who the hoots are you?

the birdie who started it all

So I've been doing this blog thing for over two years now. Gulp. That's a long time to put oneself on the public vulnerability chopping block. My purpose for having ever started this thing was to keep folks up-to-date on the happenings of the adoption while we were in-process, as well as serving as a journal for me and (eventually) for Noemi. Though I am an extrovert, this forum was never intended to be a bloggy community for me--it wasn't necessarily about me engaging with others.

But (BIG but)--that is what this blog has turned into, in part.

I've made friends--I feel supported--I have allies. I have folks on my team who don't chuckle at the struggles or give me condescending pats on the back...because they get it. They know to celebrate the little things and they understand the seriousness of what some others have dismissed as "overly sensitive". Mind you, these A+ folks have made themselves known to me through comments and personal emails. Had they never chirped, I wouldn't have the honor of knowing them (cue Air supply song here) and be a part of their lives in return.

So here is my new year request. I'd love to know who is reading this--who cares--who relates--who needs support. Who is waiting--and waiting--and waiting for a child. Who is connected to Ethiopia. And who just checks in for the cute kid pics (I get it). Why do people read this thing? Whatever brings you here, I'd love to know what you're thinking. I have been unable to contact many of you who have commented--I usually try to do so. So I don't really know who you are. And I see that I have all of these "followers" and that sometimes hundreds of people log on to this site in a day. But I usually only hear from a handful. If you are unable to comment, it would be great to hear from you via email (julie at robertswitmer.com). But it's up to you--I'm not creeped out by the anonymous stalkers, just curious. And I now see the value of being a chirping birdie.