At this time last year I wrote a post about Mike and I going away for the weekend. At the time, I was too shy to say I was going to a blogging conference. This year, I am not. I’m going to BlogHer in Chicago. Mike is going to Chicago, too, although he won’t be going to the conference (he’ll be doing things like going to blues clubs, Cubs games, and rib joints).
I booked my trip to BlogHer way back in February, when my life was very different. Mike was going to stay home with Madeline and Rigby. After Maddie passed away, I knew I should still go to Chicago. It would be a great way to meet so many of the people who’ve supported us during our darkest days. But I knew I’d need Mike there for moral support, so we bought him a plane ticket.
I’m speaking at the conference in the Community Keynote. I’ll be reading a post from my blog, and I’m the last person scheduled. Which means that between my morning sickness and nerves, there is a VERY good chance I could vomit before I go on stage.
The whole weekend is going to be emotional. Mike and I haven’t been in an airport since March, when we took Madeline on her only plane rides. Another sad “first” for us to get through. Going to a city that we both love will be hard. We couldn’t wait to take Maddie there for her first deep dish pizza and to see a game at Wrigley Field.
I am really terrible at names and faces, so if you recognize me this weekend, please come introduce yourself (I’ll be the slightly bloated-looking girl clutching a ragged Abby Cadabby doll). But please, don’t tell me you’re sorry. I know you are. And don’t make the sad clown face. You know the one – where you make the sort of half smile, half frown while you tilt your head off to one side. I really hate that. I like to hug. It’s OK to touch my belly. Please don’t cry.
For the majority of you that are not going to BlogHer, I carry the hope that someday somehow I will meet each of you so that I can thank you, too, in person for all you’ve done for us. I don’t say enough how much all of your cards, comments, and emails help us. I have started to reply to emails, but I’m pretty backlogged. Please know, I still read EVERYTHING. Every comment, every email, every letter. I will be grateful to all of you for the rest of my life.
So for some of you, I’ll see you in Chicago. For the rest of you, I’ll see you here on the internet (my true home away from home).
{ 237 comments }
I wish I was going to BlogHer. I hope you enjoy your trip, Mike too. If I was there, I would give you a hug. ((Heather))
.-= InDueTime´s last blog ..To Give or Not To Give =-.
FIRST!
Sorry, had to do it!
.-= Nanette´s last blog ..You’re now free to Em about the cabin =-.
Dah! First FAIL.
I was just thinking that we met for the first time IRL a year ago. It’s my Spohr-iversary! How funny that we live so close and yet traveled to San Fran to actually meet each other.
Maddie will be there to get you through your keynote. And she’ll probably be chomping on a deep dish while she’s nodding her approval.
.-= Nanette´s last blog ..You’re now free to Em about the cabin =-.
I’m mostly bummed I cant get you drizzzunk this weekend. But now I’m just jealous of Mike and his blues clubs.
Oh! I get to hug you in a few hours. AWESOME.
.-= Miss´s last blog ..The One About Blogher09 =-.
I’m so proud of you, Heather. I hope BH helps the healing along a leeeetle bit. I’ll be thinking of you & Binky the next four days as I begin my journey to help women; a journey I wasn’t brave enough to begin until Maddie came into my life. I’m wearing a purple pendant every day, and I am going to get that wrist-ink touch up I mentioned to you with a tiny purple flower.
I love you, sending love to Mike & Rigby too…
xo, kristeneileen
I wish I could be at BlogHer for many reasons, one of them, to see you speak at your Keynote. I also hope to mean you one day, if only just to hug the stuffing out of you (I’m European, believe me, it CAN be done. I promise I’ll keep my head straight too. Good luck and a safe trip for the both of your. All the best!! Maria
.-= Maria @BOREDmommy´s last blog ..Birthday Girl =-.
Have a great time! Wish I could be there to meet all you lovely people in person. Maybe next year….
.-= Jewels´s last blog ..Letters =-.
Woot!! Chicago is waiting for you – BlogHer is waiting for you – and there will be good!!
p.s. can’t remember if you go right before or after me on BTR on Sat – either way? If not before, I’ll see ya there!
.-= Lucretia Pruitt´s last blog ..My New Gig =-.
Yeesh, I thought I was the only one to make that stupid, sad-clown face. I promise I don’t do it on purpose!
Have a wonderful time at BlogHer. I hope they’ll post your speech so that those of us who aren’t going can cry our eyes out at home (where you won’t be able to see our sad-clown faces!) <3
.-= A N N A´s last blog ..In Memory of Magnificent Madeline =-.
Awwww man! I want to go to blogher just to hug you!!!
I hope you guys have a wonderful trip!! And I’m hoping no one does the half-smile/half-frown head tip for ya.
.-= Melody´s last blog ..Fat Cyclist =-.
Ok, this is my first time leaving a comment for you, so i’m 25 and i don’t have a baby although i have a niece and a nephew. I read your blog everyday and i think you are incredibly brave. I wish i was going to BlogHer so i could tell you that in person and to give you a hug and wish you and Mike all the best for the future and for the birth of you next baby.
Good luck with your pregnancy and the birth and i know that at times things must be incredibly hard for you but for what it’s worth i think you are both very brave.
xx
P.S i am from Australia
Commenting from my BB so hoping it works.
I love that you know just what to say and how to say it. No sorries, head tilts or clown faces from me, I promise.
OOOOoooohhhh…and I get to hug you in 8 hours! Woot!
I wish I could be there! I would so love to meet you and Meghan and all the wonderful women whose blogs I read, who let me share their worlds a little. I hope you have a great time.
.-= Kate in NZ´s last blog ..Sibling contempt =-.
BlogHer needs to come to Australia next year. And if it does, I will put you up – with both of our new babies, born out of such great tragedies.
I know what you mean about getting the sad faces. And I know what you mean about finding it hard with people crying in front of you.
If I could come to Chicago, I would hug you Heather.
You’re amazing. From one grieving mother, to another.
xo
.-= Sally´s last blog ..On gender and names =-.
Hope you have an excellent trip and feel well by the time you speak!!!
Take care of yourself and Binky!!!
Anna
You will, of course, ROCK for your presentation. I’m sorry that I won’t be there to see you. You are an inspiration, nevertheless.
Hope you enjoy the conference, get lots of hugs, and get to eat the deep dish for Maddie. She will be with you. She always will.
Love and hugs
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Bubblewrap heaven =-.
O buggers, I wished I could come to Chicago to see you. But then it is a bit of a long haul from UK to USA.
Have a GREAT time there, I am sure Pioneer Woman will be there too, two reasons for me to say darn it, can’t go.
Meet up with lots of happy people, and let some of their happiness rub off on you…
It’s an order: Try to have fun! Try… try…
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Living with the dead… =-.
Have fun in Chicago! Good luck on your speech, and hope there are lots of good times to be had!
.-= KellyMc´s last blog ..Oh No She Di-int =-.
In my area of the country! I’m just a little north of where you’ll be….have a great time!
Have a wonderful time in Chicago!
Have a great time and best of luck on your speech! (If you puked on stage you’d be a BlogHer legend…)
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Whatever Works =-.
Good luck in Chicago! I hope you have a wonderful time and everyone acts normal (without the dopey faces or apologies)…
Have fun and dont forget the camera and video! We want to see piccies!!
I’m proud of you and I’m glad you’re going. Wish I was going too. It’d be lovely to finally meet you.
