Unfounded fears

I've been threatened with my life if I every post pictures of another blow out. I'm not posting pictures, just posting about it! :D The bambino and I went to to Wally-World today to get some much needed groceries. If you were to open my fridge, you'd see...1) milk...2) that's about it. So yeah, it was a much needed trip. Anyways, I knew it was the bambino's naptime, so I took my Moby wrap, which I pretty much love, and slid him in it to do our shopping. In spite of the cart that would not steer straight, I managed to get almost done before BamBam started to stir. He made his little grunting noises, then I heard it.

*insert suspenseful music here*

He pooped. And not just any poop. This poop was all the poop since Sunday some time. He's gotten in to this bad habit of saving his poop for several days then letting it all out at the most inconvenient time (to be changed and cleaned up). A wedding rehearsal, Wally-World, Sunday school...yeah, not so cool. Anyways.
I spent about 2 minutes hoping that it wasn't a lot, just like, the overflow (graphic I know!). However, the smell....need I say more? The smell made it clear that it was not, and could not be contained in a Huggies size 2 diaper. My 11 1/2 week old son will not be deterred by a mere diaper. Oh no! I peeked at the fabric covering his back, *whew* nothing was showing on the outside layer. I lifted that one up, uh oh...I saw some wetness...not good. I skipped right to looking down the back of his shirt. OH MY GOODNESS!
I should not have done that...the smell was worse than the sight! I calmly replaced all the fabric and decided to finish up shopping. I mean, he was already dirty, it had already leaked out and on to my wrap. It's not like I was going to save something from getting dirty, was I? *shrugs* I think my imagination went into overdrive after that. Every little look from other shoppers was a "ew, what's that?!" Every little laugh was "she's got poop leaking out!"
I was trying to remember if I had some clothes in the car that would fit him, and all I could think of was this "super baby" out fit under his seat. It was, well, still is, a new born size. Yeah, I don't think he'd enjoy being stuffed in that so much...so then, I was at Wally-World, right?! They'd have some clothes on sale that I could use to get him home in. Yeah, not so much. NOTHING! It was either way too big (think 24 month or 4T) or way too small (think preemie). Or, it was girls clothing. I wasn't THAT desperate yet...I found nothing.
Well, in the end, I wrapped him up in a receiving blanket so he wouldn't get any residual poop on his carseat. We came right home and I dumped him in the tub. He was probably thinking, "wait, it's not bedtime yet!"

You know, I almost *almost* didn't bring a diaper bag. *almost*

Oh, big news! This wedding I was at this weekend, I was a bridesmaid in it. I hung out with the bride and the other maids, so I left the bambino with my parents a lot. Thursday night was the rehearsal and dinner and Mark wasn't going to be in town yet, so I left the bambino with my parents for the night. That night HE SLEPT THROUGH THE WHOLE NIGHT! Did you catch that?! Oh, you missed it!? He slept through the whole, entire night! It was probably about 9 or 10 until 6. Yeah, he was up at six, but that's ok (my parents are early risers) because he didn't wake up to munch at 2 or 3 or 4! Sure, he wouldn't do it for me or his daddy, but he'd do it for gramma and grampa. I was happy, but concerned that it was a one night stand thingy. It wasn't he continued to sleep through the night even when I stayed with him. That's the big news! My baby is sleeping through the night! Right before I went back to work. I had nothing to worry about, I guess!
Another milestone we reached was my first day back at work. It was a good day to start on. I only had 5 patients, two of which left the floor before I got there. One of those never came back, the other didn't come back until 1130. I was hoping things have changed for the better. Not so much. There were two new people (at least two) hired since I've been gone. One just got off of orientation; the other is still on it. But it wasn't as bad as I worried it would be.
I guess this post is long enough, besides I have to go start dinner else we might end up eating pancakes...AGAIN! :)

What big teeth you have!

Today was BamBam's one month check-up. I knew he was huge, this appointment confirmed it. He's 12 pounds, 8 ounces, 23 inches long/tall, and his head is 15 inches around. His weight has him passed the 100-percentile, and his length in the 95 percentile. Which means (I'll admit it, I still have to think about it this way). He weighs more than 100% of babies his age, and he's taller/longer than 95% of them. I guess all that spitting up he's doing isn't harming his growth. He didn't get any shots today, they come next month. I hope he doesn't scream bloody murder, the way he does when I pull something over his head to dress him.

*rabbit trail* I just got a whiff of my shirt...yuck...BamBam spit up on me. Suppose it comes with the territory. I was going to change it, but I fell prey to the But-First Syndrome. I was going to change my shirt, but first I should do the laundry so I have clean clothes, but first I should nap while the bambino naps, but first I need to update my blog so my husband doesn't do it for me, but first I should find something to make for dinner, but first I should read my emails and blog readers...and on it could go. So, I found something for dinner (I think, if I'm adventurous to make it), I read my emails, my shirt still smells like spit up, the laundry is sitting in the basket staring at me, and I'll be falling asleep about 8pm tonight. Don'tcha love it?

