good cause. You might totally getting cut up RIGHT NOW. I’m sorry, I hope they have you good and drugged.

    1.) Maddie
    2.) 28
    3.) About me: I’m a married owner of 1 dog, 1 cat, and many horrid fish. I work as an Analyst, the data type, and a project manager. My work life does not involve much personal interaction, so I think I love blogs to add a touch of humor and humanity to my day. Yours is one of my favorite, probably because it’s so very funny and real, because we want to have kids someday soon-ish and I like your honesty. I also dig the fact that you’re hilarious, and I dig your tattoo.

  313. Danielle on February 4th, 2008 7:31 am

    1. Your name- Danielle
    2. Your age- 26
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I work for Movado where I fight with people all day long regarding the price of getting their watch fixed. I live with my best friend in northern NJ and I’m wildly in love with a Verizon Fios man and his dog. I’m an adoring aunt to 3 lovely little boys that I spoil rotten because I’m afraid they’ll forget about me (2 live 7 hours away and one is 4 hours away). I love to read and I’d inspire to write if I had anything interesting in my life to write about.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been a devoted fan for just over 4 years now. We share a valid fear/fascination of zombies. Thank god for internet at work because your blog is a nice distraction and makes me laugh when I want to shove a ball point (blue) pen in my eye.
    Best of luck to you and your men! ;)

  314. marypat on February 4th, 2008 7:31 am

    1) marypat
    2) 51 (damn)
    3)I live with my perfect boyfriend (stepford boyfriend) and two cats just north of Houston, TX
    4) I am an IT manager (nuff said about work)
    5) I have been reading this blog for a little over a year. I come back daily to read mainly due to your descriptions of life with children…….something I could never bring myself to do.

  315. Jenn on February 4th, 2008 7:33 am

    Jenn
    41
    Owned by two furry bastards of the feline persuasion although they’re distinctly canine in much of their behavior. Living by the shores of the Chesapeake so I can get my sailing/racing sailboats thing on.
    Been reading you since I started journaling meself back in the late days of 2001.
    I’m happy for you and can’t wait to see what Smalltopus looks like. Best of luck, Linda. -J

  316. Jen on February 4th, 2008 7:33 am

    1. Jen

    2. 29

    3. I live in NJ with my two cats, work for a computer reseller and I’m 100% sure we’ve sold both you and your husbands goods :) I am one of 6 children, I’m the 2nd oldest. One older brother, three younger sisters and a younger brother. Finally made it to Bellevue & Seattle last year and I’m in love with it. I’m hoping to make it back again this year.

    4. Been reading this blog for quite some time now. I come back to read your talented, entertaining, and honest writing. All very much appreciated.

    Good Luck with baby #2! I’m sure it will be everything you’re hoping and more.

  317. Melissa on February 4th, 2008 7:35 am

    1. Melissa

    2. 32 but will be 33 soon

    3. I live with my husband and daughter in NJ after a move from NYC late last summer. Am pregnant with my second child and due in May. Used to work in marketing and real estate but now I’m a stay-at-home mom. When not pregnant I’m a college student – interested in film, writing, psychology, art, etc. Still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

    4. I have been reading this blog since I was pregnant with my daughter…so I believe it was June of 2005 when I first tuned in. And you were pregnant with Riley! I keep coming back because I really can relate to your posts. As a 30-something mom and wife, I feel we have quite a bit in common. Also have some similar issues in relating to our fathers and our strong mothers. Finally I really enjoy your self-depricating and rauchy sense of humor. I feel like you are a friend! :)

    Looking forward to hearing the great news…and whether or not we picked the same name! ;)

  318. Lisa on February 4th, 2008 7:36 am

    1. Lisa Coyan
    2. 44
    3. Professional Electrical Engineer with handmade jewelry as a hobby/side business – also mother of three -2 boys/1 girl ages 14/11/9 with daughter as the youngest and married for 16-1/2 years to my best friend
    4. 1-2 years. I love your sense of humor, your strength, and your courage. Your stories both crack me up and sometimes make me tear up!

    Good luck today. I’m anxious for pictures of smalltopolus.

  319. leenie on February 4th, 2008 7:36 am

    name:kathleen
    age: 25
    nutshell: i’m a (happily) single girl who lives alone in a sweet little condo with a big porch in atlanta, GA. i’m the managing director of a theater, and also teach 15+ pre/post natal fitness classes a week (pilates, toning, etc). no babies, no husbands, but i do have a vespa and unlimited paid vacation, so i’m happy as a clam.
    visitor: i’ve been reading for about a year, and basically, i come back for the sass. yay sass!

    and mostly, yay baby! will be thinking of you all day! luck to you.

  320. Carrie on February 4th, 2008 7:36 am

    So excited for you, it’s just after 8:00 now! So, my name is Carrie. I’m 38 years old and live in Texas. I adopted the most beautiful little girl in the world from Guatemala and she’s all I seem to write about in my blog, except for the never ending weight loss struggles. I found you way in the early years at diaryland and have followed you everywhere. I would say because you are so funny and honest. I love that. Oh, and the pictures! I love the pictures. I post a million too, and am glad that you are still doing it when so many have stopped. Oh! I know, you will like this since you are a dog abuser and all! My dog came back from the dead the other day. I have a 16 year old Shih-Tzu who is completely deaf, pretty stupide, but well loved. He got out of our fence mid-October and we never found him. We finally accepted that he was gone. Then, as I was walking for exercise around our neighborhood I saw a sign with his face on it. Someone found him standing in the midle of the street, all this time later. After going thru 3 different people who had taken him in and then passed him on because they obviously didn’t see his good qualities, I found him and got him back. He’s all skin, bones, and matted fur now, but he’s alive. Okay, that’s all I’ve got. I have an amusing story about the dangers of wearing um, weighted “pearls” to strengthen the bladder floor and then making salads with jalapeno peppers for dinner, but I think I’m out of room. Best wishes! Can’t wait to see the pictures!

  321. Jenny on February 4th, 2008 7:37 am

    1. Jenny

    2. 28

    3. I live with husband and 2 year old daughter and 3 month old son. We are about to move into a trailer (oh yes. A trailer.) which is actually quite welcome since we’ve been living with my parents for a year. (Oh yes. Living with my PARENTS.) So I can actually say with truth and no sarcasm that I am truly looking forward to living in a trailer. With two kids. Help me, world. Am stay at home mommy seriously contemplating going back to work because A TRAILER I AM GOING TO BE LIVING IN A TRAILER WITH TWO KIDS.

    4. I have been reading you since diaryland, almost from the very beginning. I come back because yours is my very favorite blog. You can go from the gross funny to the very serious and hello, that’s what life is. I just dig what you have to say.

  322. Nora on February 4th, 2008 7:38 am

    1. Nora
    2. 29, nearly 30.
    3. Married, with a baby on the way (am 14 weeks now). Am a lawyer and live in Washington, DC with husband and cat in small but well-located apartment.
    4. I’ve been reading since, I think, before you had Riley and maybe even a year before that. Love how honest and direct you are. Am inspired by the way you directly approach and change things in your life that need changing as well as appreciate the good things you have. Good luck with smalltopus and we can’t wait to see pictures and hear all about him.

  323. Teej on February 4th, 2008 7:39 am

    1. Teej (sorry, not real name)
    2. 31 (real age!)
    3. I live in Washington, D.C., with my husband of less than a year. We just moved here from Boston, where he was in grad school. Before that we were in Chicago, where he was in grad school. Before that we were in San Francisco, which I miss very badly. I’m a freelance writer and I do about half journalism and half marketing, because journalism pays crap. We don’t have any kids yet, we like to travel, and we really want a pet but our landlord says NO. I love my job, but my husband thinks his new job as a consultant is boring and maybe sucking the like out of him. I just signed up for my first 5K, although I don’t run. Ever. That will all change at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog since maybe… Octoberish 2006. I think you take lovely photos. I like you because you seem very brash and assertive and snarky in print, but I gather from your self-descriptions that you are quite shy and reserved in person (at least to strangers?). It’s an endearing dichotomy. I also like that you are so honest about yourself. Also endearing. Wishing you a fast and painless delivery! Can’t wait to see the new little one.

  324. Celeste on February 4th, 2008 7:40 am

    1. Celeste

    2. 30

    3. I live in Atlanta with my new husband and our (almost) 5 year old black Lab. I was laid off at the end of last year so now I’m trying to decide what I really want to do work-wise.

    4. I keep coming back because my dog, Audie, has a crush on Dog. And also because I think you’re a wonderful writer and you make me laugh. Congratulations on the birth of your second child!

  325. Lauren on February 4th, 2008 7:40 am

    Name: Lauren

    Age: 25

    Life in a nutshell: I live in Massachusetts (um Patriots who? I’m happy for wee little Eli) and work as a research psychologist in the Military Nutrition Division for the Department of the Army. The red tape is suffocating but as my grandfather always says “nothing like a good government job” but I spend my days planning my escape. I’m married with no children yet but my husband and I are working toward that seemingly unattainable goal (esp. in the Northeast) of a house, dog, children and my staying home. One of my oldest friends just had her first baby on Friday (!! I became an auntie!!) and in the past few weeks I’ve been able to get her hooked on Sundry!

    How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?: I’ve been reading since early 2005 (I think it was like the 2nd or 3rd post of yours I ever read when you announced you were pregnant with Riley…) and I keep coming back because of you! You’re probably one of the most “real” bloggers I read and I so look forward to each and every thing you put on any of your sites. You tell it like it is – the good, the bad, the easy, the ugly, the breathtaking – you’ve definitely made me laugh (almost daily) and definitely made me cry. Congratulations on this new chapter, may it be just as much a page turner as the last…

  326. sara on February 4th, 2008 7:42 am

    am I too late to play?!

    my name is Sara and I am 33. I feel like I am writing an online personals ad. Uh, not that I’ve ever done that before or anything.

    I live in Colorado with my husband – he’s 11 years older than me, but he acts like he’s about, oh 12. Just to clarify: that is NOT a complaint. It’s one of the things that I love the very best about him. We have two boys – one is 27 months old and the other is 9 months old. I know alllll about this adventure that you’re about to embark on. If you ever need to vent or someone to talk to – email me. I am not a know-all about raising two boys so close together, but I’ve lived it for awhile, so I could tell you about my experiences! I stay home with them, and there are days that I really wish I could leave the house and go to work. I hope that doesn’t make me sound like an ingrate. I know how lucky I am to have the option to stay home, but I also sometimes wonder if I’d be a better mom if I actually left from time to time. just a thought.

    I have been reading you for about a year. I can’t remember how I found you, but I’m glad I did. I keep coming back because you are like crack.

    Good luck today! I can’t wait to meet the little guy and find out if you’re really going to name him DORK.

  327. Mico on February 4th, 2008 7:43 am

    Hi, I’m Steph. I’m 33.

    I just finished a 3.5-year ocean voyage with my husband. We sailed away from Seattle in August 2004 and arrived in Singapore last October. We just finished selling the boat and will be moving to Beijing in March when my husband starts work with a US company with an office there. I don’t have a job lined up, although that is a possibility. Another option is attending a University there to obtain an MBA. Or having a kid, ’cause I’m kind of at that age, you know?

    Last time I commented was when I was whining about not having any power during the super-duper whopper power outage in 2006 (we were in Bellevue for 3 months of work).

    I keep coming back because your life seems so nice and comfortable to me. While I don’t regret any choices I’ve made in the last few years, a house with TV and a Netflix subscription, and a refrigerator, and a car to drive to QFC for a pint of Chunky Monkey seems awfully nice. Also, you’re in the Seattle metro area, so any mention of crappy, rainy winters or pictures of outdoor scenes remind me of home.

    Good luck tomorrow, and I hope your site isn’t blocked in China! (I already know I won’t have access to wikipedia, Amazon.com, or most of blogspot.)

  328. Violet on February 4th, 2008 7:44 am

    1. I’m Violet!

    2. I’m 32. Honest. I just FEEL 20. Or 40. Depending on the day.

    3. I live with my husband, two dogs, three rats, one giant fish and, as of a month ago, 3 boys (the kid kind) that we adopted. They are 10, 7 and 4. Our house is chaotic and insane and, um, 3 boys probably tipped you off to that, right? I used to work in assorted corporate roles and now I’m what the kids today call a “SAHM” because the youngest one is in school in another city and needs to be driven there and home..

    4. I have no idea how long I’ve been reading your blog – a long time, I think – but I keep coming back because I like you. Or, um, your words. :)

    Now, like, go have a baby or something, ok?

  329. Kimberly on February 4th, 2008 7:45 am

    1. Kim
    2. 38
    3. I grew up in Alabama but married a Missouri boy whom I’ve been married to now for almost 15 years. We have one child who is six going on 25. I work as a paralegal.
    4. I think I found your blog when Riley was 2 months old. I love reading the funny and the serious stuff you write.

