Crazy days (and nights)

So it’s been awhile since I’ve been around. I’m sure you’ve wondered if I fell into the cold, harsh abyss that is the real world. Well, truth be told, I’m still hanging on to the ledge with a few fingers. Here’s the cliff notes version of what I’ve been up to in the last weeks and months:

* I finally graduated!!! December 13 was the day that the big guns at MoWo took a chance and handed me the pin that says I'm legit in the world. Hmm, kinda risky if you ask me, but whateva.

* I took and passed my boards in February. That was a grueling 2 day wait to find out my results. Something possessed me to check my results while I was at work. Lucky for me, I passed, but that could have been tragic.

* I've been in heaven and loving my job in labor and delivery at Heartland. I work with truly gifted and amazing people and have learned so much in such a short time. My very favorite is probably the surgical OB. I'm getting pretty good at passing the instruments and dabbing at uteruses. Okay, so it's not for everyone, but I'm sure having a good time.

* I’ve welcomed 23 new little folks into the world as their delivery nurse. Every one was as amazing as the first. I have no doubts that some of these kiddos are going to go on to be great one day.

* On March 4, I got the humble honor of delivering a gorgeous little boy whose momma just couldn’t wait for the doctor to arrive. That was the most exciting and scariest thing I have ever done in my life. Fortunately I had an awesome senior nurse by my side, talking me through each step. Love ya Shea!!!! Certainly not an event I hope to repeat anytime soon, but we will see.

* Last night I saw my first fetal demise. It was truly horrible. I bawled for most of the rest of the shift. I have seen what that precious life looks like at 18 weeks and anyone who thinks that it’s not really a "baby" at that point needs to see the page with his hand and footprints. Every finger and every toe present and accounted for. When this little lost life was handed to his mother my heart broke into a million pieces and I will never be the same. Fortunately most of what I get to deal with on a daily basis leaves wonderful, happy memories, but when a situation like this arises all I can do is get down on my knees and thank God for my life and for my children.

* On a lighter note, night shift blows!!! I have completely lost my grasp on time. I walked into work at 6:30 pm the other night and told one of the other nurses "good morning". Duhrrr. I get really confused when I go to sleep and wake up and it’s still the same day. Kinda this quasi, twisted deja-vu. So if you ever see me out and about at my usual hangout (aka WalMart) and I look dazed and confused, it’s because I totally am. Please reorient me and hope for the best.

* Last, but certainly not least, Scuba Steve is getting a day job!!!! Whoop whoop!! After a glorious 15 year run at Smurfit, (14 and a half years too many IMHO) the chick is flying the coop. He is going to be working for a dental lab here in town making teeth for the geriatric and incarcerated set. Hmm, removable chompers, how convenient... Yeah, totally NOT GOING THERE! This will be great for us and he is pretty excited about the change, which makes me really happy! The next few months should be pretty exciting for all of us!

Anyway, that’s basically what I’ve been up to. I’ll try not to be such a stranger from now on.

Love y’all!
Erin

So Funny

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1343871370

OMG! Sooooooooooooooo funny!!!! Steve's the slow one. Hmmmm.

O Christmas Tree

The boys really helped out with the decorating this year!

Note the large cluster of ornaments about 1/3 of the way up the tree.

Our House After the Ice Storm

This is the damage to our house after Monday night's ice storm. We lost power and the lines were pulled completely off the house. 2 windows were broken and the fence is pretty mangled, but fortunately there was no damage to our vehicles or roof. Looks like we won't have power for several days so it's off to Grandma's we go!