Cutie Pies

Every year there is an annual Gingerbread House competition in town. We go and see the talented gingerbread artist and the girls visit with Santa. No mall lines, no fees to take pictures, just getting a mom and pop shot of your kid chatting it up with Santa.

Last week we made our own "gingerbread" house out of rice krispie treats. Honestly, there was no time for me to bake, all the premade kits are manufactured with nuts, and rice krispies are quick and very maleable. I did the names, but the girls did the rest...it was messy and it was a lot of fun.

A Delicious Work in Progress

The Final Product

Signed, Abigail and Autumn (in pink, of course)

After going to visit Santa today, we asked Abigial what she thought of Santa Claus. She said, "He has a really long beard. He's a cutie pie. I want to marry him." It's just never who I imagined she'd end up with. Both the girls were so excited to see him and Mrs. Claus. As soon as we left Autumn said, "I miss Santa Claus." Here are some pics of the girls with the cutie pie.

Abigail and Santa Claus

Autumn and Santa in Matching Outfits

And, the ultimate cutie pie was seen when the girls got to meet their newest cousin (whom they believe would make a great stocking stuffer). Autumn was a little afraid, you would have thought she was in the room with a dog. She warmed up to him, but was too nervous to "hold" him (hence the leaping from my lap in the pic).

Abigail and Quinn

Autumn Taking a Curious Look While Brian Holds His Nephew

Autumn, myself, my BIL (the proud papa), Quinn, and Abigail

Back to Work

I enjoyed my unexpected mini-vacation, but now it's time to get my nose back in the books.

But first, here's a picture of my new nephew. Quinn Bernard Murphy was born yesterday to two amazing and proud parents, Kevin and Grier. And an extra star for Grier for giving birth sans medication. She had an amazing support system and deserves a big long nap.

Quinn and Uncle Brian

And now I should pay attention to lecture or clean up my presentation for next class. Decisions, decisions.

Talk About Vacation

I am notoriously a bad vacationer. It takes me almost the entire time to relax and defer my responsibilities. I am quite surprised, and pleased, that I have totally indulged during this vacation. I've blown of my ethics final for days and don't really feel guilty about it. I've decorated the house, but done no cleaning. I've played with the kids, had a West Wing marathon with Brian, the only thing I've cooked was for Thanksgiving, and I even took a 3 hour nap yesterday. Tomorrow's going to be a harsh reality putting the nose back to the grindstone, but it's only for 10 more days. Hopefully I can be just as relaxed and indulgent on my 1 month winter break from school. Good-bye stress monkey, hello sleepy sloth.

Make That 13!

I just got a birth announcement in the mail of a super-duper cute baby boy born to an old coworker. She always wanted to be a mom and now she has a girl and a boy. Congratulations go out to the growing family!

I dare you to be the first one to break the baby boy streak.

I double dog dare you.

Slacker, but Not Really

Wow, I didn't realize until today that my last post appeared twice. Why would it do such a thing when I clearly had nothing to say? Silly blog. (of course, I deleted the error, so you might just think I'm talking trash...but I'm not.)

I've had the worst head/chest cold that will not vacate the premises. That coupled with successfully getting school work done has left me little time or desire to post. To boost my spirits, I will off a bunch of school things you don't care about but I do: I've finished critiquing 7 papers for my Epidemiology class. Informative, but so glad I'm not a teacher. Finished up my arguments and rebuttals for my Ethics debate (to selectively reduce or not selectively reduce a pregnancy, that is the question). I have completed my handout/presentation for Psych. If you want a quick overview of resources available for postpartum depression in my town, I've got a handout for you. I am now down to four finals, one of which I should be working on right now. I'm dragging my feet because, seriously people, exams should not require references. I thought I was done writing papers this semester. A little fruit and fiber and hopefully I will be done with that exam by the weekend.

So, I guess I'm feeling accomplished. I see the end of the semester and don't feel like I will be burning the midnight oil to get it all done in time. Now I'm focusing on the fun holiday season. The gingerbread display is right around the corner, the Nutcracker ballet, Christmas music, tree-trimming, and maybe I'll even make a new stocking. The possibilities are endless.

This Is Me...

Having nothing to say.

I See the End

I am finally at a point in the semester when I feel like I've gotten all the tough stuff out of the way (all four paper are pooped) and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have 8 assignments left, many of which are pretty minor. Seriously, if it weren't for the papers, I don't think I would find nursing school stressful. I can cram for an exam and slap together a presentation in an evening. It's those blasted papers that leave me sobbing and lifeless.

At any rate, I am celebrating with a night out with friends on Saturday. Next week is Thanksgiving and I have the whole week "off". Sigh...

Happy Birthday Autumn

A trip down memory lane. Three years ago, I woke up at 4AM with contractions. No need to wake up the house quite so early, so I decided to squeeze in one more episode of ER that I had tivo-ed. Within two hours, I realized this was not going to be as liesurely as my first 19.5 hour labor. My midwife said I could relieve back labor if I got down on all fours and arched my back like a cat. Abigail thought this was a great game...mom is on all fours so that I can climb on her back..woo hoo. Still in mom mode, I try to convince Abigail to be a cat, too. Not so convincing. All the while, Brian is thinking he has time to do the dishes and take out the garbage. At any other time this would be awesome, but I seriously wanted to find a spot to labor closer to the hospital. Off to the in-laws who live a stones throw from the hospital. Again, I was barely five hours into labor, surely I had at least seven more to go, right? At the in-laws for all of 10 minutes before I realized the hospital is calling my name. Finally get to the hospital, hand off Abigail, cave and get the epidural only to find out I am fully dilated. At this point, the epidural is too effective and I have to wait for it to wear off to push. In no time flat, she was out and had a perfectly round head. Baby Autumn Sage.

Not a baby anymore. I can not believe Autumn is THREE!! She was so excited for her party that she woke up bouncing. We had a wonderful morning with friends and I'm constantly amazed at how independent she is getting.

I'm Three!

Girls Love Pretty Jewelry

Me on My Big Girl Bike

More big news. Abigial lost her first tooth this morning eating a piece of cinnamon bread.

The tooth fairy pillow I made her last week.

Before

After

Need I Say More

OBAMA

Pins and Needles and Puppy Dog Tails

Oh....my....god. Glued to the television, hoping VA goes blue. I suppose Brian is right. The only thing that really matters is the final score, but I can help but get my hopes up watching the blow-by-blow.

I think I mentioned in a previous post that all of my friends who were pregnant were expecting a boy. That wasn't entirely true, one is still a surprise (due any day). But now I am up to 12! The last twelve babies I've known to be born (or will be in the next few months) are boys. There isn't just something in the water, there is a specifically boy-creating-something in the water. So, if you are looking to have a baby boy, now's your chance.

Of course, what I should be doing is mountains of homework. Between psych clinicals (the demons are not for me), presentations, illness, surgeries, teacher workday, birthday party planning, tooth fairy pillow making, and distracting presidential polls....I am just trying to get through November. Wish me luck.

EDIT: It is a suprise no more-the official count is 12 boys. Surely we can fashion a team of some sort out of that.

Spooky

Here's a pic of Angelina Ballerina and Cheerleader Autumn dressed up for Halloween before school this morning. We'll see if the costumes hold up until trick-or-treating tonight.

My baby girl is growing up so fast. Abigail came into our room this morning announcing that she has a loose tooth. Can you believe it!? Gotta run and get a tooth fairy pillow.

