Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Pay It Forward

On this day last year, I started this blog. Happy Blogoversary to me! My intent was to document my journey toward motherhood. I wasn't even very sure if I would keep it up (I am not always great with follow through). I am amazed at myself because I not only kept writing, but this is my 200th post to boot!



Back then, I was starting my third IVF cycle and was full of hope that I might someday actually have a baby (or two).



Now, I have my two beautiful boys, Shawn and Jason. I am amazed at how privileged I am to have them in my life.



I have thought a lot about how I want to celebrate this occasion. And then I remembered...



Way back in September, while I was at the start of my confinement to bed rest, Confessions from a Rotten Correspondent had a post called "Paying It Forward." The premise for this post was taken from the novel of the same name by Catherine Ryan Hyde and the subsequent movie starring Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey. As RC put it,
"When someone does something nice for you in any way you don't pay that person
back, you "pay it forward" by doing something nice for another person. It's kind
of like the gift that keeps on giving."


I actually won RC's contest, so I do believe it is time for me to do my own "paying it forward."



What a perfect way to celebrate and acknowledge how much I appreciate all of the support, kind words, and friendship I have received from all of you!



So, here is what I am going to do. If you are interested in participating in my little celebration, just leave a comment at the end of this post. On Friday, I will put all of the names from the comments in a hat and draw out three lucky winners. Those winners will receive a hand made gift from yours truly...and you won't know what it will be until you receive it--it is a surprise, after all! That's it. No gimmicks. Nothing needed from you at all except a small, tiny, little comment.



Can't beat that, can you?



Okay, everyone. Hop to it. Leave me a comment, and let this game begin!
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27 comments:

  1. FrapperApril 15, 2008 at 8:22 PM

    I'm glad that Shawn's starting to enjoy eating and is gaining weight, and that Jason's doing well. You can tell from their adorable pictures how much they've each grown. I hope your return to work is a smooth one; I'm sure it'll seem like you haven't been gone after you're there a week or so. Have a great rest of the week!

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  2. AnonymousApril 15, 2008 at 8:42 PM

    I never read the book but loved the movie. I try to live my life by the paying it forward mentality. I thinks its fantastic especially when sometimes things you do for people you dont know them and they never could pay you back because they wouldnt know how to contact you or you know that they could never pay you back in the same way due to their circumstances whatever that may be. Most of the time the joy i get by just doing "the act" is enough payment for me. I'll participate. ISA

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  3. K J and the kidsApril 15, 2008 at 9:12 PM

    I didn't see any rules posted. Like enter as many times as you please ! I'm going to do that if that's ok. Keep entering in hopes that my 30 comments wins me a handmade gift :) ha ha

    Happy Blogiversary. Glad you stuck around !

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  4. NearlydawnApril 15, 2008 at 9:29 PM

    Here's my comment!!! BTW - I do the "pay it forward" thing. I love it when I make someone's day, don't you?

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  5. bennett baby blogApril 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM

    happy blogoversary! love the "pay it forward" idea. :)

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  6. JenApril 16, 2008 at 12:17 AM

    Happy bloggiversary! Great idea about a paying it forward "contest"!

    Jennifer

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  7. GeohdeApril 16, 2008 at 1:10 AM

    Happy blogoversary to yoo-ooouu.

    :)

    J

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  8. TopcatApril 16, 2008 at 3:06 AM

    Hey Stacie. Happy bloggie-versary to you!! What a year you've had.

    And happy birthday too, hope you and Isaac have a lovely time. xox

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  9. AnonymousApril 16, 2008 at 4:46 AM

    Hi Stacie, Your boys just get cuter by the day! Keep those pictures coming. Happy bloggiversary....I don't know how you find the time to do it all! Wishing you a peaceful and enjoyable return to work. Karen (and Kyla)

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  10. katdApril 16, 2008 at 5:10 AM

    I just found your blog through your comment on mine, and LOOK at your boys! :) They are amazing, and so are you! I love the idea of this contest. This community is pretty darn fantastic, isn't it? :)

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  11. KimboSueApril 16, 2008 at 6:05 AM

    Love the Pay It Forward concept. It's awesome and always makes me feel good. I'm in!

