Just a few hours before our lives changed forever
You must have a dooce® Community account to leave a comment.
If you've already registered, login.
If this is your first time posting here, snag a free account.
Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
301. Fish said:
What do you think, parental-type doocelings, shall we educate Girl.A on the myriad different things our kids' poop may resemble?
I can think of no better way than that to celebrate Leta's first year: a shitload of poop stories.
302. DM said:
You made me cry with the monthly newsletter, Dooce. It was beautiful. Stop making me want to have kids! It is wrong! I would be a horrible mother and would probably leave the kid in the hallway. I've already done it twice with the cat.
God, between you and my extremely adorable nephew, I am weakening. Would you write about the screaming again? Please? Maybe I should get my sister to let me babysit. Josh is in that "Who are you, you strange person? AIEEEEEEE" phase. That should work.
Happy birthday, Leta! Thank you for being a source of amusement.
303. Chloe said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LETA! You are the luckiest little girl in the world.
I can't believe how old you are, now! Like many people, I didn't learn about this site until your birth, so It's sort of my one year dooce-versary!
Have fun learning to crawl, and just to be safe, you'd better not forget how to scre-eee-am. You never know when that may come in handy!
304. Shiz said:
Yes, FISH! I was just WANTING to hear poop stories.
Because hey, it is also the birthday of Leta's getting to go poo.
305. Shiz said:
Heather, you look so much less like Mr. Bill now that I'm on a computer with a good monitor.
Hee hee, but that was funny.
306. newmomfromtucson said:
Happy B-Day Leta! Congrats Heather and Jon on the first year of parenthood.
307. Nomad said:
Dear Leta,
Without knowing it, you've become a part of this internet's user life. I've listened to your Momma speak with truth and humor about depression, pooping, the Mormon church, love, work, and with this last 12+ month, you. I just want you to know that you are a special girl to have such a Momma. She loves you so much. She speaks of you with such reverance, even with stories of screaming and grabbing. It is apparant to those of us reading daily and fully embarking on this shared journey through life.
I feel that we all must take lessons from that which we come into contact with, and from your mother I've learned that flaws are beautiful things and that honesty can be funny.
Thank you and happy birthday!
308. Iesha said:
Hey it looks like a bag of Ringers Lactated, a bag of fluid with Pitocin in it (the one with the red sticker on it) and the small bag must be an antibiotic of some sort. Funny how i notice that junk. haha!
309. Karaoke Diva said:
Ah, Heather, Leta is so beautiful! You are raising yourself a darling little girl and doing a damn fine job.
My little guy is 2 months younger than Leta and I really understand your sense of pride at "surviving" the first year of your child's life. Good job!
310. Circus Kelli said:
No, Fish, No... I beg you. Please can we NOT talk about poo today? Please?
311. Dee said:
Leta is such a lucky little girl to have two great loving parents. Happy Birthday to the whole family!
312. Fish said:
Shiz: This is true. Ah yes, the first poo, much like a particularly sticky pesto ...
they don't tell you that the "first" poo, which is gross and sticky, is actually the "first 5 poos"
313. Fish said:
sorry circus kelli, your plea came too late.
314. Amanda B. said:
happyplace happyplace happyplace...
*scrub scrub scrub*
315. Circus Kelli said:
Fish, *sigh* I noticed that....
316. Grace said:
Wishing little miss Leta a very happy and joyous birthday. We love you, Armstrongs.
317. jess said:
Happy 1st Birthday Froglin!
You and your parents are one of my favourite parts of the day! I'm so glad that you had the amazing opportunity to grow up with the wonderful hilarious parents that you have. No matter what nasty things they say about your mommy, know that they're wrong; your mom is one of the coolest people I've had the pleasure of reading their blog. (I've even actually dreamt about hanging out with her! haha) I wish you all the best in the upcoming years. And don't listen to your mom about having to wait 20 more years to buy burbon. Just come visit me when you're 18 and I'll take you to Quebec and we'll get booze there, and then when you're 19 come visit me again here in Ontario, and we can go boozing again!
with lots of Internet love,
jess
318. Partisan Hack said:
I´m wondering...:
What if Leta decides - in retrospect - that she doesn´t like her life to be exposed in this way and to this extent? How about "informed consent"?
319. DOMINIQUE said:
I always read your work and enjoy your stories about love, life and family.
This letter to your daughter is the most amazing thing I've ever read. It is so beautiful. Leta is so lucky to have such an amazing woman for a mom.
Thank you for sharing your life with us (the internet).
320. shy said:
Happy Birthday to the almost Fawnzelle La Bon Marche!!! Tho I think the name would have made for some interesting introductions in adulthood, I think Leta is perfect fit.