Blondie has gone off to a real live college this fall. Last year, she stayed at home and went to a community college and worked. This year, she's out in the hills?...mountains?...lands! of Tennessee. I clicked through her pictures on facebook, and was surprised to see that she's already made quite a few friends-several guys too! She had her arms around one, she and another girl were kissing another guy's cheeks...and this is a "Christian" college? I mean, I'm not all for the BJU style "absolutely no touching, don't even think about touching to push him out of the way of a falling piano" strict, but I think this college is waaay over on the liberal side. Know what they told her about clothes? Her shorts have to have at least a 6 inch inseam. AT LEAST 6 INCHES?! That's like, what, just enough to cover your butt cheeks? I just had to get that off my chest. I'm good now.

Back to family news. Thing One is headed up to NY with Dad to check out a merchant marine academy. He's been trying to get someone to go since I went off to college! I'm not sure what the merchant marines are/do/is, but I've always imagined that they all work on mast ships selling and traded wool and stuff like that. I mean, the name is very dis-leading. Merchant-why not say clerk or cashier or something else that gives that impression? Merchant--like, Hello, I'm a shopkeeper from the 1700's. Nice to meet you. Then there's Marines. I think of tough, dirty, buff soldiers, don't you? No hair, thick muscles, decked out in BDU's or something. Those two words just don't mix, like Microsoft Works. No it doesn't. Heh, I made a funny!

Forget what I said about falling asleep at 8, I'm propping my eyelids up with toothpicks right now. So I'm gonna go take a little snooze while the bambino is sleeping, maybe he'll sleep for longer that 45 mins. That's been his going rate these days. Crying is good for the lungs, right?

new belly button and babies

MCM's mom left today. The bambino and I took her to the airport. It's just us again. I'm kinda hesitant to see how we'll do. I haven't cooked or cleaned or done laundry since she arrived two weeks ago. I tried to make dinner last night, french toast, but Brendon decided it was time to eat before I could finish. I think we can do this though. I mean, we aren't the first, and won't be the last. Our friends, Cory and Leah just had their baby last night. Miss Baby Girl was born at 11:51pm, weighing 9lbs and 9 oz, and 21 1/2 inches long. She's as big as Brendon is NOW. BamBam was a week and a half late, and Miss Baby Girl was two weeks early. I just realized, of our three babies, Bee, BamBam, and Miss Baby Girl, they've just gotten bigger and bigger: 7.2, 8.4, and now 9.9....I think Devon, who's due in January had better watch out!! Leah's blood pressure was super high, so they induced her labor. I'm planning on headed over to see her this evening. I have to wait till MCM gets home to watch BamBam, cause hospitals don't let outside babies on L&D floors. Cory and Leah hadn't decided on a name for their little girl yet, but I'm excited to meet her anyways!

Here's a cute picture of BamBam sleeping in his moses basket that Aunt Shannon sent for him. I don't have to worry about him flinging himself off the couch. He's go

tten good at scooting himself around in bed or on the couch.

When I lay him down, I put his feet by the back, and in about 15 mins, he'll have wiggled so that his head is where his feet were and he's practically smooshed his face into the back crack of the couch. Silly boy!

Saturday, my baby boy's cord stump fell off. It was looking pretty nasty, and it was bleeding every now and then, not much, but enough to be gross. Then Saturday morning, I took his PJ's off and there it was! It was sitting on his diaper just staring at me. And there was his precious belly button...well, it will be precious when it heals up. It's almost there. So Saturday night we gave him his bath. I think he tolerated it well. He didn't cry. It looked like he might have once or twice, but he didn't. The look on his face when I

lowered him

into the water was priceless. Kinda like, "What the--?!" MCM took the pictures, and he did a good job. Then we swapped; he got the baby and I took pictures of them. He's so good with BamBam.

That monkey and this giraffe are from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. We went Saturday morning. It was kinda boring. Definitely geared to the younger population. Half of the exhibits were closed :( and it was super hot and humid. BamBam did good though, until his tummy said he can't wait any longer to be filled. Then we came home and we all crashed on the couches/beds in the house.

Well, I gotta go make something for lunch and go meet MCM at work.

The days seem so long, the weeks forever

Saturday, the 4th of July brought about a sleepless night. We had attempted to make big party plans, because everyone knows that if you make plans assuming you won't go into labor, you will, right?! Anyways, everyone we tried to invite over couldn't make it or was going out of town-we got shot down quite a few times. We did manage to wrangle one couple in to coming over for lunch. And we had a great time. They got here about 12, and didn't leave till like 6! I really had no clue it was that late.