I hope you’ll post a link to your presentation like Matt did from the widows conference. I like having a voice to match the words! You will be awesome. Can’t wait to hear it!
trying to find Matt’s link, I missed it, on vacation. Do you have it. Thanks.
So jealous! Enjoy the conference, you’ll do great! Ditto what Sunnywalk said about posting like Matt for those of us unable to attend. Until then sending warm wishes and prayers for safe travels for you, Mike and “Binky.”
Heather I really really really hope you will go to BlogHer next year – as soon as they announce where it is, I’m booking my ticket. Realz.
I’ve had a looot of sad-clown faces in my time … even now. Then I triumphantly tell them he’s in remission, and they look MORE WORRIED. I don’t get it.
Take care of my Jew-Fro peep Maya.
And good luck speaking …. I know you will talk beautifully. I expect there to be looong lines of people wanting to give you a hug.
XOX
.-= eden´s last blog ..The Lesson =-.
I hope you have a wonderful trip. xo from CT,
Amanda
I hope I get to meet you, and I vow not to make the sad clown face. I know exactly the one you mean because I make it all the time by accident. But I will NOT to you. Best of luck!
Unfortunately, I’m not going to Blogher this year. I hope your speech goes really well! And I’ll be thinking of you and Mike as you go through this next set of sad firsts when you travel to Chicago.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Before and After =-.
I hope you (and Mike) have a lovely time at BlogHer, Heather, it sounds like an amazing event. Too bad I’m not there, I’d love to meet you. Maybe next May when I attend a conference in LA in May — I could catch a glimpse of the next great Spohr!
I hope you have a wonderful time, with more smiles than tears. And I hope I get to meet you one day!
xoxo
.-= dysfunctional mom´s last blog ..On BlogHer, Babies, Boobs, and Breaks =-.
I am giving you an internet hug.
(((hug)))
Isnt that how you do it?
Anyhow, i hope you and Mike have a safe trip! ooxx
.-= jen´s last blog ..picture perfect. =-.
I hope you have a wonderful time – and that even if it’s brief, there’s a portion that is more sweet than bitter.
Have a great time! Wish I were there to meet you!!
.-= Pgoodness´s last blog ..Meh =-.
I’m on my way to Chicago now! Can’t wait to meet you and give you a big hug.I’m one of those peeps who wears her emotions on her sleeve/forehead. I promise to do my best to avoid anything resembling a clown face. Thanks for telling us how to greet you.
((hugs!))
I wish I was going to BlogHer! I will definitely go next year! I just love Chicago and the pizza and cheese popcorn! I hope you bring your purple Maddie rhinestone sparkle flip flops with you!
She’ll be there with you every second of every day giving you strength and guidance 
Dana
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Sun, Jul 19, 2009 =-.
Have a great time in Chicago! I will be thinking about you. Wish I could meet you. I love how you articulate your needs ahead of time so your readers know where you are at. Enjoy~
Ah, I knew the event was coming up, everyone is abuzz about it, and was SO hoping you were going to go. I know it will be tough, but WOW.. you just keep working through those tough things with your inherent strength, no matter if you feel so terrible inside.
Good luck, I wish I was going so I could hug you (but then I’d be scared to disappoint you if I fell into one of those traps you mentioned above – face, tears, etc..) So, I’ll sit here and wait for your recount of the event, pray for your continued strength, and be grateful for all the love that will be rightfully poured on you.
Be well in Chicago. I hope whatever morning sickness or nausea you’ve experienced abates enough to enjoy a pizza or two.
.-= Christine´s last blog ..Titles =-.
Awesome awesome awesome! Looking forward to meeting you IRL
.-= Kat C/fickle feline´s last blog ..BlogHer? I Hardly Know Her. =-.
I sent a FB message to another blogger (banteringblonde), who is a sorority sister of mine from Vanderbilt. She is going (I am not) so be on the lookout for her, as I asked her to seek you out as well.
Have a great time, hope someone tapes and posts your speech, would be awesome to hear your voice read your words. You will be an awesome inspiration to everyone in the room (as you are to all of us online)!! Maddie and Binky will be there with you every step of the way.
Break a leg! I hope to get the honor of meeting you someday, as you have done so much for me, my hubby and children. Jenn in Atlanta
I won’t be at BlogHer, but I will make a note to stop typing “sorry.” And also to stop making the sad clown face while I type it.
heh.
Have a BLAST in Chicago, have some deep dish and a great time with the girls (and Mike) and if you do vomit, just try not to do it in your lap and you’ll be fine.
.-= chatty cricket´s last blog ..reading is fundamental =-.
My favorite city; and summer is such a glorious time to be there. Have fun, and enjoy all of the countless hugs you’ll receive.
Hope you and Mike have a fun trip. I wish I was going too! It sounds like its going to be a blast.
I do that face when someone is talking to me and I’m day dreaming and then they stop talking. I guess I’m hoping it covers everything they were talking about and the head tilt is to make it look like I’m thinking about what they said in hopes they start talking again and fill the void. Thats bad huh!
Aw…I wish I were in chicago. Is there some way we can see your speech online?
I hope my fair city treats you well and welcomes you with smiling, non-sad face open arms.
I won’t be at Blogher – humorous, because this is the cheapest it ever could have ever been for me, being in my town and all. Some day.
.-= stephanie´s last blog ..Back to life, back to reality… =-.
I’ve only been to Chicago once, but I so loved it. I hope you have a good time while you’re there, and that you don’t toss your cookies before you speak. (Or during, as I would most likely do!)
Be safe!
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..New Etsy Listings =-.
Wow Heather, Have fun and lots of smiles..not so sure that I would not cry so its lucky that I am too far to be there….but so wish I could be just to give you a hug and rub your belly….but knowing how emotional i get i would be the one with the face and the tears….hey but they would be happy tears!!! You are so strong, and Mike have the best time. You guys enjoy yourself and the best of luck with your speech.
Thinking of you
Cheers
Lisa
.-= Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Cute Kids =-.
I hope you have a great time at Blogher. I know there will be so many people there wanting to meet you and give you a hug. I’m bummed that I’m not going. I couldn’t go because it coincides with us leaving for our yearly Canada vacation to visit family. I’m really hoping to be able to go next year. I’ll just keep meeting you here on the internets until I can meet you IRL!!
Have a great time, you deserve it.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Breastfeeding Challenges: The Distracted Baby =-.
I hope we meet someday too! My husband thinks I’m nuts fo reading blogs. He says their my make believe friends. I say he’s jealous cause he doesn’t have any.
Have a great weekend in Chicago! We love the windy city too!
everyone who will get to meet you and hear you speak at the conference will undoubtedly be forever touched and inspired, because i feel that way every morning when i read your words on my computer screen…so i can only imagine how magnificent you are in real life. truth.
here’s to hoping the morning sickness gods take a break on you this trip…just keep eating. that deep dish pizza sounds a-mazing. here in new haven, ct you can really only get the verrrrry thin stuff.
be well and soak up every ounce of love that is about to come your way. you deserve it. and your maddie will be so proud of her mama.
xo
kristen
You are so sweet Heather. I will probably never meet you, but think of you all many times throughout the day. Have a great time. Maddie will be right there with you – smiling at everyone.
-Stranger friend in STL
I just noticed I spelled my blog address wrong. Duh!!
.-= cjrymommy´s last blog ..July? More like October! =-.
Hmmm, you might want to man up and accept that there will be lots of sad people greeting you at BlogHer. If we can’t read your words without tearing up and wanting to hug you guys, how can we greet you for the first time happily?
