After many phone calls, and number crunching, and paper passing, we got the email that said we are preapproved for a home loan.
Now we are just waiting for our tax refund, and for our hearts to agree (cheesy, yes, but that is where I am at in this process) to proceed forward.
It is exciting, and bittersweet.
Live, Laugh, Love…Loprinzi: A day in our perfectly, imperfect life.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Christmas 2011
I worked on Christmas eve, so it was a busy night of wrapping (nothing like waiting till the last minute) once I got home from work at 8:30pm.
My attempt to get all three in front of the tree Christmas morning...Jovie was sick, and refused to be happy unless she was in her mama's arms.
Treasures inside of their stockings...
Our estatic 5 year old. Christmas is really magical when you have kids :).
First Kip tried out his new wheels in the kitchen around the table, cause we are cool parents like that.
so they were practically pro by the time they got outside.
and Jovie girl, loves her new wheels too, she would like it more if her tiny feet could reach the ground to make it move though...
Ryk wanted this "rocky" the firetruck (and wrote it in his letter to Santa), though the toys name is really "smokey." It might be the most
so her brother's helped her out.
She did give us her best smile when she got a new toothbrush.
and tried to snag her brothers new Geotrack cars.
Together we danced it out to Adele in our silly, small kitchen whipping up 'smashed potatoes and gravy, peeling apples, cutting up lemon. It was a tasty 10 minutes of eating for the 60+ minutes it took us girls to make. Smashed potatoes, gravy, rolls with jelly, green beans, baked salmon, and hot apple pie. So I guess I can cook, and if I wasn't always so stinking busy, I think I might actually like to.
It was cozy, and Christmasy here. Kip was sad to pack the tree away, and said "more Christmas quease, mommy."
Monday, December 19, 2011
kidlets
My little lady is 10 months old tomorrow.
So crazy.
She pulls herself to a standing position, and cruises along. My boys were barely crawling at 10 months old, so it is so strange for me to have a tiny, mobile baby. Little miss just wants to keep up.
She wears size 6 month clothes, and size 2 diapers. I guess she is probably about 14lbs, maybe a little less. She is taking a huge liking to table food, and will reject anything pureed.
She picks up everything and puts it straight into her mouth. She says mama, dada, ba (which per Ryk means ball, bye, or bath, or whatever he declares it means whenever she says it and it makes sense for what she is doing at the time).
She is finally sleeping better at night - down at 7:30-8pm, wakes around 3-4am to nurse, and then back to sleep until 7-8am.
Her newest learned skill - drinking from a straw. Here is her "suck it down face"
If I was a good mom the only thing she would of had to drink from a straw are the daily smoothies I make for the kids. But alas, I'm a mom of 3, and sometimes my two eyes just aren't enough. As much as I wish that I really did have eyes in the back of my head, I don't. So things go by the wayside sometimes.
Little sister has a big, middle brother who happens to be an amazing sharer. That being said, this newfound straw sucking skill sister learned, paired with a kind hearted brother has given sister tastes of drinks that, well, a 10 month old shouldn't have. Paul brought home a blue raspberry Icee for sick Ryk a couple days ago. He put some in a separate cup for Kip, then Kip tried to share with Jovie. As a 21 year old new mama of Ryker, the same mama who had yet to give that 10 month old a taste of...juice, yep I would of cringed at such a thing. But as a 26 year old, mama of 3 littles, it is just worthy of a giggle paired with "Kip, Jovie is too little for that, but thanks for sharing."
*****
Our girl she has found her voice, and goodness it is girly. Her squeal and screech just crack us up. To break up that high pitch squeal we might occasionally distract her with this...
But nothing breaks up the screeches that these two rowdy guys together make, and nothing should. Man I love these crazy boys! They play so well together - most of the time.
Lately, our Playdoh lover Kip, just wants to sit at his high chair all day and make shapes. He is learning so much as he does it - colors, shapes, fine motor skills. I love watching him grow! He is very fascinated with letters, he constantly asks me to draw different letters as we color on paper together. His vocabulary is expanding to include delicious and scrumptious. Paul and I joke that while his vocabulary has definitely progressed differently than Ryk, it hasn't hindered in the ability to get his needs met. Lately he takes my hand, says "um, on, um, on!" and points to something, then I tell him what it is, he repeats it back along with the word please. He loves to play games - connect four is a favorite currently.
Ryk is learning to read. He doesn't want me to teach him, but he wants to be able to read, so it has been an at-his-pace sort of deal. He could easily be able to read (like several months ago), but goodness he has a stubborn side. He recently had a Christmas program at preschool, and was so eager for it to be overwith "all we do at school is sing lots of boring songs!" He was the kid in the choir line who just stood there most of the time - lips sealed shut...I was cracking up, but then when he came home and had a fever of 102 I felt bad for the poor guy standing up for 45 minutes in that choir line all lethargic.
So crazy.
She wears size 6 month clothes, and size 2 diapers. I guess she is probably about 14lbs, maybe a little less. She is taking a huge liking to table food, and will reject anything pureed.
