Valley Hem Geh

Valley hem what?

Valley hem geh means 'let's go home' in the Amish language. My dad always said this growing up as he was raised Amish, and it was a one of the few phrases that have stuck which I still know. Besides shany bay, which means nice legs. I don't know how I know that one. Pop didn't teach me that for sure.

That aside, it's time for us to go home. We leave on Saturday. Just a few more nights in Dom. Nights serenaded to sleep by crickets and bats and awakening to birds, roosters, cows and goats.

Just a few more days of sweltering humidity, multitudes of Chinese take out options, walking everywhere and a simpler life.

Just a few more days of untouched beauty, the smell of salt in the air, and new experiences every day - including mushrooms that grow in the shower.

This was a whole new experience. Can't say I've heard of this happening, but it's been so windy the past few days, and we keep the window open in our bathroom, so this little guy must have blown in at just the right time. I noticed a small black dot in the morning, and it was this size by afternoon. Hilarious. Nothing a little lysol can't handle. Dominica will never cease to surprise me.

Randomness aside, a few things will always remind me Dominica - the smell of coconuts, rainbows, and weed whackers. Along with Chinese food oddly enough.

We've ended our time here with a fantastic BBQ provided by our landlords - delicious. The staff here at Fletcher's has been nothing short of wonderful. I'm sure our experience here would have been much different if it wasn't for them and this beautiful apartment, which is in my opinion, the best place to live in Picard. They have definitely made us feel like family, and I will miss this place very much for that.

I'm sure it's going to be an emotional next few days. Matt is preparing for his Comp Exam by studying hours on end. He's ready for travel just to provide a break I'm sure. As ready as we are to go home, we've had a big part of our lives here in Dominica. We've changed and grown so much, so it will certainly be an emotional exit.

We still do have our calendars full for when we're back home. I've also started a grocery list. I just couldn't help myself. And yes, it consists of ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. Pregnant much?

I also plan on splurging on fancy shampoo, a fresh hair cut appointment is made and getting a new stock of make up from my favorite Mary Kay lady. Maybe I'll start to feel human again. Matt's request? A desk chair. He'll be spending quality time with that getting ready for Step 1.

We'll also be seeing our OB when we're back just to have another look at Baby Wells and make sure everything is up to par. We did our 20 week ultrasound here, and we know if it's bows or bow ties as they say. That surprise is coming!

We wanted to share this exciting news in person with our families, even though it's been so hard to keep it a secret. Our plan is to wear pink or blue shirts home on the plane to Chicago. Our parents are picking us up, and they are going to wear pink or blue, depending on what they think the baby is. So get ready O'Hare baggage claim; you've got an extra special gender reveal/reunion coming your way.

The important thing to know for now is that Baby Wells is healthy. Everything looked great on the ultrasound, and the kicks I'm feeling are proof he/she is active and well.

The other items on our agenda are Target (duh), seeing the rest of our family, and watching my favorite little guy make his t-ball debut. I'll also be heading to Indy a couple times to visit the office, have a UIndy PR reunion and I'll get to be there for the wedding of a dear, dear friend. So happy for this timing! And Matt, well he'll be getting cozy with that desk chair studying for Step.

We also have plans for a big family lunch at my grandparents. The menu? We asked for steak, mashed potatoes, garden salad, grape salad and rhubarb custard pie. Oh America, you're so delicious.

So I just ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers through the weekend. It will be emotionally and physically straining on us both as we finish packing, Matt takes Comp, and we make our journey home.

Christmas Break

Yes, believe it or not, I am still blogging. It's been a pitiful month of no posts, but I'm still here. I do have a pretty good excuse. I was home. In America. With family and friends. Blogging became my last priority. You can't blame a girl.

So instead of following up on the million things we've done in past month, I'll share a few highlights. Tomorrow morning, it's back to Dom.

Tons of family time
Perhaps the best part of being home. Family time. Woo. We made it back in time to get snowed in. Sheila and Landon came over and we hunkered down for snowstorm 1 of 15 while we were home. Playing games, relaxing and catching up. The perfect first weekend home. And then of course there were Christmas's galore. So blessed to be able to be home for the holidays.

Office Time
I headed back to the Indy office for a few days. It's always so wonderful seeing everyone again and so refreshing to back. Unfortunately, time is never long enough.

