Life's Journey with Trevor and Char

September

2009-10-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hazel practicing her tummy time. Looking in her mirror.

Playing under her overhead toys. Some of her faces look just like her daddy!

Daddy and Hazel.

Me and Hazel. One of the few mom/daughter pictures! We better work on that.

Daddy was singing nursery songs to Hazel! She loves when people sing to her!!

Check out those eyelashes. We think they grow everyday!! Very pretty if I do say so myself :)

Trevor and I were getting ready to go to a gathering and this is how we found Hazel when we were ready to go. I think she had a tough day of playing!!!

3 months old on September 5th!

Cute dress!

Looking at daddy while he was taking her picture.

Hazel is growing up so fast. Trevor and I love being her parents. She discovers something new all the time. Her latest discovery are her toes. She kicks her legs up and touches her toes. She hasn't put them in her mouth by herself yet, but I'm sure that is right around the corner. She also discovered her voice recently. She loves to screech and let us know she is present. She loves to be held, watch TV (just like her dad-we watch a lot of sports at our house), and likes to get fresh when we go for stroller rides. She has also made it to five 9th grade football games to watch her cousin Quentin play. They are having a tough year, but it still nice to get out of the house. She has also been to watch Spencer play three games. Last week was bit to cold for her to be outside. Unfortunately, she won't be able to go watch CFHS Homecoming game tonight, because of the icky weather. But...she will get to hang out with her aunt, uncle, and cousins tonight instead. They all love when they get to see her!!

At the beginning of September, I went back to work. Hazel has adjusted well to daycare. Grandpa and Grandma daycare that is. My parents are watching her when I work during the week and Trevor has her when I work on the weekends. Trevor and I are truly blessed to have my parents watching her when needed. His sister and mom/dad have also helped with watching her. Everyone is a blessing to Hazel, myself, and Trevor!!!! :)

She will be 4 months old on October 5th...I will be sure to post more pictures.

Baptism on July 5th!

2009-08-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hazel Ruth was baptized on July 5th, 2009. It was a great day filled with many blessings.
She was one month old on the day of her baptism.

Pastor Dobbins baptized Hazel.

Her sponsors are Spencer, Tammy, and Jerod.

Two Month Pictures!!

2009-08-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hazel is two months old in these pictures! Today she is 10 1/2 weeks old. She had her 2 month check up last Wednesday. She weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces. She has gained 3 pounds from her birth weight. So she is within normal for weight gain. She has accomplished the normal baby milestones: cooing, smiling, following voices, following people as they walk by her (like her mama and then starts to cry sometime!), grasping toys, batting at toys, working on tummy time, falls asleep in her swing, cuddles, and sleeps. Her sleep patterns are erratic, but hopefully she was just having a growth spurt over the weekend! She slept for hour and then wanted to nurse and then slept for a hour....and so on.... BUT... last night she slept for 2 1/2 hours, nursed, and then slept for 4 hours!! Yippee, however; I kept waking up every so often because wasn't awake. Oh well...such is life!

Hazel

2009-06-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. Unintentional smile :)

After her first bath at home.

When she's awake, she is so bright and looking around.

I wore this outfit home from the hospital 29 years ago. I was my dads "litte lady." (And only one!)

Leaving the hospital.

Daddy and Hazel.

After her bath at the hospital.

In the delivery room.

Daddy and Hazel.

Hazel Ruth

2009-06-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hazel Ruth has arrived. She was born June 5th, 2009 at 6:39 am. She is perfect. She didn't want to join the world all on her own; therefore, I was scheduled for an induction of labor on June 3rd. However, there was not a labor room available that evening. Trevor and I were to call the next morning early (5 am) to see if there was a room available to start the induction. How lucky we were because the hospital was full again shortly after we arrived at 8 am. Needless to say, we didn't sleep to well that night in anticipation of possibly going to the hospital the next morning. The induction took some time. I had three doses of Cytotec (to soften and dilate the cervix) as I was only dilated to a one. Those doses did not work! So they inserted a foley bulb and filled it with water in the hopes of mechanically dilating my cervix. They did this at about 8:30 pm. Our day was filled with playing card games, walking, resting (as much as one can in a hospital), and watching TV. From 8:30pm to about 11pm, I had dilated to a 5. During that time, the contractions were getting closer together and more painful. My bag of water broke as well. Trevor was a so supportive during this time as well, because I also started throwing up during that time. I'm sure it was not a pretty sight. Trevor and I decided it was time for a epidural about midnight. From 12:30 am to 4:30 am, I was much more comfortable, the vomiting stopped, I was able to relax, Trevor was able to sleep for a couple of hours, and I was dilated to a 10 and complete by 4:30am. Then the real deal started: the pushing!!! I pushed for two hours and then little Hazel Ruth was born!!!! It was the most exciting thing that has ever happened to us!! It was so neat and it's such a miracle. All babies are miracles! They teach us so much. She weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces and was 20 1/8 inch long. So she was exactly 10 days overdue. She took her sweet time, but that is ok. Luckily, I felt fine while waiting for her! She has done fabulous and has met so many new friends already!!! I will post some much awaited pictures in the next post!!

