Just a small update.....

I have decided that while we are pursuing IVF, I will not be updating about it.  I believe this is a private, intimate experience that only JD and I (and some of our close family and friends) should know all the intricate details about.   I still ask that you pray for us as we go through this journey.  I need prayer for strength while on all the different medications (trust me, the meds throw me for a whirl!).  I also request prayer that this cycle will be a success and that we will have a child (or two!) from it.  

Now, moving on.  I do think that some of you might be interested in what I took part in yesterday.   I decided to go for acupuncture, not only for the IVF treatments, but just to help reduce my overall stress lately.  I was kinda skeptical, but figured, what the heck! I might as well try it!

Let me tell you, it was awesome.   I was very apprehensive about the needles.  Those were a PIECE OF CAKE.   The acupuncturist stuck one on each side of my forehead (very high in the hairline area), one on each clavicle, one about two inches above my belly button, one on each leg, mid-calf area, and one on each ankle.   I have also been experiencing some BAD headaches.  My acupuncturist is also a chiropractor, so after the acupuncture session was complete (a little bit over 30 minutes), he worked on my neck and upper back for the headaches.  He told me I should feel very energized and rest well.  Well, I think my problem is that I was OVER energetic at the end of the day.  I got about 5 hours of sleep, and then BAM! I woke up feeling like I could run a marathon.  I still feel pretty good today.  I feel physically and mentally refreshed.  It might all be in my head, but I think the session really worked.   It is a bit pricey for the consultation/session, as my insurance does not cover it, but it is well worth it, and I hope it does help the overall process in the end.

Anyway, other than that, not much has been going on, besides work.  JD and I both have been keeping pretty busy at our jobs.  I have decided to take the semester off in school this time around.  Don't worry, I'll be back at it again soon! 

My birthday is coming up soon, and I'm not quite sure I'm too thrilled about it.   I usually start counting down at about 6 months prior.  It seems like once you hit 25, you start realizing 30 is coming up soon.   And I'm not sure I'm ready for that one, yet.  :)  I'm sure we will have a blast though.  We plan on a mini get away, which is much needed.  And plus, I get presents, cake, and ice cream.  What's not to like about that?..........Exactly.

It's time to get this ball rolling along!!!

I know it has been a long while since I posted.   Alot has been going on!  I started back to school to get my Nurse Practitioner degree, we've been in the process of getting everything together to buy a house, and we've been preparing to actually start IVF!!! How exciting! 

I start my BC pills next Friday, July 6th and start my Lupron on July 20th.  I am super excited! I really have a great feeling about this, and I really think we are gonna get some babies from this!  I can't wait to have a little JD running around, for sure!

I wanted to please ask for prayers and good vibes as we start this journey within the next week! JD has to have a procedure done, and I will be having a few procedures done, as well.  Tentatively, we are scheduled for a mid-August embryo transfer. 

Please send sticky vibes, baby dust, and lots of prayers our way! We appreciate it so much!

I will keep you all posted as our journey continues!
Love,
Em.

SPRING.....IS ALREADY HERE!

Or should I say summer? It is sizzling hotttttt outside! I love warm weather, but it's bad when my dogs already attract little gnats around their eyes when outside.  :(  My poor little babies.  The bugs will be horrible this summer since we had such a mild winter.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend planned! We are pretty stoked about seeing one of JD's roomates from Auburn and his wife that are in town.  Joe and Jessi are great friends that we hardly ever get to see, so I'm excited for a little catch up time!!

The pollen has been absolutely horrible, and it has taken a toll on me all week.  I started feeling yucky Sunday, and it has progressively gotten worse.   I think it has turned into a small sinus infection, so I'm on some antibiotics and had a steroid shot given to me this morning, so hopefully I will at least FEEL like doing something tomorrow.  I would hate to miss out on some fun in some warm weather just b/c pollen hates me.  I was thinking today about how this exact time/week/date last year and in 2010, I was sick from POLLEN!!!!  I wish I could wear a gas mask around till it dies down, but that would look a bit weird, I know.

