No more dogs :(

As of this weekend we are officially a family with NO pets.  We had been contemplating re homing our 2 dogs since we moved to a smaller house, but the thought of it actually broke my heart.  However, with the smaller house, smaller yard, a toddler and TTC baby number 2, the dogs just weren't getting the attention they needed or the ROOM to run as they needed.  We had to be UNselfish and find them a better fit.  Diesel (the lab mix) went to a friend/coworker who has some land and two older kids to play with.  I can keep updates on him all the time and just know he will LOVE being around the kids!  Tyson (the boxer) went to an older couple with their adopted 10 year old son who live on 20 acres and a pond.  No other dogs, just some horses!  The mom stays at home and the little boy doesn't have very many friends because of having basically ZERO neighbors! Ha!  She wanted her son to have a best friend, someone to play with, sleep with, etc.  I mean, could Tyson have scored any better?  I think not.  They were very sweet and offered us to call at any time and even stop by to visit if we wanted to!

When we dropped them off, I was of course heart broken to leave my family member with someone else, but I have to keep telling myself that they are fine and being loved on.  No more pets for us for a looooonngg time, if ever.

Love you boys ♥

In related news, I am SICK of TTC.  I am impatient and it hurts my feelings.  I know I need to just trust God and His plan for my life, but man!  I am around preggos and babies ALL OF THE TIME people!  I mean I am a nurse on the MOTHER/BABY unit for crying out loud.  You know what sucks the most?  That I see women who come in, accidentely pregnant, who took drugs throughout their whole pregnancies and still have a perfectly normal baby.  And how is that fair to a baby to have to go home to that?  UGH!

Then I'm constantly surrounded by the ones who "I actually made it 2 whole freaking months off of birth control before I got pregnant."  WOW!  Thank you.  I just need someones OUNCE of fertility please.  Could you send a little baby dust my way? 



My Lovey!

I want to wish my special husband a very Happy Birthday.   Dave, you are my very best friend and I thank God everyday for you.  I would absolutely be lost without you.  You are my rock, the first one I call to talk to, the one I lean on for support and the one I trust with my heart.  I truly believe you are my soul mate and can not wait to spend the rest of my life with you. 

Thank you so much for working hard every day in order to support our family.  You sacrifice so much in order to keep us happy, and although we have our fair share of rough times, I still know that I can count on you. 

Thank you for being an amazing daddy to our precious little lady.  Seeing you with our daughter took my love for you to a whole new level.  I know I don't always show it, but I want you to know all of this is true.  I feel very proud to call you my husband and my baby daddy! Ha!

I don't know anyone else on this earth I would rather spend my life with.  When our baby girl is grown, I hope she finds a man just like her daddy.  I will have tears of joy.  I want her to be able to say what I can say to my mom.. "I think I've found the answer to your prayers.  And he is good.  So good.  He treats your little girl like a real man should.  He is good.  So good.  He makes promises he keeps.  No, he's never gonna leave.  So don't you worry about me." -Carrie Underwood

Our love is strong and has perservered through many obstacles. We, together, can make it through anything.  You are my partner in life. 

"Why do I love you?  Because, even when I've foolishly let go of your hand, you've never let go of mine.  And for that, I thank you and love you even more."

You make me feel like the most special girl ever.  I could not have even asked for better.  God really does know what He's doing!  :)

"I need an extra day on the week, an extra hour on the clock just to show you how beautiful you are.  You're so good to me, boy you're so good to me.  Oh yeah, I'd need an extra month on the year, one extra holiday just to kiss you all over your face.  You're so good to me.  Boy you're so good to me.  I'm speechless."  -Ciara

"There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won't anymore and who always will.  So don't worry about the people from you past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future." ♥  You are my past, my present and my future!

"If you get a chance, take it.  If it changes you life, let it."

All of the best memories of my life include you.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.  It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

Your love is all I think about.

"You give me the kind of feeling people write novels about."

David Alan Huff, I love you more than words could ever describe.  You just have to take me for my word and believe me when I say I cherish you and wouldn't trade you for the world!

"You are every reason, every hope and every dream I've ever had.  No matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life."

