Seriously? Since I posted about the giveaway yesterday afternoon, a whole bunch of you guys have become followers.
Da-huuude. I had no idea there were that many of y’all out there. Silently lurking.
And now the tables are turned. I get to sneak a peek into your lives. And I am diggin’ it.
It’s been ridiculously fun to check y’all out, read your comments, visit your blogs, see your profile pictures. Or in some cases just that strange little happy face that google uses in the place of a picture. Which is really sort of eerie.
Anyway, it’s been quite the treat to get to ‘know’ some of you guys that have been following along, without officially ‘following’. It’s made this bloggy birthday quite the celebration.
Well, that, and the cookie dough I scarfed down this afternoon.
Instead of celebrating properly, as I’d hoped, my ‘consumption of something decadent’ turned into hastily downed sugar cookie dough I found in the condiment shelf of the fridge. And, because I highly doubt my husband will be walking through the door tonight with a Macaroni Grill Turtle Cheesecake, that’ll have to do.
And my kids don’t seem to comprehend fully that today is a special day, either.
For example, this conversation that occurred this morning at the breakfast table with all the littles…
Shepherd: “Mom, did you make that big nose by yourself?”
Me: “What? I have a big nose?”
Jude: “Mama didn’t make her nose. God did. And God made it just the right size. BIG! Right mama?”
Me: “I have a big nose?”
Sophie, detecting my downward spiral: “It’s not big, mom. It’s L-A-R-G-E.” … stopping to think… “It’s large AND big.”
Me (to self): “Is there any cookie dough hidden in the condiment shelf of the fridge?”
But in spite of my evidently large proboscis, and really because of all y’all, today has been a true celebration. This day that marks four-years of Ni Hao Y’all.
So thank you. Wish you could have been standing here in my kitchen with me to stop me from raiding the fridge. Then my jeans would thank you, too.
I'm a regular mama. Who just happens to have eleven kids.
Just one husband, though.
Happy Birthday Ni Hao Y'all!! Thanks for letting us follow along!
Blessings, Ashley
ah now I dont feel so bad for eating the family size block of chocolate by myself yesterday!
Happy 4th Blog Birthday!
I suppose I am one of those crazy lurker people you have found out about! My blog has not even been up this year, so all you saw was my classroom blog circa 2008-2009! So…I will spill the beans: My name is Lynn Schadler and I live in Wyomissing, PA. My husband & I adopted our girl, Kate, from Chongqing province in July 2004…the light of our lives for sure! I stumbled upon your blog some time back and have to say I don't know how you do all that you do…I teach third grade and have one daughter and I am pooped! You just inspire me to keep chuggin' along! I mean, if you can do it with a smile on your face, then so can I!! Your children are all gorgeous and so blessed to have you as a mom! So, there, I am no longer a pictureless lurker…now you've got some background! If I ever figure out the photo thing, I'll get that movin' too!!
Congratulations on four years of blogging! I know I enjoy reading about your little ones.
Too Hilarious! I don't think you have a big nose at all! LOL
I love the things my kids come out with!
Krista D
Congratulations on 4 years of blogging. I have been following your blog since you brought Jude home, then Shepard, and now Miss Vivi. I have learned so much from you from adopting, to club feet, to well, just about anything. You are an inspiration to me as to so many others.
You are doing amazing things in the adoption community and that should be celebrated as well.
You are one rockin mom and a rockin blogger.
Mandi
I challenge you to a nose-off. I promise I have you beat. Unfortunately I inherited my nose from my dad's side of the family.
Didn't realize I wasn't official until you made it a requirement to win one of my favorite shirts in the whole world!!!
Happy Birthday from one your unofficial gone official followers!
Happy Birthday to one of my favorite blogs!!! I admit, I've been a lurker. I love coming here to read about your amazing family. You have such a flair for writing and your photos are just beautiful.
I have a 9/4/2006 LID in China for my one and only child. Her name will be Maggie. Reading blogs helps me to believe that someday this wait will end.
Suzie in FL
PS – I love my Wild Olive tees and get compliments whenever I wear them
)
Happy Bloggy Birthday!
Hugs,
Robin
Happy Blog a versary Stefanie! It is truly a major milestone and also to think of all the people you have inspired and truly helped along the way for adoption! I want to say thank you!
Hello I've followed your blog since you brought your first home from China, I was with you on myadoptionwebsite. Now, I'm praying my 2nd daughter home from Haiti. She is only 10 months old and I'm helpless to do anything but wait. Please pray for Aliette's homecoming. I bought my chinese princess the chosen t-shirt for Christmas. Vivi is beautiful. You can follow my journey at http://www.nikkiandolivia.blogspot.com
Happy Bloggyversary! I've been following along since you guys added Sophie & Isabelle (via myadoptionwebsite) – Your family has inspired so many!!
Here's to another 4 and more!!
At least it is your nose and not your bottom that your kids say is big. Trust me, I'd rather have them talk about the nose…
Happy 4th blog anniversary ~ mine is coming up in July. I'll have to give away some sparklers or something.
Your kids are too funny, just like their mama! They meant to say perfect. A perfect nose.
Happy Birthday Ni Hao Y'all!!!
Well now ya know why they were gettin' in your space when you got off the bus in China…they just wanted to get a closer look at that nose!
Seriously now, it's not big at all, but have the cookie dough anyway. Happy Birthday to your blog!
Hmmmm I started the paper chase in October of 2005. Now you know what I've been doing for more than 3.
