Monday, October 27, 2008

A hijacked blog....

Hi everybody,

My name is Havalah and I am Susie's little sister. The other day, Susie left herself signed in on my computer and I realized that her next blog would be her 500th!

500 posts! That's crazy!

I have loved reading Susie's blog as long as she has had it. When I was at University, I would stop by two to three times a day to read about baby Joshua. Even now, being in the same house with her, I still enjoy reading her blog more than anyones.

So with that, I wanted to do something special for Susie in honor of her 500th blog post! I would love it if everyone who reads this post would leave a comment for Susie with a little note for her about why you love reading her blog.

Thanks Guys!!!

Havalah

84 comments:

  1. I'll get it started.

    Susie, I love reading your blog. You are such an entertaining writer! I will always treasure being able to know exactly how 'Shua was doing, day by day while i was at elim.

    Keep it up! I love you girl!!!

    Havalah (and Dahvede since he's not here!)

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  2. This is such a great opportunity to tell you Susie how much I have enjoyed reading your blog. Susie, you are a inspiration to all women. You are true blue. No imitation anything with you. When you were raising Joshua during the short time you had him, you treated him as you would have any newborn. You made memories and loved him and cared for him as best you could. Loving him and Ociana(sp) so very much. You focused on the needs of the children, husband, and left the house to the end. Way to go MOM> You wanted to share your Joshua story with all who would listen, so maybe someone could learn but mainly so that you could show the world what a precious gift God had given you. He truly has given so much to so many. His short time here was a miracle yes, but more so it was a pleasure to get to know him and you with your family. Oceana is such a cutie. Seeing her grow up so to speak has been fun. My children are older now and looking back through your eyes is actually quite nice. :) You are a God fearing, God giving woman with much energy and much love for others and it is a blessing to be a part of your blog family.

    Logging off from Florida - Sonja

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  3. I don't even remember how I came across your blog but after I started following Joshua's story it seems like i started seeing him mentioned everywhere in the blogosphere. Oh how he touched my heart! And I think I only commented maybe once? But I faithfully read. I'm about the same age and an American married and living in Australia so I sometimes feel a kinship with Susie that way. I'd like to sit around and knit with you while our toddlers create chaos.:-) Happy 500th post!

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  4. Dear Suzie. I came to your blog through babyfit. I started to read because your experience with Joshua was similar to my experience with Sami. I cheered for you everyday you got to spend with your son and cried with you when he passed away.

    Now we are both pregnant again and I enjoy reading about your journey How you are excited about the new baby but in the same time miss your son even more. I get that.

    So congrats on making it to 500!

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  5. 500 ah - that's alot of writing! But you HAVE had a lot to write about. Well done Susie for being such a gifted writer. I enjoy reading your heart on - well - everything. Sometimes it feels like I'm reading your very personal journal, like I am prying. But I know that I am not, blogland is an interesting place!
    Thanks for being YOU

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  6. Hi Susie, Sounds like you have a great little sister - ha! I can't even remember how I discovered your blog but it was soon after Joshua was born. I have prayed for you and your family many times and have been brought closer to the Lord as a result of your experience. Sounds weird, I know, and kind of hard for me to explain. Suffice to say that God is continuing to use Joshua and your blog for His glory - thank you for allowing Him to work in and through you!
    Love Sheena from Australia

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  7. Hi Susie,

    Congrats on your 500 posts! I live in Australia have 4 children (3 boys and a girl) and really enjoy reading your blog! You have a very engaging way of writing about yourself and your family! Congrats also on your pregnancy! Even though I know you are from the US I was quite surprised at how strong your accent was when I watched one of your videos recently! I'm not sure why I was surprised though!

    Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

    Rebecca

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  8. HI Susie! I don't remember how I found your blog, but I have been reading for quite some time. I love how you are so honest about your life and being a mother. Congrats on 500!

