Hello Lovely Readers!
Here is the semi-weekly update along with school countdowns! Please pray for me as I transition jobs!
Pregnancy update
How far along? 28 weeks 1 day!
Total weight gain: 31 pounds so far....and I didn't weigh the last three weeks...I go to the OB on Tuesday so we will see!!
Maternity clothes?: Still loving the grey's anatomy scrubs, got two new cotton dresses since I refuse to wear pants.
Sleep: Sleeping better, Avery is pretty quiet at night and my 9-9 schedule leaves me feeling refreshed in the morning instead of exhausted!
Cravings: Dairy....and more dairy. Steve has decided we should buy 2 gallons of milk at a time and he likes to buy me Ben and Jerry's to snack on all week!
Best moment this week: Last Saturday spending time with Mom, shopping and registering for showers. I got pretty upset at Babies R Us because the stroller I wanted didn't have a box or label for me to scan and I couldn't figure out which one it was to google the safety information...then I looked all over the store and never found an associate...I am about to revise my registry and leave most of the things on the Target registry just because I am mad! It was nice to relax with Mom for her birthday that night then celebrate with Mary on Sunday. I always get stressed because their birthdays are the same day and I was brought up making a big deal out of birthdays...I tend to coordinate the parties for both every year so I get a little stressed! All turned out well but Mary's present didn't arrive on time. :( It came yesterday and she will get it tomorrow!
Movement: Almost every day I feel her, Steve has felt her a few times....mom almost felt her today but she stopped kicking as soon as I got mom to feel my belly.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: none yet, thank God!
Belly Button in or out? In.....but stretching!
What I miss: Free time, and feeling attractive. I feel like a big fat whale! I try to keep my hair and nails nice and wear makeup every day, but sometimes nothing helps me feel like a woman not a cow. I think next weekend after I get my hair done I might treat myself to a mani/pedi and see if that helps! My toes are looking rough...haven't had my toes done in almost a year!
Weekly Wisdom: Don't get rattled. I have let things get to me with finishing up school and starting a new job and had some days were I was very negative and took it out on Steve. My mind is my worst enemy!
Milestones: Registering for showers and mailing invitations.....it is seeming really close now!
Favorite Moments:Walking around with the gun imagining Avery using all the sweet baby stuff, imagining myself out of school and off work spending time with her, and feeling her kick me at regular intervals through the day...I hope the wives tale about their sleep/wake cycles in the womb being the same as when they are born....I'll have an awesome baby who sleeps for hours at a stretch!
School update:
Friday is my last official day of school this summer. I will have all the requirements done on Thursday. I turned in my last paper about an hour ago and have 30 hours of clinical to do this week. I have a test to take and plan to take it Tuesday after clinic. I can't wait for a short break! My goal is to get my graduate portfolio done and start on my fall paper so I can just concentrate on doing clinical and taking tests until Avery arrives! Please pray she will stay put and I will feel well enough to get the 270 hours of clinical done after August 18 until she comes~by my calculations it will take 12 hour days, 23 of them to be exact, to get all the hours done. When I counted my days off work this fall, it was 22 days with me working 12 hours of clinical on my due date....this baby cannot come early!!!! I really don't want to use my vacation to get hours done because then I will have less time with her.
I am secure that the Lord wants me to be an advanced practice nurse and he will make a way where there seems to be no way! Please pray!
Work update....tomorrow I will work my first solo shift in ER. I'm a little nervous but feel like I can do it, I hope my coworkers are nice and helpful (I am 90% sure they will be, but I don't know the weekend crew), and that I can do a good job taking care of my patients and not get frustrated. I got frustrated on Friday with people who needed primary care who came to the ER and said they had chest pain just to get back to a room then told the MD a different story than they told me. I got a bit jaded and calloused and wasn't my normal self with my patients....Lord keep me treating everyone the way I want to be treated!
Love,
Jen
Avery and Me
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
26 weeks and 2 days update!
Hello Lovely Readers!
Here is the semi-weekly update along with school countdowns! Please pray for me as I transition jobs!
Pregnancy update
How far along? 26 weeks 2 day!
Total weight gain: 31 pounds so far....and I didn't weigh this week. So sue me!
Maternity clothes?: Still loving the grey's anatomy scrubs....thinking I'll order 1 more set of maternity scrubs to rotate and then buy ones that fit after Avery arrives!
Sleep: Not so great this week....started my 9-9 shifts so I wake up at 4 or 5 and go pee then try to sleep some more.
Cravings: Right now, nothing. I am getting over a bout of food poisioning and haven't recovered an appetite!
