I wish you could have been there. The new Cruise Director Jen was there………so was Heidi and the thingy………and about 200 guests. It happened just now and I ran ………….. OK, walked fast……..straight from my Q&A, after my travel talk for Athens and Naples ……………to the cabin so I can report word for word what happened. Remember all the Q&As are done with the guests asking the questions over the microphone.
Here we go.
JOHN NEXT QUESTION…………YES……..LADY OVER HERE
LADY AFTER THE CRUISE, MY GROUP AND I ARE TAKING A 15-DAY BUS TOUR ACROSS ITALY AND I AM VERY ANGRY THAT YOU HAVE THE SAME TOURS IN NAPLES THAT WE ARE GOING TO SEE ON THE BUS
JOHN SORRY, I DON’T QUITE UNDERSTAND
LADY I AM DOING A BUS TOUR AND WHEN WE COME TO NAPLES WE ARE GOING TO POMPEII AND CAPRI AND SORRENTO BUT YOU HAVE THE SAME TOURS SO THERE IS NOTHING FOR US TO DO…………WHY?
AUDIENCE (SNIGGER AND LAUGH)
JOHN WELL M’AM, I AM NOT SURE WE CAN BE BLAMED FOR NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE DOING AFTER THE CRUISE AND, OF COURSE, WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THE 3,000 OTHER GUESTS WHO WANT TO SEE THESE PLACES. MAYBE YOU CAN CALL THE BUS COMPANY YOU ARE USING AND CHANGE THE ITINEARYLADY YOU PAY
JOHN PARDON ME
LADY YOU PAY
JOHN UMMM…….IF IT’S $10 OR UNDER, YES I PAY
LADY – (STANDING NOW) I MAKE COMPLAINT TO CARNIVAL. THIS IS VERY BAD AND YOU ARE NOT HELPING ME
JOHN MY APOLOGIES, I WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO
LADY I GO AND MAKE COMPLAINT NOW
And with that, she stood and walked out and 20 or so of her group followed on behind. I was speechless and just had to laugh……….not a fake or nervous laugh but a real belly laugh………………….and, as I laughed, I noticed 200 or so people were laughing as well.
I know I shouldn’t but honestly…………this lady thought that I should have known that after the cruise she and her minions would be touring across Italy in a bus and, therefore, I should have come up with somewhere they could visit apart from Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri……………..how about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?……….the Statue Of Liberty?……… the shed in my Dad’s back garden?………………………..good grief.
And she did make a complaint at the information desk. I will have to call her later today and apologize that my ESPN abilities are not what that they used to be and maybe I will tell her that I am having the Eiffel Tower shipped to Naples.
Good morning from a beautiful sunny and breezy day at sea. This morning at 8:30 am we sailed through the Dardanelles which is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The Gallipoli Campaign took place at Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey from 25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916, during the First World War.
A joint British Empire and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (now Istanbul), and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides, especially with the loss of many Australian and New Zealand men serving in the operation. Anzac Day (25 April) remains the most significant commemoration of military casualties and for veterans in Australia and New Zealand. It surpasses Armistice Day/Remembrance Day.
So, yesterday, I was contacted by a group of Australian guests who asked that when we pass the war memorial set on the hillside could I make an announcement………………and, of course, I did. We have many Australians and a few from New Zealand onboard and I am sure it was a special moment when we sailed past the memorial.
So, I have to admit and I think for the first time on this blog thingy that so far…………..this has been a difficult cruise. I always promised to tell you when we do things right and, of course, when things don’t go so well……….I hope that is one of the reasons you keep reading.
Well, this voyage I don’t think we have done anything wrong — and I certainly have done my best to make everyone laugh and have a good time…………..but……….it just doesn’t feel right. I think this may just be me………or…………it could be that 800 of the guests onboard are of one particular ethnic group who really have little regard for the shows and activities and tend to entertain themselves. I guess what I am saying here is that I just don’t think this group has gelled……….and that’s my fault. Individually, I know everyone has had a great time………..it’s just as a group…………they seem a little strained.
However, if you read letters like this it shows I am talking bollocks.
I loved the poem, especially the last line. Then there was the one about the bathrobe …………. one I know is dear to Big Ed’s heart and his thingy. Yes……..I failed there as well. I tried to get the bathrobes increased in size but so far bugger all has happened. I am now supercharged to get this done and contacted the person in charge of this part of our operations, Vice President Ian Smith, who I know will get this done.
Then there was the letter from the US Army Helicopter Pilot who has just returned from active service in Iraq. I met him earlier today and we chatted for some time, I found his stories fascinating and, once again, I was proud that he had chosen our ship to rejuvenate and re-connect with his wife. I hope he likes the bottle of wine I sent him tonight.
Let’s have a look at some photos. Today, we go to Istanbul.
Before entering the Blue Mosque, worshippers are asked to wash their feet
The Blue Mosque in the background, with the fountains and the gardens of St. Sophia in the foreground
They sell roasted chestnuts at these sidewalk vendors EVERYWHERE in Istanbul!
St. Sophia
nside St. Sophia, huge wooden discs surround the ceiling and represent passages from the Koran. The big “W” shape on this one means “Allah”
Entering Topkali Palace, with the Istanbul flag waving valiantly in the wind
Here is Jaime and I as we sit overlooking the Bosphorous River, with ASIA behind us. WOW!
