We did it

So, we bought the tickets to go to PA. Its a little scary because we really don't have the money but with the help I have gotten as birthday gifts, and the fact that it will be a very long time before we have another opportunity to go on a family vacation, there was no way we could not go. We managed to book flights that had one stop but no plane changes so the trip will be a little less stressful. I am a little concerned about Jillian though. I just hope she will be able to sit still for short periods to color and nap in my lap. And please please let there be enough room for us to give her some moving space. It will be a short trip, from the 27th of October to the 1st of November, but well are going to make the most of our time there. The plan is to visit my family, go to the historical sites, show Jillian how trick or treating should be done and take a mini trip to DC.  I am so excited and can't wait to see everyone! Any ideas on a Halloween costume for Jillibean? I want to make it myself this year

Together we grow

Together we grow is a child care center for both healthy and medically fragile children. My clinical group has spent the last four weeks working there and today was our last day. Although there wasn't a lot of nurse duties for us to do, I felt it was a great experience, one that changed my view of pediatric nursing. I always felt that I wouldn't be a good fit in pediatrics, and still think most areas would be too sad for me, but after seeing these children on a daily basis I really think my place in the nursing world is with disabled children. These kids aren't dying from cancer or critically wounded, they have conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida which are life long and dibilitating. Making them smile, knowing you helped make their day a little better just by rubbing their head while they got their medicine or making them laugh while a procedure was done is so much more rewarding than anything I have done so far. These children will live their whole lives being limited and some are able to understand so every smile is a victory. Lets all hope that I can find a job as a pediatric home health nurse or an individual school nurse right away!

Adventures with Jilli-bean

Jillian is a full on toddler these days. She is so curious and has so much energy that it seems she gets into trouble every day. As some of you already know, last Thursday was scary and hectic for us.

First, Jillian decided to drop a large wooden step stool on my foot while I was getting read. I yelled so loud from the surprise that it scared her and she had to be held for quite a while before she would calm down. After she was happy again we proceeded back to the bathroom where she found and ate some hand sanitizer I had not been aware of. I had to call poison control and luckily they said hand sanitizer irritates the stomach lining but an amount as small as what she consumed would not harm her. After that was over it was time to brush our teeth, Jillian likes to chew on the brush while I brush mine so I gave it to her and just as I turned to get my brush she throws hers in the toilet...nice.

She enjoys climbing on the ottoman, eating anything she finds on the ground, pulling things off shelves/tables, and the first time she was able to open the stove she threw a plastic spatula in which melted immediately. We have since found a lock for the stove. She is a handful but we love her to pieces.

SpLiSh SpLaSh

Jillian started swim classes this month. We are learning how to kick, hold on to the wall and not to be afraid of the water. She is doing really well and only minds a little when its time to be dunked under water. She learned within the first few dunks to close her eyes and hold her breath but as you can see to the right, she doesn't mind too much. Below is a picture of Jillian and her friend Alice learning to kick.

Beautiful blue eyes :)

The events so far

Another recap on the year's events so far.

We took Jillian to the Del Mar Fair for the first time, she loved petting the sheep and has since yelled "BAH" on a daily basis. Although we don't participate in the rides, Brandon and I love going to the fair. We enjoy the interesting exhibits (Geology is Brandon's favorite) and trying all the greasy fair food! This year we stuck with the classic deep fried snickers bar and Australian potatoes but next year Brandon says he wants to try the deep fried butter. I guess it is okay because I will have my Nursing license by then and can perform life saving techniques when he has a heart attack.

Fourth of July was last weekend. We had a lot of fun going to Marsha and Ray's house for a bbq and Birthday celebration. It was the perfect day to go swimming and visit with family. No fireworks for us this year, we are too far away to see them from our house and Jillian is down before the sun is so we just listened to the popping while snuggling on the couch. Looking forward to next year when we may be able to go by Grape day park and participate in the festivities.

And so it begins

I have been feeling disconnected to our long distance friends and family so I decided to set up this blog in order to provide regular updates to those interested all over the the continent. I promise to update at least once a month!

Now for a quick recap...

We got married in November of 2009 and in January Brandon and I went on our belated honeymoon to San Fransisco. It was Brandon's first time on a plane but he handled it like a pro! We visited all the tourist attractions and had our first Irish cup of coffee at The Buena Vista Cafe.

 Jillian started walking in March and has progressed to running. She turned one in June and we had a fabulous monkey themed party for her where all under age guests received a hanging monkey to take home.