The Plodding, I mean Blogging

I've been writing here for almost three years now. I've written a lot about adoption, a lot about parenting, a lot about our move to Australia, just a lot about my life from my perspective, really.

When I started writing, the adoption blog world was a pretty small place. I knew my way around and I felt like I had a finger on the pulse of what was going on. At this point there are so many people blogging about adoption, that there is no way I can keep track anymore. I would love to be able to read tons of blogs and comment on them, and be part of the big discussion, but I can't. I have two little kids that keep me very, very busy.

In addition to the blog world exploding, the issues that are salient to me have changed, as my children grow. I also find that being outside of the U.S., I feel less compelled to really be a part of the American adoption system. Fighting for reform, writing representatives, raising awareness...it's all so far away.

I find that since moving here, adoption is less a part of my life for several reasons: adoption is so rare here that people don't have misconceptions and opinions about adoption. They ask me sincere questions and have no point of reference. In Nashville everyone had their ideas about adoption from Lifetime movies, and their sister's cousin's adoption experience that they projected onto our family. I was always against the current, trying to educate in a strong stream of misinformation.

Also, since we have had to lay adoption down completely at this point (fully intending to adopt again as soon as we are in a position to do so), I am less inclined to stay on top of what is happening in the adoption world, knowing that it will all have changed again by the time it is relevant to us.

I still value this as a place to come and release my thoughts, but I confess I start to lose my voice when I think no one is listening. This isn't a journal, after all. It is public, it is a monologue that requests a response.

My baby will be here in two and a half weeks, or less. Then I will have even less time to read and comment, and to write. My life will be filled with sleepless nights, adornment in the form of spit up, and nursing. Teething, first foods, crawling...I've written about it all before. Twice.

I'm not sure which direction this blog will take in the next season. I won't close it, as I appreciate my ability to come here and write. At the same time, I don't really know what I'll have to say, or how often I'll come to say it. I don't know who is reading here these days, or what they are coming for. I'll take it one step at a time and see what grows.

Comments

[Mayhem]

Thanks for writing when you do. Of course you'll be extra super busy once the baby is born, but I'm planning on hanging around to read whatever you're available to write!

I know it's hard to write anything sometimes, and especially adoption related stuff. I appreciated what you wrote a few days ago about being uneasy with the "fate/God intended you for us" idea. I didn't comment at the time because I wasn't sure what to say other than, "Yeah, I'm not sure about that either." But just so you know, I love reading how you think over that kind of issue. And just hearing about your life and family in general is fun too.

Best wishes for your delivery and the adjustment to being a family of five!

[caro.d]

Im reading!! I love how you articulate your thoughts and feelings on whatEVER topic. Its my one sided cup of tea with you!

I can't believe its only 2-1/2weeks until he is here! Technically any day now right?

I miss you terribly. Im still scheming, though right now, my perfect timing probably puts me right in the middle of your crazy Aussie summer! We shall see! I will not give up!

though this blog may be quiet for a while, I am sure you will have new things to say! Whether about parenting or other observations!

[quietstream]

Ditto to caro's "one-sided cup of tea with you" sentiments, and I look forward to those tea times as if they were my favorite triple creamy spice chai latte's!! Of course there will be lags and evolutions, but I vote 10X for continuing to sharing your "journal" (yes, I know it's public, but you have a way of unpacking thoughts with words that feels very personal) with all of us who love being allowed peeks into what is happening both in your home, in your head and in your heart. THANKS for the three years you've given us.

[Lori]

I'm still a regular reader. Although I don't know of anything that's actually "regular" in my life right now. I'll often go a couple weeks without reading and then read three or four in a row. I love how your experiences have shaped my life and my perceptions. You do have a way of unpacking thoughts with words that feels very personal. I couldn't have said it better, so I won't try. :0) I love reading your stuff. LOVE IT.

[Doke]

I am a one-sided 'voyeur' as well! As an excellent author you give me a chance to peek into your heart! Thank you for letting me know you! And even if you would write about nothing, I would enjoy your writing-skill! Love you!

[cloudscome]

I am thinking about you a lot these days and wondering how you are doing. I will always be reading, as long as you are writing! Take care my friend.