Here I am in the Grand Bazaar, trying on a belly dancing outfit. I started dancing and a Turkish shopkeeper started to play the drums. Soon a whole crowd gathered!
And here are three new photos of the Carnival Dream. These were sent to me by Placido Libro, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newbuildings deck & safety superintendent. As you can see, the fins have now been placed onto the smoke stack and the forward mast is now in place. Thanks Placido……these are just wonderful
I hosted the Marriage show today and the shows tonight and I have lots of great stories to tell you sometime. But……….if it’s OK with you……..I want to write about what’s on my mind. I hope that’s OK…………..I guess I just feel need to share the last year or so with you and how hard it has been………of course ……….I am talking about our efforts to make a thingy. This may contain far too much information………so let me apologize in advance and also thank you for letting me take a break and talk about Heidi and I for a bit.
We had been trying for a long time ……..having rumpy pumpy every single night ……………… well……………OK……………every other Thursday.
Months went by and Heidi, who has always tended to lean toward the anxious side, bought a book called Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
The book explained that a woman doesn’t necessarily ovulate on the 14th day of her cycle – it might be the 12th – or the 20th — or it just could be that she has married someone who isn’t capable of making a cupcake, let alone a baby.
So, she began to Take Charge. Each and every morning she popped a thermometer into her, plotted her temperature on a graph, pored over the results as if they were the directions to where the Holy Grail was buried. Had the temperature gone up? Had the temperature gone down? Had it stayed up for three days, indicating she had ovulated and the procreative window had slammed shut? If it had, Thursday or no Thursday I was getting bugger all rumpy pumpy.
Then Heidi made me give up drinking coffee (massive doses impair fertility, she said) so not only was I getting no rumpy pumpy but no coffee either…..I was one big grumpy old sod.
Then her temperature was right and the stick was smiling………..and I was ordered to the bedroom………….it was 1 pm……………lunch time.
“You’re turning this into a military maneuver,” I said
“I’m 34 years old,” she said, without looking up. “We can be romantic the rest of the month.”
In truth there were days I wanted a baby and there was the odd one when I didn’t. This usually occurred after an evening with my beautiful five-year-old niece, who commanded me to sip from a play teacup, pretend the liquid had burnt me, and shriek, “Oh no!” until I thought I’d pass out from the tedium.
Or the hours I would spend in the freezing cold, with my incomparable nephew pretending he was driving and I was outside, serving from the McDonald’s drive through…………..the words “can we do it again?” still ringing in my ears as my McThingy disappeared in the freezing temperatures.
But, despite this I always came away from spending time with other people’s kids thinking that I could be a great Dad. I also came away noticing the sadness in Heidi’s eyes.
Then things got stupid. I wasn’t allowed to wear briefs and my old Y fronted tidy whities were replaced by free and easy boxers. I was told I could no longer have hot baths. I remember one conversation.
“You’re trying to control me!” I yelled.
“I am not!” said Heidi
“You’re not meant to heat up your Albert Halls” (rhyming slang). “Hot baths kill sperm for three months.”
“Men in Japan take hot baths every day. If that were true, there’d be no Japanese children. Now you’re looking at me as though I’m killing our chance to have a baby.”
And that was me out of the bath and into the doghouse.
About six months ago we started talking about adoption and last December made an appointment to see an adoption agency in the UK that specializes in finding children from Africa a home. We had seen the terrible suffering that these children face and thought maybe………..that was our calling.
Some people get all dewy-eyed about Africa. That’s jolly noble, but I don’t see the point because I fear that no matter how much money the countries of the world give to help the people, the gold- and diamond-festooned pigs that run the place will pump it straight back out again, into the pockets of Mr. Kalashnikov and Mercedes-Benz.
The only thing I’d send to the Dark Continent is a team of Delta Force to see Mr. Mugabe and his counterparts in Darfur and give them a double tap from a silenced 9mm Glock.
And, of course, the children of countries like Darfur and Cambodia are the ones that suffer and all Heidi and I wanted to do was maybe give one a better life………in fact …………..we still do. I just read a report that Cambodia which is a country of 14 million people………… but between them they have only about 5 million legs. In fact, there are 25,000 amputees, the highest ratio per capita of any country in the world …………….. because of the landmines, of course.
We arrived at the office to be greeted by a 17-year-old-girl who had gotten into a fight with a stapler and a nail gun. She had more metal in her face than R2D2.
She told us that there was a whole vetting procedure that could take up to two years and that at the end we were not assured of being able to find a child to adopt. …………… why …………..had Madonna and Angelina taken them all? I really didn’t understand. Here we were, two loving people with good hearts and sound minds wanting to take a kid home………….a kid who had been unwanted by their biological parents or whose Mum and Dad had been killed in one of the many forgotten wars that have become commonplace in Africa………………two years on a waiting list. ………………..why?
We left and once again I saw the sadness in Heidi’s eyes.
The descent into the world of infertility is incremental. Those early steps seem innocuous; you don’t notice your motivation distorting, how conception rather than parenthood becomes the goal.