She picks up everything and puts it straight into her mouth. She says mama, dada, ba (which per Ryk means ball, bye, or bath, or whatever he declares it means whenever she says it and it makes sense for what she is doing at the time).
She is finally sleeping better at night - down at 7:30-8pm, wakes around 3-4am to nurse, and then back to sleep until 7-8am.
Her newest learned skill - drinking from a straw. Here is her "suck it down face"
If I was a good mom the only thing she would of had to drink from a straw are the daily smoothies I make for the kids. But alas, I'm a mom of 3, and sometimes my two eyes just aren't enough. As much as I wish that I really did have eyes in the back of my head, I don't. So things go by the wayside sometimes.
Little sister has a big, middle brother who happens to be an amazing sharer. That being said, this newfound straw sucking skill sister learned, paired with a kind hearted brother has given sister tastes of drinks that, well, a 10 month old shouldn't have. Paul brought home a blue raspberry Icee for sick Ryk a couple days ago. He put some in a separate cup for Kip, then Kip tried to share with Jovie. As a 21 year old new mama of Ryker, the same mama who had yet to give that 10 month old a taste of...juice, yep I would of cringed at such a thing. But as a 26 year old, mama of 3 littles, it is just worthy of a giggle paired with "Kip, Jovie is too little for that, but thanks for sharing."
*****
Our girl she has found her voice, and goodness it is girly. Her squeal and screech just crack us up. To break up that high pitch squeal we might occasionally distract her with this...
But nothing breaks up the screeches that these two rowdy guys together make, and nothing should. Man I love these crazy boys! They play so well together - most of the time.
Lately, our Playdoh lover Kip, just wants to sit at his high chair all day and make shapes. He is learning so much as he does it - colors, shapes, fine motor skills. I love watching him grow! He is very fascinated with letters, he constantly asks me to draw different letters as we color on paper together. His vocabulary is expanding to include delicious and scrumptious. Paul and I joke that while his vocabulary has definitely progressed differently than Ryk, it hasn't hindered in the ability to get his needs met. Lately he takes my hand, says "um, on, um, on!" and points to something, then I tell him what it is, he repeats it back along with the word please. He loves to play games - connect four is a favorite currently.
Ryk is learning to read. He doesn't want me to teach him, but he wants to be able to read, so it has been an at-his-pace sort of deal. He could easily be able to read (like several months ago), but goodness he has a stubborn side. He recently had a Christmas program at preschool, and was so eager for it to be overwith "all we do at school is sing lots of boring songs!" He was the kid in the choir line who just stood there most of the time - lips sealed shut...I was cracking up, but then when he came home and had a fever of 102 I felt bad for the poor guy standing up for 45 minutes in that choir line all lethargic.
December 19th
We've been here 5 months, exactly.
I'm not sure if it is this rental house or what, but something about it here just feels like we are in limbo. A funny state of being inbetween. I guess it stems from living the last 8 years as college students, between Paul and my schooling we relocated every 2 years for school. We were apartment hoppers, and our extended family - well they were fabulous in helping orchestrate all of our moves.
So it is weird, to finally be here, at that place where we can, and should, settle down.
I'd say that we've more than earned the right to settle down.
I just never thought I'd settle down somewhere that is thousand of miles away from our family.
I grew up just 1 block away from one of my aunts and uncles house, and within a 20 minute drive from all my other cousins. I was so lucky to have a relationship with my grandparents. One that spanned more than just the yearly visit. Nope, I was able to head over to hang out with my grandma on a random Tuesday, just to bake. And I got to see my grandma when my mom needed a sanity break, or to go back to school clothes shopping. I was so spoiled. I never imagined that my kids would have to set up Skype dates to build a relationship with their grandparents, or have that yearly visit from an aunt or uncle. So being here, where my kids don't have that, well it is hard.
Today Jovie has officially been a Kentuckian longer than she was an Oregonian. It has me all sorts of emotional. Oregon will always be near to my heart. Kentucky has a lot to live up to because Oregon, well Oregon was us. It will forever be the state where I grew up, fell in love, got married, had our 3 babies, became a RN, watched proudly as my Mr. earned the right to be called Dr. Loprinzi...
and since I'm not through that 6 months of uncomfortableness yet (you know that uncomfortableness that comes when you pick up and move across the country away from your support system, and best friend), I'll just suck it up and continue to try and make here, home.
it is getting easier.
I'm not sure if it is this rental house or what, but something about it here just feels like we are in limbo. A funny state of being inbetween. I guess it stems from living the last 8 years as college students, between Paul and my schooling we relocated every 2 years for school. We were apartment hoppers, and our extended family - well they were fabulous in helping orchestrate all of our moves.
So it is weird, to finally be here, at that place where we can, and should, settle down.
I'd say that we've more than earned the right to settle down.
I just never thought I'd settle down somewhere that is thousand of miles away from our family.