Post dates: 41 weeks pregnant today!

2009-06-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yikes....41 weeks pregnant today. I had a doctor appointment yesterday. The non-stress test was reactive (which means: good!), I have plenty of amniotic fluid, the babies baseline heartbeat was 140 during the NST (went into the 170's too), and my blood pressure was fine. So Trevor and I will be going to the hospital sometime later this week for a scheduled induction. Hopefully it will go smoothly! It's good to know there is an end in sight so we can see, hold, and touch our baby.

40 weeks! The due date!

2009-05-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

Today marks the day of being 40 weeks pregnant. I'm anticipating the due date will come and go just like any other day we have been patiently awaiting the arrival of Baby Volkmann. I'm still feeling good and continue to get projects done around the house that I've put off since last summer. My dad tells me I'm getting slower everyday and bigger everyday. I'm pretty sure that is the case. I think he likes it though, because he's not too speedy himself. He can now keep up to me :) We'll be sure to spread the news as soon as the day comes that Baby Girl or Baby Boy Volkmann arrives.

Happy Anniversary!

2009-05-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today, May 26th, Trevor and I celebrate our two year wedding anniversary. I posted some pictures from our wedding day. I seem to find new favorites everytime I look through them. I would marry Trevor all over again; anyday! It was such a fun day and the preparations leading up to our big day were also very enjoyable. The showers, parties, and shopping days with family and friends all were exciting days! Happy Anniversary Trevor. I love you!

What a handsome man!

Graduation

2009-05-26T12:25:00.001-07:00

After the graduation ceremony! Trevor was as excited as I was to be done. He's off the hook for a lot of general housework now!!!

This is the class of nurse educators with our primary professor in the NE tract with the cap on.

After I was hooded!

My support crew at the hooding and graduation ceremonies.

38 2/7 weeks!

2009-05-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

This was taken yesterday at 38 1/7 weeks pregnant.

What a picture! In this picture, I'm 37 3/7 weeks and my friend Courtney is about 6 weeks behind me in her pregnancy. She is expecting twins. We took this the evening of my graduation party. What a night! Thanks to all those that could come!! It was a fun evening. Prior to the evening, I actually was hooded for my Master's degree in Science as a Nurse Educator in the morning and participated in the graduation ceremony afternoon in Winona. It was a long day, but well worth it!! Now, Trevor and I are just awaiting the arrival of Baby V. Today, I'm 38 2/7 weeks pregnant. I'm still feeling good and just enjoying being pregnant. I have no cares in the world, except to go to work. It's quite nice. The babies room is ready, the carseat base is ready to go, and now we just wait. I had a physician appointment yesterday. The babies heartrate was 136, no cervical dilation, and my blood pressure was good. Hopefully I can post more pictures sometime this weekend. Take care....

33 weeks!

2009-04-07T19:13:00.001-07:00

Today, baby Volkmann is 33 weeks! I had a 32 week appointment last week and everything is going well with the baby. I'm still feeling good, just a bit more exhausted by the end of the day!

Hopefully I will post more pictures this weekend. We finally bought a crib so I will post that for sure! Maybe after I finish writing another paper. I submitted a 14 page today (I hope the professor likes it!) with 2 more to go. One due April 13th and one due April 20th! Along with a presentation tomorrow and April 22nd. As well as 2 reflective journals to finish up. That is my count down to being done with graduate school. Maybe if I write (type) it down on here, it won't seem so bad to get it all done :)

Happy Spring! The sunshine yesterday and today was great while I sat in the recliner chair typing away my most recent masterpiece of a paper!!

