Thursday, December 3, 2009

Roll Call

While visiting with Sarah earlier today, part of our conversation was about this post. I actually wrote the following on 11.20.08 and never published it. This is one of a handful of posts I have saved as a draft that have never been published. I have no clue why I never posted them. But, for one reason or another, I didn't. So, I thought it would be fun to dig through the archives, find this lost post and finally share it. I thought this would be fun to do last year. I still think it will be fun so I am gonna take the plunge and do it...

"There is a phenomenon in Blogland that we all talk about. Most of us even admit we do it. Are you starting to feel a bit flushed? If you are, then you are probably guilty. BLOG STALKING!!! Oh yea...you know what I am talking about!! And please know I am as guilty of stalking as the next person. As a matter of fact, I subscribe to 28 blogs on Google reader. Of those 28, I personally know 11 of the "blog authors." The rest are complete strangers, who live in unknown locations. I have commented on 4 of the strangers blogs and have even referred you to one. (And I don't even think I have commented on that one. I thought about asking them if it was okay to reference them but chickened out for whatever reason?!??!?!) There are probably 10 or more blogs I stalk regularly but have refrained from subscribing to them in an attempt to make myself feel like less of a stalker.

I never even thought about this idea until I read this. Hilarious!! I felt the guilt so I had to break down and leave my first comment that day. What freedom I have felt to comment away on their blog since that post! Yet, I still don't comment on most others. Why must we follow in silence? Why am I afraid to let someone know I follow their story? Why do I follow the blogs of people I don't even know?

I won't name any names, but A.W. and H.M. are two self-admitted stalkers of my blog and I have emails to prove it!!! There are a few others I have heard of through the grapevine! Soooo, I was just wondering if there are any more faithful stalkers...I mean followers out there that are brave enough to admit it! I thought it would be fun to dare you to leave a comment! I know there are several people who can't seem to figure out how to leave a comment, N.K. being one of them. Then there are others who finally figure it out...after setting up 3 accounts and nearly cursed ME as if I was to blame!! (R.P.W and no, the "R" does not stand for redneck, but could!!! :) ) Anyway, you have freedom to make your presence known today!"

Okay, there it is! I posted it. Now, all you have to do is comment. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear from EVERYBODY who reads this!!! Even if you have posted in the past. Even if you are related. Even if you are my closest friend. Even if you are a complete stranger!!! Hey, you can even make it really fun and tell me how you found my blog and a little tidbit about yourself!! Maybe I will even have a random giveaway...okay...maybe not.

"Stalk no more", I say!!! Fess up and follow freely!!!!!!!!

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

OK, here goes! Danielle, I started reading your blog when I was told about it during your first two pregnancies. Since you and Blake were so dear to our family in so many ways, it was a way to stay informed and be able to pray for you during all that you encountered without having to constantly call and bother you with
details of your situation as we knew you had a wonderful support group there in Nashville. It was just a way to stay connected without having to intrude....we didn't have to ask.....you just told everyone on the blog what we needed to know. And I have LOVED
it to be able to ask my church and small group to pray for you too. You have had lots and lots of people rooting for your family now for several years! Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Love, Ginny, Dale, Casey, Kelly

Mel said...

I left a comment a few weeks ago, but I guess I'm still considered a blog stalker...I found yours from the Tuleys blog, but I'm stalking them too....from some mutual friends, the Hoods. Enjoy reading about how much you absolutely adore your little guy, I can totally relate. We have an almost 2 year old who rocks my world!

Melita said...

Danielle, I don't REALLY consider myself a blog stalker, but I guess "if the shoe fits, wear it" right??? I learned of your blog from your Mom, and I just like to keep up with how that cutie patootie of your is doing!!
Hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas.

Melita

KTL said...

Present! I assume you know I read your blog, but wanted to make my presence known. I too have been blessed by your stories and journey that you've shared here and I think whoever happens upon it for whatever reason will be or has been blessed also, so we keep reading! Love you!

kelly w said...

i'm always reading too! and enjoy seeing what your sweet little family is up to!!! hope you are enjoying your busy month! merry christmas!

Sarah said...

I love reading your blog and have loved posting with you over the month of November! But, I think by now you know that I am reading. :)

Sonja said...

My name is Sonja. You used to carry my snicker bars for me in middle school when I was on crutches. I follow your blog in case there is something we haven't covered in one of our 4-5 conversations a week. And I think Crosb is really cute and I like to look at him doing cute baby things.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I'm guilty! I have read your blog religiously since it was started with the girls. I enjoy getting to read up on Mr. Crosby and seeing his pictures too since I don't get to see him or you that often. Of course, I do check up with Blake most days at work and when I get those surprise visits from you and Crosby! I hope to see you before Christmas and his birthday are here....

Bree

Katie said...

You know I read your blog because I leave random comments about car seats and snot suckers.

partyoffivetn said...

