the birdie who started it allSo 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.
37 comments:
My name is Ashley. I am a fellow AAI mom. I have a bio son (age 6), a bio daughter (age 3), and adopted twin boys from Layla in 5/10 (age 6)...yes, I now have triplet boys. Although your beauty is much younger than my newest loves, I can relate so much to you, and adore every time you post. Keep it up!
Ashley
afr2007.blogspot.com
Hey! My name is Annie. I have a 20- month old daughter who was adopted from Ethiopia at 10 months old. She looks very similar to your beautiful girl! I enjoy reading your posts, because I can totally relate to much of it and some of it, I think, "Ok, so this is what I'll probably dealing with in a few months". I have a blog too, but it is private. If you would like to read it, you can email me at meuslex958(at)yahoo(dot)com Thanks!
Hey Julie,
I'm Jackie Johnson, Morgan Hanna's mom and 1 1/2 year old Kenenisa's grandmom. I live in Jacksonville, FL. I am a retired elementary teacher who volunteered at AHOPE with Morgan for two months (Feb-April). I now get to see many of "my" ET kids growing up on their parent's blog. Lucky me!!!
I started reading your blog when you were in ET with Mekonen's parents and, of course, got hooked am still reading. Yes, I have to admit that I follow both of your blogs regularly and just love them.
You girls keep me thinking, make me measure my words a bit more carefully when I speak and hopefully keep my mind more open to new ideas. Again, LUCKY, LUCKY ME!!
You keep writing, honey, and I guarantee you that I'll keep reading!
My name is Catie and I am a niece (in law) of Janet Breneman's. She had told me about you when we started our adoption journey for a little girl. We were considering Ethiopia but God made a way for us to adopt from Thailand. Thank you for your posts and your little girl is so adorable. I would love to know you more. I love how you express yourself and share your life on here. It is fun to "meet" other people who share the same heart for adoption. Feel free to check out my blog as well. Have a great day!!!
I'm Casey, I stumbled upon your blog when we were considering adoption from Ethiopia. Though it still holds a special place in my heart, we are presueing adoption from Tiawan. I keep coming back because I like how honest you are about the loss and trauma that even those adopted as infants experience. Cheers!
Oh me doodness--so happy to see new folks on here! Can't wait to check out your blogs and hear your stories! Thanks a ton for checking in--I'm happy to "know" you! You guys are da best.
We are with AWAA and have been at this crazy journey for about a year and a half now... and are one of your waiting...waiting....waiting families. Hoping for a referral for our baby girl this spring. We also have 3 bio kids: 10,8,5 years. I started reading your blog about the time you went to get Sosie and have just followed along as your posts offer great advice, insight, and the cute pics and video just don't hurt either!
I'm here! I have been ever since you came home with sweet Noemi! I love reading your blog and have been so blessed by your honesty. I also really appreciated all your comments/emails with so much advice and wisdom for us throughout this crazy adoption process! Now we just need to get Yohannes home!!!
Hugs,
Charity
Hi there Roberts! You've visited our little site before. We were adopting from Ethiopia, but we've been called over to Ghana. We are all paper-ready and waiting to find out who our little one(s) will be! Thanks for the adorable photos and sharing the challenges that adoptive parents can face.
Hello! I'm Tara and I'm from Michigan!
Currently, we are not in the process to adopt from ET, but hope to be!
Honestly, I read a hand full of blogs each night that I list on my google reader for various reasons. I often times find my self getting my fiancées attention, then re reading aloud a post that you have written! We find your writing style superb, and not to mention the real life ups and downs that you so well document. I mean, we come to your blog and find hope, honesty, humor, encouragement, and not to mention the pictures/video of such a precious little girl!
We started following when you were in ET and found the detailed posts about your travels very helpful! These are things that we are bookmarking for later. ;)
You know I hang on every word and I'm So Lost Without You. I'm Rachael. My son is Tariku. And he is going to challenge Mekonen for your daughter's affections. And Sylvie and Sosi and going to be life-long friends, and Tariku is going to work that angle. Need I say more?
Howdy-ho, Julie Beth!
I read your blog because
A) we love the same people
B) we love adoption
C) we love brown skinned girlies
D) we love writing (tho you are better at it and muchly much more frequent a writer)
E) we have the same name!
