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Creme de la Creme: Final Call and a Contest

by Mel

This is it, we’re down to the wire insofar as submissions for the soft deadline for the 2011 Creme de la Creme.  What is the soft deadline?  It’s the December 15th deadline that ensures that your blog post is on the list when it goes up on January 1st in the morning.  You can still submit after December 15th (up until January 5th), but your blog post will go up later — after the Creme de la Creme has already been posted on January 1st.  Which means that you will miss out on getting the most eyes on your post since the largest number of people read it when it first goes up.

We’re actually a little bit behind where we were submission-wise at this time last year, which is strange because we were so far ahead of last year at first.  All I know is that our goal is to get at least 400 posts on the list.  Have you contributed your words?

Speaking of getting eyes on your post, as it usually goes with these sorts of things, the higher up you are on the list, the more people read your post.  We’ve already had one IComLeavWe’er win the 6th slot on the list.  Another IComLeavWe’er will be chosen at the end of December’s IComLeavWe to win the 4th slot.  And here is your chance to win the 2nd slot on the list.  The only thing you have to do is spread around some love.

Like my annual Purim giveaway, the only thing you need to do to enter is leave a comment on someone’s blog.  That’s it — there’s no Tweeting about it, or liking a Facebook page, or blogging about it.  The only entries that count are comments on blog posts.  Here’s how it works (and you can enter as many times as you like):

  • Leave a comment below telling me where you left a comment already today–and feel free to leave, write a comment somewhere, and come back.  Please put the name of that blog and a link to the post in the comment.  And say something nice about that person’s post.  And no, commenting on this post doesn’t count for where you’ve left a comment (though my blog still counts as long as you’ve commented on a different post).  The posts that you’re commenting on need to have been written in December 2011 (only entries with a link to a post written in that time frame count).
  • You can enter as many times as you like.  Which means the more you comment around the blogosphere, the more chances you have to win.  Only comments that talk about a post you read elsewhere in the blogosphere have a chance at winning (in other words, if you write below, “this is a great idea!” I’ll be appreciative, but you won’t be eligible to win.  You need to list a place where you commented today, give the url for the post, and say something about the post).
  • Each comment counts as one entry, so if you’ve commented in three places, you’re allowed to leave that in three entries here.  Leaving it in separate comments is actually sort of an important fact because too many links in a comment will make it caught by the spam filter.  I will release comments caught by the spam filter, but it will take me a moment, and then that only counts as one entry (whereas if you listed them separately, you could have gotten a bunch of entries).
  • The contest ends at 8 a.m. EST on Thursday the 15th, therefore, you can return all week and list new, great blog posts you found.  If you’re still confused, think of this as creating a Friday Blog Roundup-type list in the comment section, one comment at a time.

I will also love you forever if you read down the list and click over to read the other posts listed in the comment section.  And don’t just hit the first ones at the top of the comment list. Make sure you hit some of the people in the middle or bottom of the list and leave them a comment telling them that you agree with the original commenter — their writing does rock.

My usual blog rules apply: any spam is deleted — the point is to honour another person, not drum up business for a Viagra website — as well as anything rude.

I’ll use the random number generator and announce it on Friday in the Roundup on the 16th.  So let the commenting/creme spot winning begin.

108 comments

1 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.10.11 at 8:45 am }

First! 🙂 LOL

Here is a comment I left today for Trisha at The Elusive Second Line (a personal fav)
http://theelusivesecondline.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/mentally-or-physically/#comment-224

Trisha recently had a ruptured cyst that is causing her continued issues. She just found out she is benched, so send her some love. Her writing is always so honest and insightful. I could really feel her pain in this post.

2 HereWeGoAJen { 12.10.11 at 9:19 am }

Today is Gabriel’s birth day and Mrs. Spit could use lots of love while she remembers him today. mrsspit.ca/?p=3093

3 Stephanie { 12.10.11 at 10:03 am }

I loved this tribute to an older sister who has passed away. It made me smile and wipe away the tears.

http://murrbrewster.blogspot.com/2011/12/margaret-day.html

4 Willow { 12.10.11 at 11:47 am }

A new blogger got a greatest hits of IF insensitivity from her grandma: http://difamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/words-of-wisdom-from-my-grandmother.html?m=1. It’s shocking how grandma ran thru them all in one conversation! I’m sure she could use some good support from this community.

5 Willow { 12.10.11 at 12:37 pm }

Another new blogger is striving to stop grieving a miscarriage after IVF #2: http://thisblondiewantsbabies.blogspot.com/2011/12/grieving.html?m=1. I think she could use our support in giving herself permission to grieve.

6 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.10.11 at 1:08 pm }

This is REALLY good post about Michelle Duggar and the pain IFers feel when reading her story.

http://missohkay.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/dear-mrs-duggar/#comments

7 Kimberly { 12.10.11 at 2:16 pm }

Eggs In A Row’s hubby is up for a potential promotion at work and could use some prayers/good vibes. If you have a moment, stop by and send some prayers/vibes their way.