Growing Like a Weed

We moved Abigial into a "big girl bed" at 2 because we needed the crib for Autumn. With Autumn, we actually got to use our convertible crib as a toddler bed. But yesterday we decided to graduate her to her own big girl bed. It was a huge hit. Both the girls crawled right up to snuggle in. Here's a look-see. Makes me want to curl up and take a nap.

All Made Up

Snuggle Buddies

Curled Up With a Good Book

Halloween Madness

I did not realize that the Saturday before Halloween was going to be such a crazy party day. Abigail has multiple invites to Halloween parties on Saturday and local activities at the University and Downtown are popping up.

We actually won't be going to any of them because we will be giong to my sister-in-laws baby shower. We are so excited for the girls to have a new cousin right down the street and can't wait to meet the new little tike. Abigail is hoping to have mini pancakes and mini ice cream sandwiches as food for the shower. As cute as that is, I think grown up food is in order.

We'll just have to wait until Halloween to jump in on the fun. Currently, we have three options for trick-or-treating and a neighbor has offered to host S'mores over a fire pit for Halloween night. Where to begin.

Almost Regular

You will understand this post only if you are one of my groupies (not).

I have pooped out another paper and plan on pooping out another one today.

I am beginning to feel some serious relief. That just leaves me with one more to start and complete by mid-November.

Elementary School Rocks

Abigail and I had the best time at her school's culture festival last night. The local highschool was there to perform Step Show. I LOVE Step Show's. We made an origami frog, wrote in Japanese calligraphy, she tried indian food...can you believe it?! My picky eater was trying new foods (Again, credit goes to the school) Her teacher has a grant for weekly Alphabet Cafe. They try new foods that relate to the letter and phonics they are learning that week, they have to wait until everyone is served, they can NOT say anything is 'yucky', and they must mind all of their table manners. Ingenious. Back to the topic at hand. We ended the evening with listening to African Drums and dance. It was a blast. Did I mention how cool it is that the high school has a Step team? :)

He Is Famous

My awesome writer husband just had this WoW article published online.

http://fidgit.com/archives/2008/10/top-10-echoes-of-doom-in-the-n.php

Don't forget, his awesomeness also has a story published in the Dragonlance Chronicles.

http://www.amazon.com/Search-Magic-Dragonlance-Tales-Souls/dp/0786918993/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224202957&sr=8-1

You rock, Brian!

Back in the Shop

It looks like our trusty little Civic will be heading back into the shop. Let's hope it's cheap and that our little coupe can make it another year when I have an income again.

On the bright side, we carved an emoticon in our jack-o-lantern this weekend, had the girls' picture taken, and washed the cars. The weather has been delightful and the semester is halfway through. Just 290 days left of school!

A Little Perspective

When I am overwhelmed, I just look at the girls and it all makes sense.

They are what's most important.

Slugger Autumn

Pure Innocence

Bathroom Beauties

Super Strength

One Paper Pooped

Still feel backed up.

At the Very Least, I Make Me Laugh

I was in the shower, feeling overwhelmed by school, when I decided I was "paper constipated". I'm sure I'm the only one laughing at this point, but allow me to explain. Potty humor is not my thing (it should be given husband's penchant for it, but I digress). I have four papers, let me repeat that FOUR papers due in the next month. I am suffering severe writer's block and am therefore, paper constipated. I know the pressure will be relieved if I could just poop out a paper or two this week. Anyone have a laxative for this sort of thing or am I still the only one laughing?

P.S. I will not be offended if you were offended by this posting.

Not Overly Political

I'm not an uber-politico. I follow when it interests me and focus on the issues that currently are having the biggest impact on my life. I am not inviting anyone to tell it is all important and that I should get caught up in the nitty gritty. But this week I did watch the VP debates. It was quite amusing. Sadly it's a given, all of the candidates will stretch the truth, outright lie, or not answer the question. But if you brush that all aside, one candidate seems more believable and willing to meet your needs. Let's just say I'm going to side with the candidate that can properly say "nuclear". Really peeps, is that asking too much.

So Far Behind

I'm hoping to get around to reading the Sunday paper tomorrow. By the time I find out what's on sale, it won't be on sale anymore. On the upside, I have completed my critical care rotation. I really enjoyed it. ICU is definitely for me, and after trying to roll over some of the patients, NICU is most definitely for me.

Abigail and Autumn also got another cousin yesterday. I won't post the particulars and steal baby mama's thunder, but the girls did get to see the new baby on Facebook. It must be a girl thing, they go gaga for babies. They will also get one more cousin this fall. It's like a mini baby windfall.

I'm off to watch Iron Man with Brian. Wish me luck.

Sleep? Sleep? Anyone?

It should be illegal for a child to wake up before 6. I should be pleased. Autumn is waking up at 5 because she has to go to the bathroom. It is doubly official now, the kid is potty trained! Instead, I'm just sleepy (the chest cold really made it presence known after my indulgent evening of hot tubbing, wine drinking, and Grey's watching).

Wouldn't it be grand if children never woke before 7? I think when Abigail starting doing this, we taught her how to play quietly in her room until the clock said 7. Albeit, she was 6 months older than Autumn is now, so I don't know if I'll have much success. Does anyone have any tricks?

Pumped

I just finished my first exam of the semester and I am pumped. It was fair and fun and I'm glad to finally feel a little more focused. Still dreading the papers, but reassured that I'm not a total flunky.

Bodacious Brian

Today I got to sleep in and woke up to homemade pancakes, fresh coffee, clean dishes, a clean kitchen, a vacuumed house, and two little girls that shouted "I missed you, mommy". I ate my breakfast and everyone cleaned up the upstairs, put away clothes, cleaned bathrooms and bedrooms (Brian rocks!). Morning errands with no whining (one skinned knee-poor Abigail). The girls even showed off their yoga moves. I have a horrible chest cold, but the the whole family made the morning an absolute delight.

I finally have a couple of tests coming up. I've been having a hard time focusing on school and taking it "seriously". These tests should help motivate me to crack open a book. If I'm really motivated, hopefully I can get all four of my papers done by mid-October.

Autumn is actually asking to go take a nap. I shall not delay.

Painting Pictures

Wow, I probably should have posted these when we painted 2? 3 weeks ago? Better late than never. If you aren't interested in my wall color (and why would you?), this is going to be the most boring post ever.

Here is the inspiration for the color we have on the main level, plus the cinnamon spice goes nice with the cherry furniture. These curtains hang in the playroom and the living room.

We went for the same color in kitchen and the dining room. With the natural light in the kitchen, the color looks very different in each setting.

Did I mention how much I still love my kitchen? Best decision we ever made.

We went with a slate blue for the bedroom (looks powdery in the pic, though). The gray tones allow for a lot of flexibility with our bedding. We have a sage comforter and the blue one in the pic. It was just nice to have a constrast against the neutral curtains, finally.

Once Bitten

Our miniscule backyard is loaded with mosquitoes. I wasn't outside ten minutes playing parachute with the girls when I was so eaten alive we had to retreat. Boo.

On a tastier note, I woke up to pancakes and coffee after getting to sleep in until 9. Brian was awesome.

Good-bye Nursing School

Myspace Countdowns at WishAFriend.com

It's About Time

Has it really been over a week since I last posted?

I won't go over the whole week, but I am pleased to say I finally have a kick ass preceptor. Doesn't hurt that I'm back on a critical care unit. Acute care nursing is not for me, of that I am certain. The patients were lovely, the collaborative atmosphere was awesome, and the complexity of the diseases was intriguing. This is what it's all about. This is why I am putting up with the nursing school bullshit. Just 325 days to go!