Nothing new on the IVF front right now.   We are waiting until the end of this semester to start the process going, but I will be sure to post about it as we go forward with it.  We have been looking at buying or building a house, and an oppotunity has fallen into our laps that we are seriously considering.  I don't want to say too much, but the house is gorgeous, plenty big for a family, and the perfect location.  :)    God is so good and works everything out for His glory and our good.  Thank you, Father God, for everything you give us and provide us with! We are truly, truly, TRULY blessed, and I can't say that enough.  We do have a regular check up appointment in B'ham next week for JD's CF, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a good check up and safe travels.  Please be in thought and prayer for me as well, and that I start feeling better from this sinus crud.

Thanks and love you all!

Em

Oh my! It's been forever.....

I have REALLY got to start getting better at updating this blog!!! Seriously.   Many of you that read or "follow" us probably hardly ever get to SEE us, so I would like to be able to let you know what is going on in our lives.  Let's see.......it's been since September, I believe.....so, here we go.

#1.  JD has finally pushed and persuaded me to go back to school.  I am ultimately going back for my CRNP (Nurse Practitioner) degree.  Right now, I just decided to slowly ease back into college, and I am taking Precalculus. And OH MY GOSH, I absolutely hate it.  I am not much of a math guru to start with, but fortunately, I am married to a mechanical engineer (a.k.a. math nerd).  :)     I am really looking forward to getting back into the school world.  I cannot wait to have that BSN and MSN degree on the wall.  I am very, very thankful that I have a supportive husband who is behind me every step of the way.  God has truly blessed me with the best man. 

#2.  We are still in the process of starting IVF.  We had a few decisions to make that determine the whole process and how we go about starting it.  I recently talked to the coordinator of the program.  We will be using Dr. Inge's group in Mobile, AL.  Any feedback about your experiences with his group would be awesome.  While I cannot wait to have a family of our own, I've pretty much decided to at least wait until this semester is over with before we start the whole process.  I have gained the weight that Dr. Inge recommended me to gain back in August 2011 when we met with him.  I have had several test done that turned out completely normal (Thank God!).  So, all that's left is for us to say we are 100% ready to start! :)

#3.  JD is doing great for all you that wonder.  He is due for a check-up with his Cystic Fibrosis clinic later this month.  The last check up went good in December 2011.  We discussed getting him re-checked for his mutations, because one of the mutations is an unknown.  The other is DF508, the most common CF mutation gene.  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is providing free screening for people who have never been screened or those that have an unknown gene.  So that is easily almost $2,000 off our plate that we won't have to fork up.  Thank you, God, for that blessing!  I am hoping the "unknown" now has a name, and I am really PRAYING that it is a mutation that one of the drugs, like Kalydeco, can treat.  We talked about getting him on some drug trials, if in fact his unknown mutation will be a qualifier for the trial.  Please pray we have an answer and that it is one that we can treat with all the amazing drugs that the CFF is working on.  His PFT (pulmonary function tests) and FEV1's have been pretty good and stable.  Please pray that our March check-up will render good results, as we expect they will.  JD did have a kidney stone attack last week.  He gets these dern things every other year.  One of the doctors I work for did ESWL (Lithotripsy) on him Friday.  We were at the hospital ALL DAY LONG.  I'm talking from 7 A.M. to after 7 P.M.  JD came back from the OR and was having a pretty rough time.  He was in alot of pain and had some nausea/vomiting.  After a few pain pills and some nausea meds, I coerced him into getting ready to go home.  He woke up early yesterday morning determined to go to a church event.  Then, he wanted to go to town and see a movie, as well.  Needless to say, by 9 P.M., he was HURTING! I tried to warn him (I've only been a urology nurse for 5 years), but he's a Jenkins and is pretty hard-headed.  I let him sleep in this morning (till almost noon), and he has been laying around taking it easy all afternoon.  He is starting to get antsy now, but he just needs to REST.  Geesh!!!   He has passed alot of stone fragments, so obviously the surgery worked. 

#4.  We got a new car in November! I finally got rid of my 2 door Accord and bought a 4 door (GASP!) 2012 Honda Accord.  I can't get away from those Accords.  They are too dang good of a car to leave!! I was wanting a Ford Edge (really bad), but I got into a new Accord and fell in love.  They are so roomy and ride sooooo nice.  Priorities definitely change when you get married and start planning for a family.  But I still have the Mustang.  I might have put about 300 miles on it since November.  Anyone interested in buying?!? Just kidding.  That car is my baby right now!!! :)     We are also on the hunt for a house.   We have looked at a few, but we still don't know if we want to buy or build.  We are praying and waiting for the right answer/one to appear.  I know it will happen when God sees fit. 

