We’ve entered the knock, knock phase of our 4 (almost 5!) year olds life. PSP has picked up a couple of decent to good knock-knock jokes from the preschool playground. Unfortunately, like most young children trying to learn the art of humor, she has also made up a handful of completely non-sensical, terrible knock, knock...
Remember when my husband made me this necklace a few years ago? Well I’ve been bugging him about making a 3rd charm representing Lampy for quite some time. The first two charms represent him and Sparkle Pants of course. I didn’t think it would happen since he doesn’t have access to a lab like he...
- BambieFebruary 20, 2012 - 2:24 pm
When I began my blog, it was for family who lived far away (I am from CA, and we live in UT–I have family as far as MO and VA). My blog is unlisted and unsearchable, so only if you have the URL can it be accessed. It wasn't until my blog started to gain popularity after Jeremy was born that I began to worry about safety issues. There are times I have wondered if I should implement nicknames or create a new blog just for Jeremy–it is still a current thought, but I try to be safe about things. Never posting where exactly we live, last names, dates we will not be home, that sort of thing. I love comments on my blog, and to know that others are following our story. I am a follower of a couple public blogs who don't seem to have any privacy concerns at all (and these people have thousands of viewers), so sometimes I feel silly. With social engines like Facebook and twitter, where your information can be accessed and spread at the touch of a button, so much can be seen online anyway. How much is too much? Should I be more worried? I am curious to hear other thoughts as well. Should I be more worried about privacy?ReplyCancel
- ChelseaFebruary 20, 2012 - 4:02 pm
I've never had an issue, and I've never heard of anyone who has. That being said, I do think safety/privacy is important. Do what you think it best. It's so easy to access people's information anyways, that it seems that if someone was really smart enough they could track you down through other means by looking up tracking codes, etc (I have no idea how that all works).ReplyCancel
- MelancholySmileFebruary 20, 2012 - 4:23 pm
- KirstenFebruary 20, 2012 - 5:14 pm
I think you're very wise to have kept your privacy. There haven't been any issues *yet* that I've heard of either, but you never know and the safety and privacy of your children is top priority. You are one of the few blogs that I read that keeps the names private and I have always appreciated and respected it.ReplyCancel
- Carri SchneiderFebruary 20, 2012 - 5:37 pm
We started our blog just for family, so it was no big deal to use names then. Honestly though, now I do wish I would've started out without their real names but the cat's out of the bag now. On the other hand, I think about all the bloggers with enormous popularity who use real names and get the sense that if they don't have issues, I'm not sure why I should. My husband and I talk about this a lot actually. So on the fence.ReplyCancel
- CatherineFebruary 20, 2012 - 6:55 pm
My blog also originally started as a family blog and not that I've got mad readership or anything now, but, pretty much like Carri said (Hi Carri! Miggy, did you know Carri and I were dorm mates then roommates in college?! Woo!) the cat's out of the bag. I haven't had any issues, and since I'm not a big sponsored blog, I'm not too worried – I think probably 90% of our personal info is out there anyway… Just the other day I was looking up someone to fix our sink which is installed on a granite countertop and two days later, I received a bunch of granite installers coupons in the mail… freaky… That stuff freaks me out more. But other than that, I worry more about the weirdo's who live across from my son's preschool or in the very shady town we live adjacent to more than any online people. I don't post half naked pics of my kids on the blog, so other than that… well, I guess I don't think too much about it! 🙂 But, like most people have said, you need to do what feels right to YOU!. 🙂ReplyCancel
- MollyFebruary 20, 2012 - 7:37 pm
I want my blog to be a place where I can go and write without worrying what people will think, so I try to keep my last name out of it. I've checked and you can't directly find my blog when I'm googled. This is also important because I'm a teacher and the last thing I want is my students finding my blog!! Then again, I have about three readers, and one of them is my mom, so I am probably safe!!! 🙂ReplyCancel
- MigonFebruary 20, 2012 - 9:56 pm
Thanks for you input guys. Good things to think about.
Chelsea–excatly…the YET is the part that concerns me. I can't help but think that sometime somewhere people giving out too much information on line about their family in particular is going to be a bad thing.
MS–And yes! Even if it's not a safety concern, it's a privacy one.
BUT because a lot of well known bloggers out there talk about their kids, where they live, etc I too think…well maybe it's not a big deal.
I'm still not sure…sometimes I think it may be something I change but for now I'm glad to know I'm not the only one and that people respect the decision.ReplyCancel
- ChelseaFebruary 20, 2012 - 10:15 pm
I think it is smart you have kept their names secret. I wanted to do the same thing when Asher came along, but somehow I guess I was just lazy about it. It seemed like it was going to be a lot of work to keep it secret, with people posting his name in comments, etc. I kind of wish I had though, just for a little peace of mind. I think since you've done it this long you should continue to do it.ReplyCancel
- AnonymousFebruary 21, 2012 - 5:26 am
I do not have a blog so I am not sure if I know what I am talking about 🙂 but ….
