I don't know why but this computer is making me blog under Brianna's thingy.
Any way I wish You all Happy Rabbit day.
Later Gator.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
A Little Family
Audrey is due in.....18 days, 9 hours, and 24 minutes (my mom's blog has a countdown, I didn't acutally do the math here) So....we're excited! We realize she could come tomorrow, or in like 4-5 weeks, but whatever, we are, I think, as ready as any two people could be who've never had a baby before. Today we put the car seat in Chris' car, the other base is also ready in my car, so we're ready there, I guess the only thing I could do now is pack a little bag to take with us, I spose I should do that soon. We're excited to meet her, but it seems very unreal that we'll actually have a baby.
So, here is a sweet pic Mom took of our lil' family, heehee. We love each other so much and we're excited to give Audrey all the love we can :) So, pretty soon I'm sure my blog will be dominated even more by her :)
So, here is a sweet pic Mom took of our lil' family, heehee. We love each other so much and we're excited to give Audrey all the love we can :) So, pretty soon I'm sure my blog will be dominated even more by her :)
Friday, April 03, 2009
The Bestest Couple I Know!
Happy 27th Anniversary Mom and Dad! Love you both so much and I hope you have a fun day celebrating together!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Overnight Two of Two
Well at least it's the 2nd night so I can say it's over after this! It's 3:25, which means I have 3 hours and 35 minutes until the next nurse gets here. Then I have to give report to them, which will most likely take until 7:30. So, I'll be in my bed in about 4.5 hours. Hurry up!
I am very very sleepy! Tonight I have 2 totally different patients. Since I floated on Fri, I've managed to stay on my own unit for 2 shifts in a row! My peeps are sleeping through the night, which is very rare and odd. It's also a little unsettling, I'm not used to being out of their rooms for so long. So I sit here by the monitor and make sure they're doing well and peek in on them every hour at least.
I just got back from break. I had a little salad and a 100 cal pack and regular Sierra Mist and I read my book. Now I am covering for another nurse's break. His patient is not as stable as mine, so I'm keeping a close eye!
Today (well yesterday, Sunday) was fun. I went to bed right when I got home around 8:00a and slept until 1:30p. I just woke up and couldn't sleep no longer. Chris had just gotten home from chruch. So we just hung out, loungin on the couch. Oh yeh, we went on a walk, it was so pleasent outside! I loved it! I sorta felt like I got exercise, haha. Then around 5:00p we headed out to chuch for Dora's "Send me to the Czech" fundraiser spaghetti supper. It was so yummy! There was salad and garlic bread and little desserts too. Lots of peeps showed up, I hope she got a lot of donations! We sat with my parents and Brad and Julie, it was fun to hang out a while before work. Then I had to head out to 'the Mayo' and here I am.
I was hit hard when I got here, my patients were super busy at first complete with the overbearing family memebers. As one family member left, very reluctantly, at midnight, he made a great detailed speech about the location of the patient's water cup and how she may not be able to reach it and how I just might have to peek on her every so often and see if she needs water. I politely told him that I would be checking on her regardless and that I would certainly help her. As soon as he left, the patient was finally able to rest and has been sleeping pretty soundly since! The family member called me as soon as he got home to see how she was doing..... she's sleeping sir. Hahah, oh dear. It's hard to have patience, but I would certainly be concerned about any family member of mine.
When I was on break, Audrey was kicking like crazy, like a maniac, it made me laugh. I think she's confused as to why I'm awake. Heehee.
Welp, it's about time for 4:00 assessments and some meds and I think I hear an IV pump beeping. See y'alls later!
I am very very sleepy! Tonight I have 2 totally different patients. Since I floated on Fri, I've managed to stay on my own unit for 2 shifts in a row! My peeps are sleeping through the night, which is very rare and odd. It's also a little unsettling, I'm not used to being out of their rooms for so long. So I sit here by the monitor and make sure they're doing well and peek in on them every hour at least.
I just got back from break. I had a little salad and a 100 cal pack and regular Sierra Mist and I read my book. Now I am covering for another nurse's break. His patient is not as stable as mine, so I'm keeping a close eye!
Today (well yesterday, Sunday) was fun. I went to bed right when I got home around 8:00a and slept until 1:30p. I just woke up and couldn't sleep no longer. Chris had just gotten home from chruch. So we just hung out, loungin on the couch. Oh yeh, we went on a walk, it was so pleasent outside! I loved it! I sorta felt like I got exercise, haha. Then around 5:00p we headed out to chuch for Dora's "Send me to the Czech" fundraiser spaghetti supper. It was so yummy! There was salad and garlic bread and little desserts too. Lots of peeps showed up, I hope she got a lot of donations! We sat with my parents and Brad and Julie, it was fun to hang out a while before work. Then I had to head out to 'the Mayo' and here I am.
I was hit hard when I got here, my patients were super busy at first complete with the overbearing family memebers. As one family member left, very reluctantly, at midnight, he made a great detailed speech about the location of the patient's water cup and how she may not be able to reach it and how I just might have to peek on her every so often and see if she needs water. I politely told him that I would be checking on her regardless and that I would certainly help her. As soon as he left, the patient was finally able to rest and has been sleeping pretty soundly since! The family member called me as soon as he got home to see how she was doing..... she's sleeping sir. Hahah, oh dear. It's hard to have patience, but I would certainly be concerned about any family member of mine.
When I was on break, Audrey was kicking like crazy, like a maniac, it made me laugh. I think she's confused as to why I'm awake. Heehee.
Welp, it's about time for 4:00 assessments and some meds and I think I hear an IV pump beeping. See y'alls later!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Overnight One of Two
Well here I am on my OWN unit, nice. I'm hoping I can get away with not floating tomorrow night either! However, get this, the med. ICU is full, so we're getting their overflow patients, so I am on my unit, but have 2 MICU patients, hilarious. Acutally it's fine, I'm just glad to be here. I'm on the small side of the unit. So, it's just me and one other nurse hanging out down here. It's pleasant!