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband ever.

Ben's Birthday and more

Last week I worked 3 days in a row (2 12 hour shifts and 1 8 hour shift), then the weekend followed by 2 more days of working, hence the lack of blogging.  I don't know why I do that to myself.  Three days in a row always kills me, not only physically but emotionally, not being able to see my girl.  However, the hubbs was sweet enough to bring her up to work to have lunch with me one day!

This past weekend we had Dave's parents and aunt and uncle over for game night.  They brought lots of yummy food and fun games! His aunt brought the "Just Dance 2" game for the Wii and it was A. BLAST!  Dave and Mia were both getting down! Ha!  I would post a video, but don't want to exploit the hubs!  HA!

Sunday we went to church and had yet another GREAT sermon!  After church Dave, Mia and I went to lunch at Jason's Deli with my parents and brother!  It was delish as usual.  Right next to Jason's Deli is a Gigi's cupcake store.  Ironic?  Oh well.  We bought Mia a cupcake but Dave and I both refrained.  Will power, I know!

On our way to Jason's

Can you just see this face at 15?!  I'm in trouble!

Banana nut cupcake! YUM

We ended the wonderful weekend with some snuggles...

January 18, 1997:  The world welcomed one of the smartest, sweetest, most driven people I know.  My little brother.  Uncle B.  I am so glad God brought him into my life.  We have such a great relationship and I love him so much!  I admire his drive to do good in his school work and future career.  He is going to make some woman very happy some day.  He deserves the very best!  I love you Ben!

For his birthday, of course, he wanted to go eat sushi, and no one argued that! 

Eating edamame

Me and my fave little bro!

Sashimi!

So today I did a little organizing of Mia's pictures and some scrap booking!  I know it's insane, but I have a total of 15 albums (all hold at least 200 photos) of Mia and I haven't even developed any pictures since last June!!!!  YIKES!

All of the albums...

What does everyone else do with the pictures they take?  I'm thinking of just not developing them and putting them on the computer with some kind of Internet back up, but I don't want something that is complicated.  I'm not that tech savvy!  So, please give me some ideas!

Another snow day!

Chick-Fil-A date!

Not much going on here today.  We went to the gym and Jason's deli.  Again.  It was again amazing and delish!  We stopped by Target and bought Mia's Valentines Day basket.  In. The. Dollar. Bin!  We got flashcards for letters, numbers, rhyming and phonics!  We also got her some pink princess satin slippers and a Minnie Mouse book, along with lots of other goodies.  Yes I know it is just now the beginning of January, but if you know me, I am a big planner.  I love to plan, highlight, make lists, cross things off, etc. 

Speaking of planning...

I started planning Mia's SECOND birthday!  That sounds terrible.  TWO?  How in the world do I have a 2 year old??  I don't know how, but I do.  So off to planning her birthday!  To me, I'm actually running a little behind.  This time last year her big day was planned.  Practically DONE.  I thought it wouldn't get any more exciting than the 1st bday.  Boy was I wrong.  As I sat in front of the computer planning the bash, I had the heart-beat-out-of-my-chest-borderline-nauseous-excitement!  I love being that excited.  I do that frequently, actually. HA!  Anywho, in a nut shell, her party is going to be themed in Minnie Mouse.  I won't tell the details because I've got some AWESOMENESS up my sleeve!  You'll just have to wait for pictures!  If anyone has ever had/been to a Minnie Mouse bday party, or any little kid party really, and something stood out in your mind, PUH-LEEZE give me the deets :)

In other news...

I'm a single mom at night time.  Sucks. Big. Time.  Dave works second shift, and while he is out providing for us, I still hate it and wish he was here.  BUT, I'm gonna be content in the given situation, be thankful he HAS a job and just embrace it.  You know why?  Because me and my mini me (attitude at least), get to have little sweet dates!  Tonight we went to Kohls and bought her a VDay outfit and some Minnie Mouse cups, of course!  Then we went to Chick-Fil-A and had dinner and played!

She made it all the way to the top!  All by herself :)

It's these little moments that are so special.  I'm just trying to be content and live in the moment and never take anything for granted.  It was a wonderfully simple day!