Take care all.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Happy 2 year Wedding Anniversary to my little brother and his wife Theresa! I remember your big day like it was yesterday!! What a day it was! Baby Volkmann wanted to say Happy Anniversary too.

28 weeks!!

2009-03-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the baby's room. It's cream on top and red on the bottom. It will be accented with pink/red for a girl or blue/red for a boy.

The carseat/stroller combo. The only big thing we have bought.

Another picture of the room.

As requested, a belly shot. Remember, Trevor is managing the camera. This was taken between 27 and 28 weeks.

Another shot between 27 and 28 weeks, a little better picture by Trevor. At least my head is not cut off!! So today, I'm 28 2/7 days. I had a doctor appointment today actually. Everything went well. The babies heart rate was 140. It's has been anywhere from 130's-150's. I was measuring 28 5/7 with the good ole' tape measure. My blood pressure was great. I have gained a total of 11 pounds since I found I was pregnant. I still have about 7 pounds to be where I was pre-pregnancy(I wasn't feeling so good earlier on in the pregnancy-lack of appetite). Don't worry...the appetite is back! I feel just fine. I'm a bit tired at the end of the day and have a hard time staying up to watch the news. Trevor is doing great as well. He felt the baby kick for the first time the other night. My placenta is anterior so most of what I feel is really deep! So I think he was excited to actually feel the baby kick. We have a long list of boy and girl names. Trevor is actually very good at picking out names. Surprisingly, they are different than all my 1st and 2nd cousins. I have about 49 first cousins and 70+ second cousins and counting on my dads side of the family. So... the due date is still set for May 26th. I'm in no hurry, because I graduate from graduate school on May 8th. And...I have a lot to get done before then!! School, work, and family life has been a balancing act this semester. It's not hard work, but very time consuming with a lot of reading, discussion boards(on line classes), papers, presentations, group projects, and practicum hours. So I'll be thankful to be done! Well, I thought I better update the blog or I would have people coming after me!!!

OH MY.....I finally posted some pictures.

2009-03-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Some of my nieces and nephews were able to celebrate my birthday with me!! They are all growing up so fast.

Savannah was trying to help Natalie put her shoe back on.

Belle and Savannah at Christmas time.

Trevor and I in front of our huge Christmas tree! Ask Trevor if it fit in our house:)

Yes, Trevor and I in front of another Christmas tree.

Baby Volkmann!

2008-11-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Trevor and I are expecting. Yep, you read it, we are!! I'm due May 26th. So that makes me

12 2/7 weeks gestation today. I had a physician appointment last Friday. During that appointment we were able to get the ultrasound picture. It was a transvaginal ultrasound, so we couldn't hear the heartbeat, but we sure could see the heart beating away!! That was the best part of our whole day!

That evening we were able to tell our parents. We went to Red Wing to track them down. Both sets of parents have more of a social life than we do!! They are always doing something! But we found them. They all, were of course excited and happy for us. We then started telling the rest of our immediate family. Remember, we live in a small town so I'm sure many people know by now!

I thought I would send along an update our life's journey as I'm sure this will change our lives forever. Trevor and I are thrilled and pray that everything will go well.

Vacation on Bone Lake in Wisconsin!

2008-06-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

This boat didn't go very fast! It seriously took us 15 minutes to get to our favorite spot to fish!

My mom and dad hanging out by the camp fire.

Loons! Ask Trevor's sister, Tammy where these loons came from!!!

My dad and Trevor spent a lot of time getting hooks out of the fish mouths.

Nice sunny, mom!!

Little Natalie making her first trip to a cabin!

Tammy, Emma, and Jerod!

Emma with her babies!

Emma and Justin with Grandma Marie.

Gotcha BOB!

Justin getting ready to go fishing.

Emma's funny faces!

Belle and Tristan

2008-06-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Belle and Tristan watching a movie at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Meet Jacob Jeffery

2008-06-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our friends Jeff and Tiffany were blessed with a healthy baby boy!!

Meet Jaxson David

2008-06-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Big brother Tanner is pretty excited about his new little brother Jaxson! Our friends, Jason and Luci were blessed with an addition to their family.

Random Pictures from our Anniversary Weekend

2008-06-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Tree Bloomed!

