…and then I’m done, I promise.
I think I’m giving some people the wrong impression that while I agree that pregnancy — especially for first-time mothers — can make women very belly-centric, that means I have no life outside of my pregnancy. I find this ridiculous. Someone yesterday said I was “obsessed” with my pregnancy. Obsessed? No. Fascinated, interested, wanting to share everything I’m learning? Yes. I know what I said in the post, but I think I just didn’t say enough to be clear.
This is my forum to dump whatever is going on in my head. I’ve been doing it for years. For awhile, I wrote about shoes all the time. I was super interested in them. Some people loved it, some people said I was vapid. Then, I wanted to get engaged, and I wrote about that a lot. Some people could relate, others called me annoying. Then the wedding…a LOT of wedding. I bet you can guess how people felt. You can’t please everyone.
Now, I’m pregnant. And in this forum, I’ve chosen to share my thoughts and feelings with my readership. I realize I never “marketed” this space as a Pregnancy Blog, but then again, I never “marketed” it as anything other than what’s going on in my life. So as my life evolves, the blog can only do the same.
A life, that I do, still in fact have outside the circumference of my stomach. I do daily things and enjoy activities that have nothing to do with a baby. And I plan on continuing things that have nothing to do with a baby after I give birth.
But because this forum has allowed me to connect with so many different people outside of my every day life, it’s been a great place for me to share. Especially since it’s connected me with so many women who are either pregnant, have been pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant. It’s the same way I became friendly with former brides-to-be (some who are now real life friends) through blogging, because we could all relate to each other.
I realize that some of you are bored and since the nicer ones have stated that you’d like to hear a little bit more of that every day stuff sans pregnancy, I will make an effort to bring some of that back. Along with the pregnancy posts. Because guys? I’m pregnant. And I’m still going to talk about it. Just maybe not all the time.
Fair?
40 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 25, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Kaley
Ha… that’s really nice of you to rationalize what you want to write about on your blog but you don’t have to do that. It’s YOUR blog. Write what you want! If people don’t want to read, then don’t read. I’d have to say you’re way more considerate about all of this than I would have been
February 25, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Jill
Write about whatever you want, girl! It’s your blog. I love following what’s going on b/c you are interesting and I enjoy how you write. Piss on the people who are complaining! They can read something else.
February 25, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Alli
I can’t agree with Kaley or Jill more. It’s YOUR blog. If people don’t like what you write about, then they can stop reading. It’s amazing how simple that is! And isn’t the point of a personal blog to write about what’s captivating in your life right now? People who have the time/energy to harass bloggers clearly don’t understand the concept of blogging in the first place. Sigh. I think your blog is great. (PS: I’m a new-ish reader but love the pregnancy stuff, and I’m not pregnant or a mom!)
February 25, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Heather
As a newly wed who can’t wait to get preganant, keep the posts coming
I love reading about what other women are going through becuase I can’t wait to go through it myself. And it IS fascinating! There is a person inside of you!!!
February 25, 2010 at 12:20 pm
christin
it’s your blog. write what you want. people can either read it, or not.
as for me, i will be!
February 25, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Sarah
Ditto… this is your space, and people can tune in or tune it out. I, for one, LOVE reading about your pregnancy and am fascinated by how amazing the body is for being able to accomplish such a miracle. As someone who is getting very close to taking the leap into TTC, your pregnancy posts give me so much to look forward to.
February 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Ashley
The previous commenters are very right. You shouldn’t have to explain your reasons for blogging about the things that you do. It’s a little upsetting to know that people are making you feel that way. You should totally be proud to share your experiences through whatever it is you are doing in your life. More power to you for continuing your blog. I can’t wait to hear more about WHATEVER it is you type about. I open up Google Reader every morning and yours is the first one I look for to be updated and I smile when I see I have something new to read.
February 25, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Anna
What Jill says. A good writer with an interesting and funny voice (like you) can write about grass growing. I read “A Little Pregnant” about a woman who worked through infertility and I was NEVER infertile, I would just read anything Julie writes because she has always been brilliant and witty on her blog. Same here. Write your life as you see it, and I don’t doubt that your readership will follow! Besides, if you tone down the preggo stuff, I’m going to be mad!
February 25, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Candice
Well said again. “Fascinated” is the perfect word for it. I don’t understand how someone can’t be fascinated by this process… *when they’re going through it.* Do I care this much about anyone else’s pregnancy other than my own? No, of course not. But this process is totally fascinating, all these changes completely out of your control. You should feel free to talk about it all you want. I would, though, want to know what else you’re up to these days. I’m always fascinated to know what people who aren’t working do all the time. It’s so common these days, so I’m always looking to see how people fill their time.