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  9. I started reading your blog just after Joshua's birth. My friend Amanda goes to Elim and heard about him. I began to read your blog, pray with you, laugh with you, and definitely cry with you. Your life is a source of inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing everything with us. Happy 500th post!

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  10. I was directed to your blog b/c I had been reading a co-workers blog and and she had mentioned that Joshua had been born and to please pray for him. I have been reading since! Much love and congratulations on your new pregnancy!

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  11. Hi Susie,
    I love your writing style. I've been following your blog since shortly after Joshua was born. I love the way you keep things real. I love the way your faith shines through your words. I can't wait to meet your third child! Thanks for blogging.

    Reader in NC, USA

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  12. I have always loved reading your blog. You are so full of life and compassion. God bless

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  13. hi susie, i have been reading your blog for a few months. not sure how i found it. you angel joshua was borned the day my husband went to heaven.
    i am so sorry for yur loss.

    i get up lifted when i read your blog, you are such a joy.

    congrats on becoming mommy for a 3rd time.

    so this is the 500th blog day
    happy blogging day
    hugs to you all

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  14. Happy 500th post Susie! it truley has been a blessing knowing..have a great day!!!

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  15. Susie,
    I think this was a great idea that your sister had!! I love reading your blog because I think you are precious! I started reading around the time Joshua was born & I fell in love with your precious boy & really, your whole family! I love hearing your stories about & seeing pictures of Oceana! I have 3little ones so it's great to hear your parenting stories! I am also thrilled for you & your family as you are expecting #3! So, keep up the great work & congratulations on your 500th post!!
    Emily in Mississippi

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  16. Congratulations and thank you, sharing your story and that of your son, has touched more lives than you know. May God continue to bless you and your family. Know that your son will never be forgotten, his life and legacy have touched so many, his short stay here on earth did so much more than some who are here far longer. Keep posting, those of us following love to hear about your life and your new little one.
    Cindy

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  17. Congratulations Susie on 500 posts! I started reading your blog in March just before Joshua passed away. I have continued to read your blog because I find your faith in God to be inspiring...especially for someone so young. I pray for you and your family and for the new little "flip-flop" being knot in your womb. Keep on blogging!
    -Staci in SC

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  18. Hey Susie-
    Congrats on your 500th post. I love checking on your blog just to see how you are doing and to see how at such a young age (compared to this 35 year old mom) your faith in God is so strong in spite of all you went through with Joshua. I am also enjoying now hearing about how God is blessing you with another precious baby. But the number one reason I enjoy your blog is to see the cute pics of your adorable Oceana.
    Your "friend"
    Rachel

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  19. Hi Susie~
    I think I've commented a time or two before, but I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I enjoy your candidness about the hard stuff and the silly stuff about being a mom. Thanks for keepin' it real : )

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  20. Hi Susie! This is Wendy (Johnstonw at babyfit). I have been reading your blog since you first told us you had a blog. I know you don't know me, but after so long of reading your blog, I feel like I know you really well.

    I have enjoyed reading your blog because of your unwavering Christian views through all of your trials and because of your witty writing style that makes day to day events fun to read.

    I originally was checking your blog every time I went on the computer, but now I have you on the sidebar of my blog and it tells me when you update. (I do check my blog to see if you have updated many times a day)

    Congrats on 500 posts! I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family!

    Wendy

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  21. YAYY SUSIE!!! WE alll love, here in the Taylor/Dietrich household, to be obsessed with your blog, lol, i know you know we are blog stalkers, haha... Seriously though, its been awesoem to become friends basicly throught the World Wide Web, and your blog has opened your life to us. We love and miss you, and even though we cant live near eachother YET, the blog helps fill in those spaces, and keeps the connection going and going. Congrats on 500!! Keep on, keeping on!

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  22. It is always fun to read your posts, Thank you for being truthful!! God Bless

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  23. Hi Susie,
    I have always loved reading your blog and have prayed for you many times thru the ups and downs.
    Congrats on flip flop!

