Tuesday, April 29, 2008

20,000!

Yesterday we reached 20,000 hits since adding the Site Meter counter. Now I know for some superstar bloggers, 20,000 hits is a day in the life, but for me, I am thinking it is pretty cool!

Who would have thought that this rambling post written from my hospital bed last year would turn into this blog? A blog so thought provoking that it has been changing lives all over the world?

I kid, I kid. But, seriously, when I wrote that first post I had no idea if anyone would ever read it; we were just trying to cut down on all the phone calls to our hospital room! Apparently people were interested enough to keep reading, because here we are, 156 posts later.

We can’t have a 20,000th hit celebration without pictures! But since I have not taken any pictures recently, I thought I would share a few of my favorites that have been posted on the blog over the past year.


Now these aren't necessarily the BEST pictures, but they all represent something special.
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This was Kyle's first picture. One I am ashamed to admit that I would not post when Kyle was first born. The poor guy looked so pitiful and hopeless. Seeing Kyle like this, it was easy to understand why the doctors did not think he would make it. (Look at Kyle's arms, they are thinner than the nurse's finger)


But, seeing the above picture of Kyle taken in February 2007, and comparing it to this picture of Kyle that was taken in February 2008, makes me realize what a strong, amazing little fighter he is...

Madison wanted so much to be a big sister. Obviously under the circumstances, Madison could not partake in big sister activities in the typical fashion. But she did not let that stop her. Here she is reading to her little brother. And although Kyle weighed less than two pounds at the time, she would read to him with as much warmth and animation as if he was a pre-schooler hanging onto her every word.


When Kyle was almost three months old, he was finally deemed stable enough for Madison to hold him...

This picture was taken with Dr. Lugo shortly before Kyle was discharged from the hospital...

And this picture was taken with Dr. Lugo when we came back to visit...

And of course, I must include a picture of Rylee and Breanne, without whom my four month stay in Florida would have been so lonely...

Hitting 20,000 visits got me to thinking. Who is reading this blog???
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I totally respect your right to remain anonymous, but, I’m always curious who’s reading.
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If you've been looking for an excuse to make a comment, or introduce yourself, or tell me that you loathe me, consider yourself formally invited to speak up. Introduce yourself!
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I puffy heart you all. Lurkers delurk... that means you Michelle, Julie, Leanne and whomever else might read this blog but rarely ever comments. So leave me a comment (or I might have to post embarrassing pictures of you drinking "milk!").
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And, do we have ANY family that still reads this blog? Dear, sweet Great Aunt Sandra, whom I have never even had the pleasure of meeting, comments on almost every post. Are there any other family members that still pop in every once in awhile?
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Thanks for a happy 20,000! Lurkers? Delurk!
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God Bless,
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Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

I delurked a month or so again. Way to go on 20,000 visits. I just added my tracker (on march 1) and I am only at 1,100 so I have a LONG way to go before 20,000!

Anonymous said...

Yes that me Aunt Sandra
I check this everyday to see if anything new is on it and have sent it to my sister Ruth in Lakeland,FL. and also my sister Jean which you have meet in FL. I have printed lots of pictures for them both and I love keeping up with everything.20,000 people is really alot to think knows all about little Kyle and Madison. All I can say is keep up the good work your doing a great Job. Just think of all the prayers that have went out for you all because of this BLOG. Praise the Lord for such a great job.

This is great what you put on it today also, thanks so much.

Love & Prayers, Aunt Sandra

Stephanie said...

I'm actually a new reader! I have to admit though, that when I found your blog, I spent a long time reading back over old blogs. Kyle and Madison are just precious. His story is so amazing. Congrats on 20,000!!

Anonymous said...

I came across your blog when I was reading comments on the CF Husband blog that I follow. Then I realized that you are from OHIO, I live in Hartville. Thanks for sharing your story. God Bless, Andrea Schrock

Heather said...

Nan tagged me b/c of your blog...just wanted to let you know I've become a visitor:) Check out my meme
www.barbourshop.blogspot.com

Jaimie said...

Hello :) a lurker here...I think I popped on over to your blog from the Confessions of a CF Husband blog - at least I'm pretty sure. I am also a fellow Ohioan :)

Jaimie

careysue said...

I found you through cfhusbands blog and love all your comments there! You have gone through so much with your little guy and he looks amazing. You would never guess by looking at him now that he was a micro-preemie! My husband grew up in Stow OH. My husbands sister used to own Isalys on route 59. She is now divorced and her ex-husband still owns it.

Congratulations on 20,000 visits.

I wanted to add that I started blogging more when my son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and hospitalized this past winter. It really does help to keep relatives up-dated!

Cindy said...

Hi! I don't think I've commented here before, but I found your blog through a comment you left on the CFHusband blog.

Baby Kyle has come so far...you are blessed!!!

krissy said...