February 25, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Melinda
I understand there is freedom of speech for those who comment as well as the blog , but I will never understand why people feel the need to say mean things. This is your platform and you should never have to edit your topics! If someone doesn’t like it they can move along.
February 25, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Erin
Honestly, it doesn’t matter what you blog about, people will complain. Even if you had a blog called Pink Socks, and all you ever wrote about was pink socks, and you marketed it as a blog about pink socks, someone would show up and say, “Wow, how come you only ever write about pink socks?”
And if they don’t want to hear about pink socks? they can stop following you. I have unfollowed blogs because they shifted in a direction I didn’t care for, and sometimes I’ll check back in to see if they’ve shifted back — sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. But I recognize that it’s my choice to read or not. People who can’t understand that need to not read blogs.
And for what it’s worth, I love your writing, your pregnancy stories, and your posts about shoes. And so do a lot of other people. I’m actually a little amused that someone got so annoyed that you were writing about your pregnancy that they felt the need to post about it on Craigslist. Clearly, they have too much free time.
February 25, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Catherine
I love the pregnancy stuff, keep it coming. Of course most of your posts are about it, it’s an amazing and interesting process. Thank you for sharing, I love hearing the little details about it all. I’m no where near want to be pregnant, but I love reading about it, it’s fascinating! And those who don’t want to read about it, just read something else, easy as can be!
February 25, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Kathryn
Considerate to say you’ll mix it up – but seriously, this is your little space on the internet. Enjoy and write about whatever, however much!! Personally, I’ve enjoyed every bit of your blog and love hearing about your pregnancy. I can’t wait to see if your blissful state is really all that you say it is!!
)
February 25, 2010 at 1:23 pm
OHmommy
I stumbled across your blog when you just had gotten engaged and spoke of shoes and work and planning a wedding.
I have stuck around because this blog evolves. I like that.
February 25, 2010 at 1:50 pm
fromasesameseed
Blog trolls make me so upset. BE BELLYCENTIC! Who cares?! It’s SUCH a beautiful time. Every woman who is pregnant should obsess over it. It’s a goddamn miracle. It’s a goddamn gorgeous wondrous event in your life. People who are annoyed have their problems and that’s why- I get it. But don’t let it make you hesitate AT ALL. If hearing about your easy conception is painful for them, they can stop reading. There are many many blogs to read for people with fertility issues. Okay Shiloh’s crying, I can stop my rant now!
February 25, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Jackie
I’m pretty sure I will be obsessed with my pregnancy when and if it ever happens!
I think it is better to write about what you want than to write for others.
February 25, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Monica
Since I clearly was the only one who had something “negative” to say on yesterdays post, I feel I need to defend myself
What I said and I thought it was clear was “its your blog – you write whatever the hell you want, and if readers don’t like it, the don’t have to read it”. In no way did I mean to upset you! I truly mean its your blog and you write what you want – I’m sure you would write even if you had no readers!! I can tune in and tune out – doesn’t change my life any!
Everyone has an opinion, and you aren’t here to make any but yourself happy – so you go on writing about whatever turns your crank! Just enjoy life – which you clearly are
February 25, 2010 at 2:47 pm
DevilsHeaven
You had it right, YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYONE. You have to keep in mind, that you did not start this Blog to please other people. So what other people want from this Blog is none of YOUR concern. We get what you give us. If for some people that doesn’t meet their needs? Well, that is THEIR problem, not yours. Stop trying to write for us. Write for YOU. That is what brought us to your Blog to begin with.
February 25, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Breanna
I love your blog. I’ve been reading it since back when you were obsessed with shoes. And I’m not engaged or married or pregnant so I can’t relate to your posts – but I still love them. Because I read this blog to hear about YOU. Forget all these people who are telling you what you should be writing about. If they want to read about something else they can find another blog to go read. And the fact that they haven’t left means they love your blog too and they are just being idiots. Seriously – don’t change a thing. It’s your life. It’s your blog. And tons of us love it.
February 25, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Liana
I stumbled across your blog while reading a wedding blog who had you linked. I liked your site and continue reading, I’m not getting married anytime soon, I’m not buying a house, nor am I expecting. But I like your style of writing and I like to read your blog. Therefore I come back. Continue writing about whatever you like. It’s your blog. And I for one, like it!