Have a wonderful first birthday sweet girl and many many more.
321. Sue From Ohio said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!!! FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN OHIO (well in my house in Ohio, anyway...)
*I hope 'partisan hack' is kidding...
322. Girl.A said:
Amanda B, your happyplace is in a bubble bath too??
323. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
I think Amanda B. is just staying near the tub today, what with all the brainpan scrubbing she's needed today.
324. Cassy said:
I think if she's brought up with her life story told on dooce.com she wouldn't think twice about it. On the other hand, if my mom started taking pictures of me and telling my latest stories along with how she can't poop starting NOW, at age 21, I would be less than thrilled.
This trumps baby books. Little Leta is a very lucky frog. She gets to have her parents' love (pre-Leta & post-Leta), Leta-in-the-making, AND the beginning of her life chronicled by her mama. I'm jealous. That's an incredible gift to be able to give her.
325. Evild said:
Today's newsletter made me well up, it was really amazing to read how much you love Leta and understand the bond between a mother and her daughter.
Happy Birthday to Leta and Happy Official Mother's Day to you.
326. Fish said:
Amanda B is probably breaking out some old records to listen to while she rocks herself to sleep in the corner ...
327. Uppercase GOD said:
LETA, THIS IS GOD. GOD BLESSES YOU ON THIS MOST WONDERFUL OF DAYS. YOU'RE A LITTLE ANGEL AND YOU BRING A BIT OF HEAVEN TO EARTH.
THAT IS ALL.
328. Kelly said:
Heather, great letter, (Happy Birthday wee lady Leta) you've inspired me to document a moment in time for my own girl, who's 2 and a half. I enjoy your writing daily and SO can relate to your joys and struggles (I too had post-partum). I smiled the other day I saw a post from someone from Nova Scotia (Hi! We have 4 feet of snow too!) Just thought I'd let you know that you have a few Mommies who read your blog, from PEI, Canada. Myself and a few friends were discussing your blog at a recent playdate, and send you best wishes.
329. Shiz said:
Oh, the first many poos, I've heard about them. One worried parent took her newborn to te hospital because she was afraid her baby hadn't peed; she'd only seen the gook and was convinced her little angel couldn't urinate.
330. Brandy said:
This is my first post here and I am smiling and crying all at once. What a beautiful, heart-felt loveletter for such a gorgeous little girl.
Thank you for sharing all you are, Dooce.
And dammit woman if you don't make my ovaries scream for breeding. Gads.
331. Shiz said:
Amanda B. in teh fetal position, sucks her thumb ....
332. Jackie said:
Happy Birthday, little sweetie!
Congratulations, Jon and Heather. Ya'll are doing a super job. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us.
333. Sandy said:
God... way to make me teary at work! Happy Birthday Leta, what a wonderful family you have :)
334. MyChelle said:
Does this sound like Dooce, or what: "I kiss him constantly," she says. "I literally can't stop eating his legs and sucking his little cheeks." Substitute her for him/his and there you have it. Or Debra Messing (feminine side of will & grace) was channelling our Dooce's feelings about leta in today's USAToday...http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-02-02-messing-blessings_x.htm
hee!
335. Amanda B. said:
Exactly, but not in bubble bath. Under desk.
*must get cleeean...*
336. koof said:
she is so. so. so. beautiful. and so are you. i wish my mom wrote me letters every month for the first year of my life. *sigh* i know i'm a little too old, but will you adopt me? i promise to go to my classes and only get a little drunk. and i will kick jon in the groin if that's what it takes.
looking forward to your response-
kp
337. Gooooder said:
Oh and Happy Birthday!
The pictures are SO cute!
338. Kimmieindallas said:
Happy first birthday Leta. My daughter just turned two a few days ago. I've been reading your mom's blog for almost a year. You have an incredibly strong woman for a mother. I want you to consider a few things when you are 13, 14 or whenever you need to know this. I'm telling you these things from the daughter of a woman who suffered (still does) severe depression. I'm also telling you these things because I'm the mom of two dear ones and I suffer from depression and this is what I'll tell them someday.
1. Nothing she feels bad is your fault. Lots of what she feels good is your doing.
2. Even on her worst of days she loves you - just steer clear.
3. Hugs are almost always a good thing.
4. Naps are almost better (wink).
5. Cuddling naps are the best.
6. Daddies are awesome tools for "getting away" for both you AND mom and not necessarily at the same time!
7. Sometimes extended family knows best but mostly not.
Happy Birthday little one. Your mom makes us laugh and cry and it is a wonderful thing!
Kim
339. Audrey said:
Leta - Happy Birthday, menina linda!
