You Like Me! You Really, Really Like Me!

That was my best Sally Field impersonation. Yeah, didn't work for me either. My homegirl Melissa nominated me for a "Thinking Blogger Award". I have no idea what this means... but thanks, girlfriend! She did write some really nice stuff about me on her blog. I appreciate the kind words and the fact that people enjoy reading my blog. It has evolved from what I originally intended it to be. What started as kind of a journal for me to document the time while I wait for my daughter and a way for my family and friends to keep track of this journey turned into so much more. I've made friendships that will last a lifetime through this thing. I've become part of a community that I never even knew existed. I don't know how I'd get through this wait without the connections I've made with so many others in the same boat. Okay enough mushy stuff.

I'm supposed to nominate 5 other blogs that make me think. Hmmmm.... this is a tough one. Every blog means something different for me and I take something from all of them. Thank goddess (stole Connie's word today) for Bloglines or I'd never get anything done since I'm checking in on over 100 of you at this point. Okay here goes...

1.Connie over at Somewhere in China has been mentioned several times but I've gotta give her another shout out. She's one of the first blogs I found when I started this process. She designed my blog template so all of the beauty here is thanks to her computer genius. We started e-mailing and instantly clicked. I was so excited to find that she lived only 45 minutes from me. We have so much in common ... our journey to this place, our loves and losses, our raunchy sense of humor. She's my soul sister and I know will be a lifelong friend. Her blog always makes me think, sometimes makes me cry but more often keeps me laughing.

2. Alison at My Chinese Dream is another that I've read from the beginning. I went through her archives and watched as she traveled to China for Mali. She's also a single momma. I've learned so much from her as far as how I want to parent my daughter. She's honest and doesn't sugarcoat the struggles. I have so much respect and admiration for her for that. I'm over the moon excited that I get to meet them both this summer. :)

3. Sandra at The Daily Grind I chose for a lot of the same reasons. She's an amazing mom to Jazzie & Thalia. She always gives me a lot to think about with the sometimes difficult reality of Chinese adoption. She's honest about the struggle and in the same breath shares her absolute joy in parenting these beautiful girls. I've learned so much from her, too. And she's exactly the same in real life.

4. Dawn at Eggrolls & Chopsticks always makes me smile. I love to see all the pics and videos of their gorgeous daughter, Lily. She is exactly the kind of mom I see myself being. She's funny, silly, spontaneous, and a little crazy. She truly enjoys her daughter and has so much fun being her mom.

5. And yes, this may seem like a cop out but my last pick is for all the rest that I read. I enjoy all of them in one way or another. I'm amazed that I can be so totally emotional invested in the lives of people I've never met. But I truly do share your struggles, your sadness, your joy. I can't wait until each and every one finally gets their daughters (or sons) in their arms. I find myself cheering along for the ones already home when they take their first steps or eat ice cream for the first time. I love this little community and am grateful to be a part of it.