Milestones

Well, hello...this week I've completed two milestones in my life. First, I FINALLY reached my pre-pregnancy weight. It only took almost 10 months. Geez. I suppose that is normal. It took a lot of hard work, mostly watching what I ate, but it finally happened. Yay. Although, it's weird because your body isn't the same even if it weighs the same. All you moms out there will know what I'm talking about.

My second milestone was that I performed my first pelvic exam, testiculor (spelling?), and digital rectal exam this week. Fun eh? Yeah, I'm learning OB/GYN right now. And I suppose that meant learning how to do a male hernia and prostate exam as well. Everyone's first reaction is "you did what?", but really, it wasn't that bad. You get over the awkwardness fast. It actually was interesting. I swear. Perhaps not all of you will agree with me. =) But still, thinking back, it was kind of cool.

So two completely different milestones, but still milestones nonetheless. This week's milestone will be getting access to our new place! We start painting this weekend and hope to get a big portion of the move done on Monday.

So this week will be insane. Studying like crazy til Thursday (OB/GYN test)...then packing like crazy, painting, and what not Thurs-Monday-ish. I'm sure we won't completely be out by monday. Plus, we'll have to paint our apartment back to white once we're out. Ohhh, the hassels of moving. But we're very excited. I'll post pics eventually, but to be honest, it might be awhile. Unpacking, while still in school, will be a SLOW process.

Ok, goodnight folks. Til next time!

Strange feeling

So I suppose many mothers feel like this...

So two people that I know have just recently given birth to beautiful little babies (and my sister-in-law is soon!). Now, I know that I do not want to get pregnant right now because 1) I'd like to get my body back to normal for a little bit and feel healthy and skinny again for a little while. But....seeing all of these babies makes me want to have a baby again, to experience a newborn again, to snuggle a tiny one again. Now, Sky may only be 9 mo, but he is such a big boy! I can't believe it. I just know he is going to be walking before I know it.

It's just weird to be pulled two in directions. I know my head will win out in the end because I don't want to complicate school more than it already is...but still. =) So, I will still say no to the small desire begining in my heart....but eventually, Sky will have a lil bro or sis. I promise.

Ok...just wanted to share that thought. I have to go work on a assignment for school now. See ya!

Chicago

This weekend we had a quick trip to Indiana to visit old college friends and then to Chicago to visit old INTRSCT friends. It was so fun and nice to get away, even if for a little bit. Granted, it was very tiring, especially with a 9 month old, but SO much fun. Plus, Skyler did excellent and was very happy most of the time!

With the Christensons, we got to teach them Killer bunnies and Bonanaza and remember old funny stories (more so about Allen..haha!). Plus, we got to introduce Sky to a big ole black lab. They had fun together and Skyler got drenched in kisses. Then in Chicago, we got to visit our old home, eat at a sentimental restaurant, play apples-to-apples (with the BEST people to play it with), hear Trent's stuck poop story, and eat Nancy's pizza. All in all, it was a great weekend. So fun....

Now, I have to go back to reality. Back to studying all the time. But, good news, we just found out that we will be moving soon to a house! yay! (So,Kristen, you can visit Michigan and we'll have a room for you!) The driving force to giving me hope (in regards to school) is remembering that I only have 6 clin med tests left. That's 5 months left of studying. Then on to rotations I go. On to practicing medicine on actual people--whoah--kind of scary, but also exciting. So here we go people...5 months and counting.

Til next time,
Erin

Long time...no see

So, apparently, I'm awful at blogging. Partly because I barely have time to do my regular duties of being a mom, wife, and grad student....and partly because I think Kristen (smile!) is the only one who reads this. oh well. So sorry for my lack of ambition when it comes to blogging.

Well, not much is new. I still am in school, which causes me many days of stress and anxiety, but I still love what I'm learning and excited to be a PA in 18 months! Allen still is teaching and molding young minds. Skyler is a very active 9 month old. Once he figured out how to crawl, he is in everything he shouldn't be. =) But he's so fun and a very good baby. We're very blessed to have such an amazing son!

So we hope that everyone is having a great day! Til next time....whenever that may be...

Erin

untitled

My vacation is nearing its end. It is quite sad. Although, I do enjoy learning medicine, I have definately been enjoying my family and social time. I didn't have to say no to invitations because I have to study. I didn't have to look at Sky's sweet face and not be able to spend as much as time as I want with him because I have to study. I didn't have to spend less time with Allen because I have to study. It has truly been nice. Not relaxing though. I've still been busy. I swear I either had a family party, some social event, shopping, or something everyday of my vacation. Perhaps I loaded my days with these activities because these are things I don't get to do often when I'm in school. So, therefore, I pack my days full. I do get some downtime, don't worry, but not much. C'est la vie I suppose.

