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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!)

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.

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 :)

Name: Gaby (Gabrielle Justine is my full name, if you’re curious)

Age: 25 on Feb. 6th

About me: I double-majored in English and psychology as an undergrad, then I went for my master’s in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University. I liken my time in my master’s program to being in boot camp–they tore me down, but then they forgot to lift me back up. Nevertheless, I made it out alive, and now I’m a technical writer at the University of Illinois. I moved to central Illinois after having been raised in the suburbs of Chicago for my (now) husband, Jordan. He’s an electrician for the city’s sanitary district (aka, the poop plant!). We were married August 11, 2007. We’ve only recently taken some time to stop running and enjoy being married to each other :) We don’t have any pets or babies as of yet, but we hope to have a few of each variety eventually.

Why I read: I came across your blog thanks to a link on Julie’s (alittlepregnant) Redbook entries. Although I’m new to your writing, I love your wit and honesty. And for some reason, I’m totally intrigued by pregnant stories lately…biological clock starting to be heard?! I wish you and your family the best with the arrival of your new baby, and I’m looking forward to reading in the future. Take care!

My name is Laura and I’m 29. Currently I’m unemployed – I just moved to Kansas this weekend to be with my fiance. So I’m working on finding a job and learning to drive in snow (I’m a California girl born and raised). I’ve been reading you for several years now – I think right around the time Riley was born was when I tuned in – I found you through Chris Cactus and Beth Fish. I love your sense of humor, the adorable pics of Riley and your stories. Good luck with the Smalltopus – I’m sure he’ll be adorable.

Kathryn
29 (for 3 more months anyway)
I live North of Seattle with my husband, two year old son, and my mother (gah! I know!)

I’ve been reading you for about a year now. I was looking for west coast parent blogs since I’d just moved to the area and there you were!

I keep coming back because you are an amazing writer to whom I relate. I love reading you because when I come here I feel like I’m catching up with an old friend, not peeking into someone’s window. Does that make sense? Probably not. But I’m betting you don’t care right about now.

I’m wishing you a smooth delivery and EASY, PAINLESS recovery.

I can’t wait to meet the smaltupus!

1. Emily

2. 28

3. I’m a bureaucrat working for state government in Colorado. I live with my fiance (less than 8 weeks ’til the wedding! aaaaah!) and two cats in an old Victorian house in Denver. I do some crafty stuff and love to take photos and travel, though my photos still leave quite a bit to be desired. Also, I think about weddings All The Time and I don’t even know why. I never thought about them at all before I got engaged.

4. Since you were knocked up with Riley (don’t remember how I found your blog, though). I think you’re a great writer and I love your approach to parenthood.

Though by now you’re surely not reading these but instead busy having a baby pulled out of you!

1. Your name
Tara, better known as Ter

2. Your age

26

3. Your life in a nutshell:

I’m an adjunct teacher, I tutor, I substitute (which I hate, hate, hate). I want to be a writer. Looking for a regular job instead of this part-time crap. I live with my boyfriend of almost 4 years in the greater Capital Region of NY. He just bought his first house, a 2-fam, and we live upstairs. Our tenants’ kids drive me nuts. His mom drives me nuts. My mom drives me nuts. I’m learning the art of space heaters and cooking without an oven (not easy). For all the rest, read my blog.

4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?

Oh shoot… I started reading 3-4 years ago back when you were still at D-land. You make me laugh, and I love to laugh. And you inspire me to be a better writer.

Congrats and I can’t wait to read all about the new little one!

1. MRW
2. 28
3. I live in the Chicago ‘burbs with my husband and two chihuahuas. I work for a global consulting firm and mainly work on environmental projects.
4. I keep coming back because A) you are a terrific writer, B) Riley is adorable, and C) I find you very funny

1. Francesca

2. 23

3. Well I’m from New Jersey originally but I came up to the Boston area for college. I work at an IT market research and consulting firm in Cambridge, Mass. I live in a sweet studio apartment by myself just around the corner from that unholy abomination called Fenway Park.

