National Delurking Week (at least for a few more hours, anyway)

In my blissful at-home-on-vacation state I'm afraid I've nearly missed the fact that it's National Delurking Week. Some of you have already delurked, which is awesome. I'd like to encourage the rest of you to go ahead and delurk now too!

If you delurk I will promise you the following: you can ask me a question, any question at all, and I will answer as truthfully as I can. M'kay? I'll do a post with the answers on Tuesday of next week, so that you can delurk all the way through Monday. So, delurk! NOW!

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I am woefully behind on blog reading. So sorry I've been neglecting everyone.

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Anyone out there interested in adopting a cat? Elise's cat Rugby isn't happy these days, and is destined to become even less happy when the new baby arrives (any minute now!). Rugby is gorgeous--a beautiful blue gray--and has that great fur that is long but not too long so that he looks amazing but doesn't shed everywhere. He's super sweet and cuddly, drools a bit when really happy (which I think is adorable) and has the teeniest, tiny little meow you've ever heard from an adult cat.

Go on over to Elise's place and let her know if you are interested.

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So far, so good on the food stuff. The scale is moving downwards, finally, and after the first two days I haven't felt too deprived. Milk supply no worse for where as of yet. But I may end up nursing Tori til she's five just for the extra points. Heh.

Comments

[Kristin]

1.

Reader for about a year, now de-lurking.

Pick 5 of your tattoos and explain them and the reason why you got them.
Thanks!

[Shannon]

2.

I've commented before but tend to lurk. I'm still following!

I'm currently on the pregnant after preeclamspia journey, so your recent pregnancy is inspiring to me.

[Donnie]

3.

Let's see, what to ask, what to ask....

When you were a kid, what did you want to be "when you grew up?"
-D.

[Lara]

4.

Have been reading your blog for a while and now I am delurking. Really I share your passion for ER and I am a mom too. Just gave birth to my second 4 months ago. Lets see, in keep with the theme then: What is your all time favorite ER episode?

[Michele]

5.

Hey you! Not necessarily de-lurking, but I haven't commented in a while. Just wanted to add that I lost 25 lbs on WW after Ethan was born. I didn't go to a single meeting-did it all online. I didn't post on any of the boards, but I LOVED being able to track my points that way. I also liked have the points calculator where I didn't have to do any Math and I also really liked that I could put in recipes and have it calculate the number of points per serving for me.

Once I got past the first week, I was less hungry and more able to stay on point without using too many of my weekly point reserve. I'll do it again to lose baby weight if I ever get pregnant again.

Good luck, babe!

[Ericka]

6.

I've been reading for well over a year -- actually, I don't know how long. Early in your pregnancy with Tori. Never commented, though I sure like you a lot --

Question: who is your favorite poet, your go-to writer when you just want that feeling of awe and comfort that a great poem inspires?

[Katie J/Maylee Beezir]

7.

I comment some, but always read. Have you heard of the Future M.I.L.F.'s? It's a blogosphere support group for dieting mamas. Lotta at Mom-O-Matic is running it.
http://mom-o-matic.blogspot.com/

[DoctorMama]

8.

Hmmm ... How about this: do you feel about skinny people the way we infertiles feel about Smug Fertiles? And how does one avoid being a Smug Skinny?

[Z]

9.

delurking to say hello to you and your preciouls little girl.

[jennyg]

10.

Hi There-
Your milk will be fine, I think! Supposedly it does not suffer when you diet, as long as you are sure to eat *healthy fats*- the fat quality can change (but maybe you weren't eating healthy fats before, so that doesn't have much to do with dieting). Taking a fish oil suppliment will protect the quality of your milk fat if you are worried.
I managed to diet and exercise off my baby weight, and I've never lost weight in my entire life- and my milk supply, which is already horrible, did not suffer any worse when I started. And I'm starving myself for most of the day to accomplish this (and still only losing 1/2 lb/wk), so there's a case study of someone who, if they were going to have a problem, would have been me, and it was ok.

GOOD LUCK and I'm so happy you're doing this for yourself. Yes, it sucks, but there is an end to the suckage, at some point. I take it ten pounds at a time, take a break, and then do the next ten. I'm so happy for you :) -j

[Bella]

11.