August will come eventually. That is what I keep telling myself!

Til next time...
Erin

I made it!

Wow! I passed clinical medicine I. I actually did it! I know I definately would not have made it without the help of Jesus (first and foremost), my wonderful husband, my family, and my friends. Thank you to all who helped me out with watching Skyler so I could study--most props go to Allen! Thank you for all the prayer and encouragement!

PA is definately hard and full of pressure, but with Jesus and lots of support of friends and family, you can do it! So thank you one and all! Thank you Jesus!

Now I get to relax and have a VERY Merry Christmas!

Fully relaxed, Erin

Busy busy busy!

So, I'm not sure if I'm going to keep this blog for two reasons...



1. I'm way too busy to remember to blog. I just don't have time for it.



2. I don't think anyone really reads it anyways. It's like I'm talking to myself!

If I'm wrong, please let me know!

But...if there are any visitors out there, here a few update pics...


Merry Christmas everyone!

I apologize!

I apologize...I basically never have time to blog anymore. (or remember for that matter!) School sucks up all of my time and any spare time I have I spend it with my hubby and son. Even my housework gets put off way too long---in fact, I've been trying to catch up and have been doing laundry for 3 days! That's right, 3 days.

Well, things are good for us. We are forever busy, but we're good. Skyler is growing like a weed, he's 5 months old (will be on Monday) and he is SO much fun. He giggles, smiles, plays, and snuggles. I love him to pieces! Allen is busy coaching and teaching. Currently, we're praying for God's direction in his life--for possible new opportunities. I'm in my second year of PA school. It's intense and sometimes scary, but I love it. I'm learning so much and God has been with me every step of the way!

I posted a couple of pics of Skyler to keep you updated!

Pictures

I believe Skyler was about 7 weeks at the time these were taken. He's now 11 weeks. It goes by fast!

It really is a crazy life

This summer has flown by. It has been jammed packed with everything you can think of. June was the birth of Skyler and learning to deal with being a student, mom, and wife. July was filled with lots of time at Indian Lake...and still being a student, mom, and wife. In August, I will thankfully have a break from one of my responsibities...a student. After Aug 5, I will have a month off from school (having completed my first year of PA school). My second years begins Septemeber 8 and it will be a very hard and demanding year, but I'm excited for it because I actually get to learn more "PA" stuff rather than background information. Allen has definately been enjoying his summer and I'm sure will not be happy to start school again. He has had many game nights and lots of time playing video games (amist fatherly duties of course). August, although, will get busier for him, since soccer practices will begin shortly. Skyler is doing great! He is now 81/2 weeks old. It is crazy how fast he is growing (already!). He "talks" all the time, smiles so much (and I love it when he smiles when he sees me walk into the room), holds his head up on his own, and has the strongest kick I've ever seen a baby have. Seriously, he doesn't act like an 8 week old. I think secretly he thinks he is 12 weeks. =) Overall, we've been doing great. VERY VERY busy, but great. Maybe in August I'll post more...maybe. ;-)

Here is Skyler at 8 weeks. He is such a big boy! He definately acts older than what he is. He talks and smiles ALL the time. He is a very good baby, I definately can't complain!

A baby changes everything!

Ok..I know it has almost been a month since my last month..but things sure have been crazy around here! I'm sure all the parents out there know that! I've been quite busy with school and being a new mom...also, we were on vacation at Indian Lake Naz Camp for 10 days the first of July. We are doing great, including Skyler. Below are some more recents pics of my ever growing little man! He basically looks like a 2 1/2 month old at 6 weeks!

Better Late Than Never!

Ok, I realize that it has been over a month since I've posted. My bad! Things have been kind of crazy with school and adjusting to having a newborn. That's right...Skyler is here! Here is his story....

On May 31, I went to the hospital with contractions; however, I ended up being sent home because I didn't dilate any further than 1. June 1 when I was at my doctor (now 40 weeks), I found out that I was still only dilated to 1, Skyler was at -3, and my cervix was still pretty hard (not ready for labor at all!). They decided to do an ultrasound to check his size...well, I was in for a big shock! The ultrasound estimated that he weighed 9 lbs 12 oz and that his head was quite large. My doctors didn't think that Skyler would fit through my pelvic bone since I was having contractions and he was still pretty high. SO....I was scheduled for a C-section the next day! So Skyler was born on June 2, 2009 at 1:37pm weighing 9 lbs 11 oz. He is as cute as can be and is a very good baby! (quite content!) I'm healing pretty well as well. The first week was pretty rough, but I'm feeling almost normal now! I'm just glad I can drive now....now I'm looking forward to being able to lift things and work out!

All in all, Allen and I are doing great and having a blast getting to know Skyler. He already has a huge personality! =) Below are some pics!

Is it over yet?

