THIS IS POST NUMBER 5,000!!!I started this blog in 2005 -- mainly to help family stay up-to-date on our infertility journey. It was called "Life in the Polar North" then because we were in Minnesota and I was freezing my tooshie off like a crazy woman so my husband could go to medical school at the Mayo Clinic.
Life has taken us far since then. We moved to the panhandle of Florida, then Turkey, and now the Azores.
We went from a childless couple -- to a couple with a dog and then a couple with one, two, three, and now FOUR children!
So in celebration of my 5,000th post, I wanted to ask YOU the people who READ my blog to do me a favor.
You've been reading the details of my life for a long time. I have over 200 followers and get about 400 hits a day which is about 12-15,000 a month. But I don't often know many of the people who read my blog. So, even if you are only an occasional reader: Would you leave me a comment?
Yes, this means even YOU Mom. It means my best bud Kristi and to you, the person who only comes over once a month and scans and has never left a comment. If you EVER read, I am asking you to leave a comment!
Here's what I would like YOU to tell ME in your comment:
1. Your name (if you are okay with that)
2. Where you live
3. When you started reading
4. Why you have kept reading
5. Something interesting about yourself
6. And if you remember, tell me one of your favorite posts that I have written or maybe a subject matter or something else that you like about the blog
All righty folks ... ready ... set ... go!
P.S. I am attempting to respond to each commenter individually, so check back to see my response.
143 comments:
oh my! 5000th post!!! respected!
so, my name is Bara (AKA: BZ). I live now in Pittsfield, MA.
I started reading the blog sometime in 2006. why did I read it?!? initially I read it as I was Wendi & John friend. but then the posts were getting so interesting to the point where I started reading them out of interest and not due to the friendship!
I like how Wendi and John are full of faith and how they face obstacles with high spirits all the time.
something interesting about me?! hmmmm, oh yea, I met JB in the locker room in 2004 cuz I didn't know how to open the locker even tho I had the combinations!! haha! John came and offered to help! feels like yesterday!
a post i remember: the post when JB took over the blog to tell us that Wendi just gave birth and she is fine! love it
My name is Teri
I live in the wonderfully scenic town/city of Williamsburg, VA!
hmmm I guess it was when you first got Scrubby and you were on the dalboard that I started reading your blog, gosh how long ago was that????
Let's see I'm a dog lover, have had 3 dalmatians, one foxhound mix, one crazy boxer girl I love to the moon and back and a 6 month old Goldendoodle. I am the mother to one thanks to secondary infertility I have never been able to hold onto another pregnancy, several miscarriages :( "Nana" to one the same age as Isaac and actually only within a couple days of each other (my best job so far has been to be her full time caregiver). I dread the day that her and her mom decide to move out of the house. I've been married to my husband for more than half of my life. I've known him since we were in high school.
My favorite posts are ones of all your travels both before children and now with children. I love hearing and learning about different cultures.
Well that's it, can't wait to read about everyone else. :)
Hi Wendi thanks for this post!! It was fun
Hey Wendi!
Joia here from Eglin AFB, Florida! I started reading the night that I first met you, back in the summer of 2007! I was so intrigued by your blog, and all that I learned about you and your family from it that I was inspired to start my own blog about a month later! =)
I have kept reading, because it is the best way for me to keep up with your family as you move around the world! =)
My favorite posts have probably been ones that have helped me to understand and be sensitive to those in a position of wanting, but not yet having children. You have been a wealth of knowledge.
love you, friend! =)
Hi Wendy! As a military spouse friend I have enjoyed keeping up with your military journey. Also, I remember when I asked you to speak to our MOPs group in FL about your journey with infertility. It seemed like "A God Thing", because I remember that you had been feeling the nudging to start speaking on the topic; and I loved knowing that God had used me (in a small but real way) to speak encouragement to you. It's fun to see how far you've come with this purpose He has given you! Congrats on 5,000!
Wendi,
I have been reading your blog almost since the beginning. My daughter, Amy, told me about the blog and I have enjoyed the similarities in your stories. I live in Ames, Iowa and Nederland, Colorado, and I think my favorite post was the news that Hannah was on the way. I enjoy all your posts, however. You are a gifted, honest writer and I check your blog almost every day. I feel like I know you!
Ann Thompson
1. Jennifer
2. Houston, TX
3. I started reading your blog while you were waiting on the birth of Isaac. I found your blog through a friend of a friend kindof thing.
4. Your story intrigued me and I just kept reading
5. Something interesting about yourself. I found I could relate to you and then when I went through secondary infertility, your posts were a comfort to me.
My name is Kya
I live in Southeastern Minnesota.
I learned about your blog from someone you once worked with at Mayo.
I started reading when Isaac was a baby and you found out you were pregnant with Elija(and I went back and read all that I had missed prior)
I have kept reading because I love to read about your growing family :)
My favorite posts are the ones about your kids. Especially Friday Funnies!!
You and I are about the same age. I graduated high school in 1994. I just celebrated my one year wedding anniversary!
Congrats on your milestone. :) I'm now in good ol' Rochester, MN, and we first connected when I was going through my first IVF at Mayo. Isaac was on his way at the time, though you hadn't announced it publicly when you told me. My oldest is a month younger than your Isaac. We both had postpartum depression (at different times and with different severity), too. We are very different on the surface but also share many similarities. Something interesting about me... maybe I've told you this before, but I've seen your family in my dreams sometimes. Really strange, since we have never met in person. I dreamt I was gardening and saw JB and your boys on their knees, digging in dirt and laughing. A memorable post - when you and JB decided to give Sidge formula supplementation, the pictures of him that followed were like night and day. I remember being amazed at his transformation (and his sudden resemblance to JB).
I'm Sarah, from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. I started reading right before you adopted Isaac from a link on HP. I started reading because I related to you infertility posts, but have continued because I love hearing out your family. After years of infertility we now have 4 children, ages 4 and under, so I feel like I can relate to where you are at least on the parenting front!