    Kelli
    Ohio

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  24. Amazing! Have you really posted that many times? I know I've been reading for over a year, probably closer to a year and a half, but it doesn't seem possible to have written that much is such a small time. You are amazing, in many more ways than your blogging. Thanks for being such a diligent blogger and letting us in our your life.

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  25. 500 posts...wow! I love reading your blog because I admire your strength. :)

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  26. Congrats on 500 posts! Ha ha! I love to read your blog because it is so real! Congrats on 17 weeks of pregnancy!!

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  27. Susie, I enjoyed reading each day about Joshua. You were so kind to share his life with us as well as your own. Oceana is adorable and I appreciate reading about the daily ins and outs of a Christian from the US living in another country. I eagerly await the arrival of your 3rd baby and pray for your family! Michelle ~Texas

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  28. Hi Susie! Congrats on 500 posts! I found you through Babyfit. I first started reading to check up on and pray for Joshua. Now I keep reading because through all your stories you faith in God shines through and it inspires me to be a better Christian.

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  29. Susie~

    My sister turned me on to your blog and while I haven't posted here yet. You life and story of Joshua spoke to me many times. My ds and I continue to pray for you each day. I will sorley miss reading your blog when we are in the field (no internet in the jungle). God bless you and your growing family.

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  30. I love reading this blog because it is a very clear picture of God's mercy, grace and love for a family who is serving him. Thanks for the encourgement and testimony.

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  31. I love Susie's humor!


    Jacksonville,FL

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  32. Hey Susie... 500 posts! wow. I think Im at like 10.lol. I love reading your blog. if it werent for blogland my house would be spotless! lol. Keep writing them and I'll keep reading. I pray all is going well with You and the family :)

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  33. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 500th POST!!!
    Hmm... The reason I love reading your blog is because of your faith.... it helps me to try and stay on a path to be a better person..... and your strength....
    Thank you for blogging your life and sharing with the world...

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  34. Hi Susie -
    I can't even remember how I happened upon your blog, but Joshua had just been born when I started reading. I was (and still am) captivated by reading about your life in NZ, and how you've celebrated Joshua's life and honored his death. You've been through a lot in a short period of time, and yet you've kept your sense of humor and your love for God and your family intact. That's just so awesome to see (read).

    Happy 500th Post, Susie! I hope that all of the many comments you are sure to receive will be a huge blessing to you today!

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  35. I love and thank you for your blog Susie, cause its witty, inspiring, and most importantly filled with hope. I believe hope is less and less when its needed more and more. Especially back here in the states. Thank you Susie, I really appreciate you, your family and your blog.

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  36. Wow! Congrats on 500 posts! That's amazing! I love reading your blog because you are so real. I am very inspired by you and your family. If we lived by eachother (any interest in moving to MN??) I would LOVE to be your real life friend. Thanks for all of the inspiring and entertaining posts! Keep 'em coming!

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  37. I read your blog everyday! It makes me feel a little less crazy, in a good way;)

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  38. After the loss of our son Asher, we received the sweetest comment from Susie. I was astounded when I had comments from the other side of the world and I clicked on her name to see who this amazingly kind person was...I am so glad I did. Joshua has had a huge impact on me as has his mommy. I love coming here each day to check on everyone and see what they are all up to.

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  39. Susie,

    I have never posted a comment before. I have however been reading your blog pretty much since the beginning as I found your link through babyfit.
    I have laughed with you, AT you (lol), cried with you, cried for you...and fell in love with Joshua, you and your blog.
    I identify with so many things you blog about...and find it strangely odd that you are from Rochester and worked at David's Bridal at the time I was shopping for a gown...I am sure I must have seen you there.
    Aside from all that...I often take new insight away with me after reading your blogs. I have a 2 1/2 year old and am going through many things you are with Oceana...and I have a 2 month old that I hold tighter and longer then I did with my first, mainly because I am more aware that life is unpredictable.
    I congratulate you on 500 posts...I try every so often to blog on my own page, but although I consider myself a writer, I struggle with blogging...go figure.
    So, GO SUSIE....Keep it up! AND
    THANKS FOR SHARING!
    God Bless and Take Care.

