Soap Opera Sunday (SOS)

I have decided, because of the great feedback I received from my last really real reality post, that I will dedicate the last Sunday of every month to all the juicy detailed drama that is my life---And it will be appropriatley called "Soap Opera Sunday" or "SOS" for short. Not to worry, I really hate negativity (yes, that is an oxymoron) and despise complaining so you won't be reading anything of that nature.

First little tidbit, Keith is almost home! JUMP FOR JOY!!!!! It has been a long 7 weeks for us, while he has been in Dallas at a review course for the step. I so admire his determination and ambition. It is a rare trait among people today. He studies so much and never complains about it...(well, hardly ever.) It will be another few weeks before he can schedule to take the exam, but we are anxiously looking forward to that day, so then we can know where we will be living for the next 2 years. Life is not fun in LimboLand, folks. But it will all be worth it in the end!

Next, an update.....Stryder and his quest to start on formula. Since my last post on this matter, I have tried to give him Soy-based formula, which he absolutely hated at first. He would spit and sputter when I tried to feed it to him, even when it was mixed with 3 parts breastmilk and only 1 part Soy. But the good news was that he did not have the reaction that he had with milk-based formula. No wheezing, no rash, no gagging, ect. So over the next few weeks, I have been mixing all of his bottles with part Soy, part breastmilk and he no longer wincing at the taste! He can drink an entire 6 oz bottle without batting an eye. YAY!!!! (This also means I'm on my way to closing my dairy department....those of you who read my last post know that this is a very happy thought for me!)

Moving on, the cutest thing happened the other day...my mom and I had just finished our daily P90X workout and Stryder was on his tummy watching us. He started imitating the push-ups that we do. He can now do push-ups on demand...He's in training to become Mr. Strongman. Here are the videos of his push-up's:

Stryder can now sit up by himself. He is learning how to keep his balance and not fall over when he sits. It is so much fun to see! He is also so so so close to crawling. He will get up on his hands and knees now and rock back and forth. He even moves backward by pushing himself and scooting along. It is only a matter of time before he figures out how to move forward--Then I must baby proof the house!

We also had a little play date with my good friend Katie and her little girl, Eden, who was born just a week before Stryder. She is so cute, with the longest eyelashed I have ever seen!  Katie and I grew up together and actually had the same due date of Easter Sunday, April 12th.  We both delivered early, but she beat me to it!  The babies actually interacted together and it was great to visit with my friend experiencing motherhood just like me.  Maybe someday, they can be boyfriend-girlfriend....Afterall, they were already holding hands! 

Another issue has developed since Styder has started to roll over. He is rolling over all the time now, but that's not the issue. He is doing it in his crib now. As soon as I put him to bed, he rolls over. If he wakes up in the night, he rolls over. In the morning, he rolls over. This is all fine and dandy, except that he buries his little head face down in the mattress when he falls back asleep. So I'll find him face down, then I freak out! To all you mothers out there: Have you experienced this?? What was your solution? I am now up at all hours during the night to check on him and turn him back onto his back after I find him face down in his crib. I don't know how I can get him to turn his head to one side. He also wakes himself up when he rolls over. Like it is a reflex or something. Maybe he does it in his sleep when he's dreaming of rolling over in his little dreamy playland. It is funny I'll see his little head bob up and down and he's just be-boppin around his crib. That is how he is waking me up each morning. I start my day with a smile when I see his little face peak up at me.

As of last week, I now have two per diem jobs. It is so great being a nurse!  I am still doing private contract work for the government giving immunizations at military bases, but I have also started with another company that does health screenings, teaching, and education for employees at professional offices. (Which is great since I love public health and community nursing!) I get an email when there is an event that needs a Registered Nurse, and I just email back when I want to work it. Each event is usually only a few hours in the morning, so my dad watches Stryder during this time. This week I have 3 events that I will be working. The pay is great too; I rack up $30/hour for each event---which helps out when we are rationing our student loans like bread during the Great Depression. (Um, I am not comparing this time in our lives to the Great Depression-it's just a metaphor, people :-)

In other nursing news, I also have been helping my mom with her nursing academics every day. She will be done with her nursing program this December. This is great news!!! We have already done about 4 papers and have a few left to complete. I forgot how challenging, demanding, difficult, and time-consuming nursing school is. She has done so great and is gaining confidence in her abilities as a nurse. I can keep current with medications and stay up on my skills by helping her, too. I plan to tutor her before she takes the NCLEX, so she can learn the test-taking strategies and critical thinking skills needed to pass the exam. My sister, Jenessa, (the newlywed) will also be done with her nursing degree in December. How funny that three of us are nurses now? I would have never guessed that in a million years! But practicality and compassion count for alot when deciding on a field of study and career. NURSES ROCK!

