It's March -- Time to Party!

March is my favorite month of the year, probably because it's my birthday month (I turn 40-something this coming Wednesday). So when I heard about the Ultimate Blog Party, I had to check it out. This particular party is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom, a cool blog that helps build community among women bloggers and promotes work-at-home moms. They're giving away tons of prizes this week, so stop by and say hello. If you're a work-at-home mom blogger, list your blog and join the party!

Like many of you, I've never been to a blog party (or carnival) before. Here's how it works:

• Sign the Mr. Linky with your blog name and URL by 12 p.m. Eastern March 8, 2007, to be eligible to win prizes.
• Party hop. Visit other participating blogs you find via Mr. Linky. Introduce yourself on their blog.
• After signing Mr. Linky, register for the prizes you'd most like to receive.

For all you party girls who are visiting my blog for the first time, welcome! Here's a little about me:
I've been writing this Exploring Adoption blog since 2004. It's a one-stop resource for news, commentary, statistics, and random thoughts about anything adoption-related. I also write the Christian Adoption blog at adoption.com.

My husband (of nearly 25 years) and I are the (adoptive) parents of two rambunctious sons, ages 14 and 11. I am the author of two upcoming books, The Adoption Decision and The Adoption Network. In my spare time, I  work from my home office as a PR professional and freelance writer.

If you live in the Seattle area, I'd like to invite you to attend the Northwest Christian Writers' Association monthly meeting on Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. I'll be speaking about how to plan and launch your own blog. The cost is only $5 for visitors.  The group meets at Northshore Baptist Church, 10301 NE 145th St, Bothell, WA 98011.

Whether you're a regular reader or a newcomer, please introduce yourself in the Comments area. I'll enter everyone who comments in a drawing to win copies of my books -- I'll be giving away four books total.

I'm also adding links to Blogs by Christian Writers on my Web site. If you'd like your blog listed, briefly describe it (in the Comments area of this post), including your blog's URL and your name.

Welcome to the party!

For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com, and check out my Exploring Adoption bookstore.

Comments

[April]

Welcome to the party! My husband and I have friends who are nearing the end of the adoption process in Russia. We also plan to adopt someday. I am so glad to come across this site!

[Katrina]

Nice to meet you, Laura. I'm stopping in by way of the blog party. Your blog looks like a fantastic resource for those considering, or in the midst of, adoption -- I'll be passing your link on to a friend of mine who is thinking about adopting.

[Perky]

Welcome to the Blog Party! I'm so happy to find your site! I'm an adoptee and an adoptive mom to two great boys! Stop by my site sometime and say hi!

[Coley, birthmom]

I'm always up for a party! You already know me. :)

[Kelley]

Stoping by from the Ultimate Blog Party and I'm so glad I did! I also write about adoption on my other blog - www.talkingaboutadoption.blogspot.com - it's not any where near "professional", but it's my passion. I'm looking forward to poking around here a bit more!

[Terri @ In His Hands]

Another blog party drop-in! I'm adopting from China and I'm Christian!

You have a great site here---lots of great links! I'll be back when I have more time!

[amy]

Hey Laura,

Thanks for commenting on my blog. I love finding people on the blogosphere who live in my neighborhood. Fun! Did you know that Tricia is in the process of adopting a little girl or twin girls from China? I forwarded her your info.

[Heidi]

Just stopping by from the party! This is a great looking blog and I have a friend I might refer here if they start exploring adoption seriously...

Have a good weekend!

[jodi]

I'm party hopping and saying hi!

I sooo admire you for your adoption work. I work in the foster care system and have seen the good that adoption can do.

[Kimberley]

Hello there. We are adopting a daughter from China. Domestic adoption was just too risky for us.

[Leslie]

Stopping by from the blog party! I admire your strength. I would love to adopt, but for different reasons cannot right now.

[Monkey Giggles]

Swinging in for the Ultimate blog party. Nice to meet ya.

PARTY ON!!!

My first party favor give away has begun. Come over when ya get a chance.

[jen]

Hi nice to meet you
that meeting sounds really interesting
shame I wont be able to readit what with living in New Zealand and all
do you think youll post notes afterwards?

[Heidi]

Hi, Laura~
I linked here with the Blog Party~ the "adoption" wording in your name attracted me.
I have 2 children who are adopted from Vietnam~ one in 2000 and we just returned home with the 2nd one before Christmas.
You're doing a great thing here! Let me know if I can help in any way!
Heidi

[Mary]

This is my first blog party and I love that it's related to adoption. I'm an bio/adoptive/foster parent and hope to continue in this ministry for many more years.

[Tracey]

Stopping in for the party. I'm glad I found your website. I will keep you in mind for a resource for friends.

Please stop by and visit me. I have festive exploding bubbles (chemistry experiment)!

[Lara]

I've been reading your site for a while. I am the mom of a 3-year-old girl from China.

[Brandie]

Hello Laura! It's so nice to meet you =)
Someday I hope to need your site ... we'll see what the future holds!

[jen]

Hi
I got your email and yes I was serious. I think it would be very interesting. Ill keep a waych out for that CD :)