Eleven Months Longer Than The Mom Thought We'd Last

Put on something nice, grab a jacket, and let's go. I'm taking you out to dinner. Yes, you. C'mon.

It's our blogiversary.

You deserve something nice, something really special, so you know what I did? I stopped by that store, you know, the one you like so much, and I bought that necklace you've had your eye on. I know, I know, but I already bought it. I bought it and I threw away the receipt so you can't make me take it back. You deserve it.

Yes, you. You who read me day after day. You who comment when something tickles your fancy. You who lurk endlessly without so much as a hello. You who have read from the beginning and you who who found me today. You who write me with advice, and you who don't. Especially you who don't.

There were times when I didn't think we'd make it, and to be honest, as I peruse my archives, there were times when you had every right to leave. But I was new at this thing called blogging and I guess you sensed that and you forgave, and continue to forgive, my occasional missteps.

Many days I feel this little site is about to go belly-up, that if I can't come up with something out-of-the-park clever to say, then you won't come back tomorrow. I sit down on the floor of the twins' room as they nap, laptop warm on my thighs, and I fight the urge to pull the plug on us, so that I no longer feel you looking over my shoulder, wondering where the funny is, or I hear you counting the days since my last post, feeling that with each new day I had better be that much more riotous when I come back.

And then other days it all just comes together, like magic. Usually those days involve poop. But not always. Okay, always.

Still, we've had some wacky times. Like when my oldest daughter accidentally locked herself in your bathroom. Or when we met in New York City to take pictures of our shoes. Or when the New York Times linked to me by accident, or Time Out Kids took away my third child, or PrimeTime Live filmed me looking like an ass. There was the time when you introduced yourself at that store in Montclair and we stared at each other for a few minutes, neither of us knowing what to say next. Or when you sent me coffee because I had forgotten to buy my own. And I know I'll keep this site going just so I can add more of you to my list of yous. Because, really, and I mean this sincerely, with no tongue firmly planted in any cheek, it is because of you that I write.

So put your new necklace on and let's hit the town. You look great.

Unless you're a dude.

Or maybe even if. Send a picture and we'll see.

Comments

[tori]

Hi~ I've been lurking around for a few months now, but cannot believe I'm actually leaving you a comment. Well, I have enjoyed reading about your adventures or misadventures and just wanted to say Thank You. Thank You for saying what the majority of us of who stay home with our kids are thinking.

[WoodhouseFamily5]

Thanks for the blog. I feel the same way about my blog. Yours being more witty and entertaining them of course. You are inspiring me to not take things so serious and laugh at myself alot more. WHEWWWWW!!!!

Keep blogging!

[Gdada]

The banner demonstrates that the Rose(Little Bear or Kate) will set an example for her sisters through life. See, this is how it is done!

[birchsprite]

I'm a lurker.... sob

[Petunia]

Happy Blogiversary! I knew you'd make it (if you could find the time to keep at it, that is!) I've enjoyed it all, LD, practically from the beginning.

[Susannah]

thank you for making me laugh out loud -- often! Happy Blogiversary!

[Anne Prince]

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

[Amy]

One year! Clearly you haven't yet caught your kids' attention span--well done. Congratulations, and no pressure on the being funny. We'll read you anyway. OK, no, we won't, I'm lying, but you can't help being funny, so no worries.

[Swamper]

I'm not a lurker, but sometimes you probably wish I were. Happy blogiversary.

[Carolyn]

You always know just how to make me feel special, The Dad! And even though I said, "Don't buy me that necklace, it's too expensive," I'm so glad you did! I'm all a-twitter!

You're my first stop in the morning. It used to be James Lileks, but he's second now. (Let's just keep that between us though. I don't want him to be upset with me--he might be thinking of buying me earrings to go with the necklace.)

Rock on, The Writing Dad!

