Sigh, Daniel is growing up soo fast :( Just this past week I noticed his first tooth has popped through. It now explains why he was getting up again in the middle of the night and screaming. My poor man. At the same time, it is exciting to see him change before our eyes and grow into the little person he is becoming. This child is soo laid back and happy-unless it's feeding time. I pray that he is this calm and happy and joyful when he gets older. Not just because it would be easier on me, but because life would be easier on him. his new and latest trick is to do "baby crunches". So fun to watch! Even more fun to watch, Daniel and Daddy together. It warms my heart to see them interact. Ryan is a bit more shy and reserved with his time with Daniel, but when they are together, I can only stop and smile. :)

Next Monday I start at St. John's and I am getting a little nervous. Mainly for the fact that the books I ordered (that I have to read before Monday) have not arrived yet. Who knew that they wouldn't be in stock? I surely did not. Poop. It's a good thing I have been through the laboring process before; I like to think that'll give me a head up :)

This past Sunday in my New Foundations class we talked about God. Rather, we talked about finding him in the Bible and trying to sum up His glory in 1 hour. Yeah, that was a feat and you know it wasn't going to happen, but what we did discuss really shed more light on having a close and personal relationship with Him. Afterwards, before service started, Chis and I shared some ideas about why people have trouble and are hesitant to find Him. Did you know that 96% of Americans believe their is ONE GOD? I really thought it was much lower. The class made me reflect on my decision to finally accept Jesus and reflect on what had been holding me back. If more people knew that God is not a tyrant and only wants to be accepted into our lives and will do so with open arms, I think that more people would practice what they believe. But enough of my soapbox :) Also that day, I met Chris's wife and her littlest man, Ryan. who is only 3 days older than Daniel. Granted, she has 2 more boys, it was still nice to talk with someone who completely understands this part of my life. Every Sunday I am getting more comfortable with opening up, and it is making it even more enjoyable to be there and welcomed :)

Hopefully some answers!

I took Daniel to the Ped yesterday because his rash still hasn't cleared up! After discussing it with his Ped, it was decided he was going to get the food/child allergy test. Not the evil million pricks in the skin one, but the draw blood and let's take a look one. I made Ryan hold him for the blood draw, there was no way I could have handled that. Now I completely know how all the moms felt during my ped rotation. Anyway, we'll know in a couple days if he is allergic to anything. I hope I get some answers because this has exhausted me! It's frustrating not knowing what's causing his allergies!

The rash doesn't seem to be bothering him too much. He's still his old, smiley self. Case in point: I went to my parents last night for a visit and I was playing with Jack and his "piggy". And every time I held the "piggy" up and tossed it, Daniel busted out in a laugh! It was the funniest thing I have ever seen! Then when I held it up and waved it in the air, both the dog and Daniel were following it. He's adorable :) Especially his newest, albeit messiest, new game. Let's blow humongous raspberries. Sigh, if his drooling wasn't already enough :)

WOOT!

Done with St. Mary's! Woot!!
Can not wait to start labor and delivery!

Oh the things that make me laugh :)

This morning through sleep filled eyes (much like every other morning) I wake up when Daniel decides he's done sleeping for the night. This cry was a little different and when I went into his room he had managed to roll over onto his belly and didn't know how to get back over! He looked so sad! I couldn't help but laugh though; especially since he does in fact know how to roll from tummy to back. I guess he was still a little sleepy too. That kid makes my days so much better, I tell ya.

Speaking more of my kiddo; I have finally decided the next tattoo (and the last I promise!) that I am going to get. It's going on my foot and I will probably get it by the end of the month-before I start at St. John's Woo! I'm excited. It's gonna hurt, but I am still excited.

Speaking of St. John's, Val (an old coworker of mine) decided to come back to St. Mary's PRN, and she and I were talking about working on L&D. A lot of what she was saying I had an idea of, but I am glad she mentioned day RN's are more clique like and leery of new RN's on the floor. I knew this, but this just cemented in me that I have to make sure and squeeze in the fact I worked as an RN on a Med-Surg type floor for a year. I need street cred, but I also must remember of a passage that I am beginning to call more on:

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose
word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.." Psalm
56:3-4

I am excited and scared at the thought of this new chapter, but cannot wait to begin!

My first Mother's Day has come and gone Unfortunately Ryan did have to work and I woke up to the makings of a cold, so it was spoiled a little, but it was still wonderful to spend the day with my son. I cannot wait to have more Mother's Days with my husband and son. I am so many things to so many people, but on that day, I get to celebrate being a mom to Daniel. I am getting a new camera from Ryan and Daniel and it will arrive soon! I am excited because I have not been able to take as many pictures of Daniel as I would like. Having said that, we did finally get professional portraits done of him and they turned out beautifully! I prayed Daniel would handle them OK, and he was the portrait of perfect (HAHA).

