JB's First Day

Today was JB's first day of residency. Here is a picture that Wendi took of him as he was leaving to start his day. He did NOT want Wendi to take this picture! This is what JB will have to wear daily to work, whereas most residents have to wear suits and ties. If I remember correctly, I think JB was quite pleased having to wear this instead.

Also, here is a picture of the Kitchen unpacked and finished.

Pics From Eglin

Hi, this is Gabbi. Wendi has sent me pictures of family, the beach, and her new house via cell phone and asked me to share them on the blog since she doesn't have internet access right now. Keep checking the blog periodically as I may be getting new pictures to share every so often. Wendi expects to have her internet up and running by Thursday. So until then, don't expect too much in the blogging department. Unless of course I decide to blog-jack and start posting random stuff. Ha!

Kitchen

This seems to be a view of the Dining Room (??) and Pass-thru into the Kitchen.

Mom K., Rob, and John at the beach

Pre-dinner attire
Dinner at The Back Porch (restaurant) on Wendi's first night in Destin

Going "home"

Here is a picture of our soon-to-be home in Eglin. The first time we have lived in a house!

Well this morning my mother, mother-in-law myself will make the trek to Eglin Air Force Base. Rob and JB arrived yesterday in just about 9 and a half hours. It's incredible that you can drive 9.5 hours and still be in the state of Florida! John was pleasantly pleased that Budget gave him an upgrade to some sort of SUV. I think it had to do with a military discount (which we are enjoying more and more). When I spoke with him on the phone he seemed much more upbeat about making such a long drive as a lone driver with a nice SUV. Rob, unfortunately, is too young to drive a rental.

It may be a few days before you see me posting again. I'm not sure when we'll get Internet up and running in our new home. For now, I am just excited to begin this new phase of our life. I am blessed that my two moms are going to come with to help me. I am not supposed to lift anything over 20 pounds and am also trying to rest a lot. I had no earthly idea how I could get out of boxes before they offered to help. I also need to start working by Wednesday if I can. If I had to unpack the house myself, with JB starting his residency on Wednesday, it would take me weeks. With their help and the help of Robbie, I'm sure it will be very livable by the time Rob and the moms drive back on Thursday morning.

If you need something to do while I am offline, please remember me in my prayers. This 2ww (two week wait) is often the most difficult of the entire IVF journey. (Speaking of that, my mother did a great job giving me my shots without John here.) It is hard to control your mind and not think about the fact that you have been through this three times prior without success. It's hard to forget that nearly four years of trying have now expired. It's hard not to feel very jealous, left behind, and sad. It's hard to remember that this time could be different. So please just pray for my thoughts -- that I will trust the Lord fully knowing He is capable of so much more than we can think or imagine.

Katie's bridal shower

We had a mini shower today to celebrate Katie's wedding last month. Here are some photos from the afternoon (taken with my camera phone since I can't find the cord to connect my camera to my computer.)

Niece Grace showing chocolate fingers

JB's sister Elizabeth with her mother-in-law

Katie (the bride) with my mom and sister-in-law

Early early Sunday morning

Well please don't take the fact that it is 4:30 in the morning as evidence that I am not getting enough rest. Everyone keeps asking me if I am resting enough. I am. Yesterday I slept in until 7 and then laid back down for another hour. I also took something close to a three hour nap at the Kits'. I went to bed last night before 10 so I think that is why I am up at 4:30 in the morning. I plan to nap again sometime today as well. So don't worry folks! I'm chilling quite nicely.

Yesterday I went to breakfast with Joan and my Mom at Cracker Barrel. By the time we were done, some of the Kit clan had assembled at the same restaurant for a breakfast of their own. I actually sat in the same waitress' section for two breakfasts in a row (although I only ate at the first breakfast.) She looked very confused, and I finally explained that she was not imagining things.

We tried to surprise my niece Grace with our arrival but that girl is her mother's daughter -- keen on everything. (If anyone was going to discover our surprise, I thought it would be Gabbi! But we got her!) Grace spotted us in the parking lot as they drove in so there wasn't a big surprise just a, "I told you I saw them!" to her mother who had tried to play dumb.