My name is Julie from Margate. I know you from ALCA. I'm pretty sure your mom got me hooked (and I do mean hooked) on your blog, around the time of Isaac's birth I believe! My favorite post - too hard to pick one! I love watching your family grow!! I love seeing you on this side of giving birth and feeling 'normal' again. I love that you are giving my Jen such encouragement during her second pregnancy. Congrats on 5,000 posts!!
To Bara: so wonderful to see you popping in here! I look forward to one day meeting your beautiful wife! I'm so glad you didn't know how to do combination locks, or we'd never have met you!
To Teri: I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to hear about your family and watch you love being a grama from afar! Thank you for the support and for continuing to follow our lives.
To Joia: I still remember how you managed to memorize my blog address and find it again and then email me. I knew then that you were an "attention to detail" person. I will never forget your first email encouraging me in this full-of-children place we called Eglin. And of course, I have eaten my weight in your desserts for sure! Can't imagine Eglin without you.
To Sarah: thank you for confirming in my heart that the Lord wanted me be to open to this journey. I love when small things become a reminder of His providence in our lives!
To Ann -- thank you for raising such an awesome daughter. I still can't believe that many of my friends (Sarah A. and Stebbs) have met her but I still haven't. I cannot wait for the day that we get to hug in person!
Jennifer: Wonderful to "meet" you. I don't know that I've ever seen your face pop up on my blog before? Thanks for taking a moment to tell me about yourself.
To Kya: Happy anniversary! Thank you for taking the time to say hi!
June, so wonderful to see your name again! What a journey we have both been through. And to hear that you have dreams about us, is really awesome! Makes me think that the Lord is even realer than I thought!
P.S. And June -- I agree, our Elijah became a different boy when we started feeding him right. I learned a whole lot about life and what is important during that process.
Sarah: 4 kids 4 and under?! And I thought my life was crazy! You go girl. Hang on for this ride with me!
Julie, what a blessing you have been in my life and my mother's life. I am so incredibly GRATEFUL that I can repay that support, love, prayer, and kindness in one small way. To know that my pain and struggle was not for naught is incredibly comforting! God bless you sister!
5,000 already! Wow!
I'm Leina, in Florida.
I started reading your writing even before it was a blog....on a spiral binder in 7th grade! I probably started reading the blog when you first stated, to keep in touch. My favorite ones are about the kids- the Friday Funnies :)
Hi! My name is Kim and I live in Washington State. I found your blog because of Hannah's Prayer and have been reading for several years. Your posts about infertility always touch my heart since I struggled with secondary infertility, and your thoughts on adoption are so insightful and loving ( we adopted our daughter in 2004). Thank you for writing; I look forward to it everyday!
Hi Wendi...my name is Gay and I am in Ohio. I found your blog after seeing YouTube videos of Scrubby and Isaac. It was about 2 years ago shortly after my own Dalmatian passed away. I kind of "adopted" Scrubs. I read every day. Thanks for sharing your lovely family with us.
My name is Marcia and I live in Jefferson City,MO. I can't remember how I found your blog but know I have been reading it for many years. I just enjoy everything about your blog. Thanks for sharing.
1. Kelli
2. West Palm Beach, FL
3. I started reading your blog after meeting you at AD and Keith's wedding.
4. I keep reading because I enjoy your parenting wisdom and encouragement to fellow mothers.
5. I work with all sorts of fun animals everyday like baby alligators, snakes and owls!
6. I have your blogs "Parenting with Love and Logic" and your "Sleep Bible" posts bookmarked! I don't know if they are my "favorite" because I enjoy all of your posts, but these two in particular sure are helpful!
My name is Susan and I live in Arlington, TN (a suburb of Memphis). I have been reading your blob since my former co-worker, Robyn Overby, moved to FL and became your neighbor. I keep reading because I am amazed at the strength you have taking care of your children and your husband in a foreign country. You are an inspiration. I love all your posts, but especially your Friday Funnies - your boys remind me a lot of my boys at that age! I also love any posts you have about your sweet Scrubs - he's definitely a keeper!!
Soory - didn't mean to type 'blob'!!! Translation = blog!!
Hi Wendi!
We've chatted a bit by email before, but I'm a PhD student from Ontario, Canada. I think I started reading shortly after your move to Turkey, when I found your blog through a friend of a friend. I keep reading because I love your stories about how you combine travel and living abroad with your faith and raising your family. And of course, because of Scrubs. :)
Lately I've really loved the posts you've shared with pictures from Isaac and Sidge's perspectives. It's a neat way of mixing the way they see the world and their stories with yours!
1. Lisa :)
2. Orange, CA
3. I think I began reading in 2007? You can tell me better than I remember I am sure. When did y'all start coming to New Life?
4. I keep reading (sporadically) b/c I love you & am so thankful God connected us.
5. I am amazed & overwhelmed all at once in this season in which God has placed our family.
6. I just love the humor, pics, biblical advice & transparency. Love & miss you friend!
Happy blogging!
1. Tara
2. Arcata, California
3. Started reading sometime in 2004-2005, I think (amidst our Mayo journey and friendship)
4. You are a wonderful writer, and I continue to be amazed by your humor and sensitivity. In hoping (apprehensively) to be a parent, I have learned a ton from your journey. And while I haven't seen you guys in years (and your blog is how I stay updated!), I still consider you one of the best friends I have ever had. Love you.
5. I think you know that I can't stay awake past 9 pm!
6. While I think it sounds ridiculous, I think you hooked me on your blog when you wrote, YEARS back, about your dishwasher breaking. I love all of your current travel and family posts, but anyone who can make a dishwasher malfunction sound interesting is a pro-blogger!
1. Jen
2. Fort Leavenworth, KS
3. Before Abigail sometime...
4. You're balanced which sometime rubs off.
5. I'm preggo with twins from an embryo adoption.
6. I recently enjoyed the post about the playground. I've compared them all over the place!
Congrats on your 5000th!
My name is Tracye. I am from Texas, but now live in Virginia. I started reading your blog after you left a sweet comment on Eliot Mooney's blog. That was before you had any kids! We have just begun the adventure of medical school. The unusual aspect of our life is that my husband is probably the oldest (40) in his med school class. He was a civil engineer before med school. We have two boys (11 and 6). I really enjoy your blog, so it's difficult to pick a favorite. I love the funny things that your boys say. Also, thank you for your openness about your struggles w/ PPD.
