I realized this is a bit late, but I'd love to know who is checking in on the McCarthy's for 2008:
Please add a coment with:
1. Your name (last name can be anonymous if you want)
2. Where are you from?
3. How long have you been visiting my blog?
4. Has my blog helped you?
5. If my blog was made into a book would you be interested in purchasing/reading it? Giving it to a friend? (This is something I've been considering for some time, but can't seem to find the time nor have the energy to edit it). I'm open to any suggestions here!
Thank you for all of your continued support. It's amazing to me what started out as a way to update my friends and family when my water first broke back on 7/26/05 has turned into a blog that has had well over 1/4 of a million hits and the number of people who have told me I've inspired them or helped them in some way. This was never my purpose, but I'm so glad that I've been able to help others.
I know that I couldn't have survived this far and been as well educated on issues surrounding my children if it weren't for others out there. Many I've met in person, many I've met via the Internet. Either way, many millions of thanks go out to "YOU" for everything you do to help me and my family.
73 comments:
1. Em
2. Australia
3. For atleast a year maybe longer
4. Your an inspiration, the way you handle things and the obvious love you have for children is amazing.
5. I would definitely buy the book and recommend it to friends.
Kelly
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Maybe around two years?
I find your blog/you to be inspiring. You never give up. No matter what God throws your direction you are ready to tackle it. You have been through so much and even though it is evident it takes a toll on you, you bounce back and are just an amazing parent/wife/person. You remind me that nothing is impossible, there is no reason to give up, things can and will get better or things will change and sometimes, you just have to change your perspective.
I would absolutely buy the book and give it to friends, recommend friends read it etc.
just a random lurker here...
1. Jaimie
2. Cleveland, OH
3. Maybe 6 months?
4. I have found your posts to be very interesting, but I did not come here for any specific reason other than that there was a link on a blog somewhere...and I like to blog surf :)
5. Hmmm, I dunno!
1. Catherine Chandler
2. Portland, OR
3. about a year, I think
4. YES...it is good to hear how other people deal with similar experiences with their children, and great to have a support network (even if I am just the nanny).
5. Definitely! I think sharing your experiences is very beneficial to others, and am so glad that you've had this blog.
1. Jenny
2. Wilkes-Barre, PA
3. A long time, probably over 2 years.
4. TONS! The way you handle all that life throws you is truly inspiring.
5. Sure!
1. Savannah
2. Houston Area, Texas
3. Honestly, not even a month. But as soon as I heard your story I imeadietly started checking for updates multiple times a day. I started at the first post and read the whole thing. I stayed up late into the night reading.
4. I am truly amazed by your whole family and the way you handle everything and the incredible amount of love you have for your children.
5. I would definetly buy it.
1. Your name (last name can be anonymous if you want)
Jennifer Delp
2. Where are you from?
Washington
3. How long have you been visiting my blog?
Since May 2006
4. Has my blog helped you?
YES. Thanks to your blog and the links to the side I have decided to go to college and be a NICU nurse. A million thanks!!
5. If my blog was made into a book would you be interested in purchasing/reading it? Giving it to a friend? (This is something I've been considering for some time, but can't seem to find the time nor have the energy to edit it). I'm open to any suggestions here!
Yes I'd be very interested!
1.The Schucks
2.From NC originally, living in Texas
3.I've been reading your blog since Jan. of this year.
4.You and little Kaitlyn have helped me tremendously. My daughter was born Dec 27, 2007 @ 25weeks gestation and 1 pound 3 ounces. Your blog gave me hope and strength. Your family is great!
5.Yes!
1. Katie
2. Louisiana
3. Between 1 and 2 years.
4. I've certainly learned alot by reading it. I feel like if I were to ever give birth to a pre-term or premature baby, I'd be much better off for having read your blog. And I've also learned to take more seriously any decisions (such as having an amnio) that come up in my pregnancies. Also it has made me more appreciative of the full-term, healthy child I've been given.
5. If I knew someone dealing with the issues you've discussed on your blog, certainly.
Kathleen Mires
Texas- Houston area
Since you prommed with Kaitlyn
You have been an inspiration to many including myself.
Undecided on the purchase though...