Was it the fact that I was diabetic?…………Well, I should find out. ……………….I won’t go into detail as to how I found out that it wasn’t anything to do with me and my diabetes ………….but let’s just say thanks to the experts at my local hospital and a special thank you to Easy Elsie who was on page 28 of “Big Jugs” magazine.
Then, we spoke about artificial thingy and read up on all the different methods. This included the possibility of Heidi injecting herself with the purified urine of postmenopausal nuns – that’s what the drug prescribed was originally made of. Why nuns? Well, I guess the answer is something to do with the fact that they are ….. ummmmm….nuns……We get pregnant — they get money for a new stained-glass window. Everyone wins.
However, just as we were seriously discussing a visit to see Sister Mary………Heidi got pregnant.
And so, those days of the sadness in her eyes are over and, as she finishes the last few days of her 11-year service with Carnival, she does so with happiness in her blue eyes and a thingy in her tummy.
Me…………..well………….I look forward to either sipping at pretend tea from my daughter’s cup or playing McDonald’s drive through with my son. …………….It was a tough couple of years……………rumpy pumpy on command…………..tears …………..and months of frustration. But I have no regrets…………….well………….maybe one……………..I wish they had let me keep the magazine……………I miss Easy Elsie.
Thanks for listening
Your Friends
John and Heidi and of course……..the thingy
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
john,
I’m glad to hear you had a good laugh at that brain dead woman’s expense! It’s amazing to me how many people are just completely self-centered and clueless about the world around them! But apparently the world revolves around them. Wow it’s aggravating!
Jeff
Hi John and Heidi, Once again you left me with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. The two of you are going to be wonderful parents. We are thrilled and excited that you are taking us along for the ride. You are Carnival to us. We have gone on some cruises just to be entertained by you. This November we are sailing on the
Splendor again. We will miss you but we also look forward to hearing about your new adventures.
Jo and Dave
John You never fail to make me smile,I love your stories,you are the best at what you do….I mean being a Cruise Director,not making thingys
,I am so happy for you both,Ive never met Heidi but through your writing I feel that I know her,I do have a friend that is from Holland she is shy,and a hard worker but when a little provoked shes a firecracker 
,Take care XOXO
Sandra…the French Canadaian
Dear John and Heidi, I’m glad you felt comfortable sharing all of that with us….I feared you were getting frustrated after all the time that was passing and there was no news of pregnancy. I’m just so happy that you were able to get that look out of Heidi’s eyes and I’m certain that both of you will be WONDERFUL parents. And yes, remember that you can draw the line with the little darlings. I absolutely refused to play Barbie with my daughters (fortunately, my husband didn’t mind occasionally!), but I could stand for 1 1/2 hours watching my first born at 2 put rocks down the street drain and listen to the plunking in the water. I’m almost positive it’s why he’s so keen on physics now! Anyway, all 3 kids seem to be turning out fine even though there are some activities I wouldn’t play! I’m sure Heidi is looking forward to being on land, but of course will miss being on board after so many years at sea! Big changes in all your lives…just remember to concentrate on the humor in the situation and all will be well! Gloria
Dear John and Heidi,
Just over a year ago Dan, Jeff, Jason and I went to St. Peter’s and prayed for you to be blessed with a child. ( lots of other prayers that day too) We never know how or when prayers are answered. (Jeff has been given a clean bill of health for now, no medications.)
Undoubtedly you have thousands praying for you.
I imagine you soon reading your child an Enid Blyton book from “The Famous Five” series. Maybe your favorite book, the War Cry? And I can picture Heidi scolding “pick up your underwear from the bathroom floor!”
Continued blessings, my friend.
Yours,
Kap
John and Heidi,
You two will be great parents…It was cool that you considered adoption too…but however you arrived at parenthood..I know you both will do great. We were very thankful for Catelyn and saw how you showed her much love on our Freedom Cruise in Jan this year. Congratulations !!
Mark Amanda and Catelyn
Well John, All I can say is this has got to be one of your best blogs my friend. That is what I love about you most, how compassionate you are, and how truthful you are, and how OPEN you are with your life, and your thoughts. You and Heidi were meant to be, you are a wonderful couple! I think Heidi got pregnant because you both resigned yourselves to the fact that you might NOT get pregnant, and you relaxed more, and gave up on the idea. I had a cousin who adopted, and 3 months after she adopted she got pregnant! She had been trying for 5 years! But if you ever decide to adopt to add to your family that would be wonderful. There are so many children out there that need families, and you and Heidi will make wonderful parents. You will be leaving soon, I hope you will continue blogging. Also, I hope we get to hear from Heidi and how her pregnancy is going. Also, make sure and post an address we can send baby gifts to, and I hope you and Heidi will share with us the sex of the baby once she is able to have an ultrasound (you two do want to know don’t you)? My daughter in law is pregnant and doesn’t want to know so we have to wait till December when the baby is born. They have 2 sons, hoping for a girl this time, since we have a total of 4 grandsons and NO granddaughters yet! Only six weeks till our cruise on the Splendor. Where will you be Thanksgiving week? In Miami? Or in the U.K.? Or where? Empress Bee just got back from the Fantasy and said the ship was NOT ready to sail after it’s makeover, she said there were odors in the hallways, the wi-fi didn’t work, among other things, I am sure she will tell you about it. Hope it is all completed by the time of the bloggers 2nd cruise. Ciao, Linda & Mike
YES JOHN, as soon as I read the letter about the “one size fit all” robes I knew what I would be commenting on. You would think that Carnival with the new SPA suites on the Carnival Splendor they would have got the “THESE FIT THE REST” size robes. Remember way back when you where trying to get me to come to the first Bloggers Cruise, which was my idea in the first place, you said I would get a “THESE FIT THE REST” size robe in my cabin. Well it never showed up. So there I was with the right sleeve from one robe on my right arm and the left sleeve from the other robe on my left arm. Using both ties to make one big one to wrap around my two robe self made “THIS WILL HAVE TO DO” robe. Poor Pat then had no robe at all.
