This Unfamiliar Road

May 07, 2013

Things I'm Most Afraid Of {Blogging Challenge Day 7}

It's another day for Blog Every Day in May...and it's time to be afraid!

Day 7: The thing(s) you're most afraid of

In no particular order...

I don't like spiders, although I've gotten better with them because husband screams like a girl when one goes crawling across the floor. Usually, we call the dog to take care of it.

I am terrified of heights...and I consider a step-stool a 'height'.

I am constantly worried about my family's health...I don't know if this is because I'm a nurse, but I have this looming feeling that something bad is going to happen. It's pretty sad, actually.

I am afraid to have a second child. We plan on it, of course, but the idea of integrating another little one into our lives is overwhelming. Like, even more overwhelming than having the first! Also, P is such a good baby...incredibly easy going most of the time. I know we won't be as lucky with Baby #2.

I am afraid to turn 30. Don't know why.

I'm afraid of not getting it all done. Not necessarily afraid of 'failure' but I feel like I work constantly to keep up with the house, laundry, baby...oh yeah, and a full time job.

What are you afraid of?

May 06, 2013

11 Months

Andrea 10:10 PM 0 Comments

Can this really be the last monthly post before my baby is one year old?! I can't even go there right now...

11 months old

Eating: To address this category, it would be easiest to list the things Peyton doesn't like to eat...um, nothing. This child will literally eat anything I give her. She is certainly showing her preferences: mac 'n cheese over green beans, but she will clean her plate every time! She eats whatever we are eating, which makes meal time so much easier! Still nursing 2-3 times a day.

Sleeping: P bug has made some adjustments to her sleep. She has begun resisting her 2:30pm nap, and typically won't fall asleep until 4pm, then we are sure to wake her by 5:30. I don't know if it's temporary or if she is ready for one nap a day...oh please let this be temporary!!

Peyton's new "sign" for 'all done' with my food...Rowen is in heaven

Teeth: Peyton is currently cutting a top tooth. She has been way more irritable than last time she was teething, so I assume that more than one tooth is coming in. Tylenol is a friend. Perhaps this is to blame for the napping issues.

Favorite Toys: Little lady is entertained by almost anything I hand her, but books are always guaranteed to keep her attention for a while. Peyton just adores books and pointing to objects she recognizes.

Skills: Miss P is on the move! She is cruising all over the place, and loves to explore the house. She is still pretty unsteady, so I don't see her walking alone any time soon. P is a very chatty girl, and can say Daddy (her favorite), kitty, cat, ball, hi, Mama, eye and we are working on duck and frog.

Happy Times: Peyton has become a lot more independent these days (thank goodness!) and she just loves cruising and crawling all over the house. She has discovered cabinets and all the goodies inside! She LOVES our cat, and yells "kitty!" whenever she sees her. P still loves the water, and shrieks with delight every time we go to swim lessons.

Unhappy Times: Being told 'no' is never a fun time....especially when the distraction technique doesn't work! Peyton actually threw her first temper tantrum the other day...I was ~~torturing her~~ changing her diaper, which she was protesting. When I finished, P scurried away from me, then turned on her back and kicked her legs and screamed. Wow. I didn't even know what to do. My bug is usually a happy baby, but she certainly has an attitude at times!

Months 1-11

Stats: I don't have an update here because we haven't been to the Ped in a little while (thanks goodness for a healthy month!). P is in 12 month clothing.

Peyton Caroline,
You have become such an inquisitive little one. Your Daddy and I are amazed at how smart you are, and really enjoy watching you manipulate objects and explore the world around you. You find humor in the strangest things and you have such a BIG personality. I know we still have so much to learn from you.
We love you bunches,
Mama and Daddy

# Milestones # Peyton

"What Do You Do?" {Blogging Challenge Day 6}

Andrea 3:13 PM 0 Comments

Whew...finally caught up with Blog Every Day in May challenge! Go here and here for previous days.

Day 6: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question "What do you do?"

What a great and challenging question! So much of my identity is linked to my career. The easy way out would be to say "I'm a Mom"...because that involves so much!
So yes...I'm a Mom, and a wife, sister, daughter, and a friend.
I am dedication. I pride myself in the way that I dedicate myself to things...if I feel passionate about it, I will put everything I have into it.

Stay tuned...tomorrow, I reveal the things I'm most afraid of!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

Blogging Challenge: Days 4 & 5

Andrea 2:03 PM 0 Comments

Our Blog Every Day in May challenge continues! It's not too late to join...go here for the topics.

Day 4: Favorite quote and why you love it

"Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better"

~Florence Nightingale

I love quotes...they remind me how powerful words are. SO much can be 'said' in so few words. I actually started a quote journal in high school where I jot down my favorite.

I love these words by Florence Nightingale for 2 reasons:

1. It's Flo...the woman who changed the way we view nurses.

2. It's a challenge...to never be completely content with what we have so we can always better ourselves and the world.

Day 5: Publicly profess your love and devotion for a blogger friend.

