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| nomnom. |
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| Mesmerized by the fire Daddy built |
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| aw |
Supported Employment: The End of an Era
1 year ago
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
You are my sunshine...
I may need mental help...
Well we are halfway through another week and I find myself wondering where the time has gone. I must admit now that I am back to work time seems to go a little bit faster. My mind has been racing with different things to blog about, in an attempt to add some depth, rather than hey guess what Jameson can do now! Of course, that was yesterday and I today I don't remember half of what I was thinking about yesterday.
First off, we celebrated Valentine's day. We've always been pretty low-key, alternating between going out and staying in, which I think we usually prefer to stay in. I felt like the house was a mess and because of my crazy need to keep the house looking decent (I really need to get over this!) I couldn't start all the projects I needed to do until I got a few things tidied up. I also had errands to run and I just felt rushed all day. But seriously, I think I have a problem.
As I scoured the sink I thought about the weird amount of joy I get out of it. Is it the familiar smell of comet or the bright shiny sink that results from my hard work? I don't know what it is, but I just thought to myself Wow, this brings me a weird sense of satisfaction. I then realized I also find this satisfaction while cleaning the stovetop (among other things). Surely other people experience this (I hope). But what is it about these tasks? I still dread folding laundry, or unloading the dishwasher just so I can reload it. And don't even get me started on cleaning the bathrooms.
Regardless, a house is not a home without a few dust bunnies right? And as our family grows and our messes become bigger I am learning to let go, because otherwise I might wear myself out trying to keep up! I don't have to have a clean floor to enjoy the smile on my little guy's face when he wakes up in the morning. A few weeks after Jameson was born my grandparents came over to visit. My grandfather kindly remarked that he enjoyed seeing the clutter on my countertop, and burp clothes thrown about because now my home actually looked lived in. This made me smile, and now when I see dog hair tumbleweeds roll by I remember that sentiment... then grab the sweeper, because boy oh boy do I looove to vacuum! I never said I wasn't a work in progress :)
First off, we celebrated Valentine's day. We've always been pretty low-key, alternating between going out and staying in, which I think we usually prefer to stay in. I felt like the house was a mess and because of my crazy need to keep the house looking decent (I really need to get over this!) I couldn't start all the projects I needed to do until I got a few things tidied up. I also had errands to run and I just felt rushed all day. But seriously, I think I have a problem.
Regardless, a house is not a home without a few dust bunnies right? And as our family grows and our messes become bigger I am learning to let go, because otherwise I might wear myself out trying to keep up! I don't have to have a clean floor to enjoy the smile on my little guy's face when he wakes up in the morning. A few weeks after Jameson was born my grandparents came over to visit. My grandfather kindly remarked that he enjoyed seeing the clutter on my countertop, and burp clothes thrown about because now my home actually looked lived in. This made me smile, and now when I see dog hair tumbleweeds roll by I remember that sentiment... then grab the sweeper, because boy oh boy do I looove to vacuum! I never said I wasn't a work in progress :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
3 months
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| "Sitting in my bumbo, no big deal" |
This weekend was my weekend to work so Jake was on solo baby duty (so jealous). I actually got to leave work a few hours early on Saturday, which was a nice reprieve. We ended up meeting my parents for a quick dinner at Riviera Maya, and got caught up with them and mostly chatted about the SuperBowl madness in Indy. Sunday I worked a full 12 hours, while the boys caught up on TV and such. Jameson just loves it when Jake plays the guitar for him. He is so interested in it, and we hope to soon get him a little baby guitar that he can destroy. Now I am happy to spend the next four days at home soaking up family time and scouring pinterest for hours.
Oh, I almost forgot the most important news! This week Jameson giggled! Yes, it was so adorable and of course it made me cry. Luckily we got a re-enactment on camera, but like I said, the IT guy is currently at work, but hopefully he will post it soon. Jameson is very ticklish.
We had the pleasure of also going out to dinner with my grandparents last night. Meemaw and Peepaw were in town for a few days and we enjoyed a yummy dinner out at Charleston's. They were surprised at how much Jameson had changed since Christmas, as babies do, and I had to agree. He was very happy to see them and gave them some smiles. Jameson can't wait to visit them on Sanibel Island one day. And thanks for the scarf!
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| This might be in the running for fav pic |
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| along with this one |
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| Drifting off to sleep before I've even left the room |
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| Waving hello to all his fans! |
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
We survived!