A Quick Overview

We've been a busy bunch, so here are some bullets.

• Brian, the Awesome, painted the living room, kitchen, and our bedroom. :)
• Autumn is potty training and doing really great. Still working on that poop part. yuck
• Every one on this Earth is having a boy! I can rattle off at least one friend having a boy sometime between last month and January. That is 8 boys. Let me know if I need to make it 9.
• Got sucked into Facebook. A time suck, but what else are you suppose to do during class?
• Finally got Brian to start watching Weeds. I can not believe I am compelled to rewatch all the episodes with him (I've already got 3 seasons under my belt).
• One Tree Hill and Prison Break start tonight!!!

Nerdy Nursery

A thoughtful friend sent me a link to Tiffany Ard. I would absolutely decorate my nursery with this stuff. The pictures are the coolest. Maybe it's not too late to get the ABC flashcards for Autumn. Who are we kidding? I'm getting them for ME.

It Will Never End

Mood: grumpy
Obviously, from this summer's posts, I've hit a rough patch in nursing school. Still getting all As, but just not enjoying it as much as I'd hope. I was hoping having a few weeks off would be just what I needed to recharge before the beginning of the last year. Sadly, my break was not particularly reenergizing. I feel like nursing school is 50% learning, 50% jumping through hoops of hazing. I don't feel like a lot of what is required of us is so much to help us grow as nurses, so much as to see if the little monkeys can clang the cymbals.

Do you really need to spend $30+ on an iClicker in class of 22? While I'm all for incorporating new technologies, the School of Nursing has done a piss poor job at learning how to effectively incorporate them before requiring the class to spend money on the latest and greatest (on-line testing, PDAs, and the endless interfacing websites-blackboard, toolkit, collab, elsevier...). I'm tired of spending thousands of dollars on being the guinea pig.

(Leaf turning) Mood: Proud

Abigail is loving school. This really helps because her afternoons have been a little moody.
Note to self- do not run errands right after school. A snack is not enough to help my little lady to decompress. Allow at least thirty minutes of imaginative play to decompress.

Autumn is in her new Big Two's/Little Three's classroom. She has gotten rave reviews the last two days. Going potty on her own, eating well, playing nicely, and napping for two hours. She can also now say the words "up" and "cookie". sugary sweet.

Mood: cautiously optimistic
My critical care rotation this fall will be on the Cardiac Care Unit. I really had a great time on the Cardiac floor and am really comfortable with the pathophys of the heart. I also really enjoy the ICU setting.

I'm hoping to write my Epi paper on Smallpox. I love dipping into my background in biowarfare and forensics. Throw in the biological and medical aspects of Smallpox and I get really excited (ya, geeky, i know). If not, I'll have to settle for Marburg.

I have Ethics this fall and we'll be doing group debates. (groups-suck, debates-rock).

I'm hopeful there will be some fun to be had this fall, but I have no doubt that they will find a way to ruin it, per usual.

Foot in Mouth

Not really, the girls have been afflicted with the delightful Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. The only silver lining is that it doesn't keep them out of school. The virus can shed for weeks and is so contagious, quarantine just isn't practical. woo hoo.

The Family's First Day of Kindergarten

It was strange to have to set an alarm for Abigail today. We so rarely use an alarm clock anymore that it felt very strange. Abigail got up 10 minutes before the alarm went off and was already dressed by the time I got down the hall. She woke up very excited for school. We all got dressed and took some "first day of kindergarten" pics.

The whole family walked up to the bus stop. I had no idea there were so many kids in the neighborhood! We met the bus driver and Abigail gave a happy wave as she found her seat.

Then Brian, Autumn and I went to Starbuck's for a morning coffee. 5 minutes into the walk Autumn declares, "I...miss...Abby". But, she quickly realized how much fun it was to be an "only" for a morning. Autumn had speech, I threw my back out, I dropped Autumn off at daycare, picked up forms from the pediatrician, picked up allergy forms for Abigail, picked up diphenhydramine, dropped off forms, Epi-Pen and diphenhydramine at the elementary school, chatted with the school nurse...did I mention I threw my back out? Got home, did homework (turns out that was last year's homework assignment that didn't need to be completed...now you tell me), took a bath, then hobbled up to the bus stop with Brian.

Abigail had a GREAT day. The library was her favorite part and she got to eat lunch with her BFF. She was so busy and distracted that she only had a small sip of water all day. Needless to say, her snack consisted of a glass of milk and both waters I sent with her to school.

I am so proud of her and of us. She amazes me with her warmth and resilience. We have empowered her to stand up for herself and to be confident and kind to others.

Kindergarten Eve

Tomorrow is Abigail's first day of Kindergarten. We've met her teacher twice, met the art, music and PE teacher, met the librarian, and the Vice Principal (hopefully we won't have to cross paths again unless she wins an award). We've filled out forms, dropped off forms, and signed forms. We've explained forms, bus safety, and where the nut-free table is. We've packed a lunch, a snack and a backpack. I'm exhausted and she hasn't even started yet.

I know Abigail will do great. She warms up to people quickly and (I quote) "loves everybody". Her teacher seems like a perfect fit. She's very laid back, calm, and is quiet. I recently learned that there are teachers out there that are yellers. I was shocked. With the exception of getting the attention of a rowdy class, I can't believe a teacher would ever be able to get away with raising their voice to a child. That's probably because I've only yelled at Abigail once and have felt horrible about it ever since. Just not my style.

I can't wait to hear all about my big girl's day when she climbs off the bus! Hurray for Abigail.

Going with Momentum

Ok, after having cleaned the bathrooms, put away the laundry, did the dishes, organized my desk, cleaned up the kid's rooms, decluttered the main level, surfed for cheap textbook prices and done a little research on litter-free lunchboxes, I didn't think I had an excuse not to put up the very few pictures we took at the beach. Enjoy! (I was playing with text on the photos. I'll have to make the script bigger next time. Momentum isn't enough to make me go back and fix it now).

A Couple of Cuties! Brian and Autumn

Autumn at the Ocean

Abigail at the Ocean

Sleepy After a Long Day at the Beach

Vacation Times Two

Thanks goodness I got my vacation in when I did because things are about to get insane for a couple of weeks (online class is starting a week before the official start of the fall semester, Autumn has her pre-school assessment for speech plus the copious forms, Abigail starts kindergarten plus the copious forms, I've gotta get my presentation together for Community Health that is due in one week, egads!).

But, the vacations were a delightful reprieve from reality. Brian and I visited wineries, did some canoeing down the Shenandoah River, drank delicious special recipe coffee at the B&B, napped, ate, napped, and really enjoyed just being together. No schedules, no responsibilities, no school.

Then, we were home for just six hours before we hopped in the car for the extended family vacation on the OBX. In that six hours, we did laundry, packed for the beach, met Abigial's new kindergarten teacher and toured the school, took Autumn to a doctor's appointment (ear infection), picked up medicine at the pharmacy, and jumped in the car to go. It took the girls a little coaxing to go into the water, but once they crossed that threshold, there was no getting them back. They loved making sand soup and catching the waves. They loved having a long sleepover with their cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandparents. And, I was delighted to see Abigail absorbed in watching the swimming and gymnastics on the Olympics. We aren't big sports watchers in this house,but she loved the Olympics. What can I say, Abigail is a mini-me. Autumn made us all giggle when I asked her if she wanted to watch Curious George later, she spun her head around and with big, blue eyes let out a startled "What?!". I can do it no justice, but she had us rolling in laughter. It's a new word for her and she looked at me like I suggested the most horrifying idea.

