A Family That Blogs Together Stays Together

They are just how I imagined.

She is sweet with a graceful stance, trendy without trying, and inexplicably beautiful. He is kind, silly, and approachable. And together, they made this amazing little creature, with the sweetest face and curious spirit.

I'm not sure how a family is supposed to be. My own was pretty crappy and I'm doing my darndest to make good on the one I have created.

But when you see them together, following their little one's wobbly romps around the pool and taking duty turns without question, it's inspiring.

Their story is enviable. His desire to be at home now is met with her willingness to return to work. And it touches me. In fact, they always have. His writing combined with her thoughtful posts and the beautiful pictures of their daughter have made me weepy on more than one occasion. And if I ever wanted to be anyone or anything else than myself, I want to be them.

I guess they represent how I thought my life would be or at least how I had always hoped it would. And while I know they are not perfect, they represent something perfect in my mind.

On their blog and in real life.

I love my life - my husband, my daughter, and myself. But when I see little Juniper sleeping soundly on her mommy's back, it reminds me that all is well with the world. And that the beauty of the family - the one that loves and lives and learns together is still alive and kicking.

And it makes me want to do better for my own family.

Right now.

Comments

[Bri]

I too *heart* Sweet Juniper. Reading that and MU, makes me feel almost literary again. You guys are both my favorites - now back to lurking to avoid social awkwardness. (I haven't had the guts to comment over at Sweet Juniper yet - gulp - working up to it)

[Nancy]

I did swallow my nervousness so I could go meet Dutch and Juniper, but alas, I missed Wood. I did sneakily observe the three of them together and was touched by their interactions and obvious love for one another. And I agree, Wood is completely beautiful (I named her as one of the three bloggers I had a girl-crush on at BlogHer).

[Chookooloonks]

You know what? Your post here, coupled with Dutch's response in your comments, makes ME want to do better for my own family.

I say this unreservedly: the world is a better place for both you AND the Junipers.

Lovely meeting you at BlogHer.

K.

[carrie]

I have heard so many sweet things about them, I must find time to check them out! Thank you for the nod.

[Elizabeth]

I went up and introduced myself to the Junipers, and then stared transfixed at their beautiful daughter. She was pretending to nurse her baby doll, and shushing everyone walking by. I said to Dutch "she's shushing people" and he said "that's because the baby doll is sleeping." Well my heart just melted into a puddle right there. I was so glad they came as a family.

And Kristen, I know I was running around like a crazy person instead of sitting still and talking, but it was terrific to meet you. I hope you'll be there next year!

[Mary Tsao]

How wild -- I was just pulling out my BlogHer swag and found the two little T-shirts that Dutch gave me for my kiddos. And I was thinking that I should write my BlogHer post today about BlogHer from the dad's perspective, which Dutch did yesterday on Sweet Juniper. And then I opened my browser and found your post.

The planets must be aligning or something, although I also think the coincidences have to do with all of us working past the boobs and booze and really getting to the heart of what this blogging community is all about.

Love the sweet and simple sentiment expressed here. Thank you.

[Jenna]

Those who inspire us to want to do better for ourselves or our family are truly a blessing.

:)

[Jennifer]

Amen. I've never met them but I love reading their blog. Makes me want to be a better me, too.

[GIRLS GONE CHILD]

Totally feel you and I've never even met them.

[tracey]

There was something otherwordly I felt from many of you this weekend. Little hints of sparkle and glow among the masses. Something special. I loved basking in it. Thank you K and the rest of you. It was fun yes, but beyond that,it FELT fantastic.

[Mrs. Chicky]

I've always wondered if they are as wonderful in real life as they are in their blog and now you've confirmed my hopes. Sigh. I'm sure you're no slouch either, lady.

[Her Bad Mother]

One more reason to love you, K - you read my mind.

The one thing that needed to be said about this weekend that I thought wasn't going to be said (properly, anyway) - that there were families there, and that there was A family there, one that walks and talks (and toddles) all that a family should be. LOVE. And awed everybody there.

Proof positive that BlogHer wasn't just about chicks, or moms. It was about heart.

The Junipers have it in spades.

[wood from sweet juniper]

I'm humbled by this post and all of these beautiful comments. I really don't know what to say, so instead I'll tell you what I envied this weekend: Kristen's pregnancy glow and glorious height, Mom-101's boobs (really, I could hardly look away), HBM's composure, grace and obvious intelligence, and Queen's flowing, ginger tresses. I could go on, but I'll stop now.

[Izzy]

The way Dutch was with his little girl reminded me so very much of my own husband with our kids. The three of them were a pleasure to watch and admire. I met them briefly and was very humbled by their awesomeness.

[QofS]

I approached Heather Armstrong, no problem. I approached Arianna Huffington, no problem.

But the family that is Sweet Juniper stopped me dead in my tracks. I had to clutch my own baby girl to get the courage to wander over their way. And even then, I was akward and unsure of what to say.

What I really wanted to do was embrace each of them. Tell them how much I loved their writing, and that sweet sweet little girl. What I did was mutter something about our children's ages and introduce my husband and make an excuse to walk away.

There is just something hard about meeting someone who has actually really come through in their writing. Someone you feel you really know and admire.

Now I'm rambling. But I'm sure you guys know what I mean.

[MetroDad]

You know what I found even more amazing? Not that they're both so cool, so mature, so thoughtful, so intelligent, so well-grounded...but that they're so young! Seriously, when I was their age, I was a freaking idiot. But they seem to have figured out what's important in life at such a younger age. It's one of my favorite qualities about the Junipers!

[Mom101]

I too was so moved by them and couldn't quite articulate why. You did it perfectly. They just radiate...goodness.

And it wasn't just because of the free tee shirts.

[mothergoosemouse]

Yes. Seeing them together at BlogHer - even though I never approached them - reminded me of how much I loved and missed my own wonderful family at home.

[dutch from sweet juniper]

I should warn motherhood uncensored readers that kristen is far too generous with this incredibly sweet post; she kindly forgot to mention that I have dirty hair, a googly eye, and four and a half chins, and also that Wood walks like Charlie Chaplin.

further, one should note that despite her occasional self-disparagement, in real life kristen is seven and a half feet tall and as gorgeous and skinny as a 19-year-old model, you know, the models who aren't yet tired looking and mean from all that cocaine. all that and a published academic.

we were blown away by all you ladies.

[Colleen]

I have a wonderful life, an amazing husband, a gorgeous and delightful child. And yet, when I read their blog and see their adorable photos, sometimes part of me wishes I could be them too! They really do seem to be inspiring people.

[Lisa B]

Wow. Sounds like it was a wonderful weekend and meaningful experience.

And you look beautiful! Saw alot of pics of you. Hope you come to Chicago next year!