This Unfamiliar Road

Hey y'all!

I am so excited to announce the launch of our new perinatal education class: Boot Camp for New Moms! This class was inspired by its "brother" class Boot Camp for New Dads, facilitated by my very own hubs :)

Boot Camp is not an exercise class, or a course on infant care; it is a discussion-based workshop for parents-to-be to join experienced parents and their babies to learn about life as a new family.

In Mommy Boot Camp, we focus on topics like breastfeeding, comforting techniques, male bonding timeline, and going back to work. The workshop is a judgement-free zone where rookie moms can ask veteran moms about their experiences as a new Mom.



Here are some upcoming classes at my hospital- let your Mom-to-be friends know!

A few weeks ago, I posted about some changes that were coming our way. (I mean...besides a new family member!) Here's an update:

Home Refinance: We closed on our refinance last week, and the process went so smoothly! I could not be more thankful for this change because it will really allow us to achieve some important financial goals.


Work Changes: I have been offered/officially accepted a new position at work. My new job title is Anchor Nurse-basically it's like a charge nurse for the nursery. I won't have assigned patients; rather, I will be responsible for the overall care of all newborns on our unit. Anchor nurses also perform the initial assessment on brand new babies. I have been working towards securing this position in the last few years, so I am really excited about achieving this goal!
Another huge change...I am going back to nights! Yikes...I know, it seems crazy after I couldn't wait to get on day shift. However, I will be going part time so this involves working 2 nights per week (from 7pm-7am).
It will definitely be an adjustment for everyone, but I truly think this is the best decision for our growing family.



On the Home: We are diligently working on Peyton's big girl room and I hope to have it ready in the next 2 weeks. For now, we plan to move her crib into the new room because I am hanging on to crib sleeping as long as I can. I need Peyton contained so I can rest during naps (for night shift work and a new baby!). I would also like to get this kiddo potty trained before Bean arrives. More to come on these things :)


I am truly feeling blessed with the changes that are coming our way! Check back soon to see how we are handling things :)

This has likely been the longest week ever! Truthfully, we've had some stress this week, but I am trying to remain optimistic. Why is it that everything happens at once?!





{ONE} Change is a comin'
We have really been struggling with my work situation after Bean is born. I would love to be at home a little more often-to spend time with my kiddo(s!) plus save on child care. Some new positions have opened up at work that can allow me to do just that :)
I will take a hit to my paycheck big time, but it's the sacrifices we make for our kids, right? We aren't 100% sure yet, but...change is a comin' in some way!


{TWO} Party Time!
Among many other things that have been happening this week, I have been diligently working on Peyton's birthday party...it's tomorrow y'all!!
Here's a sneak peek at my favorite craft for the party, and I promise a full recap with details afterwards.


{THREE} Home Refinance?
Did I mention we have a whole lot going on right now? We are also in the beginning stages of refinancing our home...hoping to pull out some equity to pay off student loans...bleh!
Not the most fun, but we are hoping it will be a solution, so it make me happy :)

{FOUR} Celebrate Dad.
I plan to make Father's Day super special for Ben...by doing absolutely nothing (at his request!). It's been go, go, go and we are all looking forward to hanging out by the pool and grilling burgers. Husband is the best, so he deserves it! ;)


{FIVE} Family Visits.
We are expecting some family visits this summer and I am oh. so. excited. It really stinks to live so far away from family & friends, so I cherish every moment spent with them.
 First up: Aunt Audra!!! 11 more days and counting :)


Happy Friday, friends. Enjoy your weekend!

Link up

First of all, I can't believe it's already the end of May! Where did this month go? We are almost to the end of our challenge...hang with me!


Day 25: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget.

So, I've written a lot about what it's like to be a nurse. I've been brutally honest at times. I do love my job, but nursing is one of those careers that requires a lot of blood, sweat and tears...for very little thanks. I know people say they appreciate nurses, and trust me, we love the donuts, pizza and cookies (even if our waistlines don't!-hey, that's what scrubs are for)...but very few people remember to thank their nurses. Especially in my unit, where everyone is so focused on their newborn baby that they forget to express their appreciation.



One day, I had a patient who I was spending a LOT of time with. She was determined to exclusively breastfeed and I was really trying to help her achieve this goal, even though it was discharge day and this little nugget still had not latched. She was a stubborn babe, and the Mother was incredibly overwhelmed.
Because I had a light patient load that day, I was able to sit down with her and give her some support during her emotional breakdown. It felt good to have the time to offer something other than Motrin :)

Later, she said to me: "Thanks for your help today. You're an excellent nurse and I wouldn't have made it through this without you."

I needed that. It reminded me of the reason that I became a nurse. I won't forget those words.
 

Listen up...it's time for me to get on my soapbox today in our challenge!


 Day 22: Rant about something. Get on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel.

I think everyone has frustrations about work. Let's face it, no job is perfect. 
I work as a mother/baby nurse, so I have the awesome opportunity to watch families form. I get to see women become mothers; men become fathers; kiddos becoming big brother and sisters. How cool is that?


I will say that, for the most part, folks have it figured out when a baby comes along. But there are two categories of people that I just want to slap. Sorry for the honesty, but it's my assignment today :)

Category A) The Clueless. 
These are the people that haven't chosen a pediatrician, haven't read an article (much less an entire book) on parenting, and bring their carseat up to the room still in the box. Are you for real? I bet they could name every fruit the babe was compared to throughout pregnancy, yet act shocked that babies need to eat every 3 hours. 
Let me just say...I realize that it's fun to read all about your pregnancy (I did it!) but it's one period in your life that will soon be over. Whatever is happening is happening, and you really can't change it. Please take this time to read about caring for your baby...learning anything you can! You won't have time once babe is here!

Category B) The overplanners.
Alright, as important as it is to learn about babies before they come, it's possible to overplan. Yep, it is. As a parent, you have got to learn to be flexible. I understand that you want to exclusively breastfeed, but when your newborn has lost 10% of his body weight in 2 days, we might need to supplement for his own health. I can't stand the Moms who come in with this rigid set of rules and expectations. Bottom line...nothing will ever go according to plan again. Get over it.

 
 Let's just call this a public service announcement from me to you :)
 Thanks for hanging out on my soapbox with me!