Anyways, the evening brought...contractions with it....I finally started timing them about a quarter till 8. They started about every 10, then got down to about every 6. MCM and I went walking. We walked and we walked and we walked. I think we walked for about an hour or so. We kept saying, lets wait one more hour. Finally about 1, I called my midwife...but she wasn't very helpful. She said, well if you think it's the real thing, come on in. I could have decided that. Anyways, we waited another hour, and headed to the hospital about 2. The contractions themselves didn't hurt as in pain, they were squeeze-y and made me have to stop and focus. But what was different was all the pressure I kept feeling "down under." So off we went.

You know, I should have taken some contraband pics of the room. Whatever. I got all dolled up in my back-less gown with the monitor stuff on my belly and waited. The nurse came in about 230/245ish am and did her nursey stuff. She checked my dilation, called me a 2, and gave me the impression that I should be writhing in pain with these contractions. Whatever. The midwife came in about 4am (she was delivering a few babies), and checked me, called me a 3, said if I get to 4cm and my contractions stay good like they were, about every 4-5 minutes, I could stay. She strongly encouraged me to get out of bed and I jumped at the chance. MCM and I walked the halls. He begged off to go try to sleep. Poor guy, he hadn't slept at all. So I walked and breathed and contracted. He tried to sleep in this recliner chair of sorts. I don't think it worked so well for him.

Back in bed about 530, they checked me again, said 3-4cm, not quite 4, but it seemed as if the contractions were tapering off. I tried walking again to get them going, I tried the birthing ball, but he kept twisting his head down on my nerves and such that it was just too painful to move my legs. I climbed in to bed about 7am with my contractions that were now about every 10 mins again and tried to sleep some cause I knew I was probably going home. How true that was. I had signed my papers and on my way home with my pregnant belly by 8am.

I was really disappointed, really disappointed. I honestly thought that when I left, we'd have grown to a family of 3. *sigh* Needless to say we didn't make it to church that day. Besides who would like to have to answer the question, "You haven't had the baby, yet?" when clearly *looks at my abdomen* I haven't. I know it's rhetorical of sorts, but can't you just come up with a different comment. One that doesn't seem to imply a condescending message. How about..."you look so good for how far you are" or "I love what you've done with your hair. I bet it's quick to do in the mornings." Something like that would be so much more appreciative than "You haven't had that baby yet?!" or "You've been pregnant for years/ever/a long time!"

I have two days of work left. Tomorrow, an 8 hours shift, then on Friday, a 12 hour shift. Although, I'm not sure how good I'll do on Friday. Will you come rescue me if I need it?! Please? And I'm supposed to be team leader. I hope with all my heart that we will have at least 5 if not 6 nurses, cause I will *NOT* be able to take 6 patients AND team leader AND secretary AND everything else they decide to through in my lap. I turned down team leader when I come back from maternity leave. I wasn't really given the option to do it, just kinda thrust into it because I have the mad skillz needed, and I probably would have taken it anyways. But it's nice to be asked. Right?!

Now, back to baby news. I had another appointment today. Let's see. They estimated he weighs around 7 pounds 2 ounces, although it could be off by a pound or two either way. They can tell he's not 'overly chunky' as the ultrasound tech put it. I've lost 2 pounds, but since he's gained, I've actually lost more than that, but *shrugs* oh well, I'm still healthy. I think my uterus is measuring about 37-38cm, which is good. Then came the depressing news. Remember how waay back up there ^ they called me a 3-4 cm? Well, Doc came in (Midwife was busy at the hospital delivery every one else baby but mine!!) and called me 2cm. TWO CENTIMETERS!! *TWO* and he said that was being generous, that anything else than that would be insulting. I was literally devastated. When he left I turned to MCM and just...cried, practically. So I have another appointment next week Thursday. The receptionist was nice about it. She's like, see you then. I replied back (firmly believing) "I hope not!" But I'll probably be there. McMillen babies like to be about a week and a half late. I was on time, so maybe it'll just end up being a week later, rather than two or so.

Ok, I can rest easy now. That is, if I can find my tums...

Now all we need is the baby

This weekend has been great. MCM and I haven't had a weekend where we've both been home and off work, at the same time. He frequently goes into work on Saturdays for a few hours. Not today. We went on a shopping trip *gasp* I know! I had gift cards to both Target and BabiesRus, plus something to return to BabiesRus.

After we came back and settled down from our galavanting, I went to work putting things together in Brendon's room. I emptied a ton of junk out of his crib and put a sheet on the mattress. I have to take it off to put the mattress pad on, but that won't take long. This kid isn't even breathing yet, and he has more blankets that I have shoes! That yellow one is from my mom and sisters. There's a little silky sitting in the corner from Paul who can't wait to play with Brendon. Literally, play with him as a football. He told me so himself...I'm going to have to nip that in the bud though.

You can see the stars, but you can't really see the nifty little swirlies that make this material a perfect with the quilt I'm working on. MCM's mom made them. She's quite talented in that area. They really brighten the room up, since the dark blue is so...well...dark.

