Just a few hours before our lives changed forever
Thursday, February 3 2005
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Happy Birthday, Little Frog
1. Sarah said:
Happy Birthday!!!!
2. Brea said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
3. romy said:
wow. happy birthday leta and the whole family!!
:)
4. song said:
wow, it's like you have a halo. and I claim the prize for having the 'last' post on yesterdays entry.
5. Helen said:
YAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
6. Chris From Ohio said:
Momma: "I wonder if this monitor has a comments section..."
Happy birthday, Leta.
Love,
The Internet
7. lisamona said:
Happy Birthday
8. Suzanne said:
Happy Birthday Leta! Congrats to Jon and Heather for being such wonderful parents to such a georgeous gal.
9. Blair said:
AHHHH What a cute tummy.
10. Danielle said:
This must've been the calm before the storm! All is revealed, well, maybe, only if I'm right about that earlier photo.
Happy Birthday, Leta-pita-dorita!
It has been wonderful getting to see you grow up this year.
Thank you, dooce, for sharing your darling daughter with us.
hugs and kisses (smooches on the chubby cheeks)
11. Meg said:
Have a great birthday, and Heather I hope you and John treat yourselves to something nice. It's your birthday too.
12. teach said:
happy first birthday, Leta!
13. leslie said:
Wow! My life changing moment was exactly 3 months later when our daughter was born. I love reading your new mother comments because I can totally relate. Thanks!
14. veg4me said:
Wishing you a wonderful day and a fun filled next year!
15. Yvonne said:
Happy Birthday Leta!! Lots of yummie chocolate cake :-)
16. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
Heather, are you staring at the computer screen longingly? Itchin' to blog?
17. LadyBug said:
How can I be so emotionally affected by a photo of someone I'll likely never meet in person?
Oh yeah. PMS and whatnot.
Happy Birthday to the Frog Princess. And congrats to you and Jon, Dooce, on making it through your first year of hell, er...boot camp, er....I mean PARENTHOOD.
(And a little shout-out to Chuck, too, so the former congressman doesn't feel too left out.)
18. song said:
You seem so calm for a woman in labour. I looked at my screens and blips and stuff and screamed blue murder at all the shit they were attaching to my arm. Happy Birthday Darling Girl (and congrats Dooce for making a whole year on happiness)
19. Cammi said:
Happy Birthday Leta! You're beautiful!
20. Maria said:
Happy Birthday Leta! And congratulations to the Armstrong family for making it through a tough first year. Hope you have many, many more happy years together.
21. l said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA CUTESIE!
22. Amber said:
Happy Birthday Munchkin!
23. Jen said:
Happy Birthday Leta! And Happy Birthing day Heather!
24. Jeni Reno said:
Happy 1st Leta!
25. banana hands said:
Hi Katherine Kelly!
26. Amanda B. said:
That is really sweet. sniff.
27. Jenny said:
You look so much like my mother did when she was young, it's almost scary.
Happy birthday, Leta!
28. Danielle said:
You know, the fact that you are sitting on a blue pad looks a bit ominous, to one who knows just how much liquid can be soaked up by those puppies.
Oh, and I never said on the earlier photos, I loved the cake picture and the frosting photo (I've been viewing them a day late and a dollar short, so to speak).
29. Sherri said:
HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR BIRTHDAY, LETA!!!
30. DeeGee said:
Happy happy Birthday, little Leta and family.... I'd like to share my favorite birthday blessing: "I'm glad you were born!" :-)
31. sweetney said:
happy birthday, sweet lady.
ribbit!
32. Chiara Rose said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!! Watching you grow and reading about how much your Mama and Daddy love you has been a joy. I hope the next year is as sweet and beautiful to you and your parents as it can be.
33. e said:
Happy Happy Birthday, Leta!!! :-)
34. Michele said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
35. Mary said:
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, Miss Leta Frog!!!!
36. liz said:
Happy Birthday Leta! I love to read the adventures your mommy writes about.
37. alyssa said:
happy birthday, miss leta!
38. Megs said:
Happy birthday pretty girl! May your birthday always been seen as a national holiday and that you and your parents always take time to remember the year past...
39. Wicked H said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta!!!
Wishing you happiness today and ALL days.
Congrays Dooce for making it through year 1
40. Catharina said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
You are one of the luckiest little girls around.
41. becaru said:
I imagine that by this time next year, Leta will be writing her own comments!
Happy # 1 to You!!!
42. Ali said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
43. sleepingmommy said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
You made it through the first year, now the real challenge begins! She'll be mobile this year. Lord help you poor souls!
44. Heidillydoo said:
Oh my goodness - 30 people have posted already!! Happy Birthday Leta!
45. Cheryl said:
Happy B-day little Leta!
46. Sharyn said:
Happy First Birthday Leta! And BIG congratulations to the Armstrongs. When my little man turned one I remember feeling this mixture of relief and awe, that we had made it through the first year. It gets easier after that :-)
47. Elisa said:
Happy 1st Birthday, Leta!
Congrats to you and Jon on making it through your first parental year.
