Ours is an Internet-romance success story. We met in a chat room for the soap opera "General Hospital" in February 1996. We both have watched "GH" for years and were part of a small group of chatters who met daily to talk about the show. While I was intrigued by Frank, I didn't think he was too interested in flirting with me or anyone else. He respected the ladies and didn't try to make a move on any of us. Gradually we began to email each other as part of a group, and then one fateful night I sent an email out and he was the only one who responded immediately. One email led to another, where we got to know each other, and he mentioned he was looking for a "nice, Jewish girl." I sent a reply asking him if a "lapsed Southern Baptist" would do?

One thing led to another, and we soon were planning to meet in person. He lived in Pittsburgh, Penn., and I lived in Alabama. We met at the Atlanta airport, with the agreement that if either of us didn't feel safe or comfortable, we would part in Atlanta. Luckily, everything we had told each other was the truth, and the chemistry that we had over the phone and in emails was even stronger in person. I think the fact that we were in love and knew we would marry before either of us had seen a picture of the other mystifies most people. But we were both in our 30s, neither had been married, and we knew what we did and didn't want in a spouse.

I moved to Pittsburgh in February of 1997 and we were married less than a month later. The past three years have been hectic, with job searches and changes, an apartment move, and health issues taking priority. We both work in the computer industry. DH works as a network administrator, and I am a software technical consultant for a major software manufacturer.

I stopped taking the pill on Jan. 1, 2000, after having a preconception checkup with my doctor. We began TTC in February, began using OPKs in March, and had one hopeful cycle where I was five days late, but wasn't pregnant. Due to my age, we have just begun our infertility testing and medical assistance to have a baby.

These diaries and the boards have been a wonderful source of support and information during the past few months. I am pleased to be joining the TTC'ers in the journey to parenthood.

Sincerely,
Tammy W.