Grace is still the greatest kid ever! I just love that kid. Nathan is great as well, he's just young still so I haven't gotten to know him personally like I have Grace. He also doesn't stay in one spot long enough for anyone to get to know him! But he is turning into a little boy that you can actually get to know. Quite the active kid with quite a head of hair! Very fun.

Last night I also got to see Keith and AD -- the first time since their wedding. We looked through photos and watched the video and just hung out for a bit before we called it an early night. JB and Rob are leaving at 6 this morning for Eglin. I will leave the following morning with my mom and mom-in-law.

It hasn't taken me long to realize that I am not in Kansas anymore. Okay, not in Minnesota, but you get the idea. I was here less than 8 hours before I got cussed at. I was driving into the Olive Garden parking lot after Rob's graduation. I stopped my car to wait for a woman walking in front of a spot to move. Apparently she didn't like that, and quite honestly, I have NO idea why. I was just sitting there, waiting. Were the lights too bright? Was I sitting too still? She in turn, hurled the f-word my way. You gotta love south Florida!

I don't know the area we are moving to much but traditionally, the upper part of the state considers themselves to be much more southern-like in hospitality than southern Florida. As I have explained before, southern Floridians do NOT consider themselves southerners. They do not say "pop" or drink "sweet tea" or ever mumble "ya'll" without fear of getting shot at. Hopefully that means that I won't be getting cussed at on a daily basis when we move to Eglin in just two days.

Also, we now have our new address. I don't want to put that on my blog, so I plan to send an email in the next few days with the address included. I'd like to say that I will be sending some fancy "we have moved" cards out, but quite honestly, that would be a promise I am currently not sure I can keep. So let's just leave it electronic and be done with it. One of the weird things about our new address is that the name of our city is "Eglin Air Force Base". I'm not sure what I tell people when they ask where we live. It's not really Fort Walton Beach or Destin. It's "Eglin Air Force Base" which seems really wordy and cumbersome. I'll have to check with the locals.

Lastly, I should mention that I am now waiting patiently on our three sticky babies to decide to stay around permanently. I am doing very well, probably because I have been quite distracted. I have also been forcing myself to be very positive and not worry about the future.

I will find out sometime in the next two weeks if this attempt was a success. Quite honestly, I don't know the exact date, and quite honestly, I'm not sure where I will go for my blood test. I'll have to figure that out when we move in. This morning, my mother will also practice giving me my progesterone shot being as tomorrow morning, John will be at Eglin already while we are getting ready to make the drive ourself, and she'll be on her own.

All right, I'm going to curl up on the couch and see if I can get a little snooze in before I take JB and Rob to get their rental car.

Donating to Faith Alive

Some of you have been asking me how to make a donation to Faith Alive, the organization we supported in Nigeria. Donations can be sent to:

Faith Alive Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 91, Riderwood, MD 21139

Okay, so a few more details

All right, so we are in Fort Lauderdale.

Truth be told, some of you already know this. Truth be told, the only people we didn't tell was John's family.

Plans for this started a few months back when we were figuring out when we should get to Eglin after my transfer. We knew that John's mom really wanted all of the kids at the last kid's graduation. So we made the decision to fly the day after my transfer to Fort Lauderdale. This wasn't exactly a restful decision, but we figured, heck, we've done this transfer-thing three times now without success. We've tried bedrest for 2 days, acupuncture, and regular activity. Why not try flying to Fort Lauderdale?

So after resting at the Rays until about 6:00pm, we headed to the cities. JB had booked a very nice room at the Marriott. We ordered some chocolate Hagen Daaz ice cream, and then I went to bed (again). I slept more on that Thursday then I was awake that was for sure.

Speaking of the transfer, JB's post said it all. It was glorious in comparison to our three previous attempts. My Dr. didn't do the transfer, but Dr. H., a fellow, did. She's been there for all of my previous transfers. After it was over I said, "I don't even think I needed the Valium," and she said, "Well, I did." John said that she was quite concerned my cervix might give them trouble and was pleasantly surprised when things went so unbelievably well. It was wonderful!!! Thank you for praying.

Due to JB's flight being round trip, he and I were not on the same flights to Eglin. My flight was on Airtram at 6:30 a.m. and JB had a later flight on Delta. Since I can't lift more than 20 pounds for the next two weeks, John helped get me checked in at Airtram even though I was in a different terminal, and he had to shuttle back to his own terminal. He also bumped me up to first class!! That was a great treat and allowed me to do a lot of resting on the way to Fort Lauderdale.