4. Hm, quite awhile now, though I rarely comment. I got this link from a friend and I keep coming back because I love your clever writing style and sense of humor. And also Riley’s wicked adorable.

1. Danielle, er Franny (horrible nickname from high school = long story)
2. 30 (first time) and counting
3. I am a stay at home mom of 2 girls (8 and 3 on Friday, waaaaay up in Northern Canada in a teeny tiny place called High Level Alberta. I am also 34 weeks pregnant with our first son.
4. Geez, I’m not sure.. It’s been awhile. I lost my laptop to a harddrive crash about 6 months ago and lost all my links, so had a lot of catch up to do when I found out your were a few weeks ahead of me in the fetus department!! I too can relate to alot of things that happen to you, you just articulate them in a much funnier fashion. Good luck today, can’t wait to see pics of the family of 4!!!!

1. Maggie

2. 38

3. I am an attorney, but I clerk for a federal judge so I get to work mostly normal hours and don’t have to bill my time – yippee. I live with my husband and our son who turns 5 this month.

4. I’ve been reading your blog since some time in 2000 or 2001. At first I came back because you are damned funny, then I kept coming back because you also involve us in your life and I like to hear about other women and moms who are dealing with the day to day of life and family and work and all of that stuff without either blowing sunshine up my butt or considering jumping off a very tall building (at least not every day). You are the first blog I ever read and I’ll keep on reading until/unless you call it quits.

Hope all goes well with your delivery and your recovery!

1. Chris and Ranie
2. 36 and 30 (respectively)
3. A geo-tech (she) working at an oil company doing mapping and oil reserve work. An ordained minister (me) who works overseas doing aid work. When I’m at home, I do photography (both gallery and portraiture) on the side for both a creative outlet and to ward off boredom. She does scrapbooking and graphic design during her down-time both for creativity and obsessional reasons. Lol.

We have one daughter, the light of our life, Juliet Mei-Ling. She is precocious, smart, and beautiful. She embodies the best character traits of my wife and sadly, the worst of mine. We’ve been reading here for probably 4 years and easily think it’s the best blog out there. And that’s not blowing smoke up your butt.

We live in the midwest smack in the middle of tornado country. It’s a nice place to live until you remember that the Dukes of Hazzard are considered cinema verite here. Needless to say, we spend a great deal of time explaining to Juliet why men in white sheets are not to be trusted and should preferably be shot on sight.

Ranie is a split tween German and Chinese parents (hence her beauty) and my family all hail from Norway or Sweden. Combine that with the fact I lived most of my life overseas (India, Argentina, Honduras, Sweden, etc) and still travel half the year round … our daughter is still a bit confused as to which language she should start speaking.

However, she can ask for cheese and choo-choos in 3 languages and has learned the word for tits in 5. Clearly, she will be the terror of her kindgarten class.

Which is exactly what our plan is.

Our evil, nefarious plan.

Both of us wish you and JB the best of luck during the birth and subsequent weeks of adjustment to your new addition. Though we’ve never formally met you, we feel we really know you due to all the years of daily windows into your life. You’re wonderful parents and tremendous human beings. Your love of life, each other and your children is very evident and a wonder to see.

Please accept our best wishes and prayers.

1. mrsgryphon (I’m a mrs., but not really a gryphon!)

2. ummm, 32. I had to think about it, actually!

3. I am Canadian and live in the Prairies with my husband, our daughter, 1 dog, 2 cats and 3 fish. Most importantly, I’m a Mom to 2 year old Bean but I also work part-time from home for a community arts organization (event planning, fundraising, keeping 120 kids and artsy-type folk organized!) and I absolutely love it. Last year, when I was fed up with being stuck at home with a baby with no friends in a new town, I started a playgroup/Mom’s group which has now grown to 50 Moms, 70+ kids and which also involves lots of event planning and organizing!

I love medium-rare steak with skinny fries, I wish I owned more cute purses and fitted jackets, I make jewellery and love taking photos (and then scrapbooking them into pretty albums!). I love to travel and read and surf the internet, I like crime shows and romantic comedies and spending an evening with good friends eating good food.

