I just wanted to let everyone know that I won't be around for probably the next week or two. There are just a few things going on right now, so my internet access will be limited. It breaks my heart b/c I'm an internet junkie, but it's not the end of the world, right?
I sit here listening to Daisy going crazy in the crate. She's being punished b/c for the millionth time she got out of the fence...whew, she wears me out!
This has been a long week and it isn't even over. I had to get a physical for nursing school. It's mainly for our clinical sites, so they know we're healthy and won't pass anything along to their patients. I refuse to go to the last family Dr. I had b/c he's creepy, so my mom told me about the health clinic at the hospital where she works. A nurse practitioner took care of me, and I love her! I will definitely be one of her loyal patients. So, I had my physical and surprise...my blood pressure still hasn't come down since I had Aiden, so it's back to the strict diet. I can't have a lot of salt, can only drink water, exercise everyday *ugh*. That was discouraging and scary, but I'm over crying about it b/c I can do something about it. I then had to get my labs done, so I was sent for blood draws and the usual pee in a cup which brought back great memories of trying to do that 8 months pregnant and you can't really see what you're doing. Fun times. I've had a tetanus shot, Hepatitis B, 2 TB tests where they place a bubble under your skin with a needle and some solution. Tomorrow I have to go get my professional CPR certification, go to work, get the final step of my TB test done, back to work, and then home for the night...whew. I'm tired just thinking about it. And I had to get my license renewed in the middle of it all. I've been on the run all week and I'm tired and ready for the weekend.
This weekend Jeff and I are going to celebrate my birthday which was on the 3rd. I'm the big 2-5 now. So, we're going to Toledo to dinner and a movie and we're going to go to the zoo b/c at Christmas they put up over a million lights, and it's so pretty to see! We'll also get our Christmas shopping done, so I'm excited. I need a break so bad!
I can't wait till this month of school is over. Taking 2 classes in a month is a lot of work! Next month clinicals start and we'll be back to one class a month. From now on though we'll be learning about OB and Pediatrics while we do that rotation and about geriatrics while we do our rotation at a nursing home, IV therapy, ect. I can't wait. I'm sure I'll enjoy it more.
I hope all of you have had a great week so far and have a great weekend! Ciao for now!
Aiden has his 4 months check-up today and he is now 12lbs. 8 oz and 24 and 1/4 inches tall. He's in the 10th precentile for his weight and the 25th precentile for his length. We have made the discovery that he has acid reflux, and it's so very sad. He has been spitting up to where it just pours out of his mouth and I had noticed over the past week or so that sometimes he wasn't spiiting up milk. It was a yellowish color and smelled very sour. He would choke on it and his eyes would get red and he would cry and you could tell it was burning his throat. So, I told his Dr about it and the diagnosis is acid reflux. So, he's on baby Zantac and we're having to mix a tsp of rice with every ounce of milk to weigh it down and keep it in his belly. She said he's gaining weight nicely but once everything starts working he'll gain more weight, which is great b/c he is small. She was very pleased that he can roll over. I told her when he did it and she said that's very early. Except for the acid reflux she said he's very strong and healthy and perfect and growing nicely. We are so blessed with a healthy son :)
I am exhausted!! I got off of work at 7 tonight and...I need to make a big decision soon. It's scary when you're moving into a new chapter of your life. I think I may pick ip another day or two a week after I have my STNA certification. Then I'll try to get into the hospital or the assisted living facility down the road. I was searching online last night and I found Indiana State University. I think I'm going to sign up with them once I graduate Dec of next year b/c they have an at home course you can take to get your RN or BSN. I'd like to get my BSN and that's a fast way to get it. I would like to get my BSN before Jeff starts Chiropractor school so we'll be financially sound if he can't work as much while he's in school. I know they put in a lot of hours just like nursing students. I just pray daily for strength and wisdom and direction to get through this next phase in our lives.
I'm out for now. I need to get Aiden to bed for the night. Have a great weekend everyone!
