Seven years!
January 26, 2011Here's a visual, to help you cry. My baby then:
And now:
I know.
Before I start looking at more pictures of my son as an adorable toddler and spend the rest of the afternoon bawling on the couch, I wanted to say thank you. The last seven years have been action-packed, in both excellent and terrible ways, and through it all you've supported me, cheered me on, and given me a kick in the ass when I needed it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
According to my stats there are many of you who read and never comment. Which is fine, but today, please say hello! Tell me who you are, what brought you to Finslippy, what you're up to, what your favorite cheese is--whatever. I really don't care. I mean, I care, but I'm not going to demand you tell me your life story. But I would welcome hearing your life story! If you felt like writing it. I'll stop now.
As a reward for commenting, you'll be in the running to receive a copy of my friend Jessie Sholl's new book, Dirty Secret. I wrote about Jessie's book on my Redbook blog, but I wanted to do a giveaway here. Dirty Secret is Jessie's story of growing up with a mom who's a hoarder, and it's a doozie of a book. (And yes, I did just write the word "doozie." I couldn't decide between that and "humdinger.") It's funny and harrowing and ultimately uplifting. You will enjoy it! So comment, and a week from today I'll announce the winner.
Reader Comments (946)
I've been reading your blog for about 4 years. I think it was featured in Parenting magazine, or you were listed as a contributor, maybe?
I prefer my cheese grilled on white bread with butter, just like my 2 year old son.
Hi Alice,
I'm a 20-something graduate student living in Boston! I've been following your blog for years now (maybe since 2005 or so?). I like that you are upbeat and honest. I enjoy checking in with your blog (I'd love it if you posted more conversations with Henry, he's pretty funny!).
Hi, Alice! Congrats on the longevity of this here blog. It's wonderful and I've enjoyed every single post I've read over the past many years (3? 4?).
I am Rachel Allen. I live in Athens, GA. ( It's a humdinger of a town!)
I do PR, mostly for social justice organizations. I am mom of two (girl, 12 and boy, 9).
I may have commented before, but I don't remember. I read your blog from my Google Reader and not from the original, so I don't comment often.
I'm from Vancouver, BC and I have been reading your blog for a few years! I don't have kids yet and I think that's why I enjoy reading your blog... I'm doing some learning! I love your writing, your humor, and your candidness. Thanks!
Aw crap, I've been called out on my lurking.
I'm Heidi, I think I found you through...Maggie Mason? Evany? I can't remember. It's all click click click with my little mouse. I have a 14 month old daughter and 2 cats. I love stinky cheeses of all manner. I love your writing, it's funny and beautiful and I read it aloud to my husband all the time. I follow you and Scott on Twitter and I think if I were at a dinner party with the 2 of you I would probably die of happiness.
Please come to Seattle if you do a book tour. I want to touch your hair.
Ummm, I don't like my son grilled on buttered white bread. I meant he also likes grilled cheese.
a forever lurker delurking to say happy 7th! cheese? oh hell, ALL OF THEM. pretty please.
Hi! This is my second comment ever, my first was when you were having horrendously bad apartment issues and needed to move immediately. I live in Park Slope as well and we had an open apt in our bldg..I am glad the situation worked out for you! That reminds me, your adoring public is still waiting to see your new digs! I have been reading you for a few years now, cant remember how I got here. You make me laugh and are a terrififc writer. So Happy Anniversary !
(Oh and my 6 month old is also named Alice, not after you though, I like you but not THAT much).
Happy Anniversary. I'm pretty sure I got here via twitter some months ago. I enjoy your humorous take on non-humorous situations. I'm a work-at-home dad with a kid, so I've been like Mr. Mom for the past ten years. I wish more guys would leave comments on this blog :)
I made my way over here a few years ago by way of dooce.com, and I kept reading because you make me laugh at work, where there is precious little to laugh about.
And my favorite kind of cheese? Whatever is in the bits 'n pieces cheese bin at Whole Foods. Mmm, oddly-shaped nuggets of bliss... I usually can't pronounce the names, let alone remember them, but hooo boy is that a fun way to spend $2! (Well, more like $10 since I buy in multiples. I like a nice cheese plate, what can I say).