I had a blah day, just ask Chris, I was sad and grumpy. I get very miserable on Saturdays when I have to work the overnight weekend. I try not to, but all I can seem to do is dwell on it and how much I hate it! It's never THAT bad when I'm here. Obviously I wish I was home right now, but it's ok. So, I did manage to take a nap from like 2:30-4:00, so that was nice. Chris told me I needed it, hahaha. He and I cleaned up the house (although it's already ridiculously clean) for the open house we had today. We have to keep it clean all the time because someone could come look at whenever. No one came to the open house, sad day. We ate outside at McDonalds today, although I had Wendy's. Chris had a random McDonalds craving. It was a joy to sit outside! Then we drove around and looked at open houses but didn't go in any, probably cuz I was no fun and just wanted to sit in the car, hahaha. Thanks for putting up with me Chris. Later we had tacos and got some groceries. Oh yeh, I bought the new People magazine for tonight, I should go get it! Or maybe I'll save it for my break at 3:00a.
Well, I guess that's all I have to say! I get a break in a 1/2 hour. Then when I come back I'll have 3 hours left, yes!!! It's going pretty fast. The hard part is just knowing I gotta come back later today.
See ya alls later!
I had a blah day, just ask Chris, I was sad and grumpy. I get very miserable on Saturdays when I have to work the overnight weekend. I try not to, but all I can seem to do is dwell on it and how much I hate it! It's never THAT bad when I'm here. Obviously I wish I was home right now, but it's ok. So, I did manage to take a nap from like 2:30-4:00, so that was nice. Chris told me I needed it, hahaha. He and I cleaned up the house (although it's already ridiculously clean) for the open house we had today. We have to keep it clean all the time because someone could come look at whenever. No one came to the open house, sad day. We ate outside at McDonalds today, although I had Wendy's. Chris had a random McDonalds craving. It was a joy to sit outside! Then we drove around and looked at open houses but didn't go in any, probably cuz I was no fun and just wanted to sit in the car, hahaha. Thanks for putting up with me Chris. Later we had tacos and got some groceries. Oh yeh, I bought the new People magazine for tonight, I should go get it! Or maybe I'll save it for my break at 3:00a.
Well, I guess that's all I have to say! I get a break in a 1/2 hour. Then when I come back I'll have 3 hours left, yes!!! It's going pretty fast. The hard part is just knowing I gotta come back later today.
See ya alls later!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Happy 1st Day of Spring
I should probably update.....
I am sitting here at work, floating to the Medical ICU, what's new and all is pretty well. They gave me 2 patients, one is confused, the other is angry, neither I feel comfortable leaving alone, so a PCA (patient care assistant) is sitting in the other room. The charge nurse realizes "this isn't ideal" but isn't changing it regardless. So, yeh, thanks for the friendly assignment! not.
I am so antsy to get home, I wanna go so bad! 2 hours left. So, I thought if I blogged it would take up some of the time....
We're getting excited about the baby. Since I last posted I've had 2 baby showers! The first was at church thrown by my aunties Julie and Susan. Lots of peeps came and lots of presents were opened! The next week My Gran E. and aunt Jodi threw me an "Erickson" side shower at Grandma's. I was so excited, everyone was there, even Jenny! It was so fun. We played games, ate the most delicious food ever, and opened more presents.
Baby Audrey has so much stuff! The once empty closet (after I cleaned our junk out) is now filling itself right up. I bought 80 baby clothes hangers from Target and they're all full and that doens't count the numerous outfits that came already with hangers. So, yeh, oh and then there are many many onsies in packages not hung up! There are about 8 or 9 blankets, many toys, bedding stuff, a pack n play, a boppy pillow, a bumbo seat, health care stuff, silverware, one bottle, pacifiers, books, dolls, shoes (3), hats, bibs, a swing, a monitor, a baby carrier, burp rags, and so on. I think I pretty much got what I need and then some. There are a few other things I'd like to have, but they're not completely necessary.
Yesterday I put together the swing (it was a beast to put together) although to give the company credit, they did recommend I put it together with another adult, hahaha, but I said no, I can do it. Then I put together and took apart the pack and play, it was easy! It's so cute, I got it with our Target gift cards and some money we got. It's not one of the super extravagant ones, but it's cute, sorta tan/brown with green and monkeys, haha. It's got an insertable bassinet thing so when she's little we can lay her in that and not have to bend way over. I also washed the crib stuff and put it all back on the mattress, so it's ready to go! Now I just need the baby! I read more from a good book I got about feeding/sleeping schedule stuff. It's a lot of common sense, but really good to read too. Some of it's different than what Mayo told us, but I feel like I agree more with the book. Haha, we'll see.
What else....I am feeling huge. It's hard to move and bend over and turn over. I am now taking prilosec and a bit of a higher dose and I have zero heartburn and I only have to take it once a day, sweeeeeeet. Audrey moves a lot and makes my belly move along with her, but that's fun. I'm 35 weeks, so it's gettin' closer!
Hopefully you're not all sick of my talking about baby stuff. What else, we have our 1st open house tomorrow, no body has come to look yet, well someone was gonna, long story with the lock box, and they didn't get in, but hopefully someone comes tomorrow, although we're not in some massive rush either. Who knows how the timing will all work out. I've done a lot of hanging out with Chris, going out to eat, just being togther, visiting my parents, going out to eat with them, haha. We went to Austin to take Linda out for lunch for her b-day, that was fun! We had a b-day party for Gavin turning 18 last week, that was also fun. I had lunch with Heather once at Noodles and Chris and I ate out with Kels, Jeff, and Davind another night. David is getting so funny! He's a hoot to watch and so cute too :) I think he will see Audrey and try to poke her, haha. One thing I haven't done in over a month, is go to a movie, I need to do that soon! Hint hint, anyone? Too bad I work all this weekend :(
Well, I'm sure there's more to say, but I'll end it at that. Thanks for all the guesses on Audrey's due date and such, I'll let y'all know who was closest!