I'm a rare commenter but a frequent reader. My question is: What's your favorite thing about your living environment (house or neighborhood)?

[Mel]

12.

I read whenever you write--have been since since I found you through "Chez Miscarriage."

Are you doing the Core program or the regular program? I bet you'd love Core. (It's similar to the low-glycemic index diet I'm doing--I've lost 54 pounds so far.)

I love your blog.

[mayberry]

13.

Hi--I've commented once or twice but usually just read & go, I'm sorry to say. Enjoy reading very much, and your Tori is so darling.

[Elizabeth]

14.

I'm an occasional reader. I have commentec before, but Hi!!!

[Eva]

15.

I want an update on your breastfeeding story! You've been very inspiring to me with your ability to get the baby onto the breast and to stop using the nipple shield. We (at almost five months) are still having trouble.

[Debbie Stothert]

16.

Hi Cecily

I have posted before, but my question is you write so eloquently, have you ever written as a full time job or have you any aspirations to do so?

Debbie

[Cathrin]

17.

Hi Cecily,

my only comment so far was to congratulate on your wonderful daughter, so I guess I am lurker, too.

I have a question which I have asked myself a lot:

If Tori happens to be a big girl when she is older, how would you deal with it?
(You must know that I am fat - just started WW this week too!) I feel like my parents (who loved me like nothing else in the world) were not able to handle my overweight adequately, I often felt hurt by their tries to help me becoming slimmer and healthier, because it felt like they didn't love me the way I was.

But if I'll ever have a child (which I do not believe in yet, but who knows) I would not want it to suffer from the insults and difficulties I had to experience for being fat, too.

Any thoughts?

All the best to you,
Cathrin

[Heather]

18.

Official Delurk after a year of reading.
You will never know how inspiring you are to me. Your blog has gotten me through some very rough times this past year, and is giving me the courage to try another pregnancy after preeclampsia (and being very overweight). Although our daughter is now a healthy 4-year-old after being born at 28 weeks thanks to evil evil preeclampsia, I rejoiced with you when you were blessed with Tori after such a horrendous experience with PreE. Thank you for your wit, your honesty, your humor, and just general inspiration. You truly deserve every happy thing in your life.
The only question I can think of is: do you think you would let Tori get a tattoo (and when)? I have one in honor of my daughter, and she loves to look at it, but I am on the fence about what to do when she is, oh, 16 and wanting one...what do you think you would do?
Thank you for being here...Heather

[Katie]

19.

Congratulations on getting through the first few days of ww-- they're definitely the toughest!

[Meri-ann]

20.

I think I've commented once or twice before- but Hi anyway!

I started reading your blog about a year ago, I was pregnant with twins (I'd lost my first set) and you were pregnant with Tori, and I was due not long after you. I lost my twins at 22 weeks, and I held my breath from the sidelines until you had your healthy little girl. I just had to make sure that you and she were ok, and I've been reading ever since.

I have just started on WW this week (doing points) and would love to share some recipes if you have any good ones! I'm desperate for easy,quick food (I'm not a cook that's for sure!)- but food that my husband would eat as well. So I suppose that's my question for you, any faves?? :)

[jackie]

21.

Mostly a lurker...but in honour of delurker week I thought I would say hi!

Jackie

[Dooneybug]

22.

Read all the time, rarely comment, but love you nonetheless.

Here's my question: If you had to say one really nice thing about a conservative, what would it be? :)

[JK]

23.

Just waving... I usually only de-lurk when a post makes me cry or laugh really hard... At the moment no questions...

I will tell you that one of my favorite lines you've written was...

but then, there are drag queens more conservative than I am

I still chuckle thinking about it. Heh.

:-)

[Shannon]

24.

I'm sort of de-lurking.
I commented a couple weeks ago.

I'm glad you wrote about Children of Men. I've wanted to see it but wasn't too sure about spending money at the theater. I do believe I will definitely see it now.

Good Luck on the WW. I lost 11 lbs in the last 3 months of last year but now am stuck. I just can't seem to find the extra energy to exercise more!

