So I'm a slow loser. Is that good? :) True to my word, here is my update: This week I lost 2.2 lbs. for a total weight loss of roughly 18 lbs. I thought it was more but it turns out I am a poor mathematician. And I gained a few one week. But I'm back on track, have lost what I've gained, and am now proudly smaller than I've been in years. I have a new goal to aspire to: 8 lbs. by May 30th. My good friend Amy and I are going to Chicago to visit our newly engaged friend Katie. Amy is also losing weight and we've set this goal together. I'm really hoping to achieve this and I think I can. I've started to ride my bike more because I'm getting ready for the Firecracker 40 (a small town bike ride equaling 40 miles that spans across little towns such as Farmhamville & Gowrie). True Iowans are laughing right now. But I'm excited! I've realized that I haven't tried very hard these past couple weeks but I've still lost a few. But now I'm serious about it and back on track and I think I can achieve more. It's just such a process...such a wait. But I'll get there!
In other humorous news, a mom from Sophie's daycare called me tonight. We're pretty good friends so I didn't think it was weird. But when I answered, she said her son Jackson wanted to talk to Sophie! So I put Sophie on. She buckled down onto the stairs with phone in hand beaming ear to ear and said, "Hi Jackson!" He said something..... Then she said, "I love you. You have my heart and I have your heart. Bye!"
GASP!!!! Now I knew they had a kiddie romance going. But REALLY?!!! Ha! :)
Jackson's mom was equally thrown back. "DID YOU HEAR THAT?!!" She screamed into the phone. And I just couldn't stop laughing!!!!!!
Cheers to young love-
Mel
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
SAP!!!!
Yesterday, Sophie and I had the honor of taking care of Hannah baby! We had a GREAT day. We played on a blanket inside in the morning and had a snack. Then we loaded up and headed to Old Navy to check out the sales. We spent quite a while in Old Navy and both girls were really good. Hannah started to fuss at the very end during checkout and I panicked! What do I DO? So I got into the large baby bag of goods and pulled out her cup of milk. When I turned around to leave, Hannah threw it on the floor and I realized she'd downed that sucker in 5 seconds! She must take after her dad. HA HA HA!!
Then we went to the mall to meet up with my friend Jama and her little guy Kaden. Hannah and Kaden are about the same age and we knew they'd have fun. We ate tacos then went exploring. Hannah peed on my lap at the table and then I changed her clothes. I forgot about this baby business!!! But she was so good the whole day! She fell asleep in her stroller as we searched for mother's day presents. When she woke up, we took the kids to play at germ world and they had a blast. Hannah stayed in the lion tunnel the whole time but was perfectly happy there. It was her domain.
In the afternoon, I laid out blankets in the back yard and Sophie and Hannah played together putting animals in purses. The day was gorgeous, sunny with big clouds and a slight breeze. Hannah helped me hang clothes on the line and then we sat on the porch swing and she fell asleep again. She is so precious! I love being an aunt!
Olivia came home on the bus and we had snack. Then the girls played until Amy came to get Hannah. It was a great day and it made me very thankful for my children too. Aren't they awesome? While we sat out on the blanket in the yard, I wrote for a minute in my journal. Here was my entry:
PS. Don't continue if you don't want SAP.
5-5-09
It's cinco de mayo--I just noticed! Not that the "holiday" means much to me (obviously). Anyway, today has been a fabulous day so far. I'm off (from work) for three days in a row, this being the second...and I asked to watch Hannah today. She is so incredibly sweet, and I've gotten the insight into life with baby again. We went to the mall; me, Sophie, and Hannah to meet some friends. I relearned carseat and stroller technique as well as how to carry a huge bag full of all that you'd ever need for baby until you realize there's something you need that you don't actually have in that massive bag. I bought tiny dresses at Old Navy and fed the girls mall food and we played at germ world/play place. I can't help but be caught up with their childhood lately. It goes so fast! People always told me that, but I didn't necessarily believe it. Now I do- as I watch my "little" Livy jump out of the back seat of the car with a backpack on her shoulders...She's so big. She runs off to the door and I just pray! (both silently and outloud at times) "Please turn around! Please look back!" And it gets further and further away each time when she thinks of it. And I know, soon, it won't cross her mind at all. Sighhh...DEEPLY...