Gym, 21 months, contentment

Let me start by saying, Mia is all better!  Praise Jesus!  It only took five days of losing my insanity, but she is back in full force!  Now on to the other stuff.... :)

Finally, after almost 2 weeks, I was able to start with my New Years resolutions!  I had to skip workouts and the first Sunday of the new year at church because of Mia's little virus.  However, I got to workout this weekend and it felt AMAZING!  I was so pumped about going, I drank a Redline (energy drink) to get me started.  Big mistake.  Ya know?  I'm one of those people who "go all the way or don't go at all" type.  Yeah.  After months of not working out, starting with a Redline and hardcore Cardio was so freaking dumb  probably not a smart choice!  Shortly after I finished my 30 minutes of insanity on the Precor, I started feeling...well, a little lightheaded.  Oh, and mind you, I did that on an empty stomach too.  DUMB.  And I know it's dumb, I just did it.  I started feeling progressively worse and I told Dave we had to go get something to eat.  Like ASAP.  Ha!

We decided to have lunch at Jason's Deli, which is deeeelish!  If you've never eaten there, you should.  It has lots of healthy and organic options and the price is very reasonable!

My low cal, organic turkey wrap!

Mia's organic PB&J and apples

YUM!  Apple juice!  And would you just look at those mischievous eyes.

After lunch I felt much better and although I would love to tell you that I learned my lesson, I will be having a Redline with all future workouts as well (food first though)! Ha!  :)

Today, it hit me.  Yesterday Mia was 21 months!  The months go by like minutes to me.  Here are some highlights:

Mia you...

*Have 16 teeth!

*Wear a size 4 diaper

*Wear size 24 months-2T clothes (pants 18 months for my short legged lady!)

*Weigh 25 lbs

*Sleep about 12 hours per night and 1 nap for about 1.5 hours per day

*Wear size 6-7 shoe

*Your favorite shows are:  Elmo, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Backyardigans

*Your favorite toys are:  Baby dolls

*You love your pink blankie

*You say so many words I can't even count.  However, you aren't QUITE putting them all together just yet.

*You now nod your head "Yes" to certain questions appropriately

*My favorite moment this week:  You say Willy, which sounded like "lilly." So cute!

*I started you on the "My Baby Can Read" program.  You LOVE it!

*You hold the camera or my phone up and say "Chheeeessssee."  Thanks to mama paparazzi!

*You have so much personality and spunk!

*This past month you started being reallllly sassy!  I put you in timeout and you sit over in the corner and just wave and smile at me!  It's so hard not to laugh!  When I tell you to get up, you come over and I hug you, tell you what you did wrong and then tell you that I love you.  When all of that is done, you go back over to the corner and sit, smile and wave!  Ha!  Guess that punishment isn't really working!

*Your temper is Re-dic for a 21 month old!  When you get mad or something doesn't go your way, you throw something on the floor or at someone (which is usually why you go to time out), and say UGH.  As if what we had done really ticked you off.  Can't believe the NERVE we have!  Haha!

*You are my precious little girl that I absolutely love to watch grow into your own little person.  I can't believe you are mine.  I definitely don't deserve you, but am so glad God blessed me with you!  I love you baby girl!  Forever and Ever.

Finally, I HAVE to talk about the message at church today.  We started a series of New Years resolutions that you should add to your list.  Most people make resolutions that fall into categories such as health, relationships and finances.  GUILTY.  The resolution we made today was to be "content."  We, as human beings, are always wanting more.  We say things like "if I could only land that job", or "if I could only get pregnant" *THEN* we would be happy.  But when we get that job or get pregnant, an all new series of wants comes along.  I am so guilty of this.  I felt as if God was talking directly to me at church today.  Like pointing His finger in front of all the congregation at ME.  I mean, Dave and I have moved 3 times in our 3 years of marriage.  We've had new cars, had a baby and we still want more.  We want another baby and I feel like I would be satisfied if I could only have another child.  Truth is: would I REALLY be satisfied? 