Hopefully your trip is wonderful and the happy times will far outweigh the sad ones. You both deserve that.
.-= Mir´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
I hope your trip is a rewarding experience and you come back more healed than when you left.
I live in Lafayette, Indiana (about 2-2.5 hours away from Chicago) so if you want to journey down here, I would be honored to give you a hug.
Heather you will rock the Keynote, if not…you and Issa will be throwing up together
I hope you’ll be able to go next year as well, cause come hell or high water I will be there!
Have a good time, and get all those hugs that we have been trying to give you with our minds!
ali
.-= ali (adil320)´s last blog ..A Letter =-.
Have a great time. And I totally do the sad clown face when I read your blog and now feel totally tool-ish.
Enjoy the trip and I’ll send you my strength!
I wish I were going to BlogHer just so I could give you a giant hug. Not a half-sad one: a real, true hug to thank you for the beauty you brought to this world.
You’ll be awesome in the Keynote. Absolutely awesome. Hope that the morning sickness stays at bay a bit to help you through.
.-= bessie.viola´s last blog ..coming soon: Jump Arounds, only not! (a Google PSA) =-.
Ah, wish I could be there to meet you! You can come to San Antonio and meet me if you ever feel like coming to Texas.
I dreamt I went to BlogHer last night! Sadly, being on another continent, I’m not sure that I’ll ever have the money to come to the States for it. Who knows – maybe someday!!
.-= Bianca S´s last blog ..Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Tinted Moisturiser =-.
I wish so much I could meet you in Chicago! I would love to give you a hug. I hope you’re morning sickness doesn’t get in the way of the weekend. Carb up – bagels helped me for a brief bit anyway! It’s got to be tough with all those firsts ahead of you. I am glad that Mike is going with you and he can share in your excitement for the big weekend. I am wondering wich blog you will read. I just read 153 Holes in My Heart and thought it was so beautifully written. Good luck and have fun. Maddie will be smiling down on you!
I’m too far from cool to ever attend BlogHer. I’m so happy you’re going and Mike will be with you. I know Maddie will be clapping her hands and smiling her gorgeous smile as she watches over you.
You’ll rock the Keynote. I can’t wait to read about your trip!
.-= Kellie´s last blog ..I’m Just Sayin’… =-.
Hi Heather! I’m a (fairly) newby to the Blogosphere, but have been immersed in your posts for the last couple of days, reading all the way back to the happy times. Although I don’t know you, I feel that I owe you a thank you. For sharing. For giving strength when you should be receiving it. For making me count my blessings. Every. Single. Minute. I see Maddie’s face when I close my eyes. So beautiful. Good Luck at BH. You’ll be great. Just like Maddie!
.-= Liz´s last blog ..BEASTY! =-.
I’m glad you’re going, Heather, you have some fantastic news to share!
I hope you all have a great trip! Wish I could hear the speech. Best wishes and congratulations on the pregnancy – I’m sure your belly will be touched lots.
.-= Jennifer A.´s last blog ..Roscoe =-.
I wish you all the best for your trip! I hope you have a great time getting to see everyone face to face, and I hope Mike has fun eating ribs and watching the Cubs. Congratulations on your pregnancy! (I’ve only commented a couple of times before so I don’t think I’ve said that yet, but I read the blog every day).
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Weekend with mom =-.
You will be wonderful! Big hugs from a fairly new blogger (another newbie)… Wishing I could go to Blogher – maybe another year. So true – the internet really is home away from home. I read your posts daily and I am fairly new at commenting on anyone’s posts – I am always afraid my words will come across the wrong way. But I wanted to know that you are a beautiful person and Maddie is a beautiful little girl smiling down at her Mommy every minute.
I’ll be thinking of you this weekend, good luck for your speech! You’ll rock
Have a safe trip, Heather. Wish I was going to be there so I could meet you – but I wouldn’t really fit in too well since, you know, I don’t have a blog or anything!
Anyway, I know you’ll do great with your speech. I can’t imagine a better person to close out the day. I’ll be thinking of you, as always. Looking forward to hearing about it when you get back.
I’m not a blogger, just a reader, but I have spent a lot of time in Chicago and I can picture you there. The heat’s not going to help your chances of not throwing up, either. Ha ha. Have a great weekend. I wish I would be there to hear you speak. And I’m glad Mike’s going with you. ((((Big hugs))))
I first read of your Maddie from Matt & his Maddy. I started reading the week before Maddie passed. I don’t think I’ve ever commented. I think you are incredibly brave and strong. My baby will be a year old in three weeks… and I really cannot imagine. I was very excited, yet nervous, for you when I read of “Binky”. Good luck speaking. I’m sure you’ll do great.
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Been A While =-.
You made me LOL w/ the sad clown face description.
I’ll be around this w/e–hope I get a chance to say hi!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Lucky Pink Hair =-.
1. squeeze in a cubby game.. besides the red sox it’s the second best thing for the soul.
2. you deserve the hugs.
3. i hate clowns.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..falls =-.
Thank you for posting this—-I do hope to be able to say hello at BlogHer although I will not touch your belly the first time we meet (nor your boobs—I’ve seen BlogHer photos of what goes on after hours!). I’m glad Mike will be there and it seems that you have such an awesome support network of friends. I hope you come away from this weekend with memories of a lot of laughter and knowing you are truly cared for (and yes, I know I ended with a preposition but I’m throwing caution—and grammar—to the wind).
.-= Fairly Odd Mother´s last blog ..When My Virtual World Becomes Real =-.
You sound exactly like me…just hug me. No words of sorrow, no tears, just human contact. Nothing better than a hug, even from a stranger.
Have fun in Chi-Town! Wish I was there, so many bloggers that I follow will be there. And would love to rub your baby belly, I’m one of those that rubs pregnant bellies, but only after I ask you first in case they might be one that doesn’t like it to be touched on their tummy. Go to Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinders and have the pizza pot pie…you will thank me for it! http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/
~Hugs from TX
.-= Alli´s last blog ..A Sort Of Camping Trip =-.
I wish I was going to BlogHer so I could say hi to you and give you a hug. Virtual hugs just don’t cut it!
Have a good time in Chicago.
Thinking of you every day.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Lost =-.
I’d love to meet you and I wish I could be there for that keynote!
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Purple Lupines =-.
Oh man! I wish I were a blogger so I could go to blogher! Instead I’m a just blogger stalker. (But in a nice way….what do you mean they all say that?)
HAVE FUN!!!!!
Stranger/Friend Tammy
Have fun in Chicago! I am totally jealous because I have never been there! Take lots of pictures for us and eat some deep dish!!
Pat the Binky belly for me!
.-= Lady Lemon´s last blog ..The Excitment Never Ends =-.
Have an awesome time in Chicago. I live in Chicagoland and I’m convinced it’s the best city on the planet. The weather looks like it should be good. A little morning rain on Saturday, but otherwise nice summer weather.
I just realized that I do the sad clown. I’ll work on that.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Fly =-.
Heather – you really are an inspiration and I have to agree that you will have a long line of people wanting to hug you. Thinking of you all and hope that the Chicago trip brings you happiness. I’m a big believer that Maddie is with you all the time – I’m sure she is so proud of you and is thrilled about Binky!
So glad you’re going to Chicago – I love that town too.
Hugs!!!!
All us Spohr loving non bloggers wil lbe there with you in spirit in Chicago as will your sweet Madeline.