Am I a stalker if I am a follower who doesn't leave comments often?...I do feel like one since we don't know each other...but I simply love keepig up with your little boy and giggle at the things he does wince my littlest boy is just 6 months behind him!!

Anonymous said...

oh what a year can do!!! i figured out this comment business, and i don't consider myself a "stalker" of you since i know you, but i am a STALKAHOLIC of others. isn't it crazy how we can all be connected through blogs? also, i have ended up stalking blogs that it turns out i know or are friends of friends...very random! goes to show what a small world we live in.
love ya. you'll have to add an extra letter on me now!!!
N.K.L. :)

Rachel said...

Hey Danielle!! You're so funny and cute. Not sure how I came across your blog, but I guess it was about a year ago. I was really touched by some of your posts and kept reading to keep up to date. So, now you know... I stalk your blog!!
Rachel (Melchiorre)

ABC said...

I'm a total stranger. I have never met you or any of your family (that I know of, but I live far away from you, so I think it's pretty safe to say I've never met any of your family) and you have no idea who I am. I found your blog through one of the blogs listed on your "blog list". That person I actually know, but only see one a year, at most, and we're definitely not good friends, more like acquaintances. So yes. I will have to confess to being a creepy blog stalker (I'm female, if that makes it any less creepy).

Greetings from the frozen north. Your creepy stalker.

PS: Crosby is adorable.

Anonymous said...

Well, Danielle, this is Angie (Stewart and Dharma's Angie)I am standing up to be counted!!! I AM a blog stalker I AM....I can even confess that I get disappointed when you dont post! Go figure...
I stalk your blog, and I enjoy it...so there, I said it!

Ashlee said...

I love that you posted this. I have been "stalking" you since the beginning. I think you know this by now. Jill told me about this when you started it. I was hooked from the beginning. It became a topic of conversation when I would go to Sue Carols to pick up monogramming! I have loved keeping up with him. He's a cutie! Now...where are Jill Bird and Ann?? I know they are regular stalkers.:)

Anonymous said...

Hey! I was referred to your blog through my college friend Shellie. She requested prayers on your behalf early in your pregnancy with Crosby. I've been hooked ever since. I just love reading about your adventures with him... he's such a cutie.
Heather in VA

Anonymous said...

I'm proud to be a blog stalker!! It's the only way I can keep up with sweet Crosby (and you & Blake, of course)! I first started keeping up with your blog when your brother (I think) set it up to keep family and friends updated while your were in the hospital with Caroline. Ever since I've been hooked! I've smiled, laughed, and cried from reading your posts. I must say, it has been a while since I have commented but I always take a glance when I get a chance! It fills the gaps since I don't get to talk to you much...much less see you all! Keep writing because I'll keep glancing! Love, Shelley

Anonymous said...

Well, Danielle,
I admitted to blog stalking you several weeks ago, but you might as well count me in again. :-) And now that we are friends on Facebook, I get to stalk you there too! HA! (just kidding... don't want to creep you out!)

-Brooke Bryan
Hattiesburg, MS

Because I'm the Mom... said...

I found your blog through "Moments in Motherhood" (another of my favorites, but I can count Kelly's family as long time family friends, so it seems a little less stalker-like). I actually remembered your name from when I did some babysitting for Kelly a long time ago in Meridian. Don't ask me how...I must have the brain of a stalker? I am definitely a stalker to your blog and a totally safe one, I swear. I love to follow along. In fact, I prayed and waited anxiously before your baby was born! I'll even sign in officially! Love your sweet blog!

Emily Herbert said...

I'm turning myself in!!& Had to think long and heard about turning myself in -HA!! Im Emily Herbert,i got your blog link frorm B.Gobble whom wanted my sister to have it, because she had micro preemie Greyson and B.G. wanted Kiley to see/read your experiences!So i of course took a peek @ the Blog too and have been hooked ever since.My husband Haley Herbert went to HS with you all and my good friend S.Gilliam openly follows your blog, but i realize you all dont know me therefore im a blog stalker. and i hope its okay that im looking??Our baby girl Taylor turned
1yr in Nov.I can relate to your Crosby Blogs! The sadness of the babies turning 1yr, the babies love for the staircase,remotes,cell ph. Wanting the perfect pumpkin photo-Ha!, Seeeking advice on xmas presents.ect.ect.So unless you ban me i will be peeking in on Sweet Crosby when i do my usual blog reading! And i hope all of us stalkers coming forward doesnt make you close shop!...Emily

Liz, Dave et al said...

Hello Danielle, i couldn't resist commenting this time! I don't think i have before. I found your blog just as Crosby was born, but can't remember how! I live a loooooong way away in UK. Crosby reminded me of my son, Oscar who was born premature (3lb8) 6 years ago. He had the same fine fine features. I hoped fervently he would thrive and i check back every so often! i'm sure though i'll never cross actual paths!
Do i get the most random award?!
Lizzie

Shellie Salza said...