~Brianna (see pics below! All are stolen from my mom, heehee)
I am sitting here at work, floating to the Medical ICU, what's new and all is pretty well. They gave me 2 patients, one is confused, the other is angry, neither I feel comfortable leaving alone, so a PCA (patient care assistant) is sitting in the other room. The charge nurse realizes "this isn't ideal" but isn't changing it regardless. So, yeh, thanks for the friendly assignment! not.
I am so antsy to get home, I wanna go so bad! 2 hours left. So, I thought if I blogged it would take up some of the time....
We're getting excited about the baby. Since I last posted I've had 2 baby showers! The first was at church thrown by my aunties Julie and Susan. Lots of peeps came and lots of presents were opened! The next week My Gran E. and aunt Jodi threw me an "Erickson" side shower at Grandma's. I was so excited, everyone was there, even Jenny! It was so fun. We played games, ate the most delicious food ever, and opened more presents.
Baby Audrey has so much stuff! The once empty closet (after I cleaned our junk out) is now filling itself right up. I bought 80 baby clothes hangers from Target and they're all full and that doens't count the numerous outfits that came already with hangers. So, yeh, oh and then there are many many onsies in packages not hung up! There are about 8 or 9 blankets, many toys, bedding stuff, a pack n play, a boppy pillow, a bumbo seat, health care stuff, silverware, one bottle, pacifiers, books, dolls, shoes (3), hats, bibs, a swing, a monitor, a baby carrier, burp rags, and so on. I think I pretty much got what I need and then some. There are a few other things I'd like to have, but they're not completely necessary.
Yesterday I put together the swing (it was a beast to put together) although to give the company credit, they did recommend I put it together with another adult, hahaha, but I said no, I can do it. Then I put together and took apart the pack and play, it was easy! It's so cute, I got it with our Target gift cards and some money we got. It's not one of the super extravagant ones, but it's cute, sorta tan/brown with green and monkeys, haha. It's got an insertable bassinet thing so when she's little we can lay her in that and not have to bend way over. I also washed the crib stuff and put it all back on the mattress, so it's ready to go! Now I just need the baby! I read more from a good book I got about feeding/sleeping schedule stuff. It's a lot of common sense, but really good to read too. Some of it's different than what Mayo told us, but I feel like I agree more with the book. Haha, we'll see.
What else....I am feeling huge. It's hard to move and bend over and turn over. I am now taking prilosec and a bit of a higher dose and I have zero heartburn and I only have to take it once a day, sweeeeeeet. Audrey moves a lot and makes my belly move along with her, but that's fun. I'm 35 weeks, so it's gettin' closer!
Hopefully you're not all sick of my talking about baby stuff. What else, we have our 1st open house tomorrow, no body has come to look yet, well someone was gonna, long story with the lock box, and they didn't get in, but hopefully someone comes tomorrow, although we're not in some massive rush either. Who knows how the timing will all work out. I've done a lot of hanging out with Chris, going out to eat, just being togther, visiting my parents, going out to eat with them, haha. We went to Austin to take Linda out for lunch for her b-day, that was fun! We had a b-day party for Gavin turning 18 last week, that was also fun. I had lunch with Heather once at Noodles and Chris and I ate out with Kels, Jeff, and Davind another night. David is getting so funny! He's a hoot to watch and so cute too :) I think he will see Audrey and try to poke her, haha. One thing I haven't done in over a month, is go to a movie, I need to do that soon! Hint hint, anyone? Too bad I work all this weekend :(
Well, I'm sure there's more to say, but I'll end it at that. Thanks for all the guesses on Audrey's due date and such, I'll let y'all know who was closest!
~Brianna (see pics below! All are stolen from my mom, heehee)
Me and the "great-grandmothers" to be!
Susan and Julie threw me the shower!
A fun collage my mom did. I'm spoiled.
Shower #2 by Jodi and Gran E!
Cindy, Jodi, and Michelle, a bunch of wonderful aunts!
Alex, Jensen, Me, and Megan, my girl cuzzies!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Big Baby
You've probably already seen this pics, but if you haven't, here ya go! The last 2 are me @ 32 weeks!
Chris and I are getting very excited for our baby to come. It seems very unreal that it will actually happen and that we will have a little baby. It's been just the 2 of us here for 2.5 years, I cannot imagine what it will be like to have another person here! When I think about it, our lives are very easy and simple. We go to work and have a few other responsibilities, but other than that, we do whatever, whenever. Come and go as we please for however long. All we have to bring with us is our coats (and other frozen tundra gear) shoes, and my purse! Soon we will have a ton of things, along with a baby, to bring with us everywhere! We will have to plan and think ahead to what we can do and what we need. We can't just leave and go to a movie or whatever. I also expect that it will be very challenging when she comes home. The thought of feeding her often and not sleeping much seems very exhausting along with the loud crying that I'm sure will be frequent. However, I'm still very excited and feel that all the extra responsibiliy and challenge will so be worth it. God has truly blessed us and I'm excited to do my best to take care of a tiny person! I'm mostly excited because I get to do it all with my best friend and husband Chris! Then there's the extreme bonus of my amazing family members and friends who I expect will love her too! Every day she seems to get bigger and stronger in her kicking, so I'm getting excited to meet her and we're so anxious to see what she looks like! Will she look like me, Chris, or a random combo? She is due in about 7.5 weeks, ahh!! It seems close, but yet far too.
Anyhoo, here's a fun game for all of you. I remember Kelsey doing this before David was born and I though it was fun. You should leave a comment answering the following questions:
Audrey's Birthday: (remember, she's due on April 23rd)
Weight:
Length:
Hair/Eye color:
Looking more like me or Chris:
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Glider Chair
Mom and Dad took Chris and I to a furniture store a while back to have us pick out a glider chair (yes, glides, not rocks) for the baby's room! Since I'm sure we'll be spending a lot of time in her room feeding her and waking up with her, they thought we should have a quality chair to sit in. We loved this chair at the store and thought it was cozy and would last, probably forever. So, we chose it and and last week Mom and Dad suprised us by bringing it over!