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Now I’m going to be singing “My kind of town, Chicago is…” while impersonating Frank Sinatra all day.
If I were going to BlogHer, I’d smile because I’d be really happy to see you AND there would be belly groping (but only because you gave teh interwebs your permission).
Have fun, be safe, all that jazz (“And it has all that jazz”, see??). Thinking of you, Mike, Maddie, and Binky, always.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Are You? =-.
Have an awesome time! It’s overwhelming to think how many hugs will be shared there. I’m jealous.
I wish I was going to BlogHer, maybe next year. You will be getting lots of hugs, here is my virtual hug until I met you again.
* hugs *
I am new to the whole blogging scene, courtesy of twitter, and I have been reading all your posts and alot of others. I am a mother of a 2yr old little girl and 9yr old little boy. I went through 5 miscarriages to get them here. And yet I want another. I want to tell you that you are such an insperation and a beacon of strength. I am so happy for you and Mike. I know there will be trials and hardships, but I also know you will have the strength to get through them. You are and always will be such a wonderful person and mother. God Bless!!
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Wow, What a day!! =-.
Great advice…you should write a book about the your side of grieving…what others should know.
Are you going to blog your speech so we can all read it? That’d be so great.
Have a safe, fun trip. Julia
.-= Julia´s last blog ..Enough about you…let’s talk about ME =-.
I was in the pet aisle at Walmart, looking for a toy for my puppy sister. I was sending a care package home to MO. There was an Abby Cadabby toy but I thought that a bit odd for a dog to be chewing on. She got a really cute cupcake instead. My mom said she went insane when mom brought in the envelope and was trying to open it. I guess she could smell it was from me. She is still sleeping with her cupcake four days later.
For those few sweet moments seeing Abby, I thought of Maddie. This happens to me often. Though I am but a stranger here, your daughter has touched my life in ways neither you nor I can imagine.
Much Love and a safe Chicago trip for you, Mike and Binky.
I hope you have a really good time, the very best you possibly can! My RL and blogger friend Fiona is on her way there, too.
i’m not going to blogher (boo and like I even remotely know what i’m doing “blogging” anyway) but seriously I would definately have a big smile for you.. Safe trip to Chi town lovely lady:-)
Is there another phrase we can say to you besides “good luck” re: Binky? Something that sounds more upbeat? (Not that people aren’t trying to be upbeat!) I’m so impressed with the grace you have carried yourself, and how you continue to be such a good mommy to Maddie everyday.
A friend of mine is speaking there, Caryn Stein. I asked her to watch for you, since I won’t be there. I wonder if a person can go to BlogHer if they don’t have their own blog? Or maybe there could be a conference held in the same location at the same time called CreepHer? Although think of the people THAT might attract…sheesh. I’m sure you’ll say just what you need to say at your speech. Here’s hoping that as you pass these incredibly sad spots, there is some small kind of healing that starts to stick up its little sprout. And GO CUBBIES!! I KNEW there was a reason I like you guys!
Travel safe.
The paragraph about the head tilt reminds me of the Friends episode where Richard is telling Monica about how he and his wife got divorced and how he always responds with the “I’m okay” head bob.
I wish I were going to BlogHer! I live in northwest Indiana and would love to get to meet you guys, especially since you’ll be so close! It’s only 30 minutes from me!
By the way, good luck with the speech! I hope for your sake, and the audience’s for that matter, that you don’t vomit!
I hope you have the best time. I know you’ll get the warm reception you absolutely deserve.
wishing i could hug the crap out of you. maybe next year.
.-= mommymae´s last blog ..a little thing or 2 =-.
Have a good time at BlogHer!! I hope that everyone greets you wonderfully and with a big hug for you and your new addition! God Bless.
Courtney in New York
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..Twilight? Really! =-.
I hope to meet you at the NEXT BlogHer. Have so much fun this weekend! I hope it’s a wonderful experience for you!
.-= Notesfromthegrove´s last blog ..Toto, I don’t think it’s Christmas anymore. =-.
This is only my 3rd post here but I read your blog every day. I wish that I could be there to be one of the ones who get to hug you, Heather. But, a virtual hug it will have to be. Have a wonderful trip.
Hehe, I totally would have been tempted to do the sad clown face. Because I love you. So I’m posting to say THANK YOU for clarifying how we can be the best for you.
And by we, I mean all those folks who DO get to fondle your belly and hug you and joke with you. I’ll be here in Dallas, hoping folks tweet between hanging out with each other.
Have a blast, lovey.
You may want to bring a light sweater…it’s been a little on the chilly side here in Chi-town. I’m not a blogger, so I won’t be able to give you a hug, but I hope my fair city wraps you in its summer-time beauty and takes care of you while you’re here. Good luck speaking at the conference. You’ll be great!
Good Luck Heather… Wish I could go. Have a safe trip with baby! Hopefully one day we will meet! You are like a celebrity to me. I would LOVE your autograph! Maybe a signed book someday???? SHannon
Ok, I won’t be there so pretend we are there now and I’m approaching you . . . “Heather! Hi, my name is Emily and I’m a fan of your blog! I have so enjoyed reading about you and your family. Congratulations (little tummy rub)! Well, I look forward to reading lots more about Maddie and her baby brother or sister, and thanks for coming! :::hugs:::”
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Oh neat! =-.
heather – have a wonderful time at the conference. i’m sure your speech will kick ass. i wish i could be there so i could give you a hug. you and mike and maddie are a part of my heart forever, and i will always be here, listening and sending so much love to you. xo
Not sorry, just happy that you’re going. Your girl will be with you, although not the way you wanted. Faith….Hope….Love….Peace. Always.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..It’s REALLY HOT Here…. =-.
Enjoy your trip! I have always loved Chicago and it’s so nice to get to share a fun city with someone you love. Enjoy your time away with Mike
Best of luck at BlogHer! You’re going to be amazing during your talk! So glad Mike is able to go with you for support and hopefully some fun too. And I REALLY hope that you don’t encounter any sad clown faces while you’re there : )
I’m so glad you are going to BlogHer. I bet you’ll have a blast!
I am going on vacation myself next week and was actually thinking about your blog, as I make it a point to leave a comment every day, even though we’ve never met and I know you receive hundreds. Still, it’s something I can do. Anyway, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to comment while I was away (silly as that sounds). But we’ll just “see” each other again when we get back, eh?
I hope you and Mike enjoy your much-need break.
I wish I was going so that I could give you a big smile, hug, and touch your belly! Have the most fabulous time and eat a slice of pizza for me!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..BAHAHAHAHAHA =-.
Wish I was going to BlogHer. I’d love to meet you in person some day. You seem truly amazing.
I hope you have a good weekend away.
.-= Trish´s last blog ..A quick non sequitur =-.
Enjoy your trip!!!!! I hope you get lots of hugs (i know you will) have a safe trip, and we cant wait to hear about it!!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Sleep Tight =-.
I really wish I was going, Heather. It would be an honour to meet you and an inspiratin to hear you speak. I hope you find yourself surrounded by people who love and support you. I know you will. I also hope you’re able to find a moment (or two) to smile, meet great people and enjoy the experience knowing both your babies are there with you. Wish I was there to maybe make you laugh. If there one thing I’m good for it’s to make people laugh (cough-at me-cough). Tell Mike to eat a slice of pie and some ribs for me!
.-= Kristel´s last blog ..It Burns, It Burns! =-.