Enjoy the next couple of days with that cutie.

[Jeni]

25.

I'll trade you an unwanted dog, Milo, for your unwanted cat.

Food included.

[Melessa]

26.

I think I comment too much to be considered a lurker, and I don't have a good question either. But, I am laughing at the nursing for the WW points comment, I SO remember wishing I could do that too.

[Janice]

27.

I can't remember if I've posted before so I am delurking now. :o)

I found your blog about a year ago via Lorem's blog. I find your blog so inspiring. I've battled preeclampsia, infertility, being overweight my entire adult life so I very much relate to alot of what you've written about. (I am now also dealing with young onset parkinson's disease.)

I'm contemplating starting up WW for the millionth time... My question for you, "What has been the most successful weight loss program you have ever done?"

I'll try to not lurk so much and post more!

All the best!

[dawn in ky]

28.

Howdy, I delurk every once in awhile. Been here since a lil after your loss. Have since started reading Sarah and sometimes Charlie, I love checking out Sarah's pictures... no question, just wanted to say I joined weight watchers too! It's my fifth round with it, I think, I HAVE LOST 40 pounds but I tend to take breaks from it.. I did get a good piece of advice at the meeting wensday. The leader said to take it five pounds at a time. Not look at the over all pounds to be lost.,just five a time.. I liked that. sounds easier to accomplish to me. Have a great vacation at home.... dawn in ky

[mary bridgette]

29.

I've been reading faithfully for a while. I'm inspired by the way you balance motherhood and career so seamlessly. My question to you on this de-lurking week is about your recovery. Tell us about it. I need to hear how you decided it was time and how it felt. I'm dealing with some substance abuse problems in my home and am wondering what it feels like on the other side of addiction.
I hope that this is not too heavy for your answer every question promise. I won't have hurt feelings if you don't respond. Mary

[Mete]

30.

Not so much a "lurker" as a "too lazy to leave many comments unless I'm REALLY inspired" kind of girl.

Love following your story. It's wonderful to see you with so much happiness lately. You totally deserve it.

(And I suck at thinking of questions, hence my decision NOT to go into journalism...)

[Kelly O]

31.

"Lurking": it sounds so much more nefarious than "perusing," doesn't it? I feel a little dirty.

[Jessica]

32.

I may have commented here once or twice before, I can't remember, but I've been reading your blog for quite some time. What I'd like to know is, how did you motivate yourself to go to Weight Watchers? I just can't get myself to do it!

[Leslie]

33.

Thanks for being such a wonderful writer. I've never posted, but enjoy reading your posts.

I'm going out on a limb here with my question.

Have you ever considered bariatric surgery? My husband and I each had the Duodenal Switch in 2001 and it has changed our lives forever. It's not an easy path, but what is?

Either way, best of luck to you and your beautiful family. You are an inspiration on so many levels.

Leslie

[fat writer]

34.

Okay, I'm officially delurking. I have been reading your blog for a long time, but never commented! A close friend of mine directed me here after a miscarriage. Thanks for being you!

[Jen_nifer]

35.

Howdy. Delurking here from Canada. I found your site sometime after I had started reading Dooce regularly. I can't remember if it was while you were pregnant with the boys or before you got pregnant with the boys (I read archives).

I can't believe Tori is 7 months old already! My question is: What camera did you buy with your baby shower gift? I tried in the past to do a cursory search of your and your husband's blogs and couldn't find the answer. Am I just lazy, or did neither of you post the details?

[Elise]

36.

Thanks for posting about the cat. I hope someone gets inspired! Congrats on the scale moving downward. I know how great that feels!!

[Denzylle]

37.

Just a Hi from Denyzlle in London. Good luck with the WW, and good on you!

[Beachgal]

38.

No question to ask, and I'm not a total lurker, but wanted to let you know I still read. Best of luck with the diet/WW thing. You can and will do it.

[Jackie]

39.

I've commented before, but thought I would let you know I'm still reading.

Question, How far along were you when you first heard Tori's Heartbeat?

[Paige]

40.