Mom and Dad putting in a few screws
Note the padded arms, very nice.
Chris likes it. Note, the sides are solid, so little kids can't pinch fingers or arms or legs inbetween anything.
So, now the chair sits there and I probably sit in it at least once a day just gliding and thinkng and imaginging her being here. I could sleep in that chair, it's so comfy. Chris said he also sat in there and pretending holding her, heehee. So, we're very grateful for this generous gift! Thanks Mom and Dad, I know we will enjoy it for all the years to come :)
Mom and Dad putting in a few screws
Note the padded arms, very nice.
Chris likes it. Note, the sides are solid, so little kids can't pinch fingers or arms or legs inbetween anything.
So, now the chair sits there and I probably sit in it at least once a day just gliding and thinkng and imaginging her being here. I could sleep in that chair, it's so comfy. Chris said he also sat in there and pretending holding her, heehee. So, we're very grateful for this generous gift! Thanks Mom and Dad, I know we will enjoy it for all the years to come :)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Graveyard Shift
Good news, I only have to work Sat overnight and not Sunday! I worked last Wed to make up for this Sun, so someone else is working my Sun overnight, yes! Hey, she asked, so I said YES!
It still seems like the night will never end. It's hard when it's on ly 1am, cuz there's six hours left. Not shockingly, I am floating, wow, I don't think I've EVER worked a full weeked on my own unit, whatever, I don't even care anymore. I actually assumed I would be floating. And to my happiness, I am in the neuro ICU. I love floating here, I always have the best assignments and nothing usually too critical so mostly, I dont' have to worry too much.
In the place of a very critical patient however, is the trade-off for a very needy patient. Needy patients remind me of working on Ortho. I spent from 9:30pm until now, 1am, trying to make her comfy. I have now given enough drugs to zonk her out a bit. I shouldn't speak too soon though, she's only been quiet for like 20 mintues. Basically as long as she's awake, so will be the resident, because I will be having to call him repeatedly. He'll figure it out soon enought that he needs to give me more drugs if this doesn't work! I spose it's better to give "baby" doses of everything then give too much.... Anyhoo, I'm hoping for her sake and my sanity, that she sleeps at least some of the night. Shoot, she just turned her head. Sleeeeeep sleeeeeeepppppp.
I am going on break at 2am. I am glad to do it, but I always feel so gross after eating in the night. I forbid myself popcorn, it tastes so good, but it feels so bad in the tummy afterwards. It's so werid, they serve regular food in the middle of the night, so my choices will be like hambergers/chicken/pizza/fries/cheese curds/motzarella sticks and then like vegetables of all sorts. Nice huh...nothing like fried food at 2am. Maybe I'll have mashed potatoes.
Today was fun. Mom and Dad were due to pick Chris and I up at 12:30 so we could go to lunch at Erb's (they volunteered to pick us up). Insted they showed up at noon with our chair! They bought us a glider chair, a very lovely and nice quality one, for the baby's room, for rocking/feeding her and such! We picked it out a few weeks ago and I'm so excited it's here! It looks very nice in the bedroom next to the crib, I'll have to put the pictures up soon. It is so comfy. I feel like I'll fall asleep in it. Thanks Ma and Pa! Then we ate and Chris and I went to an open house for fun, it was cute and pretty. Then we went over to my parent's house for a while. I helped Mom put away Brice's "Christmas village" that has been up in his room for like 4 years. It's about 12 or so houses and little figurines that he collected and set up. It included tons of fake snow and about a million light cords to unravel and dust. Now you can see the shelves in there again!
Soon I had to leave for work, sad day, Chris drove me through the drive-thru at Wendy's and soon I was off to work. Chris and Dad went to the JM/Century b-ball game, so hopefully they had fun.
Well, she's officially awake and moaning again, I shal go see what I can do....poor lady.
Goodnight and I hope you are all sleeping!
It still seems like the night will never end. It's hard when it's on ly 1am, cuz there's six hours left. Not shockingly, I am floating, wow, I don't think I've EVER worked a full weeked on my own unit, whatever, I don't even care anymore. I actually assumed I would be floating. And to my happiness, I am in the neuro ICU. I love floating here, I always have the best assignments and nothing usually too critical so mostly, I dont' have to worry too much.
In the place of a very critical patient however, is the trade-off for a very needy patient. Needy patients remind me of working on Ortho. I spent from 9:30pm until now, 1am, trying to make her comfy. I have now given enough drugs to zonk her out a bit. I shouldn't speak too soon though, she's only been quiet for like 20 mintues. Basically as long as she's awake, so will be the resident, because I will be having to call him repeatedly. He'll figure it out soon enought that he needs to give me more drugs if this doesn't work! I spose it's better to give "baby" doses of everything then give too much.... Anyhoo, I'm hoping for her sake and my sanity, that she sleeps at least some of the night. Shoot, she just turned her head. Sleeeeeep sleeeeeeepppppp.
I am going on break at 2am. I am glad to do it, but I always feel so gross after eating in the night. I forbid myself popcorn, it tastes so good, but it feels so bad in the tummy afterwards. It's so werid, they serve regular food in the middle of the night, so my choices will be like hambergers/chicken/pizza/fries/cheese curds/motzarella sticks and then like vegetables of all sorts. Nice huh...nothing like fried food at 2am. Maybe I'll have mashed potatoes.
Today was fun. Mom and Dad were due to pick Chris and I up at 12:30 so we could go to lunch at Erb's (they volunteered to pick us up). Insted they showed up at noon with our chair! They bought us a glider chair, a very lovely and nice quality one, for the baby's room, for rocking/feeding her and such! We picked it out a few weeks ago and I'm so excited it's here! It looks very nice in the bedroom next to the crib, I'll have to put the pictures up soon. It is so comfy. I feel like I'll fall asleep in it. Thanks Ma and Pa! Then we ate and Chris and I went to an open house for fun, it was cute and pretty. Then we went over to my parent's house for a while. I helped Mom put away Brice's "Christmas village" that has been up in his room for like 4 years. It's about 12 or so houses and little figurines that he collected and set up. It included tons of fake snow and about a million light cords to unravel and dust. Now you can see the shelves in there again!