February 25, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Amanda
I don’t understand what people are freaking out about. Clearly, this blog is about your life. And pregnancy is what is going on with your life. if they don’t like that, they should stop reading. Blogging is such a personal reflection of our lives and what we want from them. if you aren’t interested, then go somewhere else and stop being annoying.
February 25, 2010 at 4:33 pm
stealthnerd
Good for you! People don’t realize how hard it is to come up with something new to write about everyday, so when there is something major, it comes up. A lot. The only thing I’ve been dealing with on a daily basis is the snow and because of that, a lot of my posts recently have been weather related. My blog followed me from Pittsburgh to NYC to Philly. You gain some readers and lose some readers as you transition, it’s just the nature of the game. I really like your blog and I’ll be reading whether you post about your lower back pains or your most recent trip to the grocery store
February 25, 2010 at 5:22 pm
karijo09
The fact of the matter is…this is YOUR blog and if people don’t like it they shouldn’t be reading it! There are days that I skim quickly and move on b/c I’m just not feeling the baby thing that day. But it’s your blog. Your space, your right. Personally, while sometimes I do skim and move on, I appreciate that you’re honest about what’s going on with your body. As someone who has never been pregnant, I am interested in what’s going on and I appreciate your openness!
February 25, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Jenna
Pink socks commenter is right on! There are people who just like to complain I think.
February 25, 2010 at 6:15 pm
amy
FORGET all those people…i feel like i’m you but like 4 years behind…long term relationship, gearing up for engagement, followed by baby baby – i love reading about your experiences! and i’m weirded out by people who spend a lot of time talking about others on the internet…they are the ones who need to get a life. so imho, keep on truckin girlfriend!
February 25, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Laura
Molly, i’m in awe how you deal with all the annoying comments you get – I mean honestly, this is your blog and you can write about anything you want! The fact is, you *do* write about what you want and thats why most of us have been reading you for years! I love that we are all sharing your journey.
February 25, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Pam
Goodness. Talk away. It’s your blog, your belly. Why *wouldn’t* you feel good about being pregnant? What wonderful history you can show your young man. This is exciting. I say bore us to tears about your pregnancy. Because it just isn’t boring.
Pam
February 25, 2010 at 8:13 pm
kim
I love reading your pregnant blog! and i HATE buying bras.
February 25, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Valerie
Totally fair.
February 26, 2010 at 2:10 am
Lexi
As a fellow pregnant woman (also due in July!) I do enjoy hearing about your pregnancy. As you – and the person who mentioned the word obsession – stated, it’s your blog and you can write whatever you want
That being said… I don’t think being obsessive is a bad thing. I know that I have an obsessive personality, and it’s something I accept and am fine with. The things I love and am interested in? I LOVE them. I read whatever I can about them, learn about them, talk about them to others who are interested. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, but it does fit nicely with the term “obsessive.” I don’t think she meant it as a degradation and I don’t think it was unwarranted as an observation. Blogs about life tend to follow our shifting interests, and I know mine has been all about pregnancy.
February 26, 2010 at 5:49 am
Stephanie
Are you still looking for a job? Are you planning on going back to work after the baby comes? Just curious, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to
February 26, 2010 at 9:34 am
Molly
I continue to look for work daily while collecting unemployment, it it will run out before the baby is born. I’ve been lucky to pick up some freelance work and we’ve been saving a lot.
The plan is that I will continue to do freelance here and there and we will continue to live on a budget in order for me to stay home full time with the baby. It was something we both wanted for him, and are going to do our best to make it work for.
Thanks for asking, I’ve meant to address that question!
February 26, 2010 at 10:37 am
Wiz
Well, I guess I am just going to be echoing everyone else but I love reading your blog and I think its sad you feel you have to justify what you write! Its your blog, and I think those that have never been pregnant can never understand what its like. And when you have this beautiful little boy, he is going to consume you even more and when you write about that, well, of course you will get complaints that all you talk about is the baby. What can you do?
I look forward to reading more in the future, no matter what you are writing about!
February 26, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Susan
Hi there! I just came across your blog and couldn’t stop reading. First let me say..congrats on the baby!! First time pregnancy is the absolutely the best time EVER!!! I hope you enjoy and blog about every little detail your heart desires!
That said your blog is fabulous, funny and kept me again reading and reading! Ok just wanted to say hello and kudos on the great blog!
Ohh oops and nice to meet you!