I only showed half the dresser, cause the other half still had some junk on it. I got the lamp on clearance at BabiesRus the other week. Auntie Blondie gave me that Willow Tree figurine for a special occasion. I think my birthday, or anniversary...or Christmas. It's been a while. 

I just have a few more things to get straightened out. I have to find some place to put all those diapers from TWO diaper cakes. I have to return some baskets I got for the changing table shelves...they're two inches too tall. And take out all the trash that's accumulated from presents and such. 

I really just started this post tonight cause I couldn't sleep. Now I'm having a hard time holding my head up, so mission accomplished.

Oh Baby!

I'm participating in a....something. Here's my baby pics I had laying around my computer

At first, I thought this was the only one I could find, but then I found others. I don't know if those are my bangs or if they're attached to the headband...

My first Christmas

Let me tell you, this shirt...I think my two older brothers wore it before me. And probably my younger sister and brother wore it after me...if it was still available. It's seen lots of years. Hey, if those two hands are there...who's taking the picture and in what weird position did they have to get it...
"Move your head back a bit more"
"No, you move your armpit out of my face"
I don't think I want to know.

Don't my happy looking face fool you. This doll is the creepiest thing. She's bigger than I was!! But I must say, my ruffles outdo hers any day!

And because no post would be complete with out my baby's picture. This is at 24 weeks and 1 day, right at the beginning of month 6. Speaking of the baby, I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. Apparently, Dr. Know-It-All, thinks that my gaining 15 pounds in 6 months for this baby is WAAAAAAAY to much. He's like "I'm not going to say your weight in front of these people (my mom, sister and husband), but it's too much!" I just nodded and okayed him. My mom...you would have thought he was talking to her. She rolled her eyes and huffed at him. I just brushed it off. I mean, I do still fit in to my pre-preggers jeans, mostly. I can't button them, duh, and my hips are spreading, but it's not fat, it's because my uterus has no place else to go. Whatever. I haven't changed my eating habbits much. I eat breakfast more often now, and I have a snack between lunch and dinner. That's about it. He'll get over it; I'm not going to worry.

Okay, I'm done ranting. The ultrasound went well, those spots on his brain resolved, and he's still a boy :D We saw some really cute 3-D picture of him, but they weren't worth 12 bucks for a CD with 3 pictures on it. And the pictures the tech did print out for us are all blurry and really bad looking. Whatever, he'll be here soon enough and I can take all the pictures of him I want.

Then, and then, and then, and now

I thought I was so big in December. Now Bobbie Jo is kicking and rolling and I'm bigger than I thought I'd ever be. And I know it's only going to get bigger!! Here's my journey. It starts in December cause before then (as you can see, there was nothing to take a picture of).

December 2, 2008
December 18, 2008
January 19, 2009

February 2, 2009
February 23, 2009
March 6, 2009

My timer has popped slightly...maybe it's just cause the weather has been so warm, poop Bobbie Jo has become confused thinking it was time to meet Daddy. I'm starting to get excited! There's still so much left to do. I need to find some sort of dresser to keep his clothes in...right now, they're all sitting in his crib. I invited my mom and sister down for my next ultrasound at the end of this month. Blondie is coming for sure, but I'm not sure if Mom will. I hope she will. I mean, how often does your first daughter have her first baby??

I've had a lovely stretch of days off from work this week. I painted my dresser to match MCM's (I painted his a while ago, like when it was still summer). I think I did pretty good, although I did obsess about it a bit. I did laundry *gasp!* I know!! I'm sure there were other things I did, but I can't remember.

Bobbie Jo had the hiccups the other morning. I was laying there, as MCM was getting ready for work, and it felt like the baby kept kicking me-hard and fast. Then I realized, and I shouted down to MCM, "He's got the hiccups!!"

This and That

I’ve got a lot in my mind that needs to come out. Unfortunately, these ideas are like rascally two year old that run from you as soon as you even look in their direction. But the main things…

I’ve been feeling Bobbie Jo moving around a lot. At first I didn’t pay much attention to it, just figuring it was gas or something. After all, I’ve got plenty to spare. But then I realized it was always in the same area, felt the same. It feels like I’m being flicked from the inside. Never mind the “butterflies” or a “fluttering sensation,” this baby goes for the punch! Thankfully, it’s nothing that keeps me awake at night, but I’m sure that’s coming, right?

This morning, Bobbie Jo was moving a bit, so I put MCM’s hand on my tummy, and she graced him with a movement, like immediately. I’m glad he was able to feel it :D

We’re headed to my parent’s house for the weekend. I’m eager to show off my baby bump, and have someone go clothes shopping with me. The rubber band trick isn’t cutting it any more. I need some elastic-ness to keep the pants from looking like the ghetto boys who have to hike theirs up after every 1/3 step.

Blondie and I are going to Kohl’s. You know those peely coupons they send off to you. They say “get 10, 15, or 30% off” as if they really give *anyone* those 30% coupons, I know I never do. BUT for this one! I got the 30% off one!!