Catching Up with Indy Friends
In our short time in Indy, we still had some time to catch up with our dear friends we haven't seen in so long. Special thanks to all who were able to make it out. There's something so centering about being surrounded by the people who know you best. Matt and I both needed it.

Pomeroy/Dempsey Wedding
Matt and I traveled 2,000 miles to come home to keep traveling across the states. But what better reason to travel than to see our dear friends tie the knot! Congrats to Bryan and Tabby! It was so wonderful to be there and be a part of your day. And it was so wonderful to be reuinted with our island family. It's just good for your soul to be with 'your people' again. Plus, it was just fun to be together in America!

SNOW

Yes. We got snow. And cold weather. It was fantastic. The snow was so debilitating that I wasn't able to go to Target for the first three weeks we were home. Yes, I'm just as shocked as you are. But we loved every minute of it. Even when it got to -40 degrees. There's something about not sweating that is just awesome.

So in recap, our trip home was nothing short of amazing. It was just what we wanted it to be. Now, we have a flight to San Juan then an overnight there. We should be in Dominica on Friday. It's funny to think that last year at this time we had just arrived in Dom. Now, a year later, we are heading back to the island for our last trip. It doesn't seem possible that it has gone this fast!

By the Numbers

37 days until we are home for Christmas.

27 days that we will be home.

143 more days in Dominica.

I am so ready to go home for Christmas. There comes a time in the semester where you just get this need to go shopping, eat some delicious food, and just be home. This urge came quite a bit earlier this semester, so I've been struggling these past few days.

It doesn't help that I've been prepping for home by buying some new winter clothes for us. I literally don't know where my pants are at home. I know where the sweaters are - the back corner, bottom box of storage. So, you can bet we won't be digging for those. Instead, we just ordered a few new basics to enjoy while we're home. Plus, I feel a little deprived of not getting to go winter boot shopping and get a warm, fuzzy sweater.

I can't wait to be cold. I want to shiver. I want to get rid of these mysterious hives that grace my body when I'm here. I want to have the familiar smell of home. I want to bake Christmas goodies in an oven that likes baking as much as I do. I am so excited to spoil Landon and love on him.

I want to sleep in and not worry about the cost of keeping my AC on to do so. I want to see snow on the trees. Enjoy book-free time with my husband. I can't wait to go into the office again and see my co-workers. I want to share laughs with all of my friends - in person. And I absolutely cannot wait to meet this beautiful little bundle, Dorothy, who was recently welcomed into the Cotten household.

Oh, and I also really want a Starbucks peppermint mocha.

And then, it's back to Dom for our final semester at Ross on the rock. Considering all goes as planned, we will be done with our time here April 25. We can leave the island April 26. Then it's back to the States. Where exactly? That part we don't know, yet.

It's hard to believe this time last year we were wrapping up our time in the Bahamas. Dominica was the scary unknown, but now it's a place that we will hold dearly in our hearts.

But, nothing will compare to being at home for holidays, sitting in the light of the Christmas tree with family and enjoying the peace of the holiday season.

For now, we have our Charlie Brown Christmas tree that will have to suffice. We'll have plenty of those photos to come.

Until then, it's the holiday season Dominican style.

Saying Goodbye

I've been putting off this post for some time now. Writing, deleting and rewriting. Nothing I put together really seems to suffice or accurately depict what I'm feeling.

We had to make the heart-wrenching decision to put Emmy down.

I'll tell you now, if you're not a dog person, or ever had a pet that you consider your own, then you surely won't understand where I'm coming from.

Just over a year ago, Emmy was diagnosed with cancer. It was after we had left for the Bahamas, and I had traveled home for a work event. During that time, I took her to the vet as her leg had swollen. It turns out it was cancer, and she was given roughly six months. We were crushed.

But as the months passed, Emmy stayed strong. She had a rough day here or there, but we could hardly tell a difference when we were home for Christmas. We loved on her like crazy when we were home for those short six weeks - savoring every evening snuggle, every walk, every stuffed animal she tore apart.

Saying goodbye was beyond hard. I had gone through the same thing when I left her in August, but had to dredge up the strength to say goodbye again.

The six month mark came in February. Her leg had increased in swelling, but she showed no significant signs of slowing down. There came a time in March where she strained her leg, and we thought that would be it. But sure enough, Emmy bounced back again.

