Mini-Vacay

I am FINALLY getting this up, our last week has been insane and I have not had a moment to sit down at the computer!

Last weekend our little family took a mini vacay, hubby had some time off work he needed to use and I had a whopping 6 days off in a row.  Something that is rare these days.

To start with L came down with a virus the day before we were supposed to leave...of course.... but we went anyway.  He was able to sleep a lot and the dr told us he really wasn't contagious.  Poor guy at his worst had a fever of 105!! I thought I was going to freak out! It responded quickly to ibuprofen thank Jesus, my little guy did not feel good, although he seemed to maintain his good spirits like such a trooper.  He is all better now, Praise God!!

We started out by heading to San Antonio, my family lives there and so does my brother in law and their family.  My nephews second birthday was Saturday so while we were able to visit my parents we were able to attend his part as well.  My sister in law did such a great job and it was so much fun! Plus, it was fun to see L and his cousin play together. It just blows my mind how much they look alike!! My nephew is 8 months older than L, even though they are about the same size.

After a short stay in San Antonio we headed to Austin for a day or so.  We arrived sunday afternoon and we were so bummed because it was raining like crazy and all our "plans" were outside.  We really didn't have any plans just an idea of some things we would like to see or do.  Unfortunately they all consisted of being outside or walking outside so the rain was a total buzz-kill :(

We need up grabbing a bite to east at Wahoos Fish Taco.  It was so yummy, I had a bowl that had fish, rice and black beans.  There were some sort of veggies in there too and a really yummy sauce.  This was outstanding and really filled me up!  After that we just drove around the UT campus, went to  check out the sorority and fraternity houses (we always like to do this if were in cities that have our greek organization) and we were going to go to the Co-op but it literally closed 5 minutes before we got there.  By the suggestion of a twitter friend we also went to check out BookPeople a really cool bookstore that I could have gotten lost in for hours! L was really good and was napping this whole time.  We headed back to the hotel to dry off and rest before dinner.  We went to Hula Hut, one of my favorites.  It was kind of a bet because it was so late and L was tired and hungry but because he was so tired didn't really want to eat so he was so fussy and we ended up trading off with each other and walking L outside.  Oh well, you live and learn right!

On Monday we woke up and went to breakfast at Kerbey Lane This is one of our favorites from college when we would go to Sixth St as they are open 24 hours.  This was not the case, but the food was still so good! L started off breakfast really fussy again and we were so frustrated after the previous night and now this.  He is ALWAYS so good in restaurants, low and behold the kid was starving.  He probably ate 4 eggs, 1/4 of pancake and 1/2 bowl of fruit.  I guess thats what happens when you don't want to eat dinner.  He was back to his good spirits and we were off to start our day.  We started by going back to the Co-op, I wish I had more money to spend there they literally had so many cute things!! We needed up just getting L a pair of cute sweatpants this time.

By this time I had told a previous patients family that I would head over to their boutique to say hi so thats where we went.  I absolutely love being able to see patients and their families that I really connected to outside of the hospital.  It is hard because I usually only see my patients very sick in ICU and don't get to see the after product of my care.  This was so fun because the baby was like night and day!! He was so happy and full of life.  Its amazing what a good heart can do for you!! After that little stop off we decided to go park the car and roam around.  We headed to South Congress which was so cool, we wished we had waited to have lunch there because the little food trucks looked so fun!! We had pizza earlier so we really weren't hungry.

After our snack we headed back to the hotel so we could get ready for dinner, we were going to The Salt Lick.  We drove out and by the time we got there we were all hungry.  I was amazed at how fast the service was.  That was a blessing because by this point L wanted nothing to do with sitting and eating so we took turns going out and letting L walk around.  Poor guy was basically over the vacation by this point.  He usually is an angel in restaurants he'll sit and eat or play while we eat and not make much fuss...oh boy not this day! We ate fast and headed outside to the play area so he could blow off some steam! He was in HEAVEN!!

 Although when it was time to go a meltdown was had!! He DID. NOT. want to leave!!!

