Thanksgiving 2015

I'll be honest…Thanksgiving 2015 sucked.  However, we did have a few highlights.

On Wednesday night, we went over to a friends house for Friendsgiving, which was a good time.  I took these photos before we left.

Thursday morning we all slept in a bit and then got ready and left for my parents house to join them for the weekend.  My grandparents surprised us all by joining us for lunch and staying for a few games of BINGO.

℅ PinkPineappleCouture

℅ PinkPineappleCouture

Doesn't he look like an infant again?!

That night Murdock got sick and the following morning Adam and I had to go to the vet to put him down {the rest of my family took the kids to pick out a Christmas Tree}.  Adam and I debated about coming home and hibernating, but ultimately decided we just wanted to be with family to help keep our mind off everything, so we went back to my parents and helped her decorate for Christmas. 

That night we played cards with the neighbors.  They taught us Canadian Salad which was a great time!

On Saturday, us girls went shopping and then had the neighbors over for games again.  We had intended to leave fairly early on Sunday to get settled for the week, but neither one of us was in a hurry to get home {& be reminded of Murdock more} so we stayed at my parents until after the Viking's game and ended up getting back to the lake around 5p.  

A {quick, easy} USEFUL gift to show your thankfulness…

Sorry for the crappy iPhone pic, it was late :(

I just wanted to share a gift we have our sitters this week for Thanksgiving.  I thought about grabbing a gift card to Starbucks or for a pedicure, but decided that was more suitable for a birthday.  Instead, I got them a basket of thinks they use while caring for my children every day.  We included snacks {mac & cheese, granola bars, goldfish, applesauce pouches, juice boxes, etc.}, paper products {toilet paper, paper towels}, cleaning products {wipes, bleach wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer}, & a few other random items like laundry detergent {our sitters wash the kids clothes if they have an accident--potty or paint}, gum, chapstick, hair ties, gum, bandaids, & ibuprofen. Plus a little chocolate and a sweet note on this free heart Thank You printable.  The best part about this gift is that you can make it whatever price range you want {I also included a gift receipt, so they could return anything they wanted to}

Don't forget to show love to some of the people that help keep your family together {school/dance teachers, babysitters, grandparents, preschool drivers, aunts, friends, etc.}

Cullyn's 1st Hospital Stay {Ileus}

I haven't worked a full day since last Monday and have done at least 20 loads of laundry {blankets, rugs, towels, clothes, bedding, etc.}, & my kids have logged roughly 40 hours of TV time!  I earned a few new mom badges by catching puke in my hands and spending the night in the hospital with a kid for the first time…

Tuesday | I got a text from the sitter that Cullyn had been acting 'off' all morning and woke up from his nap with a {low} fever.  So I left work and grabbed them.

Wednesday | I had an appointment in the morning, so Adam stayed home with the kids.  At 8a, he text saying Cullyn just threw up on him.  So, after my meeting & photoshoot, I came home.  Adam went to work and I stayed with them that afternoon.  We restricted him to the BRAT {Bananas, rice, apples, & toast} diet with Pedialyte and lounged the rest of the day.  He acted pretty good.  Extra cuddles, and he would tire easily and rest often, but didn't seem too sick.

Thursday | Our sitter text again saying he wasn't himself and had diarrhea.  So, I left work early again and took Cullyn home.  He had diarrhea, but was acting pretty good.  Again, he would tire easily, but was playing fine.

Friday | Jordyn had preschool and then Art Class, so I dropped Cullyn with the sitter for a few hours.  I text her to see how he was doing and to see if J & I had time to grab lunch and she informed me he was okay, but still not himself.  So we grabbed lunch to go and headed to pick him up.  When we got there, he was acting a little lethargic and stopped drinking.  So, on the way home, I called Dr Metts {a pediatrician I work for} and he said as long as we could get 5-10mL of fluids in him every 10 mints, we could avoid getting fluids from the Emergency Room since he hadn't .  He fell asleep at 12:30 {while I was talking to Dr. Metts} and when Dr. Metts called back at 3p to see how he was doing, I told him he was still sleeping.  He had me wake him up and try to get him to drink.  He was still refusing, so he had me get him to the ER.  So I woke Jordyn up and took the kids to the ER, fully expecting to get a bag of fluid and be home by 6p or so.