4. I read every single one of your posts because I feel like you are a friend. (The way-cooler-than-me friend that everyone wants to hang out with!) I love your honesty about raising a child, being a working Mom, life choices and relationships and your outlook on the world. I often need to re-read posts because I am amazed by the way you put your thoughts into words.

You are a wonderful Mom to Riley and I can’t wait to see how STP adds to the joy and love in your home!

Good luck today!

I’m Emma and I’m 30. I live near Toronto in a big house that needs a lot of improving, but as I’m on mat leave, there isn’t a lot of money to do it. When not on mat leave, I work in social services administration for the government. I married a Brit and brought him to Canada (I lived in the UK for a few years). We have two sons, 25 months and 3 months, so I am really looking forward to reading about your adventures with your two boys. It’s been tough for me, having the toddler and the newborn, so I hope you can bring up the humour quotient! I’ve only been hanging out here for a few months; I think I found you through Kristin (D&D/better now).

Good luck today!

1. Sara
2. 35
3. Kamloops, BC, Canada. We moved here 4 months ago from Calgary Alberta. It’s just my husband and I, but maybe a kid soon. I work for a property management company. It’s my job to be hated by the companies that rent from us. And they do hate me. This morning I was called a snarling bitch, which actually hurt my feelings quite a bit. But I laughed it off, and now I want to go and eat 70 donuts.
4. I have been reading a long time, I think you were just about to buy your house when I found your website.

Good luck to all of you today! Can wait to see pictures of Riley and his little brother!

If you’ve been waiting long enough to get to post #44,4444, then JB ought to flag someone down to help you out in there.

Mary
31
Since the post where you posted a pic of your ovaries like french horns.

I’m a creative writer and medical writer in Minneapolis, formerly a Portlander. You’ve got a great writing voice–entertaining, engaging. I’ll be starting a family soon, too, and it’s nice to get insite on what to expect.

Sending best wishes for today’s events!

Ummmm, let’s see. My name is Sara, I’m in my early twenties, and right now I stay at home wasting my degree and playing with my kid. I’m trying to get some sort of freelance writing thing going, but it’s not working so well, and I am soon going to have to take a good hard look at going back to work outside the home. (Do not want. However, I also do not want extreme poverty, so something has to give.) I started reading your site just… because, really; I think Schnozz linked you, and since she has pretty good taste I clicked. I kept reading because you write really well, I have a sick addiction to online journals written by smart, quirky mothers, and you make me laugh. Also, your pictures are really, really good.

I can’t wait to hear baby stats and that you and Smalltopus are thriving on hospital food and breastmilk (or formula?) respectively. I love it when the people in the computer have big events, especially big events of the baby-making kind — it’s vicarious living all the way for this girl. I hope everything goes as perfectly as it can for you today.

dur! I forgot to tell you what I do…ready for this excitement…I import freight for one of the largest companies in the world…CAN YOU FEEL THE EXCITEMENT. Of course it has nothing to do with the degrees I worked so hard to obtain earlier in life…

1. Your Name: Renee

2. Your Age: 35

3. Your life in a nutshell: I live with my 6.5 month daughter who does not sleep, my husband who does sleep and that makes me seethe with jealousy, and my two cats (obviously *they* sleep continuously, the bastards). I’m on hiatus from working as a librarian and working at a bookstore to raise my baby for the first year (more or less – depending on how it goes).
Also: I was pregnant for FORTY TWO WEEKS. Imagine, just imagine the horror of three more weeks of pregnancy (and in July no less. jesus, talk about cankles.)!

4. How long have you been reading: For maybe two years or so. Like Swistle I went back and read the archives and that was SO FUN. I did it while I was pregnant and bored. I come back because you are hilarious and your mind seems to run in the same directions as mine does, your writing is some of the best I’ve read anywhere – not just on a blog, and in a totally non-stalker and weird I-don’t-even-know-you-really way I totally love your little family.

