Poser

So my AWESOME husband bought me what I've been dying for.... a new camera. It's awesome with so may cool bells and whistles it's a little overwhelming. I am spending any free time I have now learning about it and photography! I really want to take a class so that I can establish some sort of baseline to work with. But, for now I'll have to settle for "Digital SLR Cameras For Dummies," the internet, and my owners manual. I guess now I will have to cave in to the kayak request. You have my blessing honey! Here's one of my first shots.

Remember She's Watching

Today was beautiful like 65 degrees in the middle of December! So we decided to spend some much needed time outside. For her 3rd birthday, Layla got a Barbie Jeep. She loves it, but is still learning how to drive it. Anyway, after a frustrating ride down the street, we took it to the back yard. At this age Layla is really starting to do "pretend play." So she informed me that she needed gas and was going to the store (a tree in the yard). I laughed and told her to buckle up and she waved goodbye. She drove a few yards, stopped and got out to pump her gas. Then got back in to head to the store. As she was "parking" I heard her say "Whoa, you're not getting my spot lady!" then she got out and strutted up to "the store." I almost fell out. I guess I need to be more aware of what comes out of my mouth at all times. Dang that Pastor Tim.

I Need A Medic Alert Bracelett

Ok, those of you who know me, know that I'm not always graceful and today was certainly not a graceful day. After feeling good about getting my hair trimmed, I was prancing around Martins picking up a few things for dinner when it happened. As I was strolling down the dairy isle, and as i approached the butter case, my foot slid out in front of me, causing me to fall into the butter and grip the side of the case to avoid going all the way down. Well all the way down I went. Ok, stay calm. There were only 3 other people in the isle and two had their backs turned. However, the one lady, who only saw me out of her peripheral vision, just had to say it "Are you OK?" Yes, I'm OK,-- but I would be even better if you would just pretend you didn't see that. Thankfully that was the last item on my list, so I could hurry out and be done. Be done? Not done falling!! I get home and as I am unloading the baby (in her car seat) I head into the garage only to trip up again. The car seat flies out of my arms, bounces off the lawnmower and lands (safely right side up) on the ground just as I am falling ( in what seems to be slow motion), down hard!!! I have now rolled my right ankle and am rolling around on the garage floor (forgive me Lord) using profanity about the searing pain in my foot. Now all I need is for my neighbors to pull into their driveway and see this action. Fortunately I managed to get up hobble into the house, check the baby ( who's eyes are the size of saucers) and nurse my foot and my pride. I am now done for the day! I should have never made fun of that old lady on TV....

Facebookin'

Well, I must confess that I am addicted. When my sister Kara told me that my mom had a facebook page, I went to check it out. The problem is you can't check it out unless you join. Well that was my mistake. I joined and was almost instantly connected with a ton of friends (some I haven't seen or talked to in years) and became hooked. It's like a form of crack, I check it about 10 times a day to see if anyone's written on my wall, or to see who's online to chat with. I love it!! It's so easy to use and fun too. So for all of you who haven't tried it (KIRSTEN) please check it out. Yes I'm peer pressuring you ....all the cool kids are doing it, you will be so popular if you do.......

Pooptastrophe

You forget how something so small can make something so massive. Today I took Layla to spend her b-day money from Pap Pap in Toys R Us. We get there and the baby's fussy. So the three of us squeeze into one of the child-sized changing rooms so I can nurse her. As I'm sitting there praying no one opens the door and sees my goods hangin' out, it happened. Red-faced and working hard, she rips one (Lauren) and a few seconds later another. Great now I will have to strip off her snuggly and all the layers and change her. I'm trying not to fall over Layla and the car seat on the floor and then I saw it. Poop city. The biggest poo ever. It was all the way through to her snuggly, but fortunately I had a change of clothes. However now how was she going to stay warm. I thought briefly of using a wipe and swiping off as much as possibly and wrapping her back up. (What, it was on the back no one would see) Then I realized that was a bad idea. So I changed her clothes and wrapped her up in the blanket as best I could. I tried to ignore the "I can't believe she doesn't have a coat or hat on that baby" looks but I know they were there. Oh well ya just gotta do what ya just gotta poo, I mean do.