That is the most amazing story ever. The sight of him after birth took my breath away. I cannot imagine your fear.

I am so glad things are the way they are now......

BTW....you have an award from me!

Jennifer said...

I also found you through CFHusband's blog...I think the first time I read was the other night. Kyle's story is amazing...praise GOD for all the miracles he can perform:)

Scarlet O'Kara said...

I cannot remember exactly how I stumbled upon your blog, but after reading the first post, I was hooked. It took some time, but I ready every post and make a point to check in every day or so.

Your children are beautiful gifts from above....

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

this is my first time here and now i'm going to have to go back thru your posts and catch up...great 20K mark and great miracle baby photos...

*elizabeth

Bailey said...

hi! i found you through the comments on cfhusband, also! that was maybe a month ago? and since then i have stopped in once a week or so to see what your adorable family is up to!

yay for 20,000 hits! i cannot imagine getting that many!!

~bailey~

Kristen said...

Jennifer,

So glad that I found your blog through McMommy.

What true little blessings you have. I love reading about Kyle, and have gone back to read some of your first ones as well. I can't even imagine. Your faith was so strong.

Glad that I get to read up on what you guys are up to, and Congratulations on the 20,000 mark. That is Awesome!! :)

Classy Fab Sarah said...

Hello,

I am a lurker here who found your site through - you guessed it - CFHusband's blog. I was hooked and had to go back and read your entire story, but it was so worth it. Your beautiful baby boy (and his big sis) are amazing and so darling!

Congrats on 20,000!!
Sarah

Laski said...

Congrats on your 20,000 milestone! That is wonderful! So cool to find out who has been following your story! When I first found you I went back to post one. I was hooked :)

One of my favorite pics was back when you were holding Kyle--you could see your face through the incubator. It was just so heartwarming . . . that little guy and his momma's smile. OK, getting misty . . . Congrats!

Holly said...

Hi, I am Holly and have been reading your blog which I found through Confessions of a cf Husbands story. I read your entire blog and was shocked about how well your son has done. He is so cute and belssed. I wish you the best!!

amanda said...

honey he truly is so beautiful!! such an amazing story...sooo very blessed :)

and congrats on the 20,000 mark - that's huge!!

Hillari said...

I recently found your blog on the recommendation of a friend & ended up reading the whole thing from start to finish! What an amazing testimony of God's wonderful grace and faithfulness!! Thanks for writing...you've encouraged me in my faith in our incredible God!

Tammy said...

I recently came across your blog and have spent lots of time reading your story from the beginning! It is so awesome to see how big baby Kyle is! AMAZING!
Congratulations on a healthy baby boy and 20,000 hits!

Tammy
Florida

Nan said...

What a "following" you have developed! In a good way though. Your stories are encouraging and honest. I appreciate that. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Just found you today (from a women's prerogative blog) and will have to update myself on your journey. But wanted to say HELLO and I'm so happy your little boy is here.

Your family is beautiful!

I am originally from Ohio (Columbus), but now I live in Florida. So neat!

Heidi Reed

Kori said...

I suppose I need to delurk myself here. I have only been reading for a little while but the first night I came across your blog I sat and read for what must have been a couple of hours or so. You have a very precious family. God bless you guys!

andreawilliams said...

Congrats on all of those hits!! Your family is just so precious.

Fire Hunt said...

I came across your blog when I was reading comments on the CF Husband blog that I follow. Then I realized that you are from OHIO, I live in Ohio to so I came to see your blog. I know how you feel about the one photo of your little one I have some to of my twin boys.

Anonymous said...

I've followed your blog from the beginning but have always remained lurking since I don't know you. However, I've been so inspired by you and your family with your faithfulness and dedication to God and have kept all of you in my prayers from day one. It has been so uplifting to watch the miracles and the power of prayer at work. I work in Atlanta with your Aunt Karen and she told me about your situation before Kyle was even born. She told me about your blog and we have discussed Kyle's progress all along the way. (By the way, she is such a proud aunt). Congratulations on 20,000 hits! I'd like to take credit for a good portion of them!! I'm not a blogger myself, but you are now obligated to keep this up so that lurkers like me can follow Madison and little Kyle's life. Best wishes to all of you and thanks so much for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

I guess I would still be a "lurker" if I did not leave my name. My name is Phyllis and I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. I didn't even realize I was still somewhat anonymous until I read my post.

Mandy said...

I comment, so I'm not delurking, but congrats on 20,000!

Stacy J said...

Hey Kupiec Family!

This is one of two blogs I read, and both have to do with baby cousins! Matt added an application that lets me know if a blog is updated, which helps a lot in keeping up with the blogs and with not having to check everyday. Hope to see you all soon!

Breanne said...