Count me in!

Anonymous said...

Okay I'm admitting it... I stalk your blog... I am a friend of a friend and religously wake up Tuesday morning and with the cup of coffee wait to find out what happened with Crosby over the last week... Mondays with Crosby is like my Tuesday morning newspaper! Your story has touched every part of my heart and soul and pray only for the best for your family in the years to come. Sweet Crosby is a lucky little man to have parents with such an amazing faith and determination for life. Thank you for brightening my Tuesday mornings.
Leigh

Ashley said...

This post made me laugh out loud! I'm another blog stalker, checking-in! Rachel Williamson is my cousin and she posted something on her blog a long time ago, asking for prayer for you and sited your blog. I clicked on the link and have been checking in on you guys ever since! Am I one you referenced in your blog with initials A.W.? Just curious! Anyway, I have a baby boy just a few weeks behind Crosby. I love checking in and seeing what he is up to, usually the same things as my little guy! Oh- and I've seen you a few times in public, but never had the courage to introduce myself and confess to stalking your blog. LOL Have you ever checked mine out btw? Anyway, it's nice to "know" you too. :)

Mom said...

I am definitely a faithful stalker. I love reading and seeing the great pictures of Crosby and I agree with you that he is the most beautiful baby there is!! (I am not a prejudice grandmother.) You make me laugh at your great choice of words one minute, and cry with them in the next sentence. He is a true "miracle" from God and he WILL be 1 year old on the 29th. (I can't believe it either.) He has been such a blessing to our lives and am so glad that you are sharing them with everyone.
O.K. all you blog stalkers that I told about Danielle's blog. Fess up, I know who you are!!!
Keep the blog coming. I am hooked too.

Unknown said...

ofcourse, I am a faithful stalker and look forward to your update every week. I feel like I have gotten to watch Crosby grow from 0 to 1. Even though we don't see you often, I still feel connected. I love seeing the joy he has brought into your life. I love the name Crosby, since it is such a sweet connection to Nana. (I have never thought of myself as a stalker!)

Carla said...

Wow, you sure have a LOT of stalkers! LOL. I am proud to say that I do know you in real life. ;)
I am guilty of stalking other blogs though. Now I just need this many people to stalk my blog and maybe, just maybe, that would motivate me to actually get caught up on it!!!

Amy said...

I have met you on real life so not a stalker anymore!! You family is such a blessing and Crosby is a doll. Enjoy this Christmas. Your blog is such a blessing!

sethnbeth said...

Hi - I'm Beth - I don't know you, but I've been reading since you were on bedrest with Crosby. I don't remember how I found your blog, but it was probably through some friends in Nashville since my husband and I lived there 5 years ago before we moved back to Texas. I enjoy following your story and feel obligated to admit to my stalking :)

andee hart said...

Hi Danielle! I go to Otter Creek and know Justin and Katie. I have been following your blog since the middle of your pregnancy with Crosby and have been a huge fan of your family ever since. I really should find you and introduce myself at church sometime. I have prayed for you guys so many times and been blessed by your faith.

Andee Hart

Anonymous said...

Since it's roll call on blog stalking, I'll fess up too. My name is Laura Laney, and I have been reading your blog for about a year now. My mother (Jane Miller), who told me about your blog, taught at WMS with your mother. My son Hunter was born in August 2008, and I enjoy reading what other children around his age are doing. Once you get "hooked" on a blog, it's hard to stop reading, as you feel like you already know the person and their family. :)

Jill Fields said...

Here I am!!! Hey Guys! I have once again let a few weeks get by me before checking in! Ann Cortner has me pretty tied up these days...when I'm not working, I'm sleeping! This little rascal has me completely fried...mentally and physically!

Anyway, my story is that I've known Blake and Danielle pretty much my whole life and just love them to pieces, so now I get to "visit" with them pretty much wherever I have internet access...I love it! I, like most of you, have spent many emotional hours reading these posts, and embarrassingly, it's kind of cathartic for me. I can laugh and cry all in the privacy of my home or office and then feel so much better for knowing others feel the same way I do about these guys!

Thank you, Danielle, for letting us all have a view into your lives! I don't know about any other expectant mothers out there, but I am certainly taking LOTS of notes for all of you! XOXOXO!

Moriah said...

Whoops... I was kind of called out in the post right after this one... Even if it was indirect. I'm here and I read every post you write. :)

Jessica @ Food for Thought said...

It's true...I am a blog stalker--although you probably know that because I occasionally comment.

Your blog is the reason I created my first blog--I saw how honest and sincere you were and it moved me. I have since deleted that blog because I just couldn't think of anything to say- it was never as good as yours! :) But I've created one since then that's dealing with different life issues.

Monday's with Crosby is the first thing page I go to on Tuesday morning- I love reading about little Crosby and his adventures!