Well folks, I made it! Phew! Actually my first day back at work was great, and I am glad to have it done and over with. I realized that the anxiety of thinking about going back to work was a lot worse than actually doing it. Truthfully, the hardest part was the night before when I was putting Jameson to bed. I felt the overwhelming sadness of leaving him and not seeing him for almost 24 hours. I didn't want put that little nugget down! Luckily, the morning came and went with more ease, probably because he was still soundly sleeping as I rushed out the door (I knew better than to go in and check on him before I left because there would have been some major waterworks!). It was a quiet day at work and it was good to see all the people I spend so much time with. Between taking care of patients, getting caught up on email, tying up loose ends and pumping (so time consuming) the day went rather quickly. When I got home that night I told Jake that my patients seemed so tiny, their combined weights barely more than what Jameson weighed at birth (I took care of a three pound baby and two four pounders). I want to say thanks to all my friends and family who sent me texts or words of encouragement throughout the day. I greatly appreciated it.
And believe it or not Jameson survived without me (tear). He had a great day with his grandma and I have no doubt he was happy as a clam. It was his first day of exclusive bottle feeding and it sounds like he did pretty well, of course, it may take a few days to figure out what his schedule and routine is going to be when he isn't nursing. Jake gave him a bottle around 7 and then he nursed for about 20 minutes at 8:30 and then he was off to bed. I don't know if he was truly hungry (playing catch-up?) or if he just needed a snack or he just did it because he enjoys it. Either way, I was happy to have him all to myself!
We spent this past weekend at the cabin with my parents and Will & Ann. It was pretty low-key, but a nice change of scenery for us. Of course, all the dogs were there too and I bought a pair of clippers at Target the other day and Jake & I had a pretty good time giving Lila what I call a "hillbilly haircut". Needless to say, she looks pretty mangy and I'm not sure if it was better or worse than the shaggy look she was sporting. The clippers were either so cheap or her hair was too thick (read: matted) to even work effectively, so we mostly trimmed her up with scissors. That would explain the random tufts on long hair I keep spotting but at least she can see now and we can forgo the groomer for a few more weeks. I'm sure she will get some pretty interesting looks the next time she heads in there. Anyway, I do not foresee myself making a career change to doggie grooming, I'll stick to trimming my bangs. I'm sure Lila will appreciate that, although she took it like a champ, obviously she hasn't seen herself in the mirror.
We also went on a little hiking excursion and enjoyed the great weather. After hiking my butt (and Jameson's) up a few hills I remarked that this felt just like the last time I hiked around the property being 40 weeks pregnant with Jameson (What was I thinking?). I was off balance and out of breath, but all of that adds up to a pretty good little workout. It was actually probably a little bit easier this time around since I was theoretically only carrying about an extra 15 or 16 pounds, instead of the at least 40 I gained while preggers (sigh). Anyway, we had fun and Jameson loves the opportunity to sport his neat little fleece :)
And believe it or not Jameson survived without me (tear). He had a great day with his grandma and I have no doubt he was happy as a clam. It was his first day of exclusive bottle feeding and it sounds like he did pretty well, of course, it may take a few days to figure out what his schedule and routine is going to be when he isn't nursing. Jake gave him a bottle around 7 and then he nursed for about 20 minutes at 8:30 and then he was off to bed. I don't know if he was truly hungry (playing catch-up?) or if he just needed a snack or he just did it because he enjoys it. Either way, I was happy to have him all to myself!
We spent this past weekend at the cabin with my parents and Will & Ann. It was pretty low-key, but a nice change of scenery for us. Of course, all the dogs were there too and I bought a pair of clippers at Target the other day and Jake & I had a pretty good time giving Lila what I call a "hillbilly haircut". Needless to say, she looks pretty mangy and I'm not sure if it was better or worse than the shaggy look she was sporting. The clippers were either so cheap or her hair was too thick (read: matted) to even work effectively, so we mostly trimmed her up with scissors. That would explain the random tufts on long hair I keep spotting but at least she can see now and we can forgo the groomer for a few more weeks. I'm sure she will get some pretty interesting looks the next time she heads in there. Anyway, I do not foresee myself making a career change to doggie grooming, I'll stick to trimming my bangs. I'm sure Lila will appreciate that, although she took it like a champ, obviously she hasn't seen herself in the mirror.
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| Headed out for a hike! |
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
12 weeks isn't enough!
I feel a little neglectful this month. I have posted plenty of pics but my words have been few. This could be for many reasons, one being I just love Jameson's sweet little face! Two being it is much easier to upload a pic than to sit down and right out a few things about our routine and blah blah blah. You've all heard it before. And third, it might be because I am very busy soaking up every second with my baby.