I grew up just 1 block away from one of my aunts and uncles house, and within a 20 minute drive from all my other cousins. I was so lucky to have a relationship with my grandparents. One that spanned more than just the yearly visit. Nope, I was able to head over to hang out with my grandma on a random Tuesday, just to bake. And I got to see my grandma when my mom needed a sanity break, or to go back to school clothes shopping. I was so spoiled. I never imagined that my kids would have to set up Skype dates to build a relationship with their grandparents, or have that yearly visit from an aunt or uncle. So being here, where my kids don't have that, well it is hard.
Today Jovie has officially been a Kentuckian longer than she was an Oregonian. It has me all sorts of emotional. Oregon will always be near to my heart. Kentucky has a lot to live up to because Oregon, well Oregon was us. It will forever be the state where I grew up, fell in love, got married, had our 3 babies, became a RN, watched proudly as my Mr. earned the right to be called Dr. Loprinzi...
and since I'm not through that 6 months of uncomfortableness yet (you know that uncomfortableness that comes when you pick up and move across the country away from your support system, and best friend), I'll just suck it up and continue to try and make here, home.
it is getting easier.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Christmastime
I want to be in my mom and dad's kitchen making a mess cookies and yummy stuff with my sisters. I want to dress up my baby girl in a frilly Christmas like dress and have family member say how amazingly adorable she is. I want to gather at my parents house on Christmas eve (my dad's birthday) celebrating, loving, hugging, enjoying every single moment with family. I want to love every noisy moment that a chaotic Loprinzi family gathering brings - little Loprinzi kids, all 12 of them together. I want to eat my gram's tea ring for breakfast Christmas morning, the one she'd send home with us after enjoying a day spent together, a gathering of 4 generations. I want to continue on the festivities at my grandma and grandpa's house the day after Christmas, playing dominoes and smiling at how ridiculously cute my grandparents are together.
That would be my perfect gift. Nothing that money can buy.
Instead we are here, the 5 of us. Not that here is bad, but it isn't there.
I am trying hard, really hard, to like it here.
So I'll suck it up, and clean out the oven so I can bake here, with my kids. I'll create the kitchen memories with two little boys, the ones that I wish I could still have with my sisters. I'll call my grams and get her tea ring recipe, and make that too. Instead of board games with siblings I'll teach Ryk to play new games.
It is a learning process, this holiday away from family thing.
I am trying to be good about it. But it is hard.
I just want to do my best to create these memories for my kids, and it makes me sad knowing that my memories of Christmas aren't about the gifts I got each year (though don't get me wrong, I vividly still remember that darn "water baby doll" - thanks dad for filling it with warm water to make it feel "life like")- it was about quality time spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...and I just can't create these memories for them this year.
As much as I wish I could fly back to Oregon (I almost put home, but home is here, not in Oregon) for the holidays, it just isn't feasible...my new job (the downfall to being an RN - gotta work holidays) and then the logistics, stress, and chaos that flying with 3 little kids during one of the most busy travel times of the year brings...yep we are staying put.
And even though I don't have a house full of guests to entertain, I have the 4 most precious people in the world who deserve to have the experience that would come with hosting a Christmas party. So I'm on it. I'm writing list, scouring cookbooks, and darn it we'll have a rocking holiday just the 5 of us. Unlike previous years, I won't have a hodge podge of yummy goods gathered from each holiday party to put out for my family on Christmas day, so I'll need to make fudge, cookies, a pie, etc... and I guess I'll just dream about that salmon dip my uncle makes - because that it is just something I can't replicate.
*****
In other exciting news, I'm charging up my batteries. My camera, it'll be back in action on the 23rd, just in time to capture memories of my Mr. turning...29. I can't wait! Just in time to capture memories of how we make the holidays our own, here.
That would be my perfect gift. Nothing that money can buy.
Instead we are here, the 5 of us. Not that here is bad, but it isn't there.
I am trying hard, really hard, to like it here.
So I'll suck it up, and clean out the oven so I can bake here, with my kids. I'll create the kitchen memories with two little boys, the ones that I wish I could still have with my sisters. I'll call my grams and get her tea ring recipe, and make that too. Instead of board games with siblings I'll teach Ryk to play new games.
It is a learning process, this holiday away from family thing.
I am trying to be good about it. But it is hard.
I just want to do my best to create these memories for my kids, and it makes me sad knowing that my memories of Christmas aren't about the gifts I got each year (though don't get me wrong, I vividly still remember that darn "water baby doll" - thanks dad for filling it with warm water to make it feel "life like")- it was about quality time spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...and I just can't create these memories for them this year.
As much as I wish I could fly back to Oregon (I almost put home, but home is here, not in Oregon) for the holidays, it just isn't feasible...my new job (the downfall to being an RN - gotta work holidays) and then the logistics, stress, and chaos that flying with 3 little kids during one of the most busy travel times of the year brings...yep we are staying put.
And even though I don't have a house full of guests to entertain, I have the 4 most precious people in the world who deserve to have the experience that would come with hosting a Christmas party. So I'm on it. I'm writing list, scouring cookbooks, and darn it we'll have a rocking holiday just the 5 of us. Unlike previous years, I won't have a hodge podge of yummy goods gathered from each holiday party to put out for my family on Christmas day, so I'll need to make fudge, cookies, a pie, etc... and I guess I'll just dream about that salmon dip my uncle makes - because that it is just something I can't replicate.