Then, tonight, I’ve got a date! MCM and I are triple dating with Blondie, her boyfriend, and my parents.

All those thoughts have scattered, and I’m left grasping at…nothing really. Besides I’m in the truck typing this and using battery power that doesn’t ever seem to last long enough.

But, oh! Before you do go, I’m in need of some advice. We’ve picked out a boy’s name, Brendon Cole/Creed. But here’s the thing. *Everyone* wants to say braaandon instead of breeendon. I don’t want to have to correct everyone every time they say ‘Oh Brandon that’s cute.’ “No dummy, listen, I said Brendon.” So….if you happen to know of a name that fits with Cole or Creed, mind letting me borrow it? I don’t want something boring and common. I’m looking for something a little more rare, not weird, though.

Ready? Set! Go!

Corrections and Explenations

I basically scribbled that last post and ran out the door to dinner. I do know how to spell finally, and we aren't NAMING the baby Bobby Jo, it's just our little label for it now.

My mom's reaction was interesting to me. I changed into a different cooler shirt than the heavy sweater I had on, cause the weather had warmed up. I said, hey mom, do you like my shirt? She turned around, read the "bun in the oven" phrase across is and for like 2 minutes just stared open mouthed at me. I was worried she wasn't excited. I was wrong, cause she shrieked like a banshee. All my sisters were like, I knew it! How may I ask???

My dad was on the phone with my brother, The Officer, and was like I have to go. After he comprehended it, he called The Officer back and said "Your sister is pregnant!"

In the times following dinner, I proceeded to call various family members to tell them.

Marine brother was funny. I told him, and he replied back, Happy Birthday, and good (I think he was searching for congratulations) on your {pause} accomplishment!

There you have it.

Long time no talk

I'm awful aren't I? I have all these things to write about, but I know that if I sit down and actually type them out, I'll end up rambling and drive even the spiders away. So here's a few things that have been going on since my last post.

Don't let Mac's apparent attitude fool you. This was her second tractor ride of the day. After the first one, she was outside playing with one of my sisters, and we heard, being inside, what we thought was her whining.

Nope, she was making the tractor sounds "mmmmmmmm." Tell me, who could resist giving her a ride.
For some reason, Mac thinks this face is her "smiling pretty" for the camera. She squinches up her nose and eyes and bares her teeth. Cute, no?

Here's those pictures of the door process I mentioned eons ago.
Put yourself in my shoes. I watched as they pried the moulding from around the door, which they broke. I watched the baffle themselves as to how the door was bent and no longer fit. I just had to leave. Staying out of the view wasn't an option unless I holed myself up in the kitchen, and who really wants to do that? So I drove over to Mark's work to bring him his lunch. I was happy to leave, but I was nervous. I mean, what if I came back to no door at all, just a hole in the wall. Oh wait, I did. Heh. They broke the door jam trying to 'fix' it.
I had to leave again, a few hours earlier. This time when I got back, the guys had disappeared and as I walked around the corner, I had to perfect my super evading ninja skills. This dangerous piece of wood was just waiting for me, I know it. But look, there's a new door jam and door.
Then, I noticed the pile of stuff they dropped right outside the door...and in my flowers, too! All in all, it's better than it was. There's still a little crack under the door, like the bottom of the whatever got bent as they were installing it.
Let's see, is there anything else that you've missed out on? Nope. My laundry grabs my ankles as I walk by, and my dishes chase me around the kitchen, but I just have to snap my fingers and watch the work get done. Heh.

Nope, I did forget something. We bought a new-to-us truck the other week. It's a 2004 Chevy Silverado. Somewhat champagne colored, very nice interior, but smells of smoke. It's not too noticeable, except when its been sitting in the sun all day. I keep saying that I'm going to Fabreeze the smell out, but I'm just lazy. Plus, MCM takes it to work, so I don't have it at my every beck and call.

Every up as a down. We sold the Heep. To a guy who lives in VA Beach. The guy came, looked over the inside, started the ignition, revved the engine up, and bought it. He didn't even drive it! I guess he was really, really attracted to it. Now, I'm done.

How Many Uses Is 'Multipurpose'?

I think I'm entitled to disliking certain insects. I am fearful of spiders, like can't function around them. One time though, I did put that fear aside and assisted my group of girls at a summer camp win a scavenger hunt by being the one who held a daddy-long-leg by a leg for what seemed like forever.

I hate roaches, like thought Wall-E would have been so much better if his buggy friend had been non-roach. I've met many since we've moved in to this apartment. We had zero in the other place, now it seems as if the previous owners didn't clean or what, and the roaches moved in when it was vacant. First, it started with just the little ones. I smashed those with a vengeance, gleeful to give them payment for living in my space.

