Accomplishment

I finished my final semester of course work towards my MSN degree yesterday at 10:43am.  As I take my exams, I like to circle the questions that I am not 100% sure on.  There were 7 questions circled when I finished.  My heart rate increased a bit once I realized this…because if I missed all 7 I was unsure of, then I would get an 86%.   This 86% was the magic grade that would assure I get a B overall in the class, I knew this because in my OCD-ness I calculated my grade prior to this exam, figuring out exactly how low of a score I could get and still pass with a C, and how high I needed to get in order to get a B in the class.  My score could range from a low of 52%, to still earn a C.  I needed at least an 86% to earn a B in the class.  While I figured that there wasn't any way I could pull off a B - given my highest test score so far was an 82%, I still studied like I could rock the exam.

The term started out so tough - pneumonia and pregnancy paired with multiple tests over the course of 3 long, sick, tiring weeks had me scrambling all term to make up for a couple of barely passing test grades - a 76% and a 78%.

BUT…I dug out of those low grades, and apparently some of those 7 answers I was unsure of were, in fact, correct.

I totally cried when I looked at this:

Exam 4 - I got a 92% yesterday.  The highest test score for that excruciatingly difficult class.

After a week of nervousness, studying, and stress I finally relaxed into a big, hormonal ball of thankfulness.

So thankful that I am forever done studying for final exams.  Thankful for the amazing man of my life, who took on single daddy duty multiple days of the week, without a complaint to support this goal of ours.  Thankful for the sweetest blessing to our family this past year - Ceci - who came every Monday, and loved our kids.  Like really loved them, which made leaving a bit more tolerable knowing that "Ceci Mondays" were a favorite day of the week.  Thankful for my mom who was always a phone call away when I felt not smart enough for this.

A happy dance was had, Redbox DVDs were watched, and Ben and Jerry's fish food ice-cream was chowed…a perfect celebration for such an occasion while almost 35 weeks pregnant.

Now just 360 clinical hours stand between now and July 31st.

So close to being done with this MSN degree, and one step closer to being able to sit for the licensure exam to become an APRN.

Coming from a girl who never felt smart enough to become a nurse practitioner…who just began this journey in hopes of making a career where I could work less, make more to ultimately be able to spend more time as mama, the joy I feel right now is so unreal.

We did it Paul!

the final, final exam in the history of ever

I walked Ryk to the school bus, discussing things.
"you won't be home tonight to tuck me in, but I'll see you tomorrow, and the next day, and the next."
Tuesdays are long.
There were 12 of them this term.
12 missed bathtimes, and bedtimes with my little loves.
All to sit in class from 9am-7pm, in the hopes of adding a few letters to my name (MSN).
And a new title too (APRN).
To give my kids a mama who works less/makes more.
I hope this journey proves to be worth this past 2 years of sacrificing as mama/wife.
It's been a constant internal struggle.

I have one final exam left in my journey toward my MSN degree.
One.
It is next Tuesday, at 9am.
I'd appreciate the prayers/well wishes.
My current grade: 79.8%
The lowest score to still pass the class: 77%.
My last exam: worth 35% of my grade.
I've never been in this situation before, so close to being done, but also so close to failing.
It is humbling.
I am hopeful that this journey will end next week with a passing grade.
Be hopeful with me, please.
Thank you.

Easter 2014

Today Facebook is filled with pictures of extended families gathering together, girls in frilly dresses, little boys wearing bow ties, church goers, multicolored cheap-o plastic eggs, huge filled easter baskets, Pinterest worthy Easter meal preparations, etc.

The truth, my Easter was spent working 7pm-7am on Saturday night into Sunday morning.  

So this morning we weren't one of those church going families, there weren't any frilly dresses, or boys wearing bow ties; and the hardest part of the day for me…there weren't any extended family gatherings.

I always feel like I get to this point of being happy here, feeling a sense of blooming where we land.  Then a holiday comes, and these feelings of homesickness come flooding in full force.  I'm not sure if it is the pregnancy hormones that are compounding this, or maybe the lack of sleep too, but today was just emotional.

In no way am I not thankful for everything we have, in fact it really was a pretty swell day after I came home and slept for a little bit.  

The kids were so excited, and had been counting down the days till Easter since last Sunday.  After checking out their easter baskets, they spent the day hiding and re-hiding those multicolored cheap-o plastic easter eggs.  Why I fill them with anything is beyond me, the real excitement for them isn't the candy/coins inside, it is the joy of the hunt.

Then this afternoon we went out and enjoyed the 80 degree sunshine.  Rocket blasting, brothers wrestling, flower picking, toe-nail painting, trampoline jumping, high-in-the-sky swinging, popsicle snacking, and four-wheel riding.  

Dinner tonight wasn't Pinterest worthy Easter meal preparation at all.  In fact, the truth - Ryk ate a waffle, Jovie had cheese and crackers and fruit salad, Kip at yogurt and granola, Paul had nachos, and I ate a grilled cheese sandwich with a grapefruit.  Seriously. 

