I have written so many blog posts in my head lately. I wish I had time to actually put them in print, but that just isn't happening right now. However, this is one I absolutely want to make sure gets posted.
Why do I blog?
My blogging experience began by simply seeking information about the fertility process. I really enjoyed reading success stories by others that had gone through the same thing. Finally one day I thought "you know what? I'd really like to be a part of this blogging community," and I started writing my story. Then I started getting a few followers and with that, a few comments. I started reading THEIR blogs. Before you knew it, I had gained a whole new support system of friends.
I love the interaction. I love that I truly have made friends. I actually met fellow Oregonian and blogger Teresa at Where The *Bleep* is Our Stork in real life. I'm Facebook friends with several others. While going through IF treatments, blogging was a great resource for learning from other's experiences. Same thing about pregnancy, and now as a twin Momma. It's not just the shared experiences though. It's the support. It's the pats on the back saying, "Hey, you're doing a great job," and the hugs when times are tough.
The many comments I received on my last post is the perfect example of why I blog. I cannot thank you enough for the words of encouragement, show of support, and positive feedback for some suggestions to try with the whole sleep thing. Many of you delurked to introduce yourself, share your own story, and offer your support and encouragement. It means so much to me!
I also received an email from Penny in Australia. Her email brought tears to my eyes because of her support and her sharing her own parenting sleep experience with her two little ones. I find it incredible when I think about things like my little blog from little ol' Independence, Oregon reaching as far as Australia. It always boggles my mind that so many of you actually read my blatherings.
You all are amazing. Even though I don't really "know" you, your friendship means the world to me. Maybe someday I will actually be able to meet a few more of you in real life.
Thank you all SO very much!
Aw! I love this! I blog to talk to myself and anyone who feels like reading! I hope that I make some bloggie friends like you have! And I love reading about other peoples real lives, I can relate and I like that!
ReplyDeleteI like reading and following other peoples real lives too. It's like reading a book that never ends. Or watching a reality t.v. show. lol Only we actually *kind of* get to know each other! Thanks for reading Melissa and for always leaving such nice comments :)
DeleteI want to thank YOU for sharing your story! I've learned so much about infertility and friendship through reading your blog and countless others. Without your support and the support from the whole IF community, I don't now if I'd be where I am today <3
ReplyDeleteAwe Aislinn, that is so nice of you! See, you're another person I could have mentioned! You gave us one of our first baby gifts, which was such an incredible and nice surprise! You are one of those awesome bloggie friends :)
DeleteLove this post! It's so true. Blogging opens all sorts of doors to amazing, AMAZING women who truly become a friend :). XOXO
ReplyDelete<3 I love this post! And I love you! I can't wait to meet those babies!!! We are planning a camping trip soon- maybe we will have to head your way!
ReplyDeleteYes! I would love to see you! And I've never gotten a chance to meet your husband yet :)
DeleteBlogging helped me SO MUCH while going through IVF and I'm so glad I "met" you and that you shared your story. I'm also so glad you continue to find the time to write, even with such a busy life!! Your comments are always so genuine :) xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin! It goes both ways. You always have the sweetest things to say.
DeleteI'm so glad that you blog too as it has opened my eyes to IF and it has been able to keep me into a part of your life that I would have never known if you hadn't blogged and shared it with me! I have always been grateful and so appreciative at this point as it helps to keep me connected to family!!! Love and hugs! Auntie
ReplyDeleteI started blogging because I was researching IVF and Surrogacy waaay back when. I think I found your blog from some other blog I read about IVF! I've met a few bloggers IRL too and it's always an awesome experience! I hope to add a few more to that list!!
ReplyDeleteI hope to add more to my list as well! Who knows? Maybe someday you and I will actually meet :)
DeleteAmber - you're so sweet to mention me :)
ReplyDeleteI really did feel strongly about sharing what I did so as to support and encourage you and I'm so glad it helped! As you know it would have just been posted on your blog if it wasn't so long :)
I'm sorry I have been slack in replying to your email. I have been sick (aaghh the perils of sleep deprivation that it affects your health and makes you prone to catching colds from your school-aged child LOL) and the baby is still not the best sleeper and I am also studying…..but I promise I will try and reply to you ASAP.
Isn't the internet amazing that we can make such a wonderful connection from so far away! We are lucky to live in this time and space - can you imagine how isolated our parents must have been in the same circumstances! To be able to share in a blog community, to get support so easily and to be able to "google" and find out about just about anything makes us fortunate indeed :)
Hope to catch up via email soon!!
Penny
Hope you all are all feeling better by now! You don't have to feel bad for not responding to my email sooner. See? I'm not responding to this until now, 9 days later! haha! I'm also not sure my email has been accepting returned responses. I haven't gotten any back from people in a long time and I hate to think there's that many people not responding. Soooo......if you have sen t me an email, I haven't gotten it. Start over with a new email and let me know! It'll be an experiment. :)
DeleteI started reading IVF, surrogacy and embryo donation blogs as a way to help and also understand my patients (I am a nurse). While doing this I found that I got really attached to some of the stories. Amber,yours was one of the special blogs. I want to thank you for sharing your beautiful story and happy ending. Although I am only down the road in San Diego and not as exotic as Australia,I really love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
I love San Diego! I've only been there overnight once for a layover, but it's some place I've always wanted to actually really go visit. I think that is fantastic that you read blogs to understand your patients better. That probably makes you pretty exceptional at your job.
DeleteI blog for many of the same reasons as you. It's those connections with people who truly understand that keeps me coming back. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you, Stacie, are one of those connections for me! xoxo
DeleteI started blogging for many of the exact same reasons as you, as a matter of fact I think you were one of the first few bloggers on here I "met". You have always been super supportive and helpful Amber! I love that you got your happy ending, times 2, with two of the cutest little babies ever! Thank you for sharing your story with us :)
ReplyDeleteAwwwe, thanks Amie! You are one of the sweetest bloggie friends I know :)
DeleteSuch a true post!
ReplyDelete