It's been a while

It's been a while since I last was able to sit down and share life with you all. Life with two boys is incredibly more busy than I expected it to be at this point. Cub Scouts, baseball, speech therapy, developmental therapy, and so much more keep us constantly on the go!

Jonathan turned two at the end of May. In late May/early June, he started speech and developmental therapy for a speech delay. Twice a week he works on learning to communicate more effectively. He has really made leaps and bounds in the past two months. He has gone from saying 12 words, to putting two and three word sentences together now!

Carson finished 1st grade with excellent straight A's. He played travel baseball this summer and really enjoyed it. He is excited to start second grade next week!

Chris has been busy beyond belief with work. He has managed to squeeze a few triathlons and a half marathon in there as well.

I'm still at the Care Coordinator job and really enjoy what I do.

I'll sit down soon and fill you in more on each of our lives, but right now I'm being attacked by a crazy toddler!

Ch-Ch-Changes

Change is about to happen in our household! Mama is changing jobs!

This is a huge opportunity for myself and our family.  I will have to drive 25 miles each way to work every day, but I will also have the opportunity to work from home once a week or so. It is quite a jump in pay too!

We plan to move closer to the town where I will be working, as Chris works there also. So now we are fixing our house up to get it on the market!

Exciting times in our house right now and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

Being A Working Mom

As you may know, I work full time outside of the home as a Registered Nurse for a local health department. As frustrating and challenging as my job can sometimes be, I absolutely love what I do. I get to deal with people of all sorts of backgrounds. There's just enough variety in it to keep the routine from getting stale.

Many of the parents I know from Carson's friends or online, are stay at home moms.
I've always said that I could never stay home, all day, every day, with my children.  Living where we do, I would absolutely go stir crazy if I were a stay at home mom. There is literally nothing to do for kids in our town! The nearest town with activities for kids is about a 25-30 minute drive for me.  Kudos to you mommas who stay home and don't go insane.

Back to me working....

Anyways, I work 35 hours a week at a 8:30-4:30, five day a week job. I see my boys for about 45 minutes in the morning while we are getting ready for the day, and then for about 3-4 hours in the evening before it is bedtime.  During the evening I try to spend my time with them as much as possible, but there are dishes to do, baths to be given, laundry to wash and fold, etc., etc.  Recently I got to be a stay at home mom for a few days when we had a blizzard. I loved spending extra time with my boys. It made me think though, about how much I am missing of their lives because I do work.

I miss volunteering at Carson's school. I can't always take them to doctor's appointments. I can't always go on field trips with Carson. I miss snuggling with my two handsome little men. I can't talk to his teacher after school if he's had a bad day. I don't get to hang out with the other moms waiting for our kids to come running out the doors at 3:00 every day. I don't get to socialize with adults that aren't my coworkers. I just can't be there...and frankly, it sucks!

I want to be there for everything, but that's just not possible. I am there for classroom parties and take them to appointments when I can, but work needs me. My family needs me too. I am there for all the important things, and if I can't be, daddy is there for them, or grandma is there. We make it work so that someone is always there.

There's a certain balance that I have to keep between work and home, yes, it may suck at times, but sometimes its just perfect and it works for us. Does it frustrate me? Yes. Do I feel like I am failing my kids? Sometimes. Does it make me any less of a good mom? I don't think so.

I guess the point of this post is this....You don't have to be a stay at home mom to love your children. You don't have to work to buy them things to be a good mom. As long as you are there for them when you are with them, you're doing it right and that's all that matters. 

Breastfeeding and Working

     As some of you already know, I work full time. Since I work 40 hours a week, it interferes with nursing Jonathan. We haven't given up our breastfeeding though. Making it as long as we have is a HUGE accomplishment for me this time around. I was determined to keep it up as long as I can after returning to work. I've now been back to work for a month, and we are still breastfeeding! Granted, Jonathan does get some formula, and that's okay. Really.  He's been supplemented from the beginning so it's only slightly different now that I am working.  I have low production, so when I'm away from him the milk I have left for him to have from a bottle just isn't enough. I've tried Fenugreek and power pumping, but not had any luck increasing my supply.