Happy Halloween!!

Last night we had "the Fam" over for our 3rd year of halloween at the Higdon house. It's such a blast eating pizza, handing out candy, trick or treating, and just hanging out. The best part is watching the enthusiasm of the little guys as they race up and down each driveway. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year and making memories is what it's all about. Here are a couple of pics to show how we've grown over the last year.

Daddy's Little Girl

The other night my family and I were in the rec room watching TV when my husband asked Layla to get him a beer. She walked over to the fridge, grabbed him a beer then without being asked, grabbed the opener from the ping-pong table. She walked over to her Daddy, and handed him his treasure. He was beaming with pride. In fact, I think I even saw a tear in his eye. If ever we needed any affirmation that she is in fact, a "freakin' genius" there it was! Layla, you've set the expectation bar so high for your sister.

Our Girls

The much anticipated arrival of our newest addition has finally come. She was born at 10:57pm on Thursday night and was all we'd hoped for. The delivery went pretty smoothly and we avoided a trip to NICU this time. We're all home now recovering nicely. Josh and I are beginning to learn how to manage 2. Layla is my super big helper and loves holding her sister.

If you're wondering where the name Lauren came from, we actually decided on it only just before she arrived....literally. It suits her well though. We are all lovin' life right now and Josh and I can't wait to see how alike or different these two girls will be. For more pics, check out www.grandmakate.smugmug.com.

Really, Really Ready!!

OK, my last post confessed that I am not the model pregnant woman. In fact, there are only a few things about it that I do like, the best is the being over part. Yesterday my mom and sisters hosted a baby shower for me. This is a plus!! There is nothing better than being surrounded by women who know exactly what you're feeling. There also good at making you feel like you're not a whiny cry-baby for being uncomfortable. There also just good company.

Friday night, we had a little excitement. I was at work and a few hours after lunch, I started having contractions. Nothing painful, but frequent enough to make me wonder. After much encouragement from my co-workers, I ended up upstairs to get checked out. I peed in a cup and they put me on the monitor. Then the pain started. I was super uncomfortable and the nurse came back and said you are really dehydrated (apparently this can trigger contractions). So they put in an IV and pumped me full of fluid. I finally went home around 10 and have been in the loving care of my husband since. This experience I claim as bittersweet; too bad this isn't over and we're now lovin' on a new baby, but sweet because, I'm still not ready!! I didn't have a bag packed, the carseat hasn't been washed, and most importantly we still don't have a name. Oh well this is pushing me to get ready faster!!!

Ready To Be Done!!

If you've visited my blog before, you've seen the ticker counting down the days until the arrival of our little one. I've decided that if you check it daily, it becomes really annoying. However, if you go several days without checking it, it's awesome. I have officially reached the miserable part of pregnancy. In the last few weeks, I have become increasingly more uncomfortable each day. Sleep, ha, how do you sleep when you have to change positions about 80 times a night. Or, you have to stop all liquids by about 7 so that you don't have to get up to pee. Or, you can't walk any distance without feeling like the baby is going to fall out. Now don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the wonderful gift of being able to carry a baby, but I wish Eve hadn't wrecked it for all of us. I also know the end result and how all that misery is forgotten when you look down at that little angel face. As I held my sister's baby for the first time, it all melted away. So I guess I shouldn't complain, but dang it feels good to vent.

The County Fair

Last night my husband and I took our daughter to the county fair. It's always an interesting experience, however this year there was a little excitement thrown into the mix. As we were standing in line for a ride, we noticed some commotion over by the ferris wheel. There were instantly about 4 or 5 cops trying to diffuse the situation, but the perp (perp...so copish) just wouldn't relent. As they tried to remove him, he resisted. He was quickly tackled to the ground, but the fool wouldn't give up. So he got tased (did I spell that right?) AWESOME!! I felt like I was on an episode of "Cops." It was the highlight of the evening. The only thing that made my heart beat faster, was watching our little princess smile with delight as she rode the carnival rides. A'int she cute (sorry I think the fair had some effect on me).