Can’t wait till we get to meet little Dudley! (har)

1. Melanie

2. 32 tomorrow!

3. I am getting used to my new postion as a full time SAHM to our daughter, Ellie – 4 1/2 and son, Jacob – 14 months. Previously, I worked from home doing the books for the company I had been working for since college. I am enjoying not having to try to find the time to get my work done in between taking care of the kids.

4. I have been reading your blog for a couple of years. I continue to read becauce I enjoy your writing style and since of humor. I live in the Seattle area and can relate to much of what you write about. Both of my kids were born via c-section. The first was scheduled beacuse she was breech and the second was an easy decision for me. BUT, I do remember how nervous I was the second time around and it went so much better than the first. Good luck today. Can’t wait to see the pictures and learn his name!

1. bananafana
2. will be 30 this year
3. I live in Saint Louis with my husband, son, and our dog. I work in accounting. While occassionally boring, I work at an incredible office with fun people and I love what I do.
4. I found you through Purple is a Fruit a loooong time ago and kept reading because your son was just a bit younger than mine. somehow I found my way over here. I was so excited when you announced you were pregnant since we had just started trying to get pregnant again and I love reading about other people’s kids (esp. when they’re funny and cute). I’m due with #2 on April 24th (and I’m so jealous that you’re almost done!). I love your humor and also your approach to your work and family life. I’ve made the choice to work and to spend time with my family and I make no apologies/feel no guilt over that. I like reading other people who feel the same way – who have it all and have struck a good balance.

1. Erin
2. 29ish…
3. San Francisco but I’m a new england transplant. I’m Chef currently working as an assistant GM at 2 restaurants. I’m 32 weeks pregnant with my first baby boy. I feel like I’ve swallowed a gigantic watermelon.
4. I’ve been reading your blog since 2003. I hardly ever comment. I keep on reading cause your a damn funny lady and you have great writing style and you know… your pretty awesome.

Congratulations and Good Luck ! I hope you have a speedy delivery and recovery.

Leticia

32, will be 33 in August

Life in a Nutshell: Live in a suburb near Houston Texas with hubby and 3 kids: 16 years, 3 1/2 years and 9 months. (Also have a 19 year old stepson who moved out about a year ago.) I work as a business process manager for an aircraft maintenance company.

When did I start? and Why do I keep reading? I started reading you back in when Amalah asked readers who their favorite bloggers were, I read through the comments and saw that everyone kept talking about Sundry…so I had to check you out…first in Purple is a Fruit, then here. I keep reading you because you are REAL. You say things I am thinking and that I think a lot of people are thinking…but are scared to say. I hate when writers sugarcoat things and only present one side. I love that you are brave enough to post about how hard it sometimes is to have a baby and how you lose a little of yourself. And I love how you still want to have fun without Riley sometimes (even though I know you miss him like crazy). And, I know the guilt that goes along with saying/writing/thinking this… but I’m happy you write about it because you make me feel like I’m not crazy, or selfish for feeling like this. THANK YOU!

And good luck!!!

Hi I´m Caty and I´m 21 years old! I´m from Germany and I´m studying to become an elementary school teacher. Maybe I will be your sons teacher since I want to move to the US! Aside from that I work as a nanny (hint- you need one by any chance ;-D) all over the world! Been to lots of cool places like south korea and south africa! But I really want nothing more than a baby! So thats why I love your blog!
Good Luck for today!!!!!

This will come too late to do much good, entertainment-wise, but anyway, and also: CONGRATULATIONS! All my best to you and the rest of your family. Really. Reading about your pregnancy experiences, both times, is probably as close to having a baby as I will ever come, so it is touching, entertaining, and joyous for me to experience things through your eyes.

