Jonah: 4 Months

I know I’m biased, but...I think I have the most beautiful baby in the world!  He has the softest skin with so many sweet rolls and folds.  He’s my little baby angel!

Whenever he eats, he has started flirting with me.  It is seriously the cutest thing ever!  He’ll smile shyly, talk, and coo at me.  I love it!  He also makes the cutest squealing noise whenever he gets excited.  I know he is so close to laughing!  He has the cutest personality, and I love watching it develop.  He is so sweet and funny!  Jonah is also very much a morning person.  It’s rare that he’s not awake by 6:30!  He is very happy when waking up too - all smiles!

August 1 was my first day back to work.  The night before, I cuddled with Jonah all night long.  I couldn’t sleep!  I knew he would be in good hands with our new nanny, but I was still so worried about leaving him for so long.  The nanny texted me multiple times while I was at work, saying Jonah was inconsolable and crying the whole day long!  He wasn’t used to me being gone for hours on end and having to drink out of a bottle all day!  Yes, he had gotten bottles previously, and did well with them, but didn’t have to drink out of them all day.  The nanny was at her wits end.  So I wasn’t surprised when she quit the next day...leaving us in the same position, needing to find a new nanny before Jordan started school again on September 9.  Ugh.  

Physically, Jonah has been developing by leaps and bounds!  He is able to hold his torso up and does little push-ups during tummy time!  He is also constantly rolling over, and even rolls over during his sleep!  Jonah also has started trying to scoot forward. The problem is though, he can't figure out how to move his arms! It's so funny. He also eats a ton.  Once, he ate 8 ounces for Jordan when he woke up!  I was shocked!

Jordan watched Jonah the rest of the month of August.  Jonah is so lucky to have all this time to spend with Jordan.  None of our other future kids will have this much time with him!  I was also jealous, because Jonah was sleeping much better for him during the day than for me (initially, anyways)!  Towards the middle of August, Jonah started going through the dreaded “four month sleep regression!”  He had been sleeping 8 hours a night, eating, and then sleeping 3 more hours.  During the sleep regression, he would get up every 2 hours.  I just had to remind myself that this too would pass!

Wednesdays have become my least favorite day, because I’ll usually work and then I’ll have Young Women’s in the evening.  I hate being away from Jonah all day long.  

My 25th birthday was fun and pretty laid back!  We went on a long walk and then out to dinner at a restaurant a few blocks away from us called The Hill Cafe.  I got their crab cakes - they were so delicious!  Because I worked on my birthday, we continued the celebration to the weekend by going to breakfast, to see Wolverine, and going on another long walk!  

Jonah got a “command center” exersaucer on my birthday too and he loves it!  He especially loves to chew on the green leaf!  We also got Jonah a little chair in the middle of August and he loves that too.  It helps him sit upright and has a lap tray for him to play with toys!

Jonah loves all types of music, but apparently he is a boy after his mommy’s heart.  He loves 80’s music!  One night, I tried to get him to sleep for about an hour, and then Jordan tried.  He put on “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey and Jonah fell asleep before the song was over!  Jonah also LOVES piano music, and is always entertained when Jordan and I play the piano.

We went to North Carolina again August 17 to see the Bethers and (brother) Jordan before he went back to Utah!  It was so relaxing.  We hung out, watched movies, ate yummy food, and then went to church the day after.  

We got some new neighbors on August 22.  They have big dogs who like to bark, but thankfully not at night!  

I loved this outfit he wore one day.  The bib said “Daddy’s Big Guy” and his onesie said “Daddy’s Little Guy.”  What one is it!?  Haha!

To celebrate Jonah turning 4 months, we went to Maymont!  It was so beautiful!