*****
In other exciting news, I'm charging up my batteries. My camera, it'll be back in action on the 23rd, just in time to capture memories of my Mr. turning...29. I can't wait! Just in time to capture memories of how we make the holidays our own, here.
Friday, December 16, 2011
**post interrupted for me to snatch up the cup filled with Blue slushie (more on that later) that Kip was trying to share with Jovie, "Kip that is nice to share, but Jovie does not need slushie at 9 months old"...**
He came home from school in a foul mood, and looked like he was about to cry every 2 seconds. I chalked it up to him staying up later than usual (8pm). But as I was getting lunch ready he went to lay down on the couch, he said it was because he was cold. I should of know then and there something was up, 1)Ryk never just wants to relax on the couch and 2)he complained of being cold - he is the kid that would be shirt-less year round if we let him. After I had lunch ready I went over to get him and well...
After about 20 minutes he woke up and said "I'm going to go do quiet time and get all snuggly in my bed."
Jovie and Kip were both napping, so I enjoyed 35 minutes to myself and did that darn Jillian Michaels 6 week 6 pack dvd - I only swore a couple of times at her, which must mean I am getting more in shape.
After I was all sweaty I decided to go see if Ryk wanted to hang out for a bit, just the two of us (can't shower because it will wake the sleeping kiddos). I went up to his room, and well...
After about an hour he came downstairs and complained of nasty tasting burps. I picked him up, and instantly knew little dude had a fever.
So here is to hoping this 102 degree fever and nasty burps doesn't turn into the flu 9 days before Christmas...this mama has a lot of Christmas shopping to do still!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Class mom
I always thought I'd be a class mom, helping do whatever class moms do.
Instead I am a full time nurse, and between that and raising up my family, well I don't have time for the class mom role.
While I like to be a nurse, I am not digging the fact that I am not that class room helper I once thought I'd be. I know I am contributing to society in a great way as a RN, however the selfish part of me wants to contribute my everything to my kids.
So because I am a working mom I do things like...
Forget to look in Ryk's backpack filled withcrap important notes and such for parents. So apparently those two bags of candy, and his $7 gift for the class gift exchange for his class Christmas Party on Wednesday, yep those were due today.
*sigh*
So he'll be that kid, you know the one kid that the teach has to fork out her own money to buy a gift for because she doesn't want poor little Ryk to miss out on the gift exchange that occurs Wed.
and we even bought that dang $7 gift! Which was quite the ordeal of a Target shopping experience if you must know - Jovie puked all over the floor of aisle 31, right between those annoying singing Elmo toys that Kip wouldn't stop pressing the display button for, and the Sky bouncy balls that Ryk kept eyeballing. I kept thinking to myself - just wait for it, my 5 year old will pick up one of those balls and bounce it into a light...thankfully that didn't happen. What did happen was Kip fell on his face into the metal bar of those darn red shopping carts, while reaching up to press that singing Elmo button for the gazillionth time. Huge bruise instantly formed. We rounded off the trip by spilling an entire bag of goldfish crackers on the floor - and it wasn't one of the kids who did it...Such a humbling moment of motherhood that trip was.
But the trip wasn't a total bust, Ryk said a few funny things while trying to find a gift in the right price range 1)"you can't buy anything cool for $7" and 2) "I use to think that $7 was lots of monies - way back in Oregon, when I was littler." and 3) "yeah baby, mega rad!" as he finally found the toy he wanted to get.
So tonight I'm feeling bad that I am not one of those moms that has it all together, acknowledging that I didn't help contribute to the class party with my candy contribution (but in hindsight maybe I am, less candy = less potential dental cavities, and other health related complications...). At the same time I am also thankful for those moms who have the time to be class moms and pick up the slack for those working moms like me.
I guess I need to write on our family calendar more...
*****
and so is the saga of a full time working mom just trying to figure out how to pretend to have it all together, when clearly I'm a work in progress.
and so we just roll with it, and learn as we go.
Ryk will bring in his gift on Wed, the day of the gift exchange, and hopefully all will be right.
Instead I am a full time nurse, and between that and raising up my family, well I don't have time for the class mom role.
While I like to be a nurse, I am not digging the fact that I am not that class room helper I once thought I'd be. I know I am contributing to society in a great way as a RN, however the selfish part of me wants to contribute my everything to my kids.
So because I am a working mom I do things like...