2008-05-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Our tree bloomed last week! Most of the white flowers have blown off so I'll have to wait until next year to see it again!

Isabella Mary Frances

2008-05-30T16:37:00.001-07:00

Savannah Lynn

2008-05-30T16:32:00.001-07:00

Our Anniversary Weekend!

2008-05-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

Trevor took this of us last night-I told him to put a shirt on, but I guess he didn't want to!!

Trevor and I celebrated our first year wedding anniversary yesterday, May 26th! It seems like yesterday we celebrated with our family and friends on our wedding day!!! It has gone so fast! Last week on Wednesday, my mom and dad took us out to eat at Liberty's for pasta bar night for our anniversary. It was awesome as usual!! This past weekend we had a good time celebrating with some of our family and friends. Saturday night we went to Monte's Steakhouse in Faribault with Chad, Andrea, Seth, and Lisa. That place was awesome!! On Sunday, we went fishing with Chris and Christi. We also took our nephew Justin with us as well. He caught 13 fish in an hour before he had to go! The four of us stayed, fished and chatted. Christi is 37 weeks pregnant and I wanted a belly shot, but she wouldn't let me! I think she looks good, but she doesn't allow "belly shots when pregnant." We then went to Dressen's for supper. The campground appeared to be very busy for the Memorial Day weekend. Monday, we went to see some more of our nieces and nephews, ate lunch with them, played kickball, and then headed home At home, we played some more kickball with Trevor's niece and nephew. We grilled, chatted, and played cards. Trevor's dad finally beat us! So that is our summary of our first year anniversary celebration.

Find the Wonderful in Today!

2008-05-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

The title of this entry is a phrase my cousin Abbie refers to periodically. So I did so yesterday. I absolutely love this tree in our front yard. Every year it blooms into a beautiful white flower, but it does so over the course of a week or so. I love the light pink and dark pink flowers that are on it right now. I had to take a picture of it to share my wonderful in today!

Natalie's Baptism

2008-05-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures from Natalie's Baptism day. Her parents, Jerod and Tammy, Natalie, myself, Ellie, and Joe. Justin and Emma are standing in the front. Ellie, Joe, and I were her sponsors.

My friend Courtney painted her a chair so I could give it to her for a gift. It turned out awesome. Everyone thought it was really cool. They thought Trevor and I painted it!! I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I almost failed art in school. Mrs. Saass thought I was terrible at everything I tried to do artistically.

This is Natalie after eating, taking a nap, and changing out of her gown. She looks content to me!!

Justin

2008-05-20T16:07:00.001-07:00

Justin and his uncle Trevor posed for a picture after half-time was done.
Justin and his buddies were able to show off their basketball skills during half-time.

Justin had a birthday on April 6th! We celebrated at Godfather's Pizza in Rochester with his second cousin.

Kids!!!!

2008-05-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

This was attempt to take a picture of seven children!! As you can tell, they were hard to capture all at the right time. I tryed!! Hopefully, I can buy a new camera sooner than later, that it much faster.

Cookies

2008-05-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

This post is for Luci and Dana. I'd have to say these cookies look pretty darn good, don't they girls? I took the pictures especially for them as evidence. When Luci and Dana lived with me in Rochester, they kicked me out of the kitchen when they baked. I literally was not allowed. My baking skills were not up to par at that time. Now, from time to time, I try to bake. These chocolate chip cookies actually turned out! And they even met my dad's approval. Sometimes he won't eat what I bake. And that means the end results are bad, because he's a garbage can and loves to eat!! So here's to baking more often!!!

Nolan and Jacob

2008-05-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

Nolan!! I love this picture! It captures his smile so well!! I stole it from his blog, but I couldn't resist posting it here as well!

I'm really behind with my blogging; that is for sure!!! Nolan was born on March 6th. His proud parents are Jason and Venessa. A while ago we had a shower for Nolan and Venessa. In the picture, both Tiffany and Renae are pregnant!

This is Jacob Jeffrey. Tiffany and Jeff are the new parents to this little one. He was born May 12th. Isn't that picture just precious! So handsome!

I do have more pictures to upload from my camera from various events, but life has been busy. Weddings, showers, bachelorette parties, Mother's day, working, going to my nephews baseball games, and finishing my 2nd year of graduate school have kept me very busy!! I'm glad to be done with school for the summer. 4 months off until I start again at the end of August. Then 2 more semesters!! I will actually graduate next spring with my Master's in Nurse Education if all goes as planned. I plan to blog more often now that school is done!

