great thread!
i have always wondered the same thing!!
Gemma will be a year in April.. and so far have sent her an update with a couple pics once and also sent her a Christmas card with both my girls picture on it! (i also got a Christmas Card from her)
i plan on sending another update soon(as Gemma will be 1 year old!)
she really seems to like the updates (of course i don't overdo it.. but, very easily could! and when i send an update with pics, you can bet i go on and on (stories and all..
)