48. Rose said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
49. Cheryl said:
To Leta,
The most popular baby on the internet,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
You have spent one year with the coolest parents I know.
Congrats Jon and Heather-- can you believe that you have been parents for 1 whole year?
50. EveryoneknowsitsWENDY said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
51. stella said:
Happy Birthday Leta! Congrats Mom and Dad on one year!!!
52. Katrina said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
53. Jenie said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!
54. nicola said:
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday little leta
Happy Birthday to yoooooou!!!
Wow I cant believe she is one already!!! thats amazing!!
I dont normally comment but I just had to today!!! Ive been reading for so long!!!
Thats a really great pic there heather!! boy i wish i looked so relaxed on my shots at the hospital!! our son is almost 2 now.. feels like yesterday he came into our lives
may leta always be blessed with good luck, happiness and health and i wish her the best for the future!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
55. Kristin said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
56. Cindy said:
Happy Birthday, Leta! xoxoxo
57. Kristi said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Congratulations on making it through the first year, Heather & Jon.
58. red said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, little frog!!
59. Circus Kelli said:
Happy birthday to you precious Leta! You are such a special little soul, born into such a wonderful, loving family.
Thank you so much, Heather, for sharing your family with us. It is a must for me to catch my daily dose of Dooce in the mornings. Your writing and your pictures (and sometimes the comments section you provide) make me smile and laugh in spite of myself.
May today be the first of many, many happy days to come for all of you. That includes, Chuckles, of course.
60. Kathleen said:
Although I'm not a regluar poster, I am a daily reader. So I would be remiss not to wish a very happy birthday to Leta. Thanks for bringing me a million smiles throughout the last year. Happy Birthday!
61. The Wife said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!!
62. laura said:
NOT ONLY is today leta's birthday but it is my 1 year anniversary of reading this site. have a great day, guys.
63. Ica said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
64. Colleen from NJ said:
Happy One Year to a little woman who has rocked the world of many, many people.
You have great things ahead of you, little one. And wonderful people to guide you through it all.
Congratulations, Heather and Jon!
65. August95 said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! All the joy of today, I send your way.
66. thebuttermint said:
I can just imagine what you're thinking while staring at the monitor ...
"Why, OH WHY, are they using PC's instead of Macs? What kind of barbaric medical facility is this?"
Happy Birthday, Leta, and congrats to the entire Armstrong family. (Chuck included, since he is my dog's hero.)
67. jules said:
If I were organized, I would have sent a Flavia card and this is what it would have said:
"You are a warm and wondrous gift to the world, for you are made of lullabies and love, and so many wishes come true. You came into this life riding on the wings of hope. You are filled with stardust and moonlight, innocence and belief, and with the promise of tomorrow. May you always be surrounded by listening hearts and nurturing hands. May you know the glory of unconditional kindness and gentle teachings. May your dreams touch the sky, and may you always know how very much you are loved. "
Flavia Weeden, www.flavia.com
Happy Birthday Leta!
(:3
68. domino said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
69. Rob said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!
70. The Wife said:
I just finished reading the letter to Leta. I'm totally tearing up now. How beautiful!
71. bushra said:
wow, you look so calm!
another happy birthday leta!
72. Karen Rani said:
Happy Birthday Leta Bo Beta!
Heather - you're letter to Leta today was beautiful...I loved every word.
Great job Armstrongs! Keep on lovin' each other!
Love Karen
73. ricki said:
it must be so kewl to be you
74. Southern Fried Girl said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!!! I feel so honored to have been able to watch you grow up. Just so you know, your mom is so hysterical - sometimes she gets me through tough days. :)
75. Karen Rani said:
your* letter - sorry!
76. christy said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!
But Dooce, I can't believe you actually shaved your legs! Way to go. I think I resembled a sasquatch by the time I gave birth since leg shaving was a little too aerobic for me at that point.
77. Circus Kelli said:
Jules! That is so very beautiful!
78. Stephen McKenna said:
Maybe you'll learn to not eat so much at this years super bowl party : )
79. Kelli said:
Jeez...make me cry, why dontcha? Love your baby much? ;-)
Seriously...happy birthday, Leta. And many more to come.
80. Rebecca said:
Happy Birthday Leta.
81. red said:
for the record, the monthly newsletter had me in tears today.
83. wealhtheow said:
Little Leta--Happiest of birthdays to you! Heather and Jon--watching your journey through this year has both made me more eager to have my own child, and )hopefully) a little more prepared for that journey. Thank you for sharing this first year of your daughter's life.
82. beachgal said:
Wow. I was gonna comment about how I have that same perverted jack-in-the-box book, but yipes, that just really doesn't matter now.
I knew your monthly newsletter was going to be moving this time, but I wasn't expected to be flat out bawling from it. I am so happy for you, for getting your health back, for your wonderful daughter, husband and dog.
Happy Birthday Miss Leta and much love to your mama and dada and dog from South Carolina.
84. Andrea in Canada said:
LETA IS 1! Happy Happy Birthday sweetheart!