Dooce and Jon, congratulations! It sounds like all the blood, sweat, and tears have been worth it. You're a beautiful family.
340. redsaid said:
Happy Birthday, little Leta! Rock out, girl, 'cause I'm telling you, you'll never be one again.
I'll bring the booze if you supply the ciggies. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU AREN'T SMOKING YET?!? Have your parents taught you NOTHING in these past 365 days?
341. Coelecanth said:
Happy birthday Leta! You're too young to realize this but your parents ROCK! Course, you won't believe that for another 25 years or so.
It's freaky that your mom discovered she was pregnant with you on my birthday, but hey, everything's about me isn't it? Hmmmm, judging from the comments here maybe not.
342. Kellie said:
366 Days... wasn't it Leap Year? An extra day of Leta-ness. : )
343. City Elf said:
Happy birthday to Leta and a happy birth-day to you, Heather. Your love notes to Leta are some of the most wonderful things I've ever read. Plus, your writing about poop always makes me laugh. You rock!
344. Ronnie said:
Happy birthday frog baby!
345. Kate said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!
Heather:
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I am a new Mom and I know how hard it is....you have managed your baby's first year and your illness with grace and humor - no small fete, I know.
All my best to your lovely family.
346. Fran said:
Leta, have a wonderful one year anniversary of entering into this world!
347. Kassie said:
Dooce is one of my favorite websites and I find myself checking several times a day for anything new. I know hundreds of people have posted ahead of me wishing you Armstrongs a happy first year, but I just hope you know how important your story has been to me. Contemplating having children and dealing with depression myself, seeing your success (daily little successes) has really made me anxious to dive into parenthood.
Thanks blurbodoocery!
348. MollieBee said:
Happy Birthday beautiful baby!
349. nexy said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!
I first started reading your site in September 2004 (I'm actually mad that I didn't know about your site before that). A couple of weeks later, my life changed when I gave birth to twins. When I was pregnant and first came to this site, I was really touched by how open you were about your life... but mostly about how you spoke openly about your depression. When the twins were born I was away from the internet for a while and I couldn't keep up with my regulary blogs. Several weeks later, I was later diagnosed with postpartum depression. Saying that this has been a difficult time in my life would be an understatement. So when "the blues" continue after a few weeks, we know something deeper than that is going on. Nearly five months later, I'm still coping with my depression. My twins get me through each day though and I can't imagine my life without them. Before I get to really rambling... I want to thank you for sharing a piece of your life with each of your readers. You and I... our lives are SO different but we are each recent mothers that share a common experience. Your website has put smiles on my face, tears in my eyes but most importantly, Heather you have helped me understand that what we are going through and have gone through is not the end of the world and it doesn't make us a failure as a mother. That alone has been CRUCIAL to my healing process.
I look forward to the one year birthday of my twins and I hope I can reflect on the past year like you have.
Thank you
350. Circus Kelli said:
Kimmieindallas -- seems to me your list is a good thing for kids to know whether or not your Mom copes with depression. :)
351. Tina said:
Well, it's still Thursday in my part of the world. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA :)
352. Del said:
Hey Blurbdoocery,
Just want to say Happy Birthday to Leta! Heather, thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. As a new mom you've encouraged me so much. You're a really special person.
353. Annejelynn said:
One reminder every 100-or-so posts ain't bad, so don't no one try jumpin' on me for this, mmmkay?
If you love the Armstrongs, vote DOOCE! It’s the last day to submit your votes! The polls close today @ 10PM EST. -- dooce.com has 4 BLOGGIES nominations!
http://2005.bloggies.com/
354. Jo said:
Awwww, how gorgeous. What a lovely family. Leta is so lucky- Happy Birthday Angel! xxx
355. Linda said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
Happy anniversary of becoming a Mom, Dooce.
Your letter today is amazing and brings up lots of fond (and not so fond) memories of my own mommie-hood.
Thank you for sharing all of your lives so openly and honestly. I'm sure you've gotten many other moms through many days!
356. susannaRI said:
you have officially made me bawl my eyes out. i have 2 daughters and you have completely found the words i could never find. always take care of yourself because you are a great mother. thank you so much for your blog.
357. Christina said:
Happy Birthday, Leta! Happy Labor Day, Heather! :)
358. kate said:
Heather, My daughter's name IS Alabama. Alabama Tate she was born a month and a half before Leta. We named her after Alabama Whirley. Next kid might be Oren ishi i. Happy Birthday Leta. Its gets better form here. I actually have an unrelated question. We are going to be traveling through Slc and want to find a place that would sell old architectural salvage. In particular we are looking for an old pedestal sink. Do you know a place, we'd look in SLC?
