It's been one year since I decided to leave Children's....and what a year it has been! Sure, I've job hopped a little bit. I've had a complete turn around of my home situation. It has all served a purpose. Every little miniscule event.
Leaving Children's was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. It meant daring to imagine my life without the stability I had known for the last five years. It meant being a nurse without the safety net I had established for myself. It meant financial changes that I was not prepared for. But enough about the negative! It has taught me SO MANY THINGS! It has taught me to realize who my true friends are. These are the people who aren't my friends just because we work together, or because I take care of their children. I'll be honest, it has hurt to see the friendships that I thought were real fizzle away...messages unreturned, calls unanswered. As real as those friendships seemed at the time, it was an illusion. My true friends are the ones who are still around...through the thick and thin of my last year. The ones who have shared my joys and sorrows without judgement or opinions.
I've also learned that work is not who I am. It does not define me. It is a way to show the gifts I have been given, but even when I was not working, these gifts were still evident. In looking back, I can see an element of pride that needed to be sucked right on out of me. Believe me, the humbling I have received during the last year has taught me to realize what is really important. My husband, boys, and growing daughter are important. Work is not. Work is how I make my living and demonstrate the gifts I have been given, but even if I stopped being a nurse tomorrow, there would still be opportunities for me to share those God given talents with others.
After my period of being torn down, ripped apart, and rebuilt, God is choosing to bless me and my family once again. The job that I started in January has just offered me a promotion to full time guaranteed hours. Wow. Did NOT see that one coming! I have a simply phenomenal husband who sharpens me as iron sharpens iron, something this stubborn red-head greatly needs. I have two amazing/hilarious/precious sons who teach me how to be a good mom every day. I am growing Miss Olivia, who has already taught me patience and I'm certain will continue this task all of her life (I was a strong willed child, I don't have hopes of birthing one who isn't!) My family has a roof over our heads, food to eat, and a Savior who demonstrates to us that HE is powerful enough to provide. He is all we need.
As Easter approaches, I find more and more reasons to be amazed and blessed. To think that God would give his ONLY son for nasty, sinful, and ungrateful humans is mind-boggling. I know I wouldn't willingly give up Jacob, Andrew, or Olivia for anything. I can't imagine knowing exactly what we as humans were going to do to Jesus that God still followed through with his ultimate plan...but that's because HE is God and I am not. I am not going to understand it. My job is to be always grateful and thankful that someone died in my place so I can be with Jesus for all eternity. God didn't limit salvation to a chosen few...those with good jobs, a certain number of friends, or the ideal home situation. He opened it up to ANYONE who would call on the name of Jesus and accept the most perfect and unimaginable gift.
This weekend, I will continue to be thankful for what I have been given...an opportunity to work, an amazing husband, three beautiful children, and the chance to be with family. I am blessed.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
She
...loves to kick and squirm
...has a 4 chambered perfect heart with a normal aorta and outflow tracts
...opens her mouth, even in the womb, like she's trying to have a conversation
...has a stubborn streak like both her parents
...has already gained the nickname "spider monkey" by her brother Andrew
...is more awake at night than in the day
...still surprises me each time I feel her kick me
...is already daddy's little girl
...is loved by so many family members...grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so many more
...is named after one of the most precious and brave little girls I have ever known
...is also named for her grandmothers and mom
...weighs 1 pound
...has very long legs and likes to punch me right below the belly button
...is blessed to have 2 big brothers to protect her
...is fearfully and wonderfully made in the very image of God
...is Olivia Kaylynne Russell
...has a 4 chambered perfect heart with a normal aorta and outflow tracts
...opens her mouth, even in the womb, like she's trying to have a conversation
...has a stubborn streak like both her parents
...has already gained the nickname "spider monkey" by her brother Andrew
...is more awake at night than in the day
...still surprises me each time I feel her kick me
...is already daddy's little girl
...is loved by so many family members...grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so many more
...is named after one of the most precious and brave little girls I have ever known
...is also named for her grandmothers and mom
...weighs 1 pound
...has very long legs and likes to punch me right below the belly button
...is blessed to have 2 big brothers to protect her
...is fearfully and wonderfully made in the very image of God
...is Olivia Kaylynne Russell
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Swooshing and Kicking
The absolute highlight of this week has been the small, but increasingly powerful kicks that I am now feeling! I felt the first one on Friday, and today, they are getting more and more strong! What an incredible feeling!
It's absolutely hilarious to feel baby somersaulting across my stomach and then launching out with a giant (at least to them!) kick or punch in the uterine wall. Andrew and Jacob are here this weekend and Andrew even got to feel one of the wild kicking sprees this afternoon! Both Jason and I think it's so important to keep them as involved in the pregnancy as we can.
I went back to the doctor this week. Baby is growing right on schedule and heart beat continues to be strong. I go back in 4 weeks for the dreaded glucose test and another ultrasound. They were going try and squeeze us in, but the sonographer was all booked up. No gender sono for us until the 11th of May!
In a moment of frustration, I put on Facebook that they couldn't get us in and we were now going to be waiting another month to find out. A former preceptee from Children's messaged me saying she had a friend who was studying to be a sonographer and needed practice because she was currently in her OB rotation of training. PERFECT! I got in contact with her and she is going to do a sonogram on Thursday at 1! Whoo hoo! Here's hoping this tiny Russell does not continue to be as fiesty as previous sonograms! I still have really strong suspicion about who this child is, but it will be nice to have confirmation of that and start the collecting of clothing!
This week, I was blessed by the family of the sweet little boy and his sister that I watch about once a month. They gave us a whole bunch of baby items! Bouncers, jumpers, bath seats...you name it! They didn't need them anymore and wanted to bless someone! Jason and I are SO thankful. It's so wonderful to have friends that care!
Work has been busy, but I am still really enjoying it. I'm starting to see some of the same patients month after month. It's nice because I get to develop a relationship, but they are typically only there a few hours and don't come back for 4-8 weeks. It's also nice because the size of the clinic is small, and on days that I am just exhausted, I don't have very far to go! I've been working extra the past 2 weeks to help out with another nurse who is out for a funeral, so that will be a nice paycheck!
God has certainly been teacching me patience throughout this pregnancy, and I'm sure it's just a taste of what is to come with a tiny person. Hopefully, this week, I'll have more pictures of our little one and be able to introduce him/her to you by NAME!
It's absolutely hilarious to feel baby somersaulting across my stomach and then launching out with a giant (at least to them!) kick or punch in the uterine wall. Andrew and Jacob are here this weekend and Andrew even got to feel one of the wild kicking sprees this afternoon! Both Jason and I think it's so important to keep them as involved in the pregnancy as we can.
I went back to the doctor this week. Baby is growing right on schedule and heart beat continues to be strong. I go back in 4 weeks for the dreaded glucose test and another ultrasound. They were going try and squeeze us in, but the sonographer was all booked up. No gender sono for us until the 11th of May!
In a moment of frustration, I put on Facebook that they couldn't get us in and we were now going to be waiting another month to find out. A former preceptee from Children's messaged me saying she had a friend who was studying to be a sonographer and needed practice because she was currently in her OB rotation of training. PERFECT! I got in contact with her and she is going to do a sonogram on Thursday at 1! Whoo hoo! Here's hoping this tiny Russell does not continue to be as fiesty as previous sonograms! I still have really strong suspicion about who this child is, but it will be nice to have confirmation of that and start the collecting of clothing!
This week, I was blessed by the family of the sweet little boy and his sister that I watch about once a month. They gave us a whole bunch of baby items! Bouncers, jumpers, bath seats...you name it! They didn't need them anymore and wanted to bless someone! Jason and I are SO thankful. It's so wonderful to have friends that care!
Work has been busy, but I am still really enjoying it. I'm starting to see some of the same patients month after month. It's nice because I get to develop a relationship, but they are typically only there a few hours and don't come back for 4-8 weeks. It's also nice because the size of the clinic is small, and on days that I am just exhausted, I don't have very far to go! I've been working extra the past 2 weeks to help out with another nurse who is out for a funeral, so that will be a nice paycheck!
God has certainly been teacching me patience throughout this pregnancy, and I'm sure it's just a taste of what is to come with a tiny person. Hopefully, this week, I'll have more pictures of our little one and be able to introduce him/her to you by NAME!
Saturday, April 09, 2011
The gift of thanks.
I am carrying life, an absolutely precious gift that I do not deserve. Heck, I don't even deserve to be alive myself, let alone be granted the ability to grow a person. I was smacked in the face with this realization this week when my friend was sentenced to bedrest at 32 weeks. Thankfully, she is healthy, her son (who is currently still cooking, PTL) is healthy, and God has once again shown that He is ultimately in control and our plans are just fluff. Even though I was completely confident that God was protecting my friend's precious son, I started to worry about our little one. The horrible "What IF?" monster crept up and started to do a number on my psyche. A hundred scenarios started racing through my already crazed brain of all the things that could go wrong. I sat on the couch, held my ever largening stomach, and worried.
Pregnancy doesn't seem real when you pee on a stick and it comes back saying "pregnant". It starts to feel more real when you have that first ultrasound and see that tiny flickering light, like a beautiful beacon in the darkness that says "Hey! I'm alive!". Being shown all the beautifully and wonderfully made body parts by a sonographer and seeing your child do acrobatic flips around the screen moves it closer to reality. For me, it was sitting on my couch, hands around my stomach, and feeling the flutterings of one very stubborn and VERY loved Russell baby dance around from one side of my body to the other.