I also always love to dress Mia to the nines.  While I wear the same fleece pullover 4 days per week, Mia always has something cute on.  And I CAN'T stop!  I'm always on-line shopping for clothes for her.  It's SICK!  I'm SICK!  The moral of the story is that I can NEVER be content without Jesus.  My WANT is to be content with what God gives me and His plan for me.  I wish I could say I thought of this resolution on my own, but my shallow mind/heart only saw superficial goals.

Proverbs 30: 8-9:  Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Philippians 4:11-13:  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 6:6-8:  But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

 

Boy was I off...

I think with my last post I left the impression that Mia was on the *uphill* swing of things.  Well, that's what I thought at that point.  Through the middle of that night, she woke up AGAIN with a fever of 103.  Another round of medicine.  After 4 straight days of this, I honestly feel that I am "poisoning" my child, per se.  I feel like I need to detox her.  But what do you do?  I can't let her just have a fever and be absolutely miserable.  The fever, medicine, fever, medicine dance continued until the late afternoon, and I was OVER it.  She was not drinking much, not having wet diapers and just looked pitiful...

My poor girl curled up on the couch

This? Breaks. My. Heart.  I was so over it at this point that I just started bawling and called my mom.  Who else?  I was sobbing about how she was drinking and was miserable and how I can't take this anymore.  I was packing her bags and we were headed to the hospital!  My girl needed some fluids people!  Mom immediately left to come over to go to the hospital with me and stopped to get some pedialyte and Popsicles on her way.

*Side note:  I have the BEST mom, EVER.  She is my best girl friend and I love her so much!*

I figured before I left I should probably page Mia's on-call pediatrician before I made any rash decisions.  Within 5 minutes, Dr. Kim (Uh-mazing) called back and we had about a 30 minute discussion!  He explained to me that since she was not puking or having diarrhea, that he was not THAT concerned to where she needed to be hospitalized.  He told me that if her condition worsened or remained status quo in the morning that I would need to bring her in to be re-evaluated.  The fever doesn't worry them because that is the immune system "kicking it into high gear."  However, the momma is petrified of 104.8.  Mmm k?  Being the sweet man that he is, he said that being a nurse he was not as concerned because I had "covered all the bases and wouldn't miss anything important."  No pressure there.  At all.  Again, I am a mom first!  I wish no one even knew I was a nurse!  It's like they *expect* more from you than other moms.  I will be the first to tell you...I AM DUMB WHEN IT COMES TO MY KID!!!   I'm sure by the time we got off of the phone he thought I was a psycho  an overly worried mom.  I thought it was funny because after all of the "nurse" talk, he basically said "not that I am relying on you to use your skill, because you get to be mom tonight and I'm here if you need me.  BUT I do feel comfortable with her being home with you."  Umm...thanks?

That was waaaayyy to drawn out.  Sorry about that.  Long story short: Dave came home from work to be with us and Mia actually slept through the night.  Her fever has FINALLY come down, she is taking liquids, eating a little and having plenty of wet diapers now.  Praise God.  I didn't know how much longer I was going to be able to take it!  Here is her earlier today...

Much different from yesterday!

Healthy baby=Happy mommy!

After being in the house for five straight days I felt like the walls were closing in on me, so mom, dad and Ben came to visit!  YAY!!  We had some dinner and played cards!  Mia just loves seeing her meme, poppy and uncle B!

Poppy WINNING of course!!

I think I am officially able to say that we are past this horrible virus!  Thank you all for you support and prayers!

Have a great day!

New Year sickness

Rewind a couple of days first because I've GOT to show you this cute picture!  This past week daddy has been on "shut down" from work and we got to enjoy his company for 10 straight days!  We got to sleep in and just have a relaxing week together.

Snack time!  Look how big...I don't have a baby anymore

We also played with all of her Christmas toys!  Her faves are her baby dolls and the baby stroller!

Little momma!

