Mid-Summer Catch Up

I guess we've been busy??

I have finished my OB/GYN rotation, taken and passed the exam, and moved on to Internal Medicine. My schedule has lightened up a bit...actually, a lot. I am finding time to sleep a bit more and speed-train for this Sunday's half marathon...hopefully, I'll have one of those rare days on which I feel like I could run forever.

John has begun his job at North Park University. Oh, yeah...WE MOVED! We now live on North Park's campus in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. So far we love it! The neighborhood is quite diverse, complete with tons of Mexican restaurants and Lebanese markets. John's RD training is going well...he is learning the ropes of NPU and preparing for the students to arrive in a couple of weeks.

A few pics from some summer events:
Aaron and Jody's wedding




Swell Season concert at Ravinia




A visit from Shane, Jillian, and Simon



Beach Day





That's all for now! Hopefully I'll post again before another month flies by!

with love,
LJB

Chronic fatigue

I am the most tired I have ever been. Tomorrow [or, today, I suppose] will be my first day off of work since I started my rotation two weeks ago. It has been a loooong run and I am so ready for this mini-break of one lovely Sunday. I hope it's the longest day of my life.

I delivered a baby last Sunday at Roseland Hospital, which is where my dad was born 51 years ago. It was amazing.

John's been gone pretty much all week...first, a bike trip in MI, then a mini-hiking trip for Aaron's wedding celebration.

One week til Aaron and Jody's wedding...so excited!

First Day

Well, one day of OB/GYN down! It went well and I think I will learn a whole ton in the next six weeks. The doctor I'm working with is very kind and patient, so I'm really thankful for that!

Jumping in full-swing tomorrow: 36 hours straight of surgeries and clinic...God, give me strength...and keep me awake!

Goodnight.
LJ

Everything and Anything

Ah, it has been a restful two weeks! Since finishing school, we have taken a mini-vacation and had some much-needed R&R at home. Here are some pics from our vacation in Wisconsin.

Wollersheim Winery, Prarie du Sac, WI



Downtown MADISON, WI




Frank Lloyd Wright's TALIESIN



Frank's Burial Site


A Hike and a Swim at Devil's Lake State Park


Walking Iron B&B, Mazomanie, WI (where we stayed)


THE JELLY BELLY FACTORY



Well, the last few days of vacation are fleeting quickly. I start my Women's Health rotation this Monday. YIKES!

LJB

News on the homefront...

We have had yet another eventful week!

John has accepted a Resident Director position at North Park University!! So, we will be moving just 5 miles south of where we live now into the residence hall on July 1st. It is a bit of a difficult time for a transition, but we are very excited about it. Unfortunately, we have to leave Evanston and our dear landlords.

Jessica is now a graduate of Columbia College!! After the ceremony we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Bandera on Michigan Ave. [Sans Jody] CONGRATS, JESS!



And I am 5 exams away from finishing school! It's going to be a long 3 days...

love from the windy city.
LJ

A Few Photos

WHITE COAT CEREMONY




GOOSE ISLAND FOR MOTHER'S DAY AND AARON'S B-DAY

Where did April go??

Somehow the whole month of April has escaped! We've had an eventful week, so here's a bit of a recap:

TUESDAY: White Coat Ceremony!! I have been coated and I am ready for clinical rotations!
WEDNESDAY: Aaron, my bro, turned 21...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AARON!
THURSDAY: Jessica's Pugialis Art Show! Her work is stunning and the gallery looked beautiful!

TODAY: Dinner at Claim Jumper with Megan and Jacob Bremer...can't wait to see you guys!
TOMORROW: Tour of Goose Island Brewery to celebrate Aaron and dinner with the family for Mom's Day!

So, we're keeping busy. And I now find myself two weeks away from finishing the first year of PA school!!! Only 4 exams left...

Similarly, John is wrapping up his semester by writing like a crazy man. We're both very ready for a break.

Mom and Dad B. are currently in Israel, so we are praying for their safety and that they are having a wonderful trip.

That's all for now from the Baldauffs. I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday!

LJ