1. Sarah Storrs
2. Washington State
3. 2 years or so
4. Yes. It reminds me that we all have our own challenges, and gives me perspective on what's going on with my family.
5. Yes.
1. Karyn
2. Texas, currently in Kentucky
3. Hmm...gosh, over a year? It was after you had Kaitlyn. It was linked somewhere...I can't even remember now. Probably something to do with premature deliveries, as I was facing my own possible premature delivery (she did hold on until 37 weeks though).
4. Oh yes!
5. Definitely!
1.Malinda
2.Muncie,Indiana
3.For a while
4. Yes
5.I would read it over again and also give it to a friend.
Thanks for sharing your story with us still
1. Candice
2. All over, military wife!!!
3. A year and a half
4. Yes, I have preemie twins and love reading about others experiences. Thinking of having another child and read about your pregnancy with great interest!! Happy your boy is so healthy!
5. Your story shows an alternative to "catch up by two" that doctors always tell preemie parents. Very interesting perspective for people to read!
1. Jodi
2. Kansas
3. About a year now
4. Very much. After years of infertility, I became pregnant with triplets. I miscarried Baby B and went on to deliver my twins at 23 weeks. My son fought hard for 1 month and 1 day. My daughter just turned one and is doing well. While in the NICU, I had to know that I wasn't alone and that other couples who desperately wanted children had experienced this kind of heartbreak as well. You are such a strong person and an amazing mother.
5. Of course I would. I think more books like that should be written.
1. Erin
2. ORange County, CA
3. About 2 years
4. Yes I never knew about micropreemies
5. Yes!
1. Stephanie C
2. From Dallas, TX
3. Been reading your blog since right after twins were born.
4. I lost a baby in 2003 and reading about what you have gone through helped me get through it even 2 years later.
5. I would SO buy your blog book and would love to read it!!!
1. Tracey K
2. Seattle area, WA
3. Started reading your blog when I was pregnant w/ #2 (about 7 months ago)and having my first as a preemie, I was looking for other moms who had a preemie first and were pregnant again. I can't remember how I actually found your blog though (possibly Goggled).
4. Your blog has certainly helped me and my family in many ways.
5. Most likely. It's interesting to read so many different preemie stories and how their stories are similar and others are so different.
1. Vannessa
2. Cape Town, South Africa
3. About 2 years, can't remember if I started reading it before or after my daughter died, but the reason I found it was I think through Tertia's blogroll and I was looking for special needs types of blogs.
4. Yes, can't say exactly how, but it has.
5. Yes, would definitely buy your book.
Hi Liz,
Just found your blog... my daughter was blessed with monoamniotic identical twins born at 25 wks in May... Baby B (Serenity) was with us only 9 days.. her sister Willow is still in hospital and has a paralyzed vocal cord (I found your blog on a google search = )
1)Abby
2) Boston
3)About 6 -9 mos?
4)Yes
5) We had such similar stories I was amazed (pprom, surviving twins, gtube, feeding issues, etc..) I initially found you after googeling for dr patel. I would definitely read it and have often toyed with writing something myself!
so happy to hear all is going well
1. Susannah
2. Connecticut
3. Since May '08 (I started in the archives and was caught up in a matter of days)
4. Your blog has been extremely helpful to me. Our twin daughters were born at 25 weeks 2 days in April. We lost one of them 9 days later. Our other daughter is still in the hospital. Your blog made me feel less alone and more hopeful at a time when I really needed that.
5. I would certainly buy it for a friend if they were facing prematurity or any of the issues you've dealt with.
Name~ Shana Wiseman
From~ NW Ohio about 45 min. SW of Toledo.
How long~ Close to two years
Yes, I think you have an amazing story to tell!
1) Jessica
2) Illinois
3) a couple months now. I read the whole story from start to finish (well, current entry).
5) I think this would be a great book to put out there - to show people the reality of these things.
1. Jennifer
2. Kansas
3. couple of months
4. Sure. I'm a NICU nurse and have been doing this for 10 years. I love taking care of these tiny babies and getting to know the families. I like to have a little look into how families cope and adjust there lives after their miracles come home. It's nice to see there life after the NICU.