I have no idea what God has in store for this child. I do know that this child of ours is fulfilling the plan of God for both his/her life AND our lives as parents. As humans, we are not promised today, let alone the future! What does all my worry do? Nothing! Does it get me farther in life? Nope. Will my child be more healthy, smart, or more loved because of it? Absolutely no. Worry is STUPID. Just because I say this doesn't mean I always remember it. I do have moments of relapse, just as I did on Thursday evening. It doesn't help to watch the news and hear of all the chaos going on in our country and others. But ultimately, it doesn't matter. God is in control. He tells us this, over and over. Like the stubborn children we are, we don't like to listen or remember. He will still remind us. He reminded me, as I sat on my couch and felt life dance through me. Perhaps I just needed to remember His words "PEACE. BE STILL".
This morning, I decided to sit down and come up with a list of things I am thankful for. And aren't you lucky? You get to read it! :)
~A healthy baby with a perfectly formed body who is half way completed on Tuesday
~My tight scrub pants because that means this baby is growing as they should
~A wonderful and supportive husband
~Two beautiful boys who teach me every day what it is to be a mom
~Being born into the family I have
~Growing up learning every day about Jesus and how much He loves me
~Having friends from all parts of life...work, church, school, you name it!
~Being taught every day that my plans are not HIS plans
Oh, the list could go on forever. For now, I will continue to remember who created me, loves me, and always has the best plans for me, even when I don't know them. I will sit here, hold my growing middle, and be thankful.
Pregnancy doesn't seem real when you pee on a stick and it comes back saying "pregnant". It starts to feel more real when you have that first ultrasound and see that tiny flickering light, like a beautiful beacon in the darkness that says "Hey! I'm alive!". Being shown all the beautifully and wonderfully made body parts by a sonographer and seeing your child do acrobatic flips around the screen moves it closer to reality. For me, it was sitting on my couch, hands around my stomach, and feeling the flutterings of one very stubborn and VERY loved Russell baby dance around from one side of my body to the other.
I have no idea what God has in store for this child. I do know that this child of ours is fulfilling the plan of God for both his/her life AND our lives as parents. As humans, we are not promised today, let alone the future! What does all my worry do? Nothing! Does it get me farther in life? Nope. Will my child be more healthy, smart, or more loved because of it? Absolutely no. Worry is STUPID. Just because I say this doesn't mean I always remember it. I do have moments of relapse, just as I did on Thursday evening. It doesn't help to watch the news and hear of all the chaos going on in our country and others. But ultimately, it doesn't matter. God is in control. He tells us this, over and over. Like the stubborn children we are, we don't like to listen or remember. He will still remind us. He reminded me, as I sat on my couch and felt life dance through me. Perhaps I just needed to remember His words "PEACE. BE STILL".
This morning, I decided to sit down and come up with a list of things I am thankful for. And aren't you lucky? You get to read it! :)
~A healthy baby with a perfectly formed body who is half way completed on Tuesday
~My tight scrub pants because that means this baby is growing as they should
~A wonderful and supportive husband
~Two beautiful boys who teach me every day what it is to be a mom
~Being born into the family I have
~Growing up learning every day about Jesus and how much He loves me
~Having friends from all parts of life...work, church, school, you name it!
~Being taught every day that my plans are not HIS plans
Oh, the list could go on forever. For now, I will continue to remember who created me, loves me, and always has the best plans for me, even when I don't know them. I will sit here, hold my growing middle, and be thankful.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Enormous
This is exactly how I feel the last few days! Like a giant behemoth traipsing through life!
I got up yesterday to get ready for work. I put on my favorite scrub pants, noticing they felt a little more snug, but not really paying attention. Hey, that early in the morning, I'm lucky I'm putting on clothes that match. (Which is not a given considering my actions of last week!) I got to work, sat down in my work chair to open up patient charts and said "Huh. I'm not comfy". I went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror, and saw that my abdomen had most likely grown about 2 inches, seemingly overnight. There was NOT a comfortable position to be had in the offending pants. I suffered through the next four hours until I could get home and escape into less binding duds. It felt SO much better! These sad pants have been retired to the closet, where they will mournfully remain until the fall when I am no longer great with child.
I spent much of yesterday running outside with Liberty and watching a whole bunch of interesting programs on Netflix instant. Jason went on a fishing trip with a friend, so Lib and I have been enjoying the beautiful sunshine and balmy (but not yet blazing!) temperatures. For someone who has been FREEZING since about November, it was a very nice change!
My food cravings have been getting so much more WEIRD. Throughout the entire pregnancy, my body has craved Chinese food. Yesterday was no exception. Except this time, it was joined by a desperate need for Cheetos and ice cream. I'm weighing myself every week at work (so I use the same scale), and my body isn't showing evidence of the new feeling of enormous, but I can see a difference in my body shape. Weird.
Today will be much the same as yesterday, I believe. I'm finishing up at work and will head towards home to go ponder baby shower decorations for my friend Becca's shower next Sunday. I've never hosted a shower with this many people before, so it's odd to think that all I am responsible for is the decorations! I should probably head to the other few stores and scope out what they have, but since I have off Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, it doesn't seem as urgent!
I don't think there's much excitement going on in our lives this week, and that may be a welcome change. It's supposed to go from a high of 86 today to a high of 64 tomorrow..what's that all about? Texas is SO bizarre.
Anyways, thanks for stopping by to read the ramblings of a crazy pregnant woman.
I got up yesterday to get ready for work. I put on my favorite scrub pants, noticing they felt a little more snug, but not really paying attention. Hey, that early in the morning, I'm lucky I'm putting on clothes that match. (Which is not a given considering my actions of last week!) I got to work, sat down in my work chair to open up patient charts and said "Huh. I'm not comfy". I went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror, and saw that my abdomen had most likely grown about 2 inches, seemingly overnight. There was NOT a comfortable position to be had in the offending pants. I suffered through the next four hours until I could get home and escape into less binding duds. It felt SO much better! These sad pants have been retired to the closet, where they will mournfully remain until the fall when I am no longer great with child.
I spent much of yesterday running outside with Liberty and watching a whole bunch of interesting programs on Netflix instant. Jason went on a fishing trip with a friend, so Lib and I have been enjoying the beautiful sunshine and balmy (but not yet blazing!) temperatures. For someone who has been FREEZING since about November, it was a very nice change!
My food cravings have been getting so much more WEIRD. Throughout the entire pregnancy, my body has craved Chinese food. Yesterday was no exception. Except this time, it was joined by a desperate need for Cheetos and ice cream. I'm weighing myself every week at work (so I use the same scale), and my body isn't showing evidence of the new feeling of enormous, but I can see a difference in my body shape. Weird.
Today will be much the same as yesterday, I believe. I'm finishing up at work and will head towards home to go ponder baby shower decorations for my friend Becca's shower next Sunday. I've never hosted a shower with this many people before, so it's odd to think that all I am responsible for is the decorations! I should probably head to the other few stores and scope out what they have, but since I have off Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, it doesn't seem as urgent!
I don't think there's much excitement going on in our lives this week, and that may be a welcome change. It's supposed to go from a high of 86 today to a high of 64 tomorrow..what's that all about? Texas is SO bizarre.
Anyways, thanks for stopping by to read the ramblings of a crazy pregnant woman.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Beautiful
Our child is beautiful. Today, I cried on the ultrasound table as I saw our child's 4 chambered heart, with defined tricuspid and mitral valves and symmetrical ventricles. It was an amazing sight. We saw a perfectly formed stomach, brain, spine, and bladder. Two perfect kidneys. 8 ounces of miracle. I get choked up just typing about this beautiful child.
In true Emerson/Russell fashion, this miracle wanted to be mysterious for a while longer. In addition to all those beautiful parts, we saw two very tightly crossed legs and nothing else! The sono tech tried her hardest to get little one to behave, but there was none of that! We started the sono with our child upside down with his/her legs curled over the head and then acrobatics began! Never have I seen such dancing! A family friend used to call me "popcorn" as a child because I never stopped moving and I believe our child is carrying on this trait.
The mystery of gender will continue to be unknown for at least 2 more weeks. I have a regular doctor's appointment on the 14th and the sono tech said we could pop in for a "gender check". God is certainly teaching me patience!
For now, I will do my best to continue to grow this little one as best I can. All the pregnancy books say that the baby will double in size in the next three weeks, so I'd better make sure I'm giving him or her the best nutrition I possibly can...with the occasional peanut m&m thrown in!
I called Andrew and Jacob today to tell them that their brother or sister was so fiesty, and Andrew was so disappointed! We talked for a minute or two about other things and then he said "And so, let me guess....baby....GIRL???" The disappointment in his voice was so sweet! I know both of them are excited.
I don't have to go back to work until the weekend, and then I have three MORE days off before I go back on Thursday! What a nice relaxing week! Jason and I are doing to have dinner at my aunt's house, along with my cousin tomorrow night. SO fun! Other than that, it's going to be pretty low key around here for the next week.
Thank you for all your prayers for today's sonogram. I know that God has brought this little one this far and will continue to form his/her body to that completely beautiful one that we will meet in 4 and a half months! YIPPEE!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Miracle
It's funny how a simple sound can be miraculous. It's not a loud sound or an overwhelming one, but very powerful just the same. It is the sweet, trong sound of my child's heart, beating happily inside of me. Now, I'm already discovering this child's stubborn streak! He or she did NOT wish to cooperate for the doctor and tried to hide from detection, but we were triumphant and were able to hear this little one after a good deal of searching.