We got in right away.  They applied numbing cream {to four areas} of his arms for an hour.  Adam had arrived by the time they started an IV & fluids, thankfully, so I didn't have to hold him down.  Luckily the nurse was great and got him on the first stick, despite his dehydration.  We spent the next couple of hours walking the halls, at Cullyn's request, waiting for the fluids to run their course.  Around 7p, they decided they wanted to do an x-ray because he still didn't seems settled.  I took him to radiology and they got 2 photos.  About a hour later they said they were doing to admit us because he had an obstruction in his bowels.  At this time, I told Adam to take Jordyn home {who hadn't even had dinner yet--she was SUCH a trooper at the hospital!} and I would stay with Cullyn overnight.

About 9 we finally made it to room 388 on the Pediatrics Inpatient floor of Mercy.  We got settled, met our nurses, etc and started to wind down for the night.  Cullyn got to bed around 10 and the Nurse Practitioner on shift came to talk to me.  She was recommending an NG {nasogastric} tube through his nose down to his intestines to relieve the gas/fluids.  Since he was passing gas & sleeping at that point, I  {talked it over the the NP, Dr Metts, another pediatrician I know, & Adam} made the call not to go through with the 'procedure'.  It seemed a little invasive and we were having a hard enough time keeping his mind off of this IV tube, I couldn't imagine trying to get him to leave the nasal tube in.  We were up every hour that night {for about 30 minutes each time by the time they checked his vitals and I rocked him back to sleep}.

Saturday | Around 5a he was up for the day, but we couldn't leave our room until 6a {they have 'quiet time' from 10p-6a & 2-4p}. Around 8, Adam, Jordyn, & Adam's parents came to visit.  The resident rounded and gave us the official diagnosis of ileus {a blockage of the intestines typical due to a virus}.  We were given the okay to start clear liquids around 10a {I think}.  My in laws took Jordyn home for lunch and a nap.  Since the liquids were staying down, we started a regular diet around 2p {again, I think--it's hard to keep track of time in the hospital!}  At this point he hadn't had a stool since 1a on Friday morning.  We were warned that we would probably have another night in the hospital since they wanted him eating & drinking {peeing & pooping} normally before we left.  Considering I logged at least 5 miles of hall walking by this point, I was pretty defeated with that news.  But, we wanted whatever was for Cullyn {obviously} and didn't want to go home to turn around and come back, so we embraced the news.  We tried so hard to get him to take a nap, but it just wasn't happening.  Every time we got him to sleep, someone came in to check on him and woke him up again.  Luckily, Dr. Eggbalackin understood how difficult it was keep a 2 year old corralled in a hospital room and approved our request to monitor him from home as long as we closely monitored his fluid intake.  So, around 7p {I think?} we came home.  He was happy to be home {he'd been asking all day!}

Sunday | We skipped church, opting for a relaxing day at home.  All was well, until 7p, when Jordyn threw up.  Ugh!  We put the kids to bed and made arrangements for me to be home {again!} with Jordyn today.  Is it summer yet?! :)

----------------------------------
Man alive, I have no idea now parents do it with terminally ill children.  We barely survived 24 hours with the help of friends and family.  It truly takes a village to raise children and we were reminded of that yet again this weekend.  So many thanks to my in laws for stepping in to help with Jordyn, and my sister & bil for the visit and offering to take Jordyn if we needed it, to our good friend J&J for offering many times to help with Jordyn, Murdock, or me! :) And to our sitter, for stopping up to check on our little Cully man!  Biggest thanks of all to the team of nurses, students, residents, & physicians that helped get Cully back on track.  Huge shout out to the Ronald McDonald House foundation who held a nightly meal at 6p and offered to launder our clothes {amongst other things} during our stay.  I think we've found our March Pay it Forward project! :)

Thankful | November 2013

I know, I know...it's like a friend of my posted on Facebook 'everyone that complains all year long is suddenly thankful for everything'  I found that funny.  I try to fill this place with happy things, and reading everyone's posts on Facebook {I didn't participate this year} has reminded me be thankful for lots of little things, even in the thick of ugly.  So here is my 'Thankful' post {I'll be adding to it throughout the month}....