1. Name: Lisa Cronk
2. Where you live: Shakopee, MN (the polar North, Wendi) :)
3. When you started reading: I don't remember. Years ago.
4. Why you have kept reading: I love your insights on family, parenthood, and supporting friends and family going through difficult times (like infertility).
5. Something interesting about yourself: Hmmm...tough one. I'm kinda boring. My life is all about my kids and other people's kids (me being a pediatrician). I'm better at talking about them than about myself. :)
6. And if you remember, tell me one of your favorite posts that I have written or maybe a subject matter or something else that you like about the blog: I like the Friday Funnies, the Wee Wind Wednesdays, and all the posts in which you help me learn how to support friends and family going through infertility, depression, etc. It has been very helpful to hear your honest, open, kind, and instructive narrative as you travel your life journey.
I suppose I should add that I know John and Wendi from Rochester, MN when John and I were in medical school together, so that's how I got into following their lives through the blog. :)
Name: Shannon Brodersen
When started reading? Maybe 3 years ago. I never got to it in residency. I've probably only read 6-12 posts total. Sometimes your FB intro catches my attention. I'm not that good with FB though and can go for over another without looking at it.
Favorite post: your encouragement to friends you knew who were having a really hard time that it would eventually be less painful. I'd actually been praying for one of the people you mentioned for a few years. It was a beautifully worded post from the heart and it reminded me what a small world it is when you mentioned someone that I had no clue you knew and were also praying for
Live: Montana
Why keep reading: your FB intros
Something interesting? I like doing needle point because it keeps my hands busy but I don't have to concentrate much. I loved doing it during med school lectures and so wish I could do it at work meetings
Hi Wendi,
My name is Sharon. I live in Chennai, India. I've been regularly following your blog for about a year.
I came across you blog through the blog "In its Time". I love all your posts about your family and I also particularly loved the post "what I would tell infertile me". I have taken a printout of the 10th and 11th paragraph and the 3 points that you mentioned at the end of that particular post and have stuck in my kitchen and bedroom. That's exactly what I want to keep reminding myself everyday!!
I like reading your blog because I can relate to it and I also enjoy reading about your kids and seeing pictures of them especially in their superhero costumes :)
Leina,
You definitely get the award for having read my writing at the earliest! I hope I've come a long way. I am so happy for you and your beautiful little girl and amazing husband!
Kim,
Would you consider sharing your adoption story on my blog? I always love to feature families? If you can, shoot me an email at: flakymn@hotmail.com.
Gay, I am hoping to do some more "World According to Scrubs" videos soon!
Marcia! Thank you for reading and taking the time to introduce yourself!
Kelli -- I love meeting people in person and on the blog. I'm glad to hear the Love & Logic and Sleep Bible has worked! It has worked wonders for me!
Susan, Robyn is a WONDERFUL gal. I was so blessed to get meet her and become friends with her in Florida. And I truly think that the funny things my boys say (and soon to be Abigail) are the things all kiddos say ... we just have to take the chance to write them down!
Tamara,
I am glad to hear you've liked the photos from the boys. I was wondering whether I should do more of those. Isaac has about 800 pictures for me to weed through! LOL.
Lisa, I think we started coming sometime around 2007! Glad you've stuck with me. I understand the overwhelmed and excited feeling all rolled into one too!
Tara, despite the distance I will always consider you one of my dearest friends as well. I look forward to connecting once we get back to the States. THANK YOU for helping maintain communication and coming to visit. You are such an incredibly LOYAL person!
And Tara -- the dishwasher? That cracks me up!
Jenicini, I'd love to hear your embryo adoption story. If you are up for sharing it on the blog, I'd love to have you do a guest post? Email me at flakymn@hotmail.com if interested!
Trayce, my husband was one of the older students in his class as well -- (I think he was in his early 30's at that point.) Welcome!!!
Lisa, thank you for your kindness and support over the years. You are truly a genuinely GOOD person with a great heart ... and that is a special gift to find!
Hi Shannon -- thanks for popping in. You are MY hero with four girls! EGADS!!!! :) Having one girl (and now two has been a huge challenge for me.) Cannot imagine four of them -- oh the wonderful drama!
Sharon, I would love to hear more about your life in India. We have friends that have just moved to India as missionaries. Thank you for the encouragement on the "infertile me" post ... it is one of my favorites as well but I always wanted it to come across sensitive! God bless!
My name is Melissa and I'm from Michigan. I've been reading your blog since about the time you adopted Isaac. I found your blog through your friend Kelly in IN. I like reading about family stuff and the different places you've been. My husband is from Spain so we do international travel every year with 2 kids.
Hi Wen,
Congratulations on number 5,000!!!
I wouldn't miss reading your blog each day.
You are such a huge part of my life ( I knew you before you were born!!). I'm so thankful that God has intertwined our families as He has. You are daughter number one, chronologically speaking!!
Love you,
Joni
Hi Wen!
I know you know I read your blog, but I'm not a great commenter due to usually having a child in my arms while I read :) But, here's the downlow on me, which you already know :)
1. Kelly "Stegs" :)
2. Bloomington, IN
3. I am pretty sure I read your blog from the start. 2005? Really has it been that long? You inspired me to start my own in 2007. You have always been one of the best writers I've known even back in high school.
4. I keep reading b/c I know ya', love ya', and you keep it real just like I do :)
5. I'm not feeling extremely interesting these days...the best thing I've got is being a crazy mom to 5 :) I was best friends with Wen pretty much since I was born (I know our moms have a pic of me peering into your crib when I was 6 months old) and I think we found great strength in each other during our struggles with infertility many years back.
6. My fav thing is just reading your journey through life...the ups, the downs and how you and John have looked to the Lord through it all and come out triumphant. I love your writing and I love how you keep it honest and real. You make the rest of us "real" moms feel right at home.
Love ya', friend, and so grateful for you! Congrats on so many years of writing and blogging!