The Second Trimester and Beyond

On December 20, I had an OB appointment.  The doctor asked if I wanted to know what the sex was and of course I said yes (even though Jordan wasn't able to make it to that appointment)!  So he began the ultrasound and then went over the genital area...and it was pretty obvious!  I just sat there looking at it, and Dr. Mead said, "So...what do you think that is?"  I began laughing because it was a boy!!  Here we had been, expecting a girl, because of the previous appointment, and we were having a boy!  I am SO excited.  I tried calling Jordan but ended up having to tell him when he got home from school that day.  He couldn't believe it either.  We were SO excited to tell our families on Christmas!  

We attended a breastfeeding basics class that evening.  I learned so much!  Needless to say, although it was informational, Jordan decidedly told me he doesn't like classes.  So we have found other methods to educate ourselves, like reading, watching movies, and discussing what we've learned together.  I'm also really excited because there is a lactation center that is owned by the company I work for, and I get big discounts there for renting a pump :)  

We were able to fly out to Utah on Christmas Eve.  I stayed for four days and Jordan stayed for a little over a week (lucky ducky!).  I made sure to wear compression stockings, drink tons of water, and get up and walk frequently on our flights.  We had such a great time with our families!  Christmas morning was spent with Jordan's family and eating delicious waffles.  Below are the superhero shirts we made for the boys.  

We then drove to the Cuthbert grandparents and spent the afternoon and evening there.  My favorite part of the trip was announcing to our families the sex of the baby.  I had bought some adorable onesies and wrapped them along with dinner mints that said "It's a Boy!"  I can't put the videos on here, but you can see them on my Facebook.  Jordan (brother) was able to skype us from Argentina for his last Christmas on the mission!  It was amazing seeing him, even though his face was green from the camera, haha.  The next day I was able to see my friends from Westminster!  It was so great.  The last day I was there we saw Les Mis with my family and had a Christmas party with the Lassigs.  It was so fun!  Apparently Buppi has a "gift" of being able to guess the sex of a baby by looking into the pregnant woman's eyes.  I made him guess and he was wrong, but that's ok :)  

On the last day of our vacation, Jordan was finally able to feel our sweet boy kick from the outside!  I'd been able to feel him for over a month, so I was glad Jordan finally got to feel it.  Other things that got better around 20-21 weeks were my acne (my skin was actually clear!) and my energy, which finally came back.  It was great to feel energized!  

On January 31, I had the anatomy scan which is basically a 20-25 minute long ultrasound going over every tiny part of the baby's body.  He looked so healthy!  All extremities, fingers, toes, and organs were in place!  

When Jordan came home from Utah it was apparent he got really sick while he was there...and it ended up being the flu.  :(  On the bright side, however, he got the flu during Christmas break so he could rest and recover without worrying about school.  His cough lasted about 2 weeks though.  So, lesson learned - make getting the flu shot a priority!  I got it and didn't get sick, thankfully.  

Jordan and I registered at what seemed like a ton of places - Franklin Goose, Pottery Barn Kids, Amazon, and Babies R Us.  I found a great website that compiles everything you've registered for in one place though, which is awesome!  It's called babyli.st.

We had the chance to tour the birth center at my hospital, St. Mary's in Richmond.  I already had high expectations because of the status of my hospital (Favorite Place to Have a Baby - 10 years in a row!) but was so so happy with the tour!  The labor suites are huge, and 2 of the rooms had jacuzzis.  I really hope one is available when I go into labor!  After delivery they have what is called "Magic Hour" where they basically leave you alone for an entire hour to get to know your baby.  They highly encourage breastfeeding and have tons of lactation consultants.  Lots of the staff is certified, which is great!  On the mother-infant unit, the nurse is your nurse and your baby's nurse as well!  This is HUGE and so different from any other hospital I've seen/worked at.  Usually your baby has a separate nurse in the nursery, so this is great for continuity of care and letting your baby stay in your room as much as you want.  I am SO excited to give birth at my hospital!  Plus it has a level 3 NICU, which is good if anything goes awry.  

I toured the day-care center at my work as well.  I was very impressed with that as well - clean, bright, happy kids, plenty of care-givers, and on the campus of my work.  I got on the waiting list in November and was told the list was 11-12 months long...so we will see when I get in.  My other day care plans just fell through, so I hope it turns out!  I called them recently and they said that they just increased the amount of infants they accept, so hopefully the list moves a little quicker.  There are currently 6 moms ahead of me.  