     How do we make it work? Easy. I use my trusty companion, my Medela Pump-in-Style Advanced.  Actually, I'm on my second pump. The first one was older and quit working very well, so a couple weeks ago I took advantage of my secondary insurance coverage and got a new pump. WOW, what a difference there is! This one works much better.  How to I find time to pump during my busy client schedule? Well since I work for a health department and we are very pro-breastfeeding here, my coworkers are very understanding about when I need to take 10-15 minutes for myself. It's a law in Illinois that employers must provide you with time and a private space to express breastmilk for your infant if you are breastfeeding. Luckily, my office has a door so I can close it and hang my little "knock please" sign so that people don't just walk in while I'm getting milk for my baby.  I generally nurse Jonathan right before I get ready for work, then pump twice a day at work. When I get home at night, we resume nursing on demand. While I'm at work he will get my pumped milk as well as supplemented with formula. It works for us.

It's not always easy and I don't always have time to pump right when I need to, but I make the best of it. I'm so thankful for an understanding employer and coworkers. I'm thrilled to be able to be breastfeeding Jonathan still, and will continue to breastfeed him and work full time as long as I can. Like I've said before, any breastmilk is better than none, and I'm not afraid of formula.

Friday Free For All!

Gram- My grandma is doing good and is back at a nursing home for rehab. I think she has 9 lives! She's a fighter that is for sure.

My boys- The hubs had 5 teeth pulled Friday and ended up with a dry socket :( he had it packed today. Hopefully he can still get his spacers for his braces next week! Cman has been battling a darn cold or sinus infection. He sounds terrible, but is super snuggly at bedtime :)

Work- Has been so crazy with flu clinics! Get your flu shots people! Vaccines save lives!

Pregnancy- Well, Morning sickness has found me this week. I've been miserable more days than not since Sunday. It was like a switch flipped and morning sickness went from 0 to 100 over night. Still trying to find a remedy that helps. I had my first legit craving this week too....chicken nuggests. No lie, I had to drop what I was doing and go get chicken nuggets in the middle of my day! haha! (By the way, if you missed the announcement of our new addition, you can see it here.

Weekend- This weekend is the first weekend we aren't crazy busy since Labor day! Just a birthday party and football game tomorrow night, hockey Saturday, and again Sunday. I think we can handle that!


Hope you all have a great weekend!

Everyday Blessings

There are people and things that happen around us every day that we look over, take for granted. Things we may walk by, people we see, things that occur every day of our lives.

In light of the recent events in our family, I've decided to open up a little bit and share with you some of my "Everyday Blessings".

#1 Family

Let me start by saying, I have been very blessed that I have a great husband, a wonderful son, incredible parents, and have had my grandparents in my life for 28 years. Of 5 grandparents, I have 3 still with me on this Earth. I grew up knowing 2 of my great grandparents until I was a teen. My son is blessed that he has 4 very loving Grandparents in his life, as well as 4 Great Grandparents. Often I take for granted that they will always be here. The past couple weeks have been a reminder that all that can change...and change quickly.  My paternal grandmother is very ill. She's been fighting an uphill battle for the last 10 days now. In the past year, we have almost lost my grandmother, and my husband's only living grandparent, his grandfather. My husband has pulled together to be my rock more than he knows lately. I would be lost without him. A family member that is gravely ill is a stark reminder that family should not be taken for granted. Family should always be priority number one.

#2 Friends

You may not think of friends as a blessing. In fact, you may occasionally find them to be a nuisance. To me however, friends truly are a blessing.I may not have a lot of friends, but the ones I have rock! I may not talk to  my friends everyday, but I know they are always there for me. I can call them up when I'm down, and even if we haven't spoke in weeks or months, we can pick up right where we left off like it was just yesterday. Without good friends, life would suck.

#3 A Steady Job

People often complain about their jobs and talk about how they should quit. In the state of the current economy, just having a job is something to be proud of.  My husband's company is currently experiencing layoffs. We've survived this before, and will survive it again. He *hopefully* won't be effected by it. I am fortunate that I have a profession that is always needed. People always need nurses. I am thankful for the fact that I have a job that I love. Even when I have a bad day, having a steady paycheck, and a job that I can go to day in, day out, is a blessing.