359. Cassy said:
I laughed to myself a little with Kassie's post. I JUST emailed Heather for the very first time pretty much telling her my story, which seems to parallel with Kassie's Dooce experience. PLUS we share the same name and neither are spelled the way the rest of the world spells it. <3 Dooce love.
360. Melanie/Okie said:
Happy Birthday Leta. I hope you know how special you are.
361. Alicia said:
Happy Birthday lil' Leta Fawnzelle! You are a lucky girl to have a mama who loves you so much. Birthday hugs and kisses for you!
362. moose said:
Dooce, NYT had it wrong. OK, maybe there's a little self-absorption involved in blogging, but in your case the overwhelming quality is great writing and an incredibly sharp sense of humor.
Little Leta, happy birthday to you, sweetie! And many, many happy returns of the day.
363. Kassie said:
We Cassy or Kassie's have to stick together!
364. Liv said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta!
Heather, I've always always seen Jon in her, but in that picture down at the end, she is a definite dooce-alike. Absolutely gorgeous, and you know how lucky you are, I only hope that she someday realises just how lucky she is to have the two of you wonderful parents.
365. Geo said:
(Irish toast)
A toast to your coffin.
May it be made of 100 year old oak.
And may we plant the tree together, tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Leta!
366. Kara said:
Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!!
367. bunny said:
hey i didn't know we share a birthday leta! happy birthday leta!
368. falimako said:
Happy Birthday Leta! Heather, that letter is beautiful, I am so crying now.
369. Candi said:
Amen. Happy Birthday Leta. Now where is that box of tissues?
370. Annejelynn said:
IT'S THE LAST DAY TO VOTE!!!
If you love the Armstrongs (oh! oh! I do! I do!), vote DOOCE!
The polls close today @ 10PM EST. — and there are 4 dooce.com Bloggies nominations...
http://2005.bloggies.com/
371. Annejelynn said:
Heather - your Leta Newsletters are golden, always! tear-provoking, each and every time... Any of you who haven't yet read Jon's tribute to his lil' Frog Princess? http://www.blurbomat.com/
man-o-man - what a man!
Heather, you lucky woman, you -- ya got yerself quite a gem there! nothing is more sexy (I told him this too) than some sweetly humble, heart-felt fatherly pride! Thanks again (can't ever thank you guys enough) for opening your lives to us all! oooodles of hugs!
372. Christin said:
The best part is that the picture on the home page leading to this photo looks like it is the close up of the veins on a cabbage. Fitting for the day that your garden grew. Happy Birthday to Leta and good luck to you all in the coming year.
373. mobprincess said:
I don't comment much, but I had to say Happy Birthday Leta!
Heather, you are SO punk rock. "... only 20 more to go until you can buy bourbon all by yourself." :)
374. CanadianAmy said:
Happy happy Birthday to Leta! LOVE the newsletter, what a mom.
ps kate - I love Alabama Whirley! Awesome name for your little gal
375. Deenzadrine said:
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY LETA! Your mommy's doing a great job!
(and that last photo in the 12 month review is beautiful!)
RIBBIT!
376. FrumDad said:
Comment number four million three hundred fourty-six thousand nine hundred twenty-three here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!!!!
377. Donnelle said:
Our little man is exactly nine months younger than your bub.
Happy birthday, Leta.
Love, Donnelle and Xander.
378. Bron said:
Happy Birthday Baby !
379. Melinda said:
Happy Birthday Leta! 15 more until you get a car!
380. carmen said:
Happy Birthday, Leta. Congratulations, Mom, for making it through the first year. Blessings on your head.
381. Mrs.Strizzay said:
Only 6 more until you get your own big geeky watch.
382. AussieAndrea said:
Happy Birthday little tiger..
Heather the pictures and words are indescribable, thank you for sharing.
383. cee said:
Wow, great shot....
Happy Birthday to the little one!
384. atpanda said:
Dooce,
My girlfriends group-email all day at work and today's subject line all day was "Happy Birthday Jason and Leta!!". (Jason's my bf's hubby, its his b-day too!)
congrats to both of you for making such a gorgeous little girl who's the perfect blend of you both!
HAPPY B-DAY!
atpanda
385. ab said:
What a beautiful letter, the last picture of Leta is adorable. What a little chunky munky!
386. RazDreams said:
I just paid ten bucks at the airport to get online to read Dooce's Monthly Newsletter to LetaFrog on her very first birthday ever. I am afraid that I am now official addicted, since I'm paying for my Dooce-Fix. Happy Birthday Leta. You are loved more than you know.
387. Kristen said:
Happy Birthday!
