What any good therapist would recommend

Desperate for relief of my severe case of homesickness, I sought out the nearest state park and drug my family out for a hike. It wasn't the Rocky Mtns by any stretch of the imagination. However, being surrounded by nature was good for my soul. Plus, we got a little exercise (Dan more than I, since he carried Alli in the pack).

Going topless among friends

After a Saturday morning of shopping at the local farmer's market, Alli was invited for an impromptu swim with friends.

Oatmeal tastes better while wearing goggles

Feeling better already

Thanks for all the warm fuzzies. I do feel better today. Amazing what a whole night of sleep can do! Alli is also feeling better and back to her usual self. We'll be back to our usual routine tomorrow. She is very excited to see all her friends at "school"/daycare.

Kerry, I am feeling good regarding being pregnant. 18 weeks. Just a little lingering fatigue and not fitting into any of my clothes. Ugh! Out come the big bras and maternity clothing.

The start of a VERY long 3 years

***WARNING. THIS POST CONTAINS EXCESSIVE WHINING AND COMPLAINING.***

I normally try to keep a pretty positive attitude, but this week is dragging it down. To start, it is July 1st. That date, to most people, signifies that summer is in full swing and the long holiday weekend is nearing. For us, it is the start to a very long three years. Dan officially started his residency today, leaving the house around 4:30 am this morning. He starts off with the honor of being on-call tonight, which means he stays in the hospital, will probably not get to sleep and is not allowed to come home. We won't see him again until tomorrow night. Rumor has it, he will work 100+ hour weeks for the first few months. All of this after a sleepless night due to a feverish crying little girl, who has the highly contagious, viral (so not a thing you can do about it other than ride it out) Hand-Foot-Mouth illness.

So, while my husband is getting the finest education in foot and ankle surgery on the 15 minutes of quality sleep he got last night, I am home with the ill child. This "day off" comes without pay, since I have no vacation time built up at work yet. This follows the initial impression I made of being the new PA who arrives on the job one month ago to reveal that she is pregnant (due in December) and will need to take maternity leave.

I have a basket full of lemons and need some new lemonade making skills