In the way of sports, I attended my first Badger game last Saturday with our neighbor, Annette. I didn't have any Wisconsin Badger clothing, so I got a shirt in the kids section at Wal-Mart. I think Bucky Badger would approve! Big Red ended up creaming Wofford (wherever that is) 44-14.  I even learned the words to the  "On Wisconsin" song.  The stadium was gi-normous, very loud, and saturated with brats 'n' beer.  To cornily quote and sloganize this paragraph: "When you said Wisconsin, you said it all."

Stryder and I also went to the homecoming parade on Friday in our little town here. It was kind of a family affair, as my parents went with us too.  It rained the entire time, so we watch the parade from the comfort of our own car!  Kids of all ages lined main street to watch this parade, which is basically just all the sports teams in the high school and a few other community organizations. Oh, and the marching band of course.  I remember going to this same parade when I was in 4th grade and every grade thereafter (I was in this parade every year in high school.)  The high school colors are orange and black and so I made sure Stryder was decked out and full of Panther Pride, with a paw print on his cheek!

Wrapping it up...I was recently called to serve in the Primary Presidency. I am excited to magnify this calling and work with some great women, too. The kids are so cute and my first task is to learn/remember each of their names. I am still faithfully attending my Institute class on the Book of Revelation, too. It is going well and I quite enjoy the random comments of many of the other pupils.  I am also starting to play the piano again.  It's been a while since I've played but it feels great to do it.  We had to sell the beautiful antique piano (see pic) that Keith bought me when we sold our house (tear, tear), but he has promised me that he will get me a baby grand when the time is right.  My parents have a piano here and I love to practice on it.  Some of my old sheet music is still around, too. It's my goal to learn "Malaguena" in a few months....(this is a difficult piece and will take at least this long to learn).  Oh, and something I'm really looking forward to: Photography Class!  I will start a photography class in a few days, which is taught by the teacher that I had in high school. (Gotta love small towns!)

As always, I thoroughly enjoy any of your comments and feedback!  I hope you liked my "newsy" (new word, courtesy of Jacquelle Roy) post!  Stay tuned for scenes from the next episode of Sunday Soap Opera....The life of Keith, Les, and Stryder.

My Wonderful Wife

Hey everyone! Keith here, I was just reviewing my notes for immunology and had this overwhelming feeling of love come over me for my wife (be honest, i am not the only one that this sort of thing happens to!)...so I figured I would give you all an idea of how amazing she is!

Many of you might not realize how strong my wife is! First of all, it takes a strong person to put up with me for the past 5 years. She is so willing to do things just to make me happy! Don't get me wrong, Lesley has quite the temper herself, but I think that is there just to help keep me in line from time to time.

Lesley is such a kind, loving, and giving individual. She gives of herself so much some times that I fear she is going to wear herself out! She is so supportive of me in my MANY "wild ideas". One of the many things that I love about her is that she is always up for a new adventure. I mean, let's be honest here people, it takes quite the woman to be willing to pack up her things and move to a 3rd world country just so that her husband can fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a Doctor.

Lesley is also an AMAZING mother! If you have not seen her with our Stryder then you have not seen motherhood at it's best! When I look at her holding our little boy I can't help but be the proudest man alive!

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a wonderful family! I miss you Lesley and Stryder SO MUCH! I can't wait to come home on October 2, and just hold you both in my arms again!

I wish I had time to write a little bit more, but unfortunately I have this stupid test (USMLE Step 1) hanging over my head. Hopefully all of those who read understand a little more about my wonderful wife!