We headed home early the next day and I don't think I have seen a little guy happier to be home than L was! It was a fun little trip and a much needed break from daily life!

Sometimes you just need a do over!

So today ended up being one of those days that I just wish I could have a do over.  It was a day that as a mom, really a working mom, I was torn to pieces and in  hind sight felt I made the wrong choice.  That only made me feel worse and the mom guilt was through the roof.

So the day started off ok enough, hubby and I had to meet at his job to switch off L as we often have to do after nights when I work and he has to work early. I noticed L was super sleepy in the car which he is usually awake and talkative.  When we got home I noticed he was warm and I took his temp which was 101.9 orally, he had no other symptoms so I gave him tylenol and fed him and put him down for a nap.  He woke up and was still warm but eating drinking and acting normal so I gave him some more tylenol and the babysitter came over so I could sleep before work.  When it was time for her to leave she told me he was acting like he didn't feel good and we noticed he felt really warm.  I took his temp and it was 103.9 orally.  I freaked out called the nurse and then called in to work. This is where things get wonky.

I was holding L and he was talking and acting semi normal just a little clingy, I gave him more tylenol and did some googling.  Even though I'm a nurse I work in a cardiac icu, I dont know much about common place illnesses. Also, when its your own child all nurse knowledge and logic go out the window. I started doubting my over reaction and based on google I should give him meds to break the fever and if it lasts more than 24 hours take him in.  So I called work and said I'd go in.  I always hate calling in especially late in the day.  I know the unit is usually staffed with just the right number of nurses and when someone calls in it puts the unit in a bind.

Well no sooner did I call and say I'd go in the nurse calls me and says his fever is too high I need to bring him in right away.  I thankfully only live 5 minutes from their office.  I started to worry now and all the worse things pop into my nurse brain.  We go in and basically everything checks out ok still has 103 fever and a slightly red throat.  They say its a virus and to give him motrin.  This is when the guilt sets in.  I want so bad to call back to work and not go in.  I want so bad to just be with my baby who looks like he feels horrible.  But yet, its so late I can't possibly do that to my unit. 

Sometimes I wish I could be more selfish, should I have put my baby first in this situation? Daddy was a great nurse and when I called his fever had broke and was at 98.2.  I know he was in good hands but I feel like I always am thinking about everyone else and then sometimes regret my decision.  My parents instilled a good work ethic in me and I guess thats why I chose to work but that doesn't take away the fact that I felt horrible about leaving my sweet boy. 

Its these situations that make being a working mom so tough. I told L I loved him and even though I had to leave him that didn't mean I didn't care, not that he understood but it made me feel better at least.

Hubby said he went to sleep ok and last he checked the fever is still under control, I just can't wait to get home to my sweet baby and nurse him back to health during my glorious 6 days off!

To make matters worse on my way to work my medium drink flew out of the cup holder and spilled all over the floor, and I smashed my foot in the car door trying to escape a huge wasp!

Tomorrow is a new day and the start to my mini vacay! Only 6 more hours to go :/

Labor Day Weekend 2012

We had such a good weekend this year for Labor Day.  My parents came in town and although they had their own set of plans such as going to the Astros/Reds game and hitting up Galveston to scope things out for their future we were able to still visit and always have so much fun when they come in town.

On Friday we met up with some of our good friends Julie and Ryan who recently relocated to Houston from NYC.  A big change but we are so happy and excited to have them here! Julie actually started having contractions at dinner which led to her giving birth to their adorable little guy on sunday early in the morning!! It was so good to visit with them and L always has such a good time when we go out to City Centre.  Now that he can walk he just loves roaming around in the courtyard ( supervised of course) and watching all the bigger kids play.   

I think he has the best smile! It makes me so happy every time I see it!

 On Saturday we had another late night...L is such a trooper.  Really though as long as he is the center of attention the kid can stay up hours past his bedtime and be in good spirits.  My friend, coworker, and now also my neighbor had a party at her house to kick off football college football season.  They are huge LSU fans so we went over there to hang out and enjoy some good food and meet some other couples in the neighborhood.

Daddy was so excited colleged football started ...someones maybe a little confused?

