Being a patient

Being a patient lately has really gotten me thinking about myself as a nurse. I see patients all the time in home health and I've definitely forgotten the hospital setting. The constant vial sign checks that wake you up every hour of the night, the crappy meals and most importantly, the quality of the nurses. Now that I've been a nurse for a few years, I can recognize the types of nurses right off the bat. The new grads who do everything by the book and look nervous the second they walk through your door. The somewhat experienced nurses that still take the time to care about their patients. The experienced nurses that have been hardened by the job and are quickly in and out of your room. The veterans that do their job well, but without empathy. And last but not least, the rare nurses that do their job to the best of their ability and have compassion for their patients simply for the love of caring for another person. This is the type of nurse that I want to be and being a patient has helped me recognize and learn things to improve myself. It's gotten me thinking that I want to pursue my BSN, but we'll see. Maybe 2013 has something in store for me. Can't wait!

Birthday in the hospital

After an appointment at the MD office today, I ended up in the hospital. While I was at the MD, I had an NST performed and was having regular contractions. I thought they were just Braxton-Hicks contractions, but apparently the fact that they were occurring during regular intervals made my doctor worried. That and the fact that I had been nauseated, vomiting and dizzy along with high blood pressure didn't help the situation any. So I was in the hospital for a few hours, bored and hoping that this baby wouldn't be arriving anytime soon. 3 more weeks until she's full term!

All of these things happening honestly made me forget that it was my birthday but my friends didn't let me forget :) We had a little dinner at the palace, decorations and all. Thank you to Rees for planning and everyone else who helped make my night a little more special! Love you guys :) Turning 30 ain't that bad after all!

Bed rest

So today I had an MD appointment and my doctor noticed that my blood pressure was high. So starting monday of next week I'm off work and on modified bed rest. Basically, I can shower, quickly fix my meals and drive myself to and from appointments as long as I'm feeling well enough to do so. So, how do people with toddlers do this exactly? 

Anyway, I was a little relieved but bummed that I had to get off of work. However, I know it's what's needed to take care of this little one in my belly so for her I would do anything. I must admit though, I know this bedrest is going to drive me crazy. On top of that we have a party at our house next saturday and it's going to drive me nuts that I'm not able to clean the house. Just thinking about it right now, I want to sweep and mop the floors already! 

But regardless of what Francis will tell you, I will take care of myself. Despite the occassional LIGHT cleaning (and by this I mean picking up a bottle that Alana has thrown on the floor), I will restrict myself to the bed. Wish I had time to stock up on art stuff to play around with though before this bed rest. Apparently I'm not allowed to go shopping either!!! (cry)

Why hello there!!!!!

Today the following people joined Francis, Alana and I during our 3D ultrasound of our little one (Lola Celia, Lolo Bal, Lola Cristina, Lolo Roy, Auntie Heidee). It makes me happy to know that baby #2 is being so loved already before she's even born! I was a bit worried that she would be neglected since Alana was born so recently but it hasn't been that way at all. Both families are extremely excited and it makes me happy.

Here are the pictures from the day. Enjoy!!!

Guilt

For those of you with more than one kid, do you ever get that sinking feeling when you're worried you're favoring one child over the other? Well today I've been thinking a lot about that. I know I have less time in the day for random things that I did with Alana, but should that be an excuse? I'm worried that I won't know how to balance my time and that I may neglect one of the other when the new baby finally arrives. How do you guys juggle all of this? With work, marriage, family and friends, how do you make time? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Here I found a post that another mom blogged about and it made me feel a little more at ease that I'm not the only one afraid of having a second child. http://www.parents.com/blogs/great-expectations/2012/12/21/preparing/what-they-dont-tell-you-to-expect/?socsrc=pmmfb1223122

Halloween Time and a little balance

Because of her jet black curly hair and white complexion, this year we decided that Alana would be Snow White :) Oh how times have changed. This year my friends went to an Egyptian-themed Halloween party and pregnant me just didn't have the urge to go. Maybe it was a little bit of the fact that I can't go dressed as anything but a pumpkin at the moment, haha!!! But all jokes aside, I do need to find a better balance. I'm sure that you moms can relate to this but when I look at Alana, my only desire is to spend every waking moment with her. Looking at her right now while I blog, I feel like I should be teaching her something new, something more than just sitting her in front of a tv or toys. Then I start to think about going out with friends and I feel torn. I want to spend time with friends, but at the same time I have a responsibility to her, don't I? Don't get me wrong, it's not like I never leave the house or something, but there are just those days when I wonder if I'm doing it all wrong. Am I one of those mothers that just hover over her child and never take a break that I probably need? What if I'm just not the partying type anymore? I still make time for friends, talk on the phone, go out to lunch/dinner with them. Anyway, I guess this is all just a learning experience, right?

Back to Halloween though, Alana was the most adorable Snow White I have ever laid eyes on but I guess I'm a little biased. Hey, she's my daughter. I think I'm allowed! Hope everyone had a great halloween!!

Snow White ate the apple!

My beautiful Snow White

Alana and Mommy

...well...she ate the apple! 

Cutie Pie 

Family time

This weekend was definitely a relaxing, family filled weekend. Sometimes I kinda feel like this is the calm before the storm. Right now we only have a few weeks until the new baby arrives and I think Francis has successfully joined me in my nesting phase of my pregnancy. I didn't really get to go through this living at our old house on Langdon so naturally, living on our own for the first time drove me to want a clean house.

It's so surprising how different my pregnancies have been. This time around seems so much harder. Given yes I have a 14 month old to take care of but my body just feels like its about to just give up sometimes. I have sciatica, horrible heartburn and ache all over the place.

But regardless, when I look at Alana, all I can think of is how lucky I am to be having another one. People would die to be in my position and I don't take it for granted. A few years ago I thought I would have a hard time conceiving and so I understand the importance of what I have now.

For this weekend at least, I welcomed the quiet simple moments with my growing family.

Happy Face

So I don't like to post pics of my stretch-marked belly but this was adorable. She was kissing her little sister!!!

Baby #2 headshot

Stuffing her face with snacks as usual

Family Dinner