5. I would recommend it to families that i'm working with. It lets them know there is hope.
Hi
I've been visiting your blog for a while probably about 1-1.5 years. I don't remember how I stumbled upon it but I've been reading ever since.I am in Florida- mother to 2 children- both full term and my oldest daughter is a Kaitlyn as well. I don't comment much since I always forget my login and when I do comment they never end up going through so if that is happens I'll do it via annonymous. But I am so happy Quinn is here and I have been so impressed with the feeding work you have done with Kaitlyn. I know of the Patel method and am so happy it and all your work seems to be helping Kaitlyn eat better.
Hi
I've been visiting your blog for a while probably about 1-1.5 years. I don't remember how I stumbled upon it but I've been reading ever since.I am in Florida- mother to 2 children- both full term and my oldest daughter is a Kaitlyn as well. I don't comment much since I always forget my login and when I do comment they never end up going through so if that is happens I'll do it via annonymous. But I am so happy Quinn is here and I have been so impressed with the feeding work you have done with Kaitlyn. I know of the Patel method and am so happy it and all your work seems to be helping Kaitlyn eat better.
-kendra
-nebraska
-over a year
-i'm a nicu nurse and it's given me a perspective on other nicus and life after nicu. the life after is great to see and the differences between units is really interesting
-probably not
*Liz
*Vermont
*3 months
*My son Jackson was born at 25 weeks on June 10, 2008. Kaitlyn's story has given me hope for my son~thank you!
*Yes.
1.Sheri
2.Milwaukee WI
3. about a year and a half I think
4. I found your blog through anothers when I was trying to find help for my son, who though was not technically premature was growth restircted with multiple birth defects and "acted" like a preemie....We went through difficult feeding issues, several surgiers and are still in therapy (though not quite as severe as yours) and I found the fact that you understood, particularly the feeding issus (b/c I found that to be the hardest) comforting.....Thank you for sharing
5. yes- and I was actually looking into doing this for us:)
1.Sheri
2.Milwaukee WI
3. about a year and a half I think
4. I found your blog through anothers when I was trying to find help for my son, who though was not technically premature was growth restircted with multiple birth defects and "acted" like a preemie....We went through difficult feeding issues, several surgiers and are still in therapy (though not quite as severe as yours) and I found the fact that you understood, particularly the feeding issus (b/c I found that to be the hardest) comforting.....Thank you for sharing
5. yes- and I was actually looking into doing this for us:)
1. Jeana Diddie
2. Conyers, GA
3. I've been reading your blog for about 2 1/2 years. I was reading one of my good friends blog's (preemiehood...now Nolandhood) and you had left a comment. I clicked on it and read your entire blog. I've been hooked ever since. I check it at least a couple times a week.
4. Your story has definitely inspired me. Your strength and love is amazing. I've loved watching Kaitlyn change and grow. She's a little miracle. And I am so excited about Quinn, the newest member of your family. I think that you have helped me be a better Mom to my amazing boys. I was lucky enough to have 2 full term healthy babies. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff and to appreciate them. I also shared your story with my sis who is trying to get pregnant. She is 37 so I know the doc's will recommend the amnio.
5. I would definitely buy your book!!
Kristie
Dallas, TX
About 1 month of reading your blog (but I have read the entire thing, now I just wait for updates).
I do not have any children, yet. But my clock is ticking as I just turned 40 last month. I have learned so much by reading your blog and would definitely buy your book.
Thank you so much for sharing.
1. Jennifer
2. New York
3. I would say for over a year now
4. When I found your blog, I already had two kids, so I can't say your blog has really helped me in any way, but after reading your entire blog in 3 nights, I felt as though I knew you guys and just decided to continue keeping up to date on you all :)
5. I think a book is a great idea, moms would love to read it even if they haven't or never will go through anything like you have. When you become a mom, you tend to have a bond with every other mom out there even if your situation and lives are on the opposite extreme. You can always relate and/or cry along with a mom when something isn't going the way it should.
Anneliese Truame
Ithaca, NY
1 month
Yes, I recently adopted a micropreemie and so your blog has helped me edcate myself.
Yes! Go for it!
Rhonda Nichols
New Ipswich, NH
I have been reading your blog for about a year. I found it by accident looking for another blog and it has taken me about a year to read every post you have writen.
Kathryn Garrett
Cary, NC
About a year
I would totally go for the book if i were you. I would buy tons of copies and give them to all my friends!
Deborah
Montreal Quebec
About 4-5 months
I would definitely read your book! It would come in handy for some of the support groups I"m in.
