More Than Words

Things look a little different ‘round these parts (be sure to click on over if you are reading from a feed!) I figured it was time to give the ole blog a face lift--and since plastic surgery in the world wide web is relatively cheap and easy, it was worth bribing someone to help me do it-not saying she’s cheap or easy! It's still a work in progress, so with a few more shots of Botox, it will be looking brand spakin' spiffy!

And yes, those are little O-man’s precious feet…and don’t worry, no babies were harmed in the making of the blog header. I’ve waited so long to put those pair of jeans on him-they were one of the first things I bought for him. I just loved thinking about the symbolism of having our genes in the jeans I had been wishing for and blogging about for so long…I get weepy just typing it. The suitcase and passport are of course representative of the journey we have been on, and the one we will continue to take.

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In honor of NIAW, I’m going to get all sappy on ‘ya. Don’t worry—there won’t be any major boo-hooing, I just really want to reiterate how important this community is in getting the word out about infertility and making those experiencing it, feel supported.

I was never in a sorority in college-I was never a big “girly-girl” and couldn’t see myself being chummy with a bunch of girls 24/7. I’d roll my eyes every Tuesday when it was “Letters Day” and all the girls would parade around campus in their short-shorts, Alpha-Something shirt, and flip flops—even when it was 40 degrees out. (And this is in no way a slight on anyone in a sorority—my college unfortunately fit the stereotype) I just grew up with more guy friends than close girl friends—I just didn’t like the drama that came with the territory. So I was a bit hesitant to even start blogging and become a part of a gaggle of girls—I felt I’d immediately feel suffocated with drama.

Well, ladies (and gents) I’d be honored to walk around in our sorority letters with any of you, anytime, anywhere. If I had the time and money, I’d go on an IF-Blog-Tour to spend time with each one of you--what a documentary that would make!

Actually….I have started my IF-Blog-Tour! Although it’s on a small scale, I feel so lucky to have met and spent time with some of the wonderful women that have lived inside my computer for the past 2 ½ years….and the great thing is: they really do exist, and are just as lovely in real life!

Those I have met on tour: LJ, Mel, DMarie, Leah, Sunny, Kristen, Shelby, Meghan, Doc Grumbles, Somewhat Ordinary, Rachie Pachie, Mya, Samantha, Kate, Elizabeth, Sue (NC Gal, no blog-but love her to pieces!), In Search of Morning Sickness, and this summer I'll add Bee Cee (and hopefully Sully!) to the list! Would love to visit with more of you...


I must give lots of bloggy love to My Braces Bunch Gals. As I mentioned two years ago, I never had braces growing up-and although no one wishes to have braces, you sort of feel left out when everyone around you has them on! When we got our Male Factor Infertility diagnosis, I felt like I was without braces all over again. Not that the IF community didn’t have the support I needed, but the male factor issue was still so taboo-and it was hard for me to find information and those who had been given that diagnosis and made it “to the other side”. So I shared that story, and reached out for support among those in this community-so these ladies in the Bunch wanted to do a little bit more than just blog-we became snail mail buddies. Sending letters, postcards, gifts and notes of encouragement when the hard days were really tough, and the celebrations were worth shouting from the roof tops. Just this past month, the Braces Bunch turned 2 years old!

And as my title says, this community means more to me than words will ever be able to express. To honor NIAW, take the time to thank someone in this community who has helped you feel welcome and supported!