Happy Birthday, Jason!

Monday we celebrated Jason's birthday.

Yes there was a cake.

Follow by a gift I found for Jason on Etsy, what do you think? I can't wait for the first snow fall and see Jason going down the sidewalk sporting this hat.

Then the kids gave there Daddy a gift they worked on all week. Grant loved helping paint the canvas' and Norah kept trying to peek at them. Look at the corner of Norah's you can see a faint hand print that Norah left after checking on them after finishing one of the layers of paint. Then there is Mason's hand print, let's just say I am redoing his again to see if we can get it to look like and actually hand.

Happy Birthday, Jason! I am so thankful to have you as my husband & love getting to celebrate you.

Back to Work

All good things must come to an end - 12 weeks have passed and today I have to return to work :(

This is the longest maternity leave I have ever taken, and am glad I was able to do it. I am blessed to be in a situation where I only have to work part time, but right now I feel like part time is still going to be too much time away from my beautiful babies (Grant tells me he's a big boy, but I tell him he'll always be my baby). I work as a registered nurse, which is great because of the flexiblity of my hours and the variety of different things I could do, for now it's working in an emergency department. So today I will wake up early, and head off to work where electronic charting has been introduced since I left, as well as a change in management. Coworkers have left and new ones have come. I will be anxious, finding my way again and having my little munchins on my mind at the same time. This will all make the day long. I will be happy to be home at the end of the day.

The Ultimate Job Training - Becoming Norah's Mommy

Tomorrow my baby girl turns two. I can't believe two years have past, but more I think about everything Norah has overcome, I feel blessed to be her Mommy. I think that God has an amazing thing going on down here on this Earth of ours. I pray to Him daily ask for his guidance for everything from strength, patience, understanding, acceptance, to help getting Grant to stay in his bed, for Norah's health and for Mason to sleep for at least 4 hours during the night. I ultimately know that everything comes in His time and prayers are not always answered exactly how I asked for them to be answered. For God has a plan for each of us and as I look back at the journey I have taken thus far and choices I made and know that His hands were working to mold and shape me to become Norah's mom.

My parents helped me to start on this path by teaching me about God and His amazing love. They encouraged me to participate in activities through our church, school, 4H and girl scouts. All of these lead to volunteering to help others often at nursing homes or group homes for those with developmental delays. Time was spent getting to others who may have been different from me, but had so much love to give.

When I was in high school, summers were spent working at summer camps that put on for kids in local communities with ADHD. If we hadn't spent endless time learning about this during training sessions I wouldn't have known that these kids were any different. I love spending time doing activities and playing games.

While in college I worked as a student athletic trainer, learning to be watchful during activities and how to help recover from injuries. I loved be involved with the athletes and learned how much goes into making collegiate athletes their best and the dedication that is involved from not only the athlete but also their coaches, teammates and trainers.

I spent two summers during those college years, working at summer camps. The first camp I worked at was Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp. One of the weeks was spent with campers with special needs, by far the best week of the summer. I learned alot that summer, and left wondering if I wanted to have my own kids someday. Being the person to watch over ten, 13 year old girls for a week would make anyone go a little crazy.

The other camp I went to work at was Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake. This place is amazing. Many different groups brought campers to this spectacular place including MDA and Easter Seals. The whole summer was spent working with a whole spectrum of people with special needs/concerns weather it be muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism to children who had been sexually assaulted. This was a big summer for me. I learned more about myself working here than at any other time in my life. I realized that I no longer wanted to pursue a career in dietetics. I also knew at the end of that summer I wanted to marry my now husband, but that wouldn't happen for two more years.

After that amazing summer, I had no idea what I wanted to do, other that marry the man I love. I finished my degree in dietetics, while also getting a new job working at a nursing home as a patient care assistant. My nutrition background did not go unused, it has served me well working with Norah and her difficulty gaining weight. But what next...what anyone would love to do, move back in with your mom and dad. Yup back to where I was four years prior. I did get the next job in this grand plan of His, preparing me.

Children's Care Hospital and Schools is an incredible place in Sioux Falls, SD.  This is a place where special needs can come to live. I once heard it described as a nursing home for kids, and while I found that to be a sad statement because this place is amazing, it does help to begin to think about what this place does for kids. It was here I knew what was next, I wanted to become a nurse.

Back to school I went, excited about truly knowing what I wanted to do. During this time, is when I began working at the same hospital I still work at today. I worked my way up, starting as a patient care assistant, then as a nurse extern, until I became a Registered Nurse. I had even taken care of a couple patients with shunt failures prior to becoming pregnant with Norah. We see very few of those at the hospital I work at, and I was the one who was assigned to be their nurse, coincidence or all in His plan? You tell me.

Now I can spend a few moments, as I snuggle with my beautiful little girl, to wonder why God choose me to be Norah's mommy. I can now see it was always part of His plan. I feel blessed that He prepared me so well.