Then, the Big Ones showed up. These are the ones that are the size of your whole big toe! The first one I saw was at like 550 when I was up for work. Mark was still asleep so I couldn't call for him. I had an epiphany. I used my 'multipurpose cleaner'. It says multipurpose, so multipurpose is multipurpose. It kills germs as well as roaches. I chased that bugger through my small dinning room and gassed the area between the wall and the heater unit with fumes of bleach. I found it dead when I got home, it and a few little ones.

Today was the Worst Day Ever. First, at breakfast, I had my feet under the table. I felt something like a plastic wrapper, like off the top of a syrup bottle or something. My thought was, Oh, I'll pick it up with my toes. Right after that was, Let's look at to make sure it's not a roach...

I am so glad I did. So very glad. I looked under the table...IT WAS A ROACH! I had just thought about picking up a roach with my toes. I had played with a roach with my toes. I was disgusting! And to make matters worse, my game of footsie with it had ripped off its wings or something. Talk about nasty. Lest, I accidentally nudge it, I kept my feet on my chair for the rest of breakfast, since no one would pick it up for me. Bethany finally did, but she found that part of it had stuck to the floor. What the-?! I know I didn't toe it *that* hard.

They made a second appearance. I was trying to be a good wifey and clean up the mess MCM and I had made while we were making dinner. I made biscuits, he made chicken alfredo (I promise, he did!). I started rinsing out dishes, loaded the dishwasher, and reached out to pick cups off the counter. I screamed. Loudly, like, I had never done before. This One had invaded my counter space! I was mad, I was scared, I was also bawling. That's how MCM found me when he rode in on his white horse to save me, wearing the amazing Dr. Pepper pants I bought him. How could those bugs think that these counters are for them to roam around on? How could they think that they deserve free reign in my kitchen?! I despise them! Even as MCM's arms were around me comforting me in my distress-ness, my thoughts were 'what do I have to kill it with?' Then I remembered my 'multipurpose cleaner'. He discovered the nastiness had moved, further defiling my countertops. Moving appliances, cups, empty bottles, he cornered it, showered it with bleach and poison, forcing it into the sink and trapping it in the drain part where he drenched it in 'multipurpose cleaner'. MCM's my hero. What would I do without him? I'd probably move out, inspite of year lease we just signed.

After the trauma wore off, I had a mission. I scrubbed the defiled countertop with my 'multipurpose cleaner' just to spite that thing. I hadn't really been doing a good job keeping the kitchen clean anyways, so it's probably my fault anyways, that the roaches have flurrished :( But MCM and I decided to do better. We're going to rinse dishes off, keep crumbs down, and get the maintainance men to come spray the whole kitchen!

On a lighter, happier note, I went to Busch Gardens today. It was pretty cool. I'm a chicken with heights, so you can imagine me on rollercoasters. I was freaking out the whole time. But I will admit, it was fun! Until the last one that shook my head and gave me the start of a migraine :( It was worth the fun that MCM, Thing One, Thing Two, and I had together. Blondie is on her way down here, even as I type this. She should be here soon :) We're planning on going to Virginia Beach on Monday. It's gonna be fun!

Mornings and Cooties

Did you know how much I despise mornings and waking up? Like, always. When I was little my brothers and sisters would take great delight in getting up super early, like 5ish to play games and stuff. I was the one who liked to say in bed. I remember this one time, we, as a family, had played Monopoly one evening. About 11 or so, we called it quits. Dad would make unseemly deals with those who were going bankrupt and the game would just go on and on. My little brother, Marine, had so much fun, that he woke up super early the next morning, like 5 or so and was like, KL, let's go play Monopoly again. I was having none of that, so he got Blondie to play with him...get this, they were like 9 and 6 or something, could barely read, and had no clue what to do. They played for hours though. Thing 1 and Thing 2 liked getting up early too. They usually kept each other entertained in their room. Their favourite things to play with were 1) beanie babies, or 2) plastic bottles. Yeah, like shampoo, sprays, empties, fulls, anything plastic. Thing 2 especially liked this game. She'd group them up in families in the bathroom and play house, make them talk, walk and such. We'd frequently have to raid her room before we'd shower or bathe.

So back to early mornings...I like sleeping. MCM is a morning person. Saturdays are a conflict of interests. This morning, about 6ish, while I was still reveling in the sleep, He was awake...paying more attention to me than I wanted. I tried everything, fake sleeping, moving away, huffing, grumbling, and bartering. He was persistent. I finally got him to let me sleep until 7:15. AFTER all this he decided to go downstairs so he wouldn't wake me up. AFTER I was already up. AFTER I couldn't go back to sleep again. AFTER I started getting hungry for breakfast. Wasn't that considerate of him? I love him, so it's all good. That really only happens on Saturdays. Weird, I know. Sundays he sleeps later, at least 630 or 7.

I went to a friend's baby shower today. Here's some pics. She's about 35 weeks, having a little girl. Can you imagine all the pink?