  330. Michelle on February 4th, 2008 7:45 am

    Hello -

    My name is Michelle and I’m 31 years old. I live in Washington, DC and I am a government contractor. I know, you’re jealous right? I’m currently engaged to my freakishly handsome boyfriend of 7 years. We plan to marry in Spring/Summer 2009 (we were just engaged before New Year’s), because I do NOT want to get married with the potential of busting my ass on ice. I’m special like that, and I like to injure myself in special ways. I busted my OWN lip with conditioner bottle one time… I DON’T EVEN KNOW how I did it. It was truly magical…

    In any case, I’ve been reading for a little over a year and I like to come back and read your blog because I find you refreshingly NORMAL with some slight tendencies towards crazy and hilarious. I relate to that and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Another reason I read: I too, have a strong hatred of 1-ply toilet paper… I feel so vulnerable when using it.

    I love how you love your little family, and I like watching and seeing how it all works out. It’s reassuring to know that I too can have these things and still be myself. In short, you’re my hero and a role model. So I will always come back as long as you do this and I wish you the best of luck with EVERYTHING! I also wish you some crazy, because then you can tell us about it in your own special way! But for serious… best wishes to you and your soon to be expanded family. I’m so excited for you!

    Take care!

  331. Michelle on February 4th, 2008 7:45 am

    Your name: Michelle
    Your age: 33
    Life in a nutshell: I’m a Canuck living directly across from beautiful Detroit, MI. I have two young boys (ages 3 and 4) and am actually 40 weeks pregnant with boy #3! So I feel your pain re: awaiting eviction. I stay at home with the kidlets but I’m also self-employed as a labour doula; this will be my third home/waterbirth if all goes well again. :) And no, that does not mean I sit in judgment of your own birth plans/outcome! Puhleeze. I hope to never go back to corporate life as we plan to homeschool the boys. Oh yes. I am that crazy.
    How long have I been reading and why do I return? Hm, no idea! A year, at least, but I’m a sporadic blog reader. I keep coming back because I think your blog is good readin’. :)

  332. Ali on February 4th, 2008 7:46 am

    Name: Alison, or Ali (Pronounced al-ee, not all-ee.)

    Age: 28

    The Dirt: I live in Florida with me myself, and my dust bunnies. I’ve been dating Ryan for almost a year, and, eh- it may lead somewhere, it may not. I’m hoping for the best, but keeping the keys close to the door just in case. =) No kids yet, but hoping for some in the future. I work as a Closing Coordinator- thrilling! I know!–which basically means I am a glorified paper pusher. I also go to school at night full time for my Poli Sci degree, which will eventually lead to my Master’s in Public Health, which will lead me to my dream job with the CDC.
    Many steps, one at a time, fueled by good red wine.

    Why I read: I found you through another blog. You had left a comment that struck me as funny and witty and so I clicked your link. I’ve been reading ever since. More than just being a ‘Mom’ blog, you put your life out there with a great perspective and charming ability to see the funny in even not-so-funny moments. I aim for that (and often fall short). Your blog is a great reminder that if you take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive.
    That, and I love knowing who to call when the zombies attack.

    Wishing you an easy C-section with lots of good drugs and ice cream afterwards. Or maybe even during-can they do that?
    I hope so.
    Happy Birthday STP!

  333. RA on February 4th, 2008 7:47 am

    RA, 20something

    I ive in PA with my math teacher husband and Westie, Ted. By day, I’m a medical editor, preparing pediatric research manuscripts for submission to journals. I’m darn good at my job, and I’m trying to figure out what kind of graduate degree would be the most beneficial: biomedical writing? MBA? A few certificates? Also, trying to figure out how the heck we’d pay for the furthering of my education.

    I’m a more recent Sundry regular, although I’ve been clicking over off and on for about a year. Your Flickr stream kept bringing me back, and I’d click over to the blog every so often until the two eventually melded into one happy RSS feed. I enjoy the balance you strike between humor, creative imagery, and accessibility. Best wishes for all things baby coming up!

  334. C-Fo on February 4th, 2008 7:49 am

    1. Carly

    2. 29 next month

    3. Mum to Lucy, 2, managing editor of a benefits/HR magazine (snore), community blogger, moms night out creator, entrepreneur. Voracious reader, love crafting and home projects such as painting and stripping the acres of wallpaper off our recently purchased Forever Home (forever meaning it will take forever to pay for, and we’ll live in it forever until the children we aren’t finished producing are shipped out).

    4. I started reading long before Riley came along. As a trained journalist, I am in awe of your witty and clever writing. You put the laugh out loud in LOL, baby.

    ps — good luck today!

  335. Erica on February 4th, 2008 7:49 am

    1. Erica
    2. 31
    3. I live in Dallas with my husband and my year old daughter, Maddie. I’m a WAHM and my husband is a computer geek. My daughter’s not currently doing ANYTHING to bring home the bacon… a situation I feel needs to be remedied post haste.
    4. I started reading your blog almost two years ago. A friend of mine was a reader and when I got pregnant, she told me to get my ass over here and read all of your archives, paying special attention to the “pregnancy” posts. I fell head over heels in love with you and Riley and JB and have been reading ever since.

    I’ll be thinking of you and the family all day today. I cannot wait to meet STP!

  336. Laura on February 4th, 2008 7:50 am

    Before I get into this, just in case you’re eyes are crossing from reading all of these great comments and well-wishes, I wanted you to know that I’ll be thinking about you today and know that everything will be great – can’t wait to see smalltopus’ cute little scrunched up face!
    1. Laura
    2. 36
    3. Life in a Nutshell: Well, thankfully I can’t fit my life in a nutshell, so I’ll bullet-point it for you…
    -Married for 4 years – we met in 2nd grade but didn’t start dating until we we were 27, we met at my best friend’s wedding and the rest is history. I had just come home from living in Brazil for 3 years and he was just recently divorced. Life shouldn’t be boring.
    -Have a beautiful boy named Ben who is Riley’s age
    -I stay at home with Ben for 3/4 of the year and the other 1/4 of the year, I teach golf…pretty sweet gig (we live in Minnesota – thus the 1/4 golf gig)
    4.I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and I break into the cold sweats if I can’t check in daily. You are an amazing writer and I dig your sense of humor. And I think the thing that keeps me coming back to your blog the most is your honesty. Thank you and enjoy life’s new journey!

  337. JennB on February 4th, 2008 7:50 am

    1. Jenn Brown

    2. Just turned 35 last week. Shit!

    3. I live with my husband, G., my 3-year-old daughter P., our two huge dogs (combined weight: 180 lbs), three cats, and our 24-weeks-along fetus who is also a boy which scares the everloving crap out of me. I work at a highly disorganized magazine trying to force people into doing things MY WAY. I’ve been there for 2 years, and have been in publishing / print buying for 13 years (I never wanted to be in this job, but here I am and I have yet to figure out what I want to do with my life when I grow up which should be rather soon I hope).

    4. I’ve been reading your blog since before Riley. I can’t really say when I started, I think I got here through Dooce – from where all bloggers come from. I think your writing is hilarious, love your stories about Riley, covet your readership even though I don’t update nearly as frequently as you do and my writing isn’t nearly as clever, cried at your Riley’s First Year recap, enjoy the updates on the animals, and find it hard to believe that you’re a shy person in real life. If I ever get to Seattle – and I hope I will someday – I hope you’ll sit down with me for a cup of coffee or tonic and we can set our kids loose on each other and I can meet the hilarious tenderness that IS Sundry Mourning.

    Good luck today!

  338. Lawyerish on February 4th, 2008 7:52 am

    1. Meredith (although I leave it off my blog to give myself some shred of anonymity, so…shhh! heh)

    2. 32 (the other day I couldn’t remember if I was 32 or 33, that’s how boring this age is)

    3. I’m an attorney (about as exciting as it sounds); I live with my husband, cat and dog in New York City, and we’re STILL WAITING for a referral of a baby girl from Vietnam. She’ll be our first child.

    4. I’ve been coming here for…maybe a year and a half or so? I found you via Jonniker, and I keep coming back because you are an awesome, awesome writer; you are honest and hilarious and generous, somehow, and you capture things — big and small — so perfectly. I also love that you work outside the home (there are so few outside-the-home-workers in blogland, and I hang on every word about the whole work/life balance). I also love your photos.

    I am trying to figure out a way to put the thing I love about you best, but the best I can do is to say that you haven’t bought into a lot of the B.S. of blogging. You’re not trying to depict your life in any kind of way other than how it really is. You don’t consider yourself some kind of celebrity or authority just because you have lots of readers. And I don’t mean to put anyone down or anything; I’m just saying that this is what makes me want to come out there and give you a hug and sit and chat for hours over tea and cookies. You’ve never written a single thing that made me exasperated or cynical, or made me question your authenticity (for lack of a better word). You’re just YOU, and you’re…well, you’re very real. And I love it.

  339. finefornow on February 4th, 2008 7:52 am

    1. My name is Rachel.
    2. I am 25.
    3. I live in Orlando with my Husband, Todd and our cat Rocky. I work as a receptionist at a local University, it is the most boring job ever!
    4. I started reading your blog last year (probably around February) while searching the internets, trying to find something to do at my new boring job. I love reading your funny stories and hearing about your house projects and about being a parent.

    Can’t wait to see pictures of the new baby, Congratulations! :o)

  340. Frema on February 4th, 2008 7:53 am

    Despite what it says beneath my comment, my name is Bree, and as of January 9th, I’m 28 years old, living in Indianapolis with my husband, Luke, and our brand-new baby, Kara, who turns seven weeks old today. I’m a communications director and freelancer, even though my only gig is blogging for Parents.com. I’ve popped in on you occasionally for the last couple of years but started reading you more frequently with pregnancy number two.

    Good luck today. Can’t wait to see pictures of the baby and LEARN HIS NAME!

  341. Meredith on February 4th, 2008 7:53 am

    I’m Meredith, I’m 29 years old and I live in Birmingham, AL. I started reading somewhere between Riley’s arrival and “Gee, maybe I should do this again”. I love the extremely candid look at life and parenthood and anything that makes me literally “LOL” is good with me :)

    Good luck today! Can’t wait to see D!

  342. Christina on February 4th, 2008 7:53 am

    1. christina from chicago. too much snow to leave the house
    2. 29. today. same birthday as your son!
    3. I am the mother to a 5 month old taking a year off from getting her masters in public policy from the U of Chicago. I collect degrees. I also have a science/engineering degree.
    4. I found you through your column at parent dish. i come back b/c you are entertaining and i am bored. : ) it has snowed a lot this winter her in chicago and has been cold.cold.cold and so i don’t leave the house too often and the internet is the only reason I stay sane. also – i love to read about pregnant people – a habit i picked up while I was pregnant. I write (though not nearly as well) at http://sunraysandsaturdays.net/ .
    5. Good luck! I had to wait around through a stalled labor, so i remember how sucky those hospital remotes that only go up or down (or just up) are!

  343. junkdrawer on February 4th, 2008 7:54 am

    Wow you’re popular!

    name: I’m Mary Beth
    Age: I’m 28.

    I live in Philly with my fiance in a very up and coming(ie- ghetto) part of town . I suprisingly love living in this tougher neighborhood although I did feel REALLY bad when my mom wouldnt stop crying when she first came to visit.

    I’m a television producer and right now I am in an extremely dark and extremely small room with no windows watching my video editor put together a new real estate tv show pilot. Blogs help me look “busy” on the computer. (oh the glamour of it all.)

    I started reading your site when megan of not martha linked to you after the big seattle wind storms. Such a funny approach to such a not funny situation. Good luck today!

  344. Allison on February 4th, 2008 7:54 am

    1. Allie

    2. 35

    3. I live with the best boy ever, and our two gorgeous girlie sprogs in the wilds of Southern Maryland. (AKA: the bearable country-side beyond the EVIL DC/MD beltway corridor). I’m a stay-at-home mom and my husband and I have just started our own home-based publishing business. Um, yes we are crazy.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog since you were first pregnant with Riley. I keep coming back because you have made me snarf many beverages numerous times with your hystrical wit and humor. Just the only night I had to share your placenta comment you had made to your boy with my own. He shuddered and thanked the gods that I had not done that to him while pregnant. Then we made a cake and had to contend with some egg whites, and he made some retaliatory comment regarding sperm…gah.

    Anyhoo, good luck today. I’m seriously on the edge of my seat waiting to see the pics of your new babe.

  345. Amblus on February 4th, 2008 7:54 am

    Hi! I hope you’re not still waiting, or if you are, you’re not reading Highlights Magazine from 1983. Here’s something to entertain:

    1. Adrien (not Adrian, Adrienne, or Adrianne)
    2. 36
    3. I live with my husband of seven-ish years and three cats: Fuzz, Stella and Zephyr. They’re very bad cats. For my job-job I work at a private university doing grants research, which means I dick around online all day. For my other job I have a small handmade jewelry business that I co-own with my best friend. It’s not going to make us rich but it gives us an excuse to have “business” lunches in nice restaurants. We’re also talking about taking a “business” trip somewhere warm, like Miami. Or Hawaii.