First of all I would like to wish Jeff a Happy 2 Years! Today is our 2 year anniversary! Wow, it has gone by so fast, and things have changed so much. One thing that hasn't change is how much I love you. I know that recently we hit a little bump in the road, but I truly believe it has made us stronger. You are my heart and the love of my life and I want to grow old together. I want us to be that cute old couple who sits out on their porch swing every night. I love you so much and thank you for 2 wonderful years!
*GAG* That's what everyone's doing right now ;)
On to other things! Look at where my Aiden started.
He was so tiny and fragile and I prayed so hard everyday that he would remain strong and grow big and strong. Now here's my handsome man today
He's so big and strong and is rolling over and trying to crawl. It's been so much fun seeing him do new things and watching his personality come out. He loves to be cuddled when he's sleepy, but any other time of day he's so independent. He wants to be held facing out so he can look around. If he's playing just leave him alone and let him have fun. If you bother him he screams. What's happened to my baby? I didn't realize these little ones could become so independent so young. I thank God for Aiden everyday. There's nothing in this world like being a mom is there? Happy 4 months Aiden (on the 25th)!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We went to my uncle's house for Thanksgiving dinner and had lots of great food and good times with family. I honestly didn't see Aiden all day b/c he was soaking in all of the love from the women in the family. I know he enjoyed it! When we got home we decorated for Christmas. I really do love this time of year! What I love even more is that we have Aiden this year and can share these special times with him.
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and got to spend time with those you love.
Love,
Cara
Today Aiden hit a big milestone. He can now roll from his belly to his back! Yay! Jeff was home to see it, and we got it on film. It was so great! We cheered and clapped for him. What a big boy I have! When he's on his belly he even tries to pull himself forward. He's in size 2 diapers, weighs 11lbs 11oz, can roll over... He's unstoppable now!.....I cant hit enter and go to the next line, so I'm going to have to run all of this together, so forgive me!....School is going well and my second class is almost done. Wednesday is my final and I'm ready for the Anatomy and Physiology part to be over and head onto something new. I pray everyday that acheive my goal of making the President's list every quarter. I just know it'll make me a better nurse b/c it means I'm studying hard and it'll help me get scholarships to enter a program to get my Bachelor's and Masters at the same time. That's a 3-4 year program which isn't bad at all. Somedays it sounds like a long time, but when you look at the big picture it isn't. I'm glad I'm doing this b/c I know it's something I really need to do for myself. We're getting family pictures done in the morning to send out in the Christmas cards, so I hope everything goes well and we all look great :) I've been practicing my smile in the mirror. Cheesy, I know! It's time for me to head on out and color my hair! Nighty-night!
Wow, I think it's time to update. Things have been crazy around here. School is keeping me busy these days, but even more so now that I'm on the 1pm-4pm schedule. It really stinks having a big chunk out of the middle of my day. By the time I pick up Aiden at Mammaw and Pappaw's I get home around 6-6:30pm. I don't have time to get anything constructive done. I have enough time to take care of my Aiden, study and briefly catch up on the blogs I read. So, if I used to comment all the time and I don't so much anymore, I hope you understand!
Jeff and I have been up a lot of night lately just talking and talking...Sometimes till 3am. This leads me to a big announcement. Jeff has decided he wants to go to school to be a Chiropractor! I am very proud of him. I know he'll be a great Dr.! He'll finish up some classes here in Ohio at Owens and BGSU then we'll have to move out of state for 3 years for him to get the DC to be a Chiropractor. Our options are Iowa, Florida (near Daytona beach) and Dallas. I immediately want to eliminate Iowa. I think Florida sounds nice. We could go to the beach and Disneyworld when we want to. Fun! This is such a huge change, but it's something he wanted to do right out of high school and changed his mind. You know how scary life decisions can be right out of school. It's something he still wants to do, so he has my support.
School is going well. I have a 96.5 in this class, so I'm excited. I didn't go in today b/c the nurse came to give Aiden his RSV vaccination, so I needed to be home. It's nice to have a full day at home. This day will be filled with cleaning! I did have Jeff get all of the Christmas decorations out of the attic so I can start working on getting all of our stuff up. This is my most favorite time of year. I'm so excited that Aiden is here this year to share in the holidays and I can't wait to spoil him on Christmas!