Happy Blogaversary! Now I feel the need to go find out what my blog's birthday is. And I also feel the need to search for some cookie dough in the fridge!
Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!
Awww! big noses…I know we have those conversations at our house too. DH's side has some huge noses and it's showing in some of this bunch. Hope of course likes to tell him.
At least you only ate cookie dough, could have been worse.
Just remember that when you are young and little, things look a lot bigger than they actually are!!! Hehehe!! I can't keep Sara Lee Cheesecake Bites around!! Bad, bad, bad!! LOL!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
You have blessed us all!
Hugs,
Diana
Well, my son asked me "how come my stomach was squishy?".
Really?
I guess that beats, "when is the baby coming?"
I think your nose is perfect. f.y.i.
Happy Anniversary.
Happy Anniversary Ni Hao Y'all!! What a fun blog to read and follow! You always put a big smile on my face. It is real and that is what I like about you!!! You are wonderful and don't ever stop blogging or adopting for that matter. What a great mommy you are!
Happy day!!
Blessings,
Jody
baaahahahaha…I'm glad I'm not the only one who eats cookie dough out of the fridge.
Dear Stefanie,
Though we've never met. I am so incredibly blessed by your blog. Thank you. Thank you for the time and heart you put into encouraging so many.
Happy Anniversary. Looking forward to the next 4 years and beyond.
Grace,
Suzanne
Momma of Catherine Elizabeth born in Jiangxi, China
~New Blogger… http://www.mannaforthejourney.org
That is one of the funniest conversations I have heard in a loooong time! My husband and I got quite a kick out of that! So glad you remembered to share it with us! BTW, I've never noticed your nose in pictures. The first thing I see is your blonde hair, then I also wonder how you get everything done that you get done in one day AND raise such cute kids?!
Kids do say the darndest things!!
LOL!! Your nose is perfectly proportioned on your pretty face, my dear friend! But that is a funny story, so thanks for sharing…I needed a good ol' chuckle! 
Happy 4th!!!!
Kids say the darndest things! Your nose is just fine, and happy 4th birthday. I really enjoy your blog, and your family is gorgeous and you make juggling 9 kids look like a piece of cake, God bless don't know how you do it! Can't wait to see more pics of Miss Vivi.
Happy anniversary to you, your blog, and your big nose!
Happy 4th Blog Birthday! I'm not a new follower but I just want to say thanks for being such an inspiring woman. I love reading your blog!
I'm not close to be being a mom yet but I love reading adoption blogs and hope to adopt one day. Oh, and I wish I had some cookie dough in my fridge
four years!!!???? so hard to believe i have blog stalked you for so long!!!! much love to you, girl!!!
See, I've always wanted to just eat cookie dough for my birthday, too. Come to think of it, I think I feel a birthday coming on right now.
Happy Birthday to you!!!!
Happy Birthday to you!!!!
Happy Birthday dear Ni Hao Y'all.
Happy Birthday to you.
Oh…I have soooooooooo been there. It used to be you could only buy Nestle's Toll House in the roll and that didn't seal up real well after you nibbled, picked and poked your way through…it required bandaging it with foil or some other variety of cling or waxed paper.
Now, the manufacturers have gotten wise….any flavor is at your disposal AND it is preportioned into "this couldn't be more than 25 calories (right!)" dollops that just call your name right through the refridgerator door. That handy zip top of the bags and the little pull out tray they are on help too.
I often wonder if the knowing look by the cashier at the supermarket checkout has to do with my guilty little pleasure.
In honor of 4 amazing years my advice to you is eat up, enjoy and wear your big sweats!
hugs,
Dita
Happy Birthday to your blog!
Don't worry about your nose…..
My littlest always tells me "Mama, you got a big, giant butt." Once, we were in a public restroom together and she yelled that I have a big, giant something else…. Kids say the darndest things. Size is relative, that's what I keep telling myself. over and over. and over.
I've been reading your blog so long I didn't realize that I wasn't an official follower. (But I am now.) Happy blog anniversary and congrats to your newest blessing! Vivi is precious just like your others.
We also have a heart for children and a passion for adoption. We have 3 bio and brought our first adopted child home Christmas Eve (9years old from Guatemala). He's doing so well we are already praying for God's direction on where to find our next adopted child (but feeling a tug for special needs in China).
Umm. Regarding your perfect nose, I'm thinking your kiddos are used to looking at their own little button noses and so anything else by comparison must seem big to them. (I've had my kids ask if I have a baby in my tummy because it looks "poochy." I remind them that they are the reason my tummy is poochy.)
I found you through your great shirts and display the biggest Wild Olive button you've got on my blog. Please keep writing, keep selling, and keep advocating for children who need a family.
Blessings,
Kathie from Georgia
http://goodnessandmercyshallfollow.blogspot.com
ROTFL….kids are always wonderful for the ego…they keep us grounded LOL
Happy Bloggy Birthday!
And schnozzes are quite the topic of convo around here this week… My Dr. D has a sizeable one, for his age. Made more noticeable by a possible break or two over the last year of testosterone-laden rough housing. He's going tubing with friends this Sunday. I've begged for no more breaks. PLEASE!
And Macaroni Grill Turtle Cheesecake? Mmmmm, I might need a date with The Boss this weekend. My jeans don't thank you.
Ok…I admit it, I am a stalker!!!!!!!! But I am not a lurker. Now I am a follower and stalker!
Happy Birthday Ni Hao Y'all!
You make me smile everyday!
Tammy