I think I just commented for one of the first times on your last post, but I'll say hi here, too. :)

I want to know what your all time favorite TV show is right now, and why.

[Jon]

41.

What? Me? Lurk?

[Jess]

42.

I've only posted once or twice before now but I am a regular reader.

What blogs do you read regulary? (Not counting the BFFs and husband!)

[Kate]

43.

Always a reader, rarely a commentator...

My question is: how do you feel about your c-section? How was your recovery? How do you feel about the whole c-section vs. vaginal delivery debate?

[Kate]

44.

I can't remember if I've ever commented, but I don't think so. I've been reading for a long time, and I was so happy for you when you Tori was born. I probably found you through Julie, or another infertility blog.

I'm completely in sync with you, politically, not so in sync with you religiously, but it's nice to know that there are religious people with whom I AM in sync politically.

[Lisa]

45.

Delurking to say thank you for your blog. I found you after my first miscarriage and have been awed by your generosity in sharing such intimate details of your life, your incredible capacity for forgiveness (thinking back on certain trolls), and your resiliance. Tori is one lucky kid! I feel kind of guilty reading sometimes...like I'm invading your privacy, but I've gotten such incredible comfort over the past year from reading, so thanks. (By the way, happily just had a baby, spookily by emergency c-section for abruption.) You've got about a million questions to answer, so I won't add another. But just, thanks.

[Erin]

46.

De-lurking to say hi and that I really enjoy reading your blog. Even though we have different political ideas, I enjoy your honesty and clear perspectives. I lost 20 pounds last year on LA Weightloss, but sadly, gained it back within weeks of stopping. I'm looking for the motivation to begin again.

[beth]

47.

i am here!"!! always reading! try to comment much as i can!!! love reading your blog! big huggies

[Jill]

48.

Delurking to say thank you. Last year, my son Andrew was born at 27 weeks because of my severe preeclampsia. We had no warning; an hour after I first learned that I had preeclampsia, I was in the O.R. for an emergency c-section. I think this was even harder for me to deal with because Andrew was so wanted; we conceived him with the help of a fertility doctor. Andrew died in my arms when he was 65 days old, when my husband and I made the decision to remove the ventilator. Andrew's death nearly killed me. In my grief, I searched out web sites about preeclampsia and happened upon yours. I have read all of your previous entries, through your struggle with infertility, to the loss of your boys, to the birth of your daughter. In some weird way, your story and Tori's existence comforts me, especially now that I am 11 weeks pregnant again. You and Tori give me hope that I might hold a live, healthy baby at the end of this pregnancy. Like the previous poster, I won't add another question because you have got to many others to answer. But I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. It has touched me and given me courage in ways that you will never know.

[chrisj]

49.

Congrats on the scale moving in the right direction!

[Stacy]

50.

OK, OK, delurked here. I do visit you often and see how much commenting you get on a regular basis. If I don't have anything new to add, I just lurk. Besides, I know how dilligent you are about replying to all your comments. You need a break once in a while.

[chrisj]

51.

OK, I got distracted by my little monkey and didn't get to the question. Aside from you home, what is your absolute favorite place to be?

[jenny]

52.

Delurking...I started reading when you were around 22 weeks. I love to see how happy you and your husband are with little Tori in your life. I am hoping for a little of the same happiness myself.

Since I get to ask anything - what role does infertility play in your life now that you have Tori? (i.e. - is the pain gone)

[Kat]

53.

De-lurking here. I found your blog while on maternity leave with my sweet little boy. I found your story comforting after my ordeal with pre-eclampsia. Luckily, for me it started at 35 weeks and with bedrest I made it to 37.5 weeks and my little guy made it to 5 pounds before they induced me. I feel so fortunate, because I know things could have turned out much worse. My question to you is how did you find the courage to risk trying another pregnancy after your loss of the boys? I really want a sibling for my son (I am an only child and don't wish this on him), and I vascillate week by week between trying to have another one myself and adopting. I'm wondering how you found your courage to try for a biological child (I'm sure adopting must have occured to you at some point too). My husband has faith it won't happen again (or happen earlier) but I'm terrified... Thank you in advance for any comments on this emotionally difficult topic, and congratulations on your little miracle (Tori)! She's beautiful and the glow of motherhood you have is beautiful on you! Best wishes to your family.