Hi Heather – not sure if you will ever read this, but boy am I glad I came to your site today. I have been away from my computer a few days and unable to keep up-to-date here. I lost a good friend very unexpectedly yesterday and almost saved clicking on your site for another day. Then I thought, well that’s silly – Maddie’s smile makes me smile every time. So here I am just soaking in your good news. If I could be in Chicago, I would definitely give you a hug, rub your belly and wish you luck with your presentation. No clown face or anything. I love Chicago – you’ll rock the conference.
xo
j in ct
Have a great and safe trip guys! I can’t wait to touch your belly heehee
Damn!! Wish I was going to BH!! Being a newbie to the blogging world, I found out about BH too late to go. But next year I am soooo there! And I really hope to meet you and Binky (mike too
) and give you a big hug!!
I know your speech will go great!! Good luck on not throwing up
Question for everyone out there…I do have a blog but have yet to publish it b/c I want it to be perfect. I can’t seem to find a blog designer for wordpress…does anyone know of someone? I hope this is okay to ask on this blog and that I am not breaking a ‘blogging cardinal sin’! Forgive me if I am!
Have a great time in Chicago! Enjoy all the great things to see and eat, eat, eat! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Much love, Jenn in CA
Have fun! And good luck with your keynote.
.-= blissfully caffeinated´s last blog ..But why do babies need to learn how to read? =-.
I am so glad that you are still going to Chicago. I think it is something much needed. You will have such a wonderful opportunity to embrace those that have helped you throughout this whole ordeal. Good luck and have some fun!
I won’t be there, so {{HUGS}}, and no sorries, you or me.
Have some fun, you will be great, even if you vomit first, you will still be great – I have faith. And trust me when I tell you that you have helped me (and I am certain others too) way more than any comment I make could have ever helped you. Your words have given a voice to so many things that I don’t know how to say.
Maddie and Joel will be there cheering you on, enjoy the conference!
.-= Sara Joy´s last blog ..Under It =-.
Have a fun, safe trip!
I will be at Blog Her next summer. I promise and hopefully you will be as well and we can meet there. I plan to head to California in the fall so maybe we can meet up there.
Have a great time. Eat good food, meet great people, and most of all you are going to rock your speech! I am cheering you on from Philadelphia!
ha…I just practiced the sad clown face based on your description…I totally get it. I will now make every effort not to make the sad clown face ever in my life. what a lesson you’ve taught me. Sending you strength for your trip!
it’s good i’m not going…. just i would bawl my eyes out and never let go of you.
best of luck speaking. maddie is so proud of her mama.
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..if you’re not busy tonight… =-.
One of my biggest disappointments about not going to Blog Her is missing the opportunity to meet you, hear you speak and remind you what an effect your life has had on my life. I hope you have a wonderful time and I know you will hit the community keynote out of the park.
.-= TUWABVB´s last blog ..I Promise Not to Write About Dead Pets Anymore =-.
They dang well better record all those keynotes for us at home. Because if I’d known last year how very badly I’d be wishing I were there this weekend, I would have bought a ticket the day it was announced.
I’ll be thinking of you with no head tilting and lots of hugs.
.-= Insta-Mom´s last blog ..Capitalism gone wrong =-.
Heather,
I honestly can’t tell you HOW I came across your site months ago. But just like all the other people here, I think of you and Mike every day. Have fun this weekend, Maddie says so!
Anna
I hope you don’t throw up.
Have a great weekend- I’m sure you’ll be great when you speak. If you want candy or ice cream, go to Margie’s Candies on Western Ave. If you want great food, go to Blackbird or Avec.
And thanks for writing about the sad clown face. I know that I have personally done that to people I care about who have gone through awful things and I think it’s so cool for you to spell that out. That is information I’m grateful to have.
Aww… wish I were a blogger so I could go too. Sounds like tons of fun! I’m sure you (Mike and Binky too!) will have fun. Here’s hoping that because you’re the last speaker, you throw up BEFORE you speak. lol. As others have said, I’m sure people will still tell you they are sorry and make the sad clown face. But knowing you (not that I “know” you–but I feel like I do), I’m sure you’ll handle it with the grace that you seem to have in spades. You truly are an inspiration to so many people… as is Maddy (Mike too!). I only wish that I could be so lucky to meet you in person. Jealous of all those who will. Anyway… I’ll stop yapping. Don’t know if you’ll reply… but how far along are you? Are you almost out of the morning sickness woods? I’m praying that you are… morning sickness sucks big time!
sending love and hugs from NJ.
Have a great time…I hope you don’t barf before you go on, but ugg that morning sickness is a killer huh?
Wish I was going to be there to hear you speak, but I’ll be sending good thoughts your way!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Wednesday Writing – My Passion =-.
I hope you have a fantastic, safe (mostly) vomit-free trip. Your blog is so full of courage and spirit, I admire you and send good thoughts & positive vibes your way. Like a lot of the commenters have said, I think of you every day and am sending MASSIVE brain-hugs and well wishes. Take care and have fun!
I hope you have a wonderful time! It sounds like a great convention, and I wish I could go. And you’ll get through it…Maddie will be there with you, listening to your voice. Sending hugs!
have a great time and this is a well deserved trip. i can’t wait to hear about how your speech went.
.-= becky´s last blog ..Cuteness =-.
Have a wonderful time on your trip! You’ll be great when it comes to your speech, your words move people. Love to all of you from Delaware.
When you meet Headless Mom, she is carrying a hug from me to you.
Wish I could go just to meet you…I would give you such a big hug and tell you how much your story has changed my life. Have a great time!!!!
I wish I could be in Chicago to meet you and give you a big hug. Have a wonderful time. (If you like cheesecake and if it is still there in OHara airport – Debs is GREAT! It’s been a few years though . . .)
.-= Liz M´s last blog ..5 Weeks? =-.
Oh you’re coming to Chicago at a perfect time! The weather is gorgeous! I wish I could go and meet you at Blogher. I’ve been reading you for awhile and I think you and your family are so awesome. I really hope you enjoy your time here. Take care and have fun!
Oh, the sad clown face. Totally guilty. Thank you for the heads up!
I only wish I was going to Blogher… I know you will have a wonderful time being around so many sisters who love, respect, and support you and Mike and Maddie. Hope to meet you next year!
(And I am relatively new here but your pregnancy news just made my entire week. So happy that you and Mike have some good news to celebrate.)
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Cash Rules Everything Around Me: The Burritos of Shame! =-.
Enjoy your time in Chicago
I’m sure you will speak very eloquently. People tend to write the way they speak. You write beautifully…very real. I feel as if I know you just from reading your blog daily. I wish I could meet you this weekend along with so many others. Have a wonderful time in Chi-town. I hope Binky enjoys his or her first airplane ride. Maddie will be with you all too…loving the sites and smells of Chicago.
Safe travels!
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..One Month Pics =-.
Have fun in Chicago. I hope it’s everything you want/need it to be. I know there will be tough times…but, I hope there are also fun and/or therapeutic moments.
Can’t wait to see you when you get back!
Love you.
I think its wonderful you are going to the conference and congrats on Binky. I have never commented before because you seem to be overwhelmed with comments but I’ve been following since Matt Logelin posted about you on his blog (follow him from Glamour) and I’ve caught up completely and have been tremendously touched by your story. I will continue to follow and I wish you all the best. Your strength is inspirational, and yes, you are strong and courageous. I wish you all the best and hope you are feeling well. Looking forward to some belly pics when you are showing.