Well, I must be off to start in on the house. Love!
I just got home from eating at the Cracker Barrel with my parents, and I bought this new candle they have. I bought the Pumpkin Butter. I love that scent this time of year. The candle is a Wooden Wick Candle, and it's wonderful. I just lit it and I can already smell it all through my living room, and the wooden wick makes it crackle like a fireplace. You also get a slight woodsy smell. I love it! I urge everyone to try it out!
I don't have time to make a long post, but I have good news! I got an A in A&P I!!! So, as of right now I have a 4.0 in nursing school. Woohoo! I'm so excited and proud of myself. Now I'm sure I can get through nursing school just fine! 3 cheers for mom!
Ok, I feel like bad mom. Aiden was 3 months old yesterday and in the frenzy of studying for my final I forgot to make him his own little post. Sorry my punkin pie! I can't believe how fast it's going. Everyday this boy gets cuter and sweeter. I love how he talks and coos now and he smiles so big. It's really getting to be fun. He's the best and he's my world. I can't imagine my life without my son. You know what's funny? The silly stuff you say when you're a mom. I always call him my punkin pie....and not pumpkin, punkin. Then I ask...And what kind of punkin pie are you? You're a punkin pie for Thanksgiving with whipped cream on top. Why? Because those are the best punkin pies of all. It's silly but he smiles. Well, he is rubbing his eyes and he's up way past bedtime, so I need to get him ready for bed. Happy 3 months Aiden. I love you so!
Oh my gosh is this kid going through a growth spurt! He had 9 ounces of milk in an hour before he went down for his long nap of the day. I must say that this boy loves vegetables. All of them. He has loved everything we've given him. I can't feed him enough. I can't feed him fast enough!He always lunges for the spoon b/c I'm not going fast enough. The other day he lunged and tried to get the spoon, but it happened so fast I didn't see it coming so I was going in to give him a bite, and what happened? A spoon of sweet potatoes in the eye. He didn't even scream. He frowned then he smiled and kept on eating. I know when he's gets to be about Junior High age I'll just have to go to the grocery store and sign over my paycheck b/c he already has a huge appetite :)
is when I get home from school and see this little face and he's so happy to see his mommy. He smiles and smiles and coos and makes happy noises. It's the cutest thing in the world. I can't believe how much he's changed since he was born. Everyone warns you about how fast they grow and they do! I definitely soak in every second and love on him as much as I can.
I must say that today has been such a rewarding day. This morning I had my first Anatomy and Physiology test and I scored a 100%!! I was so tickled b/c I thought I missed 3, but I didn't :) It gave me such a feeling of pride, and it was so encouraging! I get excited everyday at school b/c I see all of the nursing students in their white uniforms and I can't wait to get started with my clinicals. I'm back to school and I'm truly loving it.
I just got home from a walk with Aiden and let me tell you that today is the most beautiful fall day! There are a lot of big trees in the nieghborhood that have small gold leaves and I was watching all of these leaves blow off of the trees....they were just pretty streaks of gold. I need to get out and take a picture of all the trees down out street that are changing. It's so pretty!
Tomorrow is back to work and I'm kinda excited to be out and social. I know that Aiden will be in great hands with my mom and dad, so my worry is over. It's time to break out some awesome styles again! I need to get my color done! I went back to my natural when I thought I wasn't going back to work, so I wouldn't have to touch up my roots all the time, but now I think it's time to do some rich highlights for fall....nothing too light.
Ok, I'm going to head on out and get some cleaning done. Have a wonderful evening everyone!
I thought this would be helpful for moms who have a baby that is one the verge of sleeping through the night. Our pediatrician asked how long Aiden sleeps at night and I told her he goes to bed at 10pm and sleeps till 5am then he wakes up and has about an ounce of milk and goes right back to sleep. She told us that him getting up right now is just habit. She told us that when he starts fussing in the early morning to keep the lights out and change him in his bed and not to really even let him know we're there, just make him comfortable. She told us to never wake him up either b/c it would just prolong the habit of him getting up. She said that you really have to teach babies to sleep all night. So, we tried it that night and when he started fussing we changed him and covered him back up with his blankie and he slept till 10:30am. Oh my gosh did we feel great getting all of that sleep! It works, so I recommend it to all of you moms out there who need a full night of sleep. Works like a charm!