Name: Kim
Age: 36
Live: with my Significant Other in a house. No Kids. No pets. Would love a dog but the timing isn’t quite right; also, Significant Other is really resistant to the idea of having a dog. Someday, though. Someday!
What I do: graduate student, for the time being anyway and with mixed feelings about it.
Reading: your blog for about 6 years, maybe longer? I keep reading because your writing is fabulous and I am addicted. Also, I feel like we are friends and I want to know how you are. I would hesitate to admit this if other people hadn’t already. Isn’t it strange to admit that you are friends with someone you have never actually met? A person who doesn’t know you from Adam??

And once again: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

1. Taylor
2. 30
3. I live in CA with my husband and work for a civil engineering firm in marketing. My husband is on his way to getting an awesome new job which will mean moving north and we are very excited.
4. I have been reading for a couple of years now, I think I came over from Amalah. I come back first because you are so funny and also your husband is a lot like mine but more outdoorsy. But I also think you are a fantastic writer so I come back for that more than anything else.
I hope your delivery goes off as easy as pie and can’t wait to see the new baby.
Congrats!

Name: Brooke
Age: 27
Nutshell: Live in Washington with my husband. Working on my PhD in Anatomy.
Come back: We haven’t started the dog/kids/house phase of our life (although it’s just around the corner) and I love your perspective. You’ve got a great handle on how to balance and enjoy life. Oh AND you are hilarious and smart and stylish and a fantastic writer. Oh, you know it’s true!

Good luck today! Can’t wait to see the kicker and hear about the adventures.

I was thinking of you last night and wondering how you could POSSIBLY get any sleep. I hope Smalltopus’ birth is going well!

1. My name: Laura, online known as lauralyzer or WordyGirl.
2. My age: I’m 32 years old.
3. My life in a nutshell: I live with my husband in a home we bought just under a year ago when we were first pregnant. Sadly, we lost that pregnancy just before we moved in. Happily, we got pregnant again a few months later and are due in the beginning of May. I work for the Health Authority doing data entry (which is terribly boring and doesn’t keep me very busy, hence much time for blog-writing and -reading). We live on Vancouver Island.
4. I have only been reading this blog a few months, but I read back through the archives so it seems like I’ve been reading for years. I love your photos, your sense of humour, and your writing style. I love that you are candid about your life as a non-perfect parent, and that you have a potty mouth. You’re a great writer and a terrific mom, I really enjoy reading about your daily life!

Shannon, 39 years old, live in Shoreline, just 10 miles north of downtown Seattle and probably about the same amount directly west of where you live. I’m married to Barrett, a drummer in a local band called Kinski. We have two cats, no kids. I do administrative work at the U.W.

I first read your blog on the day you shared with your readers that you were pregnant with Riley–a friend excitedly emailed the entry to me and my response back to her was, “So? Who is this Sundry person anyway?” I ended up reading all your archives and have been faithful ever since! I keep coming back to your blog because you are a fantastic writer & you inspire me. Also, you aren’t one of those people that thinks their child is so precious, you don’t dare say anything negative. In short, you keep it real. And lastly but not leastly, you are f**king hilarious!

Hi Linda!

My name is Rebecca, I’ll be 30 years old in April. I’m married, and we live in Michigan in an old (1880’s) Victorian farm house that is no longer part of a farm. I am a housewife, and I have been for three years now. I did the corporate thing and while I loved my job for awhile, eventually the politics wore me down and I needed to get out. We’ve been trying for two years to have a baby, and are now in treatment for infertility, although according to the doctor everything is “fine” and therefore we fall into the category of “we don’t know what the hell’s wrong here”.

I don’t know exactly when I started reading, but you were still at Diaryland. I keep coming back because I love the way you write – it’s like having a conversation. Plus I’m nosy and curious about other people’s lives. At this point it’s almost like you’re a friend, but I don’t have to do any of the work to keep the friendship up. Doesn’t that sound terrible? Sorry. You make me laugh all the time, and I can understand where you’re coming from.

Good luck with the birth, I’m crossing my fingers for a smooth delivery and no throwing up!

My name is Kelli, I’m 28.

I live in Boston and work for a publishing company. After a recent split with my boyfriend of four years (so much drama there’s no way I could sum it up in a sentence or two) I’m living the single life, and getting used to the routine of me, myself, and I again. (Some days are easier than others!)