After a long day spent outdoors, when I was rallying the kids up to head inside to wash off the sweat, popsicle sticky-ness, sand, and dirt to get them ready for bed, Ryker told me "mom you are the greatest, and I just love our backyard."  

My wise beyond his 7 year old self little boy did what I struggled to do all day long.  He looked past the ideal - extended family gathering, church going, multi-colored cheap-o easter eggs, girls in frilly dresses, little boys wearing bow ties, huge filled easter baskets, Pinterest worthy Easter meal preparations, etc…and enjoyed this day for what it was.

A beautiful Sunday, celebrating this life we have, with his favorite people ever.

And that moment right there, it was exactly what I needed.  

Happy Easter!

Relay for life

Ryk ran in the relay for life at school today.  We all went cheer him on.

First we had to go to the office and get visitors stickers, then Paul ran down the school hall with K and J so we could hurry up and get outdoors so we didn't miss our Ryk.

and he was already rolling.  Kiddo can run!

 Jovie decided she wanted in on the running fun, so Paul ran with her.  All the little elementary school girls thought she was so cute…overheard by a group of girls in R's class - "look at Ryker's little sister, she is soooooo cute!"

 Even the best runners must take a water break...

 Run-by high-five!

 The tongue, it helps him sprint faster, I am sure of this...

 and the tongue, again, for lap 6...

 This little boy, so much love!

 Kip was more interested in the playground than the run.

Ryk ran 9 laps!  So awesome!  I am sure he will be one sore little boy tomorrow.  He was really bummed out because he ran more laps earlier this year.  It presented the perfect opportunity to talk to him about being happy with doing your best.  Even if your best isn't as good as other people, or as good as you have done in the past.  And that as long as you have a fun time and try your hardest, you have to be proud of whatever your accomplishment is.  I was validated that this was the best conversation to have with him as I overheard a mom talking down to her son, saying "hurry up and run, I didn't come her to see you walk."

I just want my kids to be happy in whatever they do, whether they are the bench warmers or the best athletes out there.

33 week bump date

 Today I had my 33 week OB appointment for our Hartley girl.  Her heart rate was 145.  She is in the 40th percentile for weight, estimated weight at 4 lbs right now…which is just fabulous!  Her femur length measures at 29 weeks, which isn't alarming to us knowing our shorter stature.  We also got a glimpse of her sweet face, and it makes me even more excited to meet her now.

She has these swift, gentle movements.  I picture her dancing around in my belly, movements so much different than her sister's ninja chops.  She likes to dance on my bladder at the most inconvenient moments too - like while I am in a patient's room helping them to the bathroom…

I've been having a few noticeable contractions this weekend, working 12 hour night shift is no joke.  I'd be lying if I didn't admit to having a countdown to the weekends left before maternity leave. It is down to 5, and my body is so very thankful for that.  Being a night shift, bedside nurse while pregnant is an experience for sure.  No rest at all!

Life lately

I was put on a "budget" at work last Friday.  A budget, for those who aren't a nurse, is when there are not enough patients so they have to cancel part of your shift.  I didn't work from 7p-11p, but was called in after that.  My boss sent me a text that said

"I'm not going to make it without you."

That seems to be the theme in my life.  I am needed.  People need me, and I love that.

Honestly.

So I squeezed into my scrubs, literally, and headed in.  Clocking in at the strike of midnight.

That night I took care of a dying patient, and then drove home after my shift ended thankful for this day, and everyday that I am gifted with to spend with my people.

As much as people need me, I find that I need something from everyone I cross paths with as well.

Perhaps being a nurse does that to you.  My job, while excruciatingly tough sometimes, always gives me that mindset of "things could be so, so much worse."

It is good to be reminded of this perspective.  

Monday, I prepared for 3 presentations that I had to give at school on Tuesday.

Tuesday I spent all day at school, and was immensely blessed by all my classmates who put together an amazingly perfect surprise baby shower for our Hartley Lane.  So much detail - sweet little hearts on the pink cupcakes, and a TON of fruit because I am the fruit fanatic this pregnancy and they all know it

Being away from family during this pregnancy has been so hard, but the love I experienced from that room of 22 soon-to-be nurse practitioners on Tuesday was just perfect.  I am a firm believer that nurses are just special people, who know exactly what is needed.  Such a special moment to celebrate this poorly documented, flying by at the speed of lightning pregnancy.  Sometimes, even when you don't think you need one, a baby shower is needed - even if it is your 4th baby.  So thankful.

Today I got to be mama.  All day.  These are my favorite days.  This mornings task was to figure out ways to get the vacuuming and bathroom cleaning done, without my preschoolers thinking I am cleaning.  So our house got vacuumed, mostly by Kip.  It is far from a stellar job, but it was his job…and so it is perfect.  There is less cat hair and crumbs than when we started, and that is a good thing.  The bathroom mirror has more Jovie finger prints on it now, than when we first cleaned it, and while I could easily go in there and wipe it down in a jiffy right now, her tiny finger prints make me smile.  Someday I'll be able to clean my house, and I'll be so sad that I can do it without trying to incorporate fun play into the task.  