~Keith

A Fairy Tale Wedding

Once Upon A Time, in a land far, far away known as Utah....There lived a beautiful princess named Jenessa and her handsome prince named Travis. They had their fairy tale wedding on the eighth day of the summer month of August in the year 2009. All the relatives in the kingdom gathered at the majestic castle, named the Logan Temple, to witness their wedding, for it truly was a touching ceremony and joyous occasion. They all brought umbrellas because everyone had tears of joy that this happy day had finally come! (Not because it was raining or anything like that!)

The bride's family rejoiced on this bittersweet day, as this was their last daughter to be married. Lucky for them, all of their daughters have chosen their own knights in shining amour to marry. All of the gentlemen even come complete with white horses! So the entire family gathered together, abounding in happiness!

The beautiful princess carefully chose her ladies-in-waiting, bridemaids Mikkal, Lesley, and Erica, and even gave them stylish gowns to wear with pink sashes and bouquets of fresh bright daisies to carry!
And all the family and friends did sit for their own self-portraits and exclaimed.... "You made all her dreams come true, Fairy Godmother Roxie." "We are too handsome for our own good!"

"My, my, what a big boy you are, my son!" Even the little Prince named Stryder thought, "What in the world am I wearing?" For everyone came to the celebration ball, even good friends Stephanie and Camille!

And the decor was exceedingly divine, with the unique touch that was only fit for a princess. For aromatic flowers adorned every table setting, a magnificent feast was provided for the guests to enjoy, and candy dishes made for sweet party favors!

All the guests did laugh, visit, and had a splendid time. There was music, waltzing and even dance entertainment performed by the court jesters, cousins Nikki, Abbey and Casey! Even the wedding cake was almost too perfect to cut. But it was delicious to taste and the happy couple delighted in feeding each other the first bites!

Then, when it was time for the bouquet toss, all the single ladies gathered round. The princess gave it a toss and all the fair maidens reached for the bouquet until it finally landed in the hands of bridesmaid, Erica!

The carriage was decorated with fluffy white marshmallows and sticky peanut butter, to distinguish the newly weds as "Just Married."Then all the people gave them their well-wishes and sent the happy couple off with sparklers and smiles! And so concludes the story the of Fairy Tale Wedding......Of course, everyone lived Happily Ever After!

A Screech, A Laugh, and A Smile!

Put on your happy face! Our little baby has found his voice and let me tell you, IT IS LOUD! Lately, he has been doing this screechy laugh that is almost unbearable to listen to if it weren't so darn funny. It sounds like one of the velociraptors from Jurassic Park, you know the really scary ones that spit out green goo all over the guys face? To date, Stryder has not started hurling any sputum at me, but I actually caught his "screeching" on camera, which is lucky for you!

Yes, I know what you are thinking....That WAS loud! The best part is that he will screech like this totally unprovoked, and it will be at the most inopportune times. Most recently he starting doing this in the middle of church and tonight he did it in the middle of the movies. (To my credit, it was only a budget movie that we went to and I took him out when he got too loud. Don't worry, I'm not one of those people that annoy you at the movies.) I am happy he is learning to use his vocal cords and guess we will just have to see if this nails-on-the-chalkboard screeching is just a phase!

Meanwhile, in addition to his new-found screeching abilities, Stryder loves to laugh. Anytime, anywhere we can get him to belly laugh. It is quite fun. He is actually ticklish....which in itself is funny since I am extremely ticklish (all over, just ask my husband) and Keith is too (in the right spots, which I of course know.) My mom is especially great at eliciting a laughing episode from Stryder. This is her in the video clip below making him laugh to his little heart's desire.....

Last but not least, is an endearing little clip featuring Stryder and his Great Grandpa JR. My grandpa JR is quite the outdoorsman. He loves to hunt, fish, camp, you name it, and he has a unique talent for making animal calls. When he met Stryder this summer, he did some animal calls and Strdyer was mesmerized. I'm sure that it was a precursor to the type of hobbies Stryder will like. He most definitely will hunt, fish, and camp, since Keith and his dad are avid outdoorsmen, too. So it comes from both sides of the family....sorry Stryder, you really didn't have a chance! My grandpa said that he wants to give Stryder his old .22 that his dad gave to him when he was a boy. I made sure that Keith knew that it is his job to teach our little boy gun safety before he can have one of his own. You don't want to end up accidentally shooting someone! (Inside joke...some of you may know that Keith was accidentally shot.) Anyway, I took a short video clip of my grandpa and Stryder doing the manly bonding. It was fun to see; I'm the one with the annoying laugh in the background:

I really am glad we have some of these funny things on camera. Years from now, we can look back and remember all his little quirks of cuteness.