Pictures would worry me more then real names, first names. Obviously you do not want to post, first, last name, address and ss#. But really, what will posting a real first name change? Can it bring anything negative? I do not think so. But it make a reader feel "closer" …. ?? I do not know how to express it. English is not my first language. I think popular bloggers would not be popular without everything being real, including names. But then again, it is just internet so you can write what you wish and dream about, including lies.
AlexandraReplyCancel - KymFebruary 21, 2012 - 5:49 am
I love my blog and love that it is an outlet for me to be able to journal my thoughts and follow my daughter's little life. Having said that, a blog is not the wisest choice when it comes to identity protection and overall safety. So, here is what I did to prevent anyone from easily getting information that I don't want available.
A. I'm not so much concerned about my child's name being on the internet (you'd be amazed the information that can be found already about your children, etc on the internet). I am more worried about my little girl's SSN being stolen. So I am careful to not post exact dates that give indicators to her birth (although a smart thief could probably figure it out). I always fudge the date a little within the month she was born.
B. Child Identity Protection Act (CIP) for the state of Utah. I have been following this program since it's infancy through the Utah Attorney General's office. The CIP has recently been set up for a child's SSN to be guarded until they are 17-years-old. Parents are now able to go online, enter their child's SSN number and shut the SSN down. Basically, no bad guys can use the SSN to open credit cards, etc. Check to see if your state has issued a CIP program. If not, push your state's legislature to put this into place, effective immediately.
C. My husband and I purchased an identity protection plan that prohibits anyone from using our information to open credit cards or tap into our bank account, etc.
D. Check Spokeo.com. It is a bad site that lists household members names, financial information, children's information and addresses on it for everyone to look in and see. You can go in and request that your name be removed immediately. Do that as soon as you can if you do find you or your husband listed. Check all states that you have lived in, since you two have moved around a bit.
E.Lastly, be careful not to mention that your husband is "away" for the week. (You can mention it after the fact, but not during.) Also, don't say you are going away for the weekend or running up to another town for the day–again, until after it has happened.
Probably more information than you originally wanted. Keep blogging but remember to always stay cautious.
- CLFebruary 21, 2012 - 6:36 am
I do know a girl who had some random guy show up at her work with a binder FILLED with her blog entrees about her 2 daughters. Needless to say, she immediately went private and became much more careful. I have a tracker to see where people are looking from and get concerned when it's from countries far away but at the same time- isn't it the icky guy hopefully NOT next door we should be most concerned about?
I do use first names but if I had a big readership like you- I wouldn't.ReplyCancel - NattyFebruary 21, 2012 - 4:36 pm
Ha Miggy! For the longest time I thought you really had named your daughter Lamp!!! I thought it was a little odd…. Too funny. I have a private blog so I don't worry about it. I get a little weirded out when I see people that I only distantly know but feel like I REALLY know because of reading their blog. You know what I mean? Like I might be the creepy one because I know all their kid's names, etc? (don't worry I'm not creepy;)). I think being public exposes you to more things good and bad. Keep writing. I especially love the Friday spotlights.ReplyCancel
- AnonymousFebruary 22, 2012 - 7:37 am
my blog isn't private, though i can't imagine anyone who didn't know me being interested! that said, i just use the first initial of all my kids' names and my husband has an alias. i just felt more comfortable at the beginning (and that was in 2008) so i've kept it up. i respect either choice but i do think it's fun when other bloggers have fun with making up 'blog names'.ReplyCancel
- RebeccaFebruary 22, 2012 - 1:50 pm
For me, it's about allowing my child to choose their own online identity. In 15 years when my oldest is in college or getting his first real job and his employer does a google search (you know, if it still exsists), I don't want blog posts about his childhood to pop up. I think that limits his ability to change himself (because everyone can read about how he was as a child) and frankly, it would be awfully embarressing.
So we stick with nicknames.ReplyCancel
Hello, I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, London. When she was just 4 months old, she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called incomplete lissencephaly. Because of this disorder, she is globally delayed (at four years old she cannot functionally use her hands, walk, talk, sit up or hold her head up...
- London'sBridgeFebruary 17, 2012 - 9:58 pm
- Kimberly PorterFebruary 17, 2012 - 11:53 pm
- Linda P.February 20, 2012 - 1:09 am
Thank you, Danielle and Miggy, for sharing precious London with us! Good for you, Danielle, for not giving up when you just knew London needed medical attention!
My special needs son is 23 now. I so agree that having a child with special needs certainly does open your eyes and give you more compassion toward others. You said, "I've learned that everyone has a story–things in their life that they are struggling with or need help with, even though they may look like they have it all together." So true. May we all remember to treat each other with more kindness.