I was blessed when I met and married Jason to become an instant mom to two sweet boys. These guys have been a joy to get to know. They make me smile every time I see them, and laugh until my sides hurt. They have so much of their daddy in them and I see bright flashes of this all the time. The talent that exudes from those two is phenomenal. These things make me so interested to meet this little one growing inside me. I feel so blessed to have been given a husband who has such an amazing fathering ability.
On Wednesday, we will get to get an in depth look at our little miracle. I'll get to see all those parts which God has fearfully and wonderfully made. I am so excited to see that wee 4 chambered heart, something I have been wanting to lay eyes on since we first knew this gift was coming into our lives. As a cardiac nurse, I can't say that the thought scares me a little, but as a Christian, I need to have peace in the fact that God has brought him or her to this point safely and will continue to provide for us.
So, next week, we'll have a little boy or girl to talk about by name. Clothes to start collecting. All the fun stuff! Jacob and Andrew change their minds every time I talk to them about what they want, sister or brother. This past weekend, Andrew told Jacob he was SO excited to meet his brother or sister so he could "teach 'em stuff". Jacob was slightly concerned that if he had a sister, he wouldn't be able to teach her to burp and make weird body noises. I assured him that sisters were just as capable to learn those skills as brothers were. He seemed fine after that! :)
Liberty and I are having a lazy day. It's 67 degrees outside and beautifully sunny. I ran a few errands this morning and now I'm enjoying the calm breezes and phenomenal temperatures. I go to work tomorrow and work every day until the sono on Wednesday. It's absolutely gonna make time go faster!
Until Wednesday...happy Spring!
I was blessed when I met and married Jason to become an instant mom to two sweet boys. These guys have been a joy to get to know. They make me smile every time I see them, and laugh until my sides hurt. They have so much of their daddy in them and I see bright flashes of this all the time. The talent that exudes from those two is phenomenal. These things make me so interested to meet this little one growing inside me. I feel so blessed to have been given a husband who has such an amazing fathering ability.
On Wednesday, we will get to get an in depth look at our little miracle. I'll get to see all those parts which God has fearfully and wonderfully made. I am so excited to see that wee 4 chambered heart, something I have been wanting to lay eyes on since we first knew this gift was coming into our lives. As a cardiac nurse, I can't say that the thought scares me a little, but as a Christian, I need to have peace in the fact that God has brought him or her to this point safely and will continue to provide for us.
So, next week, we'll have a little boy or girl to talk about by name. Clothes to start collecting. All the fun stuff! Jacob and Andrew change their minds every time I talk to them about what they want, sister or brother. This past weekend, Andrew told Jacob he was SO excited to meet his brother or sister so he could "teach 'em stuff". Jacob was slightly concerned that if he had a sister, he wouldn't be able to teach her to burp and make weird body noises. I assured him that sisters were just as capable to learn those skills as brothers were. He seemed fine after that! :)
Liberty and I are having a lazy day. It's 67 degrees outside and beautifully sunny. I ran a few errands this morning and now I'm enjoying the calm breezes and phenomenal temperatures. I go to work tomorrow and work every day until the sono on Wednesday. It's absolutely gonna make time go faster!
Until Wednesday...happy Spring!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Week of craziness!
I am not sure I even had a chance to sit down this week! Whew! Jason and I headed out early Sunday morning for our mini-vacay in where, you ask? Delightful and fabulous LAS VEGAS! We had a simply amazing deal that we couldn't pass up and therefore took the opportunity to rest and relax in the city that never sleeps. We were able to walk up and down the strip, taking in all the opulence that so many people hold dear. Monday night, we went to a Cirque du Soleil show at our hotel. We had gone to one last year, and I thought it was amazing, but Jason really didn't enjoy it. This one was seriously different. It is one of the older Cirque shows, which means it is very VERY typical for the circus like atmosphere. There were so many amazing tricks and bodily feats! I don't know where they find performers like this, but it was simply wonderous to see what the human body is capable of. We both left the show raving and wishing we had the money to see it again! Jason was also able to play golf at a beautiful desert course while we were there. I didn't go with him, but the pictures were absolutely gorgeous. On Tuesday, we headed off the strip over to the Palms for our traditional "fancy" dinner. We ate at a beautiful restaurant and enjoyed the delicious steak and other goodies. While we were there, I saw John Besh, a chef from New Orleans that I've watched on Food Network and Top Chef. I was a tad star-struck! I should have asked for an autograph, but it really was not that kind of restaurant! Wednesday, we headed back home. Jason picked up a very excited Liberty from her Aunt Connie's house the next day and I started off my work week.
Since we were gone for 4 days, I'm not working the mega hours I normally do, but I still think I'm getting in 25 or so. Not bad for having a vacation and having to work! :) I make up for it next week though!
Jacob and Andrew are partying at our house this weekend, which is ALWAYS fun! Yesterday was Jason's birthday, so we celebrated with all his favorites...steak, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and yellow cake with chocolate icing! Delish! The boys have been camping with their mom all week, so I think at Andrew's request, we are going to Guitar Center this afternoon so he can play on the drums since "I'm in withdrawls, Stephanie!" It would be a much better weekend if our air conditioner was working, but in fabulous apartment life fashion, it's OUT AGAIN! Thankfully, when I woke up this morning, it was cool, almost cold in the house and everyone was snuggled up in blankets. I guess I forgot to put Liberty to bed last night because I found her snuggled with Jacob, looking quite guilty as I turned the corner and found her!
In other news, baby is doing well...as far as I know anyways! I haven't felt any movement this week, but I do know that my body parts are starting to shift about more and make me "look" pregnant in certain clothes! I weighed myself this morning and found that I've lost a little weight, but I think that may have been all the walking I did this week. In doing research for bypass patients, I'm still okay as far as weight gain, so I guess I shouldn't worry about it. I know this avocado sized baby is going to catch up in the next few weeks! All my pregnancy apps say that in the next three weeks, the baby is going to more than double in size, going from an avocado to a cantelope! YIKES! I go to the doctor for a regular check up on Tuesday, so we'll see what he says. I am blessed for the moment to have a doctor that has had weight loss surgery, so he is very particular about my special nutritional needs. I was able to stop taking additional iron pills the last time I saw him, so hopefully my levels have remained stable. I do NOT want to have to go that route again! :)
Please keep my sweet little friend K in your prayers. He's been hospitalized for 10 days with a NASTY couple of stomach viruses/bacterias. I know his mom and dad want nothing more for him to be stable enough to take home and away from the other nasty germs that the hospital has. He has made progress over the last few days, and I am so thankful! He is such a sweetheart!
My work schedule is a tad crazy this week, mostly because I'm helping out more at the other clinic and shifting my days to help a co-worker at my clinic. I work Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat. I'll be ever so thankful to have Tuesday and Thursday for possible sleep and most likely laundry/house cleaning fun!
Have a wonderful week!
Since we were gone for 4 days, I'm not working the mega hours I normally do, but I still think I'm getting in 25 or so. Not bad for having a vacation and having to work! :) I make up for it next week though!
Jacob and Andrew are partying at our house this weekend, which is ALWAYS fun! Yesterday was Jason's birthday, so we celebrated with all his favorites...steak, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and yellow cake with chocolate icing! Delish! The boys have been camping with their mom all week, so I think at Andrew's request, we are going to Guitar Center this afternoon so he can play on the drums since "I'm in withdrawls, Stephanie!" It would be a much better weekend if our air conditioner was working, but in fabulous apartment life fashion, it's OUT AGAIN! Thankfully, when I woke up this morning, it was cool, almost cold in the house and everyone was snuggled up in blankets. I guess I forgot to put Liberty to bed last night because I found her snuggled with Jacob, looking quite guilty as I turned the corner and found her!
In other news, baby is doing well...as far as I know anyways! I haven't felt any movement this week, but I do know that my body parts are starting to shift about more and make me "look" pregnant in certain clothes! I weighed myself this morning and found that I've lost a little weight, but I think that may have been all the walking I did this week. In doing research for bypass patients, I'm still okay as far as weight gain, so I guess I shouldn't worry about it. I know this avocado sized baby is going to catch up in the next few weeks! All my pregnancy apps say that in the next three weeks, the baby is going to more than double in size, going from an avocado to a cantelope! YIKES! I go to the doctor for a regular check up on Tuesday, so we'll see what he says. I am blessed for the moment to have a doctor that has had weight loss surgery, so he is very particular about my special nutritional needs. I was able to stop taking additional iron pills the last time I saw him, so hopefully my levels have remained stable. I do NOT want to have to go that route again! :)
Please keep my sweet little friend K in your prayers. He's been hospitalized for 10 days with a NASTY couple of stomach viruses/bacterias. I know his mom and dad want nothing more for him to be stable enough to take home and away from the other nasty germs that the hospital has. He has made progress over the last few days, and I am so thankful! He is such a sweetheart!
My work schedule is a tad crazy this week, mostly because I'm helping out more at the other clinic and shifting my days to help a co-worker at my clinic. I work Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat. I'll be ever so thankful to have Tuesday and Thursday for possible sleep and most likely laundry/house cleaning fun!
Have a wonderful week!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Busy week!
Whew! I can't believe it's already Saturday! I'm serious, where does the time go? I worked a lot this week, helping to fill in the gaps for the two clinics and I know it will pay off next week when I get paid!
My energy continues to get better as the days of the exhausting first trimester get farther and farther behind me. I'll be 16 weeks on Tuesday! 4 months down, 5 to go. I know that I'll be able to wrap my head around it much better after I find out who is living inside of me! Just to be able to call him or her by their name and be able to do some concrete planning (and SHOPPING!) will be wonderful! I go to the doctor on the 22nd and I'm excited to hear little one's heart beating happily! THe next milestones I'm excited about are being able to feel the dancing I know is going on in there and actually "looking" pregnant. I'm certain I'll wish I had put those two things off in the middle of the summer when this baby WON'T sit still and I look like a houseboat, but right now, I'm anticipating both!