I am a bit of a lurker around these parts but have to tell you I adore your sight. You are such a talented writer – witty! funny! smart! sincere! I love your stories and photos. The very first post I read was the video montage you put together for Riley’s 1st birthday. I haven’t missed a post since.

I’ve been thinking of you all morning and hope all goes with at the hospital.

Keep up the stellar writing!

476 comments? You’re not going to get this far until the kids are in high school.

1. Your name
Jenna

2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like)
39. (Why lie? It’s awesome.)

3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work
I’m a native of Southern California who met a guy on the Internet several years ago and moved across the continent to marry him. I’ve been in Northern Virginia for 12 years and am *still* shocked every winter when white stuff falls out of the sky. I have a 17-year-old stepdaughter and a son who will be 4 this Friday. I’m a Web developer by trade, currently working as a government contractor. (And the longer I work for the government, the more I resent paying taxes; I see what they’re spent on.) I also run an Internet store on the side, specializing in goth bridal, bath, and home decor. In my free time I like to cook, sew, and read science fiction.

4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
A year or so on this blog; I read Purple is a Fruit for quite a long time before I realized you had this blog, because I’m apparently not terribly observant. I read you because you write well and you’re funny.

Hope everything goes perfectly for you today!

1.) Jaci

2.) 22

3.) The job that actually pays me money–Nanny for three girls. Job that doesn’t, but I love–aspiring photographer.

4.) I’ve been reading since a few months after Riley was born. I come back because you make me laugh very, very hard, and you present such an honest, balanced veiw of your life, the good and the bad. Your daily life may not be as exciting as say, Angelina Jolie, but I’d rather read about yours than hers.

Okay, its lunchtime, where the frick is the baby?

1. Erica

2.43

3.I live in Austin, Tx. “Professionally” I’m a mechanical engineer and I worked in the computer/tech industry for a looooong time until I got burned out and quit to do what I real love: make stuff. Sewing, cooking, gardening, refinishing furniture, and having 2 dogs take most of my time now and I love it. One of my new year’s resolutions is to get my own blog up and going and participate more fully in the online community.

4. I found your blog when Megan (Not Martha) linked to your post about a killer storm in Seattle. Soon after, Austin was hit with one of our semi-yearly ice storms that shuts the city down and I read all the archives back to the beginning. I guess I keep coming back because I really “like” you. You write so well and cover so much with such honesty – the good, the bad, the funny, the sad!

I said this before, but waiting to hear about smalltopus is as exciting as Christmas. For that to happen with someone you know through only their writing is kind of awesome!

Name: Marise

Age: 39

Nutshell: Live in Alameda, CA, an island 15 miles east of San Francisco, with my partner Jason. I run UI design for a Web 2.0 startup (and LOVE your company’s products, big-time!)

Blog connection: My friends Merideth and Darci both told me about your blog in the same week, about 2 or so years ago. I was immediately hooked thanks to your wry and honest depiction of motherhood, something that I always assumed I would experience firsthand, but so far have not. I also adore your photos on Flickr, many of them “favorited” ;-)

Bonus point: I’m the one you sent your black stretchy sleeveless find from the thrift store to!!

Name: Mandy
Age: 28
Life: I live with my husband Matt in the Portland, OR area. No kids yet, but we’re hoping to be in a situation soon that will change that. I work as an office temp, so my job is always something different. I also make jewelry and (attempt to) sell it on Etsy. (Not that I’m trying to shamelessly advertise my shop to you while you’re lying in a hospital bed or anything.)
Reading since: late 2001 or early 2002, maybe? When you were still on Diaryland. I just thought you were one of the wittiest, smartest writers I’d ever come across, and that’s true to this day. I remember thinking (and saying to my hubby) several times, “This woman needs to write a book!”