HI I have been reading your blog since last Feb. and I live in Florida. I just love it....HAHA Ok so you know that I read it all the time. Just had to be silly. Seeing Kyle in his baby pic just reminds me of how little they actually were. I was not sure about posting some of Rylee's pics since she looked so fragile. I am still so thankful that we were able to meet and have a friendship like we do. You know I could have never made it through NICU without you and your family. My mom said to tell you that she reads it all the time too, but she can never figure out how to get the comments to show up. I will have to show her next time I am over there. Have a great Thursday!!

The Rees Family said...

Your friends, Julie, Brian, Emma & Molly read from Napoleon, Ohio! We miss you guys and love your blog, we check it daily!!!

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for a while (found it through McMommy's site). I THINK I may have posted once on your blog, but its hard for me to keep track of everyone! My name is Matt, I run a preemie/baby clothing store with my wife, Aline, in honor of our little girl, Frankie (she was a preemie too, but is doing fantastic at three years old!) I will definitely keep reading, and I am happy to hear you are all doing great! Be sure to check out our blog at some point...we just had a "victory" with my daughter...her last lingering issue from being pre-term just ended and we are so excited we want everyone to know about it.

Great pics! I'm adding you to our blogroll!

Stephanie said...

You have a beautiful family and a truly inspiring story. I had to read your blog from beginning to end last month.

I found you from a comment you left on my blog I think :)

careysue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I JUST happened to find this blog today. First and foremost, what a sweet little peanut! I'm so glad he pulled through a year ago...it must have been a long struggle.
Secondly, cute family!
And third, congrats on 20,000 hits! That's amazing!

Twinkletoes said...

Too funny - I linked over from CFhusband :) Loved your story! What a success!
~Lynn/PA

OHmommy said...

I read.

I LOVE the bubble above his head. LOL. So cute!

Purple Teacup said...

What a cute little guy! I just found you thru verybusymomof4, and I will be going thru your archives. God is so amazing....I see that picture of that itty bitty baby and it's just a miracle.

Miss Lisa said...

Still catching up on posts...can I just say God is good--I am amazed at Kyle and how strong he is! I just love how you described Madison and her love for her new brother too.
Congrats on 20,000 hits!

Caroline said...

I peek in every now and then via Nan (one of my best friends!). Your blog is very fun, and what a miracle Kyle is - not to discount Madison of course!

Anonymous said...

I found your site from cfhusbands site. I like reading peoples stories especially about babies. I very much love babies. I did go back and read most of your posts. God is still in the miracle business. xanga.com/plocke1111

Anonymous said...

I linked over from CFHusband. Your story is incredible! I'm also from Ohio!

Tam said...

HI POPPED over from another blog...WOW congrats on the visits but also WOW amazing just everything!

twin power mommy ♥ said...

i check out your page every couple days. I need to be better about leaving a comment. I always feel lost in the shuffle of people with too many blog followers. Anyway, i love seeing that tiny pic of your son. When my girls were born 6 years ago, i hardly took pics because of my insecurities with them being so sick. I didn't know if they were going to make it from day to day, so i certainly didn't want pictures laying around haunting me after their "death". All these scenarios i played in my head...So ridiculous cause our God is soooooo AWESOME! He has given me, like you, a beautiful miracle to show His love to the world.

Vic said...

Hello I just came upon your blog and what a wonderful blessing you have! I love reading the stories of inspiration that show how truly great life is.

What an ordinary miracle and such a special gift to have.

Congratulations!

Victoria

Rebecca said...

I found you through Confessions of a CF Husband blog like may others on here and I am also from OH (cincy) so I check in occasionally. I like to see how Kyle is progressing and your faith is very encouraging. Thanks for keeping your blog public and sharing your story with us :)

Connie Mae said...

Hello there! I came across your blog reading someone else's and I don't recall whose. It intrigued me because you are from Ohio as am I. I enjoy reading and watching Kyle grow! I had a daughter last year on March 28th so that is another reason I felt a connection although my daughter wasn't early just that we both gave birth last year. Anywho, thanks for sharing your life. Feel free to visit my blog but I am not a true blogger. I am trying it but haven't really found my "niche."

Grace Acres said...

Hi my name is Christina and I ran across your blog today and it is totally cool. I enjoyed reading your story and what an adorable little miracle you have.

Dana said...

Hi! I found your blog via E & T! I live in Florida and blog at Moonpie in the Sky! Great blog!!

La Familia Garcia said...

I've just started reading! And have enjoyed you sharing your story!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,

I have lurked every now & again via Nate's blog. I really enjoyed reading your blog but I couldn't remember your blogger url - Now I obviously know it & will definitely be checking in again soon!

:) Erin

The Wades said...

I have spent too many minutes now reading your blog. :) I found you from a comment you left on Nate's blog. You have a beautiful family and a great story. I'm so happy you have a happy outcome! Continued blessings to you. Michelle from Alb, NM