The Daily Hailey

I only realized it a couple of days ago, but today will be my 500th post!!! I cannot believe this blog has gone as long as it has. I can’t believe I enjoy it as much as I do. I thought for sure I would drop off the map once I ran out of things to talk about, but those of you who know me outside of this blog know I can talk. A lot. So maybe you guys knew. Reading back to my very first post, I am proud to say that I have accomplished what I came for!! I have not missed a day, unless you count the days that the posts ended up coming in after midnight. I’ve used the blog as an outlet, to release verbal diarrhea once in a while, and to get advice from readers. And I certainly have recorded many, many memories on it. I’ve loved having you guys along for the ride. I even know of one or two of you that have read every single post from day one, and that just thrills me.

I’d like to let you guys in on a little secret, since you’re all a part of my life now. The real reason I started blogging. Brady and I were trying to get pregnant, and it wasn’t working. We were horribly discouraged, but it was worse for me. I know there are women out there who can relate to that feeling. While no one is pointing fingers or placing blame, I felt like I was somehow failing in my responsibility to be able to carry a child again. I decided to start blogging in an effort to focus on other things, and not just write off 2012 as a year of failure. It worked. I don’t claim that every post has been incredible, or deep, or even interesting, but c’mon! Who can say that every day of their life is a wild, crazy, unpredictable event? Not me, and I’m glad! I have many beautiful memories from 2012.

In the last 500 days, a lot has happened! You’ve seen both of Dekker’s birthday parties, and been excited as he’s started walking, talking, and generally growing up. You’ve been with me while I’ve tried to figure out parenting for my very first time! You’ve celebrated anniversaries with Brady and I, and gone on trips and to concerts with us. You’ve been at our Christmas. You’ve supported me like crazy in my crocheting, and made me feel like a real artist instead of just a shut-in with a ball of yarn. You’ve tried recipes that I’ve recommended, and given me others to try. You were with us through a spell of having no water, and then contaminated water, and then a flood. When I did get pregnant the second time, but hadn’t made the news public, you guys toughed out those two or three months of the worlds more BORING posts! And when I did tell you finally, you celebrated with me and warmed my heart! You gave advice and prayer while I struggled with mounting anxiety, and even though it was through the computer, you guys listened. You’ve been with our family when Dekker’s eyes started crossing, and you followed us to doctors appointment after doctors appointment. You kept me level. You guys just showed up and encouraged me constantly, and I feel like my friendships with a lot of you have grown. Not only do I feel like I’ve made myself fairly vulnerable, but many of you have opened up to me as well. You guys were with me through my entire pregnancy, and were the BEST SUPPORT I could have asked for those days that I went overdue. Now, you’ve been through a labor and delivery with me. I never expected the feedback from Laela’s birth story that I got. I felt loved, and that you guys were and continue to be interested in our lives.

I’m so excited for the next leg of this journey, and I hope you guys are on board for more. I still have tons of lessons to learn, and new things to try, and I could really use the backup. I’m back at square one with a newborn so I’m gonna need to be reminded of what in the world I’m supposed to do with this kid! Plus, Christmas is around the corner and I need some projects to get my hands on. And ideas of traditions to start with my kidlets. Please stay on my bandwagon! I can promise lots of new and exciting things are still coming! We expect Bradys business will grow pretty significantly in the coming months. We’re hoping to move in the next year or two. We’re still hoping for more kids eventually. It isn’t going to slow down. However, please expect lots of mistakes, emotions, pj days, and failed desserts. Babies, belly laughs, and burnt toast. Thats us.

So. Here’s to another 500 posts, and to the loyal readers!! *lifts glass* Cheers!!

Gulp.