1. Alysa
2. Fresno, currently LA
3. About a year
4. I am a nursing student, hoping to work in a NICU someday and I stumbled onto your blog one day while researching different Children's hospitals and types of NICUs. I found your story fascinating and it has been a huge help to me in showing me what parents of NICU babies are going through. Most of the information I hear at school is focused on the medical side of the situation, so it is very enlightening for me to read about a NICU from a more personal viewpoint. I think it will make me a better nurse to have the insights I have gained from reading about your experiences. Thank you for being so open and honest with your story.
5. Yes, I would probably purchase it and would certainly recommend it to people going through similar things.
I'm Katie from Sumter, SC. I've been reading your blog for a few months. It isn't something that actually helps me, but I like reading it because I also have a micropreemie.
1. Stacia
2. Andover, KS
3. Probably a month
4. Yes, definitely. I am an NICU nurse in Wichita and it has been very interesting to read your story and see different ways of doing things in the NICU setting. I found your blog through the blog of a set of twins who spent time in our unit.
5. Yes, I think it would be a good testimony to parents who are faced with prematurity. Your road hasn't been easy but there is a lot one could learn from your trials. That there is hope for their child and you are proof of that.
1. Anna
2. Moved from Italy to the US 10 years ago. Currently in San Diego, CA
3. About 1 year (?)
4. In a sense. I can really relate to some posts. I wish you were my neighbor.
5. Depends on your title! : )
Hi!
I'm Megan from MA and stubbled on your blog from a friend of mine. I have 2 children who were not preemies, so I can't identify with your experiences, but I enjoy your thoughts as well as seeing how much your beautiful children have grown. I have been a reader of your blog for about a year or so now. I think that many moms (or moms to be) would appreciate hearing your story as well as seeing your willingness to share something that was so difficult in your life. It takes a strong person to share what your have been through.
1. Shima
2. Malaysia
3. Almost 2 years
4. Your blog is helped me a lot as I also have preemie son (29 weeker) with issues
4. Definitely....if it reach to this part of the world :)
1.Brandy
2.Oklahoma
3.Over a year or more
4.I have preemie twins(30wkrs)and was surfing sites of other preemies.
5.Not sure I would buy a book though, I don't know.
1. Uncle Gary
2. LA
3. Since the very beginning. Shoot, even before the blog!
4. Of course
5. Yep, but I'd expect an autographed copy!
1. Kristin & Miss P
2. Calgary Canada
3. Since you were on bedrest with K & C
4. Always a help, inspiration and I just enjoy watching Miss K grow up..and now Quinn!
5. Yep, but like Gary, I want it autographed ;-)
1. Karen
2. I'm from Chicago, currently attending grad school in Iowa.
3. I honestly don't recall, I've read the entire thing.
4. Yes and no. Yes because it gives me cute kids to look at and also puts my own issues in perspective. No because it enables my blog addiction ;).
5. The fact that I read the blog I wouldn't have too much use for a book that would essentially be a condensed version of said blog. If I had a friend going through something similar I would definitely consider buying it as a gift though.
1. Gala
2. Kansas
3. About 2 years
4. I've been reading your blog because of similar experiences. My kids were born premature.
5. I would certainly consider giving this book to a friend who is just getting some prematurity experience.
1. Tehiya
2. Israel
3. a couple of months
4. I'm not a mom of a preemie, so until now I've just been reading with no comments, but the blog has really helped me personally in several ways. First of all, you are an inspiration, and I love to see Kaitlyn and now Quinn overcoming struggles and healing and growing. Second, reading how you and other preemie parents react to things others say helps me be a more sensitive person. So many preemie parents have written about how frustrating it is not to have their and their children's suffering acknowledged, and to be told "he/she looks great, there's nothing wrong, preemies catch up by age 2" I'm learning that this is a phenomenon that occurs in many areas of life -- insensitive people dismissing the struggles and pain of other people so that they can shut it out of their own minds and feel more at ease. I've experienced it in my own life, although in a different context. So this blogs helps me see that although circumstances may be very different, the commonalities of suffering and how to sensitively deal with it are very similar.
5. I would be interested in reading the book and might buy it, but truth be told I usually just check books out at the library.