Jason and I leave for vacation tomorrow and I can hardly wait! It's just a short little trip (Sunday through Wednesday), but it's vacation just the same! Liberty is anxiously awaiting her vacation at Aunt Connie's where she'll no doubt be spoiled and loved on beyond belief. It's always a bit of withdrawls when she comes home, but she LOVES her time being the center of everyone's universe!
After we get home, we will be able to have the boys for a long weekend before they go back to school. I always have SO much fun when they come over! Even if I have to work, it's so sweet when I leave because they always want to know exactly when I'm coming back home! I know Jason wants to take them to play golf one day and we'll probably go roaming around a park on Saturday. I can't wait for us to be living a little closer to them and to see this new little one idolize those big brothers!
I'm finishing up a very quiet yet busy shift this morning. I've got a full house, but everyone seems to need an extra nap today! The lights are down low, the televisions are on Food Network (hey, they chose that, NOT me!), and I'm all caught up on charting. Well okay, I take it back. I just had the NOISIEST patient come in. Everyone else is trying to sleep and he just keeps chattering away! He's sweet at least, so I don't mind...but I can't speak for the rest of the people! :)
Have an absolutely wonderful week...I know I will!
My energy continues to get better as the days of the exhausting first trimester get farther and farther behind me. I'll be 16 weeks on Tuesday! 4 months down, 5 to go. I know that I'll be able to wrap my head around it much better after I find out who is living inside of me! Just to be able to call him or her by their name and be able to do some concrete planning (and SHOPPING!) will be wonderful! I go to the doctor on the 22nd and I'm excited to hear little one's heart beating happily! THe next milestones I'm excited about are being able to feel the dancing I know is going on in there and actually "looking" pregnant. I'm certain I'll wish I had put those two things off in the middle of the summer when this baby WON'T sit still and I look like a houseboat, but right now, I'm anticipating both!
Jason and I leave for vacation tomorrow and I can hardly wait! It's just a short little trip (Sunday through Wednesday), but it's vacation just the same! Liberty is anxiously awaiting her vacation at Aunt Connie's where she'll no doubt be spoiled and loved on beyond belief. It's always a bit of withdrawls when she comes home, but she LOVES her time being the center of everyone's universe!
After we get home, we will be able to have the boys for a long weekend before they go back to school. I always have SO much fun when they come over! Even if I have to work, it's so sweet when I leave because they always want to know exactly when I'm coming back home! I know Jason wants to take them to play golf one day and we'll probably go roaming around a park on Saturday. I can't wait for us to be living a little closer to them and to see this new little one idolize those big brothers!
I'm finishing up a very quiet yet busy shift this morning. I've got a full house, but everyone seems to need an extra nap today! The lights are down low, the televisions are on Food Network (hey, they chose that, NOT me!), and I'm all caught up on charting. Well okay, I take it back. I just had the NOISIEST patient come in. Everyone else is trying to sleep and he just keeps chattering away! He's sweet at least, so I don't mind...but I can't speak for the rest of the people! :)
Have an absolutely wonderful week...I know I will!
Sunday, March 06, 2011
March? Really?
Happy Sunday to you!
I am spending this early morning surrounded by patients and IV poles. It is once again frigid in North Texas, as the weather has changes for the 400th time this week! Two days ago, it was 80. When I got up this morning, it was 32. Awesome.
The past week has been a blur, but it seems like they are all starting to be that way. At the beginning of the week, I was convinced the cold weather was over. It has been near 80 all week and so sunny! Unfortunately, a cold front came through Friday night and we're now cold again. Well, cold for March in Texas that is!
Work is continuing to go well. I really enjoy the nurses I work with and it's proving to be a very good experience. I'm working close to full time hours, which exhausts me, but it's SO amazing to be doing nursing again after my short hiatus.
I also got the opportunity to play with my sweet little friend K and his sister this week! He has grown up so much and it made me tear up a bit to remember being there to tell his parents "we have a heart for your son" and then seeing him as a 3 and a half year old! WOW that makes me feel old. Everytime I go play with him, it makes me laugh because he has such a hilarious personality. This visit was filled with him having adventures all over the house with his two little alien toys. I have no idea what kinds of excitement they got into, but HE did and that was all that mattered. His sister and I were happy to play on the floor in whatever room he was currently adventuring in, and that seemed to be what he wanted us to do!
Jason and I had the opportunity to visit with some friends last night at a joint birthday party for anyone having a birthday in February and March. This party has become a yearly tradition for this group of friends. Every year, it's always fun to see the changes in the group...from relationship status, marriages, and new babies. Wow. Two years ago, I was barely in a new relationship. Last year, I was engaged. This year, expecting a baby. Life is amazing!
This week I've got work busyness and then trying to think about getting ready for Jason and I's trip on Sunday. WHOO HOO! I can't wait! If I could spend my entire year vacationing on someone else's dollar, that would be fabulous. But, since my sweetie and I have to live and work, I'll just be thankful for the vacations we do get to spend together either alone or with the kiddos!
If you have a moment, say a prayer for my sweet sister this week. She's headed back to work after her 3 months of staying home and being a new mommy. I know she's not really very excited about it, and even LESS excited about leaving Aubrey. She's an amazing teacher and I have no doubt she'll fall right back into the groove of things, but right now, she's a little overwhelmed!
Thanks for coming to hang out in my little corner of the web. :)
I am spending this early morning surrounded by patients and IV poles. It is once again frigid in North Texas, as the weather has changes for the 400th time this week! Two days ago, it was 80. When I got up this morning, it was 32. Awesome.
The past week has been a blur, but it seems like they are all starting to be that way. At the beginning of the week, I was convinced the cold weather was over. It has been near 80 all week and so sunny! Unfortunately, a cold front came through Friday night and we're now cold again. Well, cold for March in Texas that is!
Work is continuing to go well. I really enjoy the nurses I work with and it's proving to be a very good experience. I'm working close to full time hours, which exhausts me, but it's SO amazing to be doing nursing again after my short hiatus.
I also got the opportunity to play with my sweet little friend K and his sister this week! He has grown up so much and it made me tear up a bit to remember being there to tell his parents "we have a heart for your son" and then seeing him as a 3 and a half year old! WOW that makes me feel old. Everytime I go play with him, it makes me laugh because he has such a hilarious personality. This visit was filled with him having adventures all over the house with his two little alien toys. I have no idea what kinds of excitement they got into, but HE did and that was all that mattered. His sister and I were happy to play on the floor in whatever room he was currently adventuring in, and that seemed to be what he wanted us to do!
Jason and I had the opportunity to visit with some friends last night at a joint birthday party for anyone having a birthday in February and March. This party has become a yearly tradition for this group of friends. Every year, it's always fun to see the changes in the group...from relationship status, marriages, and new babies. Wow. Two years ago, I was barely in a new relationship. Last year, I was engaged. This year, expecting a baby. Life is amazing!
This week I've got work busyness and then trying to think about getting ready for Jason and I's trip on Sunday. WHOO HOO! I can't wait! If I could spend my entire year vacationing on someone else's dollar, that would be fabulous. But, since my sweetie and I have to live and work, I'll just be thankful for the vacations we do get to spend together either alone or with the kiddos!
If you have a moment, say a prayer for my sweet sister this week. She's headed back to work after her 3 months of staying home and being a new mommy. I know she's not really very excited about it, and even LESS excited about leaving Aubrey. She's an amazing teacher and I have no doubt she'll fall right back into the groove of things, but right now, she's a little overwhelmed!
Thanks for coming to hang out in my little corner of the web. :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Home again, home again....
Whew! Can't believe it's almost been a week since I got home from Virginia! Again I ask, where does the time go? Seriously!
I had an absolutely wonderful time with my sister and her family. I got a crash course in being a mommy and loved every minute of it. It's still a weird thought to think of my sister as a mom, but she does a stellar job and she and her husband love that sweet baby to pieces. Aubrey is like a mini-Kim, so it's really funny to see some of Kimberly's personality traits coming out in this almost 3 month old baby! The three of us ventured back to the DC area to take me to the airport and I got to help baby clothes shop. Well, I didn't really help, I just got to hold the baby! Of course, the beauty of being the aunt is that you can just hand the baby back when the diaper explodes!
Since being home, I've been working hard at my new job. I absolutely love this job! It's the perfect combination of highly skilled nursing and hospital busy, but not the stress. I work mainly at one clinic with two other nurses, but help out at the other one when they need it. It started out as being just part time, but I've managed to get full time hours by helping out at the other clinic. It has been an absolute blessing.
Jason and I have started the uber fun task of picking stuff out for wee one Russell. We spent a long time at Target yesterday looking at strollers, car seats, breast pumps, you name it. SO MUCH STUFF! It's insanity that someone who is now 3 inches long and the size of a lemon needs this much gear! I will be 14 weeks on Tuesday....whew! I'm holding myself back from too much shopping until I find out the sex of the baby, which should be at the end of March. The sonographer already says he knows, but I'd rather go with the sono of an older baby! Jason and I have our predictions, but we'll see!