F) also, I admire your bravery and honesty. I struggle with our adoption in ways that no one and I mean NO ONE but my husband and God Almighty knows about. There...I said it. That's more than I've said on my blog.
Smooch.
Jules, I read your blog because I love your family. You and Donovan are such beautiful souls. I read because you really do have a knack for a writing. You are able to express yourself so deeply, and so beautifully, that even though I might not know exactly what you're going through I can feel your pain and your joy. I read your blog because it makes me cry both happy and sad tears. Oh yeah...and I read because Noemi is stink' cute and I can't wait to see the pictures/videos ;)
Hey! I'm Kim. I was in the same youth group as Jon Oren growing up, and came over from their blog. My husband and I are considering adoption and your honesty and brilliant words have led to some deep discussions at our house! So thank you!
Hi. I've been reading your blog since we were in the same court group back in June 2009. My daughter, Tamirnesh, didn't come home until November so I "used" your blog for those few months to fill my void. :) Plus, I so cherish the pictures that your husband sent me of Tami during my seemingly endless visa wait.
Hey girl- you "know" me but I thought I'd say hi anyway. and one day we'll actually meet in person- I'm sure of it! ;)
PS- I agree; it is kind of crazy to see several hundred hits and only 1 or 2 comments. Makes one curious. I've had hits from as far as West Africa, Ethiopia, Japan, Jamaica, and Abu Dabi. um- hello????!?!
Oh, so you know I check your blog pretty consistently...shoot, thought I could do it quietly(smile), no, really..was introduced to your blog through your Mother-in-law and have been hooked, blessed, encouraged, humored etc, ever since. Thanks for taking the time to share....you do it so well...and as our kids also are walking the adoption journey, my interest is keen. Karen (beach house lady)
I used to work with Ryan O., who posted your blog to his facebook the day you were leaving for Ethiopia. I was curious and clicked... then clicked to the blogs you link to... and now have about 15 international adoption blogs in my feed reader and am planting the adoption seed in my fiance's head. And Noemi takes "cute" to staggering new heights. It feels good to come out of stalkerdom! (I also grew up in Lancaster County!)
I'm also a rookie white mama, still waiting to be united with my daughter waiting in Ethiopia. I've loved following along on your journey, it helps me feel like I'll make it through whatever comes my way this year. Thanks for blogging! ~steph
I'm Kim... I'm friends with the Bitner's. I first checked out your blog simply because Rachel was telling me how darn cute your daughter was! I instantly loved your writing and insight on religion and parenting. I'm the mom of two boys who keep me busy. I keep hoping that you become a novelist... not that I have much time to read these days!
I follow your blog! Of course we have the commonality of Ethiopian children...more importantly, you're a good writer and I'm always interested to see what Noemi is up to! :)
Katie Nester
www.fredericknesters.blogspot.com
My name is Shauna and well your hubby did our pics at my wedding oh some 9 years ago but I am also buds with your bud Lisa, who told me about your blog when you were adopting your cutie. so I like to peek in from time to time, see how it is going. you have a beautiful raw, honest way of telling us about your life.the good bad and the ugly. thank you. Shauna Miller.
Wow--I am overwhelmed with gratitude--and excited to check out all of your blogs and/or try to contact each of you (in time--look at all of these responses)!
thank you!
You know I'm here... frequently. Never get one of those tracker things so that you know how often I come on....
Julie...I read because yearly family reunions are just not enough to catch up and you tell such a beautiful story. I also enjoy writing and even started a blog about my recent struggles but so far I've kept it set to invited readers only because I'm still to chicken to go public! I'll have to invite you. You're a beautiful person, Julie! Love you!