Around 24 weeks, my appetite picked up immensely for a few days!  I could not stop eating, and even had to eat in the middle of the night sometimes!  It was crazy! About the same time, I started actually seeing baby Jonah kick from the outside.  Talk about a bizarre feeling - like there's an alien inside you!  It makes me laugh so hard though to see him kick.  Sometimes he will just go crazy in there and be flipping around and my belly quivers.  So funny!

I was able to get another prenatal massage around 24 weeks as well and it was so relaxing.  I seriously fall asleep getting massages.  I remember that I asked her to focus on my hips and thighs, because they were SO sore.  All the extra weight was starting to take its toll!  

We already have the majority of the furniture for Jonah's room.  We got the dresser off Craigslist, the crib from Target, and the bookshelf from IKEA.  Jordan's mom was sweet to send us a rug that matches the colors we've picked out for the room (dark blue and bright green).  The walls are light gray and the furniture is black.  It's slowly coming together!  The last real piece of furniture I need is a glider.  I was walking around Target one day and a random lady asked me if I had gotten my stroller yet.  I hadn't and she told me to go look at the City Micro's they had on major sale.  These are a way nice brand of stroller and they were 75% off!  I had a 5% off coupon as well, so I got this brand new stroller for 80% off.  I was SO pleased with myself.  Haha!

Starting around 27 weeks (third trimester) my OB increased my appointments to every 2 weeks!  Time is ticking!  Every appointment we have just makes us more excited.  It's been great too because Jordan was on his Psych rotation so he had more time and has been able to come to every appointment.  Our baby boy is so healthy.  On February 7 the doctor did a 4D ultrasound (basically a 3D movie).  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  It was so clear and we could see our son's face!  He was rubbing his eyes and opening and closing his mouth.  It made both of us so excited to meet him!  I also had my glucose tolerance test that day and drank the orange drink...which I can honestly say wasn't that bad!  Is that gross or what?  Haha.  I passed, thankfully, so I can eat all the sugar I want.  Just kidding!

Valentine's Day was so fun!  I got Jordan a box of chocolates from Godiva.  Jordan had worked the entire day and night before, so he had been at the hospital for a whopping total of 30 HOURS!  He was  so sweet at made me chocolate covered strawberries and got me a dozen roses!  He is the best hubby ever.  We watched LOTR and ate Chipotle.  :)  

February 15-18 we went to NYC for a babymoon!  It was amazing!  It was Jordan's first time to NYC and we had such a great time.  The drive up was momentous for being insanely expensive ($60 in tolls!!?!?) and frustrations from how crazy drivers are in New York.  We finally got to our hotel around 1 AM.  We stayed at a Best Western in Brooklyn that was across the street from the subway (great hotel by the way!).  The first day we went on a river cruise of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, went to the World Trade Center memorial, ate at Katz's Delicatessen, went to the Empire State Building, and then got some authentic NY pizza down the street from our hotel while watching a movie on my computer.  The second day we slept in and then went to the Museum of Modern Art, ate at the Original Soup Man, walked through Central Park and by the NYC temple, went to the Metropolitan Art Museum, ate at a mexican food place similar to Chipotle, and then went to the Nintendo store and Times Square.  We braved the weather for sure - it was freezing the second day!  Thankfully we brought heavy coats and long socks so we didn't die of frostbite.  One of our favorite things was using the subway system - so efficient!  My legs got extra strong after walking about 3 miles per day and taking about 10 flights of stairs every time you wanted to use the subway too.  