What a great lookin' pregnant woman in that photo! :)
85. mama-in-awe said:
leta looks stunning. gerber baby cute.
you are catching on, dooce. there's something to be said about seeing the Creator in your child. He does exist. ask Him to reveal Himself to you and He will. Leta deserves that.
86. Cathi said:
The newsletter is beautiful Heather.
87. Pissy Britches said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta Armstrong!
You are the cutest freakin baby and your mom is a nut!
88. Jennifer said:
Happy Birthday Leta! Stop growing up so fast, it makes momma and daddy's heads spin!
Heather you looked great!
89. Janie said:
Happy birthday, Leta! And congratulations (for always), Jon and Heather.
Your monthly updates are always lovely, but this one honestly brought tears to my eyes. You've definitely inspired me to keep the same faithful record (maybe not on a blog!) for my future children.
90. Sarah said:
Another one in tears over here. What a beautiful letter and oh my god those pictures are breath-taking. Seriously. And you know what? She really is starting to look more and more like you, Heather.
Thank you for sharing with us, and congratulations on the past year, for facing your fears and having the courage and strength to ask for help when you needed it. It does take courage to ask for help.
Happy Birthday to the little Froggie...I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful day!
91. Kendra in T-Bay said:
I only happened across your webpage about two weeks ago, and now I check it on a daily basis (usually more than 50 times a day).
The letter to your daughter is one of the most moving things I've ever read. Now I want to have kids!!
A very happy birthday to you Leta. I wish you and your parents every happiness.
92. Susannah said:
Happy Birthday darling Leta! You are so lucky to have parents who love you so fully and unconditionally.
Dooce, your letter to Leta brought tears to my eyes. I am sitting here at my desk with big tears rolling down my face. My husband and I are trying to conceive and parts of your letter were very familiar. What a wonderful family you have. Thank you for sharing them with us, most of whom you have never met but all of whom you've made a lasting impression on.
93. amberlyn said:
note to self: read those damn newsletters at home, not at work. they always choke me up there at the end. *sniff*
oh, right and:
* happy birthday to leta!
(look at me with the mad comment formatting - bolds and asterisks and all. i'm cool).
or dorky; you know, whatever.
94. Gia said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA! And happy birth day Heather!
:)
95. LadyBug said:
Holy shit, Dooce. I'm sitting at my desk, bawling. That was such a beautiful, beautiful letter. And the pictures....stunning. Damn near took my breath away.
You are such a terrific mom. Congrats again on making it through your first year of parenthood.
God bless,
LadyBug
96. Joana said:
Happy Birthday, beautiful Leta!
Happy Birthday to you too, mommy!
Have a great day!
Love!!
97. Jennifer in Kansas City said:
A wonderful Happy Birthday to Leta, and congratulations again to Mom & Dad, and thanks from the Internet, for allowing us in to your lives. Hugs to Chuck, because he is still the older sibling, no matter what. ;)
98. Clearly said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
You are a very lucky girl to have such wonderful parents who love you so much.
xx
99. sab said:
HAPPY 1st BIRHTDAY LETA!!!!!! WISHING YOU 101 MORE!!
100. Heather said:
Happy birthday, Leta! It has been so fun watching you grow up. Congrats to you, Jon and Dooce, for making it this far! Here's to many, many, many happy years.
101. domino said:
BTW - I teared up reading the newsletter this month, but you know what really got me going?
Clicking on the "newsletter" category link, and reading them all again from the start.
Dooce - Kleenex need to pay you now.
102. Penelope said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
103. Chessy said:
Happy birthday, Leta- Frog Princess, Former Mistress of Scream,Future Goddess of the Internet Universe. :)
I am going to have "Happy Birthday to You" Stuck in my head all day long.
104. Circus Kelli said:
You know... all the monthly newsletters are wonderful, but today's... ah, today's newsletter got me right in the Mommy-Spot.
Congrats, Heather and Jon, on making it through the first year. So far, the years following that first one are alot like that too. Good days, bad days and always full of surprises!
105. Matthew said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
106. SaraJane said:
Heather - Thank you so much for sharing the most intimate parts of your life. You inspire me, as I'm sure you inspire many others. Your daughter is beautiful and so lucky to have you and John as parents. Mormon or not, I'm struck by how good God has been to you... you are one of the good ones. Thank God for Leta, thank God that you are willing to get up and try it again. I'm so impressed. You are helping to shift the paridigm. You are helping all of us women realize we are not alone and while we may be broken we are not completely useless. Thank you for making good choices. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to hearing of your many adventures for years to come!
God Bless you and your family and Happy Birthday Leta.
107. cynder said:
Happy Birthday, Leta.
As an expectant mother who is scared, nervous, and excited for the birth of my child, you have just rendered me into a blubbering mass of tears with the today's newsletter.
108. kate g. said:
i stumbled upon your site after reading about the mommy and me in the NYTimes.
i have laughed so hard at some of the things you have written.
and cried a little bit when i read todays entry to leta on her birthday.
you are a great woman who says very eloquently what we women think and feel and want and need and all those things.
i hope if i ever have kids i can be as good a mom as you are.
and remember to write to my kids on their birthdays.
and tell them how fabulous they are and all those things.
i nanny'd, which is as close to parenting as i've got so far... and those girls changed me tremendously. esp. the youngest. i was lucky to have them in my life.
leta is lucky to have you.