All in all, it has been a busy but great year so far.  Needless to say, I am ready for Precalculus to end in May.  Our doggies, Echo and Cooper, are also doing great.  Echo has a "girlfriend," the neighbor's dog.  She had puppies a few months ago, but we didn't get one......we decided Echo and Cooper were plenty enough right now!  His little girlfriend has been coming down to the house for several days.  They are so funny to watch.  They love to play and run around.  I even coerced her into letting me pet her and give her a few treats (hope ya'll don't mind, Lee and Amber!!)   She's such a friendly dog.  Anyway, that's a quick catch-up on the Jenkins.  I hope all of you are doing fabulous.  And I promise to update a little more frequent in the future. 

I'll close with a verse that is very dear to me, especially during this time in my life:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper, not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11


Much love to you all,
Emily

Whew, catch up time!

Mmmmmk, everyone.  Sorry it has been so long since my last post.  I have not forgotten about you guys!  We haven't been to any more appointments for the IVF because we have been on vacation at the beginning of September for 10 days.  I have my HSG test probably the first or second week of October.  Then we should be good to go to Mobile to meet all the other docs and find out even MORE info about the whole IVF process.

Anyway, I've been trying to GAIN weight.  We went to Disney, and I ate and ate and ate and ate and ate until my heart was well over content.  Came back to Dothan and stepped on the scale -- UM -- no weight gain.  At all.  Thanks for running me in the marathon called Disney all week, JD!!!   So, I'm increasing my food intake.  I have started eating one to two small snacks a day and trying to incorporate some complex carbs.  This is HARD!!!  I guess from running and working out so much, I have up'ed my metabolism.  Oh well, it could be worse.  Here is an interesting article on exercising and IVF -- http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2511254&page=1

Not much else has been going on since getting back from vacatioon.  I hope to have vacation pictures up soon and a little more interesting story for you guys.  :)

and WE KNOW!!

I'm gonna be honest about this.   I know alot of you have had the same feelings and thoughts.  Some days, I pray so hard for something, and it just seems that those prayers bounce off the ceiling unanswered and hit me slap in the face again just a few seconds after I say them.  I KNOW this isn't the case, I know it.  I know our Father hears all we say and talk to Him about, but really, I am human, and somedays, God isn't ready to answer all my prayers right then and there.   I honestly have never come in front of God and expected Him to just thunderously make His voice known.   In 1 Kings 19: 11 - 13, the Bible states, "Then HE said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.  And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire A STILL SMALL VOICE.  So it was, when Elijah heard it (the still small voice), that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave........"

Ok, so first, why do I not expect this loud thunderous voice, and basically a "Here's Your Sign?," from God all the time? BECAUSE, just as Elijah found out, sometimes we really have to PAY ATTENTION and give NOTICE to the small details.   We can find God and His answers to us there.    I've always loved this scripture.  It lets me know that I shouldn't get discouraged if all these "loud" and "busy" things around me in this world are happening, I just need to LISTEN to the subtle hints, the gentle nudges, and the small whisper in my heart that my Heavenly Father gives me from time to time (much more often than a fire, earthquake, or a wind would). 

So anyway, that really wasn't what I was intending to blog about, but I think it ties in nicely to what my original intentions were.   So, as many of you know (or might not know, please refer to my post yesterday), we are trying to find out exactly what we're gonna have to do to have a biological child of our own.   Over the past several months, I have worried, stressed, cried, and broke down over why God seems to be putting these problems in my life and makes it so easy in others.   I have quite a peace now that we have made the first step and talked to the doctor yesterday.  But before then (and I'm sure I was still ask this some during our treatment), it was, "WHY, GOD, WHY ME GOD? WHY WHY WHY?"   I must admit I have done some mourning. There have been days that I have dwelt on our situation and was very discouraged, very gloomy and down.   JD has been so positive towards me, and told me that we need to pray, we need to seek God through this; there is a reason this is happening to us.    Some of you might not believe things happen for a reason or that God ALLOWS (not makes) things to happen to us for a reason, but I honestly do.   And even if you don't, I please encourage you to read my thoughts through tonight, I hope it will bless you and make you think from my point of view for at least a few minutes. 