OH!!! one more thing I've learned. Aiden had started spitting up so bad, and it was frustrating, so I got the advice to put Mylicon in his bottles and switch his bottle to Dr. Brown's.....awesome! He's not getting any air at all and we just get tiny little burps out him now and his fussiness after eating has stopped. I thought that maybe it was just the drops, so I mixed his bottle as usual in a Playtex and the whole ounce I gave him before I burped him came right back up. I don't know who Dr. Brown is or how they came up with that bottle design, but it's a miracle bottle. I recommend it to all of you mommies who use bottles exclusively, or who use them only a couple times a day.
Well, I have been MIA for a while, huh?! We've had a lot going on around here and a lot of new decisions have been made...Where shall I start? Aiden went to the Dr on Fri for his 2 month check up and he is now 10 pounnds even and 21 3/4 inches long. He's still very healthy :) Friday he had his shots as well, and it was heart breaking. All of you moms out there know what I'm talking about. Our nurse gave him a Bugs Bunny band-aid on one leg and a Daffy Duck band-aid on the other. So pitiful! I'm definitely going to talk to the Dr about spacing out the rest of his vaccinations b/c he was so sad all weekend. He was bruised where his shots went in and he was so cranky and couldn't take any naps. He just wasn't himself at all. You could tell he didn't feel well at all. I think it was b/c he's so much smaller than other 2 month olds. I definitely don't want him going through that again. This week I need to get his costume ordered for Halloween. He'll be a cutie for sure!
Monday I started back to school and I love it!! It's so nice to just get out for 3 hours in the morning and stimulate my brain and have some Cara time. I was reluctant about leaving Aiden....although he's with Daddy during that time....but I have really enjoyed it so far. All of my classes are only relevant to nursing , so it's all stuff I want to learn about and enjoy learning about. I'm glad I'm back in school. Tomorrow is my first test, but I'm not worried. It's pretty easy material. After this test who knows how it'll be. You get one class done is 16 days during the month instead of the typical 16 weeks in a traditional college, so there's a lot crammed in. We were informed to not even miss one day b/c it's like missing a whole week of information and notes. There's no homework though, just reading and studying and learning the material. It's great!
One thing I've struggled with was the possibility to go back to work. We've had a lot of unexpected and stressful things come up the past couple of weeks, so I go back to work on Friday. I'll be working Fri from 11am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-1pm, so the schedule isn't bad at all. Friday Aiden with be with Daddy till 1:30 and then my mom will watch him till 7, so I can't complain or be worried about leaving him. I know he'll be having the best care. On Saturday he'll be with Daddy until I get home. Really, I'll only be away for one day, so it's bearable. I also know that I'm doing it to better our life. I finally have peace about going back, so I know it's the right thing to do right now. I'm glad I'll be doing it now too b/c I think I would have has a nervous breakdown if I had to leave when he was 6 weeks old.
So, that's where my life is right now. I'm a part stay at home mom, part nursing studen and part stylist. It's a full plate, but God doesn't give us more than we can handle right?! It's all good. I must go now and do some catching up on everyone's blogs. I hope all has been well with all of you! Have a great afternoon!
Babies come into our earth to bring us a fresh breath of heaven!
Lullaby and goodnight
With lilies of white
And roses of red
To pillow your head:
May you wake when the day
Chases darkness away
You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it even better than you think you can.