[Jennifer]

54.

Hi Cecily,
I'm a little late on the delurking but I read you regularly. I live Philadelphia and I love reading about other people in the area. I don't really have a question, just wanted to say enjoy this new year with Tori.

[Kim M]

55.

Delurking. I've commented on a few things but none in a while.

I was wondering if the Doctor Mama blog you link to is the wife of your ob/gyn?

Also-do you have any brothers or sisters?

[Melissa]

56.

Hi,
De-lurking, although I have commented once or twice before. I have been reading your blog since you had your positive pregnancy test with Tori. I gave birth on August 29th, and it was great to read your blog (you were about 10 weeks ahead of me) as I experienced my own pregnancy. My blog is at 360.yahoo.com/lissaw16 and probably isn't nearly as interesting (or political) as yours!

Question(s)-are you still taking the Domperidone? How much did you have to pay for it (monthly)? I'm considering it, since I work full time and spend a lot of time pumping. My little girl, Trinity, is 4.5 months old, and so far never had to give her any formula, but my freezer stash is getting low.

[Julia]

57.

Delurking... I've been reading your blog since I found it about a month ago. I read your archives to see your journey and it is such a pleasure to see how happy you are with your little girl and what a joy she is.

[luolin]

58.

I'm not really a lurker, but I have a question.

How has Tori changed your relationship to your church? I remember you blogging about your reservations about it but also what it was that kept you there as well. All of Tori's encounters with the church seem to have been so positive for you that I wondered how it was affecting your own development there.

I don't know *why* I was wondering, since I'm not religious myself (just nosy, I guess).

[sandra]

59.

Not a lurker, and no question, but huge congrats on the beginning of your weight loss journey (I've lost 21 lbs. and counting on WW -- you can do this). Also, if you have iTunes, download the theme song from Everwood. Blast it through your house. Makes me cry. (not cause the show is over, just because it's that good, and ethereal, and perfect)

[Kristin]

60.

Hey Cecily...I think I found your blog through Grrl's site. Yeah, I've been around that long. I'd like to know if you've thought about a getting a tat in memory of your boys? I have a wonderful dragon on my back and I added 7 yellow stars (for the unknown sex losses) and 1 pink star around it. I like it because its a way to remember the little ones I lost but, if I don't explain it, no one would know.

[Jen]

61.

Hi Cecily, I've been reading faithfully for a couple years but I'm always intimidated by the hundreds of comments you get.

I have no question- all the good ones were taken before I got here. :)

[Kate]

62.

Finally Delurking....i've been reading you since right around when you got pregnant with Tori. My question is:Do you ever want to have another child/sibling for Tori?Would you consider ever using a surrogate?Hope you're all having a wonderful new year:)

[Kez]

63.

Not a lurker, been reading since you lost the boys, but I do have a question or three. These are sensitive ones so don't answer if you can't.

Did you ever see the boys, either with your own eyes or in a photo? Did Charlie? And do you have any momentos of them, like footprints?

Ooooh, and another one, slightly more happy: What's the second girls' name on your list? i.e. if you ever have another daughter (bio, non-bio, whatever), what will you call her?

Thanks!

[Paulette]

64.

Hi--- delurking to say Happy New Year! Hope you have a great year, though it might be tough to top last year! Enjoy Tori and each other... the best is yet to come!

[Frema]

65.

Happy De-Lurking Week! One question: are you going to BlogHer? If not, why not?

[Meggan]

66.

Hi Cecily! I've been reading your blog since last summer and have commented a couple of times.

You help me get through my work day (being away from my 3 1/2 month old son), and inspire me in so many ways.

My question is: What kind of camera do you (and/or Charlie) use? Your photos are beautiful.

[Meramoo]

67.

I must have posted before, 'cause the info is saved, but I'm officially delurking now.

[Hope]

68.