And I love that I have friends who now read your blog. Just goes to show what a huge fan-base you have! Your writing/family/travels are book worthy! You should consider publishing it! :)
I started reading the blog because I live in Franklin KY and you were a teacher here when my daughter was in high school. I love reading about your infertility struggles and about the births of each of your children. You and John strike me as very good parents who love their children and love the Lord. I love that you seem so easygoing in raising your kids and I love that they are so different (personality wise). Thanks for letting me enjoy your adventures.
Hi Wendi! My name is Kelly and I've been reading your blog for a couple years. I found it through Lisa Cronk (we went to college together!). I'm also a military wife and mom and so I especially relate to your posts about military life. We are currently living in Germany. Thanks for sharing your story!
5,000 posts! What a milestone. I started reading when Wendi and JB got Scrubs and were looking at adoption. I had the fortune of working with Wendi remotely while the Kits were in FL. I live in MN.
Wendi, you've helped me professionally and personally. I love reading your blog because you have an amazing life. My favorite posts are your insights into your kids. The post on how girls are different to raise than boys really spoke to me! I have always loved Friday Funnies too.
Keep writing. I don't know HOW you find the time!
Gina
1. Your name (if you are okay with that) - Heather
2. Where you live - Ontario, Canada
3. When you started reading - (sorry... didn't answer this the first time). I started reading when Joia (a friend of friend) started her blog and linked to yours. I could identify with your fertility issues as I was struggling with something myself at the time that was 'similar', at least in my mind.
4. Why you have kept reading - I identify with your approach to life and find it encouraging to relate to someone I respect
5. Something interesting about yourself - I play the bassoon!
6. And if you remember, tell me one of your favorite posts that I have written or maybe a subject matter or something else that you like about the blog - For a favourite post, probably the one where you announced you were pregnant naturally. I was in shock! The one where you told Joia abt that too was pretty awesome -- her shock was similar to mine :)
1. Diana Keeling (use to be Bennett)
2. I'm still in KY but now in BG instead of Franklin
3. I honestly can't remember when I started reading. I think it was shortly after you adopted Issac.
4. I still read because I respect your honesty. You are a very good writer and you are very good at putting your feelings into writing. I have always, and still do, struggle with that.
5. Interesting about myself...hmmm. I now work at WKU in IT. I also help coach 7th and 8th grade boys basketball in the Warren Rec league. No kids or pets so far though.
6. Keep the Friday Funnies coming. They are awesome. I also like that you are so honest about what all you go through with your pregnancy. My husband and I am thinking of having kids soon and it is refreshing to know that you are willing to talk about what you are going through. Others will know that they aren't alone in their struggles. If I happen to go through a bout of PPD I'll know i'm not alone in that fight and they i'm not the only one going through it.
Okay, I'll bite! Well, umm, drat, I'm not sure I remember all the questions.
My name is Andrea and I've been reading your blog for about forever (about the time your family started expanding) and have somehow never commented. I have a bad lurking habit.
I'm an Army wife and an adoptive momma and currently live in the Fort Hood, TX area (I think it was adoption that first led me to your blog but the family life tales with a military twist kept me reading).
Unique to me - my family has grown so far through embryo adoption - we have three year old girl/boy twins and are working towards more. Oh, and we have a Great Dane named Hank. So hearing about life abroad with Scrubs is interesting too!
I'm Denise from Jackson, TN area. I started reading when we lived in Northwest Arkansas. It was when Joia linked to your blog about Issac's adoption. She is married to my cousin Philip.
Having triplets after 7 years of infertility kept me coming back to read about someone else that has been there, done that about infertility. The thoughts and the feelings that are still apart of me and the sorrows of infertility, even though I now have children. To hear someone else didn't have a joyous first Mother's Day like I dreamt it would be.
I enjoy the updates on the kids, the explanations of different cultures, and the mistakes and real-ness of being a mom.
Hi Wendi - my name is Chesha and I live in a suburb of New Orleans. When we met you were working for the RLSF and I was working for a PR agency and we worked on a project together. One day we were talking on the phone and our infertility journey came up. You were about to go on maternity leave for the impending birth of Isaac and I was just finally pregnant. Then, a few weeks before Isaac was born, I lost my baby. I began reading your blog immediately after our converation and loved (and still love) your honesty. I can remember the joy of reading your post about being in a bathroom stall in MN with newborn Isaac and taking a pregnancy test. I think you wrote something like - positive, what ? It can't be - you're only 6 weeks old?! As for me, I got pregnant again in the summer of 2008 and my Will is a few months younger than Sidge. I followed you on & off until you moved to Turkey. (I remember your post on clear tubs with the boys tots visible very clearly). For some reason I thought of you again in the fall of 2012 & rediscovered your blog. Imagine my surprise when I logged on to find a post about Abigail!! (Incidentally, my 2nd son, Nate, is 2 weeks older than Abigail - and he was conceived on our own!) So that gives you some background on me... Other than to say when Will was 4-months old we moved fom NY to Louisiana, where my husband grew up. And that I am military wife too, though my Mike is now Louisiana Natl Guard vs full time Army. I continue to follow you because I love hearing about your growing family and just marvel - and thank God - how two women such as us could have their lives so completely & utterly transformed in just (soon to be) 6 short years. All the best. xo
Hi Wendi!
It's Jodi from freezing cold Minot AFB, ND :)! I started reading in 2007. It's nice to read about all the happenings with your family. I really do enjoy ALL your posts, especially posts about your kiddos. Abigail is a month older than my little guy so it's interesting to see what E may be doing next, good & bad :). Looking forward to seeing you & your family next year. We're so excited about moving to NC where it's warmer.
Have a wonderful weekend! Tell your family hello!
Hi Wendi,
Lisa B here from Tamarac, FL. I started reading your blog around 2007. I enjoy reading your blog because you are a great writer and downright honest about life. I pray the Lord conitnues to bless you and John and your sweet family!
My name is Lisa and I live in Newton, Iowa. I grew up with Tiffany and Matt Ramage and used your blog as a way to keep up with them when you were at Eglin. I really don't remember how I found it. Maybe Tiffany had a blog for a short time? Not sure. I have a son who's Isaac's age and have always enjoyed reading your blogs. It's also given me a perspective of a military family which I would be pretty clueless about otherwise.