Jordan's birthday this year was so great!  It was a relaxing Sunday.  I made lots of good food: waffles for breakfast, roast for dinner, and Chocolate Wasted cake via Pinterest and it did not disappoint!  We had friends over to share cake and had a great time.  I love you Jordan and can't believe you're 27...getting old!  ;)

March 7 (about 31 weeks) we had another appointment.  Jonah is measuring approximately 4 pounds!  He was practicing breathing like crazy and wiggling around a ton.  We also saw his sweet face and it looked like he has the chubbiest cheeks ever!!  As Jordan says, "A fat baby is a happy baby."  We just don't want him too fat.  He does have to get out at some point, haha!  At this point, the main pains I've been experiencing are left rib pain and some sciatica.  I can deal with the sciatica but the rib pain is killer.  His little body is just pressed up against my rib and it feels like it's going to pop!  My doctor didn't reassure me when I told him this - he said some women have broken ribs during pregnancy because of the pressure.  Great.  I pulled a groin muscle a few days ago as well (from walking?!) and it's gotten a little better.  I waddle like no other and it is so awkward looking and feeling!  I also get very minor contractions when I walk too fast, so I need to remind myself to take it easy and slow it down.  We did get some great news though from my OB.  Since Jordan is in his OB rotation right now, he will get experience delivering babies.  Well, we asked...and Jordan is going to deliver our baby with the doctor!!!  Ahh, so so exciting!  (Below 30 and 31 weeks)

Overall, despite my complaints, I LOVE being pregnant.  The thought that there is this life inside me that I helped create is incredible and humbling.  I already love this sweet boy so much and can't imagine him not being here.  He is so much a part of our life already.    

Busy, busy week.

On Thursday I was able to spend time with almost all the LDS med wives!  13 of them are moving away for residency, and it was sad.  I met a lot of new friends though, and I'm excited.  They hang out every Thursday night, so I'll be able to go at least once a month.  Yay for support systems - they're awesome.

Last Friday I got my hair cut.  I'm growing my hair out, but need to keep the back trimmed so I don't grow a mullet.  That would be so hot.  I've also decided to keep my bangs, because they make me look like an adult.  Everyone commented on how I looked so much older when I first got my hair cut, and I think it's partly due to the bangs!

We went to see The Avengers Friday evening.  Amazing.  Such a cool movie with billions (ok maybe a slight exaggeration) of superheroes!  Jordan even designated each nephew to be a certain superhero.  I'll post the awesome picture later :)

Saturday we had the opportunity to see the incredible Emerson String Quartet.  This group has won multiple Grammys and other awards, and is known throughout the entire world for their classical music performances.  They came to VCU and we got cheap tickets!  Sweet!  They performed pieces by Haydn, Shostakovich, and Beethoven.  I loved it so much I even bought the Beethoven piece on iTunes.

Sunday was a nice relaxing day, and I was super productive.  I finished a wreath I'd been working on, baked bread, and made a yummy dinner.  Relief Society was amazing as well.  They had a visiting teaching conference and I've made a renewed decision to improve my performance.  I've been the worst VT ever.  I've visited my sisters once this whole year!!  So - in comes my perpetual calendar.  I've assigned myself tasks to complete for VT.  Ideally, I'll set up the appointment by the 10 of each month, visit by the 20, and report by the 30.  I'm really excited.  I also found this cool website that makes free printables every month that relate to the VT message.  My determination comes from the feelings and impressions I got during the conference from the Holy Ghost.  Basically, we're here to learn and become more like our Heavenly Father.  He wouldn't give us something to do if we couldn't do it.  Also, the things that are hard for us (our weaknesses) need to become our strengths.  It doesn't matter if it's hard, we just need to push ourselves, because that's how we learn.  So wish me luck :)

Other than that, it's been work, work, work for me!

Jordan had an oral exam for FCM on Monday and did fabulously.  He has been studying for his Neurology exam this Friday.  Then we have one weekend, and he begins studying for Step One!  So wish him luck as well!  :)

...Bring May Flowers

Well, we haven't done much this past week to catch up on!

My work is transitioning to a hospitalist model for the doctors from having a practice come from the outside.  They had a meet and greet with the new doctors and it was so fun!  One of the doctors is even from VCU, and Jordan knows her.  I'm excited to have them in the hospital so we can deliver better care to our patients.