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  40. Hmmmm..... Why do I love to read Susie's blog? Well Oceana is just adorable and I love to see the pictures of her. Then there is Joshua, I fell in love with your sweet boy. I loved to see how he was each day. I love seeing how God is working in your life and thru your sweet sons story. Of course there is the smile that your daily stories bring to my face and it is really nice kowing that there is another mom out there who is going thru some of the same things I a with my daughters. Don't foret the joy of the new life that is growing in your tummy.Thanks for putting yourself out there for someone to read a half a world away. Blessings to you and your family!

    Khristy P
    Central SC

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  41. Happy 500th! Have a big bowl of chocolate ice cream, or a huge piece of cake, or a bowl full of caramel corn, or SOMETHING yummy and awful for you :)

    I love reading your blog because you are real. AND! Because you make me feel like we're kindred, crazy mama, spirits :)

    -Andrea

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  42. I did ya one better. I left you an award over at my site.

    Susie your blog is amazing. Just amazing.

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  43. HAPPY 500th Post! I'm so glad I can stay updated during these times when we're all over the world!

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  44. Hi Suzie! You don't know me, but I have been reading your blog for quite some time now. You have so much courage and strength! Congrats on the new baby!
    Love,
    Emily in Texas

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  45. Susie, your sister sounds like a doll! (I have four & am so grateful for them too.)

    I love your blog. You love the Lord & follow his teachings & just seem so good & honest. I found your blog after Joshua left this earth & sobbed while reading it. I was so impressed that you would be willing to share him & of course Oceana & the new little one w/ all of us.

    I love that you stay so positive & upbeat. It just makes coming to your blog a wonderful experience! Can't wait to read the next 500!

    Susan

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  46. Hi, happy 500th post! I love reading your blog because it is a blessing to see someone in their
    20s who is living their life for the Lord despite all that life has dealt them. So many 20somethings run the other way when adversity comes and you have certainly had more than just adversity! Be blessed as you are a blessing!

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  47. Yeah for 500!!! I love reading about your family's journey!

    Brittany

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  48. I love reading her blog because she is a great example of strong & courageous. Difficult experiences and trials make strong individuals when they have the courage not to give up.

    I also love reading here... because it is real. Susie doesn't try to hide who she is. If the laundry is on the couch... or the kitchen is a mess... she is not afraid to admit it. Because in the bigger picture... how important is that stuff anyway. I get the impression that what is most important to Susie is people. Living in the moment is her motto and I admire her for that.

    ToOdLeS.ShEiLA (in Nevada)

    ps. love your blog... keep up the good work.

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  49. I love how genuine your sister is. She taught me to appreciate my children more. Praying for the Sams from Texas.

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  50. Congrats on post #500! That's pretty awesome! I found your blog a few months ago and while I don't often comment, I read your blog all the time and I really enjoy it. Susie, I always feel like I can relate to you - from everything to naturally curly hair to how you're not a morning person. Anyways, congrats once again!
    ~Erika

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  51. I've never left a message before. But I love reading Susie's blog because she is so honest with everything that is going on. Probably more honest than I would willing to be. Thanx Susie and God Bless

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  52. Hey Susie! I've been reading your blog since someone mentioned it on babyfit. Not only are your words about parenting touching but I also strongly relate to you as a person since I am a young 20 something with small children. Sometimes it seems like I am reading something that I could have written. Keep on writing - you are great at it!

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  53. :::waves:::
    Hi, Susie! My name is Jen. I've commented before. I'm a mom of 3 preemies...one angel and 2 miracles. I've been reading your blog since shortly after Joshua was born. I believe I may have found it on the CF Husband blog, but I can't remember! I got sucked in reading about little Joshua and I stuck around because I find your blog heartfelt and honest and entertaining. Keep up the great blogging! ; )

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  54. Hi :) I enjoy reading Susie's blog because she's a very enciteful person and to me, her life is much more fascinating then my own! :) She seems to be an amazing mother to both of her children and a wonderful role model!