[Metoo]

Delurking here, too! I don't have twins, I'm not a SAHM - I'm a working mother of two older (8 and 12) kids. I read LD (at work - shhhh!) because some things about parenting are universal - and you're just so damn funny.
I think for your blogiversary, we should have a favorite entry contest. Hands down for me was the Dunkin' Donuts story.... I am STILL laughing over that one...

[The Mom]

Guess what? The Dad bought me an actual necklace AND earrings to celebrate his blogiversary. They are beyond gorgeous. As I was showing off my gifts at work this morning one of my coworkers said this about The Dad: "He's so great--intelligent, funny, a talented writer, buys you jewelry, and is even cute. Don't tell my husband I said that!" So even though he described me as a beached whale in this blog I am happy that he's blogging and even happier that he's mine, although I share him with all of you.

[Tammy]

Aren't we supposed to be the ones buying you the presents, The Dad? Expensive (but exceedingly platonic) presents?

[Shiri]

Mazal Tov, The Dad! Happy Blogiversary!

I should tell you, at this special occasion, that yours is one of the few blogs that make me go "yay" when I see a new update in my rss reader. Thank you, for un-dulling so many minutes.

[Amber]

hoping for at least 11 more months. please?!?!

you are my favorite. ever.

[Nicole]

Happy Blogiversary! I thank my god every day that Alice linked to you. (What? Too strong?)

[Diane]

Happy blogiversary indeed! Blog on, The Dad, blog on!

[KD]

I am a lurker too...keep on writing!

[Marianne]

Pffft. I enjoy your blog whether or not it's amusing and I imagine others must as well, so don't worry about it. Thanks for the necklace; now I'll have to find a time to wear it where two little sets of hands can't yank it off my neck.

[Amy the Mom]

Like others, I'm eternally grateful to Alice for outing you. Love, love, love your blog, and I really love how you've captured the essence of the blogging experience(and effort) with this post.

Happy Anniversary-here's to many, many more!

[LauraC]

Happy Blogiversary!

I keep coming back because even when the current post sucks, there's always the archives.

(Kidding of course, everything you write is hilarious but incredibly frightening to me as my twins are 15 months old. Apparently my future does not appear to be any easier than my present.)

[Polly]

It couldn't happen to a nicer guy! Man, if I had any idea where to send it (other than Greater NJ), I'd send you a really pretty tie, or fancy leather key fob, or a George Foreman grill.

You hit it (whether it's the funny or anything else) out of the ballpark every time you're up to bat, more consistently than most writers I read, whether they're pro, semi-pro, or pro-bono. If I had a spare C-note lying around the house, I think I'd have to settle on this as your blogiversary giftie, for the symbolism (note that I finally have the team right): .

As other folks up above me here have said, you remind us of the mirth bubbling just under the surface of everyday life with kids (or erupting in an Old Faithful column and splattering the entire house). In doing so, you help make our everyday lives more liveable.

Your wit is equalled only by your abundantly evident love, and I'm grateful for both. May you let us keep walking mile after mile in your shoes, and may the tread hold out 'til the last twin is off to the last college.

PS I'm with Metoo: we need a "favorite post" contest! You will be flooded with comments; we'll never be able to agree; it'll take us another 11 months to whittle the list down to 25! Yay!

[Polly]

O heavens I did it again. Almost topped your word count with the dang comment. But a paean to your writerly prowess! So inspirational! Plus, TypeKey axed my link, so the "Mounted Memories" commemorative Mets bat didn't make the cut. Here it is for your viewing pleasure: http://shop.mlb.com/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-1761233dt.jpg. Since viewing online may be the closest we'll get. 'Til the next East Coast junket.

[Polly]

PSS Did I mention another of your priceless qualities? Brevity? You know, the soul of wit?

Signed,
Soulless.

[Linda]

Can't tell you enough how much I enjoy your blog - it is looked-forward-to daily reading, one of a very narrow few to rate that highly! Love your writing, love your perspectives, love what I can tell of the way you parent. Congratulations and thank you. Outstanding.