    4.I started reading your blog back in 2002 when I was working a really horrible temp job. I stumbled across it on Diaryland (I think?) and read your entire archives over the course of a couple of days. I’ve been reading ever since, except for a week when you made bitched about cyclists and I took it personally. Then I got over it and came back.

    The end!

  346. Melissa on February 4th, 2008 7:55 am

    Hey, I’m Melissa. I’m 35 (oh dear God how did that happen?), and I’m the mother of two boys – James is almost 11 (holy CRAP!) and Logan is 5 1/2. We live about 45 minutes north of Atlanta, GA. Before Logan was born, I was a kindergarten teacher, but have been a SAHM since he was born. I’ve been reading since Riley was a teensy little guy a couple of months old. What keeps me coming back? Are you kidding?? You’re hysterical! You crack my shit up!

    Can’t wait for the details and pictures of the new little man!!!

  347. Kathi on February 4th, 2008 7:58 am

    Kathi, 27 until Thursday, I live with my husband and 2-year old son in Virginia. I am a new lawyer and am getting used to working again after being home with my son for the first 18 months.
    I love your blog and think you are so funny. I love your honesty and willingness to share yourself with us. I also love your photography!
    Good luck today-we will be thinking about you!

  348. Kiernan on February 4th, 2008 7:58 am

    I don’t usually comment, but having spent 3 weeks in and out of the hospital waiting for someone to convince my own squatter that it was time to go, I’m not likely to deny an one’s simple request, who is this pregnant.

    1. Kiernan

    2. 38

    3. There are 3 of us, and the dog, here, near La La land. I have a boy, but he is 9. Mostly I parent, did lots of the mommy group and pta/school booster club stuff, but that seems to be on the decline. I’m going back to school in the fall. I finished one program during preschool and early elementary. Now I’m going to study design.

    4. I found your blog a little over a year ago, not long after I discovered blogging in general. I knew it was there, but I hadn’t gotten close enough to have an opinion before that. I grew up in the NW so I think the passing mentions of familiar turf when we were far far away, helped me keep the idea of moving back in perspective. We were living in the DC area which was such the wrong place for us. The more friendly voices to hear/read the better. So thanks for the help on the miserable not quite home sick, more anywhere but here front. I stay, because I enjoy your writing voice, it feels fresh and fearless to me. You will say the weird little things that everyone thinks or wants to ask, but frequently doesn’t. You confess that hard bits and I would love to be so unguarded when I write. Thanks again, and good luck today for both you and the little one.

  349. Stephanie on February 4th, 2008 7:59 am

    1. Your name: Stephanie
    2. Your age: 34 (It is what it is!)
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my husband of 3 years and our 2 year old daughter. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I work at a car dealership processing their warranty claims. Thankless work, but it pays well and I can do it from home part time.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve only been reading for a few weeks..but I am addicted. Sometimes it seems like being at home with a toddler (when I’m not here at work) can be stressful but reading your blog makes me realize that we are all going through the same thing and we are all in this together. And you make me laugh out loud. I plan on using the “Fuckit Buckit” in dailty conversation.

    Good luck today! It will be smooth sailing and you’ll be home in no time. Can’t wait to see pics!

  350. Maureen on February 4th, 2008 8:01 am

    1. Name: Maureen

    2. Age: 47

    3. I live in Anchorage, AK with my lovely husband, beautiful daughter, 2 cats and 2 dogs.

    4. I have been reading for years! Not sure how many, but quite a few. When I think about why I am such a fan, I guess it is your combination of honesty and humor. You wrote an entry years ago about a spider, which was seriously one of the funniest things I have ever read, anywhere.

    I will also add that you have some of the nicest, sanest, most tolerant commenters of any online journal I have ever read. Topics that would create a firestorm in another place, are discussed here with respect and intelligence.

    Best of luck today!

  351. Amy on February 4th, 2008 8:02 am

    1. Amy Mingo
    2. Just turned 40…Gah!
    3. I’ve been married to my husband Bob for 6 1/2 years. We live in the Twin Cities metro area. I work for Wells Fargo processing annuity paperwork. (It is as exciting as it sounds) My husband has Muscular Dystrophy and is in a wheelchair. We’ve been trying to get pregnant for 5 1/2 years but have not been successful. Last year we began IUI but that didn’t work either. We still want to be parents so are going to talk about adoption and what steps to take in that direction. Not being able to get pregnant is the biggest disappointment in my life.
    4. I’ve been reading your blog for…a long time…since your Diaryland days, before you shared your struggle with alcohol and got clean, before Riley, etc. My all time favorite entry was the one with Dog and Cat and the box.

    Good luck with the birth of Smalltopus today!

  352. Mrs. CPA on February 4th, 2008 8:02 am

    Kelly
    going to be 30 in August
    I am a CPA living in Arkansas. I moved back in July with my Husband and my son (who is 23 mths old now) to be closer to all of our family. We both grew up here. We lived in Alabama for 8 years while Tim was in graduate school, which we are still paying for, and which there is no PhD to show for all that money and time, and anyway, another story for another day. He is an engineer for a power company type place. Our dinner time conversations are riveting since we both have such exciting careers.
    We have 3 dogs, a Lhasa Apso, a toy schnauzer, and a St. Bernard. All three are trouble. The St. Bernard my mother bought us for Christmas 4 years ago from the parking lot of Target.
    I work in the tax department for a company that provides rural phone service, and even though I said I didn’t want to work a whole lot, I’ve somehow managed to be here every weekend for the past month. Which totally sucks.
    I do the following things too much: read, eat, and sleep. Since I am pregnant again the eating and sleeping are in hyperdrive.

    I mainly read your Purple is a Fruit for awhile and stopped by here when I thought about it. However, to stick it to the man, I have been using Google Reader at the office because most blogs are blocked and everyone deserves a break after doing 4 hours of provision to return true up work (trust me, you don’t want to know) and in my never-ending quest for MORE BLOGS that don’t truncate, I have been reading you for about 2 months regularly.
    Good luck today, I know you are super excited to hold that sweet new baby!

  353. Sara on February 4th, 2008 8:02 am

    Sweet girl, I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about you! I laid down got ready to sleep and though OMG Linda is having the baby tomorrow! How excitingly wonderful, I sure hope you have a speedy recovery.

    1. Your name: Sara
    2. Your age: 26
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with two rotten boy childs, Alex who’s 5 and a half, and Dylan who turns 3 March 1st. I do secretarial type work from home, for a company my mom works for. Mainly just typing things for the people who can’t bother to type their own things. I’d rather type anyday to long hand. Their long hand is really fun to guess at sometimes too.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve been reading you since before Riley, and I at one point and time pulled all nighters reading ALL your archives, like to way way way back there. What keeps me coming back…your awesome, you are funny but not in a heavy put on sort of way, your honest, I never feel a sense of insincerity reading you (and im pretty attentive to these sorts of things), you have no problem making me laugh till my gutt hurts and cry in the same post, which is a beautiful tallent. You really should write a book, or 10. You make that belly laughs by jenny whatever suck, and it’s not all that bad. Seriously, you have something here.

    I can’t wait to hear about the new little dude. Specially the name…

  354. Kate on February 4th, 2008 8:04 am

    Hi Linda,

    My name is Kate, I’m 28 and I work for and live at a private boarding school in New England. I work in Admissions, mainly with international applicants and I am a dorm parent to 33 teenage boys. Yikes!

    I have no children of my own, but they are soon to come in the future…even though some days your blogs makes me question the whole “birthing” part!!!

    I’ve been reading your blog for about six months, I linked to it from a friends blog once and I got hooked! Your ability to mix the honest with hilarity is a gift.

    I wish you the best today as you prepare to meet your new baby. I can’t wait to read all about it.

  355. Mare on February 4th, 2008 8:04 am

    Hi. I’m Mare. I’m 33. I’m an eyewear distributor, and I more or less like my job, though I’m not always convinced I know how to do it. I’ve been reading you since we were both in Texas, at JournalCon, and I do so because your site is well-written and funny and thought provoking.
    I hope you have a safe and happy delivery, and I send all my good wishes to you and your wonderful family.

  356. Diana on February 4th, 2008 8:07 am

    Your name: Diana
    Your age: 28
    Your life in a nutshell: Legal secretary by day and very busy mom of three kids (all surprises!) from 11 to 7 months, who is losing her mind more every second.
    How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I found your blog through zoot when she was anxiously awaiting the birth of the big brother – you remember, back in the day when you couldn’t even imagine him being a BIG BROTHER! :) So my first post was actually from JB. Must have been pretty good – kept me coming back.

    Good luck today guys!!!

  357. Laura on February 4th, 2008 8:07 am

    1. Laura

    2. 41, I’d like to lie about that, because, ugh, 41. I really would love to have another little kiddo, but am I too old??? I wonder

    3. Live in Southern Louisiana w/ husband and 2 kids, a boy (11) and a girl (6). My son was born at 10# and daughter at 10#11oz, neither by C-section! OW! Damn doctor!

    I just quit my job last week because it was causing me to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown!!!!

    4. Not sure when I started reading your blog but I come back because you make me laugh and lately to see if you had that baby already!

    Good luck to you today and bless you and your family.

  358. Maureen on February 4th, 2008 8:07 am

    Oh, I forgot all about my job-I work for a large book store, in the corporate account division.

  359. eve on February 4th, 2008 8:08 am

    I’m Eve and I’m 33.

    I live in Baltimore with my husband of 9 years and my totally awesome 3.5 year old son. We had planned for years that if we had a son, we would name him Reilly (a family name), but then my co-worker had the audacity to name his DAUGHTER Ryleigh. First off, what the hell kind of spelling is that? And second, it’s a boy’s name! Anyhow, we opted to use Reilly as a middle name instead, but I feel you on the angst that goes along with choosing a boy’s name. I work full-time for an investment managemnet company- basically I’m a corporate drone who reads way too many blogs. I have a neurotic, neglected (not really) dog, who used to be our baby until the human child came along. I don’t plan on having any more kids, which kind of makes me feel like a defective mother, since most of the parents I know have at least two kids. OK, enough about me.

    I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now. Probably found you via Amalah. I think you’re a very talented writer, any you crack me up on a regular basis. Your candor and your sense of humor make me feel like I’m reading the blog of a good friend (in a totally non-stalkerish way, of course). Your honesty about alcoholism really touched me.
    I’ve been sober for 11 years, and I remember how hard the first few years were. I’ll be thinking abou you and your expanding family today. Good luck!

  360. Dorie on February 4th, 2008 8:08 am

    1. Hi, I’m Dorie.

    2. I’m 29.

    3. I live in northern IL with my husband of 4 years and our 3 year old daughter and 1 year old little boy. I work 4 days a weeks at a bank in the mortgage department so I’m very busy right now with the huge rate drops and should not be wasting time reading blogs and commenting, but oh well.

    4. I started reading your blog when Riley was about a year old. I keep coming back because you are so funny and honest. And I can really relate to all of your Riley stories. I can’t wait to see how he handles having a baby brother. My daughter did not handle it well at all.

    Wishing you the best of luck today.

  361. Angela on February 4th, 2008 8:08 am

    Best of luck today, and happy birthday to the little one! Here is my contribution to your hospital entertainment. :-)

    1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like)
    Angela

    2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like)
    35 (gulp!) but I totally feel 28 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.)
    I am married to my high school sweetheart (together for 20 years, married for 7) and have a 16 month old son. I am a postdoctoral fellow in laboratory medicine, and I am starting to apply for jobs. Yes, I am 35, and I have never had a “real job”. Being a professional student is cool, but it makes it hard to pay the bills.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
    I don’t remember when I started reading your blog- I found you over at Club Moms, and I really liked your “voice”. I found this blog via that one, and I have been a daily reader ever since. I especially like to read what Riley is doing, since he is older than my son. It is a sneak peak into the fun that I have in store! I know it sounds totally dorky, but I feel like we would hit it off in real life.

    Again, congratulations on your new son! Can’t wait to hear his name and see his little face.

  362. Deanna on February 4th, 2008 8:09 am

    1. Deanna (pronounced Deee- nuh, BTW)
    2. 40
    3. SAHM to 10 yr old autistic sweet creative artist, 4 yr old smartypants and 7 month old smiling girl. I used to work for a major company, got hit in the lay offs, decided to stay home. My hubby and I were college sweeties and have been together more than 20 years now. I craft, scrapbook, cook very little (he cooks), ebay-buy and sell, am a yardsale and thriftstore junkie.
    4. Not sure how long I have been with you or how I found you but I know what entry was the first I read- one about JB’s underwear on the nightstand knob and killing the bear with the magazine. I laughed so hard. I love your creative descriptive writing style. Some of my fave entries (where I laughed till I cried and forwarded the link on) are about Cat (I have cats and you are soooo right on!) and oh! the one about the freaky toys!!

    I wish you had a PO box so I could send you a baby gift. Maybe you will do a book signing in Austin one day and I can gush about how long I have been reading your stuff.

    Buckle up! Your child rearing ride is about to take a turn. You will handle it great! Best wishes to you and your boys!!