Because JB had arrived at the airport early, he actually got on an earlier flight to Atlanta. This allowed us to both be in Atlanta for about two hours. We then arrived in Fort Lauderdale within about twenty minutes of each other. My family knew all about our surprise visit and was there to pick us up. We were blessed to get in on time as tropical storm Barry was here yesterday. It has rained every second we are here. But I love good Florida rain storms so I am not complaining.

At 6:30, we pulled up to the church for Robbie's graduation. John actually called his dad and was talking to him on the phone, when they turned and saw us. It was a great surprise! JB texted Robbie to "turn around" in the back room before the graduation. Robbie turned around and saw John. We surprised Ray, Elizabeth, Grant, Katie, and Aunt Betsy. It was fantastic! I also saw Nancy G. How wonderful to see everyone and "be in the know." Only Gabbi couldn't be there due to a babysitter back-out. She actually called JB while we were standing in the back of the church to ask him a medical question. She said: "Are you still in Minnesota?" John said, "No, I'm in Florida. I'm in Fort Lauderdale." Today, we hope to surprise our niece Grace!

Sunday, JB and Rob will drive up to Eglin. On Monday I am going to drive up with my mom and mom-in-law. I hope to get to see Joan this morning, and I still need to see my wonderful sis-in-law AD.

Surprise!

Surprise! I'm in Fort Lauderdale.

I couldn't blog because we were surprising JB's family by showing up to his youngest brother Robbie's graduation from high school. Tomorrow I will try to tell the entire story, but for now, let me just say that the surprise was a success!!!

More to come (after I sleep) ...

SMOOTH (a quick note from JB)

Wendi is sleeping soundly on the Ray's couch right now, and I am over at the school since Wendi (in her semi-drugged out valium state 0f mind) made me promise to do a quick post.

The procedure went extremely smooth this morning. Not one problem. We arrived as scheduled. Wendi got her new favorite snack (Valium) and took a trip to her happy place. We went down to the O.R. Three sticky-babies were waiting for us. The procedure was a breeze. (let me interrupt myself by saying that we were all expecting a bit of a battle here. This "procedure" - placing a narrow, flexible, plastic tube through wendi's "corkscrew cervix" (as the docs have dubbed it) and into her uterus - has taken between 15 and 45 minutes each time we have gone in for it. Today it took approximately 7 seconds.) The three sticky-babies were dropped in place, and Wendi was brought back to her room for an hour snooze. Then we went and picked up some Greek food and ate it back at the Ray's.

Now the waiting begins... yeah!

That's it for now.

Goodbye.

Real quick ...

Hospital check-in has been set. 7:30 a.m. I report to Methodist Hospital. JB comes back this evening. Can't wait to see him and get our lives in order before we leave.

Someone said my video didn't work. I tried it again. See if it works now.

Your prayers tomorrow and in the weeks to follow will be coveted greatly. Please pray especially that our 3 tiny sticky babies will survive until transfer.

And congrats to Ebby who successfully gave me my progesterone shots the last two morning.

This post has been pretty choppy. Can you tell I'm rushed?

Quick video of our new home

We got a house (sort of)

At 9:30 this morning JB called to tell me that we have a house on base. It is a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom with all the things we would have liked (spacious kitchen, bathroom in master bedroom, porch, yard, etc.) It's not even a duplex; it's its own house.

The only downside is that due to some miscommunication, they will not allow us to move into it until June 1st. This is frustrating as Ronnie is there to help. So ... we will try to secure another male compadre to help us unload June 2nd or 3rd (I can't remember which day we will be there). It should work out fine. John managed to keep the rental truck for another week to avoid having to put the stuff in the storage for a week, only to have to reload a truck, and then move the stuff into the house.

John is currently sending me video and pictures via our phone so I hope to share some with you if I can. Yipee! No temporary housing. Very good news.

Happy Memorial Day

Well before I get into the details of the "blog", I wanted to remind everyone that today is Memorial Day. I love all of the U.S. flags flying and encourage everyone to keep them flying even after today comes and goes. Our country is a wonderful place to live even if it has its problems some times. And we are blessed by all the men and women who have dedicated their lives to our country -- men like my husband (U.S. Air Force) and his brother Matt (Army). As I have mentioned on this blog previously, I don't like talk of politics and wars and strife. I just want everyone to get along. However, we definitely need to support our troops wherever they might be. To me, that's a given.

