Thanks for this! I added Lost and Found to my blog. BTW- thank you for adding my blog to the list of new blogs. You rock!!!

I've already added the thread thing and a link to lost and found, but I'm going to rearrange it since all of my links are mixed up together.

again, another fantastic idea from the stirrup queens! thank you!

Just an FYI: Oct 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Sending hugs out to all who have a little one to remember on this day.

http://october15th.com/

Hey, what a great resource! Wish I'd known about you during my struggle with infertility. NOT that its gone away. But, have now adopted domestically. We did the IVF. first had to have surgery to get prepped. SCrape endo and clear fallopian tubes. Surgically remove sperm from my husband. It was trapped inside. ICSI with thawed sperm, then we found out my eggs were "rotten", well, unhealty. Then, later I needed a "full" hysterectomy anyways. BUT, adoption has a perfect ending. :)

Hi Mel,

I'm having a sci fi moment.

Just stopped in to check up on you :) ... for some reason my bookmark was messed up and it linked me to an old post instead of the current front page. So when I clicked over to Home, I checked the dates at the top to be sure I was in the right place ... For some reason the date at the top of this post is August 14th, 2008.

Blink, Blink.

Hmmm.

For a minute there, I thought I'd hit my head.

:) Just for fun, I checked the numerology of this date-out-of-nowhere for you. ;)

08 + 14 + 2008 = 5

Five is the number of a particular Tarot card, The Heirophant (the link provides the full interpretation):

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/hierophant.shtml

"Having created a solid foundation on which to build his future, the Fool is struck with a sudden fear. What if everything he's worked for is taken away? Is stolen, or lost, or destroyed or vanishes? Or what if it is just not good enough? In a panic, he heads into a holy place where he finds the Hierophant, a wise teacher and holy man. Acolytes kneel before the man, ready to hear and pass on his teachings. The Fool tells the Hierophant his fears, and asks how he can be free of them.
"There are only two ways," says the Hierophant sagely, "Either give up that which you fear to lose so it no longer holds any power over you, or consider what you will still have if your fear comes to pass. After all," the Hierophant continues, "if you did lose all you'd built, you would still keep the experience and knowledge that you've gained up to this point, wouldn't you?"

This surprisingly pragmatic advise releases the Fool from his fear, and he is able exit out of the sanctuary and face the world's challenges once again."

Another image of this card:

http://www.goldentarot.com/mahier.htm

According to some random listings on YAHOO!:

5 = Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.

5, THE NUMBER OF GRACE. Redemption. Israel came out of Egypt 5 in rank (Ex 13:18). David picked up 5 smooth stone to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:40). The Holy Anointing Oil was pure and composed of 5 parts (Ex. 30:23-25).


Five is connected to sensual awareness in the form of the five senses as well as protection. It is also a number which represents service to others. It is highly analytical and has the ability to think critically, but can over-ponder an issue to the point that its significance is no longer relevant. This number governs our ability to think clearly and our intellectual capacity. Five represents openness to new experiences as well as new ideas. Seeking freedom, it is often the adventurer. Five is about pushing life to its limits. It is a multifaceted number with links to our state of physical and mental health.

Adventure, change, freedom, exploration, variety, sensuality, unattached, curious, experienced, periodicity, knowledge seeker, knowledge teacher, traveler, imagination, child-like, playful.

Is anyone good with buttons? I'd like to put a button on my blog to take readers right to the vote. Whatcha think?

Thanks for finding me!

It was really good to see you yesterday. I know it's a ways away, but I will be thinking good thoughts for December 19 and thereafter. Well, and until then too.

Hi - this is Baldy (aka Adrian from the UK). Thanks for being so kind about my blog. This competition has been a real eye-opener for me. I'm just a small-town hack who got ill and then wrote and filmed it. Your blogs are impressive operations.

On a sadder note my treatment means I can't have children naturally so there seems a certain irony that I have come across your blog in this way and will no doubt be returning to it in the future.

Best wishes,

Adrian

watson had her babies. all is well. see my blog for details. ; )

lol Palemother - I thought the same! August 2008?!?! what the?!?