We walked through a house on Saturday and it was amazing.  4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, almost 2000 square feet.  It even had a huge yard and was being remodeled.  The only downside I could really see is something I discovered after the fact.  The area that house is in had 31 - yes, thirty-one - murders in April. Um, no, we're not moving there.  Dang - it was even in our price range!  So we're looking for houses in "the Fan" and "Church hill" areas, which are basically directly east and west of Jordan's school.  There are a ton of houses in these areas too, and I've got a lot of appointments set up to walk through properties.

I took a class for work on Monday for "Nonviolent Crisis Intervention."  Basically, it's where you learn to  help patients when they're beginning to act out and keep them safe.  You also learn how to take people down, which is super important when you're working on the acute side.  I took the class before when I was working as a psych tech on a Geriatric psych unit in Salt Lake City, but this was a good refresher.

Jordan did amazing on his written exam for FCM!  He's doing so great, and has been studying like a mad-man for the boards.  He has two more exams next week and then begins studying for real, for real.

The weather has been so bipolar lately.  It was 50 degrees a few days ago, and tomorrow it's supposed to be over 90.  I can't wait til they open the pool on Memorial Day!

Major Catch Up Time!

I've not been as awesome as I should be when it comes to blogging.  You wouldn't think it, but working day shift (awesome and incredible as it is) makes me exhausted.  I am walking during the whole 8 hours, and always doing something.  I get up super early (5:10 AM?!) and go to sleep at 9:30 PM (sometimes 8 PM).  I feel like an old person.  But I'm beginning to have some semblance of a routine, which I love.  And I truly love being so busy at work.  I'm a busy natured person - it's just getting used to it!  So hence, my excuse for not blogging.  Get ready for the onslaught.

On March 23rd, Jordan and I attended the boy scout fundraiser dinner at our ward.  It was so fun.  We ate a spaghetti dinner cooked by the scouts (under the supervision of their leaders ;)), hung out with our friends from the ward, and had an auction for awesome items like a fishing trip, hair products, food, etc.

I began working by my self at work on March 26th!  I love it.  It's kindof nerve-wracking, but I enjoy being able to implement all the things I've learned throughout my career as a psych nurse into my practice.  One of my favorite things I'm able to do is groups with the patients.  I gather them all together and we either do an activity or talk about different issues.  I've done groups so far on medication management, "Stamping out the Stigma," their happy memories, how involved they are in their care, etc.  I seriously love psych, and am even considering becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (similar to a doctor) in the future.  Loving what you do is so important!

I've been growing my hair out, and as a result, some funny things have happened to me lately.  Both at the scout dinner and at work, these girls came up to me and out of the blue would say, "You know who you look like??  Alice Cullen!!!!!"  Consequently, one of my patients would call me nothing but Alice, and a young woman in our ward beams at me every time she sees me.  It's hilarious!  What do you think?

March 26th, Jordan and I were able to see The Hunger Games!!  It was awesome.  We tried out a theater in our area that is just 21 years and over, and had a great time.  They had huge semi-reclining seats, dinner, popcorn, dessert, etc.  Loved it!  And the tickets are a bit cheaper than the other theater we usually go to.

On March 30th, I had the best massage I think I've ever had in my life.  When you're so relaxed to the point of drooling, I think that's pretty dang amazing!  I've been seeing my massage therapist, Jennifer, for almost 2 years, and she is incredible.  Her website is here.

Conference was so good, as usual.  Because I worked day shift that weekend, I was only able to see the afternoon sessions, but I hope to be able to watch the morning ones soon.  My favorite quotes from them were:

"Why should you be jealous when I choose to be kind...Demeaning someone else doesn't improve your self image.  Be kind."  Jeffrey R. Holland

"Mothers and fathers - praying with children may be more important than any other example" Quentin L. Cook

Some of my favorite talks were by: Robert D. Hales, about the prodigal son; President Monson's talk Sunday morning; and the talk by Neil L. Andersen.  