Dang you're getting plenty more comments than usual! lol
388. Mrs.Strizzay said:
Time to make pudding. Or Jello. Or pudding with Jello.
I could be wrong here, but I think a Berry Blue Jello/chocolate pudding treat sounds mad nasty.
Maybe if I just add some sprinkles...
389. L said:
Beautiful words, beautiful girl and beautiful wishes for the day and all of those ahead. There are people who would pay millions of dollars and internal organs to read what Leta someday will, these newsletters. Happy birthday to you too, Dooce, because this year has certainly provided you with events just as monumental and amazing.
390. anita said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!
btw Heather, this funny piece on npr about the cowbell has brought me out of lurkdom:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4475716
391. Beth said:
Aww, that was the best newsletter ever, and a great photo!! Well done on your first year!
392. tina said:
Happy Birthday, Dear Leta. Your Mum and Dad sure love you bunches and bunches. Thank you Heather, for giving us sneak peaks into your life. Thank you for giving us more real life drama than any news site can. Thank you for being your wonderful self. Now, go dance.
393. Margi said:
Happy Birthday, Leta -- and for Heather and Jon, happy birthing-day.
Reading your monthly newsletter to Leta has been a trip down memory lane for this mom (whose oldest will be sevenTEEN in April). The second their squalling, squiggly bodies were laid in my arms, I knew my life would never be the same. And, for the record, I still feel that way, lo these many years later.
Sometimes, it's just good to know you're not alone.
394. Tiff said:
I'm at my desk...in the middle of my office...and everyone has stopped to ask why I'm crying! Very beautiful Heather...I will be in your shoes in a month and hope I can be as eloquent...
Happy Birthday LETA!!!
395. Mrs.Strizzay said:
Wanna see some babies puking?
And here I thought mine was the only one who could make that stuff FLY.
http://tinyurl.com/5ul7m
More funny than gross, no really.
396. Alicia said:
Happy Birthday Leta! You're BLESSED with a WONDERFUL Mom !
397. Aarika said:
I was anticipating this post and then you posted it and it was better than it had any right to be.
398. JT said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
399. Annejelynn said:
thank god my office door is closed - Mrs.Strizzay!!! LMAO -- Gotta maintain some humor when you're the victim of a pukey baby - poor babies! but how funny is that!?!?
400. Daxohol said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
And horray for you Heather B. You are an amazing woman.
CHEERS!
401. Erin said:
Happy Happy Day for Leta and her cool @ss parents!
This blog reminds me why I love to be a parent. I loved those chubby baby moments. But I love that we've moved on from them, too!
402. LG said:
I just wet myself watching the baby-barf videos! Hilarious!!
403. Kenny said:
Happy Happy LETA LETA
404. dessessopsid said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
405. Girl From Ipanema said:
HAPPY BIRFDAY LETA! :)
406. Kassi said:
LOVE the cowbell
407. Graygirl said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABYCAKES!
(Yes I am shouting with glee!)
408. Julie said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA BEAR!!!
409. Amy said:
Happy birthday sweetie!
410. mary said:
Happy 1st Birthday little Leta.
411. Melissa said:
Happy Birthday, Leta.
Your life has made mine better.
412. Mariposa said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!!! God bless you!
413. kelc_in_OZ said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
414. LT said:
Happy Birthday Leta :D
415. sak said:
happy birthday leta baby! you have a *gorgeous* smile!! it never fails to make me happy :) congrats heather & jon. here's to many more happy years!
416. Lisa said:
Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!
It's been so wonderful watching you grow!
Here's to the many more happy years ahead!
417. Kate said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta! You will never know how much your antics mean to a random group of strangers that secretly stalk your parents.
Heather:
I have been seriously considering whether or not to have children. I'm only 25 and I don't plan on having any for a while yet, but lately I've felt completely incapable of raising and caring for another human being. Reading your article refreshed my spirit. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your world with me. You have no idea how much you have brought to my life with your crazy poop talk and pictures of the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen.
Congratulations on surviving the first year and a toast with Maker's Mark,
Kate
418. Mrs.Strizzay said:
AnnaJ my baby puked on me tonight while I was making dinner.
I think I have ESP.
Good thing she got the cupboards instead of the creamed corn.
419. pearl said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Mama, let her have cake ...
and bourbon, too, if she wants it.
;)
420. Shiz said:
Mmmmmmm ... baby barf.
421. Mrs.Strizzay said:
You seem pretty calm in that photo Heather. Were you epidural happy or not in the throws of gut wrenching pain happy? I never had either happy going on LOL.
422. Bob in Hercules CA said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!
Thanks for giving your Mom such wonderful stories to tell us. And remember next you you willDOUBLE in age!