Congrats, Alice! Seven years! I've been reading for most of that time. Found you through dooce ages ago and have loved reading your blog ever since. Your letters to Henry (Dear 5, etc.) are some of my all-time favorite posts. And your birth story. Hilarious and perfect. Keep up the good work!!
Hello Alice! I'm Sara. Happy Anniversary! I do not recall how I originally found your blog, but do remember loving the name (and the tone, and the writing, and the hilarity...). I also have a Henry who was born in October 2002, and have similarly heart-wrenching comparison photos.... *sigh*
Well, since you asked... HI!! Congratulations on making it 7 years. You're a fantastic writer - I love reading you here and on Redbook. I'm a 32-year-old mother of almost two (one 3-year-old, one newbie due out in the next two weeks or so) and found you through Catherine Newman who used to write on Baby Center but now writes a weekly food column for Family.com. She introduced me to such wonderful people as you and Julia (of Hippogriffs fame), and Eden, and a few others, all of whom have enriched my life and made this adventure more enjoyable and better-informed and given me new lenses through which to see my own experience. Thanks for doing what you do.
Hello! I've been reading your blog for a couple of years (I think). I don't recall how I first stumbled upon your site, or whether or not I've ever commented. Although I think I have. I must have at some point in the past two+ years, right? Anyhoo, happy anniversary! It's been a great run so far!
Hi there! A friend told me about your blog a few years ago when I admitted I read mom blogs on the reg. Turned out she did too! And I've since become a devoted follower. You're a hilarious, thoughtful, and talented writer, keep on keeping on!
P.S. Goat Cheese.
I'm pretty sure I found your blog through a link on Fluidpudding.com, but I don't have any idea how I got to fluidpudding in the first place. I was still in grad school then, so I suppose it was about 6 1/2 years ago. My current pregnancy craving is string cheese (why???) and two days ago, I was awarded tenure, so I get to continue being a math professor.
Been reading a couple years! I believe I clicked over from a mention on dooce? Keep coming back because I'm drawn to your transparency and engaging writing!
I love you! I started reading you... maybe 5 years ago? And now I am 8 months pregnant with my first, and this stuff is rapidly becoming real. It's great to check in and get a laugh, thanks for being a bright spot in my day.
Congrats on 7 years Alice. You rock!
I have been reading you for many years now and you are hands down, the funniest blogger that I read. I live in Canada. I am married with 2 sons ages 8 and 11. My younger son has anxiety issues and my older one has Aspergers. And when you told Jenny McCarthy to fuck off, I was totally in your corner.
My two favorite posts of yours - when you were trying to get Henry to branch out with his eating and the story of losing Minty Bear. Awesome work.
aww. Your comment form calls us "authors." That is sweet.
I love coming here for thoughful writing, and think you are hilarious. your wit is quick & sharp, and I love it! The chocolate chip cookie video is a personal favorite. I might have to watch it again. also, I was really disapponted that I didn't moo more when I was delivering my baby; there's an opportunity down the drain.
I'm lactose intolerant, I don't eat much cheese. I can't remember how I found your blog, but it was about three years ago. I think I've commented twice (once per year so far)....I told you about Kelly + Olive. Did I miss the big reveal?
I am a relatively new reader---sometime in the past year--and yet I cannot for the life of me remember how I got here. But I'm glad I did. I'm a sucker for a funny blog. (No pressure.)
Congratulations on seven years blogging!
I read! Sometimes I get behind but I catch up now and then.
Happy Birthday to you(r blog)! I never comment anywhere, I'm not sure why really, but since you asked so nicely I will! I can't remember who first sent me a link to your blog but I keep on reading because I like you. You seem nice. And I like your hair. And you probably already know that there is no way one can pick a favorite cheeses when there are so so many to choose from and so many that melt deliciously into a grilled cheese sandwich.
Hello, and also happy blog birthday! I'm Anne-Marie, and I can't recall what first led me to your lovely blog, but I reckon I've been reading for around 3, maybe 4 years. I have been bit of a lurker, it must be said - but I'm getting better at this commenting lark.
My favourite cheese is brie. No, talleggio. No, buffalo mozzarella. Um, I love cheese.