The next few weeks will be busy busy busy! I've got lots of hours scheduled and even some play time with my sweet little friend K and his sister! Jason and I are taking our last just the two of us mini trip for awhile in a few weeks...and I can't wait! We had been saving and pinching for the trip and finally got the last little bit this week. After that, it will be nothing but work and saving for our first family vacation, which will hopefully be to Disney World with the boys in June! It will be an interesting trip, seeing as I'll be about 28 weeks pregnant and not able to go on some of my favorite rides! It won't matter a bit because our two sweet boys have NEVER been there and I will get to see the eyes of a first time Disney experiencer! THAT will be so much better!
Thanks to everyone who has kept this pregnancy in your prayers. So far, I have not had any serious issues and have been blessed to really not have much morning sickness or other issues. My energy gets better by the day! I haven't had any complications from my clotting disorder and our most recent sonogram showed a healthy and active little being. My next focus will be that 18-20 wk sonogam which will not only show the sex, but more importantly, look at that wee forming heart. I have faith that it will be completely normal, but seeing as that my nursing background is in heart defects, I have that in the back of my mind as always being a possibility! God is always in control and He has protected this wee one until now so I know He has the ultimate plan in mind.
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and a phenomenal week!
I had an absolutely wonderful time with my sister and her family. I got a crash course in being a mommy and loved every minute of it. It's still a weird thought to think of my sister as a mom, but she does a stellar job and she and her husband love that sweet baby to pieces. Aubrey is like a mini-Kim, so it's really funny to see some of Kimberly's personality traits coming out in this almost 3 month old baby! The three of us ventured back to the DC area to take me to the airport and I got to help baby clothes shop. Well, I didn't really help, I just got to hold the baby! Of course, the beauty of being the aunt is that you can just hand the baby back when the diaper explodes!
Since being home, I've been working hard at my new job. I absolutely love this job! It's the perfect combination of highly skilled nursing and hospital busy, but not the stress. I work mainly at one clinic with two other nurses, but help out at the other one when they need it. It started out as being just part time, but I've managed to get full time hours by helping out at the other clinic. It has been an absolute blessing.
Jason and I have started the uber fun task of picking stuff out for wee one Russell. We spent a long time at Target yesterday looking at strollers, car seats, breast pumps, you name it. SO MUCH STUFF! It's insanity that someone who is now 3 inches long and the size of a lemon needs this much gear! I will be 14 weeks on Tuesday....whew! I'm holding myself back from too much shopping until I find out the sex of the baby, which should be at the end of March. The sonographer already says he knows, but I'd rather go with the sono of an older baby! Jason and I have our predictions, but we'll see!
The next few weeks will be busy busy busy! I've got lots of hours scheduled and even some play time with my sweet little friend K and his sister! Jason and I are taking our last just the two of us mini trip for awhile in a few weeks...and I can't wait! We had been saving and pinching for the trip and finally got the last little bit this week. After that, it will be nothing but work and saving for our first family vacation, which will hopefully be to Disney World with the boys in June! It will be an interesting trip, seeing as I'll be about 28 weeks pregnant and not able to go on some of my favorite rides! It won't matter a bit because our two sweet boys have NEVER been there and I will get to see the eyes of a first time Disney experiencer! THAT will be so much better!
Thanks to everyone who has kept this pregnancy in your prayers. So far, I have not had any serious issues and have been blessed to really not have much morning sickness or other issues. My energy gets better by the day! I haven't had any complications from my clotting disorder and our most recent sonogram showed a healthy and active little being. My next focus will be that 18-20 wk sonogam which will not only show the sex, but more importantly, look at that wee forming heart. I have faith that it will be completely normal, but seeing as that my nursing background is in heart defects, I have that in the back of my mind as always being a possibility! God is always in control and He has protected this wee one until now so I know He has the ultimate plan in mind.
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and a phenomenal week!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Beginnings of my Virginia adventures
Yesterday, I boarded a plane to go meet my beautiful namesake, Miss Aubrey Lynne. As in true Stephanie fashion, the plane trip was quite the adventure. I seriously have NEVER been to Washington DC where I don't have a completely entertaining plane ride. It all started in 2001 when Michael and I went to DC when I had a conference at the Holocaust museum. We actually started a book of all the crazy people we encountered! From the so called African prince at the airport to the really loud pharmacy people at CVS, these are all documented in a spiral notebook (which I think Michael still has). Anyways, this trip was no exception. I sat next to a man who was taking his family to DC for vacation. He drank out of a mystery flask the ENTIRE 2.5 hour flight and subsequently became louder and more boisterous as the flight went on. Towards the end of the flight, he started telling me all about the evils of the American government and how proud he was to be Indian because they gave the world Yoga. It was actually quite sane conversation for someone as trashed as he was! I actually saw him stumbling to the bathroom once in the terminal. Hilarious!
Kim and Aubrey picked me up (WAY past Kim's bedtime!) and we made the 2 hour drive to her house. We spent the day today wandering around shops and experiencing life with a wee infant. From the blowout at Costco to the screaming fit at Target, it was quite the day! It's made me a little more aware of what I am in for! I know Jason knows exactly, but it's one thing to take care of babies at the hospital and then leave them at the end of the day! It's very eye opening! Needless to say, I'm exhausted, but it's a good kind of tired. Aubrey is absolutely precious....smiling and talking (when she's not pooping and eating!).
So now I must shuffle off to bed. I made Kim give me my shot tonight, and she was not thrilled at the prospect, but she did fine. I don't do well giving the shot to myself, which is why I have designated my husband as the shot giver. He does so much better than I do!
It's only 8:10 Texas time. I am pathetic! Good night! :)
Kim and Aubrey picked me up (WAY past Kim's bedtime!) and we made the 2 hour drive to her house. We spent the day today wandering around shops and experiencing life with a wee infant. From the blowout at Costco to the screaming fit at Target, it was quite the day! It's made me a little more aware of what I am in for! I know Jason knows exactly, but it's one thing to take care of babies at the hospital and then leave them at the end of the day! It's very eye opening! Needless to say, I'm exhausted, but it's a good kind of tired. Aubrey is absolutely precious....smiling and talking (when she's not pooping and eating!).
So now I must shuffle off to bed. I made Kim give me my shot tonight, and she was not thrilled at the prospect, but she did fine. I don't do well giving the shot to myself, which is why I have designated my husband as the shot giver. He does so much better than I do!
It's only 8:10 Texas time. I am pathetic! Good night! :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Russell family adventures
First of all, let me say that I really need to get working on the "bring your camera" angle. We had such a fun day yesterday and I didn't take a single picture! Bad mom! :)
Jacob and Andrew are here this weekend and we've been having a wonderful time. I got home late on Friday night, but they'd already been adventuring with Jason. Liberty was in dachshund heaven with her two favorite little ones back in the house.
Saturday morning, we woke up for our traditional pancake and bacon breakfast. This is typically the first thing out of their mouths when we pick them up. "Um, do you think we can have pancakes for breakfast?" Hilarious. After breakfast and getting ready (and a rousing game of Just Dance 2!), we headed out to enjoy the absolutely BEAUTIFUL Texas weather. It was a gorgeous 65 degrees with sunny skies and no clouds. We went to the Fort Worth Nature Center and explored all the trails we could find. They even have a little building with a lot of Texas reptiles and fish on display. My favorite was the caged prairie dog. I think that was Liberty's favorite, too. She REALLY wanted in that cage. The park ranger actually came up to me and said "Um, ma'am? Your dog is angering the prairie dog. Can you please remove her?" Yikes. We hiked all over the trails and ended up all muddy, but exhausted. We headed out just as they were closing the gates because after all, "Those left in the park after closing will be locked in overnight". Not an adventure we wanted to partake in!
After the hiking, I of course had three ravenous males on my hands. We fed them and they wanted to go hang out at Jason's dad's house for awhile. I think they love it over there because there's always seeming to be some science experiement with fire. This one involved a windshield wiper fluid bottle, alcohol, and a propane torch. Use your imagination. We were there for several hours before pouring two very tired boys and a comatose Liberty into the car to head home. Once home, we unwound with an episode of Sponge Bob and I think the boys eyes were shut before I even turned out the lights for bed!
Today, I came to work for a few hours, managing to sneak out of the house while everyone was still sleeping. I'm hoping they are getting lots of good sleep after our weekend of adventuring while I am happily giving medicine and sticking people for IV's! Not sure what is planned for the rest of the day, but I do know that Andrew has to finish his Valentines for his class party tomorrow. It's a "sock hop" and he's "encouraged" to dress appropriately! He didn't like Jason and I's suggestion of slicking his hair back, but he might roll up his pants and wear some white socks with his dark dress shoes. Who knows. He's thoroughly convinced that none of his teachers are going to dress up. I told him that I can guarantee they will be dressed up...teachers ALWAYS love a day out of dress code!
I've got work at the beginning of the week, a sono appointment on Wednesday (YAY!), and fly out of here on Thursday for an extended weekend to meet my niece, Aubrey. Whew! I'm going to be busy! :)
Jason surprised me on Friday with a BEAUTIFUL flower delivery of a dozen red roses. I just love my husband so much! It seems weird that we've been married for five months already. It seems like much longer. I still can't believe that we're gonna have a baby in August, but I guess I have a little longer for that to sink in! :)
I continually seem to be amazed at the blessings God has provided to me and my little family. I can not seem to thank Him enough.
Jacob and Andrew are here this weekend and we've been having a wonderful time. I got home late on Friday night, but they'd already been adventuring with Jason. Liberty was in dachshund heaven with her two favorite little ones back in the house.