It's kinda funny. When I was in high school, all my friends were getting boyfriends/girlfriends and going out. When I was in college, all my friends were getting engaged and married. Now that I'm *whispers* an adult (SHH!!) */whisper*, everyone's having babies and such. There's Rebecca, Devon, Susan, (someone else), a doc at work, a nurse at work, a physical therapist at work, a pharmacist at work, a dietician at work, two more nurses at work...I think it's contaigious, so I'm going to just wear a HazMat suit to work from now on. That'll protect me from baby cooties, and bodily fluids too!

Speaking of babies, Noah, who I mentioned a little while ago, is doing pretty good. I forget what I had mentioned, but here's the scoop. Before he was born, the docs were concerned about his kidneys not working right. After he was born, he was peeing pretty good, but they ultrasounded his kidneys and found out that one of them was pretty much just a mass of cells, not a kidney, and the other was trying to overcompensate for it. They took him to surgery a few days ago to remove the mass (it was 10 cm!). The biopsy came back benign, but it's a type of fast growing benign tumor, so they'll have to keep him under watch. During surgery, they found out that his diaphragm (the muscle under your lungs that helps you breathe), wasn't entirely intact. They fixed it, attaching to the back of his abdominal cavity. Currently, he kidney is working well, with no reflux (backwards flow), and he's eating well now that he's got some extra room in that tummy. I think he even got to go home today! Here's some pics from my cell phone that I took a the day after he was born.

fine I'll update

My husband decided that it was time to update my blog. So here's an update. Last week, after the 4th of July, we had a houseful of family. Honestly, it was crowded and I missed our space, but I didn't mind sacrificing it for the fun we had. We took Cynthia, our nine month old niece, to the pool one afternoon. She had this little blow up boat that she sat in for a while. After she gained a little courage, she 'swam' around in mommy's arms. This pool was a whole lot warmer than the ocean or my parent's pool that we visited.
Speaking of the ocean, we took a trip to Virginia Beach one day while Mark had to work. That was the day I braved the tunnels. We walked along the board walk and initiated Cynthia to the ocean. She did not like it that much. I wouldn't have liked it either, it was cold! I think that day was one day I could have been blind and not minded it. Oh, the people that were there and the clothes they didn't wear. I had to restrain myself from gouging out my eyes several times by reminding myself that if I did that, then there goes my job, driving, practically everything. So I spared myself and just shut them instead.
Friday, I think it was, several of us went out looking for a beach. We found one, just about 20 minutes or so away. It wasn't a tourist-type beach, but it worked for our purpose. It was the first time that the current McMillen family had been together since...ever. Mark's dad and brother-in-law were unable to make our wedding. Since this was a {inject whatever adjective you this is appropriate here} occasion, we took some family pictures. Here's a few.

just us pretty girls

Cynthia likes playing patti-cake, especially while getting her picture taken with Aunt Melinda!

Don't you just love the windblown effect?

Back row: Mark, Dad, Josh, David
Front row: Krystina, Mom, Shannon, Melinda
Lap row: Cynthia

Matt and Deanna (our Sunday school teacher and his wife) just gave birth to their second son on the 15th. They had been concerned about his kidneys not working properly while in utero, and recently, they've found some cysts on one kidney while the other kidney is dilated from working to compensate for the other. In addition to that, Noah's bili levels are high, so he's getting phototherapy treatments at a children's hospital across the water. While all that is going on, their other son, Bryce, has a fever, swollen lymph nodes, bilateral ear infections, and tonsilitis. He's also hospitalized awaiting a much needed CT scan, which he's not laying very still for (he's only three). Thankfully, both of the boys are at the same hospital, though different floors, I'd imagine. Please, keep them all in your prayers. What should be a happy celebration has turned into trials and grief. I still don't think that Bryce has been able to meet his new little brother, since he had a fever while Deanna was having Noah.

Is that a good update? I'm going to try to get over to CHKD (that's the hospital, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters) Monday before I have to work. I have to go in from 3pm to 7pm. Visiting hours don't start till 10, but I think I can make it there before lunch and be back in time to get some house stuff done. It might be a few days before I let you know what's happened cause I'm really working this week. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. All 12's except Monday.

Partying and Working

This is one baby who's growing up fast! McKenna is 13 months, and the biggest flirt ever! Don't be alarmed that she looks a big drunk or something, it's just the strawberry juice. She was in heaven with them. Those and sitting on her granddad's lap. She even managed to wipe her face on his shirt once or twice.














See that bit of strawberry poking out? That's not even 1/10 of the monster. It was probably as big as four of her fists. She devoured like 2 1/2 of them before moving on to juicy watermelon, which she ate by breaking pieces off then putting them her mouth. The poor strawberries just got shoved in...and up her nose it looks like there.













Did I mention that Wonder Woman from the last post also help head up this conglomeration of graduates, family, and friends? See that big strawberry on that plate? That's the one she was eating in the previous picture. The one that's half gone in her mouth was about that size as well. It's pretty much squishing that piece of watermelon. Oh, that's my brother Nick taking pictures with Bekah and Dad whilst McKenna munches away.