Enjoying Millennium Park

I thought I share some more pictures from last Saturday when we were in Chicago. We arrived early to the park in anticipation for the days' events. I didn't want to be late because of construction or the unpredictable Chicago traffic. While we waited for our friends to arrive, we had fun looking at ourselves in the large mirrored bean that sits in Millennium Park. It was so fun to see Grant and Norah discover their reflection. Norah took a little bit longer to discover her reflection but once she did she wanted to keep touching and give kissing it.

Once it was time for us to part ways with our new friends, we had to fulfill a promise to a very cute little boy who wanted to play in the fountain. It was such a gorgeous afternoon, we couldn't say no, and I came prepared with extra clothes for these 'just in case' moments. Norah liked to watch the water, but when it can to be near it and the possibility of getting wet she didn't want anything to do with it. Jason kept a watchful eye over Mason while capturing some good  pictures of us stomping in the water.

Once we were wet, we strolled around the park drying off. We enjoyed the rest beautiful afternoon with our little family. Jason told me that he didn't think we were considered little anymore, now that we have three kids, but I disagree. It feels like we are still a little family so I'm stick with it.

Once Grant was spun until he couldn't walk straight and his picture was taken next to the 'Grant Park Music Fastival' Sign, and Norah had posed for a dozen pictures where she continues to 'pick nose' and Mason had taken a nap and ate again, we finally had to leave Millennium Park behind and head back to Wisconsin.

Salsa Pizza

It's been awhile since I posted a recipe, I blame my pregnancy. I had little desire to cook while I was pregnant, many smells made me nauseous. The thought of handling raw meat, no thank you. Now that Mason has been here a couple weeks I been picking up the pace with wanting to cook and try new things again.

This is a quick meal to make and I love that Grant helped me makes these this time. I have been trying to find more easy recipes that he can help me out.  To me, this is also more of summer meal. I believe it turns out best if you use the Boboli pizza crust.

The recipe -

1 Boboli Pizza Crust
Salsa (I like you fruit salsa, like pineapple)
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Grilled Chicken, cubed

Use as much or little as you like for your toppings, bake it in the oven, and then enjoy!!

**Please notice the flowers in the first picture. My wonderful husband gave those to me for our 8th Wedding Anniversary that we celebrated the day after Mason came home from the hospital. We had experienced a couple crazy days, so he thought it was appropriate to celebrate with crazy daisies. They brought me nearly three weeks of brightness and joy to my kitchen.This picture was taken as we were nearing the end of week two. Jason and I kept joking the lasted so long because of all the preservatives that must have been in the flower dye. Thank you Jason for being the love of my life and taking this amazing journey with me.

Waiting Patiently

I can't believe in less that one week our next baby will be here...weren't we just finding out that we were expecting our third baby. Well this week has been a big reminder that we are in the home stretch.

Monday evening I realized I was have contractions every 10 minutes and I thought there is no way we are ready for this tonight. I started drinking lots of water, laid down and took a warm bath, really anything I could think of to slow down these contractions. I was caught off guard, I have experienced my fair share of braxton hicks contractions but those usually came while at work or a really active day out with the kids. Monday was low key, just an outing to the post office and out to lunch with Jason and the kids. Nothing out that was out of the ordinary that would make labor start. So when these contractions started they also came with lots of back pain and cramping, I was starting to panic a little. What good is a planned c-section, where you can have everything set up and the people in place to watch your kids if you go into labor before the day? Well after five hours of contractions every 10 minutes they finally spaced out to every 20-25 minutes and have continued that way for most of the week. I have started maternity leave,  there is no way I could work at this point, I am sure I would find myself as a patient quickly...and in the ER most pregnant patient once past 20 weeks are not welcome, they are sent to labor and delivery. I have spent most of the week taking it easy and as soon as I don't my body quickly reminds me to slow down.

I spent time this week reflecting back on this pregnancy and my previous two pregnancies as well. I have been feeling the aches and pains of this pregnancy more than ever for the last six weeks. Pain everywhere, occasional headaches, mild swelling that makes my hands and feet ache, and my vision is terrible. I feel like I have been a little bit more whiny with this pregnancy but I have come up for a reason for that. My first pregnancy was filled with unknowns, I was excited about all the new experiences. While I was pregnant with Norah, I was preoccupied with Norah. Time was passed praying and focusing on her, how was she developing. Any aches and pain I had were minor, I was repeated reminded that there was a chance that Norah would survive the pregnancy, let alone after she was delivered. Much time was spent in prayer and thinking of the numb left index finger and carpal tunnel symptoms I was experiencing. So this time around I have been told based on several ultrasounds that I have a healthy baby boy growing inside me and I would like to keep it that way so all these aches and pains could mean something isn't right. Thus more attention being given to them.

I did focus on finishing on the blanket I had started back in December. I have to admit I am pretty proud of it. I suppose this week I should get around to packing a bag to bring to the hospital. Jason and I have talked about many names but the list is not narrowed down at all. We have decided that we will meet this little guy first and then we will know what his names should be. I have some nesting urges but again my body quickly reminds me of its' limitations. There are lots of little things that could get done, but we'll just take one day at a time and see what get done.