On sunday after church we just hung around the house and then our neighborhood has a concert on the amphitheater area that we went to.  Its so fun to go out there with a blanket, some cold drinks and good company and just hang out.  I don't know if the bad was "good" but it was still fun and L had the best time getting his baby groove on! Once again he was out pretty late which led to a lot of sleeping on monday!!

And now for some serious picture overload!!!

Loves his Mimi

with Mimi and pop pop

having so much fun dancing!!

Dance Dance Dance

After such a busy fun filled weekend...this guy is BEAT!

Show and Tell Monday::Wedding Bells Ringing

Show and Tell Monday; Wedding Bells Ringing

Today I'm Linking up with Becky at From Mrs. To Mama

1. Are you married? If so when did you get married, and tell us about your special day. If not? How would you describe your dream wedding? 

 

     Yes!! My husband and I were married on January 16, 2010 in San Antonio, Tx.  It was really everything I could have wanted, the most important thing was that we were surrounded by our family and friends.  It ended up being somewhat of a huge college reunion and we wouldn't have changed that for the world!! It was so much fun having 200 of our closest friends and family to celebrate the day with us.  I planned the  wedding for 9 months and it was beautiful and so special.  

3. How about the engagement? Tell us your story. If not engaged, what's yourdream proposal?

 The hubby proposed one day as we were packing up to go to San Antonio and it came as a complete surprise! I knew we would be getting engaged at some point but he knew if he did some big thing I would have known so I woke up (I worked the night before) and was trying to pack up the cat into the carrier so we could head out of town and I called him to come help. I said "Can you hold this so I can put him in the bag and he had knelt down on my level and said " Well can you hold THIS" and I started to get annoyed because I wanted to leave and I looked up and he had the ring in his hand, He said a bunch of sweet words that I don't really remember because I was so blown away!! It was so simple and sweet and a surprise which is what I wanted!

4. Show us your wedding rings or an engagement photo! If not engaged/married ... show us your "dream" ring.

5. Tell us why you think marriage doesn't work out for so many? What can we do to make things last

I think marriage doesn't work for so many because people give up too easy, no one said marriage would be easy and there are going to be times of turbulence and hardship, but I think when you say your vows you are making a commitment to work through those tough times.  I think God needs to be the center of a marriage and if you build your marriage with God at the center it will last.  I know there are circumstances where it is healthier for a marriage to end and those two people have tried and can not work it out but I think that is a special situation and I think in general people give in too easy. I also think there needs to be compromise and communication, Not gonna lie communication is something we need to work on but I think the fact that we are honest with each other and compromise when needed is a big part of why we have been together for 9 years.  

We take time for each other to have date nights, we respect and trust each other, we make it a point to have dinner as a family at the table and talk about our day.  These are just a few things that I think help contribute to a lasting marriage, I know there are going to be times of hardship and times of happiness but this marriage is a journey and God is our leader.

Flying with a Toddler

As I mentioned previously, a few weeks ago me and my lil guy took a trip just the two of us to visit family in PA.  I was so nervous about this trip as my hubby was supposed to go initially but due to some work scheduling issues wasn't able to.  There were no direct flights from Houston to Buffalo so I knew we would have a layover and then on top of that once we got to Buffalo, we had a hour and a half drive to the house.

Per my usual I did some research to try and figure out what I could do to make things as smooth as could be and that in conjunction with my experience have compiled a little list of what I found to work.

- Buy a few small toys they haven't played with before.  The one thing I bought that he loved was a travel size doodle board thing

this entertained him the most honestly even more than the iPad which was very surprising since the iPad is his crack.

- load up on snacks a little bit of a bunch of different things.  I didn't use these ItzyRitzy pouches but in hindsight I have them and they would have been perfect, I used the little snack trap cup things and they take up so much space!! These little pouches I might add are so good for so many things!

- Get a window seat!! I only had one flight where I had a n isle seat and thought it would be good so I could get up easily but no, our first flight we had a window seat and then the second flight we didn't and L just wanted to climb over our neighbor to get to the window and thus threw a fit because he couldn't get to the window.  plus, not only can he look out the window if you have a baby you are still nursing you have a bit of privacy since your nestled in the corner.