Well it might be to late to get Omar The Tent Maker to have one made for the 2009 Bloggers Cruise. So I have a DREAM. Maybe by the 2010 St. Valentines Day Bloggers Cruise on the CARNIVAL DREAM, (I like that idea) they will have them for all us larger cruisers. Just look around any ship or in your mirror and you will see a lot of cruisers that need them.
Your rumpy pumpy, thingy slapping, smiling stick story was just to much for me. I got to go find Pat.
BIG ED
Thanks for telling us all this but I think many of us knew that many of this things were happening. Many of us have gone through this. That’s why we were praying silently. That’s why I was crying when you made the announcement. We were very happy, everyone on this family. You are going to be great parents. Can’t wait to see this beautiful baby!!
ohhh BTW
We will continue with our prayers because this is just starting.
Were do you get this people????
Un abrazote para Heidi, John y la Cosita. (No It doesn’t sound right, no)
Thank you for today’s blog. In particular, thank you for the glimpse into what you and Heidi have endured over the last few years.
I, and I’m sure many other bloggers, have been praying for a child for you two since you first mentioned it.
Heidi and you will be brilliant parents, I have no doubt.
I insist that you stop the nonsense about you being responsible for 800 guests not wanting to work and play well with others. It’s their choice to participate or not. They have their cruise, it’s just not the same one everyone else is on.
Thanks again, John. Excellent blog…
Ciao…
Host Mach
Nobody, and I mean nobody can tell a story like you can. I have tears running down my face as I type this. I am so happy that Heidi’s tears have dried, but they will return when she either has a bad day or even a wonderful day LOL. Having a baby is such a wonderful thing and when it is wanted so much, it makes it even better.
You did not mention the pax that had become ill. I so hope you not mentioning it, means all is well, or that you just forgot. Oh and did the 50+ pax arrive back to the ship on time? Oh I hope not. And since today is a sea day, all the better. They are out of your hair for two days. Or was the woman asking the question one of “them”. And speaking of her, I honestly have no words. It truly makes you wonder how these people make it through the day.
The pictures were great, loved seeing Jaime and her friend, who of course I have forgotten her name.in.
Keep smiling John, this cruise is almost over and you can go on to something new. My best to Heidi.
Thank you John for the “getting pregnant” story which is so familiar to us as we lived through the same thing for several years. Our beautiful daughter has been the joy of our life as your much wanted baby will be to yours.
We heard from friends of our daughter yesterday who are cruising on an Italian ship and they said that they love waking up in a new port every morning but hate the rude and grumpy staff at reception etc. What a pity that they did not talk to us before they left New Zealand about the wonderfully cheerful, polite and obliging Carnival staff and how different and exciting that it is to cruise with Canival!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck to you and Heidi,
Rick and Joan
PLEASE REPLY
I have great difficulty having sympathy for a man whose beautiful wife forces him to have rumpy-pumpy on command and complains about it.
Face it, John – you are Wally Cox to Heidi’s Grace Kelly. How someone with your physique could attract someone of her beauty remains beyond comprehension.
Man up, gringo, and stop giving us loving (as in rumpy-pumpy active) husbands a bad name.
He whose child is 26 years old and still living at home (aka MTSFPBLFTTNSFCF)
Dear John,
We love your stories about the complaints some guests come to you with. Whenever we think we’ve heard it all, the next day’s blog brings one that tops the previous. You should write a book. About the robes, I can’t imagine ones any larger in the rooms. I’m nearly 5′ 8″ and I could fit 3 of me in those! Keep a few robes under an XXXL for me! We also want to congratulate you and Heidi! We know you will make great parents! Janet
John….the experience you’ve shared will, I’m sure, bring memories to many…including us. We tried for about 4 years once we decided we were ready to have a child. This was decades ago, and we went through the temperature-taking and “scheduled” rumpy-pumpy, too. It was when we decided not to think about it, that it happened, of course.
The thing you should know is, once it happens, you cannot count on it taking so long for the next one. Our 2nd son was born 16 months after our first son was born. Not planned, and because it had taken so long to conceive the first time, we sure didn’t expect it so quickly! So….be prepared!
Terri
John,
It’s very special of you to share those intimate thoughts and feelings with us. You almost even had me in tears with your obviously heartfelt words. And of course, we’re DELIGHTED for the two of you that now there’s a thingy growing in Heidi.
You should know, through it all (and all the trips to the doghouse) I have no doubt Heidi knows a really important thing…how deeply your love for her is.
I know this because you are such an ugly sod there’s no other reason for her to have stayed with you.