Natalie's Baptism

2008-04-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Proud sister Emma and big brother Justin!

I had the privilege to become Natalie's Godmother last Sunday. She was perfect during church and didn't make a peep during the baptism. Her baptismal gown was beautiful!

Girls Night

2008-03-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night, 3 of our nieces stayed overnight at our house. It's always a treat to spend time with them. They thought they were pretty tough while showing off their muscles!! They were having fun posing for the camera that night. We watched two movies, ate pizza and grapes, and finally they were ready for bed!

The next morning they were up by 7:30am and ready for the morning activities. We ate breakfast, wrote letters, watched cartoons, and I curled their hair. I think they all looked adorable! They kept asking me, "Is my hair ruined?" all the way to my parents house.

All in all, we had a great time together.

Up North

2008-03-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Trevor and I recently went up north to stay at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, Mn. We had a great time! We took up cross country skiing. I haven't been cross country skiing since high school phy ed, and I'm almost certain we didn't actually have the boots that properly fit the skis. That sure makes a huge difference!! I loved it. I fell right at the beginning and thought it was going to be a long afternoon if I kept doing that!!! If I go again, I must say I have to wear more appropriate clothing. I was drenched in sweat by the end of our trek and then got really cold!! Trevor did great. He actually skied with his grandparents when he was younger, but has not skied in a long time. He's fairly athletic so he does just fine with pretty much anything!

We also went ice skating. Another sport I haven't done in years! I think the last time I went ice skating was at the Hedeen pond. I was probably 12 years old! Let's just say I couldn't get my left leg to work! I was not very good at pushing off with that leg and I had hockey skates on. Trevor claims they are tough to skate in for a beginner. They were not very comfortable either. I'll have to try figure skates next time!

We also went swimming in a heated pool and hot tub. That's a first for myself in the winter!! It was actually pretty nice! We enjoyed that!!

We toured Goosesberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Grand Marias. Overall, we had a great time in our weekend get away!

Welcome Natalie Marie!

2008-03-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Natalie Marie was born on Wednesday to Jerod and Tammy. So Trevor and I are glad to be an aunt and uncle again! We went to see her today and she is perfect!! Mom and baby are doing good! She weighed 8lbs 5 1/2 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. I just love the name!!

I had to check her out. Her feet and hands were precious. Every baby is just such a miracle!

Proud Uncle Trevor! Doesn't he look like a natural??!?!?!

Proud Emma with baby Natalie! Justin was at school today so I'll have get a photo of him and Natalie soon.

Emma is really a great "Big Sister". So cute!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Here's a few photo's of Trevor and I. I love you Trevor Jon! Spread the Love!!

Happy Belated Birthday on February 9th Mom!!!

2008-02-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Birthday Mom from your family!! We hope you had a great day! Especially eating out at Wiederholt's for supper!! Thanks for all that you do for your family and friends!

Birthday Celebration

2008-02-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 2nd, Trevor and I met some friends to celebrate my birthday. Here's a picture of some of my girlfriends. All their husbands were able to come too! I had a fabulous time. Thanks!!!

This little guy was able to come along too!! He sure looks like a Hedeen!! Tanner has his mommy and daddy keeping busy! That is for sure.

Fiesta Mexicana

2008-02-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 1st, 2008, my parents, Roger and Karen and niece Savannah, Trevor's parents, Bob and Marie, his sister Tammy, his brother-in-law Jerod, niece Emma, and nephew Justin celebrated my 28th birthday. It was a good time! As you can tell, we had trouble getting a picture of the two girls and I. So many expressions!! I also was able to wear the sombrero!! Good times!!

Savannah and Megan

2008-02-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for these pictures to post for a while. Megan is Nick's step-daughter. Her mom is Linda. Megan babysat for Savannah last summer along with the other kids as well.

Avery

2008-02-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Avery was hard to capture. She's on the move constantly and it was difficult with my very slow camera! She's adorable though!!! In her cute dress. I wonder who gave her that for Christmas!! A girl can never have enough clothes!!

A Photo Shoot with Savannah

2008-01-28T17:29:00.002-08:00

"Grandma and Grandpa came to save me from my auntie. Boy, did she take a lot of pictures," said Savannah.