:)
109. cynder said:
Happy Birthday, Leta.
As an expectant mother who is scared, nervous, and excited for the birth of my child, you have just rendered me into a blubbering mass of tears with the today's newsletter.
110. Melanie S. said:
Happy Birthday Leta Frog!
Don't forget to share your cake with Former Congressman Chuck!
111. erika said:
Happy Birthday to Leta and her loved ones.
112. La Pixiatrix said:
Dooce,
wow do you ever put me in touch with my feelings.
I am so happy and so grateful that Leta's momy loves her so, and that your relationship with Leta has given your life meaning. And that you've been able to fight the power of your depression with the power of this unconditional love.
For Leta:
"You cried the day you were born, and the whole world rejoiced..."
-part of a native american proverb
113. Jodi said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
114. Gooooder said:
Wow you let pictures be taken? You are brave. If I was going to have kids, no way.
115. Cristin said:
Happy birthday, dear Leta.
Happy one year anniversay of 'parenthood' Jon and Heather.
Heather, I always love your writing. I especially love the newsletters. I got my morning cup, and sat down, prepared to chuckle, grin, and LAUGH OUT LOUD this morning. I forgot to prepare myself to bawl uncontrollably.
What a newsletter. What a writer. What a mom.
Thank you for all of this. You make me want to hug my kids more. I realize that they are growing SOOOOOOOO fast, and so is Leta.
Think of it, your daughter already has her own fan club! Cool!
116. Matt in London said:
Yes - happy birthday...my son is 7 weeks old today and it has been extremely hard work...why does no-one tell you this in advance??? As for the comments on shaving, above, my wife made me trim 'everything' for her before she went into the operating theatre....yuck, yuck, yuck
117. Avid Napper said:
Your letter to Leta on her birthday is one of the most wonderful things I've read in a long, long while.
Happy birthday to a very lucky little girl!
118. Kimberley H. said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
And Heather, even with all the tribulations, you are one of my inspirations to be a Mother.
119. Circus Kelli said:
Matt In London: I have a theory -- there is A LOT they don't tell you before you have kids for two reasons -- 1) No one would ever have kids again (on purpose), and those of us who already have kids wouldn't be able to laugh at those misguided people who swear they're kids will "never be like that!" and 2) Y'all wouldn't listen anyway. I know I didn't...
120. taryn said:
Happy Birthday, Leta Dorito!
121. sio said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA! <3
122. Stacey said:
Happy Birthday Leta :)
123. becca said:
Happy birthday, Leta. Happy birthday, Heather. It's one year of a new life for both of you. I remember writing a letter very close to that to my son about a year ago, and while families are so different, that awe and nostalgia and crushing love translates between all new mothers. Have a wonderful, memorable day.
124. TulsaOkie said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta!!
Dooce, that was an amazing newletter. I hope she cherishes those forever!
Great picture too. Why don't all pregnant women look that well?
125. Jenny said:
Happy Birthday to you both!
126. Cristin said:
oh yeah, Danielle,those blue and white pads, they are called....
CHUCKS PADS!
127. Berrygirl said:
Happy Birthday Leta and Congrats Heather and John making it through and sharing her for first incredible year!! She is such a cutie!!
128. keepergirl said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
129. Terri said:
I started reading you right at the time when Leta was born. Amazing how time has flown.
Happy Birthday, Leta. You be good to your parents. They've done an amazing job.
130. emily said:
happy birthday little frog! hi-five!
131. Dez said:
Happy birthday CuteFace!
Thanks for sharing her Heather and Jon.
132. david said:
first off: happy birthday leta! from more of the introweb.
second: heather - thanks for making reading about parenthood one of the wonderful things i do during the days.
third: jon! great, great shot here!
fourth: i guess i'm the only lame-o that puts their myspace profile as their url. hilarious.
133. Kristen said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
Thanks for a great entry, Dooce. I am due with #2 exactly 3 weeks from today. Reading your letter to Leta made me all that more excited for those first moments, days, weeks with a new babe. I don't know how I'll duplicate the love I have for my little girl, but I think I'll know soon enough.
134. david said:
first: leta! happy birthday!
second: heather - thanks so much for making reading about parenting one of the wonderful things to do during my days.
third: jon - great, great shot here. no, really!
135. brittney said:
Your 12 month newletter made me cry. And it made my uterus throb.
136. Lauren said:
Congratulations Heather and Jon!
Happy birthday Leta!
You tell and wonderful story and I'm very fond of all of you.
137. beverly said:
HA: I am crying! Your sweet little post today could not describe getting preg, having a baby, and the wonderful joy it gives you, any better. Thank you for what you do, how you write it, and for making us laugh when all we want to do is pull our hair out! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LETA!!
138. beckythefirst said:
happy birthday leta.
dammit, dooce, i have something in my eye now. *sniff* beautiful birthday letter.
i've been talking about your site & now my husband has started reading. i think he's beginning to understand the addiction. i mean, uh, oh hell. fuggedaboutit.