I am Cristi Welch, from Louisiana. I have been reading your blog since shortly after my grand daughter, Avery was born prematurely. She is now 7 months old. I was searching for info on preemies. She was only 2 pounds but is not a whopping 16. It was encouraging to see your sweet daughter and even though she experiences effects of her prematurity she is precious. I am absolutely anyone (and I have found out that there are tons out there) who is experiencing feeding issues would be interested and I would recommend your writings to them. Our Avery doesnt seem to enjoy eating herself, but we certainly dont have any issues that you have experienced with Kaitlyn. I am hoping and praying that Avery will begin to enjoy food as much as the rest of us in this family do. LOL Looking forward to seeing more of Quinn.
1. Linda
2. Temiscaming, Quebec
3. I've been reading since you were on bedrest with your twin girls
4. I started to read your blog when I was looking up for information on triplet pregnancy. I've been hooked since
5. Yes, I would buy your book and give it to friends. Your story is so inspiring
1. Your name
Jenny
2. Where are you from?
Columbus, Ohio
3. How long have you been visiting my blog?
Year and a half
4. Has my blog helped you?
Can't say it has helped me but I did send the link to my brother and sis in law because they adopted a micro preemie who has many eating issues
5. If my blog was made into a book
I think your blog would make an interesting book but I can't seem to finish a book these days so I don't buy them any more!
HI my name is tracy, I live in Phx Arizona(I no HOT!) I came across your site at about the time you started feeding therapy with Dr. Patel, sure do wish I had her here or something similar. I find your site insightful knowing I amnot alone with the struggles of preemie life and parenting. I think the book idea is great an could be given to parents while their children are in the NICU or when they come out because like I said it is comforting at least to me to have mothers wisdom and experences through the ups and downs. Congrats on baby Quinn. Tracy
1. Kelly
2. Syracuse, NY
3. About 2 years
4. I was searching on the internet after my friend had a 27 weeker, and your site helped me understand how to support her and her family. Now I check in to see how you and your family are doing!
5. I would buy a book from your site if I knew someone in a preemie situation.
Julie
Nebraska
I have been reading your blog since you started it... I love reading it and hope that you never stop..Just when I think my day is bad I read your's and it helps me out. I have a 12 year old son that was 6 weeks preemie... I also have a 9 year old that I spent 4 1/2 months on bed rest... Glad things are getting back to normal.. Keep blogging please...
It's Jamie from Philadelphia, PA and I have been reading for about 2 years. I love reading your blog because your good spirit is contagious. I have so much admiration for you! I know there are some programs available online that will help you format your blog into book form - I think its a great idea even if it's just for Kaitlyn to have when she gets older!
1000 hugs to you and your family!
1. Jeannette
2. Virginia
3. following your blog over a year
4. linked from another site
5. would def. buy your book!!
1.Heather
2.Edmonton,Alberta, Canada (previously raised near Toronto, Ontario, Canada but moved for work)
3.Probably since Kaitlin was at home and on strictly tube feeds mostly? Toddler age for sure.
4.Yes, I work as an NICU nurse, and it helps to be able to see what challenges parents face both in NICU and afterwards, as well as how important the meaning of their stories is to how they deal/cope with challenges in the present and future.
5.I like reading that doesn't cost money :0) I'm Scottish like that. But I'm sure there is a market for an edited version of the blog, check out www.jeffslife.net. He has a blog about his 1 pound 5 oz son Alex, and his second term son Ned, and their challenges with feeding issues, autism, one typically developing child and one atypically developing child. I think he bookified his Alex essays from his blog. Alex is in his tween years now and I've been reading since he first came home from hospital! Very proactive preemie Dad perspective.
Thanks for writing so much, so honestly, and so hopefully.
1. Lee
2. Vancouver, BC
3. Summer of 07? Maybe the spring.
4. My boys were born at 32 weeks. Your blog (and links from it) has made me appreciate how lucky we are that they are healthy.
5. I would read it!
1 & 2. Alison Bernard in France
3. About six months now
4. I have a daughter with development issues similar to your own daughters, so it is useful to read about them in your blog. I am so smitten with Quinn that now I also read the blog to find out all about him too
5. Its difficult to say ... I don't buy many books, but your story does have potential for a specialised and targetted audience.
Keep up the good work!