  363. Eilis on February 4th, 2008 8:10 am

    Hi Linda! I’m Eilis. I’m 28 and living in Durham, NC with my husband Ted and two cats: Morty and Ethel. We also have our first bun in the oven, so I’m also living with a fetus the size of a lime (this week) and anticipating his or her arrival in late August. I am a Physician Assistant in radiology, which is awesome because I get to look at the bun whenever I get bored.

    I’ve been reading your site for a couple of years now…I think I found you through Dooce somehow, but am not quite sure. I keep coming back because you crack me up.

    Best of luck this morning! We’re all looking forward to the new baby update!

    Eilis

  364. kate on February 4th, 2008 8:10 am

    I’ve been out of town (and away from the computer) all weekend and was so excited this morning when I realized today is your big day!! Wishing you the best of luck; can’t wait to see STP.

    1. Kate
    2. 28
    3. I live in central Wisconsin with my husband of 2 ½ years, Collin. We have a cat and dog and are hoping to have a baby soon. I work in the accounting/finance industry and love to do anything outdoors.
    4. I think I’ve been reading you for close to two years, but for the life of me, I can’t remember how I happened upon your site. I keep coming back because I love your writing, it is always so real. You’ve made me laugh, cry, and think seriously about things that are sometimes easier to ignore. Also, you have the most adorable little boy ever. I can’t wait to meet your new little addition!

  365. Amy on February 4th, 2008 8:10 am

    1. Amy
    2. 32
    3. I live with my husband, John, in a two-bedroom condo in Chicago. Our beloved greyhound, Moose, just passed away, so right now we’re dogless, but I suspect that will change eventually. I’m an editorial manager, so I read and edit all day, interspersed with manager-type things.
    4. I’ve been reading your journal since before you had Riley. I keep reading because of your sense of humor and because I’m not sure I want to be a parent, but I like how you’re not a “perfect Stepford mommy”–I see in you what I might be! And that gives me hope. :)

  366. Trace on February 4th, 2008 8:11 am

    Eeeeeeeeee, can’t wait to see the little guy!!

    1. Traci

    2. 23

    3. I’m from Texas and super proud of it – though somehow I’ve ended up in the urban wasteland of NYC and have spent the last two and a half years trying to get the hell out. I live with my boyfriend (the only reason I’m not in TX :)) in Greenwich Village and am obsessed with lip gloss, sharks, fluffy wuffy snuggly things, and tofu. Regarding that last one – I’m a new vegan and looove it. I worked in PR for two years until I decided that crying every day in my office? Not a good thing. Now I’m a receptionist/admin at a hedge fund – it’s good, if a bit boring, but I’ll take that over the soul-sucking Medusas that seem to take over the PR industry.

    4. I’ve been reading since 2002-2003ish, perhaps even before that (fall 2001 maybe?), way back when you were on Diaryland. I think you’re absolutely hysterical, and the dog and kid pictures definitely help.

    Also, more Dog and Riley/Small pictures, plz kthxbai.

  367. SpaceCase on February 4th, 2008 8:14 am

    Hi Linda! I’m Susan, a mid-30-something who lives in Chicago with my fella, Mr. Martini, and our two cats. By day I’m a media buyer (I buy the time for the ads on TV) and by night I’m… just me. A tv-watching couch potato who knits a little.

    I’ve been reading for years, since before Riley, even. I hardly (if ever) comment – I’m just one of the anonymous blips in your site stats. I keep coming back because of the fabulous writing, and because unlike many “everything’s perfect,yay!” blogs out there, you manage to write about being human with wit and clarity.

    Happy birthday to Riley’s brother. There’ll be one girl sitting at her desk this afternoon, checking Flickr on the sly to witness the debut.

  368. Nolita on February 4th, 2008 8:15 am

    1. Nolita
    2. 39
    3. Live with my husband, Scott, and daughter, Emi. I work providing support for NEXRAD weather radars (database admin for projects and baselind documentation – yes, very sexy job!)
    4. Been reading your blog since right before you announced your pregnancy. You have a gift for writing and it keeps me coming back for more …thank you for sharing!

    Prayers for peace and calm and a smooth delivery today!
    ;.)
    Nols

  369. Amy on February 4th, 2008 8:16 am

    Amy, 32

    I don’t even know what to write here. I am in limbo. I’m in between jobs and in between chapters in my life. Just sort of floating. I used to have a pretty cool, pretty important job managing high profile events (I do have some great celebrity stories I could tell you). But the demands of the job really took its toll on my personal life, so I left. What I want now more than anything is to get pregnant and raise a child, but it turns out its waaayyy more complex than 8th grade sex ed lead me to believe.

    I’ve been a loyal reader for over five years (I think). I am drawn to your blog for a variety of reasons:

    1. I love your the way you write. Real, honest and funny.
    2. I identify with and admire your lifestyle.
    3. This may sound gay and pathetic, but because of #1 and #2 and because I am extremely shy and show hermit tendencies often, I think of you as a friend. True it’s a very one-sided friendship, but it works for me.

    Good luck today.

  370. Jacquelyn on February 4th, 2008 8:17 am

    1. My name: Jacquelyn
    2. Age: 26 (I had no idea you had so many readers my age, btw.)
    3. I have two jobs, my favorite of which is working in organ procurement. Sadly, it doesn’t pay the bills, but I love feeling like I make a difference. I wear a pager and when I get paged, I join a team which removes skin, bone, tendons, veins, heart valves, and corneas from the donor. I live near Washington, DC and I’m single with no children.
    4. I read almost exclusively for your really raw entries. Like the one about drinking. I feel so often like I’m constantly screwing up at life, and when I get really panicked I love that I can read your blog and see someone flawed (now THAT I can relate to) who’s still doing everything, and doing everything well. I would love to read more about your thoughts on marriage, relationships, etc. I don’t read your other blogs because I’m not in the kid frame of mind yet.

  371. Julie on February 4th, 2008 8:18 am

    Hi Linda,

    1. Julie

    2. I am 30.

    3. I have been married for 9 1/2 years to the most awesome husband ever. We have two beautiful daughters, Melanie (2 1/2) and Ava (6 months). I work full time as a secretary at an aerospace company. I live in Southern California. No pets. We live in a townhouse.

    4. I have been reading you since you were in the knitbloggers ring. I don’t know how many years that has been. I was a sporadic reader of yours, because your site wasn’t updated as often back then. One day, while I was pregnant with my first daughter, I came across your blog again. I saw that you were pregnant with Riley, and you had the EXACT due date as me. Well, you ended up having him early, and I had my daughter 10 days late. So the actual birthday’s are almost a month apart. I have been a daily reader ever since.

    I wish the best of luck to you today. I have been telling my husband…”Hey, Sundry is having a baby on Monday!” And then today: “Hey, today is Monday! Sundry is having her baby today! YAY!” I am very excited for your family.

  372. Carley on February 4th, 2008 8:18 am

    Hello. I’m Carley and I’ll be 30 on Feb. 12. I live in Chicago with my boyfriend of 12 years and our two cats. I work as the office manager for a food specific PR firm. (There are always too many good things to eat around here!) I’ve been reading since about the time you had Riley and I keep coming back because, well, you are an awesome writer! You always make me laugh and you just seem so genuine and I feel like I can relate to you on a lot of things. I don’t usually comment because I feel shy which is a ridiculous thing on the internet, but there you go. Anyways, CONGRATS! And thanks for sharing all of your stories. No, seriously, THANK YOU!

  373. Christina on February 4th, 2008 8:18 am

    Wow if your up for reading comment 366 here it is.
    1.Christina
    2.30
    3. Former purchasing agent turned SAHM of one 4 month old baby boy. We live in a suburb of Columbus Ohio. My husband is a prof at OSU.
    4. Been reading for about 2 years. I found you via Amalah and as soon as I read where you live that got me, I grew up in Tacoma. Your writing is what kept me coming back, I love the way you tell a story. I also adore Sundry Buzz.

    Good luck this morning! I cant wait to hear how it all went.

  374. tracy on February 4th, 2008 8:19 am

    I’m Tracy and will be FIFTY oh my god in a couple weeks. I live in Arkansas but was born and raised in St.Louis and would love to go back except that winters there are colder and longer there. I’m married to my sweetie 20+ years now and we also have a Dog…but no cat anymore. Been reading you forever…keep coming back cause you keep sending me that notice in my email that there’s something to read LOL…no I come back because I just luv ya! you are an incredible writer and you make me laugh and cry and I just feel like I know you. Will be thinking of you today and waiting for those pics of the newest member of your clan….take care!

  375. Kym on February 4th, 2008 8:21 am

    Hi, my name is Kym
    I am 34 years old (just turned in Jan)
    I have 2 kids Joey who is 2 1/2yrs and Jake who is 11 mos, and I want to have one more child!! Call me crazy but I would like to try for the girl, but if it’s a boy I am ok with that too and we will be D-O-N-E after that.
    I began reading your blog at Purple Fruit b/c my friend had you linked on her blog site. I can totally relate to a lot of what you say. I also just found your “personal” blog the other week so I am not playing catch up if you will. You are my secret escape from my own reality :)

    I am a WAHM, I do daycare out of my house. Wish you the best of luck!!

  376. Wendi on February 4th, 2008 8:21 am

    Hi Sundry! I’m Wendi, and I’m 43. I live about 30 miles west of Chicago, with my husband, Dave (second husband — we celebrated our 6 year anniversary on Saturday) and my kids, who are 17 and 13.

    Dave and I work together, from home, making candles. I know it sounds weird but it started as a hobby in 2001 and after I got laid off from my Human Resources job, the candle business just took off. We love it and especially love working together!

    We have 5 cats, 1 dog and 2 guinea pigs.

    I’ve been trying to remember how I originally found your site. I’ve been reading since well before Riley came along, so a few years now. I think maybe I found you from Chiara’s blog. In any case, I love the way you write and even though I’m an old lady compared to you, I can really relate to the things you write about. :) Reading about Riley brings me back to when my kids were little–it feels like just yesterday!

    Best wishes today — and let me tell you, having 2 kids isn’t as hard as you think it’s going to be. I’m so, so excited and happy for you, JB & Riley!!

  377. stacee on February 4th, 2008 8:22 am

    SO excited for you and JB and Riley today, Sundry!

    1. Stacee

    2. 37

    3. I live in Bellingham, Washington, and am now a part-time stay-at-home mom to our 3-year-old son, Xander. I do a lot of freelance writing and editing and also transcribe college lectures in real-time for deaf students. My husband and I are expecting our second baby, a girl, in early May.

    4. I honestly can’t remember, but it’s been years and years now — before you were officially at http://www.sundrymourning.com. Your humor and honestly and amazing writing skill (seriously!) have kept me coming back and will continue to do so.

    Hope today goes well and will be thinking of you!

  378. Leigh Costain on February 4th, 2008 8:23 am

    Linda, best of luck to you today!

    My name is Leigh, I’m 46. Divorced a long time, I have one 13 year old boy. The teenage years are harder than I had imagined.

    I grew up in Berkeley, still live close to there. I love the Bay Area and will never leave. I dropped out of high school and spent my teens and early 20s in a fog of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I’ve been sober almost 8 years. I graduated from college when I was 30, law school at 38.

    I used to bodybuild competitively. Now I’m a cyclist who also tries to run sometimes (I sent you my race report from my last marathon). I suck at running.

    After many years of turmoil, I have a great job, a house, and a settled life. I’m single and hoping that changes sometime, but I’m actually just fine where I am.

    I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years. I feel you are a kindred spirit. And, BTW, you are also a very good writer.

  379. Sarah on February 4th, 2008 8:24 am

    1. Sarah

    2. 26-almost 27

    3. I live in Auburn area of Washington (yay local!) I am a SAHM to two girls. Bridget is 3.5 years and Maggie is 10 months. I also had my two girls by c-section so I kind of know what your going through. Overall my life in a nutshell would be dirty diapers, hyperactive overly imaginitive toddlers, nerdy stuff, cooking and baking (I love baking, a growing interest in child portrait photography and a WOW addicted husband who I have to fight for computer time (not to mention that my oldest has now started playing games on the computer and I have to fight her now too. Luckily even though I might not be smarter I am much bigger.)

    Good luck with your delivery Sundry. I wish you a fast recovery and a beautiful baby boy to hug and squeeze and make yours forever.

  380. Sabrina on February 4th, 2008 8:25 am

    An impressive number of comments! I dont think you need more… but just in case you are having a desperate moment stuck in some hospital room, here I am.
    Sabrina
    I’ll be 29 on February 22
    I live with my husband (married 8 years) and our 14 month old son, AJ, adopted from South Korea. He’s been home for 7 months now and has completely turned my world upside down. I cant even tell you what I do anymore… aside from walking around like a Zombie, begging people for sleep and caffeine.
    Nah, I’m a web editor, computer tech in Durham, NC. Which allows me plenty of time in front of a computer to read your blog.
    I dont know when I started, or how I even came across it… but its been a year or two. I enjoy everything you write. You’re witty, realistic, and remind me that life doesnt have to be all sunshine and roses to be good.

  381. Amy M. on February 4th, 2008 8:25 am

    Hi Linda! Are you reading this all drugged up?