This is Beth...I've been reading your blog since the beginning back when we met at the RLS Foundation. Crazy how life changes in just a few short years. I continue to read your blog because you are a real person and I know you. I really live the posts on infertility, adoption, and your family. I also enjoy the travel/culture posts. Okay, I think that is pretty much everything you write about, I guess I love it all! Keep on writing, and congratulations on blog #5000!
Melissa, I love Spain! What a fantastic country!
Oh Joni, your name in and of itself says everything I need to say! I love you!
Kelly G. -- so glad we are still in touch after all these years. 36 years and going strong!
Debbie -- how awesome to see a friend from FSHS pop up on here!
Kelly, both Lisa and Germany are fantastic proper nouns! :)
Congratulations on hitting such a monumental milestone with your blog.
1. I'm Lynda from Arkansas.
2. I discovered your blog through my niece, Melissa Phillip's mom. I started reading your blog shortly after the birth of Issac.
3. I continue to read about your family for many reasons. I enjoy your refreshing bluntness about life's challenges. I love reading of your faith & trust in God's ability to guide your lives to where you need to be. I enjoy the connection to those serving our country as it reminds me that our freedom isn't simply free. It has also also been fun living around the world vicariously through your family!
4. A little about me: we traveled the road of infertility for almost 8 years (our boys are 12 years apart), both boys are miracles (oldest broke his neck in a car wreck at C2 with no neurological damage (Same fracture as Christopher Reeves) and youngest is 16 (survived a brain tumor that was to have killed him by the time he was 8) - we are very grateful to our merciful God whom we trust & love with our whole hearts! I'm a Colorado native who has been reluctantly dragged to the South.
5. I keep reading for many reasons & can't be specific. I love that you are encouraging other young families & have recommended your blog to many young moms.
Heather, I will ALWAYS remember the moment I told Joia. Truly one of the best moments of my life!
Diana, you will always be one of my favorites! Your work ethic and kindness are second-to-none. I was so excited to see you in a white dress at your wedding. So awesome!
Andrea, I would love to hear your adoption story. If you'd consider sharing on my blog, please email me at flakymn@hotmail.com. And a great dane?! I have a pic of Scrubs with a Great Dane and he looks little!
Denise! You will always be a hero to me!
Chesha, I remember your name! How awesome to hear your amazing story. God is so great!
Oh Jodi! I love you so much!! You will always hold such an amazing place in my heart!
Lisa Cascio!!!!! Great to hear from you!
Lisa, I don't think Tiffany had a blog ... but maybe through Facebook or something? Blessings to you! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Beth, you will always hold an incredibly special place in my life!
Lynda, I remember hearing about your two miracles via email at some point I think. Thanks for the comment!
Congrats on the 5,000th post. It is me Brittney. I started reading your blog when we met at Eglin. You inspired me to start our own family blog. Even though both of our families have moved multiple times since Eglin, I still feel connected through reading your blog. Miss you guys.
Brittney, you are such a wonderful gal and I remembered you a lot this year when I pulled out the ornaments you helped Isaac make when he was little. You helped us get through that year with two boys soooo much! I still don't know how I would have managed Sidge's torticollis appts. without you to watch Isaac. Bless you friend!
Sorry I'm late to the game- I was out of town!
1. Courtney
2. Westchester County, NY
3. before Isaac was born.
4. I was getting ready to get married and start a family, so watching you start yours was relevant. Now I have a 4yo and an 18mo and it's still relevant.
5. I'm a scientist.
6. I appreciate how you dispel myths about infertility and adoption, and offer advice on how to help friends coping with infertility. My best friend went through years of treatment for infertility, and your insight helped me support her.
1. Rinette
2. Pretoria, South Africa (but both my husband and I are Dutch. He is doing a church plant here.)
3. I started reading your blog in 2008, when I was googling for information on the ethical side of IVF, from a christian viewpoint.
4. I kept reading because I love your writing style and almost all the topics you write about. I also like you honesty and 'down to earth' attitude. I like that it is really possible to get to know you through your blog. I have my favorite blogs divided between two categories: "blogs of people I don't know" and "blogs of people I know". You are in the first category, but sometimes I automatically go to the second one to find your blog :-)
5. After several failed IVF's we now have 3 foster children (between 26 and 9 months), and are hoping to adopt them. Jokingly I sometimes say to my husband that if we had biological children they would not be as wonderful and cute as our foster kids are... So thankful to God for them.
6. Favorite posts: IVF's moral dilemma (January 2009)and the sleep Bible. I often tell myself, like JB told you: "Exhaustion will win". And it does!
My name is Emily
I live in Connecticut
I started reading around when you adopted Isaac, after seeing you post on HP about your amazing adoption and pregnancy story.
I've loved to follow your story because my kids are roughly the same ages as yours (5 year old twins, then 2 1/2 year old and a 15 month old), and we share a lot of the same parenting philosophies (like not paying for college!)
My favorite posts were the ones where you discussed your sleep training techniques.
I read your blog almost every day and feel so blessed to be able to follow your family's story!
My name is Grace Wilson! :)
I live in Hollywood, California :)
I've read the blog occasionally off and on since you started in 2005, more now that I see the posts on Facebook.
However, I recently started reading the blog quite regularly because... Drumroll please... I'm going to be a mommy! :) ahhh!! Scary but exciting! So I love reading about the kids and babies and getting a look at what it might be like. Thanks for making your life so accessible to those who love you and your family! And now I appreciate much more how encouraging you are to other moms and moms to be. :)
My favorite posts are the funny stories and funny moments with the kids. They make me smile :)
Love you guys!
I'll be moving back to Kentucky in a couple weeks. I can't wait to see you all when you move back as well!
Love,
Grace
My name is Camille Fox and I live in California. I was looking for you on facebook maybe 5 years ago, and found your brother, but not you. He directed me to your blog, and that’s when I started reading. I check in on you from time to time because I love you and want to know how you’re doing. Something interesting about myself. . .hmmm. . .not sure. . .Is it interesting that I have 5 children, and want a couple more? I appreciate your honesty Wendi, and I appreciate the way you adore your children, and put family first. I appreciate your love for Jesus Christ, and your trust in His plan for you and your family. I am so glad to be in touch with you.
