Today marks the First Anniversary of This Mom Loves! I can’t believe that one year ago today I published my first post (though I waited a couple of weeks before actually sharing the address with anyone!)

Now, don’t feel badly if you forgot all about my special day. Stick with me for a minute, and I’ll tell you how to make it up to me…and it will be quick and easy!

I started out just wanting a place to share my ideas and opinions, to make some connections and hone my writing skills. It has become so much more than that. The networking especially is incredible…and I have to admit I love being able to say “so, Debbie Travis was telling me….”

From My Very First Post to the enticing Top Five Signs You Won’t Want To Follow My Blog, I was off to a good start. Some of my other highlights:

Are You A Hyper Parent? (On a related note, it hit me in June that my four year old was in dance, swimming and soccer all at once. Hmmm.)
Bottle Battle: Have You Heard That Breast Is Best?
Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten? (Are You?)
Sorry I’m Not “Just Spiritual”
In Praise of Epidurals

It’s also amazing what I’ve learned, not only about blogging and computer “stuff”, but also about the moms out there. For example, apparently there are a LOT of people who love designer Sarah Richardson, as her Momterview gave me the most hits I have ever had in a day…by far!

If you want to see a year’s worth of my own (Debbie-and-Sarah-wannabe) home decorating posts, click here. You may also want to check out all of my celebrity Momterviews, travel posts or my friend Krista’s ever-popular party themes.
As a “PR Friendly” blogger, I love having the opportunity to try out new products, attend events, and share my opinions. Plus it’s fun to be able to share the wealth with others through giveaways.

One of the biggest perks, though, is that it has given me a real sense of pride to know that I created this (with technical and design credits to Cebong, Eon and Leelou Designs) and I retain all editorial control.

Now, I must say that it’s strictly a hobby. I haven’t made a penny, except the odd gift card for participating in some blog tours, but I’m certainly not in it for the money. I get my rewards in other ways. And this is where my anniversary gift comes in! (Hey…you forgot all about it! You can hear me out!)

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I’ve read that 95% of blog readers are “lurkers” who do not leave comments. I was a lurker until about a year ago, so I ain’t judging. Little did I realize back then that bloggers check regularly for comments, and get excited when they realize that there are some, and people are not only reading their work, but care enough to say something about it!

I came across a great blog post early on called DeLurk Your Pants Off! (Though I’m not encouraging you to go that far. Really. Please don’t.) But I do want you to delurk today, as your blogiversary gift to me. Be brave, or just compassionate, and leave a comment! Feel free to just say hi, or if you’re feeling really bold, tell me something about yourself. If you have your own blog, I even promise to come and visit!

I can also promise a lot more information and fun in Year 2 of This Mom Loves, including an athlete Momterview, true confessions, and some great products for kids and adults alike – crafts, toys, cleaning products (I find that fun!) and jewelery (probably more popular!)

For now, you lurkers, it’s time to leave a comment. Click on the title of this post if you’re in your email or on the homepage and the comments box isn’t visible. (Sorry to the pros, but I’ve actually had people ask me how to do this!)

Thanks for commenting and making my day…and thanks to all of my readers for helping me take This Mom Loves further than I ever expected…now onward and upward!

by | 18 Comments

18 comments on “It’s My Blogiversary: Now Delurk!”

  2. Happy Blogiversary 🙂 Your blog is great, one of my favorites, not just for the great contests but for your funny life stories – I read alot of them which says alot as I am whipping around entering contests! Anyway, I do sometimes write on blogs outside of entering for things, not sure if I have here or not – if not here I am 🙂

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  3. Wow, I can't believe it's only been one year! Happy blogiversary!

    I'm a semi-lurker I guess… I think I've commented here before but I haven't been following you for that long. Can't wait to read more in year 2!

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  6. Congrats Kate on creating a blog that is so creative and very colorful!!! Don't know where you find the time to put this all together!

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  7. congrats on one year! Isn't so exciting? I can't believe how the time seems to fly for my own blog. It's great.

    and I love getting comments…i try and comment people back if they leave me their thoughts. I figure it's the least I can do if I have the time. 🙂

    -lauren

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  12. Wow all that in one year!!! Go you and happy anniversary!
    I also check my stats and see tons of people viewing but only a handful comment. I don't bite I swear!!
    Anyhoodles congrats!!

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  14. I guess I'm a lurker!! Like reading, but don't often post and am not a contest girl, so don't enter those either!! But….enjoy reading your blog – like the more personal stories related to being a mom and dealing with all the stuff us Moms deal with. It's nice to know we're all experiencing basically the same things at one time or another and that we're not alone! Keep up the good writing.

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  16. Congratulations Kate! I have learned a lot – especially the organizing topics. I have already instituted holiday bins!

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  17. Hmm, I always assumed that bloggers who regularly receive comments would start to take it for granted and wouldn't be interested in anything I had to say in response! Thanks for setting me straight!

    Reply

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