We came home in April over break. Again, we loved on her, and cherished the time we had with her. It came time to say goodbye, and I know we both hugged her a little tighter that last night we were home. Saying goodbye all over again. It didn't get easier as we didn't know if we would see her again.

And then I came home again in September. Emmy had been having a rough few days and was put on some different medications, but she still seemed to bounce back. She couldn't handle the long walks anymore, so Matt's parents would take her on car rides instead. She was certainly spoiled!

The cancer had started to spread to her lymph nodes. But her appetite and personality didn't really suffer. I didn't pick her up until my last week at home as I was traveling back and forth between Indy.

I picked her up on Saturday. She ran out of the house and straight to me. She rolled onto her back and had me rub her belly. It was the same routine we shared for years when I would come home to her. 

Saturday passed and Sunday passed. We took it easy, but we were both just comfortable being together again.

Then Monday morning came. 

The tumor on her leg had turned bright red and started bleeding. She was panting heavily. I could tell she was uncomfortable, in pain. Then she looked at me with those pleading eyes. If you knew Emmy, you know she could tell you exactly what she was thinking with her eyes. She was ready to go. And it completely broke my heart. 

And so the conversations began. Not only was it the hardest decision to make, but Matt was over 2,000 miles away. We had the conversation before, that we never wanted Emmy to suffer, to be in pain at all. That we would need to make the decision for her, not out of selfishness for us wanting to keep her here.

It had come to that point. She wasn't our fun-loving, sweet, sweet girl anymore. She was in hurting. 

Emmy wouldn't let me get near her bleeding tumor, so the only thing I could do to try and make her comfortable is to lay towels down for her to lay on. That night, I 'slept' at the wrong end of the bed, so I could be close to her, and make sure she was ok throughout the night. She slept more than I did as I savored the sweet sound of Emmy snores.

The next day came, and I was dreading what was going to come next. Emmy wouldn't leave too far from my side, giving me those pleading looks all morning. 

I tried to get some good pictures with her, but she has the uncanny ability to avoid the camera. So this is all I got at first.

And then I resorted to bribery. Her favorite treats worked wonders into fooling her into looking at the camera.

Then it was time. Matt's dad went with Emmy and me.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to stay with her the whole time. But when it came down to it, I couldn't walk out of that room when she needed me the most.

We said goodbye to Emmy that day. I held her and comforted her. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. 

Now we have a small crack in our hearts. I never considered Emmy just a pet. She was our family. She was a vital part of our day to day plans, our holidays and our every thought. 

One of my favorite Emmy stories is when Matt lived near campus. It was a house full of boys, so you can only imagine the overall cleanliness - or lack thereof. And of course, there were mice. Well one of them died in Matt's room and you can only imagine that smell. Then one day, Matt came home and walked into his room, and Emmy was sitting there wagging her tail with this mouse corpse laying in the middle of the floor. She presented it to Matt, and was so proud of her gift to him. Matt on the other hand wasn't quite as pleased.

She always knew when we were getting ready to leave. She even planted herself inside Matt's suitcase when he was packing for a trip. But when we would come back, we would most definitely get the cold shoulder. She'd sit near us, but with her back to us saying, "I'm glad you're back, but I don't want you to know that." 

And then of course all the times that I was sick or just had a bad day, Emmy was there to just lay her head on my lap just to let me know she was there, too. The time that I broke my ankle and foot, Emmy didn't leave my side for weeks. She hurt for me, too.

There are times when I wake up and still feel for her at my feet. I long to feel her face rub up against mine, and for her to jump up and just snuggle next to me for the evening. 

Matt and I are so grateful for the wonderful care she was given by our families and vet while we were gone. I know that is how she survived as long as she did.

I also like to think Emmy was waiting for me to say goodbye. She wanted my blessing to go, and wanted me to be there for her. This alone breaks my heart even more.

I was glad I could be there for her, but it was incredibly hard.

There was so much you can learn from a dog. The unconditional love they demonstrate is something to be admired. So for now, we are taking the lessons that Emmy taught us and enjoying the memories of the laughs she gave us.

We finally realize that she adopted us long before we fully adopted her.

Surprise! Part 2

There were so many wonderful things about my surprise trip home. I don't even know where to begin. I thought it may be easiest to make a list. So bare with me. Here's my top 20.