#4 Small Town Life

My husband and I were born and raised in a small town. My son was born and raised in a small town. Sure everyone may know your business, but when things get rough, small towns pull together. Anytime someone has a critical illness or accident, the community pulls together to raise money for bills, bring food to the family, etc. I know that if anything ever happens to my family, my town has my back.



These are a few things that I consider "everyday blessings". Simple things that we often take for granted or overlook, but in the grand scheme of things, sometimes the simple things or the little things really are the big things, the blessings in disguise.

Happy Labor Day!

Today is Labor Day. A day for all the hardworking people, who keep our nation going, to have a day off. We are taking our son to spend the day with his grandparents. My FIL is in the IBEW Union. They have a huge family picnic every year that our son gets to go to. This means date day for mommy and daddy :) Hope you are enjoying your extended weekend!

Lists, Lists, and more lists!



Source: MS Clip Art



Ok, I have a confession to make....I have an obsession with writing lists. I write them all the time. I don't always use them, yet I write them. Crazy, I know!

Here's *another* list, of the top things I make lists for:

1) Travel- I always list exactly everything that needs packed and which bag it goes into. I also write a list of things that must be done before leaving for whatever destination I will be visiting. Then I write a list of what I want to do while gone. Often the last list I mentioned is written while travelling or once at our destination.

2) Grocery Lists - Yes I make a list out, but 95% of the time, I forget it at home or never take it out of my purse if it does make it to the store with me.

3) Work Tasks - I make lists for meetings, deadlines, things to tell my boss, things to do, etc. I write most of my lists at work.

4) Dates - I don't use a planner. I own 2 of them, but don't use them. Instead, I make lists of important dates to remember that are coming up, and keep them taped to my desk, computer, or in my purse.

How about you? What do you make lists for?

Do you like your job?

      Often people ask me..."Do you like your job? Is it exciting being a nurse? What's it like?" and so on and so on...My response varies, but typically its the same short answer, "Yes I like being a nurse." I don't usually elaborate, but I'm going to share more detail with you all. Here's my sincere, heartfelt answer.

      In my 5 years as a nurse, and 5 years prior to that as a Certified Nurses Aide, I have worked a variety of areas in nursing. I've been there to see new little ones enter this world, and been there as people took their last breaths. I've wiped big butts and little butts, given shots, taught mother's how to breastfeed, given baths to babies for their first time and helped bath the elderly. I've been a shoulder to cry on when people needed to vent, and been there to share a smile or laugh when they needed it. I've got to hear stories of "the old days", and stories of my patients' troubles. I've learned from my patients, and they've learned from me.

     I've been there in crisis situations with my heart pounding, yet kept a calm face. I've been yelled at by doctors and patients. I've been called every name in the book. I've skipped meals to make sure patients had their meds or a warm blanket. I've missed countless holidays, birthdays, and even our first anniversary. I wasn't there for my son's first Christmas, first words, or his first steps. I was, and still am, dedicated to my job.

      I love that I can be there for all sorts of events in people's lives, whether it good or bad, I'm there. I love being a shoulder for support, an ear for listening, and a source of information when needed. I am so thankful for having heard all the stories from the elderly I deal with in our community and those whom I have helped in the past who are no longer with us. I really feel like we are losing a big part of our history as the older generation that experienced the depression, and WW2 are passing away. I love that I have had the opportunity to hear the stories of the young and old patients I have cared for in the years. My most rewarding experiences have been from being a nurse. Nothing warms your heart more than having a patient recognize you in the store or at a restaurant, and thank you for being there at their time of need.

     I am blessed that I have, and have had, the opportunity to see people at their best and their worst day in and day out. It's not always pretty, but it's what I signed on for when I became a nurse. It's often a thankless job, yet I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Friday Free For All

I know it's been a while since I blogged, I've been crazy busy with getting things ready for a certain little boy's 4th Birthday party this weekend. I will blog all about it next week. We are having a big Pirate party tomorrow, and his actualy birthday is on Monday. Exciting fun times for us! Now on to the past week in review:

Work- Has consisted of more emergnecy preparedness trainings this week....but I've still managed to keep on top of all the stuff piled up on my desk also.

Gram- Today my grandma is coming home from the nursing home. I'm still not sure we are all ready for her to come home yet, but its happening regardless. She's very alert and "with it" lately. She's still wobbly when walking but its ok, hopefully she continues to approve.