I should have mentioned the solution Mrs. Kuki and I found for this long ago. I hung her by her ankles from the ceiling and that made sure the little curly “thingys to be” were headed in the right direction. Felt a bit more like Cirque de Solieil than rumpy bumpy, but it worked.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Dear John, Heidi, and The Thingy…..
You bring light!
John & Susan from Frisco, Tx
Dear John,
Thanks for sharing your trials and your triumph with us today. The final result will be absolutely worth it all to both you and Heidi. And I agree…you will be wonderful parents. Did I understand correctly that you are still on the waiting list for an African child even though you are now expecting your “natural” thingy? I’ve never understood why it should take so long for adoption since there are so many children all around the world in dire need of parents. I guess it’s more of our governments in action everywhere. On the subject of babies and government, have you read this: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/11/debate-in-obamas-past/print/. Makes the blood run cold.
I’m also curious about the dog. Are you still adopting a German Shepard? And are you really thinking of moving to the USA?
As for the “lady” in your opening story today, do I detect a mild hint of Asian syntax via Canada?
Great pictures. All of them…from the tours to the Dream. Nice letters, too, but where’s the poem?
Hugs to Heidi and the Thingy.
Your Pal, Myra
Good evening my friends, John and Heidi and the future of the Healds. I want to congratulate Heidi for the years that she gave Carnival and all the people that she assisted with. It had to be tough to realize that her life on the sea was at an end. At the same time I bet she felt a breath of fresh air of now being a mother and being on land. Many of us who take a cruise enjoy our time on the ship but at the same time we end the cruise and prepare for the next. We don’t realize how tedious it probably is to change cruise upon cruise upon cruise. Thank you for all that you have done for everyone Heidi. And John, we do love you a lot. Ciao my friends.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Geez, John – You brought back all sorts of memories. We reached the point of taking temperatures and using the magic stick (I threw it across the bathroom at one point), then consulting the medical folks who wanted us to undergo all sorts of tests – after one of those tests, my doctor advised that “the time was just right” and I called my husband to come home from work and “get busy.” Not very romantic at all, but it worked.
I should mention that when I used the next “magic stick” – the one that says “pregnant/not pregnant” – husband was away on a business trip. I took the test at 6:30 in the morning, and when I called husband to tell him the test was positive he hung up the phone on me! He thought the call was his wake-up call….
By the way, husband still wears the boxers. He just likes them better!
Hi John,
You should have had your ESPN fine tuned before this lady and her minions got on board. Then you would have known what they were going to do when they got off the ship. Oh well…. I am sure they will enjoy all of it… even the second time around!
Again, congratulations on the new little thingy. I’m sure he or she is going to be beautiful and loved more than anyone could hope for. And you are going to truley enjoy playing Barbie or McDonalds drive through…. over and over again! If I could go back for one day with my kids and live it over again…. it would be hard to choose. They were all wonderful…. just watching them grow into the beautiful young adults that they are now. Every moment was precious and still is. And just wait…. Grandkids are even better yet! LOL
Hugs to you, Heidi and the little thingy!
Auntie Princess Barb
Hello John,
I guess you’re supposed to personally call every passenger to find out what their pre and post-cruise plans are so you don’t duplicate their excursions. Be real! All of the excursions are on the web or if there is someone who doesn’t use a computer they can still find out what the excursions are so they can plan accordingly. I still think some people are just too stupid to travel.
Thanks for the insight into your personal life. That’s one of the things that makes this blog so special.
Thanks Big Ed for helping in my mission to make the Valentine’s Day on the Dream cruise a Bloggers’ cruise.
Linda
Ken, lyla and I are all so happy for you and Heidi. Lyla’s adoption has been postponed yet again so we were so happy to get you and Heidi’s wonderful news. Please know that if the thingy ends up being a little girl that we have plenty of formal night dresses that Lyla will be more than happy to give her. We are thinking of taking another short cruise out of either Miami or Ft Lauderdale at the end of the month maybe we will see you although we will definitely miss Heidi. You can practice your baby toddler skills with Lyla either now or on the bloggers cruise. We wish you both the best although we know that you will both be excellent parents. Let us know where to send baby gifts.
Love Kim,Ken, and Lyla Baer
What a year for you and Heidi but in just less than the time you spent in this agony, you will deliver a beautiful baby to share tea with or play McDonald’s drive thru and it will all be worth it. My grandchildren were here today and the boy/girl twins love playing McDonalds and we were doing that today so I could identify.
There is always reflection when you are embarking on a new part of your lives but this is all good. I’m taking the grandkids on their first cruise–the twins are 5 and the oldest little girl is 7 and we will be on the Splendor over Thanksgiving. They have been asking to go since they were able to talk and knowing I was going without them. I was just thinking that the Heald baby will have a lot of cruises by the time birthday 5 arrives. The question is what will be his/her first Carnival cruise The Dream or Magic?
Sweet dreams to all 3 of you!
Daddy John, you did it again. The tears are running down my cheeks. You and Heidi are so much in love and will make wonderful parents. I imagine God had to make sure Heidi got pregnant because He got tired of hearing all of us bloggers praying for you to have a wee little one…….
And yes I’m praying and thanking Him for the future little wee one.