Jimmy Carter
I"ll never forget where I was when I heard the news. I was in beauty school and I had run across the street to get a morning snack. The ladies working in the bake shop had the radio on and I was listening while I was in line. Everything I was hearing sounded like some kind of made up story, and I wasn't sure what to think. I went back to school and told Randi and her mom and then we had an instructor turn our radio till we found the coverage, and we realized it was all very real. Such a tragic day! I watched the Primetime special on Thurs with all of the 4 and 5 year olds whose dads died that day and I bawled my eyes out through the whole thing. It is amazing though that the legacy of those brave men will live on in their children.This is my favorite show at Disneyland and I just wanted to share. The video doesn't do it justice, but it's entertaining all the same. We can't wait to take Aiden in the next year or two. It's a place we'll probably go every couple years or so. Jeff grew up going there since he's from California. I hope Aiden love it there and had fun as much as we do. If you've never been, it would be a great place to take your little one(s) someday!....ok, so I'm trying to embed it and it won't work, so here's the link. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRzvmXu5hoM
No rosebuds yet by dawn impearled match, even in the loveliest hands, the sweetest flowers in all the world - a baby's hands. Algernon Charles Swinburne
My life is uneventful and I don't have stories everyday, so I have an idea! I got a small calendar that has a quote about children and being a parent and being a mother everyday. I'll post the quote for the day on here. I always find them heart warming. So since I know mommies read my blog I'll share! Here's the one for today...
Never fear spoiling children making them too happy.
Happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow.
Ann E. Bray
Well, I have beta blogger now and I just wanted to let those of you with blogspot know that I'm still faithfully reading your blogs....I cannot comment though b/c I have the new version and it won't let me. It says I'll be able to comment on any blog soon though. I feel bad b/c there's one mom with a blog I really want to talk to b/c we're having the same breastfeeding issues and I want her to know she's not alone and I'm going through the same thing :( This is frustrating!
Life has been very good around here these days. Saturday was awesome! I dropped Aiden off at my mom's house around noon and then I drove back to Findlay and Jeff and I got ready for our day together. We went out to eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant here in town and then it was off to Cold Stone for dessert! If you've never been to Cold Stone then find the nearest one to you immediately! Their ice cream is amazing. I had the peanut butter perfection made with the sweet cream ice crea,....Delicious! Then we saw Pirates of the Caribbean 2. I really enjoyed it! It's very entertaining all the way through. Then we came home and passed out till around 8:30am. It was so nice to have uninterrupted sleep. I felt very refreshed. It was great to get my Aiden back too. During all of that time I spent without him I felt like I should have been making a bottle or putting him down for a nap. I didn't know what to do with myself! I'm definitely a mom now!
We had a fun Labor Day. We were having our county fair, so we stopped by there. I don't know about anyone else, but I ate more junk than I needed to. The best part was the fresh funnel cake with homemade vanilla ice cream...mmmm! We watched some of the cheerleading competition, and I loved it! My dream was to be a cheerleader. I never tried out at my school though b/c we didn't have judges come in for the try-outs. The girls tried out in front of the high school and the student body voted. So, our squad consisted of staff kids pretty much. Girls like me didn't have a chance, so I didn't even try. Anyway, it was just a nice day to get out as a family, and the weather was beautiful! I love being outside now that it has cooled down!
I'm really thinking that fall is becoming my favorite season. I hate what follows fall, but I love the colors. I see the trees starting to change...I love the rich red, gold and orange tones. I got some pretty gold flowers to put out on our front porch and I put up our fall wreath. Next I'll put our scarecrow and pumpins (fake decoration ones) out. I love the comfortable temperatures, and I love wearing jeans and sweaters. It's a cozy time of year.
Not much is on the agenda for this week. I think Sunday after church we're going to go to Cedar Point (voted America's best amusement park for 7 or 8 years in a row). Stop by if you're ever in the area. It's a good time! I love going there and they have the best rides. This time of year everything is decorated for Halloween and they have people in costumes all over. I can't wait to go! We would have gone earlier this year, but I had Aiden in my belly :) Now he can enjoy it with us....kinda.