Saturday morning, we woke up for our traditional pancake and bacon breakfast. This is typically the first thing out of their mouths when we pick them up. "Um, do you think we can have pancakes for breakfast?" Hilarious. After breakfast and getting ready (and a rousing game of Just Dance 2!), we headed out to enjoy the absolutely BEAUTIFUL Texas weather. It was a gorgeous 65 degrees with sunny skies and no clouds. We went to the Fort Worth Nature Center and explored all the trails we could find. They even have a little building with a lot of Texas reptiles and fish on display. My favorite was the caged prairie dog. I think that was Liberty's favorite, too. She REALLY wanted in that cage. The park ranger actually came up to me and said "Um, ma'am? Your dog is angering the prairie dog. Can you please remove her?" Yikes. We hiked all over the trails and ended up all muddy, but exhausted. We headed out just as they were closing the gates because after all, "Those left in the park after closing will be locked in overnight". Not an adventure we wanted to partake in!
After the hiking, I of course had three ravenous males on my hands. We fed them and they wanted to go hang out at Jason's dad's house for awhile. I think they love it over there because there's always seeming to be some science experiement with fire. This one involved a windshield wiper fluid bottle, alcohol, and a propane torch. Use your imagination. We were there for several hours before pouring two very tired boys and a comatose Liberty into the car to head home. Once home, we unwound with an episode of Sponge Bob and I think the boys eyes were shut before I even turned out the lights for bed!
Today, I came to work for a few hours, managing to sneak out of the house while everyone was still sleeping. I'm hoping they are getting lots of good sleep after our weekend of adventuring while I am happily giving medicine and sticking people for IV's! Not sure what is planned for the rest of the day, but I do know that Andrew has to finish his Valentines for his class party tomorrow. It's a "sock hop" and he's "encouraged" to dress appropriately! He didn't like Jason and I's suggestion of slicking his hair back, but he might roll up his pants and wear some white socks with his dark dress shoes. Who knows. He's thoroughly convinced that none of his teachers are going to dress up. I told him that I can guarantee they will be dressed up...teachers ALWAYS love a day out of dress code!
I've got work at the beginning of the week, a sono appointment on Wednesday (YAY!), and fly out of here on Thursday for an extended weekend to meet my niece, Aubrey. Whew! I'm going to be busy! :)
Jason surprised me on Friday with a BEAUTIFUL flower delivery of a dozen red roses. I just love my husband so much! It seems weird that we've been married for five months already. It seems like much longer. I still can't believe that we're gonna have a baby in August, but I guess I have a little longer for that to sink in! :)
I continually seem to be amazed at the blessings God has provided to me and my little family. I can not seem to thank Him enough.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
New and Different
It has been a wild ride. Almost a year of non stop changes! New job, new marital status, new everything! I am so thankful for the blessings I have been given. I should remember to be more thankful for the hardships I've endured, but that is not always so easy.
And so the new starts again! I have a new job! A NURSING job! I'm working in a clinic giving IV infusions. I start IV's, draw blood, access ports, adn all kinds of fabulous nurse things that I have so desperately missed since July. Right now, it's a part time job, but I have the potential to pick up extra hours at two different clinics. I am hopeful that it is a very good thing for our little family.
Andrew celebrated his 9th birthday last week! My grandma was in town and took everyone to eat Mexican food. It's so fun to see these two precious boys interact with my family. My grandma just doted over them. Jacob and my brother are practically twins (except that my brother has NO musical talent). Andrew just thought it was cool that people brought him presents! I had made him a cake and was thoroughly excited to introduce him to....TRICK CANDLES! The child had NEVER had them before and the look on his face was absolutely priceless. They made such an impression that at his birthday party on Saturday, he had to ask his mom if the candles were regular candle or trick candles! Hilarious!
I am sitting here in shock because I just realized that Tuesday is FEBRUARY! Where did my month go? I think I'm perpetually stuck in a time wharp. Maybe it's because I've been so busy and exhausted that I just haven't had the time to stop and process. Who knows.
Two years ago today, I got my very first email from my sweet husband. I can't believe I am so blessed to have married this wonderful man. If you had asked me on New Year's Day 2009 what I'd be doing in two years, I don't think I could even have guessed that I would be a wife and an automatic mom to two precious boys. I am BLESSED! Haven't I said that already?
More blessings are on the way. I don't exactly know what they are, but I choose to believe that God has His hand on our family. I can only continue to praise him for the wonderful things He has given already and for what is to come.
And so the new starts again! I have a new job! A NURSING job! I'm working in a clinic giving IV infusions. I start IV's, draw blood, access ports, adn all kinds of fabulous nurse things that I have so desperately missed since July. Right now, it's a part time job, but I have the potential to pick up extra hours at two different clinics. I am hopeful that it is a very good thing for our little family.
Andrew celebrated his 9th birthday last week! My grandma was in town and took everyone to eat Mexican food. It's so fun to see these two precious boys interact with my family. My grandma just doted over them. Jacob and my brother are practically twins (except that my brother has NO musical talent). Andrew just thought it was cool that people brought him presents! I had made him a cake and was thoroughly excited to introduce him to....TRICK CANDLES! The child had NEVER had them before and the look on his face was absolutely priceless. They made such an impression that at his birthday party on Saturday, he had to ask his mom if the candles were regular candle or trick candles! Hilarious!
I am sitting here in shock because I just realized that Tuesday is FEBRUARY! Where did my month go? I think I'm perpetually stuck in a time wharp. Maybe it's because I've been so busy and exhausted that I just haven't had the time to stop and process. Who knows.
Two years ago today, I got my very first email from my sweet husband. I can't believe I am so blessed to have married this wonderful man. If you had asked me on New Year's Day 2009 what I'd be doing in two years, I don't think I could even have guessed that I would be a wife and an automatic mom to two precious boys. I am BLESSED! Haven't I said that already?
More blessings are on the way. I don't exactly know what they are, but I choose to believe that God has His hand on our family. I can only continue to praise him for the wonderful things He has given already and for what is to come.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
A Year of New
Happy New Year! Of course, it's 10 days late, but let's just be thankful I blogged in January! :) It's been a quiet year so far, but in true Stephanie fashion, it's destined to get more exciting from here!
I got a promotion at work last week. Well, it's more like being thrown into a position with a wee bit of responsibility. I don't mind. I'm used to a while lot more responsibility than I have now, so a tad more isn't going to kill me. :)
We're slowly looking for a new place to live. I think we're both tired of apartment life, especially since the people who moved in upstairs have brought a herd of raging elephants with them. They seriously have no respect for anyone. On Christmas Eve, Jason and I were trying desperately to wait for the boys to go to sleep so we oculd sneak all their presents to the tree. We couldn't do it because they were involved in some sort of home improvement project at 11:30 at night. It culminated in my going up there, knocking nicely on their door, only to have the woman come to the door and look at me with a stupid look on her face and say "Being a little loud for you?" No, dummy. It's 11:30 at night on CHRISTMAS EVE!!! Needless to say, sometimes, I close a cabinet door a tad louder. And I may even slam a door. But just maybe.
I decided to go back off Diet Dr Pepper, which has been an interesting adventure. I've cut the caffeine way back, mostly doing tea. I drink a bunch of unsweetened decaf tea. I've never really been one to sweeten tea, so moving off artificial sweetners really hasn't been an issue in the tea movement. I think I've done relatively well. :) Maybe I should ask Jason!
It's Jason and I's 4 month anniversary! :) The time has flown by, and even though 4 months doesn't seem like a long time...WOW. God has really taught us so many things about each other, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for us this year.
I got a promotion at work last week. Well, it's more like being thrown into a position with a wee bit of responsibility. I don't mind. I'm used to a while lot more responsibility than I have now, so a tad more isn't going to kill me. :)
We're slowly looking for a new place to live. I think we're both tired of apartment life, especially since the people who moved in upstairs have brought a herd of raging elephants with them. They seriously have no respect for anyone. On Christmas Eve, Jason and I were trying desperately to wait for the boys to go to sleep so we oculd sneak all their presents to the tree. We couldn't do it because they were involved in some sort of home improvement project at 11:30 at night. It culminated in my going up there, knocking nicely on their door, only to have the woman come to the door and look at me with a stupid look on her face and say "Being a little loud for you?" No, dummy. It's 11:30 at night on CHRISTMAS EVE!!! Needless to say, sometimes, I close a cabinet door a tad louder. And I may even slam a door. But just maybe.
I decided to go back off Diet Dr Pepper, which has been an interesting adventure. I've cut the caffeine way back, mostly doing tea. I drink a bunch of unsweetened decaf tea. I've never really been one to sweeten tea, so moving off artificial sweetners really hasn't been an issue in the tea movement. I think I've done relatively well. :) Maybe I should ask Jason!
It's Jason and I's 4 month anniversary! :) The time has flown by, and even though 4 months doesn't seem like a long time...WOW. God has really taught us so many things about each other, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for us this year.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas fun!
Wow, I'm really not a good married woman blogger, am I? Guess I'll have to work on that!
Christmas was absolutely amazing. Jacob and Andrew were here from the Saturday before and went home yesterday. Our apartment has never seemed so empty. Liberty is sulking because her "little ones" are gone. We had so much fun with those sweet boys! We took amazing pictures in downtown Fort Worth in front of the giant Christmas tree. There was an insane amount of cookie baking. I think we watched all the fabulous Christmas cartoons and kid movies.
Christmas morning, we awoke to two very blessed little boys. My family poured their love and affection all over those kiddos. It was seriously Nerf-a-Palooza. After the Christmas present fun with just us, we got ready and went to dinner with Jason's mother and her side of the family. Liberty had to wear a Santa suit and by about 8PM, was so tired of not having her bed to sleep in, she hid under the Christmas tree and took a nap! Sunday, we relaxed, cleaned up the Christmas mayhem, and headed over to Jason's dad to say hi before they went back to their mom's house.