New Years Eve was a BIG day for us.  First of all it was Meme's birthday!  Happy birthday to the best Meme EVER.  We love her so so much!  NYE was also the UK/UL game.  Basically our whole family is UK fans, however the little Huff family roots for UL.  Yes, I used to be a Cat fan, however I went to nursing school at UL and had some basketball players in some of my classes and I thought that was so cool.  So, I just started kind of rooting them on.  Now, I'm basically called a trader, but it's all good :)  UL ended up loosing the game, but, guess what?  I'm not a poor sport, so congrats Cats!

During the game Mia got to have fun playing with her cousins Charlie and Brody!  Charlie was showing Mia how to play Angry Birds...

And don't you know...she knows how to play now!  HA!

After the game, little princess was WAAY past her nap time, so we came home for a nap before heading to the NYE get together at Mia's cousin Landon's house! 

When we arrived, look what Landon took Mia to see...

His slide from Santa!  Mia LOVED it!

Cute little cousins!

New Years day I had to work from 7a-3p so we couldn't stay out to late because this mama is a bear with no sleep needs her beauty rest!  When I got home from work Mia was eating a snack and I went over to give her a kiss and noticed she felt "warm."  Like feverish.  Pulled out the thermometer AND 101.3!  Only a mommy instinct!  She was acting COMPLETELY fine, so I gave her some Tylenol and we proceeded to go eat dinner with Mia's grandma and grandpa, great aunt and great uncle at Outback!  Knowing what I know now, I feel horrible for dragging her out.

Waiting at Outback, watching Elmo in her portable DVD player!

The next morning she woke up with another fever.  101 something, but still acting OK.  So we colored and had a snack...

Once the dose of Motrin kicked in, we had to run to Wal-Mart for some food and medicine.

These are her "shy" eyes!! 

Later that night, her temp kept rising despite the meds.  I called the pediatric acute care and they said to take her to the doctor in the morning or come in if her temp gets to 105!  Holy Cow!!  Dave said "If it gets to 105 were having an ambulance come take her!!"  A little dramatic?  Yes. BUT, that is our precious baby girl and I am a CRAZY worry wart mom!

snuggles with daddy

Anywho, the fever carried on all night and at 5 am it was 102.1.  I called in to work because I DO NOT leave my baby girl when she is sick.  She needs/wants her mommy and THAT is what I do.  She is number 1 over anything and being her mommy is my job and top priority. Period.

When the doctors office opened I made a call to get her in at 9:30.  When we arrived they took a rectal temp and it was 104.8!!  Oh my GAH!!!  I immediately felt faint and nauseous.  I didn't want it to be anything serious.  I can't stand seeing by baby sick and hurting.  I felt completely helpless and like I did something wrong.  What did I miss?  How could I have let her get this high?  I mean she slept with us and I continuously gave her meds through the night!  I was shocked. 

They drew blood, did a flu test (which is a nasal swab) and checked her ears and throat.  Everything looked ok and the flu test was negative, however our pediatrician said that it could either be a false negative on the flu test or a HUGE virus.  But, with her lung history he went ahead and gave her tamiflu, just in case.

We came home and I made a chart of all her meds, temps, etc.  I am a baby nurse for crying out loud, I can take care of my own kid right?  Wrong!  When it comes to your OWN child, you just go dumb forget everything you know!  So, charting helps me! HA!

sick little baby

My charts and supplies!

I've kept up on all of her meds, took her outside (with no jacket or socks) a couple of times and gave her a luke warm bath.  I know the neighbors were probably thisclose to calling CPS on me for walking her outside in the cold with no coat, but hey, I had to get that fever to break.  If anyone knows me, you know I'm always thinking *worst* possible outcome.  All I could focus on was what if she has a seizure because her fever spiked too high too fast?  What if she doesn't get enough fluids, gets dehydrated and lethargic?  What if it's NOT a virus and it's cancer?  I have the "C" (cancer) word phobia.  Yes, I know.  I need help.  And meds.  I'm psycho.  HA!

I will have you know, that right now, my precious baby is sleeping soundly with NO fever!  She has been fever free since about 6pm!  Actually, when I woke her up to give her the 9pm dose, her temp was 97.9!  BAM!  Now I can sleep tonight!

Please pray that she is at the end of this nasty virus or what have you and that she starts feeling better ASAP!