1. Without question. Quality time with family and friends. Goodness. Just what my heart needed.

2. Carpet. the feeling of soft carpeting between your toes. Didn't think I would have missed that.

3. Having internet access without wifi. Who knew?

4. Hearing my phone ring.

5. The food. Oh America. You have wonderful food. Cinnamon rolls, red meat, ft. dt. coke.

6. So many options at the grocery. I had a minor panic attack the first time I went grocery shopping with my mom. After filling the cart, I started panicking on how we were going to get all the groceries home. You see, in America, you take your car to the grocery. Convenient.

7. Driving. Oh how nice it was to get in my car and go when I wanted to. I only drove on the wrong side of the road once. I guess that's a success.

8. Watching my nephew's soccer game. He is getting too old. Too fast. Future soccer star right here folks.

9. The hilarious things my nephew says. Brace yourself for belly laughs.

      I know my licious, but I'm just not hungry. (He always says, 
      this is delicious. And I know my licious.)
      Singing at the top of his lungs while going #2.
      Mimi. We need to have a conversation.
      Seriously, Mimi. I'm serious.
      Well, you're just going to have to be brave. (When telling me 
      I need to get a video of a snake. Child please!)
      But I'm a good guy.
      (In a super whiny voice.) Mommy, can we get a pumpkin
      and make me a pumpkin pie??
      Look at how cute you are.
      Does Uncle Matt's doctor school teach him how to give stickers?
      I'm not cute. I'm cool.
      When I grow up, I want to be a fighterfire and a doctor like Uncle
      Matt. Then I can help him with his doctor stuff and make
      people feel better.

That face says it all.

10. Starbucks. Fall drinks came out the week I got home. Coincidence? Maybe. But those Salted Caramel Hot Chocolates were fantastic.

11. Target. Oh sweet Target. I may have gone a little overboard here. Just a little.

12. Washing my clothes not in the sink. 

13. I even got flowers delivered to the office the week I was in Indy. What a sweet husband!

14. Not being afraid that every small thing you see moving out of the corner of my eye was some sort of giant bug getting ready to attack me.

15. Let's not forget air conditioning. Glorious air conditioning.

16. The wonderful fall weather Indiana was starting to get. I got to wear a coat! I loved every shiver.

17. Seeing my dear friends Erin, Lynne and Katie. 

18. Being in the office with my wonderful co-workers. We really are a smart bunch. It's always refreshing to go in and reconnect with everyone. 

19. And another one about my nephew because he's clearly the cutest kid in the world. He showed me how he can ride bike without training wheels. And introduced me to his cat Jill. Who should technically be a Jack. But that's ok.

20. And of course, seeing my sweet, sweet Emmy. But that's for another post....

It was just so good to be home. My mom actually broke her arm the week before I came, so it was good to be there to help her around the house and such. I'll spare you the awful picture of her blackened arm. And I say blackened, because bruised isn't the right descriptor. 

Funny side note. Mom fell when she was moving Landon's bike in the garage. The handlebars were loose, and it slipped out from under her and she fell. Landon was the one there with her. But if you ask Landon what happened, he'll tell you that Grandma was actually doing wheelies on the bike and that's how she broke it. Love that kid.

There were many meals shared, laughs, shopping trips and more that made this trip so wonderful. To be home again made me feel so much more refreshed heading back to Dominica. Plus, we only have 2.5 months till we head back for Christmas break. Then we are lucky enough to have an entire month at home. The both of us.

Of course, being apart from Matt was the downside. But thank goodness for technology, we kept in very close touch. And, he still had clean clothes and food in the house when I got back! I call that a success. Since it was the beginning of the semester, he didn't have any tests or a major events while I was away. It couldn't have worked out better.

And, to be fair, there were things I missed about Dominica while I was home. Dominica has taught us to live a simple life, to find joy in our surroundings, and to slow down a bit. With that being said, I did get many awkward glances when I would try to start up a conversation with those around me, and greet people before I ordered lunch or something along those lines. I also was getting frustrated by the fact that everywhere you go, people are on their phones, focusing on the phone more than who or what is around physically instead of virtually. I know I was the same way before we came, but it was a good reminder that technology has its place.

I flew back to Dominica on Sept. 21. Five airports later, I arrived only about 30 minute late. It was a Liat miracle. 

And now, here I am back again and into our routine. It's so good to be back with my husband, but being home that made me long for the time when we can be near our family and friends once again. We're now at our half way mark in Dominica. So we are just going to focus on enjoying our time here as it will come to an end so very quickly.