    1. Amy
    2. 33
    3. I’ve been married 7 years to a wonderful guy who loves to cook! I also live with my son, who just turned 2, another baby due in June, & a large black lab who has just destroyed our front blinds trying to eat the UPS man. We’re in cold, cold Wisconsin.
    4. I’ve been reading since slightly before Riley’s birth & now have a pathetic girl crush & must read daily! You’re a terrific writer: such complete honesty with hilarity that makes me laugh & cry at work. I admire your guts to say things I’d never say.

    Good luck with today’s slicing (ouch) & enjoy Smalltopus! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

  382. Sarah on February 4th, 2008 8:25 am

    DO! I forgot to add that I’ve been reading your blog about a year and a half now. It’s the first one I check every morning.

  383. Laura on February 4th, 2008 8:28 am

    Laura
    30
    SAHM to a 3 month old girl and 2 year old boy, formerly an elementary art teacher
    I read you at ClubMom and now enjoy your posts here and at ParentDish.

    Best of luck to you!!

  384. Anonymous on February 4th, 2008 8:28 am

    1. Your name Michele

    2. Your age 23

    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my fiancee and his best friend is our roommate, kinda a pity thing after roommate’s divorce, and I run the dock and distribution part of an egg farm.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I honestly don’t know how long I’ve been reading this blog. I found it, and started at the archives and kept going. I keep coming back because you make me laugh, and while I’m not a parent yet, you make me both shit-my-pants-terrified and wet-my-pants excited to become one.

  385. Nonacita on February 4th, 2008 8:28 am

    1. Winona Irene
    2. 29
    3. I live with my spouse and 2 yr old daughter and one cat. Vegan all around, except we do eat cruelty free eggs and cheese from local farmers sometimes. Well, the cat’s not vegan, we buy her canned cat food. I make lots of stuff, run a daycare out of my house and I love to read horror stories.
    4. I’ve been reading this blog since a month before Riley was born, and I come back because you’re fucking hilarious, you write well and I love your take on life, your honesty, etc.
    Enjoy the new baby smell!

  386. Sara Moon on February 4th, 2008 8:29 am

    My name is Sara Moon and I’m 34.

    In a nutshell: I live just north of Houston, TX and I’m married with a little girl who is just about Riley’s age (August 2005, right?) Her name is Lily and she’s wonderful. I was an elementary teacher before I had her and wanted to be a SAHM for her sake (not mine…)Ended up feeling the urge to do a little more for me and try to bring in $$ to help with my hub’s teacher salary and took up photography. I now have a fairly successful business doing on-location, natural light photography of families. I love it.
    I found you through a friend, and have reading you for about a year. I keep coming back b/c – I just think you are so real. So many things that you write about find me saying, “Exactly!!!”. You are hilarious, self-deprecating, abundantly candid and witty, honest and I could go on. Don’t ever stop writing. You’re like a friend to me. Awwwww.
    I’m due with my second mid-March so I’m dying to see how your first couple of months go. I’ll be reading every word. Sending you tons of good thoughts.

  387. Audrey on February 4th, 2008 8:29 am

    Best of luck today!

    1. Audrey
    2. 24
    3. I live with my husband Tim and our dog Ben. I’m an assistant editor at a local publishing company, and I do some freelance proofreading on the side to help put my husband through grad school. He’s getting his master’s in curriculum instruction, which he’ll finish up this summer just in time to start his first job teaching elementary school. I couldn’t be more proud.
    4. Hmm…6 months maybe? I can’t remember when I first came over here, but your wonderful (and often hilarious) writing made the “to subscribe or not to subscribe” decision a snap and I immediately added you to my google reader.

  388. Amy on February 4th, 2008 8:30 am

    Aw, this is so exciting! I can’t wait to see the new one!

    1. Amy
    2. 38
    3. I’m a stay at home mom to a 5 year old and 3.5 year old and currently pregnant with #3, though it’s early, and I miscarry so who knows what will happen. I’ve lived in L.A. for 8 years, moved here after living in S.F for 8 years and before that I grew up and went to school all along the Eastern Seaboard (mostly Delaware, but Conneticut, Vermont and North Carolina too)
    4. I found this blog when I first started blogging in early 2005 (I since had to quit as it became too much of a time suck) and it’s always been one of my favorites. It’s funny and accesible and beautifully written–what’s not to love?

  389. Dawn on February 4th, 2008 8:31 am

    My name is Dawn. I am 36 and live in the Kansas City, Missouri area with my husband of twelve years. We have two kids. My son is 6 and my daughter is 10(going on 18). I work in accounting for a construction company. As the only female in my office, I have gotten hooked on “mom” blogs as outlet away from all of the boys I’m surrounded with during the day. Of course, you are one of my favorites and I’ve been following along for about two years. Congrats and best wishes for this very special day!

  390. Mandee on February 4th, 2008 8:32 am

    1. Mandee
    2. 33 (almost. I keep saying that without flinching, but my birthday is still two weeks away)
    3. I’m a disgruntled attorney in a small town trying desperately to get back to the big city. I love my little house and my big dog and my terribly co-dependent family with all my heart. I really wish I’d gone out on a limb and tried to have some sort of career in the entertainment industry.
    4. Your honesty, your humor and your spot-on writing keep me coming back. I found you shortly after Riley was born. I have a nephew who is about the same age and I was sucked in from there. Thinking good thoughts for you right now!

  391. Aunt Linda on February 4th, 2008 8:32 am

    I am the fearful woman who cried when I first saw Riley. So be prepared for a repeat performance. I have never wanted children; why should I when my sister had the perfect daughter?

  392. Mandy on February 4th, 2008 8:33 am

    1. Mandy
    2. 38 (glad to see I’m not the oldest person reading this!)
    3. I live in Austin with my husband, 3.5 year old son and 2 dogs. I work for our state’s health agency, specifically doing legislative work related to mental health and substance abuse services. It’s hard and thankless work sometimes, but I really feel like I am making a difference for people who don’t have a voice. I am trying to forge a little more free time for myself outside of work and home, so I’m trying to work out more, spend more time with friends, and I’ve taken a couple of sewing classes. My mother inexplicably gave me a sewing machine a couple of years ago so I figured I should learn how to use it, and I’ve actually had fun and made a couple of kick-ass tote bags.

    4. I’ve been reading your blog for several years, since way before you had Riley and when you had way fewer readers. Your writing is refreshing and fun to read.

    Here’s hoping your delivery is as easy and joyful as possible. Best wishes!

  393. Tara on February 4th, 2008 8:33 am

    1. Tara
    2. 35
    3. I live in a semi-rural area of Virginia with my husband of almost 7 years, our son (will be 3 in April), one dog and 3 cats. It used to be 2 dogs and 2 cats not so long ago, but we just had a terrible fall/early winter where we lost a cat, adopted two more, lost one of those, adopted another, then lost one of our dogs. We’re hoping we’re done with the major pet trauma for a while. I have an eternally thrilling job in internal audit for a financial institution (I know, aren’t you jealous??), and someday I’d really like to be in a place financially where I can do SOMETHING ELSE, MY GOD, ANYTHING ELSE. But for now, my job pays the bills and will help greatly in sending our son to college and making sure we can retire before we hit 90. In other news. . . our son has been wearing big-boy underwear for 2 weeks now, and he’s doing a GREAT job–due in large part to the daycare folks, because let’s face it, they know a lot more about this potty training stuff than I do. We bought our son a potty a while back and somewhere along the way he decided he liked using it, the end. And man, can he take some impressive dumps, is all I’m saying. Oh, and before I forget–I am really getting into shape, eating right & exercising, thanks in large part to YOU for turning me on to TurboJam, which I love. THANK YOU!!
    4. I found this blog through your ClubMom blog, Purple is a Fruit. You never fail to crack me up, and your thought process seems scarily similar to mine, so reading your blog is like listening to a very good friend.

    Good luck today!! Can’t wait to see STP’s face and learn what D stands for. :)

  394. Anais on February 4th, 2008 8:34 am

    1. Your name: Anais
    2. Your age: 23
    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my husband and cat in a cozy town house in a city within a city (Hialeah in Miami, Florida). We are planning to try for a baby in about 2 or 3 years and are very excited. I have worked for a law firm for 5 years. My hobbies include photography, writing, drawing and cooking/baking. I also hope to get into gardening soon.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I have been reading this blog since it was on Diaryland. What keeps me coming back is your outstanding use of the written word, your sense of humor and your amazing photography skills.

    I hope everything goes well this morning and congratulations on Smalltopus. Can’t wait to see pictures of the bundle of joy.

  395. ShannonJ on February 4th, 2008 8:36 am

    1. Shannon
    2 39 soon-to-be 40
    3. I’m a vendor manager at a financial corporation and a mom to 2 kids (girl, 4, and boy, 20 months). In my fantasy life, I have a much more hip job, or no job at all. But, eh. This is what I’ve got right now and I shouldn’t complain (though I do, oh yes I do).
    4. I’ve been reading you for about a year and a half, starting at Purple is a Fruit. I can’t remember how I found this blog, but I’m glad I did. I love your humor and writing style, plus the tell-it-like-it-is parenthood stories which always make me feel a sense of cameraderie! Oh, and the great photos too. Love those.

    Yay for it being today! Best of luck and enjoy the boredom, soon there won’t be any more of that! :D

  396. Elaine on February 4th, 2008 8:38 am

    I doubt if you are still reading this far down the list (over 380!!) but here goes anyway.
    1. Elaine
    2. 50!
    3. Project manager for a contract research organization here in lovely downtown Seattle. We do data management for medical studies. I live in Everett. Three kidlets, all grown (but two still live at home). One adorable grandchild, the apple of my eye, the cream in my coffee.
    4. I’ve been reading you forever (since before the unicorn incident) – came over from bitchypoo, I think. I keep coming back because you’re an amazing writer, and you add new words to my vocabulary (namely “hoopty” and “TOO FEAKY”.)

  397. Kirsten on February 4th, 2008 8:40 am

    1. Kirsten
    2. 29
    3. I live in Portland. I have two girls, 2.5 and 10 months. I work part time from home. Basically this is nothing like the glamorous life I thought I would be living by now when I was in grad school. I should have gotten a degree in Children Who Do Not Listen To What I Say, instead. I am so happy to have children so close together because they are as in love with each other as I am with them. Just as yours will be.
    4. Found you through Club Mom. I like to read you because you say Fuck a lot. Also, you are my make believe friend, like “Yeah, I could totally call her up next time I’m up in Seattle and we could have a play date.” I am also delusional.

    Will be sending you lots of luck today. Can’t wait for the pictures.

  398. Kim in MT on February 4th, 2008 8:40 am

    I’m Kim, 26 years old. I live in Montana with my husband and 2 dogs. I’m a hydrologist, but aspire to self-sufficiency (y’know, hyoooge garden, chickens, goats) and will hopefully be selling our city house and moving to the place where we’ll make it happen soon!

    I came upon your blog less than a month ago, but have been reading your archives. You’re frikkin’ funny, for one, and I’m since I’m currently trying to get knocked up, I’m sort of obsessed with all things pregnancy/baby related. :-)

  399. Judith in NYC on February 4th, 2008 8:40 am

    I am 58, Puerto Rican, live in NYC now but spent most of my adult years in Eugene, Oregon. (Love, love, love, the Pacific Northwest!)

    I have twin sons born at 39 weeks, 7 pounds each. Yes, you can be THAT pregnant. They were both in the frank breach position (coming out ass first) and one of my doctors wanted me to give birth vaginally; luckily, the other doctor won out and I got a C-section.

    I was divorced at 25 and I am still single.

    I saw the number of comments and sincerely hope you will have to read this postpartum, if you read it at all.

    Can’t wait to see you new boy!

  400. chellebird on February 4th, 2008 8:40 am

    1. Michelle
    2. 28
    3. I live with my cat in a little studio. But it’s in Chicago, which makes it worth it, especially since my boyfriend and about five friends all live in my neighborhood. It’s like Friends except we actually lock our doors and have real jobs. I work as a project manager for an independent book publisher. I love my job beyond what is considered normal.
    4. Man, since…pre-Riley. I can’t even remember who linked over to you, but I’ve been hooked since the first time. I love your sense of humor. And your honesty is really refreshing. You really seem like someone I’d enjoy hanging out with. Plus, you can spell and use proper grammar, which is rather important to the copy editor in me.
    You, JB, Riley, and D will be in my thoughts today! All best.

  401. Brianna on February 4th, 2008 8:40 am

    1. Your name: Brianna

    2. Your age: 25

    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live in Fort Lauderdale with my boyfriend who lives in the Bahamas (we trade weekends. This is not as exciting as it sounds.) I am currently a (ha ha) freelance writer (ha, oh god, I’m killing me) – I used to have a 9-5 and wrote articles on weekends, but I got laid off! So now I’m rabidly waiting for these next two magazines to be published so I’ll have some sort of portfolio with which to get more work. So I won’t starve. Which is seriously looking like a possibility because the job market here is depressing.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? About….three weeks? You update often, and are funny! And you have amazingly extensive archives, which are awesome when you’re sitting on your ass all day, staring out the window and hoping those sparrows show up again because WOW! Sparrows. Wicked.

