Midnight Dash

I showed up to work tonight and noticed we were heavy on nurses. I quickly put my name in as a "volunteer" to go home if the moment should arise! At midnight, my wish was granted! I gave the quickest report ever, finished up my charting, and dashed for the time clock and elevator before they changed their mind. I didn't even have to go oncall...they overstaffed me completely! Whoo hoo!!

Even better news, my wonderful husband arranged for my sister-in-law to take Monkey for not only Saturday night but also Friday night!! Double whoo hoo! We are "getting away" to Girdwood this weekend to stay at the beautiful Alyeska Resort. We are eating dinner atop the mountain at 7 Glaciers on Friday night, sleeping in, going to a wedding at the resort on Saturday, sleeping in AGAIN, and then going home Sunday to Monkey! I CAN'T WAIT!! We need this weekend so bad. We need to reconnect in a way that I never imagined. I might even have myself a drink or two and really relax this weekend!! Hubby here I come!!

"Change"

So no matter how you look at tomorrow or what the results are, there is going to be a change. I've never been a huge political person. I'm not one to debate it out with anyone. Probably because I don't feel like I am knowledgeable enough to do myself any justice. This year I've definitely made it a point to be more informed and to really make my vote count. Sad thing is, I have never been more confused or indecisive on who I am voting for. Especially here with all the corruption going on. It's frustrating! I want to really make sure I make the right decision though. Maybe it's because now I have Monkey. It's not only my future but my baby's future too. So much is at stake now. I'm leaning one way for sure. Guess I'll just have to let my gut lead me the rest of the way tomorrow.

Nurse no more!

I've been putting off blogging about this because I'm so sad we are finished. Monkey nursed for the last time a week and a half ago. It was a tearful ending to a wonderful experience. He didn't understand why I was crying and dropping salty tears on his little forehead. He didn't understand why I wouldn't give him more of the milky goodness he was so used to. I was producing only meager amounts. I didn't even have enough to satisfy him after not pumping or nursing for 24 hours. I had to supplement with a 4 oz bottle of breast milk that night....which added insult to injury to say the least! The flood gates really opened then. I used the last 4 oz. we had in the freezer this morning when he woke up. No more Momma's Milk!

It was such an amazing experience, and I'm so blessed and so thankful to have had the 9 wonderful months of nursing that I did. I never once had any horrible issues (other than a painful engorgement the first night I went back to work....I think my body was revolting against going back....can't say that I blame it?). Monkey took to nursing like a pro and we never looked back. My goal was a year, and we nearly made it. My body just couldn't keep up with the demands of this little growing boy! And I'm okay with that now. I've made my peace with it!

How incredible that God gives us this gift to nourish our child? Amazing! I only pray that the experience is as smooth with our next child! Thank you Monkey for all the wonderful memories!! Mommy loves you to the stars and back!!

Until Next Time We Meet Again

I said goodbye to my pump the other night at work. It's not worth it to drag it to work and only get 3.5 oz! I can't say that I'm going to miss it either! It means that my breastfeeding days are coming to a screeching halt. I'm so sad about that. But not so sad about packing the pump and all its paraphanelia away for the next little one! I was usually trying to pump while holding the breastshields with one hand (so not to lose suction) and typing with the other hand.....madly trying to get some charting done. Rarely was it a time where I got to read the magazine that was always packed with it. It was a nice breather from the demands of my patients though, and a chance to catch my breath and concentrate on Monkey! Until next time this Milk Momma is closing up shop on her pump!

Grandparents

There is nothing sweeter than seeing your son smiling as big as the moon at your parents. The love of a grandparent is remarkable!! We had such a nice visit with my parents. So sad to see them leave! Monkey is changing so fast, and it's sometime hard to swallow that they don't get to experience those changes. Webcam is a blessing though! he loved his Grandma and Grandpa though. My Dad would play with him on the exercise ball....a good game of bouncy, bouncy! Later in the week, Monkey would crawl over to the ball and then look at Dad like "come on, let's play"! It's has always been my dream to see my Dad as a Grandpa. Kids have always gravitated toward him. He just has this gentleness about him!! It's even better than I ever imagined to watch him play with my son! Brings tears to my eyes just writing about it.

And my Mom was playing the role of Grandma to a T. She doted on Monkey like a little boy should be by his Grandma! If he was snuggled once, he was snuggled a million times over. She helped him to overcome his dislike for things slimy and start eating off his tray again....thank goodness!! She loved riding in the car with him because she got to see in the back next to him...I think he secretly loved having company back there too!

They were so much help to me!! I was able relax, go back to bed in the morning, and most importantly, paint my dining room!! It was fabulous!! Couldn't have come at a better time, since my husband is working crazy hours right now. Although, the flipside is that they didn't get to see much of him either.

I can't wait for Christmas and our visit to Mom and Dad's!! We'll get to experience that magical grandparent time again!!

2 words

TEETHING SUCKS

Leaving on a Jet Plane

My parents are leaving Omaha, as I type, to come visit for a week. I can't wait for them to see Monkey and all his fun!! I can't wait for him to be spoiled with Grandparent love. I just can't wait!!!