This week is my last week of maternity leave and I am very much struggling with the fact that I "get" to go back to work. Notice how I put the word "get"? It is part of my motivational and positive thinking. I think I tell Jake daily "I am so lucky to have such a great job" and then I go on and on to list the reasons why I love it and why it really is conducive to raising a family (but I also continue to have that feeling of dread). Now, that is not to say that I wouldn't prefer spending every day at home with the kiddo. But I keep reminding myself and saying my mantra aloud to Jake because it really is true. I mean, I can't complain about working 3 days a week, or even two days a week (When I go back I will be alternating between full-time and part-time, switching off each week). Yes, 12 hours shifts are a long time to be away (which usually ends up being about 14 hours away from the house), but heck, I will still have more days off work than on. I also have the world's greatest coworkers, who are much more than coworkers and feel like family. I also have the privilege of taking care of teeny-tiny babies, which feels more like a passion project than a job. And the most important thing I am grateful for is the fact that I even have a job and it allowed me 12 weeks at home with Jameson.
I could continue to go on and on about all the reasons I love my job. And I am sure Jake will appreciate me listing some of them here for you so maybe he will be spared tonight, but if you think of it, say a little prayer for me (especially on Monday) as I leave Jameson for the longest stretch ever. I promise to put a smile on my face as I squeeze back into those scrubs and spend a little time with my work family.
Now, for the real reason you are all here, here is a little update on Jameson. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but the kid continues to be awesome and he truly brings us so much joy. I've switched him to an 8 o'clock wakeup time and we are both happier and more bright-eyed. He's in bed by 9:30 at the latest and he is cooing up a storm. One of my favorite things is when he takes a break from eating to look up at me and coo and smile. It is so precious and I know it is a moment made just for me and that makes it all the more special. I've also pushed him toward more of a 4 hour schedule as he becomes a more efficient eater and since he will have a few days a week of exclusive bottle feeding when I am back at work. He seems pretty happy with it, and we are still working on cutting out his 5th feeding of the day which is really like a snack before bed, but I'm sure he'll drop it when he is ready and that's fine by me.
Other than that we haven't been up to much! I haven't had any income for weeks so we spend most nights watching Netflix and we are hooked on Lost! I know, we are definitely a little behind on that one, but it keeps us entertained when we aren't playing with Jameson. We've been able to have a few date night's with gift cards from Christmas, which mostly allows me to practice spending time away from home and Jameson so I don't go into shock next week ;) Until next time...
This week is my last week of maternity leave and I am very much struggling with the fact that I "get" to go back to work. Notice how I put the word "get"? It is part of my motivational and positive thinking. I think I tell Jake daily "I am so lucky to have such a great job" and then I go on and on to list the reasons why I love it and why it really is conducive to raising a family (but I also continue to have that feeling of dread). Now, that is not to say that I wouldn't prefer spending every day at home with the kiddo. But I keep reminding myself and saying my mantra aloud to Jake because it really is true. I mean, I can't complain about working 3 days a week, or even two days a week (When I go back I will be alternating between full-time and part-time, switching off each week). Yes, 12 hours shifts are a long time to be away (which usually ends up being about 14 hours away from the house), but heck, I will still have more days off work than on. I also have the world's greatest coworkers, who are much more than coworkers and feel like family. I also have the privilege of taking care of teeny-tiny babies, which feels more like a passion project than a job. And the most important thing I am grateful for is the fact that I even have a job and it allowed me 12 weeks at home with Jameson.
I could continue to go on and on about all the reasons I love my job. And I am sure Jake will appreciate me listing some of them here for you so maybe he will be spared tonight, but if you think of it, say a little prayer for me (especially on Monday) as I leave Jameson for the longest stretch ever. I promise to put a smile on my face as I squeeze back into those scrubs and spend a little time with my work family.
Now, for the real reason you are all here, here is a little update on Jameson. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but the kid continues to be awesome and he truly brings us so much joy. I've switched him to an 8 o'clock wakeup time and we are both happier and more bright-eyed. He's in bed by 9:30 at the latest and he is cooing up a storm. One of my favorite things is when he takes a break from eating to look up at me and coo and smile. It is so precious and I know it is a moment made just for me and that makes it all the more special. I've also pushed him toward more of a 4 hour schedule as he becomes a more efficient eater and since he will have a few days a week of exclusive bottle feeding when I am back at work. He seems pretty happy with it, and we are still working on cutting out his 5th feeding of the day which is really like a snack before bed, but I'm sure he'll drop it when he is ready and that's fine by me.
Other than that we haven't been up to much! I haven't had any income for weeks so we spend most nights watching Netflix and we are hooked on Lost! I know, we are definitely a little behind on that one, but it keeps us entertained when we aren't playing with Jameson. We've been able to have a few date night's with gift cards from Christmas, which mostly allows me to practice spending time away from home and Jameson so I don't go into shock next week ;) Until next time...
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