It was good to catch up with family and Brian got a good laugh when Autumn and I almost got swallowed by a wave. My mom got sixty presents for her 60th birthday. What can be more awesome than literally being showered with presents? It was fun to watch the girls run around the beach (tiny little ruffled bottoms), Brian had the best swimsuit on the beach, and I have to say I felt pretty rockin' in my new bikini.

Sadly, very few pictures were taken. We forgot our camera during our anniversary getaway and I was too busy playing at the beach to take many pictures.

But, it's damn good to be home again.

Really, I'm Flattered

My friend and I went out last night to enjoy Fridays After Five and grab a bite to eat at a local bar. The weather was perfect; a little breezy, but not chilly. The beer was cool and refreshing. The conversation, enjoyable per usual. We had just been served our drinks on the outside patio when a fellow restaurant patron asks us if we know where the garbage is. I do a quick sweep and point out the garbage on the other side of the patio. He walks away.

Friend: That guy was hitting on us.
Me: ?? No he wasn't. (It's not just the new blonde hair, I've always been that clueless)
Friend: He should just give his trash to the waiter.
Me: You're right, plus his table is literally right next to the garbage can. Whatever

5 minutes later.
waitress: These drinks (an Orange Crush) are courtesy of that Fellow over there.

Me and Friend: "thanks", wave, awkward.

She and I chat about how we haven't had a guy buy us a drink in years and didn't he see my wedding ring when I pointed out the garbage? We also spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out what was in the drink we had been given. A shot of mandarin vodka and cranberry juice plus something bubbly. Tastes a lot like a SweetTart to me. Turns out the juicy part is cranberry and Red Bull, as we learned after the Fellow comes back to chat. Nice guy, from D.C., works "for the House....of Representatives" (critique-if you are hitting on someone, assume they are bright enough to make the leap that when you say you work for the House in D.C. you are talking about the House of Representative and not the White House or a personal residence.)

As we are finishing up our meal, Fellow returns for a final bit of chit chat.

Fellow: How do you two know each other?
Friend: We know each other because of the kids.
Fellow: Oh, you've been friends since you were kids?

Me and my friend give each other a look and hold back a laugh.

Me: No. We know each other because our kids play together.
Fellow: crickets... Oh!

I headed to the restroom before we headed home and found my friend chatting with the Fellow and his table of friends. He was hanging out with his best friend and fiancee. The best friend was trying to get an honest critique of the the Fellow's technique, all the while the sweet fiancee is clearly embarrassed and keeps shaking her head.

BFF: So, on a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the Fellow's moves? Be honest.
Me: A 4.
My friend: That's what I said, too.
Me: I have to dock you a point because you gotta look for the rings.

It was a fun evening. LMAO. Even more fun because I had someone awesome to come home to and I'm relieved to not be a part of the dating scene anymore. I am flattered and I guess I'm looking youthful these days. These guys thought didn't think I could be thirty, let alone have kids and earlier this summer a client thought I was nineteen. Seriously?! I don't look nineteen and who wants to be that young? No independence, no income, no legal drinking, no thanks.

Love ya babe.

Vacation in Less Than a Day

We will be dropping the girls off for a sleepover at Gramma and Grandpa's tomorrow afternoon and will be kid free until Tuesday afternoon. It will be so relaxing to leave town and enjoy our 7th Anniversary. That meant that today was spent buying groceries for the family beach trip that we leave for the day after we get back from our Anniversary trip. Abigail and I baked lasagna for the beach and lemon bars for the annual MOMS Club Kernels for Kidneys event tomorrow morning. I packed the girls suitcases, picked up a book at the library, danced around all day to AOL radio's Top 111 worst songs (I hardly consider "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt to be in the Top 100 WORST songs), and remembered to buy stamps (this is monumental, I kid you not). As detail oriented as I am, I notoriously forget stamps even when they are written on The List. It's become quite a joke. But, I conquered that reputation; for today anyway. I will kick of my vacation a little early by hitting Fridays After Five with my friend Becky. A Carribean Orchestra, some beer, good company...I can feel the muscles turn to putty already.

Hope my escape from the daily grind will rub off a little on each and every one of you.

Evolution

We finally got kindergarten teacher assignments in the mail today. We told Abigail who her teacher was and she exclaimed "That's just who I wanted". Of course when she found her friend had a different teacher, she quickly dissed her assignment and began pining for the other teacher. Fickle Five. At any rate, I am so excited to be a mom of a kindergartener.

I recently encountered a few moms that were against teaching their kids evolution and/or the origins of the universe. Let's be clear, evolution and the origin of the universe are two different things. You can believe in evolution even if you think someone else put the universe in place. And just because we haven't concretely identified how everything got here, it doesn't mean an unidentified deity put us here. I find it interesting that people of faith are always trying to debunk science because something hasn't been "proven", yet belieiving in God based on faith is totally acceptable.

I also don't think that science and religion have to always be butting heads with each other. I think that they can coexist peacefully in someone's life. And while I'm at it, why is it acceptable to tell people their scientifc beliefs are bogus and ignorant. I would never walk up to someone (I hardly even know, btw) and tell them that what they believe is the most widely dispersed story and not based on concrete facts.

At the end of the day, one of these moms is a good friend of mine and will remain so because she and I respect each other's beliefs and empower each other to parent in the way we feel is best for our family. The other lady, I've encountered less than a handful of times and you better believe I will go out of my way to never cross paths with her again, thankyouverymuch.

I will enjoy the fact that Abigail has no idea that knowledge can be so controversial and I'll teach her to stand up for her beliefs, despite what those around her say.

Ahhhh-ccomplished

We officially have one less daycare bill as of last Friday. I feel like we've hit a financial windfall. The little ladies and I went to visit my mom last weekend, while Brian got a much deserved break. Abigail and I have been running all over town catching up with old friends, running errands, cleaning the house, and just enjoying each other's company. Today was going to be the free summer movie, but Autumn is sick. Instead, we will stick with the girl's morning dentist appointment, get Autumn seen at the Pediatrician, and swing by the allergist to get school forms filled out for Abigail. We should find out who Abigail's kindergarten teacher is by the weekend and we're so excited. I can't wait.

AHHHHHHHHH

The paper is written and will be turned in tomorrow. Sigh...

Break time here I come.

I recognize that there are more serious problems children can have beyond speech, but without the basics, everyday tasks can become very complicated. I have been amazed at how many new words and sounds Autumn has learned this summer. Yesterday she said "book". Not only did she use the "ck" sound, but she didn't drop off the last consonant. I know I'll never know everything going through her head, but it's nice to finally be privy to a few of her thoughts.

I have also started reading the book Mother-Daughter Project. I have only gotten through the first three chapter, but I can already recommend it to any mom. Not just women who have daughters, but mother's of boys can gain a lot of insight, too. I can not quote the whole book, but I have read bits and pieces to my husband, and I think he would agree that the authors have illuminated some of the key issues that mother's struggle with. I will likely discuss later after I've had time to read the whole thing. If you have ever struggled with how to balance yourself as a woman and a mom (sans a moment's guilt), while trying to sort through what society tells us we should be , then I recommend at least reading the first three chapters.

Semi-Sigh

Not that anyone is reading, but if they were, I won't bore you with another nursing school rant. YES, it will be worth it in the long run, NO, nursing school is nothing like nursing. I have finished my community health project (with less-than-equal help).