    Joy

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  55. Hi Susie- congratulations on your 500th post! I have been reading since Joshua was born, and my heart has reached out to your family.

    I love reading because you are real. You tell the funny and practical stories of your daily life, you share your gut-wrenching feelings, and you have a natural ability to let people "see" the real you. I like it- makes me feel like we could be friends, if you did not live half a world away. :)

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  56. Hi, Susie!

    This is my second attempt at leaving a comment; something went wrong last time.

    Congratulations on so many interesting blogs! I love to read your blog because you have a heart for God and write witty stories about being a wife, mother, woman, and daughter of God. I'm thrilled that baby #3 is on the way, and I pray for your heart as you treasure your memories of Joshua.

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  57. Hi Susie! I love reading your blog! I love your humor and your strength through all of the tough times. It is an inspiration!

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  58. We've never met. My sister-in-law forwarded me your blog months ago. I began checking in every once in a while to read of Joshua's progress. It has brought me great encouragement to continue running this race hard and straight as I have read of your journey and your faithfulness through struggles. Thank you for sharing.

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  59. Love reading your blog! Have a wonderful day.

    Angie

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  60. What they said.

    And cuz you're just so darn cute!

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  61. Love reading about you and your family. Keep up the good work!

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  62. Susie,

    Thanks for being such an inspiration to so many people. You are an amazing instrument of God. Thanks for being so strong and courageous!

    Kristin

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  63. Hi Susie--I don't even recall how I came across your blog, but I have followed it everyday ever since. You'd just given birth to Joshua when I started reading...and your strength and grace and faith throughout the trials you faced with your precious boy were so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story!
    Congrats on 500 posts!!! Holy cow, that's a lot of blogging! :)
    Here's looking forward to 500 more!
    Blessings from Minnesota, Tamara

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  64. Hey Susie-

    Just checking in to say I LOVE hearing updates about y'all... how your day to day is going, the exciting adventures of Oceana, all your funnyisms and about the new little one!

    Blessings & love,
    Kenzie

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  65. I found your blog by following a link on someone else's blog when Joshua was three or four weeks old. I was still adapting to life without my grandmother and found it comforting and encouraging to read about how your family chose to bring Joshua home and care for him and let God's will be done. I respect that very much.

    I've continued to read because I find it encouraging to "meet" other families with Christian values and natural parenting styles.

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  66. hi susie! you don't know me...but we have mutual friends. i believe that we just missed eachother at Elim, i graduated in 2003. you may know my brother, Caleb Guertin, i'm not sure if he was there when you were. i got hooked on your blog after going to it when Anna Coyle mentioned you and Joshua in her blog, asking for prayer. i have been an admirer ever since. your courage, maturity, and honesty never cease to amaze me. i love how real you are, it's so great. we have a couple things in common too such as girls around the same age, heart for missions, etc..my husband and i lived in haiti for 4 months when my oldest daughter was 6 months old. she is now 31/2 and my other daughter is 21 months. my husband is a youth pastor now, and we live in Wilmington, DE. anyway, keep your blog coming, it's so fun to read!
    ~Laura

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  67. Hi Susie. Your baby Joshua is what led me to you. Your life and story is what kept me coming back. Your humor and honesty is what keeps me here! You are too cool and fun. It would be fun to meet you someday--when you come to the states you should throw a party for your blog fans. I'll bring the cheese and crackers! I love reading your blog. You should write a book--about anything--I would be the first to buy it.

    Happy 500th!

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  68. I started reading your blog when I heard about joshua on babyfit. I too have a two year old (mine little girl was due 04/06 but came 03/06). I have cried with you, laughed with you and prayed with you and we have never even met. I was happier about your pregnancy then I think I was for most of the people I know. You are an amzing mother. Thank you for sharing your life and your love with us. May God bless you and your family!