1. Bridget
2. South of Seattle WA
3. A few years ago when you lived in Turkey.
4. Because I love reading your stories about the places you live and visit and enjoy all the other stories. You are very inspiring.
5. I am a military brat that lived in both Incirlik and Lajes in the 80's. Plus two other bases overseas Ramstein and Crete).
6. My favorite post and the one that got me reading your blog was the one about Turkey. It brought back so many great memories but also showed how much the country has developed since we left. I love your other stories on parenting (I'm a Mom of Identical Twin 112 yr olds), your family and life.
Wendi - Thank You for sharing your knowledge, experiences and life with us!
Bridget
Hi
My name is Sharon. I live in Ontario Canada . I started to read your blog when you we on the dalmatian board. I had a dalmatian McCloud. I just really enjoyed your blog about family and Scrubby. Im 51 years old have 2 grown up sons . The light of my life is my 4 year old granddaughter Sylvia . She has autism and is non verbal but she shows us what she wants lol
1. My name is Rebekah.
2. I live in Ontario, Canada.
3. I started reading when Joia moved to Eglin. I'm married to her second brother, and we came down and visited her about a month after they moved in. I remember her telling me about meeting you, and about your blog. Mark and I were just starting to realize that we had fertility issues, and I started reading your blog because you were one of the only people I knew of who struggled with the same thing.
4. I've kept reading because I like how often you update :) I think too, that it gives me hope that God CAN change our circumstances even though He hasn't yet. I've always thought about emailing or commenting, but I find it really hard, because I'm not out the other side of this trial yet. I can't look back and say, "It was hard, but we made it through." Right now, we're still dealing with infertility after 7.5 years, and many doors have shut on us for now. I guess the pain is still too raw, but when you asked this time for us to leave a comment, I felt I had to because I wanted you to know that I've really appreciated your blog.
6. I think my very favourite post was one about you flying with one (or both?) of your boys, and the peeing accidents on the plane. My husband and I laughed so hard! Im sure it was funnier reading it than experiencing it though :)
I wanted to thank you for the posts you've done on infertility, and how to help friends who are going through this. My sister-in-law Joia has been so sensitive through our struggles, and I think a lot of that comes from her having you as a friend. I know other family members have read your blog, and I think it may have been helpful for them too. Infertility is so hard on US, but I know it affects our family members too. Thanks so much :)
Courtney -- thanks for helping support your friend through infertility. Knowing I helped someone through my own journey helps me so much with my own pain and understanding why I had to go through it.
Rinette,
Did you know that I am 100% DUTCH! Did you know that Joni (Isaac's birth grandmother) was born in South Africa but her parents emigrated from Holland. She speaks fluent Dutch.
"Jokingly I sometimes say to my husband that if we had biological children they would not be as wonderful and cute as our foster kids are... So thankful to God for them."
I LOVE THAT!
Emily, so cool that we have kids nearly the same age! So you are as crazy as I am, huh?!?! :)
Grace Wilson, you will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. While distance took us away from you, we felt so privileged to get to watch you grow up. I especially remember calling you POKEY. I also remember that you would mainly eat three things:
Honey nut Cherrios
Jelly with no seeds
plain chicken nuggets
LOL! You are in my thoughts and prayers during this amazingly challenging time in your life! GRACE is what I know you will have in the face of this challenge!
Camille, How blessed I was to have you as my roommate as I traversed a world this Christian-school girl didn't know much about ... public school kids! I am so glad we are still in touch. PLEASE tell your parents hello from me!
Bridget, that is so awesome that you lived in Incirlik and Lajes! How cool is that!
I would love to hear your perspective on these places as you "flash back". ANy chance I can inspire you to write a "military moment" guest post for my blog?
Sharon, I would LOVE to hear more about your daughter. Any chance you would consider a guest post on your joy in raising her?
Rebekah, I know your name and your story well. You are forever close to Joia's heart and I Know if she could fix your situation, in a second, she would. I have prayed for you often and will add you to my prayer list again. I hope that my blog reminds you that the Lord CAN and WILL bring peace. That no journey is too long for him to do a miracle. And that He is with you on this journey. I just had a friend come to visit who had her first failed IVF. The pain of this journey is so real and so vivid. If I can ever be of encouragement or offer you prayer, please email me directly at flakymn@hotmail.com!
1. Alison
2. East Tennessee
3. Right after you found out you were pregnant with Elijah
4. You and I don't really have a lot in common but once I started reading, I couldn't stop! I loved watching your adventures in Turkey, your travels elsewhere, and your experiences becoming a family. It's been inspiring to witness.
5. I'm a violin-playing librarian!
6. Anything about Scrubs. I'd love to see more of him!
My name "Auntie Jan"...I don't remember quite when I started-but I began because I cared about your infertility journey and wanted to understand...I've kept up cuz you are my niece and i love seeing where you are and how God is leading you and I love you and your writing...I loved the post about post partum -I love your compassion and passion for people who suffer, and that you life with hope and faith and that compassion. I love adventure and since my life is becoming a bit less adventuresome in the travel and living overseas arena i love following your adventures...Something interesting about me -my nickname in gymnastics club was "Grace"....I flunked jungle training for living overseas in the jungle but went anyway and it changed my life (for the good). xo
Tante Jan
My name "Auntie Jan"...I don't remember quite when I started-but I began because I cared about your infertility journey and wanted to understand...I've kept up cuz you are my niece and i love seeing where you are and how God is leading you and I love you and your writing...I live in Chicago area -lived a good part of our life in Indonesia ---I loved the post about post partum -I love your compassion and passion for people who suffer, and that you life with hope and faith and that compassion. I love adventure and since my life is becoming a bit less adventuresome in the travel and living overseas arena i love following your adventures...Something interesting about me -my nickname in gymnastics club was "Grace"....I flunked jungle training for living overseas in the jungle but went anyway and it changed my life (for the good). xo
Tante Jan
1. Katherine Ashe
2. Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal
3. When I first saw your blog on Facebook
4. You encourage me. I respect you as a mother and a Christian. And your Friday Funnies are fabulous. :)
5. Something interesting about me? ... I never imagined I would be an Air Force spouse. In high school I was a goth kid.
6. I really admire all of it... how you catalog so much of your daily life... And how you do ll these cool activities with the kids. Thanks!