I am drinking a beer, I'm going to play with the girls this weekend, and I'm go to take a much need break. Then it will just be 8 more pages to type up for a paper before I get a real vacation and will be at the true HALF WAY POINT!!! That alone is an accomplishment, trust me.

This weekend we will also get to spend a little time with Great Grandma and will have a chance to catch up with the Belmont Murphys (the siblings-in-law). It will be great fun.

sigh....

Batman Rocked

Brian arranged for Gramma to watch the kids last night and we went out to watch Batman. That movie was awesome. I've never read all of the comics, so it didn't need to live up to anything specific in my mind. It was really well done. Besides, a girl can't complain when she gets to watch Heath and Christian for 2 1/2 hours.

This community health rotation is sucking beyond belief. It's just not for me. But just two more weeks and I should have it off my plate. As of tomorrow, I will only have 14 (out of 56) hours left to complete. CAN NOT WAIT.

Abigail is getting very excited for Kindergarten. We went out and bought everything on her school supply list. I can not believe she is going to elementary school. Too much fun.

Don't Give A Damn

Literally, I had my meeting with my professor to discuss our final exam (taken over 2 weeks ago) and I could hardly muster a single damn. I'm sure the A- I got as a final grade doused the flames a little. Regardless, we spoke as professionals, we completely disagreed and were blunt, but professional.

On a silly note, Autumn has learned how to say "cocoa" today.

On a proud mama note, the girls were playing together so sweetly when it was time for them to head upstairs and brush their teeth. Brian was doing dishes and I was checking email. When we got upstairs, Abigail had taken it upon herself to change Autumn's diaper and had done an amazing job. She is getting so grown up.

Off to watch the World Series of Poker. Reminds me of Abigail's newborn days. I watched it for hours while nursing. Oh, back when I thought I had no free time, but upon reflection, had all the time in the world.

Plug Away

When I am in school, my free reading time is practically non-existent. I read enough for school, so a tv show or movie are more of what I have in mind in all of my spare time. However, Brian got a free book copy of Indiana Jones by my favorite author James Rollins. I like Rollins other works better, but this story was very in keeping with the Indiana Jones series. It was super nice to indulge in a non-school book. Even more exciting, I am now reading Germ Warriors. I've already read bits and pieces that were featured in other books, but I'm eating up the new bits. Even better I got it (and a ton of books for the girls) from BookCloseOuts.com. Now that I've plugged everyone I can think of, I should look over my stuff for my last clinical before summer break in just three more weeks. Nah, I'll just watch read a book instead.

Happy July

A day late to say Happy 4th, but we had such an All American day yesterday. We took the girl's to grandma's pool in the morning and hung out with the in-laws. Brian even took Abigial on a surprise dip down to the bottom of the pool. She didn't want to do it again right away, but she was smiling and very excited to try again today.

Family nap time, then it was off to see the fireworks after dinner. This is the first year we've kept the kids up late enough to see the fireworks. I know, I know. Other parent's don't think twice about keeping their kids up until 10:30 pm just for kicks, but consistent bedtime is what has maintained our sanity the last five years. Regardless, the girls had a BLAST. They were so well behaved and were ridiculously excited about the fireworks. Abigail was up at 6:15 because of a thunderstorm and Autumn was still up before 8. They did nap well today, though.

Here are a couple of pics of the patriotic ladies.

Cheese!

Abigail and Her Friend Now Known as KK

Just When You Thought Your Program Couldn't Get Any Worse

I took my final Tuesday for one of my summer class, Culture and Health. It had the makings of being a very interesting class. We'd get a chance to learn about different cultures and how they approach healthcare. We'd learn strategies for closing the gap in access and quality of care.

Needless to say, I am not shocked that this information was not included, despite the objectives listed on the syllabus. What a huge waste of time and money. The take home message we were conveyed "blacks have worse outcomes for every disease, than whites and by owning my own home I am perpetuating the suppression of blacks". I get it. Whites have better health outcomes and a higher socioeconomic class than just about every minority in this country, but give me solutions and strategies to provide equality. Pointing out wrong isn't enough to fix anything. It's like telling someone they're obese. You're not telling them anything new. If you want them to lose the weight give them nutrition and excercise information that will help them reach their weight loss goal.

And don't even get me started on the final (too late). For starters, everyone struggled with being able to identify the material that needed to learned. Nothing was really emphasized in class. I'd read the book (aka-skimmed the chapter summaries) and did all the online modules. The final was 25 questions, open book, open note, 2 hours. Who wouldn't ace it? I would not be surprised if some of my classmates didn't fail it. I have never seen anything so preposterous. Short answers were really essays. One even required three references!!! references!!! on an exam!!! I can't get into too many details, as the exam is still open until Monday for my classmates to take, but 75% of the test was not covered in the class and only 2 could be recalled without looking them up (not because I'm stupid, but because they called for the obscure statistic or concept NOT MENTIONED IN CLASS!!!

So, I am meeting with the teacher to discuss this and talking with the Dean of the program. Both are getting a serious ear full. I mean no disrespect, I understand these people have feeling and think they are doing a good job, but I have never seen such horrible education as I have in this program. The nursing educator shortage is very obvious and it's only going to churn out really incompetent nurses.

I'm sure it will come as no surprise when I say I can NOT recommend this program to ANYONE.

On the up side, I finished lecture for the summer yesterday and I don't start clinical until Tuesday. A little break for the holiday weekend, I can not wait. I am going to declutter and polish this place up, then kick my feet up, eat some watermelon, and drink a beer. sigh.

Not So Bad

The pipe between the engine and the muffler is broken, but not for long. Not as pricey as I thought it would be. Thank goodness.

This weekend Brian got to visit some friends while the girls and I hung around the empty garage. We cleaned it, sprayed spiders, rode bikes, painted chairs pink, put away laundry, and danced our tooshies off.

All-in-all, a good weekend.

Showing My Age

As I was driving home from class on Friday, I pulled up behind a suped up Chevy that was all decked out in Corona advertisments. The whole thing was yellow and it had a Corona symbol tinted all over the back window. I heard some loud revving and rumbling. My first thought was, that suped up car must have one of those mufflers that makes it crazy loud, like young people like to do. I turned down my music (which admittedly had the bass and volume cranked loud enough to make my car shake), only to discover....oh, shit.....that's my car!!! I'm the one driving around the clunker. I drive through the shopping center parking lot, pass my house, and straight to the auto shop. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. They didn't have time to diagnose it on Friday and aren't open on the weekends, so we'll have to wait until Monday to find out what's wrong with. Hopefully it's nothing too expensive, but we've owned it for over seven years and have done little more than oil changes, new tires, and possible brake pads. Needless to say, it will probably be a doozy.

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY

BIRTHDAY to BRIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moving On

My OB class is officially over. Thank goodness. I am moving on.

My almost 16 year old niece stopped over for a quick visit earlier this week in between home and grandmommy's. We had a fun morning taking the little girls for a walk around the lake, playing at the park, then off to the pool in the afternoon. A very busy day, including Autumn's first speech therapy session and Abigail's participation in another early childhood development study. My niece has grown up into such a fun young lady and she is so great with the girls. It was a real treat to have her. Doesn't hurt that we got to crank up Fergie in the car on the drive up Wednesday night. Good times.