Alison
of the Bernard Bunch
1. Deeanna
2. Dickinson, TX
3. About a 1 1/2
4. My daughter is a preemie. So I have found inspiration and reality checks as well.
5. Yes
1. Noelle Cochran
2. San Francisco Bay Area (Fairfax, CA)
3. I found your blog while researching Dr. Patel's work and started following when you commenced feeding therapy with her. I also am a friend of Lisa B's and she mentioned your blog around the same time.
4. Absolutely. I'm a psychologist who works with many young kids who have feeding/sensory/temperament issues and it's been helpful, from a professional standpoint, to have a chronicle of Kaitlyn's development. And, not surprisingly, over time, I've become attached to reading about your experience as a family and feel, somewhat, like a cyberspace cheerleader.
5. I would certainly recommend it to any parent facing a similar challenge.
1. Erika Wilson
2. Omaha, NE
3. about a year and a half
4. I found it when I was researching twins, while on bedrest starting at 23 weeks. We made it to 36 weeks by the grace of God. Your blog had been an inspiration to me.
5. YES!
1. Patti
2. Maryland
3. Almost three years. I started reading around the time my first son was born.
4. I'm pretty sure I found the blog through the Pumpmoms Yahoo group and then was riveted by the story and wishing the best for you all.
5. Yes, but only if I knew the reader-to-be had an ironclad control over her hormones / empathy filter. The "there by the grace of God" quotient is quite high for a typical potential reader I'd think.
1. Kim
2. East Coast
3. At least a couple of years.
4. Probably through Halle's blog, but it has been so long that I can't remember!
5. I would DEFINITELY recommend it to friends and parents of preemies!
Hugs to the kiddos!
1. Shannon
2. Michigan
3. 1 1/2 years, found you through a friends blog about 2 days after I learned what a blog was : )
4. Yes. It is a comfort to hear your honest words.
5. I would like to say yah but I can't remember when I last bought a book. Would I recommend it? Of course : )
So much fun to see your family grow.
1. Misty
2. Plano, TX
3. For a couple of weeks now.
4. I would love to see your blog composed to a book.
5. What a journey you have taken. What a journey I have taken in just a few days. I couldn't stop reading your back logs. I am a stay at home mom and now even more greatful for my little girl. How dare I bitch about going a week past my due date. I'm sorry! I do have to write on a cute moment that happened today. I was watching the video of your little girl starting to eat and my little girl (10 months old) was in my lap. She looked at the computer and said "baby"! This was the first time. Then later I was watching the video of your little one and the improvments she had made on eating. Again my little girl was in my lap and she started clapping. It was like she knew that your baby was doing something great. I just started crying. How lucky I am.
1. Courtney, Mom to Eli
2. Ohio
3. I just found it.
4. Maybe if I would have found it sooner.
5. Yes
If you're interested, my son's blog is http://ourlittlefighter.wordpress.com
1. Maria (Anthonys mom)
2. Las Vegas
3. 2 yearsish
4. Yes, absolutely.
5. Would definitely buy the book. I think it would make a GREAT resource for any NICU to have. The lasting feeling I get whenever I read your blog, is hope and perserverence. I think it would be a must read for parents entering the micro-preemie journey.
1) Andrea
2) Good ole' San Rafael, CA
3) Since right after your twins were born. I met you at an open house in Mill Valley a few years ago and got on your real estate email list. You sent a newsletter after your daughters were born and briefly told your story and mentioned your blog, and I've been reading ever since.
4) Yes, I had a daughter last May and reading everything you have gone through has certainly given me perspective when it come to motherhood.
5) Yes! Especially for premie moms.
1. Jodi D. (mom to Anthony, prom @ 16 wks. born at 31.5 wks)
2. Jackson, Mi
3. since you prom'd
4. I've referred lot's of people to your blog to show them your miracle gal.
5. I love the idea of a book. I'd buy one. I'm sure all of the PROM gals would buy one. It would be a great resource to so many people. Go for it!!! Don't forget the little people (who knit you booties!) when you're famous!! :)
1. Tonja
2. Cincinnati, Ohio
3. I've been reading for about a month but have read from start to finish.
4. Yes, your blog has inspired me in so many ways. It helped me talk to my pediatrician about my daughter's reflux too.
5. Yes, I would buy the book and read it and refer it to friends. I would give it to friends as gifts!
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