Love this blog. You guys are GREAT!!
And here's to a fantastic 2008.....
- Audrey
Pinks & Blues
www.pinksandblues.com

Mel,

Have you seen the links to the show idea that Tyra Banks has posted on her website? I'm not sure if this has already aired since I don't watch Tyra, but if it is legit, maybe you could mention it if you haven't already? It would be great to mobilize everyone and let the producers know that they are jerks.
http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com/beontheshow/mom_wannabe.html

Excellent Mel. I really like how you really captured the ideas of the people that were outraged by Tyra and her show.

Just catching up...the book sounds absolutely fantastic. Congratulations!

XOXO

Mel, just wanted to say congrats on the book (I am cathcing up). It's a comfort to know that there is someone out there who is brave enough to tell our story. Thank you and I hope that you are proud of yourself!

Mel - I just read your post about Unsung Lullabies on your blogher page. I am was so happy to see that you are going to have a book published. Over the past few weeks as I have been reading your blog I have thought that you should write a book. I can really hear your voice on infertility in your writing. Way to go, girl!

I'm adding Lost & Found to my blogroll immediately. As always, you do such great work.

oh my. Yes, it's true. I'm a poas addict. :)

I would love to be added to your blogroll! If needed, I guess I would categorize myself as beginner/PCOSer.

http://playingthewaitinggame.blogspot.com/

Thanks for all the great insight and ideas.

LOVE YOUR BLOG! You are a great writer. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you!!!

Mel - is there any way to get the UTERUS listings on UK Ebay to be cross-posted on the USA ebay? I think we might get a big(ger) response?

This has nothing to do with the post: just wondering how much money has been raised for Calliope so far and if you could maybe keep a ticker! I keep checking back to see how much has been raised and am eagerly awaiting her reaction!!!

Congratulations on having your blog mentioned in the Wall Street Journal today!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120778656388403417.html?mod=hpp_us_inside_today
Congrats on the Wall Street Journal mention!!

Mel, I was wondering if we could get some shout outs from adoptive mamas here.

This NBC show has just so totally offended me as a "non mom." It is pretty incredible. (scroll down on the link below til you get to the "non mom" section. Apparently stepmoms are nonmoms too. Blech!!!

http://www.americasfavoritemom.com/mothers-day-2008/static/semiFinalists

Uggg!! I am trying to find an email for NBC's pr dept, to no avail.

Blech!!!

I just recently came to the end of my road doing treatments and have decided to look into adoption. Now, I have a bunch of meds that I would like to give to someone...any ideas. Someone told me to check in with you. I have a list of what I have on my latest posting.
Thanks!
:)

Great Idea!
I need to revamp my links and I need a lot of advice! I have Teenagers! HELP

HA! "pimping NaComLeavMo"! Too funny!

Kate was talking about how IF blogs are sort of inbred. Hope this helps.

:)

A friend recommended your blog and I wish I had known you earlier!

I just had a D&C, laprascopy and hysteroscopy yesterday. Other than being in excruiating pain, I am still hoping for hope.

I'll keep dropping by your blog.

My blog is: http://pamelageorge.blogspot.com

xoxo

Re: NavComLeavMo
Any suggestions for those blogs that are participating but do not allow people to comment? Specifically- #199 only allows LJ users to comment.

hey! love you blog chicky! And I just wanted to say thanks for being so awesome. what would us infertile bloggers do without you?

I just wanted to stop by and say thank you so much for organizing NaComLeavMo! It has been such an amazing way to kick off my blog; I had over 100 comments on my first blog entry!!

I love your site and hope you don't mind that I've included you on my blogroll.

Thank you!

I love reading your blog! I always learn something new! BTW I love the beach too!
Hugs
Sharon

Great blog.

Mel - Didn't know if you saw that Seastar's daughter got a faint pink line on a pregnancy test:
http://seastar-onestepremoved.
blogspot.com/

I found her through your blog and think it's great to see the Grandmother's perspective. Thanks again! I should just permanently tattoo "thanks to mel" on my forehead. ;)

HI! I am new to the IF community (new meaning I just found all these blogs) and what a wonderful way to share and support! Thank you for that.

Can you add me to your blogroll?

Thank you for the summary of reactions to this vapid plot point. I think I'll skip this movie (or at least wait until it comes out on cable).

Hey there! Just a note from a NCLMer and trying to get caught up (Even tho I was late to sign up for the list!) Please visit my blog today if you have a chance as I am trying to make people aware of Bone Marrow Donation...yes I know, my site is mostly about Surrogacy but you know how THAT goes!