February 26, 2010 at 12:50 pm
qu33nbee
Girl. I totally am with you. Your blog HAS become very pregnancy-centric. Mine has too. Hell, my whole LIFE has become very pregnancy-centric. There’s my job, then my personal life, and my personal life has to do with this human being that’s growing inside of me.
The way I think about life has changed… Everything is, ‘Pre-Pregnancy’ or ‘After I got pregnant’. And I’m sure things will change after she’s born too. ‘Pre-Baby’ and ‘After she was born’. And my blog will follow suit as well.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t make any apologies. I find it fascinating everything that’s going on with me, and I want to talk about it 24/7. Most people don’t want to hear about it, so I? Write about it.
I still <3 you, and I'm kind of totally happy that you're on the same journey, and pretty much the same time, as I am. That's freaking cool!
February 26, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Tamblina D
Molly, I absolutely LOVE your blog. I was overjoyed when you married and completely in awe when you told the blog world you were pregnant. Congrats!
I had a very rude comment on my blog a couple of years ago. At first, I was upset but the more I thought about it…the more angier I became. It’s MY blog. I can write/say ANYTHING I want. It’s a story of MY life (which in my opinion is pretty boring). If my blog gives someone pleasure from being rude, so be it. I just have to chalk it up too this: they really have not life if they actually read my BORING blog!
I am not pregnant nor am I married (do you know any SINGLE me?? JUST JOKING!!!) but I enjoy reading your blog! Keep the fabulous pregnant stories flowing!
February 27, 2010 at 9:35 am
crystall
Molly…take it from a me, an almost 28 year old with absolutely no passion for babies at this point in my life: those people are jealous. You are not smug. You’re going through a process and you’re writing about it. So. What. Honestly, I don’t read everything–but that’s mostly because I DON’T UNDERSTAND. I’ve never been pregnant so it’s hard to relate to my life what you’re going through. That doesn’t mean it’s smug or stupid or whatever else these people think. Billions of people have gotten pregnant before you and will after you–why it’s all of a sudden such a big deal & you’re suddenly an asshole is beyond me. Try not to take it to heart, in the grand scheme of things, those people do not matter.
February 27, 2010 at 11:36 am
Stephanie
I have followed your blog for well over a year now, and I gotta say yours is BY FAR my favorite to read, and I have read every single post from day one. I like how it has to do with YOUR life, and the funny, heartfelt, and sometimes serious stories that go with it, and thats what keeps me coming back.
Me being the curious george that I am loves reading about other people’s lives and what they are doing out there. I love reading blogs for that reason, and if they arent about them, I just dont like reading. I am facinated by other people….Not to a creepy extent, I promise, but I just like people. I am not pregnant, nor will I be in the near future, But I think that pregnancy is facinating, and all that I ever hear from my friends is the sweet stuff, the good side of pregnancy….You have wrote about everything. The good, bad, and the ugly, and I for one like that about you, and hope that you continue to do so. (Sorry it took me such a long time to get to that point) But I sincerely hope that you continue to write about whats going on in YOUR life at that moment, and not about the life that others want you to have…..besides those people just arent gonna be nice whatever you write about…so ignore them.
February 27, 2010 at 11:44 am
qu33nbee
One more thing.. I swear.
I know there are a lot of amazing things about being pregnant. But there are a lot of … awful things too. I don’t just mean the farting.
I.E: Hormones. Mine have exploded on me over the last week or so, and I am a fire-breathing dragon one minute, and the next I am crying over everything that makes me feel.
I’m really sensitive, and I have the temper the length of a head of a nail.
Have you experienced this? Is it just me?
I’ve gotten in more fights with E in the last week that I really care to acknowledge. Not serious fights, just times where he goes, “WTF?! Are you REALLY mad about this?” And then I start crying.
Mood swings. You get them? No? Fights with Michael? Just curious…
Oh, and I hate crowds of people. Short temper plus lots of idiotic people? We’re talkin’ Bad News Bears.
February 27, 2010 at 2:07 pm
alyndabear
Your life, your blog. I like that it’s simple.
I used to post daily; now I post sporadically. I used to post about teaching; now I post about random things happening while I’m overseas. I’ve lost a lot of readers along the way, because my interests can’t please everybody.. but I’ve also gained a couple AND kept some amazing people too. (Oh, hi Facebook!)
I for one love reading your blog, and even though I’m sure I’m a good few years away from where you are… it’s quality stuff you’re writing!