I’m glad you are going. I have a friend who meet you last year and I think you will see her again this year. You will do fine, I am so proud of you.
I wish I was there, I am from Chicago, it is my town. I am glad that Maddie got to taste the pizza, that is what I miss the most. Have you had Johnny’s were you live now whic is near my son in LA. It’s not like the deep dish pizza but it’s like the local neighborhood pizzas in Chicago. I love pizza. We even order it and ship overnight sometimes. God Bless you, have a safe trip and I will pray for you speech to go perfectly as planned.
.-= Debby´s last blog ..SKYE, SKY, TROUBLE IN TOYLAND AND A CONTEST TO ENTER =-.
Heather, I’m so happy for you and Mike that you get to go to Chicago. I’ve been following since April and I’m so touched by your story, your honest writing style, and will continue to follow you. Looking forward to hearing all about Binky and this pregnancy and seeing pictures of your belly (when you start to show) Thanks for sharing your story…your journey… with all of us, and making us realize to appreciate every minute of every day. You’re a true inspiration! Sending you hugs! XX Have a good time in Chicago!
Have a great time in Chicago. It is actually a littler cooler here than usual so make sure you pack a cardigan or something!
They said if it doesn’t break 90 degrees again , it’ll actually been the coldest July since 1946! The evenings are especially cool, and even more so along the lakefront. It has been the craziest summer this year!
I feel funny about reading and not commenting, but have been shy about commenting, too. Reading your kind words about meeting your readers made me decide to finally say hello. Have great weekend in Chicago the weather here has been great! Treat yourselves to some fun and relaxation! You have a beautiful daughter and I wish the best for a healthy pregnancy for you and your family.
I hope you have a fun get away…you are a gifted writer…your speech will go just great. Just remember nothing is harder than what you have already lived through! Peace.
Yall have a good time and know we are all there with you in spirit (I’m a computer nerd, so would love the conference). Congrats on Binky! You really should write a book; yes, you are an excellent writer. (((HUGS)))
You are a wonderful, truly inspiring lady, you know? Thank you.
Have an awesome time at Blogher. I know your speech will go perfectly. I am with Katie, you truly are wonderful and inspiring.
I wish I could be there to support you as you speak. Good luck, have a wonderful time. I know you’ll be amazing.
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..Did you mean kama sutra? =-.
You wrote: “But please, don’t tell me you’re sorry. I know you are. And don’t make the sad clown face. You know the one – where you make the sort of half smile, half frown while you tilt your head off to one side. I really hate that. I like to hug. It’s OK to touch my belly. Please don’t cry.”
I won’t be at BlogHer, but can I tell you how much I appreciate your letting us know what you need, what is o.k., what isn’t? This helps…
And what you need, what is o.k., what isn’t might change at some point… but it’s good to know where to start.
Much love…
.-= Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)´s last blog ..I knew procrastinating has its benefits =-.
Wishing you a puke free trip! Have a good time, no one deserves it more than you!
Have fun I hope you have a great time…. I know i have never posted here but have been reading it for about 4 months now.
Hope You and Mike have a great time in Chi-Town…
.-= daisybv2´s last blog ..A Whole Mess of Shit…. =-.
Hope you guys have a great trip. And that you don’t vomit *hugs*
.-= Becky Mochaface´s last blog ..Fights =-.
I wish I was going to BlogHer if for no other reason than to hug you and not cry in front of you. Well, and maybe take you to lunch in Greektown if it wouldn’t make you vomit. Or treat you to a show. Or to have drinks, (you can have spring water), at the Palmer House. Or or or…anything you wanted.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Roadkill=I’m Hopelessly Devoted To You =-.
Have a great time in Chicago! Having lived there for almost 2 years I can say it is one of my favorite cities ever. *hugs*
I haven’t commented before, but I have been following your story for a while.
Unfortunately, I am NOT at BlogHer09, but if I were, I would give you a great big hug and NO sad clown face. I can’t guarantee I wouldn’t tear up, though, so maybe it’s good I am not there.
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Creating Space =-.
have fun have fun!! Wish I was there to meet you. I love that you spoke up and let people know how to treat you. I flat out tell people “don’t cry!” too. Please try to have a good time!
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Conflicted =-.
Dear Heather,
I hope you have a great time. I’ll be thinking of you and Mike, as always, and especially as you take this flight to Chicago.
You’ll always see me here at your website, I check in on you every single day.
With love
Erica, your stranger friend in Luxembourg
I will be at a Cubs game next week.. I’ll keep my eyes out for Mike,… I hope one day I get to meet you in person, I have been reading your blog since the beginning and I think about you and your family several times a day. Although I feel as though I know you there is always something different about meeting in person though. xoxoxox
Good luck….It will be awesome.
Wish I were going. Would love to meet you and all the other fab women I read about and have gotten to know. Have a great time and take some pics of that belly for us!
.-= Miss E´s last blog ..Working Girl =-.
Heather – have a great time in Chicago. I know you will because blogging seems to be your spritual home and you will be surrounded by so many like minded people. Being in Australia I suspect we may never meet in person but I love that we can be friends on the internet. But who knows, the world works in mysterious ways! Good luck with your talk and fun times await!
That’s so cool that you’re going to Blogher. I have only read amazing stories about it. It will probably be a very long time before I can deem myself worthy enough to go there – HA! Have a wonderful time and enjoy yourself and hug lots of folks. I hate sad clown faces too.
.-= Leslie´s last blog ..As promised…… =-.
I hope you have a great trip. I hope that you don’t vomit on the stage
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Notes from the roller coaster, doctor updates =-.
I love your writing. I hate what you have to write, but I love how you laid out guide lines for people meeting you….. brilliant.
I like to hug too, and I wish I could give you one, instead of having to write you and let you know that I think of you, maddie, mike, and new baby spohr with heartfelt hope & peace.
(vomiting:definate possibility.)plastic bags pack easy take up little space.
Good luck to you and Mike on your visit to Chicago. I know you will do well. **hugs**
Kristen
Heather-
I have never commented before but have been reading your blog for awhile now. I was in preterm labor. Reading about Maddie and your struggles helped me keep my sanity during bedrest, terbutaline and hospital visits. I am now 35.5 weeks.
I wish you the best in Chicago…you’ll be great at speaking. Congratulations on your pregnancy and I hope it goes well for you. You are in my thoughts daily.
I would so love to meet you in real life. You are on my mind every day when I am with my little girls and every night before I go to bed.
I know you will be great speaking and even if you do vomit, you will inspire everyone around you.
Blessed be sister!
~Connie
.-= Connie´s last blog ..The List 1.4 =-.
I live in Chicago, but I am not going to BlogHer. I hope I get the chance to hug you some time. My heart is with you every day.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Leisure =-.
It will be a bittersweet trip for sure but I hope you have some fun and eat some pizza while you are there.
All your internet friends will be thinking of you.
Sending my friend Happy Hour Sue (from Happy Meals and Happy Hour) to meet you at BlogHer since I think you are AMAZING and I am a mere lurker! Hope you post the speech…GOOD LUCK, Heather!
Susan
I hope you have fun at BlogHer…I can’t make it this year…would have loved to have patted your belly!!
.-= Mrs. Schmitty´s last blog ..I’m Not In Chicago and I Couldn’t Be Happier =-.
I hope that you have a therapeutic, yet semi-fun time at your conference. Please know that you have the thoughts of so many with you in your journey.
Sending lots of cyber ((((HUGS)))) and laughter (no crying)…..