And as previously stated, Liberty is now moping around the house, watching the door longingly. She keeps sniffing the blankets and wondering why no one is giving her food under the table. It's a hard life for a dachshund.
I'm off today with big plans to watch all the Christmas movies that I knew Jacob and Andrew wouldn't want to watch! I think there will be de-decorating, but I'm trying to put that off as long as possible.
I have a very short work week, which is a blessing. Sometimes, you just need a break, you know?
I would ask your continued prayers for my little family. Jacob and Andrew did not want to go home, and it was so wonderful to have them for the week. We're looking to be up closer to them because they are needing us. A house in their neighborhood or close to it would be absolutely ideal! At this point, any decision we make has them completely 100% in the forefront!
Wow, still can't believe it's almost 2011! What a year this has been, and next year will no doubt be fabulous as well!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from Jason, Stephanie, Jacob, Andrew, and Liberty Russell!
Christmas was absolutely amazing. Jacob and Andrew were here from the Saturday before and went home yesterday. Our apartment has never seemed so empty. Liberty is sulking because her "little ones" are gone. We had so much fun with those sweet boys! We took amazing pictures in downtown Fort Worth in front of the giant Christmas tree. There was an insane amount of cookie baking. I think we watched all the fabulous Christmas cartoons and kid movies.
Christmas morning, we awoke to two very blessed little boys. My family poured their love and affection all over those kiddos. It was seriously Nerf-a-Palooza. After the Christmas present fun with just us, we got ready and went to dinner with Jason's mother and her side of the family. Liberty had to wear a Santa suit and by about 8PM, was so tired of not having her bed to sleep in, she hid under the Christmas tree and took a nap! Sunday, we relaxed, cleaned up the Christmas mayhem, and headed over to Jason's dad to say hi before they went back to their mom's house.
And as previously stated, Liberty is now moping around the house, watching the door longingly. She keeps sniffing the blankets and wondering why no one is giving her food under the table. It's a hard life for a dachshund.
I'm off today with big plans to watch all the Christmas movies that I knew Jacob and Andrew wouldn't want to watch! I think there will be de-decorating, but I'm trying to put that off as long as possible.
I have a very short work week, which is a blessing. Sometimes, you just need a break, you know?
I would ask your continued prayers for my little family. Jacob and Andrew did not want to go home, and it was so wonderful to have them for the week. We're looking to be up closer to them because they are needing us. A house in their neighborhood or close to it would be absolutely ideal! At this point, any decision we make has them completely 100% in the forefront!
Wow, still can't believe it's almost 2011! What a year this has been, and next year will no doubt be fabulous as well!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from Jason, Stephanie, Jacob, Andrew, and Liberty Russell!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
My thoughts.
No, I'm not an employee of a transplant program anymore, but this does not mean I'm not still affected by what goes on. In my three years of employment in that position, plus the two on the heart floor, I came to call many transplant families part of my family. Or to be more specific, they made me part of theirs. I got to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries...of actual birth or the "heart birth".
Transplant is an ever changing science. A new and fabulous medicine is always in the works, but it never changes the fact that you are placing a foreign object in a body that doesn't want it. God created the human body perfectly. It rejects intruders. Even though that beautiful new heart is the gift of life, it is an intruder and the body wants nothing more than to get rid of it.
Transplant families are the strongest I know. They try to make a normal life for their loved one while they face the constant fear that something BAD may happen. They bond together as no one else can...as a clan who has seen their family member sicker than sick and made better by a gift from another person. Of course, this bond also leads them to experience the horror of transplant. The transplant gone wrong. Rejection. Infection. TCAD. Death. But in all of these horrible things and times, they still remain strong. Yes, they may crumble, but in the end, they hold fast because they believe in miracles.
I believe in miracles. I've seen them. I've also seen a "miracle" crumble before my eyes. That does not sway me from my belief that God is always in charge. ALWAYS. It's hard to see God in the crap that this life presents us with, but He's always there.
God will never give us more than we can handle. Ever. He says that, but do we believe it? I believe it. I've experienced it. The last year of my life has proven it.
I am so blessed to have people in my life who love me. I am also blessed to have people who have been through the worst and have seen the beauty that God has provided. Wow. That's a lot of blessings!
I can never thank God enough for the things He has brought to me. Who is that family? It's not just the biological one. It's the man He blessed me with. It's the family that God gave me. It's the transplant families who consider me part of theirs. It's the friends I have known forever who consider me the "aunt" of their kiddos. I am blessed.
That's it. The end.
Transplant is an ever changing science. A new and fabulous medicine is always in the works, but it never changes the fact that you are placing a foreign object in a body that doesn't want it. God created the human body perfectly. It rejects intruders. Even though that beautiful new heart is the gift of life, it is an intruder and the body wants nothing more than to get rid of it.
Transplant families are the strongest I know. They try to make a normal life for their loved one while they face the constant fear that something BAD may happen. They bond together as no one else can...as a clan who has seen their family member sicker than sick and made better by a gift from another person. Of course, this bond also leads them to experience the horror of transplant. The transplant gone wrong. Rejection. Infection. TCAD. Death. But in all of these horrible things and times, they still remain strong. Yes, they may crumble, but in the end, they hold fast because they believe in miracles.
I believe in miracles. I've seen them. I've also seen a "miracle" crumble before my eyes. That does not sway me from my belief that God is always in charge. ALWAYS. It's hard to see God in the crap that this life presents us with, but He's always there.
God will never give us more than we can handle. Ever. He says that, but do we believe it? I believe it. I've experienced it. The last year of my life has proven it.
I am so blessed to have people in my life who love me. I am also blessed to have people who have been through the worst and have seen the beauty that God has provided. Wow. That's a lot of blessings!
I can never thank God enough for the things He has brought to me. Who is that family? It's not just the biological one. It's the man He blessed me with. It's the family that God gave me. It's the transplant families who consider me part of theirs. It's the friends I have known forever who consider me the "aunt" of their kiddos. I am blessed.
That's it. The end.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Hello again! :)
Yep. I'm a Mrs. It has hit me a few times in the last few weeks. It hit me when I was introduced as "This is my wife, Stephanie". It hit me when I got to check "married" on my tax info. It REALLY hit me when I got my new Social Security card with the name STEPHANIE LYNNE RUSSELL! Crazy!
Our wedding was such a beautiful day. I got to say everything I always wanted to the man of my dreams. I got to continue family traditions by kneeling in prayer on the bench that my sister, my mother, and my grandmother kneeled with their husbands on. I was blessed to share the night with my husband and our closest friends. In the end, I look back and know that God has a hand in my life. If I still worked at CMC, I wouldn't have been able to invite some of the patient families that have truly amazed and blessed me. I had all of the people who have seen me from infancy to adulthood all in one room. Jason and I were so thankful to have these people here to celebrate our union.
We had an AMAZING time in Maui. I did not want to come home. I didn't even miss my dog (who would be very upset if she knew this, so don't tell her!). I got to spend 7 days with my fabulous husband swimming, golfing, snorkeling, driving, flying, eating, and just having an amazing time! My aunt let us use her beach front condo and it was so awesome! We rented a convertible mustang and ran around the island feeling fabulous and knowing that we knew NO ONE! :) I am a total foodie (and so is Jason!) and we really had the best time exploring all the fresh seafood that Maui has to offer. Seriously, it was so amazing that I didn't want to come back to lunchmeat and boring food. '
I was so lucky to spend my BIRTHDAY in Maui with my new husband! The night before, he and I went out on the town and had so much fun experiencing all the little cute "dives" in Kihei (the area of Maui where we stayed!). We got fabulous service because we told them it was our honeymoon AND my birthday. What else could a girl ask for? My sweet husband surprised me with a very adorable stuffed dachshund (complete with Hawaiian lei!) and a card. I love that he did that. It absolutely takes the cake as my most favorite birthday.
So now. We're home. We're married. Settling in to married life! Jason is working a different route than normal, but it's seeming to pay off for us! I'm working full time right down the street and they seem to love me! They keep saying I'm above and beyond what they normally get. I don't think this is my forever job, but it's great for the interim while I'm working to get back into the hospital.
We had the boys over this weekend. We had an amazing time! There was golf. There was a cooking lesson. There was church. There was family bonding. Jason and I want SO much to live up by these two precious boys. Please pray for this. They need some stability and a family that says "You matter".
Jason is off making money for our little family. Liberty is mourning the lack of the boys and wishing they were around so they could spoil her ROTTEN. I am wishing our family was together, but praying that one day soon, it will happen. I would hope that you would pray for that too!
Our wedding was such a beautiful day. I got to say everything I always wanted to the man of my dreams. I got to continue family traditions by kneeling in prayer on the bench that my sister, my mother, and my grandmother kneeled with their husbands on. I was blessed to share the night with my husband and our closest friends. In the end, I look back and know that God has a hand in my life. If I still worked at CMC, I wouldn't have been able to invite some of the patient families that have truly amazed and blessed me. I had all of the people who have seen me from infancy to adulthood all in one room. Jason and I were so thankful to have these people here to celebrate our union.