- If you can afford it get them their own seat.  I decided to have L sit on my lap but on one of our flights we actually had an empty seat next to us and it was so nice to have room to spread out a bit even though he stayed on my lap it was a nice space to put  few toys to get to easily and for me to not feel so cramped.

- Bring a small fold up stroller that you can fold and carry easily.  I used the Chicco Liteway and it was a bit heavy.  After I checked my boarding pass I had to carry L, my bag and the stroller down the gateway and it was a bit of a struggle.  I did use a gate check bag for the stroller to avoid any unnecessary damage.  

- Use a carry-on thats easy to carry with lots of pockets.  I wish I would have used a backpack, I used the Lands End canvas bag which was ok since I had the stroller to drape it on but I think a backpack would have made life easier.  If you have lots of pockets its easier to put things in their own space thus easier to find things in an instant instead of rummaging through your junk with a squirmy baby and people waiting behind you!

- Bring a packet of cleaning wipes and lots of hand sanitizer.  traveling is dirty and on the plane your baby will want to touch everything and then snack and put things in his mouth so once we sat down I wiped everything off and it gave me a little more peace of mind!

- FInally, get to the airport early and try to plan your flight with no layovers or a long enough one so you have time to get to your gate and get something to eat! Luckily we got to go through the special line at security because I had the baby but it still takes time to unload all the stuff take shoes off fold the stroller and traipse through the security thing and then put it all back together.  

Things went as well as they could with a 14 month old trapped in a small space for a long period.  I may or may not have given him a little benedryl to help him sleep as he is not the type to sleep anywhere, he has never fallen asleep in the stroller and rarely in the car, plus he was cutting 4 molars at the time.  I think that you should discuss that with your pediatrician though as I am no doctor!

Disconnected

This past weekend me and L ventured into the great wilderness to visit my dads side of the family.  My grandma and grandpa are getting older and I really wanted Landon to meet them, not to mention I had not been up there in 12 years!!!

The flights went relatively well, traveling with a 14 month old by myself is a blog post in itself, I tried to be as prepared as possible but many a lesson was learned for the future!!

We were in Rixford, PA essentially where the red dot is above, its a small town and the entrance sign calls it a village "Welcome to the village of Rixford" I believe it said the population is around 200!! We had no internet and no cellphone service.  Every now and again if we got into a larger town I would get a few bars of service but for the most part, nothing!!

It really is such a sweet little town and its absolutely gorgeous with all the trees and the weather was perfect (they don't have central air and we just left the windows open at all times and that was sufficient even chilly at night!).  We basically spent our days sitting on the back porch, L would play and I would read or watch him play.  He was in heaven! He loves to be outside and the center of attention and both of those were happening in a big way on this trip!

It was so sweet to see L interact with his great grandparents who were so smitten with him and thought he was the funniest thing, it was so sweet to see them smiling and playing with him.  It was also so good to see L get to spend time with my dad, my dad has really up until now only seen L about 3 times in his life which does make me very sad but it was good to see them spend time together.

There are hardly any pictures because I was tired of trouble shooting,I forgot my camera so I only had my phone so the quality is crappy, but alas here we go.

Not having access to phone and internet was a nice break that I really needed, its so easy to get caught up in social media and I feel like a lot of my time was being sucked by it lately so I think God put this trip at the right point in my life.  It was a nice opportunity to be in the moment and just simply enjoy it.  It is such a simple life there and it really made me realize that thats what I need right now.  I see a lot of decluttering and simplifying in my near future!

My DIY Secret Love

I absolutely LOVE the blog Young House Love, they have so many fabulous and ingenious ideas.  I have been following their blog for a long time and they are finally coming out with a book!! Yep, I preordered it and can't wait for November to get it !!!

I ordered it here

I'm still working on my post about our trip from last week and our experience flying with a toddler but Im having trouble with the pictures so hang tight, I know your just on the edge of your seat with excitement!!