My brother and SIL tried for 11 years to get pregnant. Finally she had their son and yeap 11 months later the second son. So keep in mind that once the door is open it’s a lot easier to get pregnant the 2nd time.
Heidi is concerned about not working after working so many years. What she hasn’t realized, her work is just starting. A baby is a full time job, one that in the beginning takes almost 24 hours a day. I am so glad I got to meet Heidi on the BC. She is such a sweet person.
God takes care of us without us realizing it. He meant for you two meet, that’s why you were both in the restaurant that day.
Kuki, I wanted to suggest the same thing, it worked for me twice, but I was afraid it was wayyyyyyyyy too much info……….giggle
Big Ed, I like the sound of the BC3 on the Dream on Valentines day too…..
Countess Carolyn and Don, the quiet one of the 2 of us
John
Thanks to you and Heidi for sharing such a personal experience with all of us. Fortunately, I was one of those that no birth control could prevent pregnancies, however I do have lots of friends that have had difficulty. I know Heidi is saddened about leaving the cruise life, but she really does have the greatest life experiences ahead of her. She will have a never ending full time, but rewarding job. Each day will bring a new wonder for the both of you.
I am wishing the best for you, her and the new addition. I know you will be great parents and will have the little one cruising in no time.
Give my best to Heidi and I am looking forward to seeing you again in NOLA on the Blogger’s cruise.
Gloria aka Sue
John & Heidi,
Congratulations to the both of you! You will be fantastic parents and your child will be blessed! Looking forward to reading all about your up and coming adventures of parenthood!
God Bless You Both & Your Families
Kathy
Dear John & Heidi and “Thingy Heald”
What a posting
You made me laugh
made me cry
Somehow we knew you were going through all these things for fertility. You deserve all the best that is going to happen in the next year. YOu and Heidi ARE the best. I has been a plaesure to know you and Meet you and we cannot wait till we hear the next topic on “thingy Heald”
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Hi John and Heidi… Just wanted to say congratulations on your little one! My husband and I were on the Carnival Freedom last July for our honeymoon and came home with “thingy” in my tummy. hehe We were the couple (not sure if you remember) that had a HORRIBLE experience with the Turkish Bath excursion! We still have horrible flashbacks of this! Best of luck to the both of you. Enjoy every moment…. it goes by so quickly! Our little one is going to be 1 in a few months! Congrats again!
~Jamie and Kevin
Dear John I having never met you and Heidi only reading your words I feel you will make great parents to a little Thingy.I have always considered myself a good judge of character.That being said I think a child could only benefit from you both with such wit and charm.As for the mixed up and obviously delusional guest well its a sign of the times we live in.Nothing surprises me any more.The rumpy- pumpy the things we must endure to make our loved ones happy.(Just kidding if you read this Bug) Best wishes Gary and Bug
Hi John,
Today’s blog shows that you are getting soft at the thought of becoming a first time father. I’m glad that the sadness is gone from Heidi’s eyes. Becoming a mother is one of the most special things a woman can ever experience. I have 2 grown sons (27 & 23) whom I love dearly. My 27 year old son announced his engagement to his g/f 3 weeks ago and now I have to get my head around the fact that I’m going to be a mother-in-law!!!!! The wedding isn’t until May 2010 but it will come fast I’m told.
You are both starting a new chapter in your life after this cruise is over and I wish you, Heidi and the thingy, all the love, peace and happiness you deserve.
Oh no, now I’m getting mushy!!! LOL
Cindy
John, Heidi & “Thingy”:
Your recollection of your efforts to have a baby hit a particularly personal note for me. You see, my Wife & I went through a similar process, and further. Thanks to the magic of in-vitro fertilization, we are blessed with three great kids (an 11 year old, and 9 year old twins) who are now three cruises away from Platinum status!
I am glad that you two have been blessed with “Thingy” without having to go through more than you did! With all due respect to Linda and all the others who told us to “just relax”, it’s not that easy. In fact, when you’re experiencing difficulty with something that so many others seem unable to prevent, comments such as this only make it more frustrating.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us, and we will keep you in our thoughts with the hope of someday meeting a CD who will be known as “Thingy”, who has brought his/her parents along for the ride!
All the best John, Heidi, and “Thingy”!
PS: Thanks Stephanie for keeping us up to date.
John and Heidi,
I am soooooo happy for you and I know you will be great parents. There is no greater love than the love of having a child and seeing it grow into a real person.
Too bad Heidi can’t make the Bloggers cruise, but it is totally understandable. The thingy comes first.
This was one of the best blogs ever.
Ciao, Kathleen
John,
wow. Thank you so much for sharing your special time with us!You have a way with words. You make us feel the love that you and Heidi share and keep us laughing at the same time! I am very happy for Heidi and you, who knows, maybe the new thingy would love a little adopted sister or brother thingy???
thanks again for sharing the beautiful pictures with us. I am looking forward to seeing the baby thingy pictures! I love watching the Carnival Dream as it comes to life! I would love to see a picture of the aft of the ship as we have a wrap balcony booked.
Thanks again for keeping us smiling!
Edy
Please Reply…..
How is the passanger that was taken off for medical reasons John?
Jane
John, we want pictures of you and Heidi going to Lamaze classes. Can’t wait to see the one of Heidi holding your hand saying breath easy. Now when we get to the delivery room we want a live feed so we all can be there and see you hit the floor.