Soon I had to leave for work, sad day, Chris drove me through the drive-thru at Wendy's and soon I was off to work. Chris and Dad went to the JM/Century b-ball game, so hopefully they had fun.
Well, she's officially awake and moaning again, I shal go see what I can do....poor lady.
Goodnight and I hope you are all sleeping!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Mayo won't let me look at Facebook :(
Well, tonight is weird, I'm working a night shift, which is 11pm to 7am. A girl asked me if she could work my upcoming Sunday 12 hour overnight if I'd work her 8hr overnight today, I said, YES! I'll give up a 12 hr shift anyday!
It was very very hard to leave home for this shift. Chris was in his jammies and I felt like I should have been too! No fair! Now that I'm here, I'm ok. I have a very pleasent patient who is doing well, pretty well. So, I get to just hang out and keep an eye on her.
I'm not sure how I'm going to fill my time inbetween doing things with her, because I can't get on Facebook, what is the deal? I wonder if they're blocking it, jeesh. So, I'll just write a blog insted. I don't appreciate them blocking it, if that's the case. I am a responsible adult and my job as a nurse comes first, over Facebook. I would like the ability to be on whatever website I want when I have downtime. It's not like I'm going to be sitting on Facebook while my patient is in need of me. Whatev. They monitor us like we're prisoners. They're probably watching me write this right now! Hello!
This week has been lazy-ish so far. I worked Mon evening, did not much on Tues, and did not much today. Chris and I did go to Applebees for supper tonight for fun and then visited Mom and Dad and watched Idol.
I'm at a standstill with baby things. I guess the registries are mostly done. We just need to pick stroller, swing, and highchair, the stoller being the most important. I think I've done all the research I can do, I just need to pick :) The lil' baby is becomming quite the kicker. I just felt a strong kick. She's probably wondering why I'm awake and moving around at this time of day! I finally bought Pepsid today, well technically, the offbrand, due to my reflux. Tums don't really work, plus if I chew up another one I think I'll barf, yuck. I was told I coudl do Pepsid, so I'm trying it. I hope it works, my esophagus burns man!
FYI, when you're buying drugs/vitamins whatever from the store, you should look to see what the active ingredient is and then compare the fancy brand with the generic and most likely they are exactly the same drug, so pick the cheaper one! This also goes for soap/acne stuff, it's all the same, if you can get over the uglier bottle, you'll save lots of $$$. For example, my off brand famotidine was $7, vs the brand Pepsid, which was $15 for the same amount and they're identical drugs. Neato, I'm such a genius, heehee.
Chris and I had our 4th of 6 prenatal classes last night. The topic was drugs, ya know, like epidurals, which I plan on having. We also did some breathing exercises again. We were encouraged to try different things, sitting on the ball, backwards in the chair, lying on the floor, and all the while I got a backrub from Chris. What a good lil' supporter he is!!! I'm so glad to have him!
Tomorrow (later today) I think I'll try not to sleep the whole day away....but I don't work again until Friday evening and Sat 12 hr overnight. Then I think I get 3 days off, whoop! I'm so excited to go down to 0.6 FTE (24 hrs/wk) after the baby is born! I'm very lucky that Chris is supportive in this! It will hopefully allow no daycare and me being very very glad! The sacrifice is less income, obviously, but we're planning for the future around this.
I'm trying to think of more to say so I can take up more time, but I guess I'm out! I'm gonna take a break at 3-4am, then I'll have 3 hours left! This 8hr overnight goes pretty quick!
Talk to ya later!
~Brie
It was very very hard to leave home for this shift. Chris was in his jammies and I felt like I should have been too! No fair! Now that I'm here, I'm ok. I have a very pleasent patient who is doing well, pretty well. So, I get to just hang out and keep an eye on her.
I'm not sure how I'm going to fill my time inbetween doing things with her, because I can't get on Facebook, what is the deal? I wonder if they're blocking it, jeesh. So, I'll just write a blog insted. I don't appreciate them blocking it, if that's the case. I am a responsible adult and my job as a nurse comes first, over Facebook. I would like the ability to be on whatever website I want when I have downtime. It's not like I'm going to be sitting on Facebook while my patient is in need of me. Whatev. They monitor us like we're prisoners. They're probably watching me write this right now! Hello!
This week has been lazy-ish so far. I worked Mon evening, did not much on Tues, and did not much today. Chris and I did go to Applebees for supper tonight for fun and then visited Mom and Dad and watched Idol.
I'm at a standstill with baby things. I guess the registries are mostly done. We just need to pick stroller, swing, and highchair, the stoller being the most important. I think I've done all the research I can do, I just need to pick :) The lil' baby is becomming quite the kicker. I just felt a strong kick. She's probably wondering why I'm awake and moving around at this time of day! I finally bought Pepsid today, well technically, the offbrand, due to my reflux. Tums don't really work, plus if I chew up another one I think I'll barf, yuck. I was told I coudl do Pepsid, so I'm trying it. I hope it works, my esophagus burns man!
FYI, when you're buying drugs/vitamins whatever from the store, you should look to see what the active ingredient is and then compare the fancy brand with the generic and most likely they are exactly the same drug, so pick the cheaper one! This also goes for soap/acne stuff, it's all the same, if you can get over the uglier bottle, you'll save lots of $$$. For example, my off brand famotidine was $7, vs the brand Pepsid, which was $15 for the same amount and they're identical drugs. Neato, I'm such a genius, heehee.
Chris and I had our 4th of 6 prenatal classes last night. The topic was drugs, ya know, like epidurals, which I plan on having. We also did some breathing exercises again. We were encouraged to try different things, sitting on the ball, backwards in the chair, lying on the floor, and all the while I got a backrub from Chris. What a good lil' supporter he is!!! I'm so glad to have him!