8 Jessie { 12.10.11 at 5:35 pm }

Jes and I are talking about the fun of cookie swaps at this time of year. I admire her for listening to what she needs, even as that changes.

http://allieverwishedfor.blogspot.com/2011/12/being-brave.html?showComment=1323556285793#c6341656933889726602

9 Jessie { 12.10.11 at 5:40 pm }

I went to the first post that Willow commented with, and I really admire Audrey’s restraint!

http://difamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/words-of-wisdom-from-my-grandmother.html?m=1#comment-form

10 Jessie { 12.10.11 at 5:43 pm }

Her Royal Fabulousness is right, it is a great post about Michelle Duggar.

http://missohkay.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/dear-mrs-duggar/#comment-840

11 April { 12.10.11 at 6:46 pm }

Rachel shared some greatly entertaining anecdotes about herself that got even better with a little more detail at

12 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:35 pm }

Thank you for sharing Zen of the Egg Hunt link in the blog roundup. Her writing really touched me and the song, Casting Crowns: Voice of Truth, has been so powerful to me.

http://thezenoftheegghunt.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/how-i-almost-ruined-it-all-or-mercury-retrograde-is-real-bitches/

13 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:38 pm }

Also from last Friday’s roundup. Men who want to be father’s are amazing.

14 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:39 pm }

These Timewarp Tuesdays really get me.

I hope that wherever this post finds you today that you are able to move from focusing so much on life’s “what ifs” to making the most of “what is” in your life and family.

http://chicagobensons.blogspot.com/2011/12/time-warp-tuesday-post-publishing-fear.html

15 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:43 pm }

Brooke reminds us what a man looks like.

http://stevenandbrooke.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-what-i-love-about-my-steven.html

16 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:48 pm }

Liz has embabies on board as of December 6th.

http://compromised-fertility.blogspot.com/2011/12/embabies-on-board.html

17 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:51 pm }

Debbie recently returned from Israel. The thought that she was in Bethlehem so close to Christmas blows my mind. It is sure to make this holiday season extra special!

http://debbiegoestoisrael.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/o-little-town-of-bethlehem/

18 dspence { 12.10.11 at 7:59 pm }

Katie shares about her holiday blues.

http://www.fromiftowhen.com/2011/12/holiday-blues.html

19 dspence { 12.10.11 at 8:02 pm }

A surro-baby was born on Thursday.

http://gestanotherday.blogspot.com/2011/12/baby-grace-is-here.html

20 dspence { 12.10.11 at 8:09 pm }

Mo had a scare but the Shmaby is fine. Warning, belly pic.

http://mommyodyssey.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/12-weeks-well-isnt-this-just-awesome/

21 dspence { 12.10.11 at 8:13 pm }

A moment of glory for “My Infertility Story”: Things I Couldn’t Do Pregnant.

http://myinfertilitystory-kendra.blogspot.com/2011/12/mark-this-under-things-i-couldnt-do.html

22 dspence { 12.10.11 at 8:16 pm }

Perfect Power in Weakness is nervous about her 20-week ultrasound next week. Warning, belly pic.

http://perfectpowerinweakness.blogspot.com/2011/12/quick-takes-15.html

23 dspence { 12.10.11 at 8:22 pm }

Esperanza as a Jack-Of-All-Trades. Consider myself one, too!

http://perfectpowerinweakness.blogspot.com/2011/12/quick-takes-15.html

24 Lori Lavender Luz { 12.10.11 at 11:47 pm }

Luna is celebrating her 4th blogoversary.

And so much more…

http://lifefromhere.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/four-years-here/

25 Heather { 12.11.11 at 6:50 am }

This is a really positive post about looking forward to IVF, even if it may not work, as she acknowledges, she just seems in a good place.
http://mom-are-we-there-yet.blogspot.com/2011/12/bring-it-on.html

26 Heather { 12.11.11 at 6:51 am }

Elphaba’s baby is finally on its way!
http://eggsandsperm.com/2011/12/10/its-time/

27 Heather { 12.11.11 at 6:54 am }

Not undecided has a very raw and honest post here – although she is pregnant, she is rememering a D and C at the same time last year.
http://hardtobehuman.blogspot.com/2011/12/something-summary-like-here.html

28 Heather { 12.11.11 at 7:01 am }

The infertility therapist writes an excelent piece on reparative experience: when we want things to make up for the bad stuff that happened before. She makes the point that it is better to be grateful for what we have and cut our losses.
http://theinfertilitytherapist.blogspot.com/2011/11/infertility-and-myth-of-reparative.html

29 Heather { 12.11.11 at 7:06 am }

Mandie writes her Christmas list and it is really touching and inspiring, considering she is dealing with her mother’s cancer.