JennP
I’d love the chance to meet you but I won’t be there. Have a great weekend and eat some deep dish for me!
.-= Bonnie´s last blog ..The look =-.
It’s so neat that you will be so close! I live in Lombard, just a hop skip and jump (just 15 miles or so) from Chicago. Enjoy your weekend – if I was still a blogger that had anything to say, I would have been there, to meet you! Well, a virtual hug from me – oh, and – white tic tacs will control the puking urge……
Hope you have a nice trip to Chicago. It’s such a great city. Best of luck with your speech. You are such a strong person & so inspirational- I’m sure you will do fine. Please post it so those of us online can see it.
Funny how I don’t know you, but I found myself thinking about you today- happy that you will have another baby. :O) I hope your pregnancy is going well. I was definitely one of those people that was NOT glowing, nor did I feel glowing. So I hope you do feel glowing.
Have a nice weekend- enjoy your free time with your hubby. Wish I was going to the conference to give you a hug. Hopefully someone will give you an extra long hug out there! Take care!
Love, Jenny
Dear Heather,
I’m so happy you and Mike are getting away!!! I do hope you meet many of us “Stranger Friends” at the conference and many new friends as well. I’m sure you’ll do GREAT!
Too be honest, I don’t really know much about Blogging (I’m a Blog Virgin) or about the conferences (what does one do at a conference about Blogging??). I must say though, because of your amazing blog, I decided to start my own up. I even bought a book called “Blogging for Dummies” (I know, I know…I’m a dork). I plan on starting in August or September since I will be home alone as my youngest son is going to be going to school all day every day.
Too be completely honest, I’m afraid to be so alone all day, every day. I wish I could work more than anything, but since I became ill, this isn’t possible at the moment. Any ways, I do hope I will receive as many friendly and loving people responding to my blog as you get responding to your blog. Maybe you will even check it out and give me some input???
I so wish I could meet you and Mike. I would be so honoured to be your friend. I know we would get along well as our humour is so similar.
Have fun at the conference and please let us know how it goes.
Take Care,
Your Stranger Friend,
Jenn
This post is so spot on! Such a classy way to encourage people to interact with you…and so many of us know EXACTLY what you’re talking about with the clown face and the sorries and the crying.
Try to enjoy yourself!!
Another reason I’m bummed to miss Blogher this year.
Oh well there’s always next year….
I had the same clotting disorder you have.
I have two little girls now.
Just thought you’d like to know that beautiful babies do come even with this condition.
Take some of the airsick bags off the flight for your purse – good luck!
.-= Joy´s last blog ..Food Glorious Food. =-.
I hope you have a wonderful time catching up with fellow bloggers and meeting some new ones. Good for you to get away and meet some of your peeps and to honor Maddie like I know you will.
Hoping it is a great weekend for you. Away..
I am so very happy that you are in Chicago! I wish that I, too, were there and could meet you in person! So happy to see that you won tonight as well, you truly are inspriational and You are a wonderful mother!
.-= Patty´s last blog ..California dreamin… =-.
Heather, I love your blog. You are a great writer and I think I’ve read every entry (I’ve only found your blog a couple months ago). I mourned with you when I read the news and my heart goes out to you. Your Maddie was so special and I know that little Binky and all future children will be equally precious. Wish I could give you a hug, but know that I pray for you and Mike.
{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} ….what more can I say?
.-= Erin Bassett´s last blog ..My Blogging Journey =-.
I totally am out of the loop. It was great helping out with the raffle tonight. xoxo
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..At BlogHer =-.
P.S. Congrats girlie. xoxo
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..At BlogHer =-.
Hi Heather and Mike,
I’m actually a friend of Leslie Seror. I been following your blog for sometime now, and I just wanted to how inspiring you and your husband are. I wish you well with your pregnancy and I wanted to tell you that your family and your new pregnancy are in my prayers every night. I hope to meet you someday. Keep your head up because your changing a lot of lives and helping thousands of people. Your angel is looking down from heaven and she’s so proud of you!
Toni Padilla
Please feel free to check out my blog anytime:
http://mamabonetones.blogspot.com/
.-= Toni´s last blog ..Toni’s Ma Ma Mia Healthy Pizza =-.
Congratulations!!! I hope Maddie is up there sending down protective vibes to her little sister/brother.
We are here in Chicago thinking of you. I hope the conference goes well.
I wish I could go to the conference too but I’m too poor. I wanna touch the belly!
xoxo
I met Casey yesterday and I would love to meet you too. I’ll be on the look out. Good luck with your reading. They saved the best blogger for last
.-= Midwest Mommy´s last blog ..Day One =-.
Id totally hug you.. if I was going!
Good luck speaking! I get queasy too :/
.-= Pamela´s last blog ..The Last One Regarding Blogathon Pledges =-.
Heather – I left a comment on your site a looong time ago recommending a raw carrot as a way to soothe Maddie’s teething gums. As I recall, she was not a big fan of that solution.
Welcome to my home town of Chicago. I hope you enjoy your time here and the conference goes well.
Big hugs to you and Mike.
Congratulations! and good luck with your speech! I hope it gets posted somewhere so I can read it! Have a safe trip!
I wish I were there to give you a hug!
Good luck w/your speech and congrats again on “binky”!
Heather-
I don’t have a blog, don’t want a blog, so for those reasons I will not be at BH. Out of all the bloggers that I stalk (I hate the word “troll”:), plus my intention in reading is only to smile, you are by far my favorite. Not because of all the times you have made me laugh and cry all in the same blog, but because you are something very few women in this world are: honest. Not just in the safe world of the internet, but you take your show on the road. You tell total strangers what you need from us, how to help you, what you feel. You have such a brilliant purpose and I am so thankful that I get three minuetes in the morning to check in before running a busy ER. Thank you, Heather. I look forward to the rest of your life.
Ooh, I didn’t know I could touch your belly! Woo! I only touched your boob, but it was a total accident. Really, it was. : )
.-= Andrea’s Sweet Life´s last blog ..The Happy Scowl =-.
Thinking about you and Mike (and Binky)…hoping you guys are having fun!
Love that you perfectly described the frowny face evryone makes when they want to say “Aww I pity you”…I hate it as well
.-= Christina´s last blog ..Christina B.C. *(before children) =-.
I was just looking at a few photos of Maddie sitting in your suitcase. She looked like she was having a blast, as she seemed to do every day of her life. Hope you have a blast at Blogher, and that the half-smile half-smiles are few and far between. Joy and full belly laughs! Sure wish I were going to Blogher, didn’t get organized early enough this year…..
Travel safe.
.-= mosey along´s last blog ..Far from home, yet happy =-.
half smile half frowns, I mean. grumble…
.-= mosey along´s last blog ..Far from home, yet happy =-.
I have a lot of experience being onstage, but have never really gotten a good handle on my nerves (though Propranolol is an amazing drug for them!) I also have a lot of experience with morning sickness. The good news is you will actually feel LESS nauseous onstage. Something about the adrenaline alleviates the nausea, I am convinced. I actually usually feel better onstage, though I am still always a basket case.
I follow you a lot, though barely ever comment, but felt the need to share with you my expertise about feeling like throwing up onstage. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best wishes with everything, including your speech, where you will surely NOT vomit onstage.
love you
Have an awesome time at BlogHer! I hope you don’t vomit. (For the record, I vomitted onstage 6 times while pregnant. Then again, I work in the theatre, so that’s just kind of par for the course…)
I’m not able to make it this year, so I’ll save my hug and a big smile for you for next year.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Top 10 Reasons I Am Excited To Stay Home With My Family This Weekend =-.