Forget to look in Ryk's backpack filled with
*sigh*
So he'll be that kid, you know the one kid that the teach has to fork out her own money to buy a gift for because she doesn't want poor little Ryk to miss out on the gift exchange that occurs Wed.
and we even bought that dang $7 gift! Which was quite the ordeal of a Target shopping experience if you must know - Jovie puked all over the floor of aisle 31, right between those annoying singing Elmo toys that Kip wouldn't stop pressing the display button for, and the Sky bouncy balls that Ryk kept eyeballing. I kept thinking to myself - just wait for it, my 5 year old will pick up one of those balls and bounce it into a light...thankfully that didn't happen. What did happen was Kip fell on his face into the metal bar of those darn red shopping carts, while reaching up to press that singing Elmo button for the gazillionth time. Huge bruise instantly formed. We rounded off the trip by spilling an entire bag of goldfish crackers on the floor - and it wasn't one of the kids who did it...Such a humbling moment of motherhood that trip was.
But the trip wasn't a total bust, Ryk said a few funny things while trying to find a gift in the right price range 1)"you can't buy anything cool for $7" and 2) "I use to think that $7 was lots of monies - way back in Oregon, when I was littler." and 3) "yeah baby, mega rad!" as he finally found the toy he wanted to get.
So tonight I'm feeling bad that I am not one of those moms that has it all together, acknowledging that I didn't help contribute to the class party with my candy contribution (but in hindsight maybe I am, less candy = less potential dental cavities, and other health related complications...). At the same time I am also thankful for those moms who have the time to be class moms and pick up the slack for those working moms like me.
I guess I need to write on our family calendar more...
*****
and so is the saga of a full time working mom just trying to figure out how to pretend to have it all together, when clearly I'm a work in progress.
and so we just roll with it, and learn as we go.
Ryk will bring in his gift on Wed, the day of the gift exchange, and hopefully all will be right.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Happy mail
Normally we get bills or junk mail. Today, well it was different.
No junk this time. It was "happy mail"
*****
P got a letter in the mail from Bellarmine University today.
It was addressed Dr. Paul Loprinzi, which I still think is so cool. But then again, I've been a RN for 2 years now and I still smile when I sign my name K. Loprinzi, RN...so maybe somethings will never get old.
Back to that letter. I thought it was the stinking parking ticket, the one he got in early September and still hadn't got around to paying.
So I threw the letter at him and said, this should probably get paid soon so they don't double it or something.
But it wasn't the parking ticket.
He hands me the letter like it is not a big deal.
A month ago he wrote up a proposal, or grant, or something - I'm not a research guru so I don't know the right lingo. And well, this letter was SO not a parking ticket. It was a letter saying his proposal was selected for funding.
Huge funding (well huge to us at least, and really that is all that matters).
I jump up and down, tell my Mr. congrats. He still acts like it is no big deal.
Our checking account will be a lot happier in June when the stipend is issued :).
I'll need to thank the guys who helped my Mr. to become a convincing, scholarly writer.
*****
I also got an envelope addressed to me.
It was from Nana and Papa, and written in my dad's scraggly handwriting.
A huge deal.
The content - a single check, which I didn't want to cash because of the sentiment.
The memo part was hand written "for my grandkids Christmas."
Such a hard moment for a Papa, his first Christmas in 5 years without little grandkids around. Instead of hand delivering gifts, he sent money because he won't be here to spoil them rotten himself. This distance thing, ugh it sucks.
Thank you dad.
So, I'll rock out the mall tonight. Me and my number one gal. I'll be sad Christmas shopping without my sisters or mom to go with this year...
*****
And a great grandma and grandpa sent a new bedtime favorite book, and snowman stickers.
No junk this time. It was "happy mail"
*****
P got a letter in the mail from Bellarmine University today.
It was addressed Dr. Paul Loprinzi, which I still think is so cool. But then again, I've been a RN for 2 years now and I still smile when I sign my name K. Loprinzi, RN...so maybe somethings will never get old.
Back to that letter. I thought it was the stinking parking ticket, the one he got in early September and still hadn't got around to paying.
So I threw the letter at him and said, this should probably get paid soon so they don't double it or something.
But it wasn't the parking ticket.
He hands me the letter like it is not a big deal.
A month ago he wrote up a proposal, or grant, or something - I'm not a research guru so I don't know the right lingo. And well, this letter was SO not a parking ticket. It was a letter saying his proposal was selected for funding.
Huge funding (well huge to us at least, and really that is all that matters).
I jump up and down, tell my Mr. congrats. He still acts like it is no big deal.
Our checking account will be a lot happier in June when the stipend is issued :).
I'll need to thank the guys who helped my Mr. to become a convincing, scholarly writer.
*****
I also got an envelope addressed to me.
It was from Nana and Papa, and written in my dad's scraggly handwriting.
A huge deal.
The content - a single check, which I didn't want to cash because of the sentiment.
The memo part was hand written "for my grandkids Christmas."
Such a hard moment for a Papa, his first Christmas in 5 years without little grandkids around. Instead of hand delivering gifts, he sent money because he won't be here to spoil them rotten himself. This distance thing, ugh it sucks.
Thank you dad.
So, I'll rock out the mall tonight. Me and my number one gal. I'll be sad Christmas shopping without my sisters or mom to go with this year...
*****
And a great grandma and grandpa sent a new bedtime favorite book, and snowman stickers.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Big Time?