All righty folks ... ready ... set ... go!
My name is Jennifer!
I started reading because I had Irish twins also. I think that's how I found your blog. I stayed because I live your family, I'm a Christian and I'm a mom so I'm sure we would be BFFs if you lived in Ohio
I am adopted! I wasn't adopted until I was 12. My parents saw me on an infomercial ha ha.
Hi from the polar north wendi!!! I just ran a 5k in -9 last Saturday! Guess who I am :) Sen I seviyorum:)
Oh I left the last comment too early (I hadn't read the whole blog) ok, So I live at the north pole;) I read your blog (not regularly but sometimes) because I want to know how you are doing, I started read it back in incirlik. I just told you something ginteresting about my self (running 5k at -9) for a girl who lived 36 of her life in souther Turkey that's kinda a big deal;)
My name is Keith... I am your brother. Ive been reading your blog since early on and do whenever a FB title catches my eye. I dont like to know everything going on because I enjoy catching up when you come home. Dont remember a favorite per se, but i do enjoy the Friday funnies with my short attention span. I often use you mini testimony to encourage young couples around us and think your family's story is one of the clearest examples of God's providence. Something you may not know is that Adrienne and I have watched you and John from a distance and modeled parts of our lives based on the path you two, now 7, have plowed (i.e. financial managememt).
My name is Cheryl, from Ontario, Canada. I met you in Florida ... my daughter and I were there visiting Joia and we had lunch one day. You were interested in chatting about adoption because I have 2 adopted daughters. I started reading your blog after Joia mentioned it and have enjoyed watching your family grow and see all the places you've traveled. And still enjoying!
Hi, its Sherrie. I live in Orlando, FL. I probably started reading here and there around 5 years ago. I keep reading because I love keeping track of what's going on with your side of the Kitsteiner family. Something interesting- in less than a month it will be 6 years that I have been dating John's little brother Rob. I think some of my favorite posts of yours have just been about how to communicate with people going through loss and infertility. I never knew how much these posts would help my own family. I love seeing posts and pictures of your kiddos (who doesn't!?) and I think Friday funnies might be one of my favorite parts of Fridays. <3
My name is Laurie but I go by Lorelei. I'm originally from Fort Lauderdale Florida but now live in Ford City Pennsylvania. I started reading your blogs when a mutual friend commented on your Facebook post. I love reading how the Lord has worked in your life! I haven't struggled with infertility but I miscarried in September just about the time I started reading your blogs. They actually kind of heroes me cope with it. As for something interesting about me well I guess the fact that I'm Florida born and raised but absolutely hate the beach and ocean but love child weather and snow lol
1. My name is Kristi Hartley Hunt.
2. Santa Fe, NM
3. I started reading this blog before the word "blog" even existed. Wendi used to just "talk" when we were stuck in the dorm room. So I was her first blog audience. Then when she started putting out for the world, I thought I better keep up with Wendi.
4. I read her blog because I love Wendi dearly and want to know what is going on in her world. Plus she has always made me a better person, so this way I get to spend time with her no matter where in the world she it.
5. Interesting about me is that I fought long and hard NOT to be Wendi's roommate in college :) Thanks Heavens, God knew better.
6. Favorite post - the one when we did our first triathlon together and I forgot to tell Wendi about the altitude in NM.
Much Love!
:) My name is Chrissie Green. I live in Orlando, FL. I don't remember when I started reading your blog! It's been years! I'm a mom of 2! Winter Bliss and Emery Alan. My husband is the best. ;) I really love that you are genuine and you tell the truth about motherhood. And I love reading how God has blessed you with children when you had struggled and waited so long. I come back to this blog often to help other friends her struggle with infertility. The post I remember and look on often is what not to say to friends struggling with infertility! So so helpful. I love your heart, Wendi. Thanks for sharing! Happy 5,000th post! <3
Hi Wendi,,Andrea Reite here. We are living in Denver, CO I started reading your blog soon after we met way back in 2007 and like to read it so I can catch up on what you all are up to and see pics of your kids!
I very much enjoyed many of your posts about what life was like in Turkey and I have really appreciated your posts about infertility - so helpful as we have met many people struggling with that in the last few years. Congrats on your 5,000 blog. Miss you!
1) John (Wendi's husband)
2) I live with Wendi
3) I've read every post, even some of the drafts that don't make it online
4) I read Wendi's blog for safety reasons... Wendi will hurt me if I don't read. Besides, I have no idea what is going on with our family without the blog.
5) Interesting fact... I am married to a beautiful, talented woman who is a great mother to my children
6) favorite post... All of them, really. Not that many people get a photojournalist to document all their major life events for years!
I am your mother and started reading the blog when you were going thru the infertility issues-so I could know what was going on and be able to pray for you.
I love to follow your world, meet your friends and keep an eye on my kiddos. You make me feel like I am right there. You are such awesome writer. I love how your story never made you bitter and how your walk has continued to help and encourage others. I love your honesty and your ability to look on the bright side. I love that I can call you my daughter but now also my friend. You are an amazing woman of God and I have learned much from watching you live your life. Keep on blogging and being a blessing! Love you BIG!!!
5000 posts! Congrats! I actually commented the day you posted this but my comment isn't showing up.
I've been reading the blog since you and JB first got Scrubs. I worked with Wendi (and JB) remotely while I was living in Rochester, MN.
Wendi, you have been a wonderful person to know. The story of your life is fascinating! My favorite posts are usually Friday funnies or posts about how different it is to raise a girl (especially when you're not a girly girl). Keep writing! I'm sincerely impressed you find the time.