Stephanie, here is your chance to spend some time in England waiting to do this live feed.
Dr. BIG ED
Hello John
I felt I just had to write this letter to you and pull your ears…..!! A few days ago your blog stated that you thought being 43 years old might be too old to be a father. Well let me tell you my dear you are very far from the truth.
You met Harold and I once again on the Splendor in July and I mentioned to you this was our first cruise away from Danielle our daughter. Well we had Danielle when I was 32 and Harold was 49. She turned 20 three days ago. When Harold and I met we decided that because of the age gap and because of the fact that he had had two girls in a previous marriage that we were going to be career people. I was fine with that. Three years later I got pregnant while on the pill!!!! top that…. i didn’t feel any pregancy symptoms except for the fact that I would be tired and in the evening whatever I ate came out the rear end… I had been scheduled for an upper GI xray and the day schedule was a snow storm so i rescheduled. Lucky for me that weekend a friend of mine came home and they had tried for 13 yrs to have a thingy and finally after the third set of invitro had succeeded. She mentioned to me that i might be pregnant and i said “no way i’m on the pill”. cut a long story short next day I bought a magic stick and sure enough it turned blue. Well how was I going to tell Harold this!!!! I was so afraid of his reaction as he always told me we were going to have a perfect life just the two of us.
Well his reaction was that of jumping up and down for joy and me being dumfounded at him. Danielle has kept him young and given him grey hairs as well!!! but he has enjoyed the second family more because he didn’t want to make the same mistakes and be a workalcoholic and not there for the kid. Together we went through this parenting, learning as we went along. John what i’m trying to tell you is that age is just a number. You and Heidi will make excellent parents. It is natural to have these feelings but just remember make every minute count.
To show you another story. My mother got married when she was 40 and my dad 30 (she didn’t know until she signed the register at the church that she was older….) he kept his age a secret from her till they got married cause then she couldn’t change her mind he said. LOL
Anyway mum went on to have one miscarriage and then when told she couldn’t have kids she had four girls, one year apart, and then miracle of miracles at 52 she had me (5 years after the last one) and I was named Ave Maria because I was a miracle baby!!! My mum took care of me and I kept her young she said. I was lucky that 52 years ago I was a healthy kid and normal I even made the medical gazzette in Malta for that… So you see John, mum nurtured me almost on her own. I lost my dad early and she was always doing the work of both parents but I made it.
A child just needs love and attention. When I had learnt that I was pregnant the worry I had was that we didn’t have the money to have a kid – and you know what – it worked out just fine. She’s in university now getting a music/history degree and in two years time she wants to be a social hostess on one of the carnival ships!!! so i guess we trained her right. Maybe she will even work under you (that would make her day.)
John I can keep on writing to you today as I feel from yesterday’s blog that you were so honest that I wanted to share with you my experiences. Please take care of yourself and Heidi and little “thingy” and let nature take it’s course. Live every day to the fullest and enjoy every minute of fatherhood. Life is never going to be the same again!!! you won’t sleep much…. (well maybe Heidi won’t as you’ll still be galavanting… LOL) but you know the rewards at the end of it all are well worth it.
Take care John and may God always bless you for touching our lives and giving us a daily laugh. You are a wonder and we look forward to seeing you again in September 09 on the Liberty unless I can sneek in another cruise where you’ll be on. So far I have November on Liberty, January on South America and then the western europe for 09 so i’ve become quite the cruise fanatic as you can see.
give our love to Heidi and tell her we wish her well.
Eva and Harold
Canada
Dear John:
Loved this blog about the pre-”thingy” and it is very, very true – when all else fails – try prayer. We (amongst many who love you both dearly) have been putting in a good word or two since you both started out on your venture – and voille – it does work.
Love,
Auntie Joan
Hi John,
Taking a quick break from school for once. Congrats on your child, you and Heidi will have an experience of a lifetime raising him/her. Have fun with that!
And I decided to borrow one of the photos of the Dream under construction and make it my desktop photo. So thanks to Mr. Libro for sending them your way.
John,
I must join the ranks of the many folks “who been there done that” – the temps, the shots, the feeling like “rumpy pumpy” was more of a task than a thrill, e few failed inseminations and a failed IVF too – but as you can see by my name our little Miracle – Miss Devorah Joyce- is here and the joy of our life. She is currently going thru all her dolly clothes to see what Mama is going to allow her to pack for her baby’s trip on the Liberty next week (the answer is NOTHING she never leaves Camp Carnival unless we beg and plead so I am not toting toys accross the country so they will be dusted by a capin stewart for 7 days)
You and Heidi and the thingy are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you have a healthy and uneventful pregnancy and all the joy we have in your Prince or Princess
Hi John, Dave and I are sailing BTB on the Splendor 11/17 and 11/21. Could you find out some information about the 11/21 sailing. Will there be formal nights? Which nights? Thanksgiving will be on a sea day. Will it be a dress up meal? I am trying to figure out what I need to bring. Please help. Thanks.
Jo
John,
Thank you for sharing yours and Heidi’s story with all of us. This is what endears us to you most. I know the two of you will make great parents. And when your son/daughter gets older, he or she can read your blogs and realize how much he or she was truly wanted.