Tomorrow (later today) I think I'll try not to sleep the whole day away....but I don't work again until Friday evening and Sat 12 hr overnight. Then I think I get 3 days off, whoop! I'm so excited to go down to 0.6 FTE (24 hrs/wk) after the baby is born! I'm very lucky that Chris is supportive in this! It will hopefully allow no daycare and me being very very glad! The sacrifice is less income, obviously, but we're planning for the future around this.
I'm trying to think of more to say so I can take up more time, but I guess I'm out! I'm gonna take a break at 3-4am, then I'll have 3 hours left! This 8hr overnight goes pretty quick!
Talk to ya later!
~Brie
Monday, February 02, 2009
More Birthday Fun
Mom and Dad came over yesterday to watch the Superbowl with Chris and I! My dear mother made me a very wonderful chocolate cake. She also brought icecream and pizza too! And of course, some presents for little ol' me. My parents are so sweet, they never forget about my birfday, heehee. Thanks for hanging out with us, we love you!
Here Dad and Chris are acting out how the football game is making them feel. I made them do this :)
Chris is so upset, he's falling over
Here Dad and Chris are acting out how the football game is making them feel. I made them do this :)
Chris is so upset, he's falling over
Chris, me, and my yum yum cake.
Mom and Dad got me rechargable batteries for my new camera! I'm so excited, no more double A's. Also a pretty pretty frame for Audrey's room and Dots (my fav)!
My 25yr old self with the cake! Yep, they even sang to me and I blew out candles.
Mom and Dad got me rechargable batteries for my new camera! I'm so excited, no more double A's. Also a pretty pretty frame for Audrey's room and Dots (my fav)!
My 25yr old self with the cake! Yep, they even sang to me and I blew out candles.
My sweet mama and me.
Well, there you have it, my fun weekend is over and now it's on to work....
Scroll down for more new blogs :)
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Magna Cum Laude
Look what Chris got in the mail! His diploma. It's official....he's a Bachelor of Arts! His official major is Business Administration (Management) with a minor in Management Information Systems! Not only did he graduate, but with honors! He's Magna Cum Laude, whoo hoo! I am very proud of my husband. I saw him start and finish college, working very very hard the whole time and never giving up! He's going to walk in the graduation ceremony in June. I can't wait to see him in his robe and get a picture of him with Audrey!
I love you Chris and I am so proud of you! Yay!!!!!!!!
PS: Scroll down, I was a blogging maniac and did 2 more :)
A Quarter Century Old
My birthday was yesterday and I turned 25! It was so much fun! First, we woke up and got to go to Perkins. This was very exciting for me because I love their french toast and hashbrowns. Chris isn't much of a "hot" breakfast person, so this isn't something we normally do! Then we drove up to the Mall of America. I was supposed to pick out a present, this was a deal, but I couldn't do it! I felt very bad, but there was just nothing I wanted! I had lots of fun just walking around and lookin' at stuff. I think Chris' highlight was the amazing Best Buy there with drums you could play and such, it was fancier than the Rochester Best Buy. We had a small Burger King lunch and were there for about 5 hours. That's about 5 hours of walking, I got a foot rub later! Then we drove to our hotel. I got a nice discount (for being a Mayo employee) at a hotel in Oakdale (around 10 mins East of the mall) that my parents have stayed at and liked. It was very pretty! The room was nice and it had an extended continental breakfast, yes! It was hard not to eat and eat and eat. I thought it would be fun to do something like this before we have the baby and don't have to arrange a babysitter, although I'm sure someone wouldn't mind :) Around supper time we drove to Woodbury, like 5 mins away. There are a ton of stores there and we ate at Champps (yes there are 2 p's). It was so yummy and I took 1/2 my meal home, so big! We later played rummy and watched a movie! It was sooooooo awesome to just spend the whole day with Chris, it made me very glad. To me, the whole day was one big present, especially since Chris told me I wasn't allowed to feel guilty about all the eating out and the hotel :) He also got me seasons 1 and 2 of House, which I have wanted for a long time. We got them on Amazon cuz I REFUSE to own them for $50 each (from the store, that's just sick and wrong). It was a wonderful birthday just taking out time and being together :) I also got calls and texts and facebook messages and emails from all my dear friends and family, thanks guys!
PS: The pic of Chris on the bed is when we got back from the Mall of America, haha, he fell into a deep sleep!
The Baby Room
So, we finally got a crib, or should I say the worst decision maker alive (me) fianlly picked one! We chose a crib from Pennys (free shipping!) and a mattress from Walmart as a gift from my Hemmer grandparents (spoiled). Okay enough parenthesis usage. It came in 3 days and Mom and I picked it up! Chris and I put it together in 40 mins, it was easy! And, we love it! Now the baby bedding has a home.
Me allen-wrenching a screw in.
Chris putting up a side.
Me allen-wrenching a screw in.
Chris putting up a side.
Yay!
Us with our baby's bed, haha.
I bought wooden letters and decorated them to match her room. Her initials, Audrey Joanne Lewis.
Us with our baby's bed, haha.
I bought wooden letters and decorated them to match her room. Her initials, Audrey Joanne Lewis.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Weekend At St. Mary's
I have not much to say that is exciting, just that I worked Fri, Sat, and now Sun (2 hours left!). I am glad to be done in 2 hours, but I'm having trouble with the fact that I only get 2 days off, then work 3, then get 2 off, then work 4. It's lame, usually I get 3 days off inbetween longer stretches of work! Oh well, obviously I'll live, but 2 days doesn't quite cut it in my book.
Friday I worked a day shift and it was pleasant. Saturday I floated to the Trauma ICU, I like it there. I get a "laid back" vibe when I'm there and also the nurses are very helpful and not all stressed to the max like the dreaded medical unit. I discovered early that morning that the Trama nurses do a lil' something called "morning break". And it's not just, "take a 10 mintue coffee break" no, it's "take a whole 1/2 hour" in addition to the hour lunch break. No one else does this, at least not to my knowledge. I was like, "sweet!" So, after working only 1 hour, I got a 1/2 break. I traveled my way down to the cafeteria and got breakfast (which I had not had at home).