32 Weeks

32 weeks 5 days to be exact, not that I"m keeping track or anything.

I am nearing the end of this pregnancy. It has been by far my best pregnancy, maybe that's way it feels like it has flown by or maybe because it I too busy chasing after Grant and Norah to think about being pregnant. I have had very little morning sickness. Other than my dental abscess adventure a couple weeks ago, I have not been sick or had any complications. I am blessed to be growing a healthy baby boy.

Yesterday I went for a checkup with my OB. It was timed prefect. I had been feeling lousy since Sunday after finishing my weekend marathon of work. I usually bounce back from the long weekend of working 12 hour shifts by Monday afternoon, but not this time. I spent all of Monday and most of Tuesday resting with my feet up and experiencing lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I was very thankful that Jason was working from home most of those days just in case I needed so help. By Tuesday I felt like I had done 1000 sit ups and continued to just not feel right. I am one that will sit back and just see what happens versus calling to check in. I had one of my contractions right as the nurse came in the room. The doctor checked me, my cervix is starting to change, no surprise, I am nearing the end. Then just to make sure our little man was happy in his home I had a non-stress test. Well, my usually super active baby decided this was the best time to finally take a nap. It took awhile to get him moving enough to make the test reactive, but in the end everything checked out.

This morning I had an ultrasound to check out the baby's growth by the perinatalogist I have been seeing with this pregnancy. The baby is measuring a week ahead, which is fine. I know he'll be here at least a week early if not a couple. I also will be having a csection again so I don't have to worry about him being to big to push out. I have to say I was disappointed that this baby did not want to show his face for the ultrasound. His current position, which he most likely stay, in head down and tucked in looking to the back. He also has his legs crossed and tucked in so we couldn't check just one last time to make sure we are still having a boy. Everything else looks great, so much so I am no longer being followed by the perinatalogist. I will just be checking in with my OB. I was nice to leave not having to schedule another appointment.

The plan for now is to try and keep working, minimizing the amount of heavily lifting and pushing I do. Also making sure I stay hydrated while at work. I am trying to not to carry Grant and Norah, but when it's sleeting and I'm on my way into Target, and Grant falls and Norah can't walk I find myself carrying and extra fifty pounds. I will try not to overdo it, and ask for help...sometimes most of the time I find that hard.  


Just one month left to....

• enjoy little baby kicks, hiccups and punches
• find a comfortable position to sleep in. Oh the tossing and turning and moving the half a dozen pillows I have to find just the spot.
• dig out baby clothes that I saved after Grant had outgrown them
• pull out the cradle and put it together
• finish the blanket I have been crocheting

....oh my, this list could get long quick, maybe I'll stop and go work on some of it and the hundreds of other things that could be added, like getting the house on the market to sell....

Life's Rollercoaster - along for the ride

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer

This last year has brought many ups and downs for our family. Today I'd like to think that we stayed strong together, weathering the long ride, hopefully getting to be waiting in line for awhile. I truly believe that God won't give us more than we can handle, but I have definitely said a few prayers to help give me the strength to endure.

I have talked about Norah hydrocephalus, but haven't said much about some of our other stresses. Jason started a company with a few other men about 15 months ago, and starting a business is no easy feat. I make a long story short, there hasn't been any money for payroll the last couple of months. We have been living on an extremely tight budget. Also our insurance benefits that we have through COBRA are about to expire, and the subsidy that makes it affordable has expired. Thankfully I have been able to pick up extra hours at the hospital I work at which has helped out with out finances.


We have had a role reversal, most days Jason gets to hang out and play with the kids while I head to work. He still puts in time for his company, despite not being paid. In hopes of being paid in the future, the work must be done.


I feel so blessed to have Jason in my life. He is strong and steadfast, so patient with our children, he loves being involved with their little lives. He helps to keep me grounded and reminds me what our priorities should be, and not to worry about the what ifs.


Last week Jason's company received their first contract, and I increased my permanent FTE (hours at work), I now work two - twelve hour shifts a week. This way I work one day during the week and every other weekend. Jason works from home one day a week to care for the kids so it keeps daycare costs away, not to mention other people experiencing all these precious moments with our kids. Grant is now potty training and doing an excellent job. Norah's cephalohematoma is healing very well and she continues to amaze us daily with new accomplishments that we were told may never happen.


To put it simply, we are blessed.

"Golden" Anniversary

Yesterday was our "Golden" Anniversary....no not the 50 years kind but as in 7 years of marriage on the 7th of June.

Jason and I have know each other for for 12 years and have been in love with each other for most of that time. I never forget the day we met in Stout's cafeteria, how he told me he wasn't interested in dating anyone until he was finished with school, yet we began dating a couple months later, and our first date, watching him help a little girl out in a toy store figure out how a toy worked. I knew I wanted to marry this amazing man early on in our relationship but had to patiently wait 5 years to get down the aisle, well worth the wait.

In the ups and downs of life, we both love our journey together through it. I can't wait until we celebrate our next Golden Anniversary!