Good luck and blessings to your family today! I can’t wait to “meet” the new little one. =)

1. Your name: Whitney

2. Your age: 21

3. Your life in a nutshell: My life in a nutshell.. Hm. Currently I’m planning my wedding in 5 weeks (March 8). Working part-time as online tech support for a major makeup company. I go to college full-time and will graduate in December with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communication. My fiancee is in the Air Force working with the Bomb Squad and leaves me quite frequently to working with the Secret Service in protecting our nation’s leaders (not a joke, that’s his real job). Overall I’m just a busy college student, trying to get through :)

4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back? I’ve only been reading your blog a few weeks. I found it off of “LoveIsBlonde’s” page. I love your humor and personality.

Well I’m a loser, I can’t have been reading you since 2000 or 2001 because you haven’t been writing that long, I’m forced to realize it’s now 2008 so about five years would make it since about 2003 NOT 2000 or 2001. MAN I’ve got to get a grip on time passing! Anyway, I still love your writing and your humor and it all (even though evidently I’m headed for the home for people with Alzheimers any moment…)

1. My name is Anna (rhymes with Donna :-)
2. I’m on the tail end of 24
3. I live down south in Renton, just switched jobs from working as an engineer at the local aerospace giant to doing similar work at a ski/snowboard company. I live with my fiance (getting married in June).
4. I’ve only been reading for a few months, can’t totally remember how I found you. Despite being nowhere near producing offspring of my own, I love your writing (you are sarcastic in a city that rarely gets that!) and that you’re a local girl. I wish you best of luck with all of this and hope everything goes well!

Ditto, you’ll never make it down here (or if you do, you poor thing!)

1. Name: Lisa B

2. Age: 46

3. Your life in a nutshell: Grew up in CT, lived in Manhattan for 10 years, moved to Seattle 10 years ago to get a dog, a house, and a husband. OK, check. I ride my bike to work at Microsquish three times a week year round, but thankfully I’m in Kirkland so I don’t have to dodge you. ;-) No kids, thank god, but I seem to read a lot of blogs of people with kids. Probably the best way for me to interact them – they’re cute, as long as they belong to someone else.

4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
Since Diaryland days, I think someone sent me a link to your photo essay of Dog and Cat and the box of crackers. That one still makes me howl with laughter. And that, in a nutshell, is why I keep coming back – you make me laugh.

1. Jennifer Perryman
2. 34
3. I live in Seabeck, WA, which is on the Kitsap Peninsula, near the Hood Canal. I have a 13 mo. old son, Jacob. My husband is a Navy Submariner, which means I spend a certain amount of time as a single working mom, and live in wedded bliss the rest of the time. We have 2 siamese cats and some fish.
4. I first started reading you when you were newly pregnant with Riley. I was also pregnant at the time, but miscarried early on. I kept coming back because of your sense of humor, and because I knew someday I would have that baby boy and maybe reading a little about how you and JB handled things (working, marriage, newborn…) might make my life easier. What I didn’t expect was to completely fall for a little internet baby- but I remember watching his 1-year video and BAWLING because it was so sweet. Okay, I was also pregnant (again) at the time and a leeeeetle hormonal. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your parenting poetry (still waiting for that book!) and those unexpected gems of posts when life isn’t so good- makes us all feel human. I’m now entering mother-of-toddlerhood over here, and thinking it’s about time to go back in your archives and see what I’m in for.

I really wish you the best this morning, and well- forever. It will be fun reading about the adventures of smalltopus now that I’ve been through those early stages myself. Can’t wait to see photos!

Whoa Nelly! Almost 500 comments..Your blog is becoming of dooce proportions! If anyone deserves it it is you.
Name: Kristen
Age: 22
Life: Just moved to Minneapolis from Ohio with my husband and 2 year old son and graduated from the University of Toledo. Looking for a job and meanwhile going bat shit crazy.
Blog: I’ve been reading you for probably a year and a half. Purple is a fruit was the first parenting blog I read and I soon after found this one. I must say I adore you. You are delightful, hilarious and my favorite blogger of all time. If you ever stop blogging I shall perish.
Anyways…Good luck and congratulations on STP and I can’t wait to see him!!!