I remember vividly the first time I read and really thought - hey I am coming back to THIS blog again! It was the night you prayed over Noemi's crib. It really stuck with me. Now I sort of take liberties and think of you, Morgan and Rachael as a little support circle. (I like groups of four.) :)
Amanda
Hi :) I'm Mary and I "check in" occasionally. Rachael Oren is my sister-in-law's sister. I follow Rachael's blog and it led me to yours. We are just beginning the adoption process, most likely from foster care but we aren't sure exactly where God will lead! The first post of yours I read was when you were going thru a rough patch with Noemi and made some joke about being stressed and switching from wine to vodka. I just loved your honesty (and sense of humor!) I have two boys, one of who has mild autisim and some days in our house are REALLY bad. Some are REALLY good...but I often struggle to relate to many of my "mom" friends with "typical" children and their experiences. Your blog is encouraging to me. Thank you for your openess and honesty. Also, Noemi is one of the beautiful children I have ever seen..no joke! -Mary
I'm Carrie. I found your blog through other AAI family blogs when my husband and I started the process to adopt from Ethiopia and somehow I always keep coming back to it. I think it was the pictures of your gorgeous daughter! We are still waiting for a referral. We have been expecting to get a referral for a boy because we didn't have a preference...but since we've submitted our dossier we have adopted two boys domestically. Now we're pretty sure we're going to wait for a girl.
I love your honesty in describing the ups and downs of adopting a toddler.
P.S. I also follow the Oren's blog and I plan on virtually attending Mekonen and Noemi's wedding someday. ;)
Hi Julie,
I'm Melissa, Bev Wilson's sister, and am related to your husband, Donovan. I love reading your blog because you are so honest about the ups and downs of parenting. I know you love your daughter fiercely, but I also know it is sometimes a struggle. I get that, and I value reading about that from other parents who honestly understand what it means to really wrestle with parenting. My son, Ethan, is autistic and while we are walking different journeys with our children, I get the times you write about feeling overwhelmed but also the times where you feel humbled and so in love with your child. I also love the cute child pics, and I guess I haven't commented because I don't really "know" you, but I love checking in on you guys and seeing how things are going. I was actually worried at the beginning of your post that you were going to say you're quitting blogging. I was feeling kind of panicked because I would say I check your blog at least once a week!
Some relative told me to check your blog. I have a 16 month daughter (domestic adoption). I poo-pood the idea of reading an adoption blog because to me the bigger issue is PARENTING (not race or adoption per se)... but I like your writing and photography and I read because your parenting insights interest me. And as my kid gets older, I might try the Mr. Noodle Halloween costume. That post made me laugh, since I see Mr. Noodle daily.
I'm an adoptive sister - my sister is from India. I love,love, love a good adoption story and I don't mean good in the sense that everything is peachy the whole way through. I mean that it's good in an intense love kind of way. Adoption has been one of the best parts of my life. I found you through a Yutzy blog referral, and I'm Beth from Maryland.
Hi
My name is Sharon. I came across your blog accidentally. I think someone linked it in an adoption question on mamasource.com, back when you were still in the process.
It was oddly exciting to me when I saw on your blog that you live in Lancaster County. I live in Delaware County, and have family in and from Lancaster County.
Even before reading your blog, I had a deep seated feeling that somewhere there is a child waiting for me. I don't know why, I don't know where, when or how, but I just know. I have 3 bio kids who are 6, 3 and 2 so now is definitely not the when...
I have so enjoyed watching your Noemi grow and take very seriously your struggles, how deeply to love and be loved in the midst of such tragedy for God's littlest people. I sometimes question if I really could give what these children need.
Besides all of that, who can resist the cute pictures! ( My favorite is the "sunblock" photo shoot!
Happy New Year
Sharon Pinto
I read because I love you guys! I hope you are all well.
Julie,
We know each other from our play dates and Lancaster adoption community. I always check in with your family even though I don't always write in. You have made your blog so honest and you have a beatiful writing style. I also blog, but leave out the deepest feelings due to my public role at school. Please keep up the great work. It matters!
Take care,
Linda
I am your old neighbor and boy do I miss seeing you and that beautiful Noemi everyday!I started reading your blog as you waited and prepared. I still smile when I think of me banging on your door the night you posted about your referral for your little love. I was filled with joy for you and hope I didn't overstep. I keep reading because I have been so impressed by your honesty but most of all your faith. It moves me that you are able to believe even when the days are long and rough. Your love shines through in your writing. You remind me to not take my kids for granted. You also have a heck of a sense of humor and a true gift for writing. You should definitely consider writing a book my friend, seriously.
My name is Terra Castro. I feel called to adopt from Ethiopia. I love your honesty and the journey you share. I am a professional ironman triathlete and not sure how I could do it all. But reading the blogs help me see the great calling is SO WORTH IT.
Praying for you. Keep up being a super mommy.
Terra
terracastro.blogspot.com
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