Birthday Party Prep- So far this week, I have made a treasure chest, stuffed a pinata, stuffed 16 treat bags (for his 2 parties), and bought loads of food. I still have to make the cake and cupcakes for tomorrows parties also. I will be posting the party pictures and how to create your own pirate party next week. This has been a big DIY adventure that I have loved!

Nephew's Birthday Party- Last weekend Cman and I went on a camping trip for my nephew's birthday party. It was hot, and rained half the time, but we still had a blast! I haven't gone camping in probably 18 years, and it was wonderful to be back outdoors again. We floated down the Meramec River 3 different times in 2 days. Cman loved the water and loved playing in the mud the rain left behind. E really enjoyed his birthday party too. It was great to see my brother, sister-in-law, and E. Can't wait to see them again this weekend for our little pirate's birthday.


I know it's short, and all over the place, but stay with me. Next week is going to be great....lots of good posts planned for you all next week!

Friday Free For All

Well, we made it to Friday again, so let's recap the week.

Blog- This week I got my first follower on the blog (thanks Mrs. Monologues!) Within 24 hours of her "following" me, I was up to7 followers! I am so thankful for her "Blog Star" link up. It has helped me out a lot so far :)

Relay- Tonight is the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life. I relay for my Aunt, a breast cancer SURVIVOR! She's a big part of my life, and always has been. She's beat the beast, and tonight we walk for the 2nd year in a row to celebrate her life. I am still a little shy of my fundraising goal, but hoping to get there by tonight! (Click here to donate if you'd like! Becky's Relay for Life)

Lil Man- His behavior has improved this week, but still struggling at the babysitter's. Hopefully it gets even better soon!

Gram- She's in the nursing home, not doing too good, but not terrible either. We are still hoping for continued improvement and that she will be home soon.

Weekend Plans- This is a very busy weekend for us. Tomorrow my husband, Chris, turns 29. Sunday is not only Father's day, but it is our 6th wedding anniversary.  We will be going out of town together tomorrow evening for a nice dinner alone and of course, some gambling on the mighty Mississippi

Work- Work was good this week. Not too busy and not too slow. Next week I go to Chicago for 3 1/2 days for work...no hubs, no son....just mommy time!


How was your week? Any big plans for the weekend?

Friday Free For All

Garage Sale: My mother and I are having a garage sale today and tomorrow. It has forced me to go through our house and purge (see point #3). I am hoping to make enough money to buy our son a new bed since he's almost 4 and nearly outgrown his current toddler bed.

Work: I had a review yesterday...like the kind that determines the funding for part of my job type of review. It went fantastic and I'm not really sure why I was freaking out over it this week. I am looking forward to the fact that I have one week of work then get to go out of town for 4 days for work. It will be nice to get away, except I am leaving hubs and lil man at home :(

Purging: How does one household of 3 accumulate so. much. stuff!? Seriously. I have 6 totes of baby/toddler clothes and shoes, 2 boxes/totes of adult clothes, approx. 50 adult clothes on hangers, lots of toys, baby gear, a lamp, golf clubs, a book shelf, and much much more that I have pulled out of this house in the last week for this garage sale.

Terrible 3's?: Lil man's behavior has been anything but stellar this week. He doesn't adjust well to change (that's a whole other post in its self!). I think this adjustment problem has something to do with it. There are 2 new kids at the sitters this week and I don't think he likes that. He had the sitter to himself (other than 1 baby that has been there for 8 months) for the past month and a half. He liked it that way. This week has been rough for all of us. He's been acting out, which is unusual for him :( He's also been threatening to hit us, screaming at us, and running away when talked to. I'm hoping this is a phase that ends VERY SOON! Hopefully its gone by the time he turns 4 in just over 5 weeks!

Gram: My gram's been battling quite a bit of illness for a while now (most recently had a bowel resection with colostomy placement). She's full of fluid and bed sores now. Not. Good. I am hoping that now that she is out of the hospital and back in a nursing home (for short term) that she will get moving and get the fluid off her body, and get off her butt so it can heal. She went to a different nursing home this time when she came "home" on Wednesday so that she can get her IV antibiotics. I hope she continues to improve. I want her up and running when the carnival/festival is in town in 4 weeks!

So there you have it. My week in recap. How was your week?