Best moment this week: Getting the nursery together and Steve feeling Avery move!
Movement: Almost every day I feel her, Steve has felt her once.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: none yet, thank God!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Having energy to do things. I feel like I have chronic fatigue syndrome and have to budget my energy for work/school/homework/wife duties/church and I feel like I am constantly behind.
Weekly Wisdom: Try to look at the bright side and don't be so hard on yourself. It is nice to be around positive people at work and I've made a couple huge mistakes (both rectified quickly) and then beat myself up for the remainder of the shift.
Milestones: Steve feeling Avery move.
Favorite Moments: Arranging the furniture in Avery's room, getting the room clean and making it a dog free zone, unwrapping her little onesies and putting them in the dresser, making her bed. It looks like a room now!
School update: 1 more test, 2 more small papers, 1 more big paper, 1 poster, and starting my graduate portfolio. I hope to finish one small paper and the poster today!
Blessings,
Jen
Here is the semi-weekly update along with school countdowns! Please pray for me as I transition jobs!
Pregnancy update
How far along? 26 weeks 2 day!
Total weight gain: 31 pounds so far....and I didn't weigh this week. So sue me!
Maternity clothes?: Still loving the grey's anatomy scrubs....thinking I'll order 1 more set of maternity scrubs to rotate and then buy ones that fit after Avery arrives!
Sleep: Not so great this week....started my 9-9 shifts so I wake up at 4 or 5 and go pee then try to sleep some more.
Cravings: Right now, nothing. I am getting over a bout of food poisioning and haven't recovered an appetite!
Best moment this week: Getting the nursery together and Steve feeling Avery move!
Movement: Almost every day I feel her, Steve has felt her once.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: none yet, thank God!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Having energy to do things. I feel like I have chronic fatigue syndrome and have to budget my energy for work/school/homework/wife duties/church and I feel like I am constantly behind.
Weekly Wisdom: Try to look at the bright side and don't be so hard on yourself. It is nice to be around positive people at work and I've made a couple huge mistakes (both rectified quickly) and then beat myself up for the remainder of the shift.
Milestones: Steve feeling Avery move.
Favorite Moments: Arranging the furniture in Avery's room, getting the room clean and making it a dog free zone, unwrapping her little onesies and putting them in the dresser, making her bed. It looks like a room now!
Blessings,
Jen
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
A Busy Week!
Hello Lovely Readers!
Its been a busy week! I worked last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at my new job in the Emergency Room. I really like it so far!
Friday night we went out with friends to the House Bar. It was fun but bittersweet to say goodbye to our dear friend Sandra who is moving on to a better job but not leaving the city.
Saturday we had a huge family cookout and my father in law smoked ribs! As a barbecue judge, I get really excited about ribs! They were wonderful! It was great to get to see our family and celebrate the fourth of July!
Sunday we went to church, Sekisui, to see my mom, then came home and started assembling the crib! Church had a really touching song and moment where they mirrored Iwo Jima with a group of men out of uniform holding up a cross instead of a flag, and on the other side they had the soldiers with the flag. Not going to lie, I cried a bit. Sunday was a great day, our dear friends Matt and Diana welcomed their precious baby girl into the world! We have been praying for this baby for so long and I can't wait to meet her!
Monday I had to go to clinical, but got out early. We spent some time on the dresser, then I went to see Eclipse! I really enjoyed dinner at Mimi's Cafe then a movie night with the girls!
Tuesday I went to clinical and got out early again. We finished the dresser and got Avery's room cleaned and took some pictures. We finished out the evening with some Mad Men and Steve got to feel Avery move! I can't tell you how it made him feel but I was so thrilled!
Today is my "off" day. I am doing homework and studying for a test that I am taking later tonight. I meant to clean the house but I don't know if I can get it all done. My goals for today are to study and take the test, start on a paper, and complete a poster for a school project. I have two papers due next week as well and only have Sunday after church to work on them so I am getting a bit stressed. So far today I have been lazy and relaxing...I'm starting to have trouble physically keeping up with all that I have to do. It was painfully obvious as we tried to assemble nursery furniture...I don't get up and down as well as I used to!
Please pray for my school...its going to be a breakneck pace until Summer semester ends July 31.
If you know how to refinish a wood chair that has been varnished and recover cushions, I need some advice. Someone gave us a glider for the nursery and it doesn't match at all! I love going into her room but I hate looking at that glider!
Love,
Jen
Its been a busy week! I worked last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at my new job in the Emergency Room. I really like it so far!
Saturday we had a huge family cookout and my father in law smoked ribs! As a barbecue judge, I get really excited about ribs! They were wonderful! It was great to get to see our family and celebrate the fourth of July!