http://blog.tolovearose.com/2011/12/my-grown-up-christmas-list.html

30 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.11.11 at 8:41 am }

Here’s a hilarious post about Cornfed Feminist’s IUI. I love the part about her husband 🙂

http://thecornfedfeminist.blogspot.com/2011/12/iui-from-hell.html

31 JustHeather { 12.11.11 at 9:26 am }

Kate at Infertile in a Fertile Land just found out her IUI failed. She could use some hugs.
http://infertileinafertileland.blogspot.com/2011/12/fail.html

32 JustHeather { 12.11.11 at 9:27 am }

Katie at from IF to when has the holiday blues and just can’t seem to get into the holiday cheer while waiting for someone to look at their adoption profile and hopefully choose them as parents.
http://www.fromiftowhen.com/2011/12/holiday-blues.html

33 JustHeather { 12.11.11 at 9:38 am }

Jes G put on a brave face at all i ever wished for to attend her friends cookie party even though she knew there would be talk about difficult stuff (babies, pregnancy, etc).
http://allieverwishedfor.blogspot.com/2011/12/being-brave.html

34 JustHeather { 12.11.11 at 9:42 am }

Princess Jo (and her husband) at A Life of Choice are moving forward with the donor process. They’ve even picked one out!
http://joschoice.blogspot.com/2011/12/donors-and-other-matters.html

35 JustHeather { 12.11.11 at 9:48 am }

The annoyed army wife shared a christmas poll. Lots of fun answers and insights to her.
http://www.annoyed-army-wife.com/2011/12/christmas-quiz.html

36 JustHeather { 12.11.11 at 10:26 am }

Natalie at My Blog is Boring shared some great pictures of her week with us. I love the old warehouse picture.
http://www.myblogisboring.com/2011/12/christmas-you-say-okay-fine.html

37 missohkay { 12.11.11 at 1:37 pm }

J wrote a fantastic post about IF wounds that will never fully heal. Loved it! http://alittleblogaboutthebiginfertility.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/the-point-of-new-return/

38 Kimberly { 12.11.11 at 1:41 pm }

http://eggsandsperm.com/2011/12/11/introducing-alice/#comment-7197

Elphie’s baby girl finally arrived. Seeing a fellow IFer give birth to a beautiful baby gave me some hope today. Warning: Baby pictures.

39 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.11.11 at 2:04 pm }

Rachel could use some prayers for her husband’s job:

40 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.11.11 at 2:11 pm }

MissConception is making baby steps with recovering from losing her twins. She is amazing.
http://missconception-ads.blogspot.com/2011/12/baby-steps.html

41 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.11.11 at 2:14 pm }

Cristy made me laugh with this post:
http://searchingforoursilverlining.blogspot.com/2011/12/fog.html

42 Her Royal Fabulousness { 12.11.11 at 2:18 pm }

Robin is dealing with spotting in the TWW and is super frustrated. Hug her!
http://polycysticinside.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/a-really-bad-night/

43 Amanda { 12.11.11 at 4:59 pm }

Her Royal Fabulusness just received
an email from a friend regarding a crazy dream. Go over and help her interpret it!
http://waitingforlittlefeet.blogspot.com/2011/12/goosebumps.html?showComment=1323640706075#c5822214686141677435

44 Kimberly { 12.11.11 at 5:56 pm }

http://thecornfedfeminist.blogspot.com/2011/12/iui-from-hell.html#comment-form

The Cornfed Feminist had a humorous post about her IUI. Stop by and send her some good luck!

45 Slynn { 12.11.11 at 9:35 pm }

I always find it hopeful to read success stories and the story about Carrie on Stress Free Infertility was great to hear.

46 Slynn { 12.11.11 at 9:41 pm }

I agree with Willow that this blogger could use some support. The insensitivity of people is just staggering!
http://difamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/words-of-wisdom-from-my-grandmother.html?m=1#comment-form

47 Slynn { 12.11.11 at 9:47 pm }

Okay I’m going comment crazy here, but I find this a fantastic way to find new blogs and friends. The holiday blues can sure be blue:
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7674465843475718892&postID=100321156658297065&page=1&token=1323657971803

48 Slynn { 12.11.11 at 9:52 pm }

Oh the 2ww. Hang in there Robin!

http://polycysticinside.wordpress.com/

49 JustHeather { 12.12.11 at 2:55 pm }

Only 3 more days until pork chop at BIAGO has her first ultrasound. Exciting (and terrifying) times!
http://biagobaby.blogspot.com/2011/12/3-more-days.html

50 JustHeather { 12.12.11 at 2:59 pm }

Elaine at Storm in my tea cup shared her not so pleasant experience with getting a methotrexate shot on Friday. You’d think doctors and nurses would be more sympathetic.
http://storm-in-my-teacup.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-shot-and-its-over.html

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