Bye Bye Binky!!!

So I have to admit, I feel bad that I let my daughter make it to 2 3/4 with a binky at bedtime. I wasn't too worried though, it fell out of her mouth about 2 seconds after she fell asleep. So any fears we had about orthodontic nightmares were not huge. Just for kicks though, a few nights ago I decided to see how she would react to bedtime with no bink. As we were getting ready for bed I asked her if she was a big girl and she said yes. Then I asked her if she thought binkies were for babies. The answer again yes......hmmm. I was getting a little braver, so I decided to go for it. I asked her if she was ready to give them up. The answer......again yes!!! WHAT? I thought for sure she was psychin' me out. But that night after our story and our prayer I said "ok, are you ready?" and she said "yep" I put them in the pocket of my bathrobe, kissed her, and walked out of the room. As I shut the door, I thought I would her a desperate cry for the bink, but nothing. The next morning, Daddy made a big deal about being such a big girl, and we haven't talked about it since. I am so proud of her. Yet another reminder that our little girl is growing up.

Man of My Dreams

This past Sunday was our 6th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe it's even been that long. Josh and I have been together since high school and though it's been rocky at times, I wouldn't trade this love for anything. He has been my rock and my support through some of the most difficult times of my life. I am truly blessed to have him for a husband and father for our children. He's handsome, intelligent, loving, caring, successful, supportive, and so much more. I only hope I make him as proud of me as I am of him. Thank you God for placing him in my life.

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

My family just returned from our annual trip to Nags Head. It's something we look forward to for an entire year. My husband and I usually reserve a house in Oct. and then I start counting down in January. There's nothing better than sitting in the sand with the people you enjoy the most, doing absolutely nothing but having a great time. When we got home I asked my daughter what was her favorite part about the beach. Her response, the ocean, followed closely by "racing cars." I love everything about the beach, except leaving. If I could slow down time I would. A week just isn't long enough. So until next year I'll have to live on the memories.

Summer Fun

Last weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out with one of the cutest little boys you'll ever see. He's the son of one of my oldest and dearest friends. As he and Layla were swimming around in the pool, I looked at him and was taken back to my elementary years when his mother and I first met. They have the exact same eyes and I remembered hanging out as a 10 year-old with his mom making up dance routines to Paula Abdul and Madonna, trying to form our own baby-sitters club, and sleepovers. Ah to be young and carefree again.......these kids have no idea how good they have it.

It's A...........

Well we went to the doctor today for the big ultrasound. I have to say I was really sort of confident about the sex. I remember when I was pregnant with our daughter, the first dream I had of the baby was that it was a girl. So I was pretty sure that my instincts were right about this one and walked into the ultrasound thinking I already knew what was coming. Wrong! We started the scan with the general measurements the doctor has to have to make sure everything is in order. Then we moved to the gender. Josh, who works down the street, came in just in time to find out he's going to have to pay for two weddings. I have to say there may have been a split second of shock immediately followed by elation. I guess I can throw those instincts out the window. Now we can really get excited about planning. Josh is relieved that the clothes shopping for this one will be minimal. And he's already talking about girls softball, but fearing punk boyfriends and PMS. Even though he'll be out numbered, there's nothing cuter than a Dad with his little girls.

Long Gone

My sister and her family were home from the mission field for a few weeks and it was AWESOME. Our whole family felt so blessed to have them near us for the first time in about 19 months. So you can imagine how thrilled we were when their original departure date got moved back a few days. We said our goodbyes Tuesday night and drove away from my parents house with the image of my sister waving from the window. I was really proud of myself for holding it together in front of everyone. But, when we got home, my husband looked at me and said "Do you want to talk about it?" I immediately said "NO" but the tears were already rimming my eyes. We talked about what an inspiration their family is to us and how proud we are of them. I admitted I was terrible about emails and had been spoiled by being able to talk to or even go see them whenever I wanted. Josh was so reassuring. Last night as I was driving home from work, I looked at the clock and noticed that it was about the time they were to be boarding the plane. I called my mom, who had dropped them off and asked how it went. She said as they were on the way home my sister called and tearfully told her they'd been placed on standby. I wrote a while ago about being stuck in London for 6 hrs. But this was nothing compared to what my sister was facing. Imagine all the luggage, boxes, and 5 kids ready to travel halfway around the world only to be halted on the verge of their flight. My mother waited for the call last night asking her to come pick them up, but it never came. It seems as though God granted them their passage as we've not heard anything else from them. Please pray for their continued safe travel to their final destination in Cameroon. Checkout their website for updates and for my brother-in-law's moving tribute to my sister.