Okay, onto some other topics. First of all, I have had many emails and comments on the blog asking about our "schedule". I suppose I haven't been very clear. So I wanted to take a second and make sure I explained what is going on in our lives. John and Ron are currently on the base in Florida. They are staying in a hotel for now. Tomorrow morning they will head to the housing office and find out if we have a home ready for us or if we have to put our stuff in storage and move into temporary housing for a time. Please be praying that a house is ready for us! On Wednesday, JB and Ron fly back to Minnesota. Then on Thursday we will do our fourth IVF. Later that weekend we are flying down to Florida and will begin our lives in the "Polar South" together.

Speaking of IVF transfers, all is going very well. I have been taking my shots of lupron each morning since we got back from Nigeria. I have been giving them to myself the last few days since John is gone, and I'm doing fine with it. I take 2 pills of "estrace" three times a day (7am, 3pm, 10pm). I have an alarm set on my phone to remind me of these -- especially the 3:00 dose. I still take my Metformin each evening, however, I am working hard to get back to my normal dosage after missing my luggage for 10 days in Nigeria. I start taking two other new medications today, and tomorrow, I start the progesterone shots in my lower back. Ebby the great has offered to give me my first two shots since JB will be gone. Is she a champ or what?!

Today I helped Tara load her truck. She and her father are now on the road on the way to California. Once again, there were no "good byes". We simply hugged with a "see you later" attached. Good byes are just too painful and none of us have the emotional stamina to say it over and over again. To say I will miss Tara is not really an adequate explanation of how I feel about her leaving. But ... let's just leave it at that.

Yesterday I watched the last six episodes of Survivor in one sitting! Holy cow! It felt so fabulous to sit down and not have anything to do. Ebby and I also went over to the condo and put the finishing touches on the place. Our renters move in today. There were some tear-holding-back by both Ebby and myself as we finished things up and locked the door for the last time. Lots of memories in that condo, and it didn't just feel like home without all of our things in it.

Ebby also asked me to drive her by the Jones' new home so she could see it. On the way back, I accidentally ran a red light. And seriously, it was an accident. I was sitting at a red light and accidentally looked to the light ahead of me instead of the light above me. When the light ahead of me turned green, I went -- straight through the intersection. Ebby immediately said, "Wendi, you just ran a light." And she wasn't the only one who noticed. A nice female cop also saw me run the light. Fortunately, I haven't been pulled over since I was 17, and I guess the cop believed my story since she just told me to drive on. Geeesh.

I'm at RLSF right now -- going to get some work in for the day. Happy Memorial Day.

My husband now lives in Florida

JB and Ron arrived at Eglin Air Force base around 3pm yesterday afternoon. There were a few glitches primarily surounding our dear little bird. The hotel wouldn't allow the bird to stay, and the bird's regular cage stored in the back of the truck had been smashed to smitherines by a bike. So, JB called the "pet sitter" I had arranged months ago. She agreed to take the bird early and JB agreed to buy a new cage at the pet store. All this for an animal that doesn't even weigh a pound! Oh well.

Anyways, he tells me that last night they want and got sushi at Harbor Docks. This is where I connected with my friend Jenny when we were down there visiting last summer. It's a great restaurant on the water and, apparently, it was the best sushi either of them had ever had. I think Ronnie is loving Destin as much as we loved it.

I, on the other hand, am just tying up loose ends and also recovering from an incredibly busy few months. Yesterday I put a half day at RLS in. Today I put a half day in at Mayo. Last night I also slept nearly ten hours! I haven't slept more than five in quite some time. How great did that feel? I also finally broke into the old episodes of Survivor that Ray and Gabbi taped for me while we were in Africa. It felt amazing to just sit and watch TV (with their cat trying to lounge on my face again). I also took Ebby out for dinner at Applebees. It was a "thank-you" gift for their help with JB's graduation. What a great set of friends the Rays are.

Ebby and I are now going to do a few things at the condo before turning it over to the renters. Just a few more days before I am "officially" a Floridian again. I think I am ready!