Hey folks,

Well, do not fear, for have not gone into labor yet. So sad. =( I definitely feel like I've been making steps in that direction because I can feel the changes occurring in my body (dealing with Skyler that is). Every day I still think..."maybe today is the day!" I've started walking, exercising, and all kinds of stuff in hopes to encourage Skyler to come any day now...so we'll see if that helps. (or if it's all in vain!)

In other news, school is good. I'm in the second week of my summer semester (which goes til the first week of Aug). My profs are really cool about working with me and when I have Skyler, which is a huge blessing (since I'm not taking time off of school, except for maybe a week). Allen is ready for this school year to be done and I believe he only has like 3 weeks left.

Right now, I'm trying to get over either a cold or an allergic reaction. My neighbor below me is a smoker (which travels up to my apt) and I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. So...my symptoms occurred when the smoking began, so I'm not sure if I'm just sick with a virus or having an allergic reaction to the smoke. Either way, I hope I get better quickly. Some days are good, but of course, I would love to not have burning eyes, coughing up phlem, sneezing, and a congested nose!

Oh, over a month ago, Allen and I had a maternity photoshoot with a friend of ours, Sam. I wanted to share a couple of the pics with you. They are below. Sam did a really good job! So enjoy...and hopefully next time I post, Skyler will be in my arms!

Still waiting

Well, Skyler is still bundled up inside of me. As I write this, a friend of mine is giving birth to her little girl. Let me tell you that this makes me even more impatient. So I've decided to pray as hard as I can that Skyler comes next week. It would work out perfectly with my school schedule and even my personal schedule as well (even with Allen's). So here's to hoping!

We had our shower this past weekend and it went very well. There were a lot of people there and we were definitely showered in lots of love! We almost everything we needed and the "big" items we didn't receive we were able to purchase with the gift cards. God is good! (He knew we couldn't afford to buy all the stuff we needed!) So now I am busy setting up his room and getting it ready for him to join our humble home. I'm actually done for what I can do now until our glider, shelves, and crib mattress arrives. Thankfully, even if we don't have these when Skyler is born (like say if he's born next week), we have everything else ready.

On another note, my summer classes began this week. (Hence why I want Skyler born next week because I have my first test on June 3rd and I'm due June 1!!!) He'll be full term next week, so it will be perfectly safe. =)

Ok, can you tell I'm a bit obsessed. I know in my head that the likeliness that he'll come next week is low, but I'm still holding on to that slim possibility that it CAN happen. I'll try to keep this updated as often as I can!

So let's all pray Skyler is here next week!!!! (even if only for my sanity!)

FREE AT LAST! ok...maybe only temporary

I have finished another semester of PA school! Hooray! I will find out soon how sucessfully I finished another semester. I now get almost two whole glorious weeks off of studying. I almost don't know what to do with myself! Even now, I'm trying to decide what to do with my night. It's a crazy thought. ;-)

On another subject, we had a bit of a scare on Monday night. To make a long story short, I was in the hospital for four hourse with preterm labor and was eventually sent home because the labor wasn't progressing at all. So they sent me home on drugs in hopes to relax my body enough to stop the contractions. They did stop, well kind of. Now, I've moved on to the oh so fun Braxton Hicks contractions (or at least that is what I think I'm feeling now). It is not at all as intense as my contractions were on Monday, so that is why I'm guessing its the BH contractions. So basically, I've decided that Skyler better come early (like maybe in 2 weeks?) so I don't have to feel these pains (which are pretty much all day since Monday) for the next 5 1/2 weeks. I will not be a happpy mama if that happens. Unfortunately, I can not force Skyler to come out. I can only hope and pray that he isn't stubborn like his dad....or his mom. =)

So that's my story and I'm stinkin to it! I hope everyone enjoys their nice weather this weekend (or at least the Michigan-ers will have nice weather--who would have thought?)

Ta ta for now folks!

Way Back Thursday? (Wedding Edition)

A friend from college and EMD celebrate life volleyball (in the old days), Raechel, has a weekly post of "Way Back Wednesdays". This week she reviewed her wedding and asked people to do the same! So, even though its a day late...I decided to post some pics too! I have one disclaimer...I lack a scanner, so some of the photos I just took with my camera. (so I promise they look better than they appear!) Some of the photos I had scanned in the computer years ago, so some of them look ok.

Ok..on with the show!

This is my lovely little sister and I! (although most people these days think she is older than me--she doesn't like that..but I do!)

Halle, my flower girl, and I. I can't believe she is turning six this year!

This is my sweet husband who cried when he saw me coming down the isle (and we had already seen each other before, but it was still a magical moment for us!)

(Again, sorry for the picture of a picture deal) This was the moment he saw me coming down the isle. How sweet is he! I love this man so much!