Some themes I noticed: revelation, the ability to be forgiven/repentance, and priesthood responsibilities. To see, read, or hear the talks for yourself, go here.

I went out to lunch with Lyanna on April 3rd to one of my favorite restaurants here in Richmond, Can Can Brasserie.  We were able to talk for hours (SO needed with our hubbies both in medical school) and go to Target after.  So fun!

On April 4th we had the missionaries over for dinner again.  I think we feed them pretty dang often!  We had chicken with red pepper sauce and a tropical crisp that was to die for.  Such a great twist on regular apple crisp!  Here's the recipe:

Prep: 20 minutes. Bake: 30 minutes. Yield: 9 servings.

1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cubed
4 medium bananas, sliced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Topping:
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons flaked coconut, toasted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

In a large bowl, combine pineapple and bananas.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and flour; toss to coat.  Transfer to a greased 9x9 baking dish.  For topping, in a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, and nutmeg.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over fruit.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

On April 6th, Jordan had his Women's Health exam.  He is so glad to be done with that class!  It wasn't his favorite. ;)  Also on the 6th, Jordan got his schedule for his third year!  Third year is going to be AWESOME.  This is when what you imagine medical school is like really comes to fruition - rounding with residents and attendings, presenting on patients, assisting with everything and anything.  I'm SO excited for Jordan.  He is going to have so many cool opportunities.  This will also be one of the hardest years so far.  Jordan will be basically living at the hospital some rotations.  He will sleep there, eat there, and work there.  I know this is difficult for people who aren't going through it to understand, but because of the schedule, his time is going to be very limited.  They gave all the students a handbook, and it says...

"You made it!  Say goodbye to the lecture hall and hello to the wards.  The misery is over, and now the fun can begin...right?  Your clerkship experiences will be better than sitting in class day after day, but it has its own set of challenges.  Clerkships are a big change from daily lectures.  You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning, and you will be expected to figure many things out for yourself.  You will also find that your time is not necessarily your own, and sleep is a valued commodity.  Even on easier clerkships, a minimum of 40 hours/week at the hospital is the norm.  You can no longer "home school" whenever you feel like it.  As an M3, being 5 minutes late can lower your clerkship grade, and days off are sometimes few and far between."

But this is what we've been waiting for.  This is Jordan's chance to really get out there and learn.  One of our friends is just finishing his third year, and he even delivered a baby in one of his rotations!  How cool is that?!  If you want details about what area of the hospital Jordan will have when and when breaks are, ask him.  

Yesterday, we were able to drive up near DC and spend the afternoon with Alan and Lyanna.  We went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly and it was so cool!  I'm obsessed with space.  This museum is where they filmed the Transformers movie!  Loved it.  I'd love to go back.  We had dinner at a place called "Not Your Average Joes" and ate some delicious food and dessert!  I totally recommend the Peanut Butter Thing for dessert...ahh!

Today we had a great Easter.  We just relaxed at home and spent some time together.  In honor of Titanic coming out in 3D, Jordan downloaded it and we watched it...and it was the first time I've ever seen it!  Haha!  I obviously know everything about it, but LOVED watching it.  Such an amazing movie.  

I've been trying to develop a routine as discussed earlier.  I got this awesome app on my phone that stores daily to-do lists.  It's called Cozi and it's free.  I love free apps.  I've put all my Flylady routines on there, as well as my shopping lists and calendar!  And the great thing about it is you can share the information with other people, so Jordan has the same lists and everything on his phone!  Love it!