Best wishes, Bob
423. jewelies said:
happy birthday leta!
424. Annejelynn said:
IT’S THE LAST DAY TO VOTE!!!
http://2005.bloggies.com/
http://2005.bloggies.com/
http://2005.bloggies.com/
http://2005.bloggies.com/
Do it Doocelings!
425. Biggest Apple said:
Happy Birthday Letabell from someone in London.
426. blondzila said:
Heather - you are an awesome mother. The way you described how rarified the air is now that Leta is in your life, and how you are stronger and transformed from the person you were before Leta, it resonated so true with me. My son is long past Leta's stage (he's a 13 year old walking hormone) but he's got a mother with a similar disease to you, and I too take strength from his exuberance, his zest and his smile.
Leta - some day you'll see how truly lucky you are. Not only is your mom cool, she's also a genuine person, something that is becoming more and more rare. You're a beautiful girl, Leta, and although you look like the mirror of your father, I hope you have your mother's soul.
427. coralie said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
428. Kahli said:
Leta Dorit-A!
Feliz Cumpleanos!
Loveliness pervades at le dooce dot com.
Thanks everyone for sharing and being beautiful. Mostly and especially you, Heather.
Not only does dooce.com tell me what time it is at home so I can call, but dammit it makes me SMILE and LAUGH and contemplate my FASHION CONTRIBUTION and remember how lucky I am am to have LOVE and LIFE in my corner. Sheesh.
More or less speakin' from the moon...ah thanks for your support and I'll be home soon.
Cheers and no worries from sunny Australia, (see, I totally pioneered cheers in my intermountain locale -TOTALLY pioneered, and everyone here says cheers. The guy at Hungry Jacks-aka Burger King said cheers when I switched my fries to onion rings!) Cheers!
xoxKahli
429. Carrie said:
Heather,
Thank you for sharing the first year of Leta’s life with all of us. Sometimes it’s been moving, sometimes it’s been hilarious, through it all your love and care for Leta has shone through. Tell someone to give you a cookie, you made it through a year!
Happy Birthday, Leta! xx
430. rockandrollchick said:
I avoided this site all day because I didn't want to cry. I swore I wouldn't cry. Well, I did and I am. It feels kinda good. Are you happy?
Happy Birthday Leta, you rock little one!
431. long time lurker said:
happy, happy birthday leta!
432. SuperSpecialK said:
Happy Birthday!
433. Kukorakin said:
Happy Birthday Leta! All the irreverent and beautiful things your momma said today made me cry.
434. Lunasea said:
Awww....Nobody says it better than you. Happy Birthday, Leta! Happy Anniversary of Mamahood, Heather!
435. Mrs.Strizzay said:
When enemas kill. (Not at all birthday related. Sorry kid)
http://tinyurl.com/5sp5m
436. Egg said:
Happy birthday, Leta. And, Heather, happy birthing day. May the hell that is post-partum depression be a distant memory soon.
437. Shannon said:
Happy Birthday, Leta. You share this day with my hubby, Jason. I wish everything that is good and true for yo uin this coming year.
438. Susie said:
Mrs. S, that tinyurl was so very appropriate here: you got your enema (the poop connection), your alcohol, and presumably, your lubricant, as well.
Happy day, Leta. Happiness always.
(I probably should have made this into 2 separate posts, huh?)
439. OregonKim said:
Hey reminder lady, I voted already, LOL. Good luck Ms. Dooce. I hope you win big.
440. Britta said:
Happy Birf-day lil one.(as my southern grandmother would say after tee many mare toonies)only four more years Dooce,until you get rid of her for hours at a time.Can't you hear the heavens singing?
441. Jenny said:
Happy Birthday, ya cheeky monkey!
442. jennifa said:
happy first one, leta!
443. Dr. Johnny Fever said:
What color Boobah doll did Leta get for her birthday?
444. Molly said:
Happy birthday Leta!
445. Karen said:
wo wo wo
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETA!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
wo wo wo
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
dun-dun
446. Yamila said:
Very sweet, the newsletter, the way the story of Leta's life is told. It brought a tear to the eye and I hope in my heart all mothers in this world will love their children as much as you do.
Take care and thanks for all the beautiful photos and stories.
447. Miguel said:
Leta, I wish you the best not only today but every single day ahead. You're a blessing to bouth your family and to all the strangers that see your pictures online. I wish you all the best,
Miguel.
448. Ms. Belle said:
Just beautiful...
449. Kaycee said:
Happy Birthday Leta!
Also... your hair grows really fast!