I remember my childhood memories, the ones that are carefree and awesome. I want those for my girls too. I want them to remember awesome days, in our own back yard, on our walks to and from the park, and swimming at the lake. Remember who showed them how to build the sand castle walls or the best hiding spots in hide and seek. How do I make sure this comes true?
I've decided to become more aware. Even though cliche- what if this day were my last? Or, God forbid, theirs? Would I say?: not now, no, leave me alone, get out of the kitchen!? Would I send them downstairs so I could watch a TV show?
So, for now, I smile while I fold the tiny skirts and dresses. I scrub their hair with yummy smelling bubbles. I make nice dinners and funny snacks. I tuck them in, listen to their jokes, fears, and issues. I read to them and them to me. I ride bikes with them as far as we can go and remember to teach them all that I know. I protect them from harm, but push them along slightly to venture out on their own. How do I keep these days from slipping away?
I used to think I was SO done with having babies. Now, I wonder if I might be SO wrong! Ha! There isn't much better than this out there! Not a thing in the world. I pray each morning for one more day, long lives for my girls, success in what they hope for, and safety from harm. May God continue to grant these things to us.
I snuck up on them to get this shot
Sophie refuses to look at the camera but still wants her picture taken!
Playing in the yard
Pretty Hannah baby
A happy day...
Then we went to the mall to meet up with my friend Jama and her little guy Kaden. Hannah and Kaden are about the same age and we knew they'd have fun. We ate tacos then went exploring. Hannah peed on my lap at the table and then I changed her clothes. I forgot about this baby business!!! But she was so good the whole day! She fell asleep in her stroller as we searched for mother's day presents. When she woke up, we took the kids to play at germ world and they had a blast. Hannah stayed in the lion tunnel the whole time but was perfectly happy there. It was her domain.
In the afternoon, I laid out blankets in the back yard and Sophie and Hannah played together putting animals in purses. The day was gorgeous, sunny with big clouds and a slight breeze. Hannah helped me hang clothes on the line and then we sat on the porch swing and she fell asleep again. She is so precious! I love being an aunt!
Olivia came home on the bus and we had snack. Then the girls played until Amy came to get Hannah. It was a great day and it made me very thankful for my children too. Aren't they awesome? While we sat out on the blanket in the yard, I wrote for a minute in my journal. Here was my entry:
PS. Don't continue if you don't want SAP.
5-5-09
It's cinco de mayo--I just noticed! Not that the "holiday" means much to me (obviously). Anyway, today has been a fabulous day so far. I'm off (from work) for three days in a row, this being the second...and I asked to watch Hannah today. She is so incredibly sweet, and I've gotten the insight into life with baby again. We went to the mall; me, Sophie, and Hannah to meet some friends. I relearned carseat and stroller technique as well as how to carry a huge bag full of all that you'd ever need for baby until you realize there's something you need that you don't actually have in that massive bag. I bought tiny dresses at Old Navy and fed the girls mall food and we played at germ world/play place. I can't help but be caught up with their childhood lately. It goes so fast! People always told me that, but I didn't necessarily believe it. Now I do- as I watch my "little" Livy jump out of the back seat of the car with a backpack on her shoulders...She's so big. She runs off to the door and I just pray! (both silently and outloud at times) "Please turn around! Please look back!" And it gets further and further away each time when she thinks of it. And I know, soon, it won't cross her mind at all. Sighhh...DEEPLY...