November 1 | my Father in Law
Today, after working a full day at work, my husband and father in law insulated the attic of our lake house to help even the temperature throughout the house and keep heating costs down this winter.  I cannot tell you the number of projects my father in law has come to help with, no matter how many hours he has worked throughout the week or how much he would rather be napping in his recliner! :)  I love him like my own father!

November 2 | Medicine
After a long couple of weeks with Cullyn, I am so thankful for awesome healthcare providers and more importantly, good medicine.  Thank you for making my little man feel better!

November 3 | my Brother in Law
I am so thankful for my selfless brother in law, Daryl.  This man is an awesome BIL & even better husband and father.  He is always willing to lend a hand.  Today he came to our lake house to help start the siding project.  Without him giving up his Sunday, we would have not been able to get the entire front of the lake house sided.

November 4 | my Hubby
There are so many aspects of Adam I have to be thankful for, but today I am most thankful to have him as the father of my children.  I cannot imagine doing this parenting thing alone.  He is always ready to take over when I need a break no matter how tired he is.  He takes care of our children every single morning and comes home from work to help again.  And nights like last night/this morning, he even takes night duty.  I can't imagine going through life with anyone else by my side.  I am so blessed to call him my husband and an honored that my children have such an awesome role model to look up to.

November 5 | a Flexible Boss
Again, going back to the long week we're enduring with Cully, I am so thankful for my boss.  Thankfully, she has been a working mama {of 4--with a traveling husband!} so she understands my need for a work/home balance.  Anytime I need to leave work or work from home she is 100% of board and tells me I need to take care of myself and my family before work.  This is such a rarity and I am so, so thankful for an understanding boss.  She is truly one of a kind.

November 6 | my Mother in Law
We are so blessed to have Joy.  She is always willing to come watch our children, even when she was working.  She lives to watch her grandchildren grow up and be involved with them.  Today she took the entire day to drive to our home and watch our sick boy, potty-training girl, & needed pup.  A 12 hour day with our crew is no easy feat and yet she never hesitates to help when we ask.  We are so thankful for our loving Mom/Grandma Joy.

November 7 | my job
I know I don't always act like it, but I am very thankful to have my job.  It's flexible and I really do like what I do-for the most part!  It's fast paced and super busy, but I'm actually thankful for that.  I can't imagine it any other way.  I am especially thankful for my job as the holidays approach us.

November 8 | nights in with my family
Thankful for this Friday night 'in' with my family.  Hanging out, wearing sweats,  and regrouping for the weekend.  It's so rare that we get a a full night at home to just relax and play as a family.  Movie nights in are one of my favorite!

November 9 | my Parents
So, so incredibly thankful for my parents.  For many reasons of course {loving, supportive, friends, etc} but today I'm thankful for the amazing grandparents they are to my kids and that they are always willing to come lend a hand when we're feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.  They love my kids and the time they get to spend with them.  *Thankful there were here for overnight/am duty with my kids who woke at 4:30a today {11/10} as well! :)

November 10 | awesome friends
We have the best friends ever!  So many of them we can hardly keep up {school friends, lake friends, old friends, {former} colleges, etc.} but the ones I'm most thankful for today are the Joynts.  We are recovering from an incredible night out with them last night.  We spent the evening at a concert and celebrated until the wee hours of the morning.  They always guarantee a great time.  I'm especially thankful that we can have an awesome night wether we stay in or we go out.  We are always their for each other and since we don't have grandparents in town, that means a lot! 