Wonderful Family

I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing family. This past Mother's Day we spent the entire afternoon together and it was wonderful. These people mean more to me than anything in the whole world. If it hadn't been for their love and guidance I don't know where I'd be today. Thank you family for being so awesome and for taking a chance on me. You're stuck with me for freakin' ever now.

ps not all of us are in the picture, but you can get an idea of how much love we have to go around.

Long Time No Write

Well it's been quite a while since my last post. I have to admit I've been a little lazy about keeping up. The pregnancy is going very well although I must say it was rough for a while. I've been busy enjoying my sister's return home and have been getting in all the hugs and squeezes I can before they leave again. The weather finally feels spring-like (except for today) and I have unveiled the pasty-white legs in an attempt to pick up a little color before heading to the beach. I have also enjoyed a long stretch off from work however, it's flown by pretty fast. I have started the count-down to our family's annual beach vacation. We are now 53 days away and I am SUPER EXCITED!!!! Our whole family lives for this every year. Well that's about the exciting news I have for now. Sorry for the crappy post.

Are Your Kidney's OK??

So March 13th was World Kidney Day. Being a renal nurse my fellow nurses and I decided we should definitely participate. Last year we did a traveling road show throughout our hospital, educating non-renal nurses on the care of our delicate patient population. This year we had more time to plan so we decided to do a community health screening open to the general public. Being the chairperson for our unit-based council, I was sort of elected to head things up. We started planning at the end of last summer and met monthly until the big day. None of us had ever done anything like this so we called on the advice and expertise of marketing, administration and many more. I was way stressed about the whole thing and woke up about 3 times the night before. We had no idea how many people were going to show up so we decided to limit the number we would screen to keep it manageable. The screening started at 8am but there was a lobby full of people by 7:15. We were mobbed throughout the morning but managed to handle it all. The day turned out to be a great success and we all breathed a sigh of relief. I think though someone else can be in charge next year.

Bump In The Night

So one of the awesome things about pregnancy (sarcasm here) is that you are totally drooling asleep at 8:30pm and wake about every 2-3 hrs to pee. This morning about 2:15 I woke up to pee and just when I caught the edge of sleep I heard a noise. I didn't think anything of it at first, it sounded like the dog coming up the stairs. But then I realized both dogs were in the room with us....hmmm. Don't freak out, I told myself and tried desperately to fall back to sleep. Then I heard it again. Ok, wake up the man sleeping next to you and have him check it out. So after about the third "JOSH," he woke up. I explained what he heard and our protector went off to check it out. He gave the whole house the once-over and came back to the room. I felt a little better after that, but still wanted to be sure. I decided to go downstairs and let out our ferocious schnauzer to get the bad guys lurking outside. He had been out for a few minutes and just as I was calling him back in, he barked and someone/something made the scariest noise I'd ever heard. Josh came back upstairs, he'd been checking the basement again, said "close the door and get upstairs" I was frozen and shaking, I don't know if I've ever been so freaked out in my life. He grabbed his hunting rifle and I called the cops. A few minutes later the nice officer checked out everything outside, put our minds at ease and left. We were still feeling a little jittery, but able to get back to sleep. Now just so you don't think we were over-reacting, I will tell you that we have had problems with break-ins in the neighborhood and last year one of our neighbors was held up at gunpoint in her own driveway (just around the corner from us). I like to think of the town we live in as a little rough, so I don't think it hurts to be overly cautious. I hate being afraid in my own house.