I'm a preeclampsia vetern who went eclampsic and had four...count them...four siezures. I was one of the lucky ones. My baby came home at 4 lbs. even after a month in the hospital. She is now a 12 year old with an amazing sense of humor and fights that weight just like her mama. I am in constant of awe of her. It's like she's done nothing but fight and fight well since the day she came in this world. Although she's going to be 13 in April and I might have to send her into the woods to live until she is no longer an eye-rolling teenager.

I don't agree will all you say, but I appreciate your honesty to my very core. Being a military wife tends to stretch a gal to her very limits in this day and time.

My one question: How do you dig so deep to find the energy and strength to fight another weight battle? I fought it 10 years ago when I was 25, had one kid, and was in an unhappy marriage. That really made it easy to lose 107 lbs. Now? I'm back to where I was. This time I got 3 kids, in a happy marriage, and just alot older than before. The thought is so daunting, I just can't get my act together. Any thoughts?

Keep on keeping it real, girl.

[Andrea]

69.

Well, I'm a bit late on the delurking. Meant to do it when I first read this post Saturday but didn't have time - the main reason I'm generally a lurker! I've been enjoying Cecily's posts for several months now.

I'm also losing weight with that weight loss organization you didn't name. It's hard but I had great success the first go-round, and success (but slower) after my daughter was born. I bet you won't see a decrease in your supply - my baby is 14 months, I've been on the weight loss plan for a year, and never any supply problems. Good luck!

[Beth]

70.

Better late than never.

I have been reading your blog for a long time, through Grrl's site also.

Is Charlie counting points with you?

You deserve this happiness, keep up the good work.

[Chiara]

71.

So many great questions - please answer in a post we can all see! I want to second the one I saw up there about how you would handle an overweight child. I have thought about this A LOT in dealing with my own issues and now that I have a daughter I worry. Is there a way to teach hard-learned lessons without creating rebellion/neuroses? Or is it best to just leave it alone completely?

[Monica]

72.

Officially delurking here~ I have been reading your blog for quite some time, but I just never really feel that I have the time to post and that I really don't have anything to add to what is usually said LOL. I have two questions (I hope that is okay)
1. What is the brand of the outfit Tori is wearing on the pics taken at the Rehoboth Beach in October(it is the brown flowered looking one and she is wearing the crown hat with it if that helps) as I would love to get my little girl one just like it.
2. What is your favorite movie of all time (and actor and actress if you don't mind answering)?
By the way, I don't always agree with you politically, but I love reading your blog and am so happy that you finally have your precious bundle~ you so deserve it!!

[Daniela]

73.

Hi! I've been reading your blog for a year now, since I moved to the US from Brazil. Even though we don't have much in common, I love reading your blog, seeing pictures of your beautiful family, and learning a lot from you, your experiences, and your attitude.

[Josie]

74.

I enjoy reading your blog. I found it when I was about seven months pregnant. Tori was born three weeks before my daughter. I'm not sure, but we might have had the same due date. Anyway, I don't have a question, but I do enjoy reading. You're an excellent writer; keep it up!

[alyssa]

75.

I recently discovered your blog and love it. I agree with so much of what you write about and how you carry yourself is inspiring to me.
You seem like a great mom and I think Tori will definately appreciate you as she grows up.

[Chrissy]

76.

Delurking at the last moment. I have been reading your blog for about a year now. My question for you, if it is not to hard to answer is how do you deal or did you deal with the loss of your boys? I lost my boys four years ago and was just wondering how you deal with it.

[Carolyn Lovelace]

77.

Oh, God! Thank God you're taking questions. I've delurked before, but this time is just when I need to ask an incredibly serious question. My husband filed for divorce last October. Since then, I've been writing rants and journal pages on the computer and sending them to my friend Linda B. to read them and say whether or not it's okay to send my words to him. Today I did the stupidest thing. This morning I wrote a two-page rant which included the following paragraph: "I remember back before October 2005 when you said you didn't want to be seen with Linda B. in case someone might think she's your wife. I thought then that since I was/am smaller than Linda B., that you were okay with me. Boy, was I ever wrong!" Now, I had the presence of mind this morning not to send this rant to Linda B. However, I lost my mind this afternoon and sent it to her to proof, no longer remembering that I'd included these words. Now Linda's in tears. As if she hasn't been hurt enough over the years. We're both signed up to go to a bariatric surgery seminar on January 20th, but can you think of any possible way I can make this up to her? All I've known to do so far is apologize profusely for writing something I never wanted her to know; not to protect my arrogant, shallow, soon-to-be ex-husband, but because what he said was so hurtful - even though it was said over 1 1/2 years ago. What do I do or say now? Linda knows it was an accident on my part, but I'm just sick that she's been hurt by my mistake.