As always I Love your blog...I hope to visit again when I get back from Vacation!
Hugs
Sharon
http://infertilityanswers.typepad.com/surrogacy_101/

Thank you!
Happy day

Mel
You are the Fertilty Mitzvah Queen!
Love your site. Thank you for all your work and for adding us to the blog roll. My sweetie and I feel very welcome to the neighborhood.

I am answering here as I do not have a blogher id, i will make one later.

Why do you write about adoption/loss/infertility?

I started blogging as a way to communicate my 1st IVF to my family as I am living abroad. I just finished my 5th IVf and my blog has turned into a not-so-TTC blog now. I love it! Its still filled with subtle IF stuff, always will be, but I am so AMAZED at all the wonderful women i have met going through the same things as I am. It has really become a place i can go to, to read and get comfort and information from others who are trying so hard to fulfill their wish of being a mother someday.

What do you gain through writing your blog?

I gain smiles, most of all smiles. I love this outlet (my blog) that I have created and it has kept me sane and grounded. Knowing and reading all of the others who are just like me, well in some ways, has made me a stronger, confident TTC woman. Thanks to you Lolli too, you have THE best online resource for people like us, thank you for all you do for us! xoxoxoxo

Wow! you first time with a fondant and you did that!!! You have some serious skills.

I'm lost in time. August already? I thought it was July...

www.OwenandEverythingAfter.blogspot.com

Thanks so much Mel!

Hi, Mel, thanks bunches for setting up ILCW. This comment makes me an Official Iron commentator (actually prefer titanium or platinum or something, but So Not Complaining). I wish you and your family all the best. You are a Real Mensch and you totally rocked those Boots at BlogHer!

THANKS!

Hey Hello Lollipop!! Firstly, thanks for everything that you do for the blogosphere!!

Secondly is everything ok? There is no Show and Tell today - do tell me that you are not stuck in a wifi-less wasteland!!!

Can you post this on your site until Sept 1? It's creating awareness about a project through American Express Members project, and could potentially benefit RESOLVE. We're big fans of your blog at RESOLVE! Thanks!

http://cs84.clearspring.com/u/489381e14f271d66/48ab9fd6e106857a

Can you help RESOLVE get the word out about nominating a project for consideration? If chosen, RESOLVE can work to get an infertility support group in every area of the country. We need help spreading the word.

To nominate the project, Bringing Hope, Building Families please visit
http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/3OAD3O

I heart ICLW!

Loved the Supersisters at Blogher!
Stop by my blog to pick up your award for creativity and contributions to the blogging world!

We're having a girl!

Also would be interested in hearing from other bloggers who have had a two-vessel cord b/c we're there, haven't heard from our doc yet (she wasn't there for the u/s), and we don't quite know what to expect next.

Just wanted to say my first official "Hello" for this commenting week. Thanks for creating the idea and allowing all of us to rush your blog each day/week/month!

Yes, having a Tootpu figurine next to your front door might put off a few people, ah well, they can get over it...

I just saw this on an infertility group on Facebook and wanted to pass it along:

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Psychology at The University of Akron seeking volunteers to complete a survey to assist with my dissertation. My dissertation research concerns understanding the sources of distress and well-being among women experiencing
infertility, and I am hopeful that the results of this research will be beneficial in providing support to these individuals. My study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at The University of Akron, and I would be glad to provide you with any information that would be helpful in making a decision regarding assistance or the possibility of sharing the link on the group site or with others you know. The link to the online survey is as follows:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=l4qmkW9mgIOnBC33aK7Ykw_3d_3d

Please feel free to contact me at slr45@uakron.edu

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sara Lynne Rieder Bennett, M.A.
--
Doctoral Candidate, Counseling Psychology
The University of Akron

Several things.

1) I just tried the new search engine and I love it! Thank you!!

2) My Lost and Found email subscription has been coming up with only the title, no text, for about a week. ???

I just read your article on blogher. Beautifully written Mel. thank you for reminding us that it's ok to remember our losses. I tend to try to stuff it away and forget. It's helpful to realize that there are so many others who understand what it felt like.

Hey Mel! I *heart* all of the new cosmetic and functional changes you've made here and also on L&F...they're grrrrreat! Your work is appreciated by so many...including this Mel! :) Also, a super-gigantic congrats on the book!

Thanks for organizing ICLW again this month. It's my first time participating, and it rocks!

That was so easy! Thanks.