Labor Day at Lake Geneva

I love Labor Day!  My mom suggested on a whim that we drive to Lake Geneva for Labor Day to experience this quaint little artsy town and all its cuteness.  I did grow up in Wisconsin, but I really have not seen or experienced many of the beautiful places around the state.  Now I can check one off my list!  Lake Geneva is a few hours southeast from where we live and apparently it was quite the summer getaway destination for members of the Chicago Mafia back in the scary mafia days when it was known as the "Capone Gang."  The city is known as the "Hamptons of the Midwest" to give you a better idea of its essence.  This little town is rich in history and tourism, but I'll refrain from giving you a history lesson....so you can click here here to find out more if you so wish.  Mansions that are most likely only summer homes speckle the perimeter of the lake, complete with their own private docks that no doubt furnish priceless lakefront views.  Here are pictures of the lake and a lakeside cottage...

   

Our little man was all prepared with his hat and sunglasses!

It was actually a really nice day, too.  I walked around the entire time without a jacket, which is out of the ordinary for me since moving here.  I think that while living in Miami, I acclimated to the exterme heat and humidity, so now I feel like I'm freezing when its in the 70's with a low heat index.  I would say that I got used to the heat (if you can call it that) in Dominica, but I would never get used to that "heat"; in fact to even call it heat is such an understatement.  It is more like the flames of hell mixed with fire and brimstone that somehow is vaporized into the climate.  But, I digress!  

Lake Geneva was really busy on Labor Day, and I don't mean just the lake....the town, the parks, the shoppes.  There were people leisurely having picnics on the grass, biker boys on Harleys driving through the avenues, and tourists coming and going in and out the many boutiques and art galleries in the downtown district.  I really love the feel of a busy city; it's like the excitement is palpable or something of the sort.  Upon arriving, we stopped along the beach and took these nice pics:

It was sure great to spend the day with my mom and dad.  I know that Stryder is lucky to have them in his life, and so am I! 

For some reason, there were these painted carousel horses all over the city.  We really couldn't figure out the purpose of them, but maybe it was just to add to the whimsy of the town by displaying the artwork on the horses.... Here is a pic of my dad petting one of the random horses on the sidewalk.  It had those pink and white frosted animal crackers painted on it, which were his favorite cookie as a kid.  A nostalgic coicidence?! 

                          

We relaxed a bit on the grass, and its a good thing we did, because Stryder had a diaper malfunction that required immediate attention! 

Here he is stripping down to his whitey-tighty's:

And here is his fresh new outfit: (So happy I always carry a change of clothes for him!)

Yes, my kid wears Crocs! (Thanks to Grandma Roxie)

At the end of our day, we walked along the pond and ate at the local KFC.  It was finger-licking good, of course.  It was a great Labor Day, probably one of the best ever.   (And it goes without saying that I wish Keith was there to enjoy it with us.) Thanks Mom and Dad, for a memorable trip...Stryder and I love to spend time with you. 

Les in Real Life

I'm not self-absorbed enough to think that you would like to read a blog post dedicated to only myself, but there are a few updates that I would like to share with those in the blogging world.  Plus writing is quite therapeutic for me, so a figure I may as well share some of my personal life with y'all.  (Did I really just write "y'all"?) 
  Anyways, first order of business....Where exactly are we living?  (I know all of our med school friends want to know.)  This is kind of a tricky question that does not have an easy answer.  But here goes...Keith is doing the Falcon Review Course in Dallas, so he lives there for about the next 5 weeks.  Stryder and I are living in the town that I grew up in, which is near Madison, Wisconsin.  My parents were kind to let us stay here during this time I have named "Limbo/Pergatory" because until Keith takes the USMLE, we cannot move forward into clinical rotations or his 3rd year of medical school.  So here we are.  At opposite ends of the country yet again.  The pure irony of becoming a doctor...gotta love it!