- Preemie momFebruary 21, 2012 - 5:50 pm
London is beautiful. I can remember when Alicen started having what I jsut knew were seizures, I took her to her primary about 5 times but she never "had" them while in his office. He finally took my word for it and referred us to Pediatric Neurology in Springfield Illinois, they took one look at her and new that she was having Infantil Spasms. I shudder to think what might have happened if we werent referred. I love your blog, especially the Spotlights.ReplyCancel
- Taryn Di CandiloJuly 24, 2016 - 1:48 pm
Wow, I am in tears reading this. My son too has Lissencephaly http://www.owenjamesdicandilo.com the whole mothers instinct rang so true to me and the diagnosis story Friday – Monday is almost identical – Thank you for sharing XOReplyCancel
- Taryn Di CandiloJuly 24, 2016 - 1:51 pm
Wow, I am in tears reading this. My son too has Lissencephaly http://www.owenjamesdicandilo.com the whole mothers instinct rang so true to me and the diagnosis story Friday – Monday is almost identical – Thank you for sharing XOReplyCancel
Click on this link (make sure to open in a new browser), listen to the song and keep reading. I had received an anonymous (at least anonymous at the time) package in the mail asking for my participation in an art performance? Project? Not sure. Anyway the instructions were to hang these posters someplace public, take pictures,...
This tutorial was meant to be up earlier today, but due to a last minute super important Dr’s appointment (for Lamp…I’ll talk about it later) it’s going up now and will be extremely shortened. Not that it’s that hard anyway. Gather your supplies. Paper, pencil, heart shape to trace around, scissors. I used different colors of paper...
- MelancholySmileFebruary 14, 2012 - 11:21 pm
love this! I tried to do the same thing this year, but I think I killed my sewing machine over Christmas. {I blame the teepee} I couldn't get it to run despite my best efforts, and went with the book-page garland instead. 🙂 I love the ombre effect on yours! And your mantle is divine with your artwork highlighted.ReplyCancel
- Linda P.February 15, 2012 - 6:36 pm
Love it, Miggy! The colors are so pretty. I've been enjoyin' me some paper garland making recently, too! I have some hand-held punches, and I mostly use those to punch out paper shapes. I've been using the good ol' glue gun to connect the paper shapes to yarn instead of sewing them together, although I really love the sewn look. Also, I really like the way you displayed your completed project.
I hope you had a really nice Valentine's Day with your family of sweethearts!ReplyCancel
- Lauren in GAFebruary 16, 2012 - 1:18 am
Miggy…those garlands are L♥VELY. The Primary just gave the Bishop a, "heart attack" on his door last Sunday. Next year maybe we will string some heart garland on the Bishop's office doorway…and he can walk through them…kind of like the hanging bead curtians a la the Brady Bunch. Thanks for the tutorial!
I saw a really big heart punch at Michael's tonight for 16 bucks…kind of steep but if I had seen it before last Saturday I totally would have snagged it because it took me forever to cut the heart attack hearts…and mine weren't even uniform like your beautiful hearts.ReplyCancel
It can be confusing since we refer to people as Valentines as in Will you be my Valentine? Or We can refer to tokens, cards and gifts as valentine as in, Here’s a valentine for you. So when I say I have a Valentine for you, I mean I have someone I want you to meet and...
- Linda P.February 13, 2012 - 2:15 pm
It will be a privilege to pray for precious Ulysses. I will also pray for his special mama, who loves him so.
Don't you ever worry about us "abandoning" you for someone else's writing, dear Miggy. We have room in our hearts for many friends here in Blog Land. You, my dear, will always be in my heart, and I will always be here! Thank you for introducing us to yet another special family we can get to know. Hugs!ReplyCancel
- KikiFebruary 14, 2012 - 3:33 am
You never know the power of love until you have a child,” was a phrase I heard all the time while I was pregnant with Miss Getty. Mark and I welcomed her into our hearts and our lives on March 25, 2010. She was perfect in every way. Her eyes were wise and her...
- CareGiving DaughterFebruary 11, 2012 - 2:39 am
- Linda P.February 12, 2012 - 1:42 am
Oh, that precious Getty! Thank you so much for sharing her with us, Kate and Miggy! I loved learning about her here.
I also went over to The Getty Owl Foundation and looked at your blog, Kate. What a great mom you are. I loved seeing how you let Getty experience so many things in her own way–gingerbread house decorating, ice skating, olives on the fingers, and more! I know your life is very challenging, but you are doing such a great job!
I am a mom of a special needs young adult son, and it is so helpful and encouraging to read about other moms and how they face their unique situations.ReplyCancel
- gettyowlMarch 1, 2012 - 11:46 pm
I would like to thank Miggy for giving me the opportunity to introduce her readers to my Miss Getty. I am sorry it took me so long to respond. She is such an amazing human being, one who continues to beat the odds against SMA. We will be celebrating her 2nd birthday this month and we could not be more over the moon. Thank you for giving parents a place to introduce their children to the world. Every child is perfect in their own way. Thank you for giving a spotlight to so many of them.ReplyCancel
Hey, I'm Amy!
I'm an author, artist, and disability advocate. I live with my handsome husband and three beautiful daughters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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She is sooo cute. Loved that!
Oh goodness! She's just too cute for words! Thank you for sharing Lamp with us!
she is the cutes!
Alexandra
Lamp just gets more and more awesome with each new video!