100th Post: Please follow

Wow, I've reached my 100th blog post!

When I started this blog, we were in the midst of infertility and I needed an outlet to write my feelings and frustrations out.  I didn't care if anyone read it, it was kind of like a journal for me and a way for me to share some of my Catholic faith.  However, as our adoption journey began it became a way for me to share our story and keep people updated on how things were going and where we were at.  Then when we had our adoption fallthrough, it became a source of comfort to see and hear from people who were praying for us and we didn't even know it.  It was extremely helpful to have this outlet and to have so much support from those close to us and those far away. 

Now, with our sweet little Anna and all of the fun and craziness and love that she brings to our lives, it's wonderful to be able to share that with others.  I'm glad that people who we don't see regularly can read about our story, see pictures of our daughter and keep updated on our lives.  And lately it seems like she's doing so much developmentally and we're so in awe that she's in our home that I can't help but to share it!  It's amazing how connected we can stay through technology.  It is also nice to know that there are people reading who are encouraged by our story because they're in the midst of infertility or adoption or fall-throughs, or simply marriage or thinking about their future.  I hope that our story has been encouraging and a lesson in faith and patience.  (I know it's been that for me).

I also am extremely glad that I documented my feelings and the events that have gotten us to where we are today.  I was reading a lot of my old posts the other day since Anna's decided that naps are a good thing, and there were details that I forget about.  The day we found out we wouldn't have biological children, the day we found out we wouldn't be adopting the little baby boy, the day we found out about and picked up Anna, etc...  I'm so glad I have documentation of all of these things.  It's so easy to forget about how you felt in different situations and it makes me appreciate the blessing of our daughter even more to be able to look back and see the rough times that led up to us becoming parents.

With that being said, I want to know who is reading.  I have a lot of people say "Hey, I read your blog, your ..... was so nice or .... was so cute!"  I love to hear it!  I'm glad people are reading, it's changed a lot since when I started.  I didn't care if people read or not, it didn't really matter to me.  Now, it matters to me and to my family.  I want Anna to be able to see all of the people that prayed for her, cared for her, read updates about her, etc...  It's a true testatment to community and prayer and I want to share that with her.

So, what I'm asking is that you "Follow" my blog so that I can see who is reading.  There's a little tab on the right that says something like "Join this site" at the very  bottom.  Will you do me a favor and just click on it and put your name or website there?  You're also more than welcome to comment, let me know you're reading!  Like I said, I think it's wonderful that you're reading.  I used to feel "creepy" when I read people's blogs, but you know what, that's why I write it, so people will read it!  It's not creepy, if it were, I would make it private/not share it on the internet!  I'm glad you're reading and I'm glad to share our story with you!  So do me a favor, be not creepy and let me know you're reading!  All it does is allow me to see who is catching up on our lives, and I'm really grateful for all of your prayers and support!

I've always been told that it takes a village to raise a child and since becoming a parent, I definitely believe it!  You're all a part of Anna's "village" and I want to be able to share you all with her! 

Thanks so much!  I really appreciate it!