139. Jenny said:
Happy Birthday Miss Leta!
140. Mom2EnK said:
I wanted to wish Leta a very happy birthday.
141. Ronny said:
aye happy first birthday leta!
142. Library Girl said:
What a beautiful tribute to your daughter Heather. I'm sitting here at work with tears streaming down my face and (dramatic pause: holy shit! a group of young mormon boys just cruised right through here, it's a sign!!!) okay back the the regularly scheduled program. I can feel the love just by reading that post, Happy Big 1 Miss Leta-Pants!
143. Cindi said:
Happy birthday dear Leta!
144. Cristin said:
Kristen
I remeber being petrified shortly before my second daughter was born. How could I EVER love another child, I thought my eldest had completely taken over my heart.
But relax.....the old story is true. My heart grew juuuuuust big enough to fit both girls. Sure, sometimes it overlows, or explodes into a million or so pieces when they are unbearably cute or sweet, but it always grows back, at at least the same size.
Nice name by the way, your mom just spelled it wrong :-p
145. Nina said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!!
Heather, as usual your monthly newsletter made me cry. I just wish I could express my feelings in words just half as well as you do. Thank you for sharing them with us.
146. Sheryl 98/286 said:
That letter was beautiful. It's not fair to make me cry before I've had coffee.
Happy Birthday Fawnzelle.
147. torie said:
Happy First Birthday Sweet Little Leta, May your day and life be filled with cake, presents, and lots and lots of love.
148. Fish said:
I'll join everyone else today with a simple happy birthday, Leta.
149. ADD said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta!!! Thanks to you, your mom, your dad, and Chuck for sharing the last 365 days with us. Can't wait to see where you go from here. :)
150. Jenny said:
May I say that this was the most beautiful newsletter to date (wipes away tears).
That child just gets more and more gorgeous with every single day.
Happy Birthday, little one.
151. Cathy said:
Happy Birthday Leta! I started reading this site about a week before the Eviction notice was posted on Mama's belly. How much fun to watch that baby grow. You're doing a great job, Heather, she's gorgeous.
152. Stephanie said:
what an incredibly beautiful post! leta you're one lucky little girl to have such a wonderful mama. :)
153. Toren said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Congratulations on the first year Jon and Heather.
154. jen said:
Happy Birthday, little Leta...you are one cool girl.
Heather, thanks for making my ovaries scream.
155. Christie said:
Happy birthday Leta. You are so smart and so beautiful.
156. michele said:
Ok almost started crying at my desk that was so sweet!!! And almost makes me want to have kids...until I remember the part about lack of sleep...the stress...the worrying...then I remember I can just read about it on Dooce and live vicariously instead. :-) But the pictures are adorable!!!!!!!!
157. b said:
am i first?
158. Matt in London said:
Circus Kelli - how right you are! What's funny is that everyone else in our NCT class is only just having their kids and now look to us for advice!?!?!?!?!?
159. Em said:
Happy Birthday to Leta and to your whole family. You made it through the first year! I know it has been an amazing HARD experience. Thank you for sharing it with a bunch of crazy strangers. Lots of love to you, Jon, Leta and Chuck today.
160. Trace said:
Happy Birthday Little LetaLou!
161. Jessamyn said:
Happy birthday, Leta! And happy one year of parenthood, Heather & Jon! My daughter will turn one in a month and 4 days - is that why I'm so incredibly moved by the monthly newsletter? Maybe that's part of it; I'm thinking the other part has to do with how much you love Leta, and how well you express your love in your writing.
162. anna jr. said:
happy one year of parenthood to the armstrongs!
heather - i have been reading dooce.com since right before you were fired and it has been wonderful to watch you find your heart a home.
much love to all four of you.
a.
"Getting down on all fours and imitating a rhinoceros stops babies from crying. (Put an empty cigarette pack on your nose for a horn and make loud "snort" noises.) I don't know why parents don't do this more often. Usually it makes the kid laugh. Sometimes it sends him into shock. Either way it quiets him down. If you're a parent, acting like a rhino has another advantage. Keep it up until the kid is a teenager and he definitely won't have his friends hanging around your house all the time."
~P.J. O'Rourke
163. Nell said:
Congratulations Leta and family!
Today's letter was beautiful. Also, is Leta turning out to be a redhead?
164. Susie said:
Happy birthday to you, dear Leta, the internet's most beloved baby (who happens to have the coolest parents on the planet). May you always have two socks on your scrumptious little feet.
ps: I've been reading about you since before you were born, but I think this is my first time to post. I'm just so happy for you and your family, I couldn't resist.
165. U.B. said:
Happy 1st to both Leta and Dooce.
What a beeyooteeful letter.
166. Sarcastic Journalist said:
happy birthday! i'm having "baby birthing" flashbacks. Make them stop! Stop!
167. Mrs.Strizzay said:
Technically Dooce its your birthday to. The birth of your motherhood and all. Have a bourbon tonight, and make it a double.