He is a stay at home dad three days a week, watching our three little loves while I work 12.5 hour shifts as a RN. He is a stellar husband, getting three kids a bath, dinner, and tucked into bed before I get home on these days by 8pm. He even has the house cleaned, and dinner for me too. He is a full time assistant professor, and also a stellar scientists too.
He proves that you can have it all, and be it all, and be so very humble about it. He is...superman, and I am so lucky he is my superman.
My Mr, Dr. P-Lo, is featured here.
To elaborate on this picture, which was submitted for the above linked article...
I figured since Paul is Dr. Loprinzi now, we would skim past his yearly ritual of "no shave November" which started in high school. But in routine fashion he continued with the tradition. This year however, from the recommendation of some of his students, he has drawn it out further into "don't shave December." By his picture you can clearly see 1)he can officially grow a beard now, after almost 29 years he has made it past the pre-teen "peach fuzz" state - an accomplishment he is quite proud of, 2) he should get a haircut or 3)at least put some gel/hairspray or something in it so that he doesn't look like he has "bed head" all day.
His reply to me when I inquire about these things, a statement he took from our pre-marriage counseling 6 years ago (thank you Mike!)..."I caught the bus, no need to keep running for it!" Really though, I do love my guy, frizzy hair and all. Truth be told, this look makes me think he is holding onto his true Oregonian roots.
While he is clearly not fretting about the upkeep of his looks, one thing is for certain, he is focused on career advancement with all of the work he has been up to since becoming an assistant professor.
In the first term, of his first year, as an assistant professor, he already has 9 publications with an additional 5 currently "in press." Just goes to show how much of an "energizer bunny on steroids" my guy really is.
In doing a google search of his name, I also found him here, here, here, here, here, here, and even in another language here...and well I got bored after that.
He also recently had the opportunity to participate in two different radio interviews related to his recent research. However one of the interviews he cancelled so that he could go to the... dentist. I'm happy to report Dr. P has no cavities - which after a 2.5 year dental office visit hiatus is just fabulous (on both our checking account and his oral health).
Big time already, maybe not. To me though, he is.
There you have it, a huge brag fest, from a very proud wife!
He proves that you can have it all, and be it all, and be so very humble about it. He is...superman, and I am so lucky he is my superman.
My Mr, Dr. P-Lo, is featured here.
To elaborate on this picture, which was submitted for the above linked article...
I figured since Paul is Dr. Loprinzi now, we would skim past his yearly ritual of "no shave November" which started in high school. But in routine fashion he continued with the tradition. This year however, from the recommendation of some of his students, he has drawn it out further into "don't shave December." By his picture you can clearly see 1)he can officially grow a beard now, after almost 29 years he has made it past the pre-teen "peach fuzz" state - an accomplishment he is quite proud of, 2) he should get a haircut or 3)at least put some gel/hairspray or something in it so that he doesn't look like he has "bed head" all day. His reply to me when I inquire about these things, a statement he took from our pre-marriage counseling 6 years ago (thank you Mike!)..."I caught the bus, no need to keep running for it!" Really though, I do love my guy, frizzy hair and all. Truth be told, this look makes me think he is holding onto his true Oregonian roots.
While he is clearly not fretting about the upkeep of his looks, one thing is for certain, he is focused on career advancement with all of the work he has been up to since becoming an assistant professor.
In the first term, of his first year, as an assistant professor, he already has 9 publications with an additional 5 currently "in press." Just goes to show how much of an "energizer bunny on steroids" my guy really is.
In doing a google search of his name, I also found him here, here, here, here, here, here, and even in another language here...and well I got bored after that.
He also recently had the opportunity to participate in two different radio interviews related to his recent research. However one of the interviews he cancelled so that he could go to the... dentist. I'm happy to report Dr. P has no cavities - which after a 2.5 year dental office visit hiatus is just fabulous (on both our checking account and his oral health).
Big time already, maybe not. To me though, he is.
There you have it, a huge brag fest, from a very proud wife!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
PreK
We got R's first pictures back from school. They are hanging on the fridge, among all the other school projects he loves to display so proudly. Just picture R's cheeseball smile, you know, the one where his upper lip disappears completely. Yep, he flashed that smile. They are keepers, those first pictures. He'll hate em' someday, they make us smile.
*****
He brought home his first birthday invitation among the slew of parent handouts (that we never read, but probably should) . It is like a rite of passage or something. Our kid got invited to a birthday party for one of his classmates, and well it made P and I giddy.
*****
His classmates chant his name when he leaves, like seriously...Ryker-RYKER-RYKER The smallest little boy in his class and well, dude has got quite the fan club. It makes me so happy to see our little man making friends. I just hope he stays always stays his humble, timid self.
*****
He asked me "one of the kids in my class called me his buddy. I thought only brothers could be buddies, since Kip is my buddy." Boy knows how to melt his mama's heart. I told him that buddy is just another word that means friend. Ryk's little face got so excited, "that's cool, I got a buddy at home and at school mom!"
*****
It was show and tell day for Ryker at school. I asked him what he was bringing...