Sunday we went to church, Sekisui, to see my mom, then came home and started assembling the crib! Church had a really touching song and moment where they mirrored Iwo Jima with a group of men out of uniform holding up a cross instead of a flag, and on the other side they had the soldiers with the flag. Not going to lie, I cried a bit. Sunday was a great day, our dear friends Matt and Diana welcomed their precious baby girl into the world! We have been praying for this baby for so long and I can't wait to meet her!
Today is my "off" day. I am doing homework and studying for a test that I am taking later tonight. I meant to clean the house but I don't know if I can get it all done. My goals for today are to study and take the test, start on a paper, and complete a poster for a school project. I have two papers due next week as well and only have Sunday after church to work on them so I am getting a bit stressed. So far today I have been lazy and relaxing...I'm starting to have trouble physically keeping up with all that I have to do. It was painfully obvious as we tried to assemble nursery furniture...I don't get up and down as well as I used to!
Please pray for my school...its going to be a breakneck pace until Summer semester ends July 31.
If you know how to refinish a wood chair that has been varnished and recover cushions, I need some advice. Someone gave us a glider for the nursery and it doesn't match at all! I love going into her room but I hate looking at that glider!
Love,
Jen
Saturday, July 3, 2010
24 and 25 weeks update! (I'm 25 weeks and 1 day today!)
Hello Lovely Readers!
Here is the semi-weekly update along with school and job countdowns! Please pray for me as I transition jobs!
Pregnancy update
How far along? 25 weeks 1 day!
Total weight gain: 31 pounds so far....I really don't want to talk about it.
Maternity clothes?: Yes. I bought some comfy shoes for clinical (ugly, but comfy) and a couple new dresses. Its too hot in Arkansas to wear pants! I bought 1 set of maternity scrubs and need to order 2 more sets....not sure if I'll order maternity or just "larger" than normal. I am in love with my grey's anatomy navy maternity scrubs!
Sleep: I sleep like the dead until about 4. Then I lay awake wondering if I'm late for work.
Cravings: Nothing in particular...I've had a sweet tooth this week which is unusual for me.
Best moment this week: Starting the new job...It is going well and everyone wants to hear about Avery so I talk about her at every opportunity! A couple girls in the ER are pregnant too and due around the same time, so it's fun to chat (when we have time!)
Movement: When I sit still, or lay down, I feel her. At work or school I am running constantly and I guess I'm not paying attention.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: none yet, thank God!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Being able to get things I drop from the floorboard of my car. Last night I stopped through taco bueno and dropped my debit card and could not reach it. For the life of me. I had to charge it and get the card later. My second day of work I dropped my parking deck card (outside of my car) and had to open the door and get it from the pavement, the parking arm almost hit my roof when I finally drove through, and I was late to work. I also miss walking fast. I just can't. I try and it HURTS.
Weekly Wisdom: If you are unhappy at work, change something. It's just my first week in ER and I love it! I don't know why the Lord kept me at my previous job for so long while I was unhappy.
Milestones: Furniture arrived yesterday! I can't wait to put it together!
Favorite Moments: On my second day of work someone won the daisy award. If you don't know what that is, it's a big deal. http://www.daisyfoundation.org/exnurses.htm One of the coolest things about the Daisy award is that it is given monthly to a nurse who is nominated either by peers or patients, and the whole unit gets Cinnabon! We don't have a Cinnabon in Little Rock, and it is flown in just for the daisy award winner and their team. Anyway, I ate one and felt Avery move with my hand! I have been so excited and anxious for Steve to feel her! I wish I could get another Cinnabon and see if it works again! I would love to win the award, we shall see if it ever happens! Congrats to Roy!
Countdown to ER
3 shifts in the ER complete! Its been so fun, busy, but awesome. I'm learning so much and really enjoy the patients. My IV skills are getting better, but I am still anxious every time I stick someone...I know it hurts and I know I'm not good at it! I love looking up at the clock and realizing its almost time to go home! I have learned I have to eat a big breakfast, most of the time I get to eat around 2 or 3 pm, so since I've been working 7-7 I have had to eat well or risk hypoglycemia or passing out! I don't mind because I am so busy!!!
School countdown
5 weeks down 5 to go...three papers down, two to go, site visit DONE, big paper, clinical case poster presentation, one test done, 2 tests to go, and 95 hours of clinical time! Must start on Portfolio (first section due July 13) and get all my dates together for FALL! I can't wait to finish my masters before this baby gets here!