November 11 | all the Veterans
I know everyone is thankful for the veterans, so it's pretty cliche, but having this blog has really made me aware of the sacrifices that military families go through on a daily basis.  I am so grateful for all of the military men and woman for what they do everyday to keep us safe and fight for our freedom.  I feel so proud today {and everyday} to be living in America.

November 12 | home & heat
Holy cow was it cold today!  It snowed {1/5"} yesterday and when I went to work this morning it was just 13* outside {less with windchill & boy is it windy!}  The office was frigid until almost 9a!  This makes me so very blessed to have a warm home {and car & office}.  I cannot imagine being homeless {or even working outside} during days like today.  It's just bitter cold!

November 13 | our gym membership
Although I just dread going to the gym some days, once I'm there I really like it!  It gives me a boost of energy and helps me 'reset.'  I love the girls I've met there, the daycare, the tanning bed/sauna, and mostly the variety of classes they offer.  Such a blessing to find a gym that works for our family.

November 14 | a great daycare provider
Going through Cullyn's sickness and Jordyn's potty training the past couple of weeks has confirmed just how awesome of a daycare provider we have.  It takes a special person to be able to handle 6 kids under 3 {5 of them under 2!} all day, every day.  The kids love going to see her and we love that she reads to them and loves of them just like we do at home.  Truly a blessing to have a great sitter that we're comfortable with, I can't imagine it any other way!

November 15 | all of my photography clients
Wow!  I have been blown away by my awesome photography clients this year!  I have met some really cool people who have allowed me to expand myself both personally and professionally.  I never would have dreamt I would be doing photography for anyone besides my family.  It's so fun to have a creative outlet for me.

My 30 Days of Thanks

I know not everyone is a fan of the whole 30 days of Thanks that is all over FB every November [usually those who aren't in a happy place in their life, but that's neither here nor there] 

So...here are my some of the things I'm thankful for straight off my Facebook page.  

Nov1: I'm thankful for my MIL for rearranging her schedule to watch Miss J whenever we need her to.

Nov:2 I'm thankful for each of my photography clients for choosing me and being flexible with my crazy schedule...you're making my dreams come true one day at a time! :)

Nov3: Today I'm thankful for Grandparents. Both getting to see all of mine to today and for Jordyn's. I woke up today and she was sitting reading books with Grandpa. :)

Nov4: Today I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep! :)

Nov5: Thankful for the 15 minutes of snuggles I got with my little girl before work this morning...that rarely happens.

Nov6: I am thankful today is voting day and that by tomorrow it's over and we can all go back to our normal lives.

Nov 7: I'm thankful for family nights. Our weeks fill up fast, but I'm looking forward to a night at home tonight.

Nov 8: Today I'm thankful for all of Jordyn's little friends. It is the coolest thing ever to watch her play with all of our friend's kids!

Nov9: so much to be thankful for today...started with Adam skipping boys night so I could go to girls night. Thankful my daughter slept 12 hours without waking at 3am. Thankful for my our health & that my niece was released from the hospital today.

Nov10: thankful for this amazing weather for my photoshoots & clients that are willing to drive hours to come see me! :)

Nov 11: Thankful for all of our veterans. You've done something I'll never be able to do...thank you!

Nov12: Today I'm thankful for the heater in my car...wow was it cold this morning!

Nov13: I'm thankful that the Klostermann's brought Adam some Ting home from Jamaica. I've heard him whine about not having it since our wedding 3 years ago...thank you for making his YEAR!

Nov14:Thankful for yummy, warm meals. Both homecooked by my hubby like last night or at a resturant with friends like tonight!

Nov15: I'm thankful Jordyn sleeps on her tummy and when she got sick last night for the first time she didn't choke, because she didn't make a peep. Thankfully Adam checked on her before coming to bed. First bath in the middle of the night. I also now understand why people say to have lots of extra sheets clean and ready.