Wrestling Tournament

2008-01-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, my mom, dad, Savannah, and I braved the cold weather and went to Spencer's wrestling tournament in South St. Paul. He did really well!! He took 5th place. He was 2-1 on the day. He lost his first match 15-0 to a kid from St. Paul Central. His second match he beat a kid from Lakeville North 4-3. In the 5th place match he pinned a kid! Way to go Spencer!!

The Cannon Falls Wrestling team won the tournament. They all wrestled well! They also took home the "Wiener Trophy." Each time a spectator or wrestler from Cannon Falls orders a hot dog from the concession stand, the workers mark a tally. I guess people from CF like hot dogs!

He actually let me take a picture of him with his medal.

After a take down in the 5th place match.

Another take down!!!!

Trying to get his hands in control for the take down.

Looks like he's going for a take down again.

Looks like the St. Paul Central kid is going in for a take down.

Stand up Spencer! He told me I couldn't yell during his matches because he told me he could hear me! Oops!

I missed the second match of the day because I was watching this little pumpkin below!

I couldn't resist taking pictures of her! She was so good all day. So smiley and chewing on anything that she could get her hands on.

Chip and Renae's Housewarming Party

2008-01-20T18:37:00.001-08:00

Little Avery and her cute pose for the camera.

Colton was being a little crazy!

Colton and his cheesy smile. His mom and dad report this happens often.

Jenny and her little Emma getting ready to go home.

The second pose of the kids. Emma didn't want anymore pictures taken :)

The first picture of the kids. Avery in the front(Joel and Courtney's), Colton holding Avery(Chip and Renae's), Emma in the back left(Mike and Jenny's), and Tanner in back right(Jason and Luci's).

The baby belly pose!! Venessa due first in March, Tiffany due
second in May, and Luci due in May after Tiffany.

Chip and Renae had a housewarming party to celebrate their new house last Friday night. Their house is very nice. 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, living room, dining area off the kitchen, laundry room, and a huge open basement ready to be finished someday. It has hardware floors and beautiful wood trim everywhere. It was fun to see everyone and their children. We played a game or two of catch phase. We haven't played that as a group for a long time! Renae and Chip overdid the food selection(as usual). It was all very tasty. Thank you both for having us all over. Trevor and I enjoyed the night! Especially listening to Rachel's(Renae's sister) one-liners!!

The new job!

2008-01-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Many people have asked how my new job is going via email or in person so I thought I better update people through this blog. It's awesome! My first day on OB was last Wednesday. We had a tour, paperwork, and meet and greet with staff. I will be working on postpartum(after you have the baby) with mom/baby couplets. Eventually, I could/will specialize in labor and delivery or the ISCN(intermediate level nursery). Last Thursday was my first day on the floor. I held my first baby as nurse in the OB department. How fun!! I'm working 8 hour shifts during orientation and then I will go back to working 12 hour shifts.
I also start back to graduate school today! I have two classes this semester. One face to face and the other online. The online class is pharmacology(we will study medications), but we will be face to face for tests. We finished our thesis at the end of last semester so now we have to get it bound together! That is a huge relief to have that done and out of the way for the rest of my schooling. So I can say I'm half done with graduate school. I have 1 1/2 years left to become a nurse educator. I'm hoping this semester won't be quite as busy as this past fall. We'll have to see :)

Emma

2008-01-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

Emma didn't really want her picture taken last night, but I caught a few of her many faces.

Happy Birthday Marie!!!

2008-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Marie with her balloon hat. I think it's a cake with candles!

Trevor's mom Marie celebrated her birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Marie! Trevor, myself, Tammy, Jerod, Emma, Justin, and Jerod's parents Mark and Sue went to Perkins for supper. Tuesday's happen to be Kid's Night at Perkins; therefore, the kids and the birthday girl received balloons. Emma had a butterfly made for herself and I think Justin had a airplane made out of balloons for himself.

O'Reilly Get-Away

2008-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

A group shot at Buck Hill.

Grandpa and Grandma at the ski hill.

Emma and Theresa at Buck Hill.

Tristan in a snow tube!

Belle at Buck Hill on Sunday afternoon. We went tubing.

Saturday night we played charades. Trevor was trying to be a pretzel. It was hilarious.

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids.

My dad after getting off the Family Ride! He loved it!!

We all went to the Water Park of America on Saturday. We had a awesome time!!