  402. Rachel on February 4th, 2008 8:41 am

    My name is Rachel.

    I’ll be 35 on Feb. 23.

    I am a SAHM to Shelby, age 16 mos. We live on the Gulf Coast of MS and survived Katrina (Yay! All I got was this lousy T-shirt.) Recovering HS teacher. Married to engineer. Hope to move back to Birmingham, AL, where we’re from originally.

    I found you a year or so ago when blogs were my only form of therapy during the dark early days of nursing round the clock. You funny.

    Happy Mardi Gras and Happy Birth of Child #2! You give me hope.

  403. Emily Ann on February 4th, 2008 8:41 am

    1. Emily
    2. 27
    3. I live in NYC (this is my 2nd tour of duty, so to speak) and I have a job that I hate but that’s ok–I’m in a city I love. I have no kids or husband yet but would love to one day. I have a dog named Luckie…she’s a mutt but the coolest dawg on the planet.
    4. I have been reading for at least 2 years…I keep coming back because a) you’re hilarious and one of the few bloggers who make me spit out water while reading (not out of disgust but out of uncontrollable laughter) and b) your sincere ability to tell the truth-no matter what it is–I really think that is one of the greatest traits a human being can have.

    Good luck with everything!!! I wish you a happy, happy birth (if that is even possible).

  404. Anais on February 4th, 2008 8:42 am

    Oh, and I forgot to mention, as many others here on comments have, that I admire you a lot (in a non-stalkerish way), because you can always put feelings so perfectly into words and because you’re just cool, Linda. Your entries have made me laugh, cry and your perspectives are always refreshing and enlightening. You’re the kind of person I would definitely consider a great friend in real life. If I ever visit Seattle, I would love to hang out with you for lunch or a movie or something.

    Again, hope everything turns out well. Hang in there!

  405. McCashew on February 4th, 2008 8:44 am

    1. Kerri

    2. 29 – inching ever closer to 20-10

    3. I am a McMomma to my just turning one TODAY Caroline, we live with her Daddy and my husband Steve in CT. I am a social worker, currently in the area of geriatrics specifically assisting caregivers of aging family members. It is not the most challenging work I have ever done (previously moonlighted as an oncology social worker, worked at a major children’s hospital in kidney transplant and dialysis, and spent some time in hospice) but it affords us both groceries and thrice weekly daycare as well allowing me to engage in a profession that I think is very valuable. I am spending my day off today utilizing naptime to clean up the remains of my daughter’s first birthday party – a cheerio theme and they are just about everywhere – and spending some QT at a fabulous local libary. There may also be grocery shopping and of course frequent checks here for our first glimpe of your youngest son.

    4. I first heard about you about 2 years ago on a messageboard. I read sporadically at first, then when I myself became pregnant I began reading back to your pregnancy and birth experience (which ps led to a very tearful emotional outburst during my own birth process when my bp was running high and the word magnesium was overheard ever so briefly – I think you truly empowered me to say NO NO GOD NO!)and when I was looking for something interesting to read while strapped to my pump earlier this year I went back and reread e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Thanks be to you for getting me through that. OH, what keeps me coming back. I want to see what you will say next.

  406. Debbi on February 4th, 2008 8:44 am

    1. Name: Debbi

  407. Debbi on February 4th, 2008 8:44 am

    1. Name: Debbi

  408. Jean on February 4th, 2008 8:44 am

    Name: Jean

    Age: 35 (though I had to ask my husband to be sure)

    My Life: Hmmm… I eloped with a guy I barely knew almost 9 years ago and we have a brilliant, adorable two year old daughter who keeps us running in circles. I work about 30 hours per week at a boring desk job, but hey – my husband is a musician and somebody needs to provide health insurance. Between work and parenting, I’m reading, writing poetry (that sounds so lame), watching lots of Netflix, listening to lots of music, and trying to figure out how to carve out a life that is really just *mine* admist all the chaos. There are not enough hours in the day to live the life that I want to live. Future endeavors: I want to pursue a more meaningful career, spend more time with good friends, and travel like mad.

    I started reading your blog shortly after having my daughter – it was sent to me by my neighbor and good friend. Your blunt honesty, your sincere confessions, and more than anything, your insane humor are the things that bring me back.

    Best of luck today. Your world is going to get crazier – but that’s what life is about, you know? You’re my hero. You can totally handle this. Even if your route isn’t exactly… graceful. HA.

  409. She Likes Purple on February 4th, 2008 8:47 am

    1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like): Jennie
    2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like): 26
    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 live with my husband and our dog, Molly. We live in a suburb in the DFW vicinity because I work in Dallas and my husband works in Fort Worth. I work in publishing; he in management at a local brokerage firm (which all sounds quite glamorous except for our debt). We love traveling, we enjoy watching The Office and we’re trying to get knocked up.
    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?: I actually started reading the day you announced you were pregnant with the little tyke you’re having today. How very full-circle.

    We’re so excited for you!

    Congrats to you, JB, Riley and the little one.

  410. Trina on February 4th, 2008 8:47 am

    1. Trina

  411. Meg on February 4th, 2008 8:47 am

    1. Meg
    2. 27
    3. Live in St. Louis, MO, got hitched about 1.5 years ago to one of the coolest people I’ve ever known. Have a job that doesn’t make me miserable (such high standards, right?) but am currently to planning to leave said job and take off for a year with aforementioned cool husband and travel the world. Much more exciting than boring job.
    4. I’ve been reading you for several years now, pre-Riley, but not sure exactly how long. I’m guessing I was linked to you by Erin at ejshea.com, but I can’t remember for sure. My reason for coming back is simple–I just love your writing. You crack me up on a regular basis, I am moved by your love for your family, and your honesty in your writing is so refreshing. For reals. :-) Also, I don’t have kids, but have a nephew about Riley’s age and love reading about what Riley is up to compared to my nephew.

    Wishing you all the best in your delivery this morning–hopefully there will be very little waiting. Can’t wait to see pictures of Smalltopus!

  412. Cee on February 4th, 2008 8:48 am

    I am 30 and a pediatrician living with my husband in New England. We don’t have kids yet due to career craziness but hope things will settle down very soon (just in time for sleepless nights with a baby instead of a pager).

    I started reading your blog shortly after Riley was born, probably because as a potential mother and an actual pediatrician, I am totally absorbed by people’s experiences of parenthood. You write beautifully and make me laugh out loud often, and that’s what keeps me coming back,

    Best wishes for today!

  413. Caroline on February 4th, 2008 8:48 am

    Hi Linda! Thinking of you & your beautiful family today!

    Name: Caroline
    Age: 28
    Nutshell: I’m an engineer living near the coast of central California, somewhat recently single, and mighty happy. Oh, and i have a cat. Her name is Annie and she thinks she is human.
    Reading: I’ve been reading you for a LONG time, you are hilarious and your pictures are great. Your candor is refreshing, and your ability to somehow manage motherhood, career, and a really cool sense of style intrigues me.

    Here’s to a happy and healthy Smalltopus!

  414. Trina on February 4th, 2008 8:51 am

    Oops we will try again

    1 Trina
    2 30 next month
    3 I am an audit manager between the IRS and a large corporation. I have two little boys 27 months and 6 months old
    4 I keep coming back because I love your writing, and Riley and my oldest (Coyle) are at the same point causing havoc. It is nice to know I am not alone. He will be a great big brother!

  415. Anonymous on February 4th, 2008 8:51 am

    1. I’m Danielle

    2. 35

    3. I work in Manhattan, and live in Queens. I used to live in the middle of nowhere (I’ve lived in a few of them, actually) with my husband and dogs. I’ve been divorced for about 6 years, and now I’m living a life that could not be more opposite of what I imagined ten years ago. Shockingly, I really, really enjoy it! Things could be better, but jeez-louise they could also be a hell of a lot worse!

    4. I don’t remember when I started reading you, but it was a really long time ago! There was an entry that had a picture of your living room at night, with the dog sleeping on the floor … it was very glowy and cozy-looking, and I just really enjoyed the humor in your writing. I remember you saying you were addressing some drinking issues, and being struck by the fact, once again, that there are real people behind these funny blogs we enjoy, and these entries, while enjoyable, barely scratch the surface of the writer’s life. I wandered away from reading everything for a while, doing what I call “dealing with my shit” (I still totally haven’t, but don’t tell anyone), and one day I said “I wonder what that sundry chick is up to … I wonder if she’s pregnant, heh!” Lo and behold, I googled and happened to dig you up again on a belly picture day. It’s funny how reading about happy events in a stranger’s life can give you the warm fuzzies. Anyway, it was really early on, and I’ve been back and reading what you’ve had to share ever since! I’m not really a commenter, so I should take the opportunity to say how much I enjoy your writing, and your willingness to put so much of yourself out there. And also: Congratulations!!

  416. Danielle on February 4th, 2008 8:51 am

    1. I’m Danielle

    2. 35

    3. I work in Manhattan, and live in Queens. I used to live in the middle of nowhere (I’ve lived in a few of them, actually) with my husband and dogs. I’ve been divorced for about 6 years, and now I’m living a life that could not be more opposite of what I imagined ten years ago. Shockingly, I really, really enjoy it! Things could be better, but jeez-louise they could also be a hell of a lot worse!

    4. I don’t remember when I started reading you, but it was a really long time ago! There was an entry that had a picture of your living room at night, with the dog sleeping on the floor … it was very glowy and cozy-looking, and I just really enjoyed the humor in your writing. I remember you saying you were addressing some drinking issues, and being struck by the fact, once again, that there are real people behind these funny blogs we enjoy, and these entries, while enjoyable, barely scratch the surface of the writer’s life. I wandered away from reading everything for a while, doing what I call “dealing with my shit” (I still totally haven’t, but don’t tell anyone), and one day I said “I wonder what that sundry chick is up to … I wonder if she’s pregnant, heh!” Lo and behold, I googled and happened to dig you up again on a belly picture day. It’s funny how reading about happy events in a stranger’s life can give you the warm fuzzies. Anyway, it was really early on, and I’ve been back and reading what you’ve had to share ever since! I’m not really a commenter, so I should take the opportunity to say how much I enjoy your writing, and your willingness to put so much of yourself out there. And also: Congratulations!!

  417. Allie on February 4th, 2008 8:52 am

    1. Alice

    2. 26

    3. I… I… oh god I still live with my parents but only because I was DUMB and got 15 credit cards, well not that many but it sure feels like it sometimes. I work at a crappy dead end job trying to get this debt taken care of and trying very hard to find a new job. I’ve also been thinking about going back to school but since the whole college campus thing just isn’t for me, I’ve been thinking of University of Phoenix.

    4. I can’t remember the exact year, it’s been a few years now, 3 I think. I keep coming back because I LOVE, LOVE your writing and how you keep it real. And it helps that you are so damn funny.

  418. dani c. on February 4th, 2008 8:53 am

    1. Dani C.
    2. 32 in April
    3. With my husband of 11 years, our daughter who just turned 4 and our 2 year old son. My babies are 20 months apart and the very best of friends. Sure, they fight, and they absolutely tattle-tale on each other EVERY.CHANCE.THEY.GET….but they love each other more than one can imagine, and I’m sure your sons will be the same way. My husband and I both work full time – both in law enforcement (on the VERY bottom of the totem pole – we are not officers). We are the typical middle class family with a daddy, mommy, daughter, son and two dogs, who live paycheck to paycheck!!
    4. I found you on ClubMom about a year and a half ago and have been reading your blog almost daily since then. You caught my attention because Riley is only about 6 weeks older than my son. I love your sense of humor and that you tell it how it is when it comes to parenting. I also read your stuff on ParentDish.

    Best of luck today and keep us posted. I can’t wait to meet your newest little man.

  419. Amber on February 4th, 2008 8:55 am

    Hi Linda! I am so excited for Smalltopus to get here!

    1. Amber
    2. 31
    3. I am a marketing director for a large construction company. I live with my boyfriend and his two girls (well, they’re only with us 50% of the time) who are 4 and 8.
    4. I keep coming back because you are hilarious and also someone who I would be friends with in real life. I will always remember the post from loooong ago where you were at work and realized that your underwear was on inside out. I laughed until I cried at that one. You make the most mundane things funny and you’re real.

    Can’t wait to meet the baby!

  420. Emily on February 4th, 2008 8:56 am

    1) Emily
    2) 33
    3) Single and live in a tiny little townhouse in Seattle, north of Green Lake. Work as Customer Support Manager for a tiny company on the top of Queen Anne (there are 4 of us).
    4) Started reading your blog about 9 months ago. Found you linked from Not Martha which was the first blog I ever found and yes that was only 9 months ago. I’m slow to the blogging revolution. I keep coming back because you make me laugh, you make me think, and you are so real. I think you are amazing in a non-creepy way.

    So many commenters! I hope you are able to take us all in and know just how many people are out there in the world thinking you are the coolest.