Nov16: Thankful for hair dye & hairdressers that can work magic! :) After 9 months this trip is MUCH needed! :)

Nov17: So thankful for awesome aunties! Jordyn has 4 great ones. They're always willing to take J for a night away or play with her for a few hours so we can get things done. — with Allison Pargeon and 3 others.

Nov 18: Thankful for afternoon naps! Especially when my daughter takes a 2 hour one...so rare, but SO awesome! Perfect for a Sunday!

Nov19:I'm thankful for short work weeks! Nothing better than a couple of extra days with friends and family!

Nov20: Thankful for online shopping! Because of it, I've got almost all of my nieces and nephews Christmas gifts purchased! :)

Nov21: I'm thankful my sister got her flights figured out and landed safely in AZ. Also thankful she has such a great family of {future} in-laws to be with this Thanksgiving. 

Nov22: Thankful for wonderful Thanksgiving hosts and that both of our families can come together to celebrate the holidays.

Nov23:Thankful for Black Friday shipping! Always great memories & deals. Done shopping [for now] for Jordyn & the nieces/nephews. Now, just parents and little exchange gifts left.

Nov24:Thankful for small boutiques. Made for a full day of shopping in Pella and Grinnell with my my mom, mil, and jordyn! Love finding all kinds of little things that big stores don't offer!

Nov25:Thankful to have an internet connection again. It was a long couple of days with no phone! :)

Nov26: Thankful for the Hubs.  He is my rock when I just want to crumble! Plus he is the best dad our little girl could ask for! Thank you for being you...kind, caring, helpful & rarely serious!! I love you more each day!

Nov27: Thankful for our puppy Murdock. He is the best pet a family could ask for; kind, loving, & so loyal! It's been a long year, but he's given us some of the best memories over the last 4 years [including but not limited to the time he pooped in the back of Adam's car!] We're trying new meds again and he seems to be breathing better already.
[Also thankful for our IA State vet Dr. Foster and especially for our primary vet Dr. Dotzenrod at Ankeny Animal Health Clinic for going above and beyond to support our decisions!]

Nov 28: Thankful for Jordyn and her sibling. Jordyn brings us SO much joy and happiness every single day. Can't wait to double that feeling this spring. SO thankful for healthy babies! Life would not be the same without you!

Nov 29: Today I'm thankful for Fantasy Football. As silly as it sounds I've had a great time competing with [insert friend's name's here].  Great memories & I've learned a little about football too! :)

Nov30: Thankful for completing this challenge for the first time ever.  I've started many times, but never followed through.  It made me look at things both small [like football and shopping] and large things like the gift of life.  

And of course I'm thankful for you!  

Thankul [30 days]

Tuesday, November 1st Today I am thankful for my new baby Jordyn Lynn.  She has added more to my life than I could ever have imagined.  I prayed so long for a baby and God gave me a beautiful, healthy, amazing baby girl.  I have no words to express what she means to Adam and I.  After just 9 days, I cannot remember our lives without her.  My heart has exploded!

Wednesday, November 2nd
Today I am thankful for my wonderful, amazing husband! He is honestly everything I am not...he is the half that makes me whole.  He treats me like a princess and does everything he can to provide for this family.  Adam is an awesome husband, and an even better daddy.  He reminds me each day to relax, laugh, and look at the big picture.  I love him more today than the day I married him.  I cannot wait to raise our family, live our life, and grow old with this man...he gives me butterflies every.single.day!

Thursday, November 3rd
Today I am thankful for family.  This word has a whole new meaning to me now than it did two weeks ago.  I am thankful for the wonderful family Adam and I were blessed to be raised with and the wonderful family Adam and I have started.  It's amazing to me how much love and emotion can be squeezed into one word! 
We have awesome parents & sisters who have always been there for us.  We both grew up with stay at home moms, married parents [26 years & 40 years], and mostly loving sisters!  
I thank God every day for 'my' little family.  My wonderful husband, happy baby, and loving pup bring me more joy every day! 