So, I was sitting on the couch about an hour ago, eating a peant butter and chocolate cupcake and peanut M&M's  (the dr told me to GAIN 5-7 pounds, ha!), and I was thinking about a few different things that have happened over the past 2 days.  A friend from school has richly blessed me and encouraged me the past few weeks, and I was thanking God for that.  It's been a tremendous help.  But then, "WHY?" came up again.  Not really a "WHY ME, GOD, WHY?," but more, "I really want to know why."   One of my FAVORITE scriptures popped in my head.  I want to share it with you.  Romans 8:28 - "And WE KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His puprose."     WOW! That is powerful.   GOD tells us in His own words that He is gonna take care of His kids!!!!!  What a blessing, what a comfort, what a PEACE!  It has really encouraged me tonight, brothers and sisters.   I definitely love God, and I want to love Him even more and grow closer to Him even more just KNOWING that He is going to take care of me, better than I can take care of even myself!!!! What LOVE is that????   It is an awesome, unexplainable kind of love that only YOU can know when you experience it.   I know God is going to bless JD and me.  I believe without a doubt I will walk away from this IVF journey BLESSED, however my Father above sees fit to bless us.   I want to bless you, God, for blessing me!! Prepare in me a clean heart! I am ready.   



Are you?





Love you all,
Emily

1st Appointment

So, today we had our 1st IVF appointment   We made this appointment over two months ago.  Prior to that, we had some individual testing done, one of which included Cystic Fibrosis gene carrier status for me.  I am NEGATIVE for that, thank goodness!!!!  Anyway, so, we went to see Dr Inge from Mobile to talk to him about the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process that many "CF" (Cystic Fibrosis) couples have to journey to have a biologically compatible child.  You can learn more about IVF here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_vitro_fertilisation

We learned about how long the whole process from beginning to implantation of embryos would take (around 2 - 3 months).   We also learned some different options to consider for payment and price options.  We could do a program called ATTAIN, which is 3 fresh cycles, for a little more than the price of one fresh cycle.  If we do not get pregnant during those 3 cycles, they refund us around 70 % of our money back.   There is also something called a Share-Risk Program, where I will be stimulated to produce a bunch of eggs for IVF (normal for IVF procedure anyway).   If I make 8 or more eggs, they split the eggs down the middle and half are donated to a couple that otherwise would not be able to have kids.  I was kind of "iffy" on this at first, but after talking to a few friends and to the doctor, it is something I am considering.  Not only does it reduce the cost of IVF by 2/3 of the price (which is not the real issue here), but it also helps others that can't have kids without donor eggs.  Keep in mind, it would just be EGGS we share, not actually EMBRYOS.  Anyway,  the doctor said that "4" seems to be the magic number in developing eggs into embryos, so now I am not a firm believer in keeping all "x" amount of eggs that I have (whether it be 12, 25, or 40).  

I have to have a hysterosalpingogram (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysterosalpingograph) before we actually start the IVF process.  Dr Inge said he will prescribe a pain pill and some Valium to use before the procedure, as it can be quite uncomfortable for some. 

Dr Inge also told me I was the perfect candidate for IVF, due to my young age and lack of OBGYN problems.  We really only have to do this due to the Cystic Fibrosis side of infertility -- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cystic_fibrosis

So, anyway, now comes the time of fundraising and getting money for this whole process, since our insurance DOES NOT cover it.  We are currently working on a cookbook, yard sales, and coupon classes (because I LOOOOVE to coupon and wanna share my wealth of knowledge!!) .   If you would like to donate to our cause or help out in any way, please feel free to contact me! We would love all the help we can get to get some Lil Jenkins running around here! :)

Other than that, I also had to go to the walk-in clinic today b/c I had a fever at the OBGYN and was feeling kinda "icky" in the sinus area, anyway.   It appears that I have a sinus infection.  My strep test was negative (Thank you, Lord!).  So, please pray for me and for my healing, as we go on vacation this upcoming Saturday, and I want to be  able to relax and enjoy our time off and away from the daily routine here.  

Thanks for tuning in to our lives today!  Until later!
Love, Emily (and JD)  :)