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  69. Susie, Great post from your sis. I read and love your blog because of your honesty, because you give me inspiration, energy and strength that you have coped with the loss of the gorgeous Joshua with such grace and dignity.
    Oh and (for entirely shallow reasons!) cos I love seeing new photos of Oceana because she looks a lot like my daughter did at her age - extremely cute!

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  70. Suz,
    First of all I miss you! when are you coming to visit. I love reading your blog and seeing all the pics of oce, and how she is growing. We love you guys and miss you!

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  71. Reading your blog, lights up my day. You are a beautiful young woman who is just living life. You have a beautiful little girl, an Angel baby, and the baby on the way is already loved more than he/she could ever know.

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  72. Oh my goodness, I am so behind reading blogs--been working at EF all week last week, and just didn't have time...But yours was the first I read today. It is always the first I read. You are so real, I feel like we are friends--even though we are merely blogger friends. Merely...I have found the you that you have allowed me to know on this blog to be compassionate, heartfelt, bold, and always a reflection of a young woman getting to know Christ. Nothing mere about that. Keep walking it out for real, and I will enjoy praying for you and blessing your family in Christ. Thank you, for sharing you and Matt are amazing. Truly loving you guys.

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  73. Susie,
    I'm a lurker but I've followed you since not long after you started your blog.

    I love that you're real. You don't worry about what other people think of you....if your house is messy or you aren't lookin so put together...or maybe you do worry about that. Whatever. You put it all out there. The good, the bad and the ugly. I struggle with being real so I admire that in you. :-)

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  74. Hi Susie- I came across your blog on babyfit. I guess several of us have. I've enjoyed reading your updates about your family and your life because they're not glazed over. You're a real mom trying to balance out all of the little intricacies of life and recognize that there are somethings that can just wait (such as cleaning house)until you get to it. Your faith in God and desire to serve him is just truly inspirational. Thanks for continuing to share!

    Cathy - Texas

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  75. I have no clue how i came across your blog either. It was right before Joshua was born, and was probably referred from another blog i read. I am a Australian living in the USA so i strangely feel like we are kinda alike in some ways. I LOVE your blog, and esp love your new video blogging. Congrats on 500 posts!!!

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  76. Hi Susie,

    I came across your blog through someone elses when Josuha was born. I went back and read if from the start. It was so very addictive and still is to this day. Keep up the good work and Congrats on the pregnancy.

    Shelley
    Brisbane, Qld Australia

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  77. I hope its not too late to leave a comment!

    I enjoy reading your blog because it is so very real. You talk about things that every mom experiences and are not afraid to show both the good and the bad. :)

    Congrats on 500 posts!

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  78. Love the blog, Susie! Happy 500!

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  79. Suzie - I think I'm a little late to the party!! I love to read your blog because you are honest about everything! We know how much you love Joshua and can feel the love and sometimes even the pain. We know your house is messy and don't care. We know you're a procrastinator and love you anyway. We know how much joy you take in your family. Thanks for honestly sharing your life! Kara

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  80. Because you are the first 'real' person that we found on the net when we were searching for information on Noah's Syndrome, thankyou.

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  81. I love your blog because you are so real and grounded. An sometimes that's just nice.

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  82. touched by your story, good writer, interesting life, great personality, cool gal- feel like I know ya

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  83. Susie, I love reading your blog b/c I feel like I can relate to you, and like we have stuff in common. You are an inspirations, and just adorable! I love your writing style, it's like you're having a conversation with us, not writing to us. And of course I was always checking in for update on sweet Joshua, who is such a miracle! I love following the other families that you've linked to as well! Your blog gives me a sense of normalcy, b/c sometimes I feel like I must be the only one in the world, doing x,y, or z, and then I read that you've done the same thing, or had the same thing happen, and I feel better! =) Keep it up, and thanks for sharing!

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