....and this is me crying as well. My mom thought I was having an asthma attack, but I was just crying too hard! =)

Us during the ceremony
Between the ceremony and the reception, the wedding party stopped by a local mall that had a carousel to take pictures. This is one of my favorites! I was completely surprised by him, it made me laugh!

the girls

...and the boys

At the reception, the bridemaids, a few others, and myself learned and danced Thriller for the guests...SO fun!
The conclusion to our special day!

I apologize for my over indulgence in the pictures I displayed, but it was such an amazing day! I wanted to share as much as possible with y'all!! I hope you enjoyed it!

Now...I really must get to studying, I've procrastinated long enough. =) But this was a fun distraction!

FORE!!!

I have seen a popular posting for Wednesdays where you post old photos and what not. Now I'm SO not displined enough to do this every week and today is actually Thursday and not Wednesday...but oh well! I found this old photo of Rachel and I and I thought it would be fun to share. So take it or leave it. =)

To be honest, I'm not even sure how old we are in this photo. I would say that Rachel is probably 4-5 and I'm 7-8, approximately. I am 90% sure that this was taken at good ole' Indian Lake Campgrounds (a little shout out!). And I know this was my dad's doing. He is a big lover of golf and I'm sure did everything in his power to get us to love it. Rachel likes it more than I, so at least he succeeded with one. =) Well, now he can try to work his magic on Skyler and I'm sure Skyler will love to golf with his Grandpa (actually he'll probably enjoy golfing with both of his grandpas!).

Hope you enjoyed my little blast from the past!

Preggo Update

Here I am at 32 weeks. Just to answer anyone's curiosity (since I get these two Qs a lot)..NO, I am not having twins and YES, as far as I know my due date (of June 1) is correct. Since I carry Skyler right out in front of me, I tend to get these two questions a lot. I have definitely entered the stage of needing to be pushed to sit up and needing to hold on to something to bend down. Sleeping is a pain, literally, but it's ok. I figure when I finally get to see my little Skyler, all of this will be worth it! =)

I have been doing some projects for the decor of his room and I'm quite proud of my craftiness. Once I'm finished, I just may post some pics. =)

Well, I really should get back to studying (unfortunately). Have a great day!

April 4th

Today is April 5th. It seems strange that 6 years ago yesterday, Allen and I went on our first date. Oh how time flies. I can hardly believe we've been married almost 4 years! In honor of our "dating" anniversary, I would to share how we got together. Many know this story, but if not, sit back and relax...

Long ago in a far away land....

Allen and I officially didn't meet until the summer of 2002 after our freshman year at Olivet, however, I was told after we were dating that he has his eyes on me our whole freshmen year. =) Yet, he never talked to me...how is a girl to know a boy likes her if he never talks to her? Moving on... When we did first meet, we both had not so great attractions to each other (for allen it was more of "maybe I should reconsider this"). You see, we met at Indian Lake Campgrounds (Heaven on Earth we like to call it) because our mutual friend Brett, brought him. What turned me off was that Allen had a mullet...oh yes, a full out mullet. (not pretty ladies...let me tell you) What turned Allen off was seeing my sister and I's giggly relationship--you see he has all brothers and didn't understand this (still doesn't sometimes).

So needless to say, we became friends. Fall of our sophomore year, we would talk here and there and I did find out through a friend that he liked me. At the time, I liked someone else, so I didn't pursue him. He did pursue me. He asked me out several (Allen will say 15x) times to do group things--never one on one dates. I had a bad experience in highschool where I kind of led a guy on and I didn't want to repeat it...so I said no...everytime. So by Christmastime, he basically gave up.

Then in early spring our sophomore year, we talked and decided to be co-captains together for intramural indoor soccer. Due to this, we started to talk more and more. OH...I left out a very BIG KEY thing. When we came back from Christmas break...Allen's mullet was GONE. I thought..."mmm, much cuter". =) So anyways.... So I realized that I was starting to like him and I thought I was being pretty obvious about it (although I found out later, he had no clue until I was pretty blunt about it). Then I finally asked if he wanted to see a movie with me. Right now, I can't remember who paid..I think I might have paid for myself. After the movie (which was Bringing Down the House in case anyone is interested), we went to Denny's to talk and have hot chocolate. We ended up talking there until 3am! That moment was the moment I knew he was the one for me. I had never in the past been so comfortable with a guy where I could completely be myself (silly, stupid, and all) and not feel dumb.

From there, the rest is history.... he asked me out the very next day (the day of our very first kiss--which was so cute...he was so nervous). So even though we joke how I turned Allen down many times, I remind him that he did "get" me in the end. =)

So that is our very long, but interesting (at least I think so) story of how we started dating! Hope you enjoyed it!

Below is a pic from our wonderful wedding!