Feb
3
Your Baby’s Development at Week 39 of Pregnancy: You may notice that your baby is not moving around very much — he or she is in cramped quarters at this point!
Well, part of that statement is a big old no-shitter, but apparently Smalltopus has not been doing his Required BabyCenter.com Reading, or maybe he’s gotten wind of this whole cutting-into-the-belly-with-sharp-objects business that’s supposed to happen tomorrow and he figures his best bet for a safe exit is to simply mosh-pit his way out of there. I have grave concerns about this child’s ability to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time, based solely on his fetal activity level, which I would describe as “excruciatingly energetic”.
I am having a very hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this baby is going to be on the outside of my body tomorrow. I mean, I am more than ready to make good on his eviction notice because DUDE, human beings just shouldn’t get this pregnant, we should eject the babies when they’re about the size of a grapefruit and then keep them in fur-lined pouches or some such thing, but I can hardly believe that I’m going to meet my youngest son in a matter of hours, and that he will have a tiny little face that I will be able to look at.
Will he look just like Riley did? Or completely different? What if he looks like Trogdor — coupla beefy arms, consummate Vs? What if the ultrasound tech got her anatomy screwed up and STP is actually a girl, which would be fine, except the whole coming-home outfit would be ALL WRONG.
I am awash in anticipation. Also: fear. Also: chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
We go to the hospital tomorrow at 6 AM, and I’ll need to spend a few hours on some medication (NOT magnesium, thank god) before going into surgery. My guess is that they will stash us in some room where JB and I will languish for the entire morning until someone remembers we exist and whisks me into the OR. During that time, I imagine I will be oscillating between a full-body freakout and mind-numbing boredom, so I’m hoping you might indulge me with some bloggy entertainment.
I know lots of you have already sent your good wishes and I sure appreciate that. Here’s what I’m thinking: if you’re up for it and you read this in time, will you hit the comments box sometime between now and Monday afternoon and tell me a little bit about yourself? I’ll be able to read your comments from my phone, and it seems like a fun, distracting thing to do while cooling my jets in a depressing hospital room.
I have a little questionnaire in mind:
1. Your name (you can stay anonymous if you like)
2. Your age (you can lie about this if you like)
3. Your life in a nutshell: who you live with, what you do for work (category includes raising children and going to school, obvs.)
4. How long have you been reading this blog, and what keeps you coming back?
Oh, I know, I know. That last question is so lame, sorry. What can I say, I’d love to know your answers.
At some point tomorrow I think one of us should be able to update this site with some baby stats, otherwise check in with my Flickr page. Will there be at least one crappy newborn photo taken with a cameraphone? You bet.
All right, friends. I’ll see you on the flip side.
Comments
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My product review site:
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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…
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.
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!
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!! :)
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!
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…
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 :)
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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!
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.
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.
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 =)
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
and yes, i know i’m supposed to call it Mumbai, but no one else seems to…?
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.)
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!
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**
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!
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.)
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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 ;-) )
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.
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
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!
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.
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!!
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!
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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. :)
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.
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!
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!
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!