Today, miraculously, I am on my own unit, even though 1/2 our unit is closed. I have one patient, intubated, confused, antsy, draining all over the bed, poopy, climbig outta bed just how I like 'em (sighing and looking for a new job on the job listings). I was all ready to be like "Ok dudes (the doctors) we're not going to have a whole day of this jumping outta bed business, what're ya gonna do about it?! However, they were on the ball and we got the poor soul some magic pills so he could rest adequately.
I love our doctors, I really do. Anesthesiologists are great (our docs), the doctors on Trauma yesterday were like, "hmm, let's take all day long (12 hours) to make decisions" I asked them 4 times for something other than tylenol to give my patient, this was after the previous nurse asked them several times. Each time I was adament and each time I charted that I asked them for it! "Doctor's aware that tylenol isn't working" "Doctors informed again about pain issues" "Doctors know patient is in severe pain and are choosing to do nothing" haha, ok, not quite like that, but that's how it felt to me! It's easier to be the one who just has to listen to problems, it's much harder to be the one in the room with the patient and family members all day!!! Ok, enough of that, they're not too bad, but jeesh, c'mon, let's make some progress!
So, I'm excited to be done with work, Chris told me we're havin' supper with my parents, fun! I walked to McD on my break today, cuz I forgot my lunch in the car. Chris surprised me by driving up by me while I was walking back, while I was on the phone with him, heehee, so I saw him for a few mins.
Nothing else much new to say I suppose. I'm waiting for Target to get their crib shipment, then I can go get the crib! Eventually I will do my registry too. In the meantime, I'm trying to research the best things to buy! Well I know what to get, just not what types, there's so much out there!
OK, have a nice week and enjoy this summer-like day! 20's!
Friday I worked a day shift and it was pleasant. Saturday I floated to the Trauma ICU, I like it there. I get a "laid back" vibe when I'm there and also the nurses are very helpful and not all stressed to the max like the dreaded medical unit. I discovered early that morning that the Trama nurses do a lil' something called "morning break". And it's not just, "take a 10 mintue coffee break" no, it's "take a whole 1/2 hour" in addition to the hour lunch break. No one else does this, at least not to my knowledge. I was like, "sweet!" So, after working only 1 hour, I got a 1/2 break. I traveled my way down to the cafeteria and got breakfast (which I had not had at home).
Today, miraculously, I am on my own unit, even though 1/2 our unit is closed. I have one patient, intubated, confused, antsy, draining all over the bed, poopy, climbig outta bed just how I like 'em (sighing and looking for a new job on the job listings). I was all ready to be like "Ok dudes (the doctors) we're not going to have a whole day of this jumping outta bed business, what're ya gonna do about it?! However, they were on the ball and we got the poor soul some magic pills so he could rest adequately.
I love our doctors, I really do. Anesthesiologists are great (our docs), the doctors on Trauma yesterday were like, "hmm, let's take all day long (12 hours) to make decisions" I asked them 4 times for something other than tylenol to give my patient, this was after the previous nurse asked them several times. Each time I was adament and each time I charted that I asked them for it! "Doctor's aware that tylenol isn't working" "Doctors informed again about pain issues" "Doctors know patient is in severe pain and are choosing to do nothing" haha, ok, not quite like that, but that's how it felt to me! It's easier to be the one who just has to listen to problems, it's much harder to be the one in the room with the patient and family members all day!!! Ok, enough of that, they're not too bad, but jeesh, c'mon, let's make some progress!
So, I'm excited to be done with work, Chris told me we're havin' supper with my parents, fun! I walked to McD on my break today, cuz I forgot my lunch in the car. Chris surprised me by driving up by me while I was walking back, while I was on the phone with him, heehee, so I saw him for a few mins.
Nothing else much new to say I suppose. I'm waiting for Target to get their crib shipment, then I can go get the crib! Eventually I will do my registry too. In the meantime, I'm trying to research the best things to buy! Well I know what to get, just not what types, there's so much out there!
OK, have a nice week and enjoy this summer-like day! 20's!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Dish It Up and Baby Bedding!
Chris and I went to Dish It Up last night and made many many meals! Yay! Tonight we tried the Italian stuffed chicken and it was very very good! We never got a picture of ourselves the first time we did it, so I made sure to bring my camera this time, heehee.
Yeh, I need help here, it looks weird. I wanna remove the sick, broken blinds and put up something cloth, like a light pink or green something or other kinda pull down shade like thing. I know nothing about window things, anyone know where I should start in figuring this out?
Audrey's bedding came! It's the brand Kidsline and it's called "Tiger Lily" I decided against the pink/brown combo and decided that Audrey is a more colorful girl who likes butterflies, heehee. This is the quilt. I was pleasantly surprised that the package came early and the quality of it!
The whole set, a bumper, quilt, dust ruffle, valance, diaper holder, and fitted sheet.
The whole set, a bumper, quilt, dust ruffle, valance, diaper holder, and fitted sheet.
Yeh, I need help here, it looks weird. I wanna remove the sick, broken blinds and put up something cloth, like a light pink or green something or other kinda pull down shade like thing. I know nothing about window things, anyone know where I should start in figuring this out?
So, there ya have it, the first stuff for the room. I want the crib now! C'mon Target, hurry up your shipments!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Our Spoiled Daughter
Audrey got a few new cute outfits lately. Her Grandma Jackie randomly got her this cute little green outfit....
And...Mindy, our friend we used to work with at Culver's, sent us a package yesterday. We opened it to find two super cute onesies saying "Mommy and I agree, Daddy's Charming" and "New family favorite" heehee. Also a supre cute dress with a little sweater too. And a soft lil' bear dressed as a bunny. Thanks Mindy! For some reason, Blogger refused to post the picture vertically and insisted on it being sideways, whatev.
I've spent a great deal of time empting out the office to make it Audrey's room, now the closet is all hers!