Last night was the annual MOMS Club banquet. My friend had it at her house and it was such a relaxing evening; complete with a dip in the hot tub. It was a little bittersweet, as I feel I've outgrown it and likely won't renew this fall. I was a member for four years, was Administrative VP (ran service projects), was President, hosted and participated. The little ladies and I have made a lot of really great friends. I'm sad to close another chapter, but I am happy we have made some friends for life. I am also excited to see what kindergarten brings our way.

I keep thinking I will get some down time at some point this summer to reflect and relax, but I have to admit to myself that I don't think that is going to happen. I will just have to take advantage of the few rare moments.

At School We Call That Emesis

Well, Brian had a relaxing, no responsiblities, game playing, book reading Father's Day...until Abigail complained of a "cold tummy" and went Linda Blair on her room. I swear I didn't feed her pea soup for dinner. She is feeling much better now and I will be calling the carpet cleaners in the morning.

And, yes, during the process I taught Abigail that at school we call it emesis and measure it, but at home we can just call it barf or vomit or throwing up. Enlightening my child one day at a time.

Happy Father's Day, Brian. Go Team.

Full Circle

So we went over to check out my in-laws new home here in town. We pulled into the neighborhood... I racked my brain trying to remember which MOMS Club friend I'd visited here. Passed the pool and park, so familiar. Brian (he's the Prince, but I'm tired of subbing names) says, "I think we went to a birthday party in this neighborhood." Hmmm....Brian hasn't taken Abigail (the Princess) to many parties, so I can't imagine I'd have forgotten. We turn the corner onto their street and see their driveway...LIGHTBULB!!

Brian and I looked at that exact house four years ago when we first moved to the area. We loved that the kitchen opened to the family room, but it was not big enough overall to accomodate a home office and tiny, loud children. I swear the world gets smaller and smaller every day. No doubt the in-laws have good taste if they picked a house that we thought was a contender ;)

The New Grad

The New Graduate

The Family Photo- I posted two pics.

It took a collective effort to get all of us to look at the camera at the same time.

HAPPY GRADUATION, PRINCESS!!!

ME...ME...ME...MEME

(Post rules at the beginning of the post. Answer all the questions. Tag 6 people, go to their blog and leave a comment to inform them that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.)

1. What were you doing ten years ago?

Wow, ten years ago I had just graduated from undergrad. I was living with my parents looking for a job in biology or environmental sciences. I was getting ready for our big fourth of July party (aka drunk fest) at my parents house and probably partying some with my little brother and his friends. I don't think I could have reflected on a less interesting time in my life, it got way more interesting after that summer.

2. What are five things on your to-do list today?
the day is almost over, so I'll list what I scratched off of my list today.

a) Wrote 3 papers (still need to organize the references, but I'm 90% done).
b) Slept in until 9:15 am. Delightful.
c) Cooed over the Father's Day gifts the girls made at school (but do they really need to send peanuty candy bars home to the dad of a little girl with a peanut allergy?)
d) Hiked from the designated UVA parking lot to the Health Sciences Library and back. It's not short.
e) To do: eat ice cream, cookies and chocolate covered caramels. Dessert trio...yum.

3. Snacks you enjoy?

soda (yes, I drink it mid-afternoon as a 'snack'), lattes, cookies, pears, and grapes.

4. Places you've lived...

Annapolis, MD
Brunswick, ME
Monterery, CA
Agana, Guam
Fairfax, VA
Rota, Spain
Newport, RI
Charlotte, NC
College Station, TX
NOVA
Charlottesville, VA

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?

a)Buy a big, freakin', brand-spanking-new house
b)Buy a lakehouse retreat (within 2 hours of home).
c)Share the wealth
d)Only work part-time after I graduate.
e)Sign the girls up for dance and swim class and not fret over the money.

I now tag...Mighty Shamrock, Minus Apathy, Stay-at-Aum Mom...my blog world is small. I don't have six.

Pounding Pavement, Papers, and Pre-school

This morning I am back on a day schedule for the rest of the summer. Thank goodness. My time in OB confirmed that NICU is the place for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved being able to provide laboring support for the mom's and teaching how to breastfeed, but there is a lot of sitting around waiting. I would go batty. I also got to witness "active management" of labor, i.e. give everyone pitocin and sign them up for a c-section if they don't progress at the "1 cm an hour" rule. It was horrible. I'm not a home birth person; I like having the security of MDs on hand should something go wrong, the option for some pain management, and a day or two or recovery. But labor doesn't need to be actively managed, just periodically monitored while the mom is actively supported. And don't freak out over one late decel in 3 hours, the baby recovered, the baby is fine, let the mom labor. If I landed a job on the OB floor, I would be hitting my head against a brick wall daily. Can't do it.

That was a huge aside related nothing to the title of the blog. Back to topic. This morning I dropped the girls off at school and headed to walk my usual circuit around some neighborhood lakes. Felt inspired by a friend to run it, instead. Heck, she's running 5ks, the least I can do is try to pick up the pace. It felt AMAZING!!! Ran the whole thing only to discover my "3 mile walk" is likely only 2 miles. I ran the loop in about 20 minutes and I know I don't still run a 7 minute mile in VA humidity with lots of hills. I just feel accomplished that I challenged my mind and my body.

Speaking of challenging my mind, I have to write 3 papers in the next two days. The challenge is surviving the torture that is writing papers. The topics aren't difficult and none require much research, I just loathe writing papers. I do not get a good educational return for my investment. My classmates feel like they are getting a break this summer, I feel overwhelmed. Just shows that while the experience is the same, the interpretation can be completely different.

The princess graduates from pre-school tonight. Complete with red caps and gowns, musical numbers and snacks. Pictures to come.

Love to Learn

Last night's clinical was rockin' awesome. I dreaded the 12 hour shift (7P-7:30A) and the potential for another sucky OB clinical. I was so happy to be proven wrong. Met my new preceptor in L&D. She is a great teacher and I got to see it all.

Here is all I got to do or see that was new from a nursing perspective:

Started an IV (I love sticking people, so wrong).
Watched adminitration of an epidural, spinal and general anesthesia.
Watched a non-pharmacological vaginal birth.
Watched an emergency c-section (PTL). (reminds of how much I enjoyed NICU)
Coached and supported a mom with break through pain with her epidural (apparently the failure rate is ~1:20 and at that point the mom can't reposition well to help manage the pain).
Held back some hair while someone vomited.

I'm sure there must have been more, but that's all I can think of. Way more than I ever got in the newborn nursery. Came home and didn't think I'd be able to fall asleep (even though I was up for almost 24 hours), but I crashed. Totally overslept and freaked out that I was arbitrarily late getting the girls (usually get them at 4 and I woke at 4:15!!).

Just one more shift on L&D and one shift in a doctor's office. Is it summer vacation yet?

Smiles!

Baby Bumblebee

The Cutie Patootie

The Beauty Patootie

Here is the girls version of the Bumblebee Song:

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Well, I won't get my hopes up, but after a carefully worded letter to my clinical faculty/professor, I will hopefully get to see some babies be birthed in the near future. I will probably still be on night shift and, with my luck, C-ville will be hit with a never before seen dearth of babies. But, I have a small glimmer of hope.

And the Pixie said 'Mommy' for the first time today. (We've been stuck on 'mama'. Granted it was specific, but not very refined.). Life doesn't get better than that.

Again....