    Good luck today!! I cannot wait to see STP for the first time. :)

  421. lisa on February 4th, 2008 9:01 am

    1. Your name: Lisa

    2. Your age: 32; 33 on April 28 this year

    3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school): I live with my husband Chris, and we have two cats and no children. I am a freelance photographer and photography teacher. I shoot with a Nikon D70 too.:)

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back: I’ve been reading your blog since before you moved to your current domain. I think I might have round you through Jessamyn’s blog, or maybe Carissa’s Romanlily. I’ve enjoyed your writing for years, and best of luck with your new baby!

  422. kalisah on February 4th, 2008 9:03 am

    My name’s Kalisa (kuh-LEE-suh)
    I’m 41 years old.
    I’m married, with one child, a boy age 14. He’s a freshman in high school, 6 feet tall. Watch out. Yours will be, too before you know it.
    I’ve worked in PR for 12 years and frankly, it’s getting a little old. Do you ever feel like that?
    I wish I could remember how I found this site. I’m pretty sure I’ve been reading for a year or two. I keep coming back because I frankly find you to be the best writer out there.
    Good luck with the baby! Can’t wait to see the photos soon!
    xoxo

  423. Leah on February 4th, 2008 9:03 am

    Name: Leah

    Age: 22

    Life in a Nutshell: I just got my undergraduate degree in December and am now working as an administrative assistant (which has been my summer job for 3 years) until I have enough money to move to England for a year to work and umm be exotic (!!). Once I return I plan on going to grad school so I figure no amount of procrastinating can be too much. I live with my parents and brother and two cats (see: saving money to MOVE. AWAY.).

    How long and why: I’ve been reading your blog since about July because I’m often bored at work and my mom sent me a particularly funny post and I was hooked. I think I’ve read all the way through now and I keep coming back for several reasons: 1) I’m still bored at work 2) you’re funny, articulate, endearing, charming, honest, humble, and a zillion other things 3) I love hearing about your family. Riley’s adorable and I want a husband who treats me and my family as well as JB does, and 4) I love all the pictures, they’re beautiful.

    Good luck with smalltopus, can’t wait for more pictures!

  424. Debbi on February 4th, 2008 9:04 am

    Okay -totally screwed up that post. Name: Debbi. Age: 37 I am a mother to 3 girls and a school counselor. I am a aspiring photographer, a scrapbooker and a school counselor. I found your website about 6 months ago through a friend and visit daily. Good luck today!

  425. Tamara on February 4th, 2008 9:06 am

    Tamara, 32, I live with my dog Lula, my fish Svengali and an increasingly large number of books, I work for a producer and currently we’re working on the big awards show that starts with an O.

    I started reading because you live really close to my sister and wanted some insight on the weather. Kidding. I started reading because of the re-model, and was deeply hooked when you let the internet in on your hidden story of alcohol abuse and the fallout.

  426. Ang on February 4th, 2008 9:06 am

    Okay, in real life:

    My name is Angie.

    I’m 34 years old.

    Happily married almost 12 years, one daughter, age 10. Three cats (yes, i know i’m approaching crazy cat lady, but i love them and we decided not to have anymore babies so…. the spouse would say i’m sublimating. and he would be correct)

    i’ve been reading for maybe four years now? damn! i didn’t realize it had been so long!! back in the diaryland days and i followed you over. I keep coming back because the way you write feels like the way i live. i love your ability to interject humor AND the f-bomb into most all scenarios. I can really appreciate that. Also, you take fabulous photos and poke fun at your husband. What’s not to love?

    I haven’t been on yet to say good luck with the delivery so if you’re still reading after all of these posts: good luck dearie! and send us some baby photos!!!!

  427. One Smart Cookie on February 4th, 2008 9:07 am

    Name: Rebecca, but I blog under the name One Smart Cookie

    Age: I turned 25 on New Year’s Eve

    Me in a nutshell: I live in a suburb of Boston with my boyfriend. I work in marketing for a large retailer. (Just say YES to corporate soul-sucking!) Hobbies include ballroom dancing, reading equal amounts of trash vs. non-trash, and staring vapidly at the television while wondering how exactly I got sucked into yet ANOTHER crappy reality show.

    Why I have nothing but lurve for your site: I honestly can’t remember how I started reading, but I guess it’s been for a about a year now. I love your fascination with zombies, and your kitchen. Your writing is honest and funny, and that’s what keeps me coming back!

  428. GoingLoopy on February 4th, 2008 9:08 am

    1. Your name: GoingLoopy

    2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like): 33

    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 paralegal working in securities arbitration (it sounds so “important” but really it’s just a bunch of paper shuffling database entering computer presenting bullshit. I’m single, but have a serious S.O. I’m moving in with him at the end of the month, which I am excited about yet also sort of terrified. I’ve managed to make it this far without really cohabiting, and I’m hoping I handle it ok.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I think I found you right after I started blogging at diaryland, so probably 3 years or so. I come back because you are down to earth and funny and sound like someone I could hang with. Even though I don’t have kids, I like your honesty about raising one (and now two!) – you don’t pretend it’s all sunshine and flowers and admit that you’re not perfect.

    Hope everything went smoothly and you and the family are well. :D

  429. Paige on February 4th, 2008 9:08 am

    Ok, so at this point I doubt you are reading the 420th comment, but at least you know we care!

    1. Paige
    2. 26
    3. I live in Omaha Nebraska with my husband John and kitty Roxy. We moved here from Chicago 6 months ago to be near John’s family because we are trying to have a baby. My husband is 11 years older than me, which some people find interesting. Especially because he looks like he’s 25 and always gets carded. And no, I didn’t marry for money…he’s a music teacher. I am a freelance graphic designer but am starting up a photography business. The focus of the business is natural light photography with babies, children, and families. Linda, if I lived near you I would totally do a newborn session with you!
    4. I have been reading for a couple of years I think. I found you through ClubMom (even though I’m not a mom). I keep coming back because your writing is clever, funny and interesting. And you post often!

    So excited to hear about the baby!

  430. Colleen on February 4th, 2008 9:08 am

    1. Colleen
    2. 25
    3. I am in my third year of law school in Chicago and am planning a big move to Denver in May.
    4. I started reading right after Riley was born because of a friend I met in law school who read you all the time. I keep coming back because I’m addicted. Congratulations! Can’t wait to see pics!

  431. Melinda on February 4th, 2008 9:10 am

    1. Melinda
    2. I’ll be 39 on March 8. (HOLY CRAP!)
    3. I own my own business. I’m a CPA. I live with my husband and our two dogs.
    4. I have been reading you since 2004 or 2005, I think. Definitely before Riley arrived on the scene. I remember following a link from plain-jane. I love your sense of humor, your writing style, and your photography. My husband and I lived in the Seattle area for 8 yrs so I also love reading about one of our favorite cities from your perspective.

    I am thinking happy thoughts for you and the whole Sundry clan this morning! Looking forward to seeing pictures of the new little guy.

  432. Nicki on February 4th, 2008 9:10 am

    1. Nicki

    2. 35

    3. Married, 3 boys. For the past 10 or so years (gah, really?)I have done medical transcription. Partly because it travels really well with moving every few years for my husband’s job and working around various children’s schedules, but also because for the life of me I cannot think of what I want to do “when I grow up.” Sad,no? Methinks it is time to find something new.

    4. I remember reading you from way back, Diaryland? Then after having the computer crash several times ended up losing your site only to rediscover you, kind of like a long-lost friend, and have been reading you ever since. Honestly, I think what others have said strikes very true. Aside from your very obvious ability as a writer, you seem like someone we would really like to be friends with, and for more than a few of us I am sure, we recognize various character traits/humor/likes, etc. that are pretty similar to our own so that we can relate. Good luck with the C-section and adjusting to life with a new little one and a toddler. Really, two boys are far easier than 3, and frankly they are a lot of fun especially as they get older and can start playing together.

  433. Elizabeth on February 4th, 2008 9:14 am

    1. Elizabeth
    2. I’ll be 30 at the end of this year
    3. I’m a stay-at-home mom. I used to do health policy research.
    4. I started reading sometime after Riley was born (maybe a link from Zoot or Amalah or somewhere). I think you’re funny as all hell–definitely in my top 5.

  434. Sandy on February 4th, 2008 9:16 am

    1. Sandy

    2. 33

    3. I am an attorney in Chicago. I have two cats and, as of Saturday, a fiance! I am getting no work done because I look down at my ring finger and say, ooh, sparkly, and lose track of what I am doing. Be glad that I am not YOUR lawyer right now.

    4. I am not sure how long I’ve been reading your blog, but I think it’s been about a year. I found you via ClubMom, via Amalah, which is weird because I don’t have kids. But I read Purple is a Fruit anyway! Then I discovered Sundry Mourning and the rest, as they say, is history.

    Thanks so much for putting your wit and observations out there for us random readers. All the best for you and Smalltopus and JB and Riley.

  435. Charese on February 4th, 2008 9:16 am

    1. Charese Amille
    2. I’m the program manager of a homeless shelter for families and single adults (and I’m planning my wedding, which is in April. Holy crap.)
    3. I think I stumbled onto your site from Amalah (and ClubMom, even though I’m not a mom yet). I’ve been reading it for about a year now, I think. I keep coming back because your writing is honest, funny, and it gives me a glimpse at what real motherhood is like — wonderful, but damn hard.

  436. Alyson on February 4th, 2008 9:16 am

    I thought by boys would come out looking the same, too! Boy was I wrong (especially the differential between #1 and #2 – one was fair and bald, the other dark, with a full head of hair!)

    1. Alyson
    2. 46 (but my kids say I’m 27)
    3. Been reading your blog for, what, a year or so – found you through “Not Martha.”
    4. I keep coming back, because you’re a neighbor of sorts – we live in the same town – and your views of kid-rearing are a lot like mine. Having kids is great, but they become part of OUR world – they don’t BECOME ours. There is a lot of joy out there, and are kids are part of it, not all of it.

    Good Luck. Can’t wait to see what smalltopus looks like!

  437. briar on February 4th, 2008 9:17 am

    1. briar
    2. 24
    3. I am in the Architecture field, but am trying to make the switch to graphic design. I live with a roommate, but hopefully will live with my boyfriend after both of our leases are up – and then will hopefully live with a boyfriend and greyhound.
    4. I have been reading since just before Riley came into the picture (as a little fetus). I keep reading because you write honestly, because Riley is adorable, and because my boyfriend’s initials are JB (maybe it’s a silly reason, but I figured I’d be honest, too!) Also, because I like your sense of humor.

  438. Felicia on February 4th, 2008 9:19 am

    1. Felicia
    2. 27 (nearly 28)
    3. Live in the Denver area with my husband and our 13-month old son. Currently trying for baby #2. I’m a freelance editor for 20 hours a week and I also teach childbirth classes. On top of that I stay home with my son (work from home). Crazy, I know.
    4. Found you via Erin at ejshea.com. Must have been at least a year ago. Been hooked ever since then. You write openly and yet also sarcastically, both of which I appreciate. Plus I love Arrested Development. :) Good luck with STP – I’m sure it will go smoothly.

  439. Stephanie on February 4th, 2008 9:22 am

    1) Stephanie

    2) 35

    3) Married with three little girls (9,7&3); stay-at-home-mom who (gasp) homeschools my kids; former corporate ladder climber, turned book-lover.

    4) Started reading about the time Riley was born. I love you because you update regularly, write well and post great pictures.

  440. Katie on February 4th, 2008 9:23 am

    1. Katie
    2. 36
    3. SAHM, I live in Indiana with my husband and three kids: 7, 4.5, and 20mo.
    4. your blog was the second blog ever I found. (the first being fishsuit) I began reading I’d say about 4 years ago. You are funny, interesting, insightful, and intellegent.
    5 btw, eating from the ‘bucket’ has entered my vocabulary because of you. :)

  441. Becky on February 4th, 2008 9:23 am

    Hi Linda…I am Becky…I am 34 years old. My life in a nutshell…Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pa region..parents split up when I was in 5th grade…both remarried…lived with my mom and step-dad. Haven’t talked with Dad and step-monster since my sister and I called “dad” on his birthday and he was told to “talk to his other kids” and when he did he said “I’ll call you back”..that was over 15 years ago. Went to college, met hubby..got married. Bought a house, got a cat and a dog…moved from a small city to CHICAGO for work…LOVED CHICAGO..moved, again for work to Kansas City. Had a baby 10 weeks ago and have been enjoying motherhood ever since. HAVE HORRIBLE GRAMMER.

    Why I come back? Found you when searching for reviews on Bare Minerals…found your writing amazing. I keep coming back because you so often express in words what I cannot..along with the fact that you have made me laugh and cry…(hopefully that isn’t weird in a stalkerish way)

    Best wishes for you and your increasing family today. Can’t wait to meet STP!!!!

  442. Amanda on February 4th, 2008 9:24 am

    Amanda
    31
    I’m a former financial planner, now SAHM, married to a lawyer/gun nut/WWII buff with two kids, a four year old boy and a 20 month old girl. We just moved to Vancouver WA from California six month ago and we LOVE it up here.