[bartscamille]

78.

Hi there Cecily,

I'm not exactly a lurker as I do comment somewhat frequently. But, I haven't in a while although I'm still reading.

My question is this... to what, other than poor choices, do you most attribute your alcoholism and addictions? I have had to go through my own recovery process but worry that my own children may succumb to the same temptations that I did. Hearing what led others down the same path is helpful.

Thanks!
Camille

[Mary]

79.

Does it count if you have de-lurked before and then you lurked again?? Re-de-lurking to say hey and that I am still here -- My Lily is 1 month almost to the day younger than Tori, and she is here after my loss of her sister Naomi at 23 weeks gestation. Having Lily has made me even more aware of what we lost when we lost Naomi and even typing this here makes me tear up. However, being able to go home and snuggle with my Lily doesn't take away those feelings, but it comforts me.

So my question is this -- How are you coping with your grief about the loss of the boys now that Tori is here? Have you thought about (like I have) telling Tori about her brothers and what will you say and when?

Love you, love your blog, love Charlie, love Tori, love, love, love, check on you compulsively even if I don't post!

[Annika]

80.

I have stopped by a few times over the last couple years. I first came here when someone posted that you'd lost your boys. I keep meaning to bookmark you and have been too scatterbrained. This time I'm adding you to Bloglines so I won't forget to visit regularly.

[Dawn]

81.

Okay, so I'm a little late but I'm going to delurk anyway. I've been reading here forever but only comment every once in a while.
So...*HI*

[Andrea in IN]

82.

Just now getting the chance to read and catch up on the January postings!

Olivia Marie blessed us after another 5 yrs of infertility battles. She was born 38 wks on January 3rd @ 8:08 am. 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 19.5" of pink BLISS! We were so surprised we have a daughter - I would have bet money that I'd have another son. She's such an angel - even if she did help my preeclampsia get wild and out of control - she was worth it! Seeing her face again was the ONLY thing that got me through the Devil's Poison ~ Mag Sulfate! blah! which crazily enough I had to endure 5 days AFTER my csection for bp 200/107 and being readmitted WITHOUT my girl with me! Boo hoo!

Anyway - just now getting settled and caught back up on your blog. Love reading all the answers to the questions - great idea!

Andrea in IN

[Donna]

83.

I feel the need to bring to light something that's been bothering me awhile now about lactation and caloric needs. This is in response to Cecily's discussion about dieting while nursing. I feel there is a serious disparity amongst the various "official" statements about what infants need versus what nursing moms need.

I have a pile of links, but I can't post them here, b/c typepad thinks it's spam. Email me if you need to see links, or just use a search engine and see for yourself.

Conclusion: There is alot of disagreement in the official sources, but whenever they estimate how much the infant eats, it tends to be on the higher end, yet when they estimate how much the mother has to eat to support this, it tends to be on the lower end. Surely it makes no sense to eat 200 Calories extra each day and expect to put forth a milk supply of 1500 for a 6 month old baby!

[Stephanie G]

84.

Finally delurking

I don't come by quite as often, but you were my company in the middle of the nights while I was pumping (my 6 week old preemie never did latch...I pumped for 14 months. 3 hours during the day, 4-5 at night. I finally decided I needed the calories more than he did. Lost a TON of weight.. and didn't have that much to lose.)

Love reading your posts and completely agree with "and I wasted all that birth control" LOL - I had 2.5 years of infertility. After many treatments, finally gave up and got prayed for. 3 months later - isn't that how it goes!!

Thanks much!