School of Life

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my
burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

There couldn't have been a more perfect sermon this Sunday than the one my pastor gave. Each week I am in awe of how God's word seems to speak so closely to me-and it was no exception this Sunday. Pastor Mark talked on the "school of life" and the required "courses" we take (life, death and judgement) and our "electives" (choosing our way of life, what to do with Jesus and our destination).

We are required to live, to die and have judgement called upon us. What we choose to do with our lives is strictly up to each and every one of us; and I have choosen to live my life for Christ. I have opened my door to receive Him and call on Him and place my burdens in His hand-to rest my soul. I am never ceased to be humbled in all that He does for me every day.

Thank you Lord for gently guiding me in my decisions, for watching over my
family-my entire family-for giving me the chance to live for YOU

Yesterday, I spent time with my mom-always fun-and visited some close friends for adult and baby fun :) I held Abby's brand-spankin new daughter last night, and boy, was that a realization that Daniel is one BIG KID! Madeline felt like a feather in my arms! Such a pretty little girl! Speaking of how large Daniel is; we went to the doctor last Tuesday and he weighed in at a whopping 14lb. 13.5oz. and 25 1/2 in.! Soo much like his Daddy LOL. Of course, it wasn't a real exciting visit after that, he had to get shots and we think he has a cow's milk allergy so he's been placed on a super expensive formula. Enfamil doesn't give coupons for this type, of course. If it helps clear his rash, then it's worth every penny!

This week marks my second to last week for my departure at St. Mary's. Sa-weet! I can't wait to join L&D; I finally get to enjoy my job! I'll miss all of my coworkers, but I will not miss the wounds, the heavy heavy heavy heavy patients, and the stress. Or the driving. I have grown to dislike 70 soo much.

What a week..and it's just Thursday

Whew! I am tired just thinking of everything that has happened this week! For starters, this past Sunday I committed myself to the church that I have been going to. I took that BIG first step and I am so happy that I did. I feel so complete now. And if committing myself to the Lord and feeling an immense calm over me wasn't proof that this decision was quite possibly the best I have made for myself, then the incident this past Monday proves that God is great and watches over my family. Ryan placed Daniel on his boppy on the couch and ran downstairs. I was unaware that this was happening. As I am cleaning up the kitchen I hear a bump and then a wail. My heart leaped out of my chest and I swear I stopped breathing. I raced over to the living room and there was my poor baby sitting on the floor next to his boppy. He slid of the couch, but only by the strong hands of God did he land on his boppy and bottom and not his head. Aside from some big tears, my baby was OK.
Then Tuesday night I had to deal with a notoriously verbally and physically abusive patient. That previous night he was fine, then no sooner do I go into his room Tuesday that he becomes his charming self. First agreeing to be turned, my CP and I begin and in the process he decides he doesn't want to be turned and starts cursing and swinging at my CP and before I have a chance to back away, he grabbed my arm and starts squeezing and scratching. I had on an isolation gown because this guy has some "super bugs", but that still didn't prevent my arm from becoming red. Oh, how angry was I! I filed and incident report (and not the first filed on him since he's been on my floor) and while talking to security I wonder how a hospital can keep admitting a patient with a long known history of being like this. Makes me wonder how much admin care about their employees...I truly did try to empathize with his situation, but I really could only go so far-especially after my night with him Tuesday. Fingers crossed that he was discharged.
On a lighter note, the weather is changing and the trees have leaves and I am so thankful we have signs of spring! I just feel better when the weather is like this. Although I could do without the birds chirping at 5 in the morning ;)

Oh the happenings in my life

This past Saturday I FINALLY ventured out sans Daniel and the hubby and spent some good ol' quality time with friends. The end result, lots of laughs, driving, alien secretions and a big pink tie. Good times.

This past Friday a beautiful baby girl entered the world. My best friend's sister was blessed with another child-one that is even more of a miracle than you'll ever know. Went to see her before she delivered at St. John's. It was awesome to be there and even more awesome to know that in a few short months I am there as a nurse! And in the nick of time because St. Mary's is poop.

Daniel is doing wonderfully. Everyday I am blessed to be able to watch him grow and interact with him and Ryan. He's a little chunky monkey! I weighed him on our home scale the other day-13.8 lbs! We go at the end of this month for his 4 month check up. We start talking solid food then!!!

I went to church again this past Sunday. Always a wonderful time. Each Sunday I get a little closer to going up to the stage and presenting myself as wanting to be a part of the congregation, but I still get nervous. I wish Ryan were a little more interested, but I guess that will come in time with some more praying and persuasion. I still have lots and lots and lots to learn, but I feel myself beginning to have a better relationship with Him. And that is good :)