Later today we went on a walk, and stopped at the corn field.  You know you live in KY when your backyard is acres of corn fields.  The kids and I spent 90 minutes playing ninja turtles, using the old corn stalks as weapons, and the corn rinds as bombs.  Jovie got chilly and without prompting Kip took off his favorite ninja turtle hoodie that he wears everywhere, and put it on her.  I cried at the sweet gesture my 4.5 year old showed to his sister.  Her smile, his smile, my tears…I'll never forget that simple, sweet moment.

Then UPS delivered a Nana/Papa/Jenny package to the Loprinzi kiddos…never a let down when one of these boxes come!

I've said it many times, I've never been one to love KY, but goodness the people here make it hard not to love it.  I have neighbors that reach out to help us, continually.  I have friends…good friends here, who will help out in an instant.  I have a job that allows me only to have to work two nights a week, and I have amazing co-workers.  Paul's been super blessed with amazing opportunities at Bellarmine, and overall, if we never get the opportunity to move back to Oregon, we are going to be just fine.  Honestly.

All good things...

Kip's Quirks

• Kip has apiphobia (fear of bees).  Seriously.  Poor kid won't go outside right now, and it was 84 degrees on Sunday.  
• He is still eagerly anticipating Trampoline #2, however it remains in boxes.  Given KY weather - Sunday 84 and sunny, Monday 60 and rainy/thunderstorms, and predicted snow tonight…perhaps it is best to stay in the box for a bit longer.
• He also refuses to wear anything but long pants and long sleeved shirts.  Again, it was 84 degrees on Sunday.  I figure he will get too hot and eventually make the switch…

• He sleeps with his favorite blanket across his forehead at night, always.

• He could live off of cereal.  Seriously.
• My little man is a proclaimed mama's boy lately, and it makes me so very smiley knowing I am his favorite (well for now at least).
• He randomly takes pictures of things with my phone, and I am amused when I look at what Kip captures on camera…

Rad Ryker

• He still brings me "flowers," and a grin.  My favorite is his grin.

• Sunday he followed Paul around all afternoon while Paul mowed.  When they ran out of gas, Ryk tagged along to the gas station, and shared powered sugar donuts with his daddy.  The little things that make this boy so happy, adorable.

• He is turning into such a respectful, awesome kid (most days).  The way he interacts with his brother and sister amazes me, the patience that he has…unreal.

Diva Jovie

• Transition into big girl bed went off without any issues.  Girlfriend was ready.  In fact, day #2 she even took a nap, and sister never naps.
• I told her to smile so I could send a picture to Paul, who wasn't going to be home in time for bedtime…her response.

•  I asked why, she said because she didn't have a princess outfit on, so she couldn't smile.  Apparently, this outfit is princess worthy...

•  Humidity makes her hair curly, and the cute factor of her pony tail skyrockets, even when totally messy.

•  Just a mid-sweeping break to read in the middle of the kitchen floor, paper airplane just in arms reach though...

Professor P-Lo

• He'd never tell because he is the king of humble, but he totally got a letter from BU's president.  He will be awarded, for the second year in a row, the presidential merit award because of stellar scholarship, teaching and research.  Award and a nice salary bonus too... 

• He recently accepted a position change in the physical therapy department, and will begin this new position in June.  While Paul and I never once pictured out lives here, KY has been so very good to us.  This position change comes at the perfect time.  Not only is it a fresh change in position with new classes to teach and graduate students, but a HUGE change in salary that comes in perfect timing - just when I was starting to fret about maternity leave and being able to be home with our Hartley girl for the full 12 weeks.  This Mr. is such an amazing provider!

Countdown to Hartley

• NB pampers were purchased in excitement today.  Yes, the final 7 weeks until her arrival is here, and I'm starting to gather the few necessities we need for her.  

• 33 week OB visit on Friday, with an ultrasound.  Hopefully she won't be as bashful and give us a picture of her face.
• Little H is a gentle dancer in my belly.  Her soft movements are so much different than the ninja kicks that her sister use to give me.  I wonder if this is sign of what her personality will be like.  Lord knows we could use one Loprinzi lady who is mild-mannered :).  
• A room fit for a little lady is coming together, just a few more details and it'll be all set.
• 33 week belly bump, complete with evidence that yields the current state of my bathroom - toilet paper roll off the roll thingy, wet towel on the floor, bathroom mirror needing clean, not pictured heaping pile of dirty clothes needing taken down to be washed - but my hair is curled…just keeping it real here :).

 Kristina the crazy lady

• I successfully got an 82% on my adult health exam, which is not the best score, but it is MY best score for this course.  Being sick with pneumonia really crushed my grade.  This course has been amazingly tough, but I have learned so very much.  I never thought I'd be jumping for joy over a C…but goodness I am so thankful that I will get a C in this course and be able to finish my program.  Small blessings.
• Given the low score on my Women's health midterm (again, pneumonia killed my midterm grade), I needed to score well on my final, and that I did.  I earned a 94% on the final, and thus secured a B overall in the class.
• It has been a term, a crazy tough term full of sickness, exhaustion, night shift working, baby growing, and family raising…and to get an A, B and C for my final grades in the three classes I took I couldn't be happier.  C's get degrees and become FNPs!