168. lara said:
happy birthday, Leta!!
and Dooce, I've read you for a year now and if I was more in love with you they'd have to get a retraining order.
Thank you for Dooce. Really.
169. Ninotchka said:
You blew me away with that entry. WOW. Happy Birthday to you ALL!
170. Kelly said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!
Heather,
I don't know how you do it, but every single time I read a monthly newsletter from you, I ball like a baby....
WOW! And thank you!
171. JulesinTulsa said:
I share a birthday with Leta!!! Happy Birthday baby girl! You are wonderful and perfect in everyway... and, oh so beautiful. The only bad thing about a birthday in February, is that you can't have a swimming party... bummer when you're young.
172. Jeff said:
Happy birthday, kiddo.
173. Abi said:
Happy Birthday Leta. You should always remember how much your parents love you!
174. christa said:
happy birthday, leeeeta! thanks for making me cry at work, dooce.
175. sweetney said:
okay, i am self-voted "least likely to cry at a friggin' blog post," but after reading that 12 month update i'm all blubbery and shit. gah.
176. Neil said:
Happy birthday, Leta! And congratulations to Dooce & Jon & Chuck
177. Jaia said:
I can't believe you're looking over at that monitor and NOT at Janet Jackson's nipple!
I'm sorry, I'm just being an ass. Beautiful entry, Heather, and happy happy birthday to you, Leta!
178. kerrie said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
179. Torrie said:
I wish I could say something profound so that you could understand how much I have enjoyed watching you grow up this past year, but there are no words, so Happy Birthday Leta!
180. andrea said:
Happy Birthday darling Leta! Much love to you and your awesome mom and dad, and Chuck too!
181. MKN said:
Ack! Am crying like a baby over here. Heather, thank you for expressing so eloquently so many of the things I feel every time I look at my beautiful babies and their oh so wonderful father. This motherhood thing is an amazing wonderful adventure fraught with dangers and delight. I wouldn't trade a minute of it. Enjoy this special day. Happy Birthday Leta!
182. karinka said:
How wonderful! Dooce, you make me want to have children, and I haven't yet met the person I want to have children with. I think your writing about Leta is so beautiful.
Happy birthday, Leta!
183. yes I'm blonde said:
Happy Happy Birthday, Leta! You go girl!
PS Mommy has very nice legs for a pregnant woman about to give birth. You wore it well, Heather!
184. GinaKay said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
and
Happy 'BIRTH' Day Heather!
185. jennifer said:
Happy birthday, you precious girl!! Thank you and your momma and daddy and the Former Congressman for letting us out here in cyberspace share in your first year of life. We are all proud of you and your family and hope the very best for year two!
Your momma may have been "dooced" because of this website, but we've been "frogged," and the definition for that is enchanted by the Amstrong's little frog because of this website ;)
186. jennifer said:
Bah! ARMstrong.. not Amstrong. oops!
187. LisaG said:
How many kids get birthday wishes from hundreds of sincerely loving strangers - how great is that?
Add mine: Happy Birthday - Leta, I hope you always feel this loved!
188. not-that-Andrea said:
Happy birthday Leta!
I have no kids, but my sister made me an aunt one year and 11 days ago. But she and my nephew are far, far away and I don't get to see them. Leta is my daily surrogate so thank you, Heather & John, for that.
Matt in London - please go kiss my nephew for me. Thanks.
189. Meg said:
Yom Huledet Sameach, Letale. :)
The newsletter was incredibly moving, Heather - you know, you could teach MFA classes or something in your spare time...you are such a marvelous writer. And a marvelous mommie! =D
Props to you & Jon (and Chuck, for patiently dealing with the shift in attention!).
Thank you for dooce.com. It's my first stop of the day, and usually my last. Best blog I read.
190. leilia said:
Your post just brought absolute tears to my eyes. My daughter is 10 months old < april 9th baby> and we read your posts and relate to every word. Thankyou for sharing such wonderfulness < yes its a word!>
191. Lavanotes said:
Happy Birthday you little darling. And Congratulations to you and your husband for surviving the first year- it truly is an accomplishment.
192. Anita said:
Holy Cow, that was an amazing birthday letter.
193. Lisa said:
Happy Birthday, sweet baby! And congrats to you and DJ Blurb for having such a beautiful baby, and thanks for letting us into your lives!!
194. kim said:
i didn't read the post yet because i have an appointment after work and i just can't mess up my make-up now which would totally happen if i read it now. so i'll do it tomorrow. but anyway:
*HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, LETA* you are going to have another great 20 years to come during which your mom will buy you burbon because she's cool like that. and we'll follow your life from the www as long as your mom and dad will let us.
ps: these birthday wishes come all the way from germany and once you're old enough to read this and if you care enough to ask, your mom and dad will tell you where that is ;o)
195. Redneck Diva said:
I literally have tears streaming down my face as I type this.
Who knew being a parent could be this kind of wonderful, eh?
196. Alena said:
Happy, Happy Birthday, Leta! Your mommy and daddy love you so much.