450. Lara said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE LETA!!!!
Heather, your newsletter really got to me...She's going to cherish them when she gets older!!!
451. robin said:
Happy birthday, Leta!
452. Lindsay said:
I usually don't comment, but what event could be more comment-worthy than Leta's FIRST BIRTHDAY. Heather, you are fantastic, I have read your site everyday for over two years, and my friends are addicts too. Leta is so lucky to have this site to read when she is older, and to know how much she is loved.
Happy Birthday Leta!
453. Colleen from NJ said:
Mrs. S, I thought the name of the killer was Sherry Enema.
454. aic said:
Happy Birthday Leta Elise! I wish you long nights of sleep, patience with your parents, and an understanding (someday) of just how much you are loved by your family and community.
455. Laura said:
Wow, that really is a great photo. Heather, i dont know if you will read this, but from one blooger to another, can i say your site is truly an inspiration, and i love reading it from day to day
Happy birthday to Leta, from down in south australia !!!
456. Amber said:
Reading your entry today made me cry, and gave me hope that even I would be able to have my own family someday. Thanks for sharing your life with us Heather.
457. Sarah M said:
Oh Heather that was beyond words. Month Twelve is the most string-tugging post i've read yet. I have tears in my eyes for the first time. I was excited and brimming with happiness for you...
You've inspired me and opened me up to so much since i came here.
I don't want to miss out on the beautiful time of life you are desrcibing now. Through all the trouble, i think family is something i'd never want to miss out on.
What you write provokes something in me, that one day i can have something as wonderful and fullfilling and beautiful. I definatley think that's worth sticking around for.
Thank You Dooce.
Sarah M
458. Bee said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!
459. honestyrain said:
do you think anyone will notice me down here at comment three thousand and six? hi! it's me! look!
i remember that day with both kids. so much excitement and no real concept of how much love you'll feel and how little sleep you'll get.
happy birthday miss leta and congrats to leta's mommy.
460. alyssa said:
Happy birthday to Leta!
461. k|e said:
happy first, leta!!! :O)
may your second year be full of more pooping, more pictures, and lots more naps!
462. Sarah in L.A. said:
Dear Leta,
I wish you the happiest of birthdays with so many more to come! It has been such a treat to watch you develop into the amazing little girl you are! You bring so many people so much joy and happiness in this world. I'm sure that if it were possible, you would have thousands of people at your graduation ceremony cheering you on. Seriously, Utah wouldn't know what hit it - the internet loves you that much! I think when your mom posts the picture of your first steps - people will weep around the world. We love you little one!
Dear Heather,
I came across your website about a couple of months before Leta was born. You are a gifted writer and I love, love, love reading your sight daily. I have smiled, laughed, cried, and even spit out beverages after reading your posts. Thank you!
My name is Sarah, and I am a dooce.com addict (the comment section says "hello Sarah").
463. Caroline said:
Hey, it's my brother's birthday today too. We celebrated with pie. He's a cake hater.
Actually, we had a cake in his honor, but secretly.
A week ago...
464. Sebastian said:
My first Dooce photo comment! Aren't you all excited? Especially that person reading all the posts all the way down to me? (Except for you, Mrs. Dooce, if you've gone down this far, congratulations! (I find it hard to believe you actually read every one of these . . . take a break, chica, stretch those legs!) ok, well, I have fallen victim, yet again to Dooce's writing, (Damn you Dooce, for writing such honest prose that I respond to only with heart and tears a flowing) and thank you for showing us how to love, again
465. Amy said:
Leta! You are a beautiful baby girl and you have an awsome family to support and love you. I hope your mommy saves all of these messages so you know that there are weirdos all over that are sending you froggy birthday love. Happy Birthday, little one!
Heather! You made it through year one and I am so thankful for all that you shared with us - the good and the bad. You are a brave and beautiful mother - don't forget to remind yourself of that. Happy Labor day to you!
466. Amanda B. said:
What did Little Munchkin get for her birthday? (please, no skirry BooBah pics)
Caroline- pie? I like pie!
467. pretendingsanity said:
Happy Happy Birthday you beautiful girl!!
468. Kimmie said:
Happy birthday, sweet Leta! One down, 99 (or more!) to go.
469. MrsDoF said:
Happy Birthday, Leta! with lovely letter to remember the day.
For Sebastian at #464 (goodness gracious, what a high number), many of us read clear to the last Comment, and then catch up in the morning. I am sure the author/owner does the very same thing.
470. Patricia said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
And this picture is really cool.
Your belly was HUGE, but BEAUTIFUL!
471. Kevin said:
Happy Birthday! Ahhh... please little girl, take care of us old people when you get older. Be nice, be gentle, be understanding and of course, keep the peace.