Good luck at the conference & giving your speech. I am sure you will do great.
wish i was going to be there … really really really wish i was going to be there …
but next year … maybe?
have fun!!! (even without the drinking … funny … at this stage in my pregnancy … even the thought of people consuming booze makes me queasy. so maybe it’s good that i’m not there.)
.-= jen´s last blog ..strawberries, raspberries and olive juice … oh my. =-.
Great time for you and Mike to come to the city…it is venitian night with the boats all lit up and on parade at monroe harbor, try to take it in because it really is beautiful, then the fireworks on the lake afterwards. I’m a quiet lurker but no less offer my prayers and support for you and your family. Congratulations on the baby to be and all there is to come. Enjoy the time away!
Your speech should be starting any minute. Good luck and can you post it here?
“And don’t make the sad clown face. You know the one – where you make the sort of half smile, half frown while you tilt your head off to one side.”
Wow, that is a perfect description.
.-= Susanna´s last blog ..Music For Mister Finn and His Babyfriends =-.
Have a fabulous time in Chicago – I wish I was going because I would love to meet you and all of the other wonderful bloggers. If I was there, I’d hug you and tell you congratulations on Binky. There would be no sad clown face. I don’t do sad clown faces.
.-= Susan Cornett´s last blog ..For Maddie =-.
I wish I was going to Blogher just to meet some incredible people, like you. I know your speech will be fabulous. Best of luck.
I am so glad you get to go to BlogHer and have some fun! You are in my thoughts about this pregnancy. May all go well! I never met Maddie, but other mom bloggers have done a great job to spread the word about your cute little girl. I can’t imagine losing a child, I don’t even know what to say… All the best to you and you family. Love, Dagmar
.-= Dagmar Bleasdale´s last blog ..Traveling With a Toddler — Day 6: Dogs, Pigs, and Lots of Running =-.
I’m not going to BlogHer, but I’m from a suburb of Chicago and I know you will have a great time! I wish I could go to hear you speak, I have a feeling you’ll be wonderful, even if you do vomit,
lol!
Hope you enjoy Chicago, as long as there’s not too much rain, which it’s doing as I write!
This : I like to hug. It’s OK to touch my belly. Please don’t cry.”
This is beautiful.
I’ve been reading your story but never commented. First of all have an awesome time at BlogHer!! Second, congrats on Maddie’s little sibling. Third, I heard this song today and it struck me how well it seems to fit Maddie and you and Mike. It makes me smile, I hope it does the same for you: Martina McBride, “I Just Call You Mine”
*hugs*
Heard you were AMAZING. Congratulations. Can’t wait to see a video of it. And I loved your twitpic from your perspective in front of the crowd. So cool.
.-= Angel, aka themommytsunami´s last blog ..From My Non-Fiction Archives, Part II =-.
Woke up thinking of you and your keynote. Just had to comment. Nothing really to say, except you’re amazing and it was an honor to hear you speak your words that I have read and read and read. I hope you could feel the love and support in that room. Powerful. you rock and I continue to send all the best thoughts your way.
I was going to attend Blogher however, I really never blog anymore. So. I didn’t want to be a hipocrite (sp?). Enough about me though, I wanted to tell you and Mike congrats on Binky. That baby is very blessed to have you as parents, as is Maddie. And I hope that someday we do meet, because I think you are a fantastic person and someone I would love to know. Hope you have a great time in Chicago. I would hug you and I would sooooo touch your stomach….because I am a dork like that. :0)
.-= Krissy´s last blog ..I want to be just like my daughter when I grow up. =-.
Have a great time and I think it is great how honest you are about what you like and what you don’t. So many don’t know how to act and your words are helpful.
.-= Shirley´s last blog ..My Rainbow =-.
It was *amazing* spending time with you this weekend. Thank you for inviting me into the inner sanctum of the secret pizza party.
You were radiant at the community keynote, just in case no one said it.
I hope you had a great time; I am sure your speaking went well, although it might have been nerve racking…not sure if that’s how you spell it.
warmest support (former lovenox injecting mama here) the first time DH injected me, he did it just like he’d practiced with an orange, and treated my belly like a dartboard—funny yes, hurt, hell yes
hugs, jana
.-= jana´s last blog ..Vision takes heart =-.
Congratulations on the news of your pregnancy. I’m excited, sad, scared and nervous for you. My thoughts will continue to be with you every day. Have a great trip!
Hi Heather! This is the third time I’ve typed “you don’t know me but” and I’ve decided it will be the last. You still don’t know me, but I feel like I know you! I just got caught up on your and Mike’s wonderful news. I am so thrilled for you! And I am not at the Blogher conference (no blog) but I used to lived in the best city on earth (Chicago)! I do not know how to make a clown face and I would buy you and Mike a beer from Goose Island to celebrate Madeline’s little sister or brother!
I’m so behind on my blog reading. So glad that I was finally able to meet you, in Chicago. You are an amazing woman and I totally heart you.
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..3 days… =-.
out of all the fabulous blogging women over this weekend that I got to meet, I really was hoping to meet you too!!! Sorry to have missed the opportunity!
.-= MaNiC MoMMy´s last blog ..BLoGHeR o9 =-.
Well now I feel even worse that I missed my chance to say hi and congratulations every time I saw you somewhere around this weekend. I always feel like I’m interrupting people unless they’re doing almost nothing but standing there staring off into space, so I missed that chance with a lot of people. I think this means I failed BlogHer.
But, even though it’s just via internet again, hello and congratulations!
.-= LiteralDan´s last blog ..Please leave a message after the blerrrghhhh… =-.
You did an amazing job with your keynote. I’m so glad we got to meet.
.-= maggie, dammit´s last blog ..Harvest or drought? =-.
You look absolutely beautiful, Heather.
And I’m so jealous you got to meet Tim Gunn!
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..best in show: week of july 20th =-.
Just stopping back by to say I thought about you guys a lot this past weekend. I’m looking forward to reading all about it! (((Hugs)))
I hope you did have a good time here in Chicago. I’m sorry I missed you — I only went to a couple of parties on Thursday night, but I was at the SV Moms party.
I so admire your ability to articulate what you need: no sad face, no crying. People don’t know what to do or say, and its wonderful that you are able to help people help you. That’s a gift.
.-= Susan @ 2KoP´s last blog ..Facing Up to Facebook =-.
Heather, I feel bad…because I met you and I hugged you and I wanted to tell you congrats on the baby and that I adore you and somehow I didn’t find the words in that moment. Also, you looked nauseous and I wanted to leave you alone, cause I know how much that sucks. And then on Friday, I wanted to tell you that you did an amazing job, but then it was over and I didn’t and I’m not sure I saw you again.
But? I am so glad that I got to meet you, even for a minute. And I hope next year, we get to meet again and I am not so overwhellemed in that moment and I remember how to speak.
“And don’t make the sad clown face. …. I like to hug.”
If I was there, I’m sure I’ll give you one.
“I’m speaking at the conference in the Community Keynote.”
Congratulations on being a speaker, surely you’ll do (or did) great!
“But please, don’t tell me you’re sorry. I know you are. And don’t make the sad clown face.”
True, some people assume the best thing they can do when someone grieves is to offer the saddest and most worried face they can give, not knowing it only adds to the person’s grief.
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