Friday, May 1, 2009

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!

28 comments:

  1. I love your new header! Great post too. I realize that I never responded to your kind post and offer from back while I was on bedrest in the hospital. Nevertheless, I wanted to say thanks. The comments and kind offers meant the world to me and really helped me get through that tough time.

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  2. I love the new look!

    Thank you for being such a good friend through all of this. It has been great meeting you and talking on the phone! I think there are many of us that will continue to stay supportive through out the journey of parenthood. Who knows maybe we'll get some high school graduation invitations! And, wow you've met a lot of bloggers!

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  3. Love the shiny new look! So glad to have you in my life. :) xo

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  4. Personally I think the new look was done by some lame ass hack. Oh wait, I mean, me! Hahahah - you rock my socks off.

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  5. Love the new look! And, if you are ever in the Boston area--look me up!

    Thanks for being a good friend!

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  6. Great new layout/header...perfect! And those are some pretty cute feet too!!!

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  7. And vote for JJ in the bloggers choice awards!

    http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/26814

    I'm dying to meet the 3 of you, JJ. Hopefully someday...

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  8. I love the new header and design. And thanks for linking to the LJ's reopened blog, which I didn't know about until now :)

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  9. Love the new look! His toes are SO cute!

    How cool that you've met so many bloggers already...I've yet to meet someone in person, but I think it would be neat.

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  10. Love the new look! Thanks for your encouragement.

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  11. LOVE the new header! :)

    Happy NIAW!

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  12. I love the new look! Sorry I haven't gotten back to you about helping with it... things have been... crazy... for lack of a better word! It looks great though!! Did you do it yourself?? :)

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  13. Looks great JJ!!

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  14. Well, I may not have travelled the same road as you have, but I hope our paths cross one day because it has been a joy getting to know you.

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  15. LOVE the new look! And I can't wait to meet you IRL, JJ. We've been playing tag for far too long! :P

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  16. Nice facelift on the blog.

    The header is so sweet,

    g

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  17. Love your new blog look!!!!

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  18. I love the facelift! Very nice! I'm even more in love with the header though!

    You're right. It would make one hell of a documentary. There are some fabulous women indeed.

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  19. Love the new header! Thanks for the braces bunch. It helped me connect when I felt pretty lost.

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  20. I think it would be soo cool if I can met everyone in person we could have a big party, those with babies and without, those with bellies and without and those of us with big glasses of wine (me).

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  21. Love the new header and loved the braces bunch I still think it is great even though I'm a lapsed member.

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  22. the blog looks FAB!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new header image- made me weepy to see your man in the family jeans!
    xo

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  23. The new design looks wonderful! I'm so happy to see your genes in those cute little jeans.

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  24. Ahhhhhhh bugger! I had this very wordy comment and a certain busy 10.5 month old grabbed the mouse. take 2:

    love your genes in jeans! Love the new look.

    i have enjoyed our bloggy friendship over the years! You have and execute such great ideas. Thank you for being so dedicated and creative

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  25. Great post. I have been continually amazed at the people I have met through this whole crazy journey. And thankful.

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There is nothing like a good pair of jeans; they shape us, support us and make us look our best. I'd love for you to share your jeans with me!