Thankfulness
I'm thankful for Steve, lazy Saturdays, supportive family, our home, our new pastor Jeff (who is amazing by the way!), feeling our girl, no calls this week about my glucose test, sweet friends who INSIST on time with me, and the opportunity to go to school. I am so thankful for my new job and for all the sweet people who have helped me along so far and given me confidence through their encouragement. I'm thankful that when I ask for prayer I know others are praying for me. I'm so thankful for family who loves us enough to support us in every way as they feel led. I'm thankful our furniture is here for Avery, I am so looking forward to making her bed! I'm thankful for the fourth of July and all it represents, thankful to live in a country like America. I'm thankful that Steve took a couple days off next week so he can rest. I'm thankful most of all for Christ who loves me and gave himself for me and for everyone.
Love,
Jen
Here is the semi-weekly update along with school and job countdowns! Please pray for me as I transition jobs!
Pregnancy update
How far along? 25 weeks 1 day!
Total weight gain: 31 pounds so far....I really don't want to talk about it.
Maternity clothes?: Yes. I bought some comfy shoes for clinical (ugly, but comfy) and a couple new dresses. Its too hot in Arkansas to wear pants! I bought 1 set of maternity scrubs and need to order 2 more sets....not sure if I'll order maternity or just "larger" than normal. I am in love with my grey's anatomy navy maternity scrubs!
Sleep: I sleep like the dead until about 4. Then I lay awake wondering if I'm late for work.
Cravings: Nothing in particular...I've had a sweet tooth this week which is unusual for me.
Best moment this week: Starting the new job...It is going well and everyone wants to hear about Avery so I talk about her at every opportunity! A couple girls in the ER are pregnant too and due around the same time, so it's fun to chat (when we have time!)
Movement: When I sit still, or lay down, I feel her. At work or school I am running constantly and I guess I'm not paying attention.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: none yet, thank God!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Being able to get things I drop from the floorboard of my car. Last night I stopped through taco bueno and dropped my debit card and could not reach it. For the life of me. I had to charge it and get the card later. My second day of work I dropped my parking deck card (outside of my car) and had to open the door and get it from the pavement, the parking arm almost hit my roof when I finally drove through, and I was late to work. I also miss walking fast. I just can't. I try and it HURTS.
Weekly Wisdom: If you are unhappy at work, change something. It's just my first week in ER and I love it! I don't know why the Lord kept me at my previous job for so long while I was unhappy.
Milestones: Furniture arrived yesterday! I can't wait to put it together!
Favorite Moments: On my second day of work someone won the daisy award. If you don't know what that is, it's a big deal. http://www.daisyfoundation.org/exnurses.htm One of the coolest things about the Daisy award is that it is given monthly to a nurse who is nominated either by peers or patients, and the whole unit gets Cinnabon! We don't have a Cinnabon in Little Rock, and it is flown in just for the daisy award winner and their team. Anyway, I ate one and felt Avery move with my hand! I have been so excited and anxious for Steve to feel her! I wish I could get another Cinnabon and see if it works again! I would love to win the award, we shall see if it ever happens! Congrats to Roy!
Countdown to ER
3 shifts in the ER complete! Its been so fun, busy, but awesome. I'm learning so much and really enjoy the patients. My IV skills are getting better, but I am still anxious every time I stick someone...I know it hurts and I know I'm not good at it! I love looking up at the clock and realizing its almost time to go home! I have learned I have to eat a big breakfast, most of the time I get to eat around 2 or 3 pm, so since I've been working 7-7 I have had to eat well or risk hypoglycemia or passing out! I don't mind because I am so busy!!!
School countdown
5 weeks down 5 to go...three papers down, two to go, site visit DONE, big paper, clinical case poster presentation, one test done, 2 tests to go, and 95 hours of clinical time! Must start on Portfolio (first section due July 13) and get all my dates together for FALL! I can't wait to finish my masters before this baby gets here!
Thankfulness
I'm thankful for Steve, lazy Saturdays, supportive family, our home, our new pastor Jeff (who is amazing by the way!), feeling our girl, no calls this week about my glucose test, sweet friends who INSIST on time with me, and the opportunity to go to school. I am so thankful for my new job and for all the sweet people who have helped me along so far and given me confidence through their encouragement. I'm thankful that when I ask for prayer I know others are praying for me. I'm so thankful for family who loves us enough to support us in every way as they feel led. I'm thankful our furniture is here for Avery, I am so looking forward to making her bed! I'm thankful for the fourth of July and all it represents, thankful to live in a country like America. I'm thankful that Steve took a couple days off next week so he can rest. I'm thankful most of all for Christ who loves me and gave himself for me and for everyone.
Love,
Jen
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