Empty! Weird. I can't wait to put baby things in it!
So, I've had this week off and it's been nice. I work the weekend, so I'm trying to be productive at home until them. I've done a bunch of rearranging so everything that was in the office can fit elsewhere. Chris and I had our first prenatal class last night, the first of six. It was fun, we're one of 10 couples there. Some people are due in March, but most in April like me, however, I am the one due last by 5 days. We split up in 2 groups, guys and girls and discussed things. Then the instructor asked who of the men would like to wear the pregnancy suit, I believe it's acutally called the "empathy belly" or something, and Chris jumped right up! She put the 35 pound suit on him as well as a strap to make breathing harder. He had to walk around, sit in a chair, tie his shoes and attempt to get comfy on a mat on the floor with a bunch of pillows. I was laughing so hard and wished I had my camera. I took a picture on my cell phone though, heehee. With much persuasion, 2 other guys tried it on too. Chris was like, "wow, it's hard to breathe!"
Tonight we're going to Dish It Up to make 8 meals. Megan and Kate got us a gift certificate there for Christmas. I figure, even without the gift card, it saves us money and a lot of hassle for me as I am a talant-less dinner maker. Now I have a ton of meals, since each one lasts us like 3 meals each. Plus, it's fun to go do. Thanks Megan and Kate! What a good idea! We did this right after our honeymoon too and I blogged about it then too with a picture of our freezer full of food!
Well, I suppose I should go organize some more things. I figure I should do it now before I get huge. It's actually already a lot of work to do stuff, like moving stuff around and bending over, hahaaha. Don't worry, I won't lift things that are too heavy.
Have a lovely day!!!!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2nd Post Today!
Some Fun Pictures...
4 wks, 12, 16, 20, and 24
Fun Baby Things plus Chris at 24wks!!
Cara and I
My husband/Baby Daddy
My dear family.
Chris is airbourne!
4 wks, 12, 16, 20, and 24
Fun Baby Things plus Chris at 24wks!!
Cara and I
My husband/Baby Daddy
My dear family.
Chris is airbourne!
What, I have to float? I am shocked and alarmed......
Hello friends,
Here I write to you, once again from the medical ICU. I was here Saturday, yesterday, and today, it's my new unit apparently. In the past 2 weeks, I have worked 4 hours on my own unit. Today is ok, my patient is at least doing fairly well and by fairly I mean not actively deteriorating.
Yesterday, I got home just in time to celebrate the new year with Mom, Dad, Chris, Brice, Jenny, Ryan, Katie, Gavin, and Hunter. I arrived over at Mom's at about 11:45ish and they were all finishing up a rousing game of Catch Phrase. We watched the ball drop and drank some fake champagne. Fun fun fun.
Today, Gran E. invited us over for lunch. Our fam all came over, even Jenny. It was short but sweet, as I had to come to work. We played Bananagrams, a new game I got from Megan for xmas, it was fun, but Gran dominated. However, Mom did win a few herself. Jenny and I won nothin'! I need a re-match.
I have had a lunch date everyday this week and even one supper date. Monday I had lunch with Casey at Culver's before she had to go back to Kansas. It was nice really catch up with her. Tuesday I had lunch with Dad and Gavin at BB's Pizza follwed by watching Harry Potter I, haha. Wednesday I met with Cara at our traditional place, straight outta Mexico, Dos Amigos! She is already back in Cincinatti, so I'm glad I got to hang with her a lil' bit. Today was at Gran's and I guess we'll see what tomorrow holds. Kellie called me, so maybe it'll be lunch with her?! One of those nights Chris and I met Kelsey and Jeff for supper at Applebees! David was there and I got to feed him his dessert, he did a very good job eating, heehee.
On Saturday I get to help make invitations with all the Hemmer girls plus Katie for her and Ryan's wedding. Then I get to watch my lil' friend David while his mommy and daddy are at work.
Well, I need to go reposition my patient, it takes 4 people to do it, so I'll be searching for help for a good 15 mintues, so I better get started.
Happy 2009 :)
PS: I like 2009, fun things are coming!
Here I write to you, once again from the medical ICU. I was here Saturday, yesterday, and today, it's my new unit apparently. In the past 2 weeks, I have worked 4 hours on my own unit. Today is ok, my patient is at least doing fairly well and by fairly I mean not actively deteriorating.
Yesterday, I got home just in time to celebrate the new year with Mom, Dad, Chris, Brice, Jenny, Ryan, Katie, Gavin, and Hunter. I arrived over at Mom's at about 11:45ish and they were all finishing up a rousing game of Catch Phrase. We watched the ball drop and drank some fake champagne. Fun fun fun.
Today, Gran E. invited us over for lunch. Our fam all came over, even Jenny. It was short but sweet, as I had to come to work. We played Bananagrams, a new game I got from Megan for xmas, it was fun, but Gran dominated. However, Mom did win a few herself. Jenny and I won nothin'! I need a re-match.
I have had a lunch date everyday this week and even one supper date. Monday I had lunch with Casey at Culver's before she had to go back to Kansas. It was nice really catch up with her. Tuesday I had lunch with Dad and Gavin at BB's Pizza follwed by watching Harry Potter I, haha. Wednesday I met with Cara at our traditional place, straight outta Mexico, Dos Amigos! She is already back in Cincinatti, so I'm glad I got to hang with her a lil' bit. Today was at Gran's and I guess we'll see what tomorrow holds. Kellie called me, so maybe it'll be lunch with her?! One of those nights Chris and I met Kelsey and Jeff for supper at Applebees! David was there and I got to feed him his dessert, he did a very good job eating, heehee.
On Saturday I get to help make invitations with all the Hemmer girls plus Katie for her and Ryan's wedding. Then I get to watch my lil' friend David while his mommy and daddy are at work.
Well, I need to go reposition my patient, it takes 4 people to do it, so I'll be searching for help for a good 15 mintues, so I better get started.
Happy 2009 :)
PS: I like 2009, fun things are coming!
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