472. Sravana said:
Heather, you outdid yourself with Leta's birthday entry. I don't cry easily, but I had tears in my eyes the whole time.
Thanks so much for sharing with us all...
473. Cauri said:
Happy birthday, sweet little Leta =)
Dooce- your newsletter definitely brought tears to my eyes. Your daughter is so incredibly lucky to have you in her life.
474. matthew said:
happy birthday leta! :)
475. Megan said:
So many people love you, Leta. You are such a lucky little girl. Happy Birthday.
476. kim said:
last??? woo hoo!! just kidding.
Happy Birthday Leta! :)
477. Annette said:
Happy Birthday Leta! You may not be able to fully realize it yet, but you have two of the best parents in the world. Not only are you blessed to have them, but they are blessed to have you.
478. sarah said:
happy birthday leta!
little girl, keep on shining for your parents. =)
479. Mel said:
Please pass the tissues. That letter was amazing.
Happy 1st birthday Leta!
480. Henryk_DTG041620KFEB05 said:
The dawn before the birth and associated pain. Natural or Caesarian section?
481. Kate said:
Happy Birthday Leta! It's been wonderful watching you grow.
482. RedheadEditor said:
I started reading your blog when Fluid Pudding announced Leta's birth. I love that her birthday is 2-3-04!
483. viv said:
That was an incredibly beautiful letter, Dooce.
Happy Birthday, Leta! You have no idea yet how amazing your mother is, but you will. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to witness your first year of life through the eyes of your amazing mother.
484. pao said:
happy birthday Leta!
485. Nicole said:
Happy Birthday Leta!!
You have no idea how much your or your Mom mean to the internet, or how lucky we are to have shared the first year of your life with you!
486. Pass the Kleenex said:
Happy 1st Birthday Leta!
Dooce, this newsletter is among the most touching tributes I have ever read. I am crying tears of happiness for you as well as tears of sadness for me, as my husband and I have been unable to have a child. Enough of that..
Congratulations on 1 year of Parenthood, Heather and Jon!!
Here's to many more!!
487. mg said:
happy birthday!
488. Tasha said:
Happy Birthday Little Leta
It was about a year ago I started reading this site and I've enjoyed reading the chronicles of the Armstrong family so much. Best wishes for an even happier, healthier second year in Leta's life.
489. The Old Broad said:
Happy Birthday sweet Leta! Hope you had fun today!
490. Lesley said:
Lovely daughter, lovely mommy. Leta's a very lucky girl to have such parents.
491. JulieT said:
The Internet is a better place because of this site.
Children are better off because of moms like Heather.
492. JulieT said:
And, kudos to the New York Times for printing the story.
493. wendy said:
Happy Birthday, Leta!
God be with you every day of your new year!
494. spoonleg said:
I was hoping to be first on Leta's birthday.
So very, very close.
Happy day of Birth, little chickadee!
495. ningx said:
I hope you're glad your life changed because of a little frog called Leta. :)
496. LeChico said:
happy birthday little leta!
497. M said:
wow. Just... wow. Happy Birthday, Leta!
In about 12 years you won't believe this.. but your parents are amazingly wonderful people, and you are incredibly lucky to have them. (the entire internet is jealous that you have such cool parents, ok?) (well, ok, maybe not the ENTIRE internet.. but all the bits that matter).
Dooce & Jon - thanks so much for sharing her! (and everything else.. some things more than good taste permits.. but then again "good taste" is highly overrated and should be ignored if the story is funny enough)
M
(delurking)
ps to Trance - DAMN YOU for mentioning Dooce; now I have YET ANOTHER blog I must read obsessively ;-)
498. Keith said:
Darn it! Here I am, pushing 44 this summer and I go and read today's entry that takes the form of a letter to your angel-faced progeny. I'm pushing 44, shooting blanks, and you go an make me want to have the plumbing redone and start getting the Mrs. pregnant! If you weren't so full of love I'd say you were positively evil.
Oh, and, Happy birthday Leta!
BTW, Thanks for the great photo work. My current desktop walpaper is your Wasatch Front from 09-Jan-2005. You really need to compile a CD full of high resolution images to $ell and fund somebody's college fund.
499. Kristen said:
Beautiful Newsletter! Happy Birthday Leta!
500. Mac said:
I thought you would enjoy this Heather: http://www.onechildleftbehind.com/blog.htm
501. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
I smell Fritos.
Chuck Friday must be nigh. . .
502. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
Oh, and happy afterbirthday to Leta!
What, you guys don't celebrate afterbirthday in your houses?
503. MamaPajama said:
I have this irresistable urge to trim Leta's bangs.