Heather, I hold you entirely responsible for that amazing letter accompanied by such beautiful pictures, both of which totally made me cry and now I'm feeling all sneefy. All that love makes me so damn happy. Hug Leta and Jon for me. :)
197. Carla Beth said:
You've made it to the one year mark, which means I've made it to another-year mark. And that just amazes me.
198. Nutter & Nutter Butter said:
Happy, happy, happy birthday Leta! May you have many, many wonderful years ahead filled with love, laughter and many licorice sticks!
199. Deirdre said:
Happy birthday little Leta!
What a joy to get to share it. Just beautiful.
200. heatherfeather said:
those pictures on the birthday post are too much. i want to eat that little girl up!!!! give me a knife and fork!
201. Sarah said:
Now I'm crying. 10 minutes to get my daughter out the door to preschool and I'm crying.
Happy Birthday, sweet one!
202. Tabatha said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Congrats on (more than) making it through the year, Heather.
203. Ashley said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
And no matter what anybody says, you have wonderful legs *nods*
204. Ewan said:
Happy Birthday Leta, and congratulations Heather and family for surviving the first year :)
205. JP said:
oh, my heart...its just about to explode. Happy Birthday, Leta...you are just so loved.
206. Hilarie said:
Happy Birthday, Leta! And Heather, thanks for the beautiful commentary throughout the year.
207. Amanda B. said:
Beautiful letter to Leta. Life is good. :)
208. Em said:
Happy Birthday Leta (and Congratulations to you and Jon)!
Love,
Canada
209. BeckaJ said:
A year! I can't believe it's been that long. You have a lovely child, Heather, but I'dkeepreading you even without the chubby munchable cheeks, just for the poop stories. Or the pictures of Chuck.
My mother enjoys telling me my conception story, too. Halftime at the 1982 Superbowl. I hate football.
210. Toronto Mom said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Lovely post about Leta's first year... it only gets more fun from here on out!
Best wishes to you all.
211. Suzanne said:
Wow. I wished her Happy Birthday earlier...but when I saw the last photo in your b-day post....
She looks like a young Liv Tyler!!! Heather - when did you have an affair with Liv? Does Jon know you cheated on him with her?
212. Trance said:
Man, those things tear me up every time.
Happy happy happiest of birthdays to the beautiful Leta, and happy one-year mama- and daddy-versary to the Armstrongs.
That picture on the changing table is absolutely one of the best baby photos I have ever seen - I hope you put it in a big old frame!!
213. Renae said:
Happy birthday, Leta!
You're doing an awesome job, your Dooce-ness.
*hugs*
214. girl27 said:
Happy birthday, little one.
215. Big Gay Sam said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Mine is 9 more days away.
yay!
216. barbie2be said:
Leta is such a beautiful child.
Happy Birthday, Little one!
217. Evil Stepmother said:
GO, LETA, GO! What a pretty little Duke baby. All I ask, as someone who used to play the Dukes of Hazzard religiously, is don't make her be Luke. I always had to be Luke, as the youngest, not-blonde one. Let her always be Daisy. Or even Bo.
See, Leta, the internet loves you enough to make sure you never have to be the inferior Duke. Happy Birthday, little Frog.
218. Rose said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!!!!
219. laurenbove said:
Happy Birthday Little Leta! Here's to Many many more.( No I'm not drinking yet!)
Thanks Heather, for making me cry so early in the day. I usually can make it a wee bit longer. Beautiful words from such a loving mother...
I started writing my son letters that I seal in envelopes and will give to him on his 18th bday. I can't remember what I wrote in all of them. It will be interesting.
220. tk said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!!
221. Annejelynn said:
Happy, happy Birthday Leeeeta-dear! Happy days will come to you alll yeeear -- if I had a wish, it would beeee, a Happy, Happy Birthday to you from meee!
(did I get it right? did the LDS brainwashing keep my memory of the sunday school/primary birthday song intact? I may have missed a lyric or two)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET LIL' LETA!!! and hugs galore to Heather and Jon!
222. AyEnDeeAreEeAyAitch said:
I am all teary and junk. My nostrils are all flared up trying to stifle those tears.
You monthly letters inspire me to no end and it makes me strive to be a good momma such as you are.
Heather, you are beautiful as is Leta (and Jon, don't forget Jon).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL.
223. Mir said:
*sniffle* Happy birthday, beautiful girl. And congratulations to your parents for surviving the first year. (On my eldest's first birthday, a dear friend gave me an african violet with a card reading "Congratulations! You kept another human alive for an entire year! You're ready for a plant.")
224. colleen said:
your entry about leta's beautiful contribution to your life almost made me cry at work. thank you.
225. Kelly said:
Happy 1st Birthday, Leta!
226. butterstar said:
Hey, you "self-absorbed mommy-blogger", how dare you post such an eloquent, moving post about your daughter on her birthday? Shouldn't you be ignoring her and be talking about yourself or something?
What, you mean the NY Times CAN be wrong?? :)
Happy birthday, little Leta. And congrats, Armstrongs. You've done a fabulous job. And the older they get, the even more you wanna pick 'em up and kiss 'em all over. Even when you can't possibly think your heart can take anymore, because it's so full to bursting already. Well, until they're teenagers, anyway, from what I understand.