I am a thief

It's official. I am a thief. I am including two photos that I down-right snagged from other blogs. The first is from Tara's. I just love this photo of my three great friends, Lesley, Kristen, and Tara.


I stole this one from Kristen's blog. I really wanted a photo of all the veteran-doctors praying for the all the soon-to-be-doctors at the Christian-oath-swearing-in-ceremony. My attempt at a photo came out so dark so it was great to get this one from Kristen. Thanks girls!


In other news, JB and Ronnie hit Josh and Sarah's house in Nashville late last night. They got up early this morning and moved on toward Eglin. Last I talked to John, they were nearing Birmingham and projecting an early afternoon arrival. So far, the drive has been fairly uneventful. The only disappointing event was the news that the Ray's beta fish, "Terd Ferguson" (which became our beta a few months ago, and, no, I have no idea where they came up with that name) did not survive the trip. The autopsy revealed that he was most likely cooked through the floorboard of the truck. Yuck. Twain(ette), our lone remaining love bird on the other hand, is having a great time on the drive and not chirping too much at all. I was worried JB and Ron would grow so tired of her that she'd end up somewhere amidst the bikes and plants. Good job Twaine

Last night I hung out with Brandon and Kristen (who left this morning for a vacation in Oregon), Dave and Lesley (who left this morning for a vacation in California/Hawaii), and Tara (who left this morning for a vacation in Chicago for Erin's wedding.) We went to Chipotle and then went back to Brandon and Kristen's for some ice cream (you can always count on Kristen and Lesley for dessert!), and played Brandon's new Wii (a gift from Kristen for taking the boards). I played some sort of bowling game and actually didn't embarrass myself too badly. I was also in a fairly goofy mood. I realized that it's one of the first times I have been simply able to "hang out" in a long time. We've had so much going on that I was fairly giddy with relief last night.

I also did a little cleaning at our condo and plan to finish it up this weekend. I found a mixing bowl set and a toaster oven we forgot to pack!!!! I am so mad about this. Now I have to figure out how to get it on the plane. How do you miss two huge kitchen items? I cleaned out every cabinet before JB left and totally skipped the one above the sink. My mom and mother-in-law missed them too! Geesh.

I spent the night at the Ray's last night. I also unwillingly bonded with their cat, Kevin. Kevin got up on the couch with me. I thought this was okay until I realized that Kevin likes to sleep on your face. Kevin also likes to purr VERY loudly and then tap his paws back and forth on your back while he pets your hair. Kevin was kicked off the couch at that point. I remember Kevin did this after one of my procedures when I went and stayed at the Rays. But that day I was so tired, I just basically let him sleep on my face. No go last night. I don't think Kevin was happy with me, but gosh, what happened to cats who just lay quiet and still?

Right now I am at RLS, getting ready to do some work to make up for my time off from the move. Our time in Rochester is winding down. I'd write all about it, but then I would cry, and I don't feel like crying. In order to avoid crying, I have downright avoided saying good bye to anyone. I just said "see you later" to Brandon and Kristen last night and a quick "farewell" to Dave and Lesley this morning. I think we are all sort of pretending that we will see each other next week. I plan to do the same thing with Tara on Monday and the Rays next week. I also have to connect with the Philips to not say good bye as well.

Okay, got to work.

Home is where the heart is

I wish you could see me know.

I'm perched on the counter in our empty condo, my black ballet shoes dangling over the edge, typing on our laptop. It's sort of funny if you think about it. We still have wireless and still have a computer even though we don't have anything else in the place.

The condo is empty. We finished the place late last night. Getting ready for the renters included a multitude of tasks and since JB and Ron left early this morning, those tasks had to be done before they left. The carpet cleaners come today, and there are still a few other tasks I need to complete before Monday, but basically the place is ready to go.

In addition to our moving help, we would not have survived yesterday without David J. who painted the baseboards in every bedroom. Lesley helped feed us. Tara helped complete a few tasks that only a true friend would agree to: the refrigerator and bathtub cleaning, which just, coincidentally happen to be my least favorite and therefore the last to get done. Ron Ray was an All-Star doing touch-up work, fire alarm hanging, and closet painting. Strong work team 202!