Friday, November 4th
Today I am thankful for grandparents.  Jordyn was blessed with amazing grandparents.  I don't know what I would have done without all of their help the past two weeks.  From helping with Jordyn so I could nap, to the gifts and food they brought, to the knowledge they have shared...I appreciate it all!  Thank you God for giving Jordyn awesome grandparents that could not love her more!!

Saturday, November 5th
Today I am thankful for date nights! :)  Grandpa and Gram are watching our little baby so we can go out for a date night.  Sushi, wine, & a night out with my hot hubby.  This night is perfect & without grandparents it would not be happening so soon!  As much as I love my daughter, I loved my husband first and without him I wouldn't have Miss Jordyn.  I pray that we never loose that fire and we can show our children now important a loving marriage really is. 

Sunday, November 6th
Today I am thankful for all of the visitors we have had.  We are so lucky to have so many caring and understanding friends and family.  I can't even count all of the visitors we've had in the past two weeks.  So many phone calls, visits, gifts, meals, and awesome guests.  Life gets busy, but thank you for blessing us with some many loving, kind people in our lives. 

Monday, November 7th
Today I am thankful for our health.  Jordyn had her two week baby appointment today and perfectly healthy!  Thank you for all of the teaching and modern medicine so we can have an amazing pediatrician.  Working in a hospital, I see so many families dealing with long-term, life-threatening illnesses.  I thank God every day for an overall healthy family.

Tuesday, November 8th
Today I am thankful that I live in a state with all four seasons. Today was our first snow of the season, and while I know that I'll be sick of it soon, I really do love it. I cannot imagine living somewhere that I didn't experience all seasons. I cannot wait to take Miss Jordyn skiing and sledding in this beautiful white snow! :

Wednesday, November 9th
Today I am thankful for my sisters safety.  This morning her car was stolen right in front of her in a matter of seconds.  While I cannot believe someone would steal a car, I am so thankful she was protected.  Her things can be replaced...she cannot!  I am also thankful that we live so close to each other and she was able to come spend the day with Jordyn and I.    

Thursday, November 10th
Today I am thankful for our jobs, especially in such a rough economy.  Although Adam's job is very demanding I am thankful for it's flexibility and ability to support our family.  Without him, I wouldn't be able to stay at home until the end of the year with our new addition.  I am also thankful for my job; the ability take so much time off, the flexibility throughout the year, and the insurance they offer.  I also love that I enjoy [most of] my job.  Lastly, I am thankful for Adam's ability and willingness to DJ and my photo shoot opportunities that add to our family fund from time to time. 

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

This is my first time linking up, but here are some of the things I'm thankful for this week..

1.  The new season of Deadliest Catch started last night.  So sad without my favorite Captain Phil, but so exciting that his sons are doing well.

2.  I finally shared my pregnancy with the people at work on Tuesday and it was a huge success!  :)  Everyone was completely surprised!!

3.  On Monday my sweet hubby brought me home a quart of Cold Stone Creamery's Chocolate Devotion...my fav!!  

4.  The book One Thousand Gifts came in the mail from the giveaway I won.  So excited & can't wait to start it after I finish my book.

5. I'm happy that Adam asked me to go golfing with him tonight to soak up the great weather before it takes a turn for the worse Friday.  

Happy Hump Day!

We're doing okay..

..We want a house so bad we could freak..

[We have a new, beautiful condo that so many would 'freak' for]

..We want Adam to find a job that makes him as happy as mine does..

[We both have jobs in a time when so many don't]

..We want a new truck instead of the old Altima..
[We have a paid off running [thank God!] car]

..We want a yard for Murdock to run and play in..
[We have so many beautiful parks and public areas to play at]

..We wish we had more money to see all the places we want to..
[We should use this time to explore the small things close to us]

..We're so unhappy with our bodies..
[We're overall healthy]

Sometimes it's so hard to see our friends with brand new homes and vehicles.  Or precious children that we feel selfish for wanting in this tiny condo.  I just wish there was a  'plan' to follow that would lead us exactly where we want to be.  Sometimes it's easy to forget we have only been married a year.  And that everyone has to start somewhere...