Seriously, I've been avoiding the blog because I just don't think people can stand hearing me rant anymore. I can't stand hearing me rant anymore. This summer semester really fuels the negativity. In addition to 'gouge-my-eyes-out' boring clinicals, we have to take a culture and health class. I thought it would be neat to learn about how different cultures approach health and wellness.....NOT. It's really a class about how racist we all are and a history of all the mistakes we've made. And I've never met judgier people than I have since working in the hospital, it's disgusting. But how about a class that teaches solutions and explains how to provide culturally specific care while providing equal care. If you treat every patient the same, they say you aren't being culturally sensitive. Treat everyone according to their culture and now you're being racist. Throw me a bone people. I just want to help keep you healthy.

Sleep, Please?

There has been little sleep in my recent past and it does not look like there will be much to be had for the 10 days or so. Friday night was my first OB clinical (1900-0330). I have to surprisingly admit I was bored out of my skin. I was really looking forward to this rotation, but a less than stellar preceptor (again) and learning that a majority of my time will be spent in the newborn nursery has made me start counting down the days until it's over. From a mom perspective, it was great to see so many healthy babies (overlooking the ones in withdrawal). But I felt more like a babysitter than a nurse. Change diapers, take temperatures, give bottles.... My preceptor didn't even explain all the stuff she was doing, but after observation I realized she wasn't doing anything I didn't already know how to do. I will try to jump in on a birth during Monday nights shift to try to salvage the experience.

My Friday all-nighter was followed by a Saturday all-nighter at my friend Becky's. Retro attire (and a few outfit changes courtesy of Becky's closet), dance music, summery drinks and good friends. It was a blast. Followed up by a morning of coffee, bagels and the "morning after movie" Footloose. I was shocked she had never seen the movie before. Dancing and 80's, what's not to like!? A fun time was had by all.

Autumn has a fever and super swollen lymph node, so I'll be juggling the little one while trying to do homework and rest before night clinical tomorrow. It's always going to be something.

We're off to ride bikes and use up some of that kid energy. If only I could siphon off a little; I'd be more awake and they'd sleep like a rock.

Crazy Busy, but Oddly Relaxing

After a weekend of washing cars and playing endless hopscotch, it was back to the books today. I've already got my second exam tomorrow. Last week my teacher mentioned that prenatal exams did not improve outcomes. I found that suspicious and found a great article that looked at 10-freakin-million births. Turns out prenatal care does improve outcomes, although it's still debated exactly how many are required to decrease mortality (3 appointments are not enough, but the typical U.S. 14+ may be a tad excessive). Disappointingly, a lit review revealed my teacher was correct in stating bedrest does diddly-poo to help delay preterm birth. The risks of bedrest likely far outweigh the benefits, but it's currently the only hope.

On a fun note, I have clinical Friday night (hello babies!), then a kick-ass party Saturday at my friend Becky's. This definitely calls for some dancing shoes and a sleepover. Can't wait!

Birthing a Baby-To Each His Own

A quick aside before I jump into my rant. The Pixie woke yesterday with a cough. By the middle of the night the poor thing was wheezing and having retractions. The Prince took her to an appointment first thing where her O2 sats were in the low 80s. She got hooked up with some nebulized albuterol and prednisone right there in the office. Sats back up to 98. Serious illness, but the Pixie is just as bouncy and chipper as ever. Now, the rant....(I've given you fair warning).

So, my little cohort runs on the crunchy side. I wouldn't say we're judgmental, but we're definitely opinionated. At any rate, The Business of Being Born documentary keeps getting mentioned, so I decided to download it from trusty Netflix. I went in knowing Ricki Lake created the film because she was dissatisfied with her first hospital birth and sought a water birth with her second child. No doubt, there was going to be a bias. But I found it so sensationalizing and judgmental (ironic, no?).

The result is to perpetually divide women. Breast or bottle, co-sleep or crib, working mom or SAHM, medicated or unmedicated. I'm not sure why we allow ourselves to continually be divided by these topics. Even the terminology used in the film was judgmental (natural birth for the unmedicated non-hospital births vs. ? ...robot births ? And to suggest that women are passive followers of their health care providers, are you serious! I think it's time to stop pointing fingers and accept that each of us has our own approach to motherhood and are capable of deciding which interventions we would like to pursue.

I am all for promoting low intervention births and reserving OBs for the really complicated pregnancies and labors. But, I also know that all of the interventions performed are not all doctor driven. I think a lot is patient driven; the patient's desire for an induction or a c-section or to not feel like their bottom is going to explode.

At the end of the day, I felt empowered to experience labor (pain and all), but that doesn't mean my decision is the right one for all women. At the end of the day, we are all mother's, regardless of how much we felt. Who are we to judge and impose our views onto others. I feel providing everyone with an unbiased education to help each new mother make their own decisions would benefit us all.

I Survived

What a day. Took the girl's to Bodo's for breakfast bagels...wait. My day actually started in the middle of the night when the Pixie got up a bijillion times because of a newly developed cold. Now, where were we...bagels. The Princess went to school and the Pixie and I returned home to have an hour and a half speech assessment. The entourage was hardly in the door before they were nodding their heads "we can't understand a word she says, either". So the Pixie is having a little trouble being "intelligible". She should be about 62% intelligible and is hovering in the low 30s. She has many of her own words for things, strings together 6+ words, can be told to go upstairs to retrieve socks and return not only with socks, but ones that match and her shoes to boot. So, we qualified to have someone come visit us twice a month and work with us on speech. Hurray. I know it will be a slow road, but I feel I've got a victory.

Then is was off to a Doctors appointment of my own (while trying to cram for my online exam). Off to the library to minimize my distractions and accomplished a 98% on the test. Darn well better considering I've squeezed out two little feti of my own.

Then I grabbed the girls, we played at the park and now it is bath time. A very productive day, all in all.

Blurry

I kicked off summer session on Monday with our OB class. Thank goodness I've already got the first hand experience because there is over 600+ pages of reading, 12 hours of lecture, and countless articles to absorb before our first exam tomorrow. What a whirlwind. The exam is online (closed book) and is accessible any time between 0900 and 2100. Thank goodness it's flexible because Autumn has her speech assessment in the morning and I've got an appointment in the PM. Nothing like overextending one's self. Wish me luck.

Camping at Big Meadow

Living near the Blue Ridge makes it very convenient to go camping, hiking and enjoy some breath-taking views. Some friends and I went camping this weekend. This was not the typical roughing it that I did back in high school (pup tents, hot dogs, and marshmallows). We had burgers, bacon, chips, s'mores, pasta salad, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, bagels, cream cheese, trail mix, apples, oranges. beers, mudslides.... Well, you get the point. It was worth the effort because the whole trip was delicious. We were right on the ridge and could see spring green treetops all around us. We saw dozens of deer, but luckily no bears or skunks. I have to admit, it was too cold for me. I had a great time, but I know I would double my fun if it were warmer.

I recall someone peaking their head in the tent remarking on the rosy pink sunrise, a must-see. Sorry, it was too cold for me. Besides, I have seen many sunsets and they aren't that different, just later and in the opposite direction. Once I heard coffee was on then I was happy to leave my warm cocoon.

After we packed up, we went hiking to see the waterfalls. They were raging with all the rain we've had lately. I could hike every day. The rugged trails, the butterflies, caterpillars, and groundcover...just stunning.

Can't wait to try again later this summer. Are you in ladies?

Bacon, Baked Beans and Burgers at Big Meadow Restaurant.

Sitting down for a delicious meal.

The view from our campsite.

Did I mention the birthday pudding that Becky and Marie brought for Sharon and I (the birthday girls). A candle right through the foil. LOL.