Now, I accomplished something that I had never tried before. I grilled. Not just "dad, let me flip them" but from start to finish, with the exception of lighting the grill. I have to admit, it was pretty fun. Now I know why guys like it so much. The flames, the smoke, the flames, the food, the flames!









You can kind of see some of the flames here, but that's nothing compared to what it was real life. Oh, yeah baby! Talk about flame broiled, those patties were basking in the flames! The hot dogs didn't fare to well, but I had never done it before, so how was I supposed to know to put the hot dogs on when the hamburgers were almost done?


Mark's playing X-box Live right now, and when I upload the pictures, it messes it up, so you'll just have to be patient to see the rest of the pictures tomorrow. I'm excited about putting them up here.

I can blog about my most recent accomplishment, since I can't blog about the previous recent one.

Today was my very first day all by my onsie on the floor as a nurse. All by myself as in, no one checking behind me to make sure I've charted on time, no one looking to see if I've given all the meds, no more "I'm Krystina, I'll be *one of your nurses today*." Nope, it was, "I'm Krystina, I'll be your nurse until this evening." I have to be honest, the day started out as very suspicious for a bad day. I woke up at 6:2somthing. Normally I'm up and stumbling about at 5:55 and out the door by 6:2something. Do you get the picture now?? Yeah, it was not a good start. Mark, he was so helpful and sweet, asking what he could do to help me get ready. He didn't have to work today, but he was up anyways. He toasted and cream cheesed a bagel for me :) I did make it to work on time though, well, on paper at least I clocked in at 6:45. But it turned out ok. Four of my five rooms were occupied. They all contained very nice people. I let one of them loose before 11am, so I had three peeps and two vacancies. I was praying all day that I wouldn't get two admissions. It doesn't sound like allot, but two admissions in one 12 hour shift is enough to make it a bad day. I think I had other people praying too, cause those two rooms sat empty with not even a prospect to fill them until about 6pm. Then was when IT happened. I realized that the new patient had the same last name as one of this neighbors. That wasn't going to fly. Can you see the confusion?? It's bad enough when there's two with the same names on one side of the tower, but on the same side of the hall, next to each other?? No way, Jose'! But I put him in the other empty room, that made him across the hall from same name guy. It all worked out. I have to go to bed, my husband is turning out the lights on me. I'll post the rest of the flaming pictures tomorrow, along with the radio fiasco.

Things I've Learned From TV

My increasing exposure to the medical field has awoken my sarcastic attitude toward TV shows with medical stuff in them. Like, House, MD and ER. It makes me laugh, watching these shows. Let's start with ER.

1. Every single patient is seen by at least one, usually more than one, doctor within seconds of walking through the door (or riding on a stretcher through the door).
2. The doctors take a personal interest in each person's little problems.
3. The various doctors communicate with each other, at the patient's bedside.

In reality...

1. Every patient has to wait at least 30 minutes before the registration people come in to see them.
2. They don't.
3. Their communication between each other exists of a written order stating, "Change patient to Dr. So-in-So's care at 7am, and inform him of the change."

As for House, MD, I guess the title should be enough to let you know that it basically only portrays "MD's" not nurses. If there are nurses, they're the ones that come running a doc yells, "I need a nurse in here!"

1. Doctors hang IV meds, give patients pills, run lab tests, etc.
2. The doctors personally give pain medications to make them comfortable.
3. CPR/Code Blue is started by a doctor.

In reality...

1. The closest they come to giving any medications is thinking about it and writing it down.
2. We nurses have to squeeze anything stronger than Tylenol out of them like they were Ebeneezer Scrooge and we were Bob Cratchet.
   
3. They attend the Code Blue, but leave the sweaty work to nurses.

I'm not complaining about how they are, I'm just laughing at how good TV likes to make it appear. Of course, it doesn't stop me from watching House on Mondays at 9pm :) If I remember, that is.

I had plans to show the great change in our apartment. After working Thursday and Friday (twelve hours shifts), then driving after work Friday to my parents' house for the weekend, coming back Sunday in time for church, and then working again Monday and Tuesday (twelve hour shifts again), the apartment was a disaster zone. But I really didn't want to be embarrassed by physical pictures. But now, it's like...clean!

Did I mention that Mark's family is coming down? They are, the second week in July. I think they're coming from like Saturday through Sunday of the next following week. Mark's mom, dad, sister with her daughter, other sister, and brother are all coming. The only one not coming is Josh, Mark's bother-in-law, who just started a new job. Have you seen the space we have here? Granted, we'll be in the town house by then, but it's not THAT much bigger. But it'll be fun, I've taken that week off, but Mark still will be working. I guess that means I'll have to make real meals. Got any ideas for some easy yummy lunch or dinner foods?