It's Been A While

Ok, so some time has passed since my last post. I have to say this pregnancy is taking a toll on me. I remember being tired with my first, but this is ridiculous. I have about zero energy and battle little waves of nausea all day. The weather's no help either. It's been a constant miserable grey, cold drizzle and if I don't see a stinkin' flower soon I might scream. My house, which I usually am very particular about, is in mild disarray. And every time I feel like every time the laundry's caught up, the friggin' hamper is full again. This is going to be a very busy week at work for me as Thursday is officially "World Kidney Day" and I have put a lot of time and energy into planning it. Please pray that my energy holds out and that I survive the week. Until I write again....

Good News!!

So my husband and I decided it was time for another baby. If you read my mom's blog you already know WE'RE PREGNANT!!! I should be due sometime around mid-October. But don't worry, I'm not letting this interfere with my workouts.....I went to the gym yesterday morning and actually made it through the class without feeling like my arms and legs we're going to fall off. I was even feeling ambitious and added more weight to my bar. Um yeah, well my butt is burning today. But, no pain no gain right?

First Time For Everything

My husband and I are in the middle of a few little home improvement projects, one of which is finishing our basement. After a long 12 hr shift at work, the only thing on my mind was a hot shower. I have this rule that I must wash the hospital cooties off of me as soon as I step in the door. I don't even touch my husband or daughter until I am germ free. Yesterday was a particularly yucky day at work and the shower was calling my name. I came home to find my loving husband and his father working away tirelessly on the basement. I was soo excited to see the progress as work was held up for weeks (football season). Anyway, I was just about to go back upstairs when Josh said "Oh, you're not gonna be able to shower yet the water's off." Deep breath! "Ok," I said, "for how long?" "Not too much longer" he promised and I headed upstairs to sit on a stool until I could get in. About a half hour later I almost fell of the stool when the water came on full blast in the kitchen. YES!!! Relief. I was seconds away from the steps when my mom calls. Ok I though I've waited this long, I might as well have a short conversation. While on the phone I hear a horrible sound coming from the basement. "What was that," she asked. "I don't know, I have to go," I said. I went downstairs to find a pipe had burst and my husband and his father mopping up the mess. "Well I guess we're not plumbers" my husband said and then I realized the shower was slipping further and further away. It was now going to be at least a couple of hours until I could get in. My heart sank, I was exhausted and I couldn't even sit on the couch. I lay on the floor at the foot of the steps when I had and idea. There was bottled water in the garage!!! What if I heat it up and use it. So I did. Yes I took 4 bottles of Aquifina poured them in to a pan and heated it up. I then carefully took it up to my bathroom and proceeded with a bird bath. I was cold, but clean and better yet could now put on my pajamas and slip into bed. I guess know I how my sister survives in Africa.

Update

Well I thought I would update everyone on how I'm doing with my resolutions. I am...one for five. Tonight I decided to go to the gym. I am tired of feeling like a slug and I remembered how I felt when I was working out. So I went to Gold's and tried Body Pump for the first time. The result.... I can barely type this blog and I am seriously considering installing a chair lift for the stairs. My legs feel like jello and driving a clutch home was torture. I went ahead and took some ibuprofen a few minutes ago and my heating pad is warming up. I don't know if I will be able to move at all tomorrow, so if you're reading this go ahead and give me a call sometime after 10. If I don't answer I think it's safe to say you can go ahead and call the paramedics.

New Year's Resolutions

It's become a tradition every New Year for people to make "promises" to change things in their lives that they're not happy with. My first thought about this year, was not to make any resolutions because I hate setting myself up for failure. It's like the moment I set these little "goals," something inside of me says NO. For example, let's say I wanna exercise more and lose weight. Is is just a coincidence that I suddenly crave quarterpounders from McDonalds??? Or, I say I'm going to have more patience then someone cuts me off on the highway. Are you kidding is it some sort of test? But despite this I am still making resolutions for this year so here they are... in random order

1. Exercise (stop laughing)
2. Be more productive
3. Finish home improvement projects
4. Spend more time at church
5. Save more money