Heather, I wish I'd had a blog when I was pregnant and when my kids were babies. Your letters are a wonderful way to keep all those small details that otherwise get erased by time and the harried-mom syndrome. Much better than a baby book. I wish I'd had that idea, 'cause it's just so great.
Keep up the good work, Heather, Jon. And Chuckles, keep on keepin' that floor clean around Leta's chair.
227. Zorbs said:
OMG, your letter.
*gets the boohoohoos*
228. Adam said:
Happy Birthday, Leta. You are the luckiest girl alive to have the parents and family that all love you to death. Now ... go eat some cheerios.
229. Jillian said:
Must join with the choir and say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
230. Annecat said:
Happy Birthday Leta! And Heather & Jon - thanks for sharing.
231. wendee said:
Happy Birthday Leta!! Go easy on your mom this year. This is the countdown to the terrible twos!
232. God said:
Dear Heather,
You're welcome.
233. Seven said:
Holy friggin' Christ Heather make me choke up a little bit. And I'm not a cryer.
234. veronicalynne said:
i can't believe it's been a year already! happy birthday little leta armstrong! may it be a very happy one indeed.
235. Annejelynn said:
Mmmkay, fellow Doocelings and all you lovers-of-lil' Leta, it's the last day to submit your votes! The polls close today @ 10PM EST.
vote dooce! -she’s got 4 BLOGGIES nominations!
http://2005.bloggies.com/
236. Annie said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Thank you, Heather, for your honesty. Happy Birthday to you too.
237. elizabetht said:
happy birthday, leta!
ps. that was an absolutely breathtaking letter.
238. bignik said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Thanks to your mom's wonderful writings, I'm going to give my daughter some extra hugs today... just because.
239. Slim said:
Go Leta it's your birthday
we're gonna party like it's your birthday
gonna sip bicardi cause it's your birthday (really didn't need a reason for that).
Happy 1st Birthday little one I wish you love, laughs, and all the icecream your tummy can handle.
240. LetterB said:
February 3rd is my favorite day of the year since it is my birthday as well. I was so thrilled when it became Leta's birthday too because it really is a good one. She shares it with Gertrude Stein, Fran Tarkenton, Paul Auster and Morgan Fairchild. So signs are good that she will be a campy sexpot postmodern poet with a mean sprial pass. Oh la la!
241. Cristina said:
DAMNIT!! Stop making me cry with your freakin newsletters!!!
just kidding. I live for them--they perfectly capture why people keep having kids, despite the pain and the trouble
242. gabbie said:
holy crap, your daughter's birthday is the same as mine. i'm sure that is just as exciting to you as it is to me. heh. today i can drink legally and leta ONE WHOLE YEAR OLD. hippo birdie to us.
243. yndy said:
(¯`'·.¸.·:*°•°*:·.¸.·'´¯)Happy Birthday Leta!!!(¯`'·.¸.·:*°•°*:·..¸.·'´¯)
244. Laurie said:
Heather & Leta
Happy Birthday Leta!!! Congratulations Heather!!!
My friend Kristi turned me on to your blog, and I am obsessed. Your daughter is so lucky to be so loved by her parents and thousands of strangers.
I want to thank you for writing the story of your life. I am of the childbearing age and am scared to death to have a child. I to suffer from anxiety and am taking a ssri. Just hearing your story makes me think, I just might be able to do it(have a child)...If Heather can do it, Damm it so can I.
Enough babbling. Congratulations Heather on your triumph of parenthood. (BTW I am a Labor and delivery nurse and laughed so hard I cried at your labor story.)
Leta is lucky you have you for a mother.
~Laurie in CA
245. ella's ma said:
That is a beautiful newsletter.
Happy Birthday to Leta. And congrats to you for making it one year with your spirit and sense of humor intact.
246. Shiz said:
The way your face i all blurry in the pic, Heather, ... I'm sorry, but it reminds me of Mr. Bill!
I say this knowing you are gorgeous and it's just the picture and the bad hospital lighting.
247. Lou said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!!!!!!!!!
I've been reading dooce for months now, and I love it, my day wouldnt be complete with you! Congrats on a beautiful baby Heather!!!!!
248. Rita said:
Awwwww. Today's entry made me cry. CRY. I blame PMS.
Happy Birthday, lovely Leta and best to all the Armstrong clan. Thanks for sharing all your stories - especially the constipation ones. :D
249. Angela said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta!!!
Heather, her monthly letter was more beautiful than usual. I type this through tears...
250. Eva said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Your mommy brought tears to my eyes with that newsletter today....
251. amberlyn said:
i just took a tour through the old newsletters, and now my ovaries are chanting "WE WANT SPERM, GIVE IT TO US NOW!" it's really creepy, and my coworkers are giving me funny looks.
SHUT UP, ovaries. all in good time. sheesh.
252. janaya said:
Happy Birthday Leta. And gorgeous portaits, Heather B. Armstrong. Thank you for sharing everything. As I approach the birth of my first c