He instantly got a sparkle in his eye as he described that the "most perfect thing is my dog and yellow blanket of course!" He tells me in a snarky manner, like I am silly for even asking the question.
I instantly pictured myself looking all crazy as I am trying to hunt down the janitor cleaning his preschool after I get off work, in hopes of tracking down the forgotten duo - dog and blanket. This thought had me encouraging R to choose something else, something more...replaceable.
"why don't you bring Woody and Buzz, or your angry birds, or..."
See his dog and yellow blanket, well, sleeping doesn't happen without them, and if Ryk isn't sleeping, nobody is. With two working parents, sleep has got to happen.
Small disclaimer - I am not trying to imply that Paul would forget Ryk's show and tell at school, I'm just saying that when it is just me and the three little loves...well lets just say there is a reason I have my keys on a lanyard so I can quickly hang them around my neck.
So he packed his backpack full of angry birds, 4 to be exact.
Tonight, he is snuggled up sleeping with his dog and yellow blanket.
*****
He brought home his first birthday invitation among the slew of parent handouts (that we never read, but probably should) . It is like a rite of passage or something. Our kid got invited to a birthday party for one of his classmates, and well it made P and I giddy.
*****
His classmates chant his name when he leaves, like seriously...Ryker-RYKER-RYKER The smallest little boy in his class and well, dude has got quite the fan club. It makes me so happy to see our little man making friends. I just hope he stays always stays his humble, timid self.
*****
He asked me "one of the kids in my class called me his buddy. I thought only brothers could be buddies, since Kip is my buddy." Boy knows how to melt his mama's heart. I told him that buddy is just another word that means friend. Ryk's little face got so excited, "that's cool, I got a buddy at home and at school mom!"
*****
It was show and tell day for Ryker at school. I asked him what he was bringing...
He instantly got a sparkle in his eye as he described that the "most perfect thing is my dog and yellow blanket of course!" He tells me in a snarky manner, like I am silly for even asking the question.
I instantly pictured myself looking all crazy as I am trying to hunt down the janitor cleaning his preschool after I get off work, in hopes of tracking down the forgotten duo - dog and blanket. This thought had me encouraging R to choose something else, something more...replaceable.
"why don't you bring Woody and Buzz, or your angry birds, or..."
See his dog and yellow blanket, well, sleeping doesn't happen without them, and if Ryk isn't sleeping, nobody is. With two working parents, sleep has got to happen.
Small disclaimer - I am not trying to imply that Paul would forget Ryk's show and tell at school, I'm just saying that when it is just me and the three little loves...well lets just say there is a reason I have my keys on a lanyard so I can quickly hang them around my neck.
So he packed his backpack full of angry birds, 4 to be exact.
Tonight, he is snuggled up sleeping with his dog and yellow blanket.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Little J - 9 months old
We are becoming well known at the pediatrician, with 3 kids isn't hard. But with one of the three having chronic ear infections - thank you Ohio valley pollens - well we have frequented the office at least once a week the last month and a half. This week, we were there twice, J's well child check up, and for K's ears.
Kip knows the office parking lot, when we pull up he yells "no doctor please, mommy, no doctor please!"
This week was Jovie's 9 months check up
she kept pulling herself up on the chair to a standing position while we waited in the waiting room.
Our changing, growing girl is...
within a few minutes her eyes can't stay open anymore.
Kip knows the office parking lot, when we pull up he yells "no doctor please, mommy, no doctor please!"
This week was Jovie's 9 months check up
she kept pulling herself up on the chair to a standing position while we waited in the waiting room.
Our changing, growing girl is...
- well, little. She is 13lbs 5 oz, which puts her below the 5th percentile for weight. She is 26inches, putting her in the 5th percentile for height. Her head size is in the 20th percentile. Little girl, big brains. She is going to be a smartie our Jovie girl.
- She babbles mama, dada, and baba.
- waves hi
- claps her hands
- loves books, her brother's cars, and her doll
- Busy blowing rasberries and kisses (melts my mama heart)
- getting longer hair, and I am loving it. She seriously needs a clip of some sort to keep hair out of her eyes, and I adore putting piggy tails in her hair!
- Constantly sticks her tongue out
- keeping us hovering over her. She zips across the room like a bullet with her mega fast crawling,
- and now she is pulling herself up to stand. It is only a matter of time before she is cruising along the furniture. We lowered her crib mattress on Thursday, after P sent me a text when I was at work saying "she stands in her crib now..." Our boys were "late" crawlers (not crawling until 10-11 months) and goodness I didn't realize how much of a blessing that was. This little lady scares us, and appears to be fearless!
- a ninja-fighter when it comes to taking naps for her mama (apparently she sleeps like a beauty when I am working), so I might or might not give in and resort to a little slow dancing to Nora Jones and well....
- or I might be know to nurse her into dream land, and let her sleep on my bed.
- and lastly, well she is beautiful.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Code Blue
"Kristina your patient is acting funny, get in the room quick"
so I ran, down the hospital hall.
My clipboard fell spewing my papers from the day - papers with information about my 5 patients who I had already discharged, and my three new patients that I was just admitting - all across this patient's room. I didn't think to set this clipboard outside, I had a one track mind...get into this room.