EDIT: Here's another pick of all six of us at the Falls.

The Birthday Photos

Papau's Poundcake has been a birthday tradition for the kids since they were born. The Princess has never eaten it because sugar and sweets have not been her thing. And thank goodness, I've always used real almond flavoring which we have discovered she is allergic to (tree nuts and peanuts). Abigail decided on Birthday Brownies and Pudding in lieu of cake and was excited to help decorate.

mmm...homemade brownies (have you clue how many mixes have-or are processed with-nuts! ).

The Princess making a wish.

The Pixie working very seriously on that pudding.

The BFFs (Becky, Marie, Me, and Sharon).

Me and the Prince that made all the May birthdays incredible.

Little Lady Date- Part Two

Yesterday it was time for a little lady date with the Princess, but only after I watched her do show-and-tell. The little lady isn't so little and has grown out of her clothes lickety-split. So we were off to do some clothes shopping. The princess takes after her father when it comes to clothes shopping. She has a defined idea about what she likes to wear, turns her nose up at what she doesn't like, but doesn't want to take the time to puruse the racks of clothes. I found some great buys, but next time I will just a sampling of clothes and return the one's she doesn't like.

While morning shopping didn't receive applause, lunch at the mall with one of her oldest friends was a big hit. Then ice cream and crafts at home. The girl used up glue faster than I could fine the next tube. Just like her dad and I, the princess needs a good bit of quiet time. By afternoon, she had retreated to her sister's room explaining that "it was dirty and needed to be cleaned up". She even laid out the Pixie's pj's on the floor like a Flat Stanley. Seriously, we didn't do this to her, she just came out this way (I am so lucky).

As a final special treat, she got to stay up late and watch Enchanted complete with popcorn and surround sound. She enjoyed it so much she even clapped at the very end. While the day didn't go exactly as I'd anticipated, we had a great day together and she loved being an only child for a day.

I'm off to go camping with my BFFs and a few other ladies (if that angry cloud in the west cools its heels).

BFFs

I am officially another year older. Yesterday was my birthday and it was just perfect. Let me enlighten you a little about my definition of perfect. My husband describes me as a high-maintenance-low-maintenance chick. Meaning, I don't like expensive gifts, I don't want a fancy brunch for breakfast, and I'd just as soon skip the fresh (or potted) flowers. Running shoes were my gift of choice for about three years in college before my mom flat-out refused to let something so practical be my present. I prefer a handful of inexpensive and thoughtful gifts, a warm bagel and coffee for breakfast, a drawing from the girls, and something that I can't kill or have die on me. In fact, my husband quickly realized that buying me those frivolous presents and a dozen roses only made me uncomfortable and ruined my holiday. It doesn't take a lot for me to have my perfect day, but I can not imagine anything better.

In keeping with my love of simple gifts, I was blown away when we arrived at dinner last night to see the table full of my BFFs. I have no idea how the Prince organized the whole event and everyone kept it a secret, but I was completely shocked. Growing up, girls and I never really got along. Since I've become a mom and moved to Cville, however, I have found the most lovely group of ladies. Our friendships may have started because we were in the trenches of sleep deprivation and diaper changing, but our friendships have graduated beyond chatting over the children playing at our feet. We are true friends. Our conversations are more likely to solicit who we are, than parenting advice.

The loot was awesome; a Starbuck's gift card (yummy), green-inspired t-shirts, and a photo and movie cd. And to top it off, I had no idea how many great songs were on the Fergie cd until the Prince got it for me. This is one of the first times in my life that I feel like people know ME, not how they perceive me to be. The gifts were chosen with my likes in mind without imposing what they would like for me.

And, no, I don't feel older. Life is only getting better every day.

A Little Lady Date

The Pixie and I had a little lady date today. She played hookie from school and we went for a morning walk, did our fingernails, had a lunch date with a friend, and washed both of the cars. It's very rare that she and I get to hang out together, just the two of us. She is quite a lot of fun and very chill (completely opposite from when she is competing with the Princess for attention, which is always).

Thursday will be a little lady date with the Princess. Trying to squeeze in every last drop of fun and relaxation before school starts up again on Monday. Speaking of school, final grades came in, 4 As and 1 A-, just as I suspected. Glad I've got another semester down...4 to go.

mmm...cake

I can not believe it's been a whole week since I've last posted. A huge pet peeve of mine is infrequent bloggers and now I've become one of them. AAAAAA! I make no excuses, but I have been busy. Since I last wrote, I completely reorganized both of the girls rooms, the Pixie is now in a full-fledged toddler bed, the Princess has a new desk in which to create her copious art masterpieces, the girls and I visited some good friends in Fredericksburg, my mother came to visit for two days, the Princess and I went to another birthday party, all of the in-laws came by with birthday presents, and then it was Mother's Day.

I have to gush for a moment. I absolutely love being a mom. I won't paint some rosy picture and say raising children is all peaches and cream. There are times when I dread the monotony of day-to-day child care and the sibling jealousy makes me cringe. But I love watching the Pixie solve her puzzles in stellar speed and I love listening to the Princess tell me about the inner thoughts of her lovey Pooh Bear. To watch them give comfort when the other is sad and seeing them play together in elaborate fantasy worlds of school, house, or doctor is inspiring. Lately it's been so much fun just to have them cook with me or help me unload the dishwasher. They even make running to the store for milk more fun.

So, thank you little ladies for filling up my life with giggles and hugs. Next to my husband and my kids everything else is just icing. Without a foundation of cake, icing has no place. But when you've got the tastiest cake around, the icing just makes it that much sweeter. Wishing you all your own little slice of tasty cake.

Free at Last

Not entirely, but it's nice not to have classes for two whole weeks!!! The final on Saturday was horrible. Totally bombed it (relative to how I had done on the previous exams). But I can't change the past and I wouldn't have studied any differently, so what can you do?

On the bright side, the Princess turned 5 yesterday! She was such a sweet little party girl. A gorgeous day for our outdoor party of painting, water balloons and parachutes. Brownies (decorated by the birthday girl herself) and make-your-own pudding for all her friends. A sincere 5 year old gushing, "This is just what I wanted" to literally every gift she opened. I am so proud of what a sweet and kind little girl she is. At a follow-up appointment a couple of weeks ago, the NP asked her how she got so sweet. Her response, "Because I'm friends with everyone". No truer words have been spoken. The princess greets everyone with open arms.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS!!!

(The Pixie is on the left, The Birthday Princess on the right)

One To Go

I'm down to just one final exam. Got a 98 on my peds exam (that is clearly my area of interest). The teachers are a little slow on grading papers, clinical and what not, but (unless I am way off base) I should be pulling in all As again this semester. All that really matters is that I keep over a B to stay in the program because my future employer does not really care what I got in Leadership class.

Despite exams hanging over my head, I have done a good bit on not studying this week. Too much information becomes overwhelming and I opt for winging it. Not wise, but it's worked for me so far. Tonight I'm going to watch Grey's Anatomy and tomorrow I'm going to meet an old friend in Richmond for lunch. I will use up a good bit of my studying hours with driving and catching up, but it will be well worth it.

Just an exam Saturday afternoon, then I can indulge in a guilt free evening at my friend's house and enjoy wine, fondue and a movie. I know I just did this last weekend, but you can never indulge too much. This will just be the beginning of two relaxing weeks. I've got birthday parties, playdates, camping, Vivace's, reading, cleaning, and sleeping-in all on the agenda. Less than 48 hours and counting.