And last, but not least, we are trying to find a house to rent!  We've loved living in this apartment, but want a bit more space and cheaper rent.  Which is completely feasible in Richmond.  Our lease is over in July, so we'll be moving (hopefully) during Jordan's summer break.  Yay!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Jordan's birthday was so fun.  After dinner at Buz and Ned's, we came home and watched Lost while eating cheesecake.  So relaxing!  On Saturday, we went to the movies and saw Chronicle.  It was a fun and thought-provoking (in a nerdy way) movie.  Makes you wonder what would really happen if people had super powers! :)

My eye is completely healed thanks to my regular eye doctor. He had me continue the antibiotic eye drops four times a day and started a steroid drop four times a day as well. The steroid really helped my light sensitivity! So I couldn't wear my contacts for about 2 weeks, but now I can. And I'm not going to wear my contacts during the night ever again! Lesson learned :)

We had the missionaries over for dinner in the beginning of the month. These elders we have now are so sweet and full of the spirit. They always late for dinner, but we enjoy having them over.

I had my last day of classroom orientation last week (finally). I'm going to have another week of clinical training, and then I think I'll be on my own! This organization I'm with really has made me want to be a better nurse. I feel like I did right out of nursing school-invinsible, like I can really help these patients. I'm so excited.

Jordan finished his rotation in psychiatry last Friday and although he enjoyed the class, he really needed a break. We drove up to Baltimore after his test, stayed the night, and flew to Utah in the morning!

We had a lovely straight flight. Gotta love Southwest Airlines! We went straight from the airport to see Jordan's grandparents and then went to Cafe Rio...cravings fulfilled ;) then we met up with some more of his grandparents. It was so nice to see everyone. We went to the mall and chilled until it was time for dinner at Cheesecake Factory. They just brought back their Mango Key Lime Cheesecake and it is DELICIOUS. seriously. So so good. We then drove down to my family and watched a bit of Avatar before going to bed.

On Sunday we went to my moms ward an had a great church service. Saw SO many people I haven't seen in forever, including my friend from high school, Camille Harlan. After church, we got the news of Jordan's cousins sons passing. It was heartbreaking. We started preparing for the Lassig side coming for dinner (everyone on the Cuthbert side was sick) :(. I made a salad and a banana swirl cake. My mom painted my nails and we had a great time just talking. Whenever we come home during the holidays, it's always rush, rush, rush. But this vacation has been tremendously relaxed! Family came over and we enjoyed French dip sandwiches. We then came back to The Henderson's and slept the night away.

Yesterday Jordan went running early and then we went to Kneaders for French toast with Wendy, Allie, and the boys. It was delicious. Then we went swimming with the boys and Allie at Murray rec center. It was a great place! Then we relaxed and went to dinner at salt city burger and got yummy shakes. I got some silly pictures of a few of the boys. Came home and watched Lost :)

today Allie, Josie, Wendy, and I got pedicures and then went to Papas Place (aka classic fun center). Ate some pizza and jumped around a bit :) then Jordan and I saw the vow(such a cut movie, although it is a chick flick) and came home and are relaxing! Whew! Tonight we are going to the spaghetti factory and then going to my parents :)

What a Lovely Time!

This vacation really was lovely.

I forgot to mention that on Monday night, Jordan and I went to go talk to a psychiatrist in his parent's ward.  He gave some amazing advice.  I need to write it all down otherwise I'll forget: Network now with people at the hospitals you want to get into (i.e., go visit and say, "I'm an up and coming resident, blah blah can you give me a tour, etc."); Do what you love; Psychiatry isn't a huge/popular field but there's a huge need, especially in Utah; There aren't very many LDS psychiatrists (hello future clients!); there are SO many ways to run your practice (office, hospital, or both.  Few pts, lots of pts.  Teaching.  Giving seminars.); I liked how he runs his office - one office person and him - small overhead and he spends quality time with each patient.  Awesome awesome awesome!!!  It really pumped Jordan and I up.  I truly think he would make a fantastic psychiatrist.  

We spent Wednesday sleeping in and relaxing because everyone in my family was at work or school.  Jordan and I attended the Provo temple for a session, which was much needed.  We were able to attend Critter's viewing that evening.  It was such a heartbreaking experience.  His poor parents have been through so much, it really made my heart ache.  After the viewing, we went to Pizza Pie Cafe.  My brother Jared works there and got us in for free ;)  Ahh, perks are great!  He made us his "special" and then we came home and watched the rest of Avatar.