My nephew Tristan and niece Emma at Perkins.

My niece Savannah at Perkins for breakfast on Sunday morning.

My sister-in-law Allie and my nephew Quentin.

Theresa and my brother Jamie at Buca's.

My nephew Spencer and I.

Grandma and Grandpa treated us to a meal at Buca's. Thanks mom and dad.

Trevor and I before we went to Buca's for supper! We had a fabulous meal with 17 people! Now, that's family style.

Theresa with the girls! Emma, Grace, and Belle.

Grandma was swimming laps with our niece Belle! They took a break on the side of the pool. Grandma taught her the side stroke.

Our sister-in-law Theresa and our niece Grace at the swimming pool.

Part of the crew at the hotel posing for a picture! They all thought it would be funny to make a face when I took the picture!

A Chapter Closed!

2008-01-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at 8:00pm, I finished my last shift on Domitilla 3D at St. Mary's Hospital. I'm transferring to Methodist Hospital to the Obstetrics Department. I worked Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7am-7:30pm, completing my last 36 hour marathon of work in 3 days on Dom 3D! I can proudly say I started my nursing career on Dom 3D as a new grad. I also worked as a patient care assistant(nursing assistant) on the same floor for 1 year prior to graduating from college. Many nurses and ancillary staff throughout Mayo will say that Dom 3D is the busiest floor there is. I don't know if that is really true, but some day's I think I can attest to that. After working, usually I was drained not only physically but mentally as well. The great people I worked with and striving to make patients lives better is what kept me going. After 5 1/2 years, I felt it was time to learn a whole new area of nursing! I'm really excited, but nervous all at the same time. It will be completely different, but I'm ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

I do have to say thank you to the people that I work with! We had a great potluck at work yesterday. We had wild rice soup, a sandwich bar, chips, bars, cake, donuts, etc. It was great! Thank you! The people that I worked with yesterday also gave me a card with well wishes. Thank you! After work, about 15 of us went out for supper at Beetles Bar and Grill in Rochester. Thank you! It was a great send off! Thank you all!! My friend Missy from work made me cookies that said, "Good Luck Char." She bought them in for me as I was leaving work last night. Thank you!

In summary, a chapter closed on my nursing career on Domitilla 3D and new chapter opening on Wednesday, January 9th as I start in my new position!

Out for Dinner

2008-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Tiffany and Venessa with their baby bellies! Since the last time I have seen Tiffany, her baby has sure grown. We must of been making them laugh!

I went out to eat with some of my girlfriends' for supper. It sure is good to get caught up on everyone's life. Kid's, work, husbands, families, and Christmas celebrations. Of course, a lot of laughing.

The pregnant gals again!!

Happy Birthday Renae!!!

2008-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Renae! Trevor and I wish you many birthday wishes today!

Thanks for being a great friend!

Thanks for being in our wedding!

I hope the chocolate cake tastes good!

"Go, Go, Joseph"

2008-01-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Last night, my mom, dad, Trevor, and I went to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was a great play and the music was good. I found myself singing along! Even Trevor thought it was worth his time and he even skipped Wednesday night basketball!! We enjoyed the whole dining experience of dinner, Act I, intermission with dessert, and Act II. If anyone hasn't seen this play before, my dad reports it's in his top three plays ever seen. He has seen plays in the Minnesota theatre district and Broadway in New York, so he's seen many! My parents had actually seen this play when Donny Osmond played Joseph, but wanted to see it again.

Belle and Emma wearing my old glasses!

2008-01-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

Belle and Emma were trying on my old glasses on Christmas Day! For those of you who knew me during my younger years, you will remember these glasses. Belle is wearing my first pair ever! They are tri-focals and extremely heavy! Emma is wearing a pair of that I wore later on in life!! Yikes!! They were being so silly while trying all the glasses on!

Ringing in the New Year of 2008!!!

2008-01-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog! We thought, or well... I thought we would start a blog to share our journey through life with our family and friends, especially for those that don't live nearby. I enjoy reading other people's blogs. Their experiences, families, and journey's....So I thought it would be something fun to do.
Trevor and I have been blessed with many things during the year of 2007, namely our marriage to each other! With marriage, comes a whole new family, traditions, and friends! It has been 7 months of wedding bliss!!!
Through this blog, I hope to share our journey through life together!!