We had an AMAZING time in Maui. I did not want to come home. I didn't even miss my dog (who would be very upset if she knew this, so don't tell her!). I got to spend 7 days with my fabulous husband swimming, golfing, snorkeling, driving, flying, eating, and just having an amazing time! My aunt let us use her beach front condo and it was so awesome! We rented a convertible mustang and ran around the island feeling fabulous and knowing that we knew NO ONE! :) I am a total foodie (and so is Jason!) and we really had the best time exploring all the fresh seafood that Maui has to offer. Seriously, it was so amazing that I didn't want to come back to lunchmeat and boring food. '
I was so lucky to spend my BIRTHDAY in Maui with my new husband! The night before, he and I went out on the town and had so much fun experiencing all the little cute "dives" in Kihei (the area of Maui where we stayed!). We got fabulous service because we told them it was our honeymoon AND my birthday. What else could a girl ask for? My sweet husband surprised me with a very adorable stuffed dachshund (complete with Hawaiian lei!) and a card. I love that he did that. It absolutely takes the cake as my most favorite birthday.
So now. We're home. We're married. Settling in to married life! Jason is working a different route than normal, but it's seeming to pay off for us! I'm working full time right down the street and they seem to love me! They keep saying I'm above and beyond what they normally get. I don't think this is my forever job, but it's great for the interim while I'm working to get back into the hospital.
We had the boys over this weekend. We had an amazing time! There was golf. There was a cooking lesson. There was church. There was family bonding. Jason and I want SO much to live up by these two precious boys. Please pray for this. They need some stability and a family that says "You matter".
Jason is off making money for our little family. Liberty is mourning the lack of the boys and wishing they were around so they could spoil her ROTTEN. I am wishing our family was together, but praying that one day soon, it will happen. I would hope that you would pray for that too!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Almost!
1 week. 7 days. 168 hours. 10,080 minutes.
I can't believe it is almost here! Jason and I were just talking about this yesterday. I mentioned to someone the other day that I was getting married "in September" and they said, "Um, Steph? It IS September!" It doesn't seem as though seven months have gone by since I saw my sweet fiance on one knee with a precious smile and heard that most beautiful of questions! SO much has changed since then! I am so blessed!
In a week's time, I'll have a new husband. This delights me to no end. I'm ready to be done with all the wedding planning and just have my husband to myself without the dreaded wedding bag, wedding website, or the 10 emails I have to respond to pertaining to wedding stuff.
Today, for the first time in 7 weeks, I'm working! It's not a hard job, but at least I'm able to bring in a little bit of money. Of course, it's also the first day in 4 months that it is sunny and mid-70's outside. I'm sitting behind a desk in front of some big windows that let me see the beautiful sunshine and soft breezes. But, I get to stay inside and answer the phone. And I am thankful.
The day after we get back from Maui (at FIVE AM. Ick.), I am starting a new job. It's not as a nurse or an educator, but a completely un-related field. It's completely a God thing. I was offered the job literally less than 5 minutes after walking out of the office building. Here are the reasons that make me know it's a God thing.
1. It's Monday through Friday, no weekends, little to no overtime.
2. It's TWO minutes away from my house which saves on gas!
3. They wanted me so much that they said I didn't even have to start training until after I get home from our honeymoon.
4. I have the opportunity to show off my organizational skills and experience working with physicians
Isn't that amazing? Right now, it's just a "long term temporary position", but it allows me to figure some things out while having gainful employment. The pay is enough to help with living expenses and allow for some breathing room. The team I'll be working with has two very personable team leaders. I'm not sure how long I'll be doing this job, but I'm very VERY happy about it while it lasts.
I'm so excited to start seeing all the family and friends come in for this fun weekend. I haven't been able to put my hands on my little sister for ELEVEN months and that is WAY too long in my opinion. I've got aunts flying/driving in, friends I haven't seen in months, and that's just my family! Jason's getting excited too! I'm looking forward to introducing Jacob and Andrew to the part of my family that hears me talk about them all the time but hasn't been able to meet them yet! I think they're pretty excited too...they keep asking and making sure they are going to get to meet certain family members.
I doubt I'll be posting again until after I'm a Mrs. You can always find me on Facebook to get the most up to date info and my current moods! Thanks for your prayers and I'll see you soon....as Mrs. Stephanie Russell! :)
I can't believe it is almost here! Jason and I were just talking about this yesterday. I mentioned to someone the other day that I was getting married "in September" and they said, "Um, Steph? It IS September!" It doesn't seem as though seven months have gone by since I saw my sweet fiance on one knee with a precious smile and heard that most beautiful of questions! SO much has changed since then! I am so blessed!
In a week's time, I'll have a new husband. This delights me to no end. I'm ready to be done with all the wedding planning and just have my husband to myself without the dreaded wedding bag, wedding website, or the 10 emails I have to respond to pertaining to wedding stuff.
Today, for the first time in 7 weeks, I'm working! It's not a hard job, but at least I'm able to bring in a little bit of money. Of course, it's also the first day in 4 months that it is sunny and mid-70's outside. I'm sitting behind a desk in front of some big windows that let me see the beautiful sunshine and soft breezes. But, I get to stay inside and answer the phone. And I am thankful.
The day after we get back from Maui (at FIVE AM. Ick.), I am starting a new job. It's not as a nurse or an educator, but a completely un-related field. It's completely a God thing. I was offered the job literally less than 5 minutes after walking out of the office building. Here are the reasons that make me know it's a God thing.
1. It's Monday through Friday, no weekends, little to no overtime.
2. It's TWO minutes away from my house which saves on gas!
3. They wanted me so much that they said I didn't even have to start training until after I get home from our honeymoon.
4. I have the opportunity to show off my organizational skills and experience working with physicians
Isn't that amazing? Right now, it's just a "long term temporary position", but it allows me to figure some things out while having gainful employment. The pay is enough to help with living expenses and allow for some breathing room. The team I'll be working with has two very personable team leaders. I'm not sure how long I'll be doing this job, but I'm very VERY happy about it while it lasts.
I'm so excited to start seeing all the family and friends come in for this fun weekend. I haven't been able to put my hands on my little sister for ELEVEN months and that is WAY too long in my opinion. I've got aunts flying/driving in, friends I haven't seen in months, and that's just my family! Jason's getting excited too! I'm looking forward to introducing Jacob and Andrew to the part of my family that hears me talk about them all the time but hasn't been able to meet them yet! I think they're pretty excited too...they keep asking and making sure they are going to get to meet certain family members.
I doubt I'll be posting again until after I'm a Mrs. You can always find me on Facebook to get the most up to date info and my current moods! Thanks for your prayers and I'll see you soon....as Mrs. Stephanie Russell! :)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
And it gets closer...
With less than three weeks until the wedding, my brain is often swimming with many MANY random details. Just when I think I've figured it all out, a new one comes sneaking in to try and stress me out. I refuse to let these take over. Why? Well, if you read my blog, you'll know that I'm desperately holding to the knowledge that September 10th is only the beginning of our story. It's one day in a long LONG adventure that we're planning to have. There's absolutely NO reason to sit and stress over it.
All the big things are done! Bridal pictures. Marriage license. Engagement pictures. Tux rentals. Food choices. 2 of 3 bridal showers. Ta DA! When I type it out like that, it does seem like a big accomplishment! Yay!
The things I'm most excited about are the vows Jason and I will make. The people I'll get to see. The vacation away from the continental US. I made Jason a golf tee time in Maui last week and the woman on the phone said "Thank you, Mrs Russell. We'll see you in a few weeks". Wow. It's crazy to think of myself as a Mrs!
The only big thing I did this week was sell my sweet car. I've been tossing the idea around for several months. Jason has two cars, and there was really no need for me to contribute a third. I happily paid mine off, cleaned her up, and made her all beautiful for a new owner. It was a hard decision, but in the end, it's the best choice.
Jacob and Andrew have been over here this week. We always have a hilarious time. The big hit this week has been "Just Dance" on the Wii. I've had that game for awhile, but have only brought it out in the last week. Jason even made a video and posted it on Facebook of Jacob beating me while dancing to the Spice girls (my pick, not his!). I can't even win a dancing game! They start school next week so we won't have extended weeks with them like in the summer. I may go through withdrawls...I really REALLY have a great time when they're over here.
I guess I should get my rear off this couch and have a productive Saturday. Jason and I are supposed to go on a road trip to get his other car, but that may be postponed. Right now, I'm perfectly content to sit here with my diet dr pepper, a warm and snuggling Liberty, and a book!
All the big things are done! Bridal pictures. Marriage license. Engagement pictures. Tux rentals. Food choices. 2 of 3 bridal showers. Ta DA! When I type it out like that, it does seem like a big accomplishment! Yay!
The things I'm most excited about are the vows Jason and I will make. The people I'll get to see. The vacation away from the continental US. I made Jason a golf tee time in Maui last week and the woman on the phone said "Thank you, Mrs Russell. We'll see you in a few weeks". Wow. It's crazy to think of myself as a Mrs!
The only big thing I did this week was sell my sweet car. I've been tossing the idea around for several months. Jason has two cars, and there was really no need for me to contribute a third. I happily paid mine off, cleaned her up, and made her all beautiful for a new owner. It was a hard decision, but in the end, it's the best choice.
Jacob and Andrew have been over here this week. We always have a hilarious time. The big hit this week has been "Just Dance" on the Wii. I've had that game for awhile, but have only brought it out in the last week. Jason even made a video and posted it on Facebook of Jacob beating me while dancing to the Spice girls (my pick, not his!). I can't even win a dancing game! They start school next week so we won't have extended weeks with them like in the summer. I may go through withdrawls...I really REALLY have a great time when they're over here.
I guess I should get my rear off this couch and have a productive Saturday. Jason and I are supposed to go on a road trip to get his other car, but that may be postponed. Right now, I'm perfectly content to sit here with my diet dr pepper, a warm and snuggling Liberty, and a book!
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