PLEASE REPLY-I don’t remember if you told us yet or not, but will your mate Alan be joining us on the Blogger’s Cruise? I have been looking forward to meeting him for a long time.
Love to you and Heidi.
Princess Elaine, the quiet and STILL single
John,
Haven’t been able to read your blog for awhile, been away and taking care of grandchildren. I am very happy I was able to read todays blog because I have been praying that you and Heidi would beable to become parents. So congratulations to you both and your parents. I love being a grandparent, spoil them and then send them home. Good luck and welcome to parenthood.
Everyone is right John & Heidi…we DO love all three of you. We feel the ups and downs right there with you. We are very excited about the thingy in Heidi’s tummy. We are humbled and honored that you shared all of your last year with us in regards to pre- baby times.
In regards to the lady and her group that complained about their post cruise plans…Well …that leaves me speechless! ( that is hard to do too!)
The people who are on this cruise may or may not be glued together as a whole, but that is not a reflection on you. You get so many letters and comments saying how wonderful you are as a CD and a person. You have a right to be down once in a while…we all do, but, you need to look at what you have accomplished as a CD. Your record speaks for it’s self.
I knew who John Heald was before I had ever even stepped foot on a cruise ship. You are a wonderful person and a wonderful CD.
Don’t forget that.
Julie
John,
You are one special person. I can’t think of any couple more deserving of a little bundle of joy. You will be the greatest parents. Your love for each other and those around you…friends, family, and strangers alike…is proof.
Congratulations again!
The Kilmartins
John, Heidi and Thingie:
What a great story and what a happy ending for the three of you. I do hope that someday your second wish for adopting a child needing a loving family comes true. Meanwhile you can both practice on the little thingie. Have you picked any normal names yet?
How dumb are those 20 odd people who booked a cruise and did not look into the excursions offered? Tough nuggies to them. They can now sleep on the bus and get a good rest.
Great pictures as always, they make me want to jump on the next boat and travel. Soon!
Wishing you all much happiness and I hope Heidi will have a much deserved vacation at home with the little thingie.
Marie
John,
I know the Cruise Director is responsible for my happiness and the happiness of each and every guest on their cruise… but, truly, it’s our ATTITUDE! You know this… you’ve been in this career for years… It’s our fault… the fault of the guests… You do all in your power to present opportunities of fun… and if you MADE us participate in everything, there would be mutiny and complaints!
I LOVED my last cruise on the CONQUEST with Ralph!! I’m looking forward to my next cruise on the Ecstasy in December… and the Bloggers Cruise in Feb. and others… Smile in satisfaction that you are WONDERFUL!!!
John, your sharing about you and Heidi… Thank you! I’d been praying for a child in your life, and continue to pray for a wonderful pregnancy and life with child!!! You know your bloggers are smiling like proud Aunts and Uncles!!
Take care of you and Heidi and your blessed thingy… God loves you!!!
Lambie
Another terrific blog, John – it is an honor to share your bad moments as well as good. Take your laughs where you find them – as Mrs. Change-Your-Ports-based-on-my-bus-trip clearly shows. Don’t hold back. That’s funny, I don’t care who you are. Auntie Janet in Orlando
Hi John,
Many of us have lived the frustration of infertility and the waiting lists of the adoption agency. Just want to say I totally understand and wish you and Heidi all the best.
Julie
Hello John:
Laughed so hard it hurts.
I too relate to your state of mind when sweet Heidi advised you that there is a lifetime for romance, but right now, you have work to do. Aber freilich. Noch einmal.
You are truly a good fit for Cruise Director:
Leader: Have to keep the team spirits up, what with the long hours, days on end.
Host: Guests with higher and higher expectations, have to deliver that perfect vacation experience.
Comedian: Humor for most of us creates that feel good situation.
Diplomat: How to defuse a tense situation. When tempers flare cooler heads must prevail.
Creative: Who knows what situations a ship at sea and the weather will create, have to make the best of everything.
Warmth: Most people can tell when someone truly has their best interests at heart, we feel this the way you say “Welcome Home”.
Salesmanship: The best Cruise Directors sell all facets of the cruise experience to the guests. The ability to see the wonders of the world with the most professional tour guides available at every port is the cruise industry’s ace in the hole. More tours taken means more satisfied customers.
John, please work on the triple grande bathrobes, I agree with Big Ed, the ones you have now are very nice, but kind of dainty. Hard to carry on when you can’t put your arms to your side, or in front of you, if you catch my drift. My wife knows what it feels like to have a closet land on her. Cheers Mate!
High Regards
Geez John: These blogs should come with a box of tissue warning! Note to self – don’t read these at work! Thank you (and Heidi) for sharing this journey with all of your blog fans. Proof positive not to ever give up hope!
Sue K (in Pittsburgh)
Hi John/Heidi:
You guys are going to make a wonderful set of parents and I am so happy that you guys succeeded. Regardless of what thingy turns out to be, it is going to be very lucky.
Those Dream pictures are so cool. One can see how quickly it is coming together. Seems like its just a matter of time until its on its maiden voyage.
Great pictures from Istanbul.
Thanks for one of the best blogs yet.
Hope everything else is going well.
Take care!
David