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  12. ME GregoryApril 16, 2008 at 6:07 AM

    I remember when you told us on the infertility thread that you were starting the blog. It is amazing it has been a whole year - who would've 'thunk it'! I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know you through all our struggles and be a part of the boys' birth and now with my little girl just 18 days away or less! Well, anyway - congrats on the one year and good luck with going back to work and shopping and construction projects...Is that enough stuff going on plus being a new mom? :-) You are amazing! Take care of yourself. Love, Meme G

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  13. AnonymousApril 16, 2008 at 7:09 AM

    You sound wonderful today, Stacie!

    Happy day...every day!!

    Cindy

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  14. JessApril 16, 2008 at 7:17 AM

    Happy blogoversary! I have really enjoyed reading your blog and am glad you stuck with it. Thanks!

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  15. Gemini GirlApril 16, 2008 at 7:59 AM

    Happy anniversary!

    I am so glad you stuck around. I am so glad we have been through this journey together. So glad your little one is eating better and that both are smiling!

    Mwaah!

    what is it that your making? cookies?

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  16. KatieApril 16, 2008 at 8:18 AM

    Happy Blogoversary!! So clad you are still blogging! Hug those beautiful babies for all of us out here in BLOG WORLD!

    Katie C.

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  17. singletraceyApril 16, 2008 at 8:45 AM

    Happy Blogoversary!!! Give them boys a hug from me.. and there is one for you two sweetie... you deserve it :-)

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  18. HelenApril 16, 2008 at 11:41 AM

    Happy blogiversary!

    As ever, I follow the progress of your boys and hope like mad for them :)

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  19. The Madeira TripletsApril 16, 2008 at 3:07 PM

    I'll play :D Happy blog-o-versary!! I'm so, so incredibly happy that I have gotten the chance to "meet" you online and that we've kept in touch, and there isn't a day that goes by that you're out of my thoughts and prayers. I'm continually wowed by your courage and determination, your generosity of spirit and your love. We're celebrating one year with you! Best always, Jody

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  20. CabaApril 16, 2008 at 6:21 PM

    Happy Blogaversary! Isn't it crazy how quickly the time flies?? I'm glad that I found your blog, and you decided to stick with your writing ... I love hearing about you and the boys, and to offer what support I can!

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  21. Kerry LynnApril 16, 2008 at 7:21 PM

    I can't believe what a journey you have had since last year.
    I'm definitely glad you stuck around!

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  22. AnonymousApril 16, 2008 at 8:03 PM

    stacie - as mentinoed in previous comments you have been an inspiration to me throughout my infertility / loss / now pregnancy journey. that is enough of a pay it forward for me, and knowing how much you've gone thru these last few months (and weeks!) i'd like to pay something forward to you - i don't know just HOW tiny you are but you look pretty thin in your pix - i used to be and still have my working wardrobe - if you are interested in any of it i could mail it to you. email me anytime at new.mercedes@gmail.com --- (take out the . after new) --- i admire your strength to keep on keepin' on - no matter how many obstacles are thrown your way! my best -- julie2007 (pregnancy-info.net friend)

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  23. SamApril 16, 2008 at 11:30 PM

    Pick me!!

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  24. the rotten correspondentApril 17, 2008 at 8:37 PM

    First of all, happy blogoversary AND 200th post! And on the same day, no less. Wow.

    And I hate to bring this up, because I SUCK, but did you notice that even though you won my Play it forward I never sent the gift??

    Do you see now where my screen name comes from??

    I still owe you!

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  25. NeenieApril 18, 2008 at 10:12 AM

    Pick Swim!

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  26. LeahApril 18, 2008 at 5:01 PM

    Happy Blogaversary. Mine is in a few weeks.

    I never read the book, but absolutely loved the movie and the idea. I still have such a clear picture in my head of little Haley Joel Osmond (sp?) drawing the pyramid picture out as to how it would work.

    I'm so sorry that Shawn is having issues again. And that your birthday isn't going to be so hot this year. Hopefully a year from now, all of this will be a distant memory!

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  27. Lollipop GoldsteinApril 18, 2008 at 6:14 PM

    Happy blogoversary, sweetie. And birthday to boot.

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