We spent the night at Ron & Ebby's last night, and I will stay there the next week. It was surreal this morning watching that big truck towing our little Saturn pull out of Ron & Ebby's house and head to Florida. All I have know is two suitcases and this laptop on the counter. John and Ron will fly back on Wednesday.

Not sure how often I'll post here -- Ebby doesn't have Internet. I'm actually looking forward to a weekend of relaxing although there is still a long list of things to do including bringing some fish to the pet shop that JB couldn't take.

Til' later.

a BIG shout out

I am sitting in a nearly empty condo. That condo is nearly empty because of the hard work of the following individuals:

• JEFF <-- wanted to make sure his shout out was loud and clear
• My husband
• Me (lol)
• Ronnie
• Dave
• Lesley
• Jason
• Travis
• Hans
• Tara (was ready and willing but things progressed very quickly)

Thank you all so much for allowing us to pack up the truck and be eating at India Garden by noon! All of this despite the rainy morning that accompanied our moving date. Strong work team.

Also a quick note that my ultrasound this morning went fabulously. We are 100% ready to go on the 31st -- no delays needed. A week from today it is folks. YAY!

Last night in #202

As I write this, I am sitting amidst a living room full of boxes, plants, and bubbled picture frames. We have a tiny TV set up on top of three boxes, and with the Jones, are watching the season finale of American Idol. We just finished eating a barrage of Lesley-leftovers which actually coalesced into a very tasty and healthy meal. There was even dessert. Not too shabby.

The Jones moved out of their condo today. Their new house, down the street from St. Marys, is fantastic -- quite a big step up from their one bedroom on the fourth floor in Rochester Towers. I was glad I was able to see it before we left. It feels like we are becoming grown-ups, even though most teenagers would agree we already are.

Tomorrow, the Kits move out of their own condo. We just upgraded to a larger truck. It means driving a little farther (St. Paul) to pick it up, but I think it will be worth it to assure that all of our "stuff" makes it to Fort Walton Beach. We have quite a lot of stuff.

My office mates at Mayo had a going away lunch for me today. RLS is having one for me on Tuesday. More saying good bye.

It's hard to believe that four years have culminated into where we are now. It is hard to believe that it is really time to say good bye to life-long friends. We came here, knowing only the Ray family. We leave here with a collection of beautiful and incredible individuals who have filled our time in the "Polar North" with lots of laughing, crying, ultimate Frisbee, dominoes, Time's Up, movies, dinners, road trips, and study sessions.

In just a week, "Life in the Polar North" will become "Life in the Polar North Warms Up". In just a week, we'll complete our fourth IVF transfer and relocate nearly 20 hours south in a completely different home and culture. I will no longer wear silk leggings each day. I will no longer heat up rice bags and pray that it breaks the zero mark for at least one morning. I won't patch up my chapped hands with layers of lotion and moisturizing gloves. No more chap stick stashed in every possible crevice. No more Dairy Queens closing for 8 months of the year. No more Rochester, Minnesota.

In just two days, John and Ron will climb into our truck and move us across the country. As we sit here, bundled in boxes and cheering for Blake, I know that this will be a night I will never forget. Eating leftovers, watching our tiny TV, and reminiscing with our good friends. As cold as I have been, I love it here. I know I'll love it there. But I know I love it here.

It's time to go.

Oh Captain my Captain

Tuesday was a very packed day. Not only was it my (gulp) 30th birthday (let's just leave it at that), but JB was promoted to Captain in the U.S. Air Force by Dr. Barrier, Associate Dean of the medical school and a former Air Force physician herself. I did a lot of packing, worked a full day, had lunch with my friend Stephanie, went to JB's oath ceremony, and also went over to Dave and Lesley's for a little birthday/eat all your old food potluck. The Rays and Tara joined us. We also watched American Idol. I haven't been watching much TV, but geez I am not a Jordin Sparks fan.

Only one more "sleep" in my bed in Minnesota. Our renters move in on Monday. Wow.

Here are some photos from the ceremony. It was an EXTREMELY windy day. Did you know Rochester is the sixth windiest city in the US? Stephanie and I, literally, were almost blown over crossing the street.

Oh Captain

I am heading over to the medical school with my husband in uniform. Dr. Barrier is promoting him to Captain today (since he has his MD now)! (She's in the Air Force so she can do that.) Pictures to follow.