-Gina from MN
Hello!! My name is Bonnie Benavides. I am now in GA, but have met you threw the MOPS group at Incirlik. I started reading because of your testimonies on infertility and love how your an advocate for couples who wish to adopt. very inspiring! I haven't read your blogs consistently but I like your homeschool blog. I know once you put your mind to something you will do it. ^.^ I also read your comment on I think your first bad comment. and how you kinda expected it to come, and it did hurt your feelings but still communicated to the person.. and decided to continue blogging. yep that's the one I liked. Gave the person a chance to express and you to explain things. an interesting fact of me... =/ I cant think right now. lol but god bless!! and heres to many many more Wendi and fam adventures and expierences!!
My name is Mich, a name given to me by you. The rest of the world calls me Michelle. I have been reading your blog since you started and were following your fertility issues. I have known you since I was 5 years old (which is one year older than my oldest child...wow) and you are closer to me than a sister. I love that I can be completely myself around you and not worry about what you will think about me. You and your blog make me smile. They make me feel validated as a human and make me proud to call you my friend, and make me want to be a better wife and mother. My favorite parts are the videos and the Friday Funnies :). Interesting fact about myself: I love, love homeschooling and think being an ED doc pales in comparison. Congrats on your 5000th post! Hugs, Mich
1. Renae
2. Northwest Iowa
3. I'm fairly certain it was pre-Isaac
4. You are funny, and honest, and real. :)
5. We adopted our daughter Annie 2 1/2 years ago via domestic infant adoption. Annie's birth dad is a long distance runner from Kenya and my girl is fast! I decided I need to be able to run with her and started training for a 5K this summer. I ran my first one in October, the next in November and have 4-5 more planned thru May. I can't wait until I can run one with her at my side.
6. My favorite posts are the funny things your kiddos say! I love the perspective of little ones!
Alison, we are looking to have our kids do either violin or piano when they become of age. Would love some advice on that? Age, tutors, etc.?
Tante Jan, thank you for continuing to support me, encourage me, and understand me ... or at least pretend you do! Thank you especially for noting my posts on PPD. Depression is such a horrible disease and I pray daily for it to not rear its head again -- in my life or the life of those i love!
Katherine, you are one of the most kind and loyal people I have ever met. I know life here as not been the easiest on you but you continue to work hard to be the best wife, mom and friend you can be. I count you among my dear friends and will always remember our time together at Lajes!
Jennifer, I would love to hear more about your adoption story! If you are interested in sharing on my blog, please shoot me an email at wendi@wendikitsteiner.com!
Bridget, if you read this ... I know you sent me an email and now I can't find it. WOULD LOVE YOUR CONTRIBUTION on my blog!
RANA?!?!? A runner!?!?!?! IN THE POLAR NORTH!?!?!? Love you too friend!
Keith, you will ALWAYS be my favorite brother!!!
Cheryl, so wonderful to have met you in person!
Sherrie, thank you for loving my kids and spoiling them rotten when we were in South Florida! I hope to spend more time with you in the future. Stay in touch! PLEASE!
1. My name is Patty
2. I (for now) live in Tampa, FL
3. I can't remember the next thing I'm supposed to write because I got caught up reading all the comments and forgot... :/
4. I have ADHD...(note above)
I started reading your blog when I first contacted you, because we were thinking of moving to Turkey. You told me you had a lot of info here, and then, I got hooked. ;) First, it was for the info on Turkey, then, I loved the way you documented all our 'Happenings' (no pun intended ;) at Incirlik, and after that, I just pop in here once in a while to see what's going on with you and the kiddos.
It is so funny that I started reading your blog wayy before I REALLY knew you. (We had only seen eachother a couple of times.) However, I remember vividly the first time I saw you after we got to Turkey, after reading many of your blog entries and I felt that I had known you for a 100 years. That first hug I gave you, I got tears in my eyes, and I knew it would be the beginning of a lifetime of friendship. (And of many more hugs. Sorry, but that comes with the package. :p)
I can't believe all that has happened since that first time we met at Eglin all those years ago, and you had just brought Isaac home from the hospital. And I will never forget all that you and John did for us during our time in Turkey, and after. You are such beautiful souls and we feel honored to call you friends.
(I also can't believe that every time we see each other, there's a new kid..is it my turn now? :/
Oh! I remember now: My favorite posts are Friday Funnies, pics of the kiddos, and posts about Scrubs...and when I make it into the blog of course. (And cellphones. I LOVE to talk about cellphones. And on them. ;)
Love and miss you dearly, more than I can ever write here..
Congratulations on your 5000 post!!!
-Patty
Lorelei ... Fort Lauderdale is our "hometown"!!
Kristi, I cannot wait to do another triathalon with you! Seriously! It's my motivation to start exercising again.
I love you like a sister.
Chrissie, I love seeing your beautiful family! What a blessing a Godly man is! Please stay in touch.
Andrea, you will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. God bless you friend!
Jb ... I LOVE YOU.
Mom, thanks for reading! ;) I LOVE YOU and miss you SOOOO much.
Gina, I truly thought you commented already too. I am pretty sure I replied? But I don't see it!
Bonnie -- so wonderful to stay in touch from Turkey to our new homes!
Mich, you will always be so near and dear to my heart. I look forward to sitting down in person with you soon to catch up for years of getting behind!
Renae, I would love to hear your adoption story on my blog. Please send me an email at flakymn@hotmail.com if you'd like to share your story!
My name is Jan, and I live in Dupont, Washington. I'm not sure exactly when I began reading, but John was in school, and you, Wendi, were having your last year of teaching school and moved into the online job. I mainly began and have kept up the reading because I continue to want to see how the Lord is blessing you and John and your family. I began that journey with you before you were married when you were such an inspiration to our daughter during your basketball days at Western, continued into your teaching career where we taught together, and on the story goes. We have had other shared experiences in praying for God to bless our home with children, infertility issues, adoption, the purchase of clothes for females over 6 ft (daughter not myself), our faith, and the love of dogs. I love reading all of your posts, but one of the most memorable ones had to do with what one does not say to a friend who is dealing with infertility struggles. Even though, I am very late in posting a comment on your 5,000th post, I love your diligence in keeping your blog fresh and current. You are an inspiration to me in that area, and, hopefully, I will one day have your discipline in writing daily.
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