Could being a mom get any better? I just wake up everyday so content and very please with where my life is. Today we took Aiden to the Dr for his one month check-up and we have a healthy boy! He is 8lbs. 4oz. and 20 and 1/2 inches long. The Dr was very pleased with his growth and she's very pleased with his appetite! He's a strong and healthy boy and I couldn't be happier :)
Today I went to Brown Mackie College just to talk to someone about starting school on Sept 5th, and before I knew it I was doing interviews and doing paperwork...I signed the contract and I start Sept 5th. My graduation date will be November 21, 2007. Next year I'll be an official nurse! It all happened so fast that I felt like I was in a dream, but I know it'll all be worth it. so my starting schedule should be from 9am-noon, Mon-Thurs, so Jeff will be home to watch Aiden. When Jeff can't watch him them my mom or dad will. Honestly, if Daddy or Mammaw or Pappaw couldn't watch him then I wouldn't do it. And it's nice that it's only 3 hours in the morning. That gives me the rest of the day to spend with him. I'm definitely ready to just get done. I must say that when I was in the hospital with Aiden it confirmed my desire to be a nurse. All of my nurses were wonderful! I had Jen and Holly the most, but even the ones I'd see every now and then were great. I hope I can do my job well and take great care of people and let them know I care about them and their situation. I know it's a job I'll be pleased with and will find very rewarding. I must say that I love having a graduation date. That really gives me a goal and even more of an initiative to work hard.
This is such a short post, but I need to head on out. I just got Aiden fed and he's back to sleep now. I'm going sleep until it's time for me to pick Jeff up from work. I have to be to my mom and dad's early in the morning b/c my dad has an appointment at Cleveland Clinic and I always go for support. Aiden and I have a long day ahead of us! Have a great night everyone! Sleep tight and sweet dreams!
Grandpa and Grandma left this morning and we are very sad. Jeff is at work and I'm here in a quiet house now, and it's so weird. I loved having Jeff's parents here, and I"m so happy they got to stay for 2 weeks. I know that Aiden enjoyed all of the love too. It broke my heart when they had to leave b/c I know it's hard for them to be so far away from their grandbaby...
Aiden is doing very well. He has an appointment Aug. 11th, and he had gained 12 ounces in a week. His Dr only expected him to gain 7 ounces, so she was pleasantly surprised. So, at that visit he was 6 pounds, and I'd say he's atleast gained half a pound since then. It amazes me how strong and healthy and alert he is when he isn't even supposed to be here yet. I'm so happy b/c Aiden's Dr told us about vaccinations they recommend for preemies. It protects them from RSV and other lung problems. I am so excited about this b/c I was a preemie and still have respiratory problems. I get bronchitis in a heartbeat, so I'm glad he'll have the protection that wasn't available to me. Everyday I wake up and I can't believe how much God has blessed us. Aiden is so healthy and strong and precious. I have a wonderful husband who loves us so much and takes care of us....and I love him so much too. I love having my own little family. This is what life's all about right here :) I wouldn't trade where I'm at for anything in this world!!!
Here are just a few pics of my Aiden man. I can't believe how much he has changed. He's finally starting to fill out and get some cheeks. I love him so much! And I'm so happy I got a picture of him doing that thing with his lips that reminds me of a Cheerio :)
I just wanted to make this quick post to wish Jeff a Happy Birthday! So, Happy Birthday to the best husband and daddy in the whole wide world! Aiden and I love you so much!!
I'll have updates next week. We're enjoying our time with Grandma and Grandpa!!
On a final note, I'm sorry that this isn't the best picture in the world. It's so blurry, but it's from Aiden's dedication at church on Sunday, so it's special :)
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying these final days of summer.
Aiden had his first bath Saturday night, and I don't think he minded it at all. He always fusses if he's disturbed in any way, so we were prepared for an unhappy baby. But he did just fine. I think he loved the warm water. My theory is that it reminded him of being in the belly. I am so thankful he's laid back!
Here's a picture of Aiden napping after having some lunch today. I stare at this little boy all day long! I can't stop myself. I love him to pieces :)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
I can't believe it's been a week already. What a wonderful and blessed week it has been. I must say that it feels like he's always been with us. I seriously don't know what I did before I had him. My days must have been very boring. God has blessed us so much with a healthy, strong son. I thank Him everyday for for blessing my life with Jeff and Aiden. This isn't a one week picture, but I think it's precious. Also, our camera is in the car and it's soooo hot out that I don't feel like going out to get it, so I'll post a new one soon!
That's what my mom said when I just talked to her on the phone. He is so precious! I just wanted to share a few photos :) I'm a proud mama!!