And when I finally got in there, I had a moment. I wished I was back in nursing school at Mt. Hood Community College, in that simulation room, the one that I always dreaded. The one that was safe, where you could make mistakes and learn from them, and you had a teacher debriefing about what you should do/should have done. But I wasn't there, I was the nurse, his nurse, and I had to do something.
I froze.
Think Kristina.
This patient was just fine less than 4 minutes ago, I was just in there trying to do an admission assessment. Trying to figure out who this patient is, who to call in case of an emergency, figuring out what sort of allergies this patient has, seeing if they are a code or DNR...
Now I am here, staring at this patient.
I look and feel for a pulse. Nothing. No breaths, no respirations, ashen face.
I hit the code button...
Someone asks, "is this a real code?" - the code button was accidentally pressed by 4 other people that day.
I yelled "YES" as I help get this patient into bed.
I jump up onto the bed, yell at someone to take my stethoscope off of my neck, and I start chest compressions. I felt a rib crack/break, and hesitate for a moment thinking I am not doing this right. It is so much different on a real person vs the training on the mannequin I have done. I think to myself, keep a good pace, remember to push deep enough. In my head I sing "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees - morbid, maybe - but it comes recommended by the American Heart Association as it helps to achieve the rate of 100 chest compressions per minute.
It felt like hours for the code team to get in the room, really it was maybe a minute.
People are all doing their thing to help this patient, I'm getting tired and yell out "someone switch me out"
My assistant nurse manager on the floor starts compressions, and I stand back. I wondered what I should be doing, how I should be helping out this patient...my patient.
I realized that the code team had it from there.
Then it all sunk in.
I thought about what I should of/could of done to be better prepared for this situation. I remember one of my nursing instructors always telling us, when she would get a patient who presents with symptoms x,y, and z, she always thought about the worst case scenario that this patient could throw at her.
The adrenaline rush was wearing off, and my body was recognizing that I hadn't had anything to eat all day (it was 5:45pm).
Then someone said "we have a pulse."
This patient was quickly transferred to the ICU. My ANM and I stood in the middle of the once chaotic, now empty and trashed room, and we fist bump.
So I am no longer a "code blue virgin" and well, I'd be happy if I was never in a code again.
After the fact, I heard a PCA say she wanted to switch to become a dental hygienist. I just wished that I was one of the lucky nurses who got a budget day.
so I ran, down the hospital hall.
My clipboard fell spewing my papers from the day - papers with information about my 5 patients who I had already discharged, and my three new patients that I was just admitting - all across this patient's room. I didn't think to set this clipboard outside, I had a one track mind...get into this room.
And when I finally got in there, I had a moment. I wished I was back in nursing school at Mt. Hood Community College, in that simulation room, the one that I always dreaded. The one that was safe, where you could make mistakes and learn from them, and you had a teacher debriefing about what you should do/should have done. But I wasn't there, I was the nurse, his nurse, and I had to do something.
I froze.
Think Kristina.
This patient was just fine less than 4 minutes ago, I was just in there trying to do an admission assessment. Trying to figure out who this patient is, who to call in case of an emergency, figuring out what sort of allergies this patient has, seeing if they are a code or DNR...
Now I am here, staring at this patient.
I look and feel for a pulse. Nothing. No breaths, no respirations, ashen face.
I hit the code button...
Someone asks, "is this a real code?" - the code button was accidentally pressed by 4 other people that day.
I yelled "YES" as I help get this patient into bed.
I jump up onto the bed, yell at someone to take my stethoscope off of my neck, and I start chest compressions. I felt a rib crack/break, and hesitate for a moment thinking I am not doing this right. It is so much different on a real person vs the training on the mannequin I have done. I think to myself, keep a good pace, remember to push deep enough. In my head I sing "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees - morbid, maybe - but it comes recommended by the American Heart Association as it helps to achieve the rate of 100 chest compressions per minute.
It felt like hours for the code team to get in the room, really it was maybe a minute.
People are all doing their thing to help this patient, I'm getting tired and yell out "someone switch me out"
My assistant nurse manager on the floor starts compressions, and I stand back. I wondered what I should be doing, how I should be helping out this patient...my patient.
I realized that the code team had it from there.
Then it all sunk in.
I thought about what I should of/could of done to be better prepared for this situation. I remember one of my nursing instructors always telling us, when she would get a patient who presents with symptoms x,y, and z, she always thought about the worst case scenario that this patient could throw at her.
The adrenaline rush was wearing off, and my body was recognizing that I hadn't had anything to eat all day (it was 5:45pm).
Then someone said "we have a pulse."
This patient was quickly transferred to the ICU. My ANM and I stood in the middle of the once chaotic, now empty and trashed room, and we fist bump.
So I am no longer a "code blue virgin" and well, I'd be happy if I was never in a code again.
After the fact, I heard a PCA say she wanted to switch to become a dental hygienist. I just wished that I was one of the lucky nurses who got a budget day.
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