    I started reading your blog when we were on that bitch and moan Club Mom e-mail list that Amy set up. I wrote the Naked Ledger there. I was immediately hooked on both of your blogs.

    Over a year ago, you wrote a post about a big fight you had with JB. You then deleted it, but I had already saved it on my RSS reader. I still keep it (sorry JB!) and I’ve read it maybe 20 times already. It was exactly the kind of thing that happens in real life, in MY life. So it’s your honesty that keeps me coming back. That and I think you’re among the top five blog writers of all time. Your gift with the simile is a thing of beauty.

    Good luck today! I can’t wait to see him and hear his name.

  443. Her Ladyship on February 4th, 2008 9:24 am

    1. Her Ladyship (sorry, I like to keep my innernet ID on the downlow)

    2. 33….for three more weeks. Then I’m on the slippery slope to 40

    3. I live with The Texan, my husband, Scratchel, the world’s most eeevil cat, and Che, a loving if somewhat bescratched dog. And I live in Tejas. Silver lining? Much good Mexican food. Bad side? Over-proud Texans who still heart Dubya.

    4. I’ve been reading for a couple of years now. I think I got you through Amalah. No kids, but I don’t think that’s necessary to appreciate your writing. In all seriousness, I love your sense of humor and honesty about your life. I wish you, JB, and Riley all the best (as well as Cat and Dog) in welcoming the newest member of your family! Hope everything goes smoothly!

  444. CK on February 4th, 2008 9:25 am

    Name: CK, a nickname for Christi Kay
    Age: 36, will be 27 in August
    Life in a Nutshell: Hmm…was going through fertility treatments and then my husband was diagnosed with an advanced stage of colon cancer. It sucks – but we are fighting the good fight. Both of us work at a University in the Midwest.
    Why I visit your blog: I originally discovered your blog through a link on Amalah.com. I come to your sight to get some perspective on what life is like with a child and I have found your honesty, humor, and narrative wonderfully refreshing. I also find your ability to pull yourself through you challenge with alcohol amazing – as for me, it is a great reminder that people make it through the sucky parts of life – and sometimes, there is REALLY good stuff on the other side.

  445. Jessica on February 4th, 2008 9:29 am

    1. Jessica
    2. Too close to 30 for my own comfort
    3. I’m a stay at home mom, going back to college to major in I have no what. I’m mom to a 3 year old boy who is affectionately known as the Tiny Tyrant and I live in Bedford Texas.
    4. I started reading you on Diaryland and thought you were great and funny and someone I would love to sit and hang out with. Except you’re cooler than I am.

    Good luck with the baby!

  446. Amy B on February 4th, 2008 9:30 am

    Hi! I’m Amy, 32 in Washington, DC. I’m a single gal with no kids. I’ve been reading your blawg since just after Riley was born, I think…I came to you via Amalah who I became friends with three years ago (?) and who subsequently introduced me to the world of blogs…I’m pretty sure your blog has made me a better Aunt (my brother’s twins were born 1/11) and so I love the parts of your site that are about motherhood, but I come back for your extreme funny-ness (or “sense of humor” I believe the intelligentsia are calling it these days….) and also your touching honesty.

  447. Buckeye Mommy on February 4th, 2008 9:32 am

    Uh, after 443 of these, you’re probably SICK of reading them, but in case you need one more distraction:

    1. Marla

    2. 31

    3. I’m married with a 1 yr old little boy. We live on the east coast and although I’ve been a SAHM for the last year, I am about to resume my job as a chemist 3 days a week.

    4. I’m a relative newcomer to your blog, just started reading last spring after my son was born and I had endless hours to tool around the internets and look for interesting things while holding a sleeping baby. I found Purple is a Fruit first and eventually ended up here. I relate to your descriptions of life with a little one around and I will keep reading intently now that you are adding one more– seeing you survive it might help convince me to give my son a sibling someday!

    GOOD LUCK today and in your new life as a family of four!

  448. Lauren on February 4th, 2008 9:33 am

    1. Lauren
    2. 25
    3. PhD student, used to live with my boyfriend in Austin, Texas but now we live in separate cities on the East Coast (he’s in New York).
    4. Wow, I don’t know! Maybe since the Club Mom blog started? What keeps me coming back? Your witty writing, obvio (also your honest comments about parenting).

    Good luck today!!!

  449. Kate on February 4th, 2008 9:33 am

    1. Kate
    2. 27
    3. Live with my husband in Portland. I work as a project manager & he’s in grad school. We have an awesome dog, but no kids. Still not sure about that one…but your photos and stories are definitely pulling me in the “do it” direction.
    4. I’ve been reading since January 2004. I am in complete awe at your talent for making your every day life seem so colorful and alive – even if you’re describing watching TV and sitting on the couch, I’m riveted.

    Congratulations on D’s arrival! I’ll be checking back every 20 seconds today!

  450. Teralyne on February 4th, 2008 9:35 am

    1. Roberta
    2. 38
    3. I am married have two kids 1 of each and I am a system administrator in Illinios. All I ever do is work it seems. I feel as if I live at my job.

    I have been reading you since way back before Riley was born. I followed a link from Weetblix and just kept reading. I love how you write so honestly from the heart. I wish you all the luck for a easy helthy delivery. CAn’t wait to see him.

  451. Louise on February 4th, 2008 9:37 am

    First of all….All Good Wishes for today!!! Can’t wait to see the first pics of the little munchkin :o)

    Okay, here goes – hopefully this will drop you straight off to sleep with boredom so that you can get a bit of a rest before the baby comes….

    1. Louise Vile

    2. 39 – I’ll be 40 in December and I’ve decided that this is going to be my ‘Adventurous Year’. I’m making a list of things to do that I’ve always either wanted to do but didn’t have time / money / the ‘balls’ to do before I reach 40. I started off well with the Polar Bear Swim on Jan 1st, and then a couple of weeks ago I had my very first skiing lesson – put it this way, you won’t be seeing me in the next olympics!!, but it was fun. Next will hopefully be a skydive and then, who knows….I’m asking for suggestions!!

    3. Life in a nutshell – goodness!! Born and raised in England, fabulous loving upbringing. Married the man of my dreams at 19 (Dean), and still going strong – it’s our 20th wedding anniversary in May – yikes!! Unfortunately no kids (but various cats over the years). Moved to Canada (Vancouver Island) in 2005, after many wonderful vacations and settled in Victoria. Met some great friends, got a job in a medical clinic and settled into a laid back lifestyle – or so we thought. Life got even more ‘laid back’ if that was possible, last August when we moved further up island to Black Creek in the Comox Valley – a rural, farming community in the middle of nowhere (real redneck country :o), and we’re probably the most surprised at how completely contented we feel – we have a ‘quirky’ little cottage, a little piece of land with the sound of the Oyster River in our ears and we’re in heaven!!! I’m doing general Reception work (part-time) but mostly I’m trying to get my craft business up and running (www.thecardcabin.com), so ‘LIFE IS GOOD’. :o)

    4. I came across your blog when you were pregnant with Riley. I think I got to you through somebody else’s blog, but not entirely sure, but I’m glad I did :o) Why do I keep reading? Basically because you…write what you are. There are the blogs that pretty much just list the things that they’ve done that day (went to work, stopped at the gym etc.), then you get the ones that describe their inner most, traumatic thoughts and feelings (quite honestly, I have enough trouble dealing with my own without having to sort through other peoples!) You, on the other hand, tell us about your life with a touch of humour, a dash of humility and a lot of honesty….and, for me at least, I can laugh at the things in your life that happen to us all, and think ‘that’s sooooo true….’ :o)

    Best wishes to you Linda (and of course to JB and Riley), and I hope that your new little one will give you at least an hour of sleep every now and again :o) Take Care, Lou.

  452. rai on February 4th, 2008 9:38 am

    1. Your name: Rachel.

    2. Your age: 30

    3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my boyfriend and our fucking insane cat.

    4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? Hmmmmm…Probably since Riley’s birth, as that’s how I tend to collect blogs now. You’re funny and I like your style of writing. I also like to live vicariously through people with children as I don’t believe that will be something I want to experience in this lifetime.

  453. Leigha on February 4th, 2008 9:39 am

    1. Leigha
    2. 29
    3. Married for 5 years, two kiddos ages 3 and 8 months, and a Project Manager for a Very Large Computer Company (bet you can figure that out by checking your stats!).
    4. Your humor and honesty keep me coming back – I almost peed myself laughing at the house spider stories. Also, your kid is too cute for words, and he makes the BEST facial expressions.

    Good luck today – I was in your position just eight short months ago with the c-section anticipation. I could NOT sleep the night before my daughter was born. Everything is going to go beautifully for you and your family.

  454. Andrea on February 4th, 2008 9:39 am

    Name: Andrea
    Age: 30
    Occupation: Accountant by trade, writer by dream, yet I’m not even blogging that much lately. Why? I had a baby 4 weeks ago, and dude, two kids? A little tricky to manage at first. Which is why I relate to you so much right now, because …
    Why I Read Here: I was where you were just a few weeks ago, and I sorta miss being pregnant and also I adore your sense of humor. I’ve been reading for a few months and have gotten through quite a bit of your archives. You make me snort soda out my nose on a regular basis (you’d think I’d learn to save the beverages for after my daily Sundry reading) and the idea that you’re very near to parenting two kids and that I’ve only recently joined the club of Parents with Kids Plural makes me very interested in what you have to say in the next several weeks. Whatever happens, I know that it’ll be funny and witty and dead on accurate, with a touch of poignant mixed in.

    Thinking of you today!

  455. Beth on February 4th, 2008 9:39 am

    It’s 8:39 — Here’s hoping you’re busy doing other things than reading this!
    1. Beth (Elizabeth, really, but I get suspicious if people call me that as they’re either telemarketers or my mother and she’s pissed.)
    2. 31
    3. I live with Merideth, my partner of seven years, our sweet mutt cat, and our hyperactive mutt dog. I work as a software trainer in a law firm. It’s a weird job, but I don’t hate it, and I’m starting to think that’s the secret to happiness at work.
    4. Yours was the first blog I read, probably about three (?) years ago. I think you’re hilarious.

  456. valeta on February 4th, 2008 9:41 am

    1. Valeta

    2. 23

    3. I am a SAHM in Silicon Valley. My husband is a software engineer for Google. I have a crazy family. I have a 4 year old son and a 6 month old daughter. I like reading, crocheting baby crap, video games and movies.

    4. Over a year. I love your sense of humor and Riley stories. :D

  457. Cassie on February 4th, 2008 9:43 am

    Ah, I’m so excited for you and your little family!

    I’m Cassie, I’m 24 and I live in Ohio with my lovely husband and our stinky dog. We are expecting a little boy at the end of May. I’ve been reading your blog probably for about a year and I keep reading it because girl — you are hilarious. Also, you are an excellent photographer.

    I can’t wait to hear all about the new little guy!

  458. Clueless But Hopeful Mama on February 4th, 2008 9:43 am

    1. Jenna

    2. 35

    3. life in a nutshell??- Grew up in NJ, went to college in NY, ran a B&B in Maine, danced/massaged/taught Pilates in San Francisco for 9 years. Met my hub in SF (though we went to the same college) and moved with him down to So Cal (god help me). We have Zoe who’s 21 months and I’m working part-part-time for now. We’re thinking of a second soon (do NOT tell my mom).

    4. I found you on club mom originally and some commenter mentioned this site. I felt like a total stalker in starting to read this site but I really loved your honesty in writing about motherhood so I read religiously every day. I started reading when Zoe was 6 weeks or so and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that your writing SAVED me in those early months. You were a voice of reason, comfort and sanity. THANK YOU and good luck with STP!!!! (I keep thinking you’re talking about Stone Temple Pilots with that acronym!)

  459. Sarah on February 4th, 2008 9:45 am

    Hi! Best wishes for a safe and smooth delivery and (another) healthy baby.

    1. Sarah

    2. Almost 24

    3. Living in Boston in the Fenway Park neighborhood. Working as a paralegal but starting to look for jobs in the nonprofit sector to help children as well as trying to figure out what, if any, type of grad school would be best.

    4. I first got wind of your blog from a college friend who had been reading for awhile. After a few months of just getting the occasional update on Riley (we both agree that he is one of the cutest babies/little boys we have ever seen) I started making reading your blog an everyday thing. It is a great break from the monotony of work because I am always thoroughly entertained – I laugh, I cry, I love.

  460. Shannon on February 4th, 2008 9:45 am

    1. Shannon
    2. 27
    3. I live with my husband and two kids (Darsie born 09/19/04 and Elise born 04/29/07). Both were early due to preclampsia and Darsie has cerebral palsy due to her early birth. Both are awesome. Husband works in Seattle. I have a degree in graphic design but I’m starting up an online marine supply business.
    4. A long time. My crazy kids keep me coming back. Oh, and you are a good writer :)

  461. Gaby on February 4th, 2008 9:46 am

    Name: Gaby (Gabrielle Justine is my full name, if you’re curious)

    Age