I remember my childhood memories, the ones that are carefree and awesome. I want those for my girls too. I want them to remember awesome days, in our own back yard, on our walks to and from the park, and swimming at the lake. Remember who showed them how to build the sand castle walls or the best hiding spots in hide and seek. How do I make sure this comes true?
I've decided to become more aware. Even though cliche- what if this day were my last? Or, God forbid, theirs? Would I say?: not now, no, leave me alone, get out of the kitchen!? Would I send them downstairs so I could watch a TV show?
So, for now, I smile while I fold the tiny skirts and dresses. I scrub their hair with yummy smelling bubbles. I make nice dinners and funny snacks. I tuck them in, listen to their jokes, fears, and issues. I read to them and them to me. I ride bikes with them as far as we can go and remember to teach them all that I know. I protect them from harm, but push them along slightly to venture out on their own. How do I keep these days from slipping away?
I used to think I was SO done with having babies. Now, I wonder if I might be SO wrong! Ha! There isn't much better than this out there! Not a thing in the world. I pray each morning for one more day, long lives for my girls, success in what they hope for, and safety from harm. May God continue to grant these things to us.
I snuck up on them to get this shot
Sophie refuses to look at the camera but still wants her picture taken!
Playing in the yard
Pretty Hannah baby
A happy day...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Women of faith
Women of faith
Sisters
More sisters
My mommy
Dan & Hannah came bearing gifts!
Mom treated us to a weekend getaway and tickets to Women of Faith 2009 in Des Moines last weekend. We had an awesome time!!! The Friday Feature was our favorite part of the weekend where we heard from some awesome speakers like Dr. Henry Cloud and heard music by Sandi Patti and Steven Curtis Chapman or SCC, as we like to call him. The messages were truly amazing and it was really fun to hang out with the women of our family. We stayed in the Embassy Suites, courtesy of Mom and Darrell, and were surprised when Dan & Hannah brought us a big gift basket for Mother's Day/Girls weekend! The basket had candles, bubble bath, shower gels, loofas, chocolates, champagne, popcorn, etc. We were totally spoiled!!!!
This conference was extremely inspiring. I can't wait to invite more people next year & I encourage you to go in your area if it comes around your way. A HUGE thanks to Mom who had this all in her mind to give to us. It was an awesome gift that I won't ever forget!
PS. There was a picture of the four of us in facial masks, but we just looked shiny and really gross so I omitted it with an implied permission from all involved. You can thank me later.
In other news, I didn't weigh in last week due to a scary busy schedule. Steve was working LOTS of overtime trying to finish a pool by the deadline. I was working a lot too so I missed weigh in. I'll go this week though and give a better update.
I also wanted to update you on my interview process. I didn't hear from the ICU position I interviewed for so I didn't get that one. But that's ok. I didn't want it if I wasn't supposed to have it. And I really didn't want to have to make the choice. So that one was clearly not right for me. I did however, interview today for a job I'm VERY excited about. It is for surgery at the new hospital Mercy is building in West Des Moines. It opens in September of this year. My position would be mainly pre-op, getting patients prepped for OR, starting IV's, giving pre-meds, histories, etc. and doing post-op or post-anesthesia recovery after surgery. I'd also be cross-trained into working in the OR as well. It would be better hours: four 10's, days only. No weekends, no holidays, only occasional call hours. I'd also get to work in a brand new facility, do things I've never done, and have the challenge of learning surgery. The interview went extremely well. It was another team interview (this must be the new fad) but the three women were hillarious. We pretty much laughed the whole time. They said they thought I'd really like pre & post op since I love people and they were pleased that I wanted to cross train into the OR as well. I won't hear back on the job for a while because they are interviewing the next two weeks for several positions then they are out of town for two weeks so I should hear by the first week in June. I wouldn't start until hospital opening in September so I'd have some decent time to transition out of W3 in style. I really really hope this is the one for me. So, stay tuned.
Well, I'm off to grill supper for my family. Hope all is well with you and yours too. We have so very much to be thankful for don't we?
Mel
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