  Ok, next item....employment.  I do have a per diem position as a contract nurse, working at the military base in LaCrosse doing physicals, EKG's, injections, among other things, but it is only on a PRN basis.  It is great since I will only get called if I'm needed and only accept the work if I want to.  Those of you who know me, may be surprised to know that I am not really working at the moment.....and loving it!  It is the first time I have not had a job since I was 14 years old.  But I figure I have good reason, being a mother and ALL.    I used to not understand the appeal of being a stay-at-home mommy, but after having Stryder, I cannot imagine not being an "always-there-to-care" mommy. (I prefer that term as opposed to 'stay-at-home mom'.)  I fully respect all those women that are employed in their own child-rearing.  Keith actually said something to me the other day that was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes..  He said "Les, when you have a job, you always put all you can into your work.  This is the same reason why you make an amazing mother." 

   Speaking on motherhood....there is somewhat of an issue that has developed with Stryder.  DISCLAIMER:  The following paragraph contains content related to breastfeeding, if you do not wish to read, please skip ahead to the section titled "On A Lighter Note."

So I have planned to stop nursing or breastfeeding my son when he was 6 months old.  To quote Sex and the City,

   Carrie: "There's a woman in there breastfeeding a child who can chew steak."
   Miranda: "You know how I feel about that. If you can ask for it, you're probably too old for it."

This quote pretty much sums up my reasons why I feel it needs to be over and done with before they start talking (and walking.)  I have counted down these days with great anticipation, since breastfeeding is a sacrifice and I fully respect ANYONE that does it.  I so looked forward to packing up my breast pump, burning my hideous nursing bras, and reclaiming my breasts as my own again!  Oh, the sweet thought of no longer being a milk maid.  Well, that time is fast approaching, so I decided to start trying to feed him infant formula in order to meet my pre-determined deadline.  On Saturday night, I fed him a bit and he started gagging, choking, and coughing.  Then he started wheezing very badly and his breathing was quite labored.  It was terrifying to me, but my mom was there to help out, as we raced to the Urgent Care right down the street.  We were there for about an hour, as his breathing did get better on its own.  But since then, whenever he has just an ounce of formula, he gags, developes a red rash on his chin and neck and vomits everything.  Poor little guy.  So all in all, I am thinking it is some type of allergy to something in the formula.  I hope its not a milk allergy!  Over the past few days, I have been talking to his pediatrician, trying to figure out what the next step is.  She suggested trying soy formula next, which I plan to do in a few days when he has a chance to restore his homeostatsis again.  Of course, I will continue to breastfeed if or until something else works for him.  I am slowly facing the fact that I may HAVE to nurse him a few more months past my deadline, which is depressing to me.  But I want him to be healthy and thats the most important thing to remember each day as I wear another hideous nursing bra.      

  On a lighter note....I actually sqeezed my butt into a pair off size 2 jeans today.  They were five bucks on a Kohl's clearance rack and super cute, can't beat that, right?!  I haven't been a size 2 since I....wait, I don't think I have ever been a size 2....I have always been around a 4 or 6.  Yay for me!

  Hmmm....in other random news, I started an institute class on Tuesday nights in an effort to gain a better understanding of the scriptures.  It is on the Book of Revelation, ironically enough, so I'm sure I'll be lost.  But I'm happy to learn and grow spiritually.  

    And.....Stryder starts swimming lessons next month, which I'm so so so excited about.  It is a Mom and Tot class taught in the same pool I took swimming lessons at and that I swam in on the community and high school swim team.  I have lots of fond memories at this pool and look forward to making another great memory with my son. 

   For those of you still with me, (I don't blame you if you left this motherload of a post) I want to ask a question or a favor of you!  I would like to see if anyone is reading my posts, so if you are would you kindly comment this once?  I know I am horrible about commenting on people's posts, so I know how it is!  But if you have the time, drop me a comment.....and I love meeting new people, so if I don't know you personally or you are not on my blog list and you are reading my blog, let me know so I can add you!  I am very friendly, happy to make new friends, and guilty of blog-surfing at times, too.  (How did that end up sounding like a personal ad?)  Thanks everyone!