Easy peasy... It's no secret that I love Ashley at This Cup Overflows. Ashley and I were sorority sisters and college roomies and we have been best friends ever since. She is such a sweet friend and sister, and always makes time for me. I love this girl.

Early days together

All grown up!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

Blogging Challenge: Days 1-3

Andrea 1:22 PM 0 Comments

A few of my blogger friends have taken on a challenge to Blog Every Day in May! This challenge comes from Story of My Life and I am ready to take it on. Yes, I realize I am a few days late...but we can play catch up. Join me, will you?

Day One: The story of your life in 250 words or less...

The story of me, huh? Well…I was born in Memphis, TN and moved to Alpharetta (North Atlanta) when I was 9. Although I consider Alpharetta my home, I still have deep Memphis roots…I love the blues and I’m a barbecue snob. I was an only child until age 16, when my parents adopted my sister, Maya, from Kazakhstan. Laurel came home from China a few years later. I love having sisters and those girls definitely keep me entertained. I have the best parents…seriously, they have supported me in every way, whether they completely agree with my life choices or not. I love them, and the friendship that we now have as adults.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, who is seriously my other half. Our marriage works because we agree on important, “foundational” issues, yet we are opposite in other ways. I graduated from nursing school 3 years ago, and I have been working my dream job ever since. I love being a mother/baby (postpartum) nurse, although I am sure I will continue to advance and change in my career. I have tossed around the idea of going back to school, so it’s a future plan!

Last June, I became a Mommy to my sweet daughter, Peyton. Motherhood has certainly changed my life, and I feel like I was born to be a Mom. What a blessed life I have!

Day Two: Educate us on something you are good at or know a lot about

OK, this is a hard one...I feel like I have my hands in so many things!

I feel that I am a good nurse. Nursing takes a lot of personal sacrifice, and a true compassion for people. I really feel that I have an ability to connect with my patients. I may not be the best clinician, but the great thing about my career is that there is always something to learn, and ways to improve! On a personal level, I am always trying to improve myself and my environment.

Day Three: Things that make you uncomfortable

Well, I have a touch of OCD...I know, everyone claims they have it, but I actually become anxious and begin to panic in certain situations. I like for things to be in order, and symmetrical. Having a baby has really challenged this personality flaw...so I've learned to internalize the anxiety.

I also avoid confrontation whenever possible...I just don't like it.

# About Me # Blog Challenge

May 03, 2013

Fitness Friday {Work it Out}

Andrea 9:56 AM 0 Comments

Alright, confession time: I am awful about going to the gym.
There was a time in my life when I really enjoyed it-I made it a priority! It was long, long ago-right before Nursing school, before marriage and a house, and long before baby. It was an easier time when I had fewer responsibilities.
Life is busier now, and I have not made exercising a priority. I go on walks in my neighborhood, which really just reveals to me how out of shape I am !

Recently, I decided it was time to leave P at the YMCA daycare and enjoy a Zumba class! I love Zumba, and I was so excited to get back into it. But when I returned to pick up my precious girl, she had a big knot on her forehead and they reported that she had fallen TWICE in the one hour I was gone. I'm not unreasonable-I know she's going to get bumps and bruises...but there were 4 adults (well, teenagers) and 2 children. I rant...but bottom line-I'm not comfortable leaving her there for now.

So...it's time to start at home:

Yes, I realize I am waaaaay post-pregnancy...but this DVD promises to target those areas most affected by pregnancy, and it eases your body back into exercise.
Stay tuned-I'll let you know how things go :)

# Fitness

May 02, 2013

These Days...

Andrea 7:00 AM 0 Comments

We seem to have a lot going on right now, yet nothing I can quite put my finger on. On my days off, I feel like I am in constant motion-busy, busy, busy. But at the end of the day, I look around at my house and wonder "What did I do all day?!"
Ever had one of those days?

~Perhaps it's the anticipation of events coming up (Mother's Day, Anniversary, P's birthday, other family birthdays...) but my mind is buzzing all.the.time.

Then I saw this one day, and felt thankful that I wasn't alone! AMEN!

~Peyton is certainly keeping me busy, but I love this stage so I wouldn't change a thing about it. We have a monthly update coming soon!

She's in to everything

~My Mom's dog, Suri, is (hopefully) expecting her first litter of pups in early June. We have an ultrasound on Saturday to confirm pregnancy! My Mom has become incredibly involved in her new home-based kennel and Suri has made her proud in the Conformation Show Ring :)

Banyan Golden Retrievers

Although I've had a lot on my mind, my thoughts are about to spring into action in the next few weeks. I'm trying to enjoy quiet time when I can, and not become too obsessed with the cleanliness of my house

# About Me # Pets

This Unfamiliar Road

May 07, 2013

Things I'm Most Afraid Of {Blogging Challenge Day 7}

May 06, 2013

11 Months

"What Do You Do?" {Blogging Challenge Day 6}

Blogging Challenge: Days 4 & 5

Blogging Challenge: Days 1-3

May 03, 2013

Fitness Friday {Work it Out}

May 02, 2013

These Days...

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