Thursday we slept in again (love it)!  We got all ready to head down to Moab and waited for everyone to come home from work/school.  We got on the road and as we were heading down Spanish Fork canyon, there was MAJOR traffic.  Turns out, a tanker carrying gas and a box truck carrying tires crashed into each other and were strewn all over the highway.  According to my dad, Highway 6 is the most dangerous road in America!  Scary.  We had to turn around and get to Moab through Scipio, then head east to Green River.  But thankfully we got in at a decent time.

Friday we got up bright and early to head to Fiery Furnace, my FAVORITE hike in Moab.  Seriously.  There is no set trail, and you have to have either been on it before to go in, or you have to have a ranger guide you.  Such a fun hike.  We got lost quite a few times (haha, Mom), but enjoyed the scenery!  After the hike we got Pizza Hut to begin the carb-loading for the race.  Jordan and I went swimming for a bit, then relaxed and waited for Jim and Wendy to get in.  They were smart and got Olive Garden take-out so that we wouldn't have to go to the insanely busy restaurants.  After dinner, Jordan, Jim, and I went to see John Carter at the luxurious "Slickrock Cinema".  The movie doesn't make sense at all, so don't see it.

Saturday (St. Patrick's Day) was the day of the Half Marathon!  Jordan and his parents got up early to walk to the bus pick-up.  I waited around the hotel until Jordan got in.  My mom, brother, and I cheered him on.  Considering how dang windy that day was, he came in strong at 1:38!  Jim came in at 2:16, and Wendy came in at 2:18.  We had to wait for their bag to come in, and then we headed back up to SLC.  Got some delicious steak at Texas Roadhouse, then came back to the house for dessert and to say goodbye to everyone.  We loved seeing all of you!

Sunday, we had some crepes for breakfast courtesy of Jim, and then drove to the airport.  The flight was uneventful and we got into Baltimore early!  We drove home and then went to bed early too.

I've worked Monday, Tuesday, and today.  Still in orientation, and it's going well.  I think I'll be done with orientation by next week.  Jordan started Women's Health and it's not his favorite subject.  I thought he would enjoy it because then he'll know why I'm crazy, haha!  He had the chance to do some physical exams on Monday and passed with flying colors!  

Time to Par-Tay!!

Last weekend was awesome. The winter ball for VCU was so fun! We ate lots of yummy food, played games like life size Operation, and danced the night away with our friends! It was great. Jordan even broke out the moves and danced with me all night long!

On the 18th, we went to the mummy exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It was amazing. We watched a 3-D movie about this particular mummy. Then we walked around a large exhibit devote to these mummies. I am fascinated my Egyptian history and absolutely lived this exhibit.

Jordan took his gastrointestinal exam on Friday and did fabulous! Best test yet. He is doing great in school and is so smart.

This week at work has been good. I've been orienting to the unit and am trying to get used to the computer charting system. There is so much to remember!!

I ended up scratching my eye a few days ago and am so bummed. I scratched it a year ago also. I am really sensitive to light and it scratches when I blink. So I came to the doctor yesterday and since it was urgent, I got the only doctor available. Turns out, there is a reason he was available...he is an awful doctor!! He was unbelievably rude. Worst bedside manner. I was dying because he was flashing a light in my eye and I had to wipe my eyes, and he kept saying, "you need to stay still, don't blink, keep your eyes open!" Well, I don't know about you, mister, but when your super photosensitive, it kills you to keep your eyes open! I literally couldn't control my eyes. He made me cry :( so I hope I never have to meet with him again.

Today is Jordan's birthday and it's been fun :). I woke him up to a hot cinnamon roll, a "birthday basket," and a decorated house. Later we are going to the best barbecue place ever, Buz and Ned's. After that we will go see Chronicle and then come home to Jordan's favorite Godiva cheesecake from cheesecake factory. Yum!!! Happy birthday honey! You're the best :)