It's Official!

Dr. Hartin has an office. What's more, he has his name ON THE SIGN.

We are so proud of you, Chip!



Of course the kids loved the kitchen...

Pardon the Dust

Mercy.

I could say I've been busy, but I don't think I could tell you exactly what I've been busy doing.

Life, I guess. Chasing three children. Keeping up with Abby's school happenings. Making sure Maddie and William don't break any limbs. Counting down the days we have left in Houston. Hauling kids to and fro. Preparing for Chip's upcoming graduation roast. Yep, that'll make time march quickly.

Unfortunately, I let my blog get a little dusty. Here's a Kleenex, allergy sufferers.

I'll try to tidy up a bit more often.

Oldie But Goodie

In my email this morning I received this picture from June 2010 -- Chip's residency graduation. Thanks, Papa! It was certainly a night to remember.

Rambling

About Me
I'm still enjoying my time as a stay-at-home mommy. I realize it is a true blessing that I am available to tend to the kids, do projects with them, cook, clean, take trips, make appointments, etc., on my on schedule.

Our time in Houston is half over. And we aren't sure where we are headed next. While I am certainly enjoying what I frequently have been calling "an extended vacation" (because I feel like we are only here temporarily), I would like to start planning for the future! I've grown in the area of patience and faith, I'll tell you that.

Though I was tempted with the idea -- and still may revisit it in the future -- of homeschooling Abby, I've been seeing that she and I don't mesh well when it comes to instruction. I was trying to teach her how to write something, and she yelled, "You aren't my teacher! Ms. Punch is!" Well, OK then.

I'm thinking I need to update my resume, not that I intend to hand it out anytime soon. I'm just afraid if I don't do it now, I will forget everything I did at my previous job. Not sure what the future holds in the job arena for me. Like I said, being at home is great. I've been wanting to write a book. Seriously.

About Chip
Chip is working his tail off! In Buffalo, Chip would be on call every other night, meaning he was only home every other night. Here, Chip takes home call, which means he is home every night. I LOVE that, although it means he works really long days... June can't come fast enough!

Chip has done lots of good cases while being here. I was shocked to find that people come from all over (both from within the U.S. and all over the world) for treatment.

He's been on several job interviews, and has one coming up in Greenville, SC. We are both in agreement that the right job is out there.

Although he has little to no free time, we do enjoy exploring the city and the plethora of restaurants on our weekly date nights.

He misses being around the kids, but he tells me often he appreciates all I do for the family.

About Abigail
Ab is thriving in kindergarten. She is still a mess (in terms of giving her mama grief about all sorts of things). Oh, and she is in love. Yeah. Her first crush. It's on a boy in her class. She likes him because he is nice and smart and reads things to her.

She is still enjoying gymnastics, and really enjoys going to AWANA, where she has earned a badge and a few jewels already (for memorizing Bible verses). I've signed her up for a cheerleading clinic in February -- we shall see how that goes.

My baby girl will be six in March. We scheduled her party at the gym where she takes gymnastics, and we plan on inviting her entire class at school.

Ab is great at telling stories (making up fictitious stories, not lies), singing and dancing, drawing and just being a good little helper. She has a best friend, Leila, and has a few other good girl friends.

About William
William has friends, too -- Clair and Caleb, along with any other friend he happens to make during one of our many visits to the park. He loves to ride his Big Wheel, and he likes to play games on my Kindle Fire.

He is great at numbers. In fact, he is a very smart kid. Can't wait to see what's in store for him.

William likes to "fight," and he has been a little aggressive with Abby lately. We always warned her that one day he would be big enough to fight back. That day is here.

I plan on putting William in a preschool program in the fall.

About Madeline
Maddie isn't walking yet, which is fine by me, but she is crawling up the stairs. Her little personality is starting to come through. She is very, very happy and easy going. But don't mess with the girl's food -- that makes her angry. Maddie will laugh loudly when we laugh, and her gappy grin is so cute!

Three Days In

Happy 2013!

New Year's Resolution: Get my blog going again. I think I can handle that.

The past month has been a blur, but there is much to talk about and many pictures to post. I'll get right on that.

In the meantime, here's a funny that happened today.

Abby and William were playing remarkably well today, an unfortunate rare occurrence. They proudly ran into my bathroom, and Abby announced that she dressed her brother. "Doesn't he look handsome?" she asked.

"Yes!" I said, and I followed it up with, "It makes Mama's heart so happy to see her children playing so well together."

They ran off and returned a moment or two later. Abby had brushed William's hair, and he looked very pleased with her work.

"Mommy, your stomach happy?" William asked.

What? Is my stomach happy? I tried to process the question, wondering the rationale behind the inquiry.

"I think he meant to say, 'Is your heart happy,' " Abby clarified.

I laughed. Of course that's what he meant.

"Yes, baby. Mommy's heart is very happy."

We all grinned.

Intermission

Apologies, dear readers, for my extended absence. I've got lots to share and talk about.

To be fair, I logged on a couple weeks ago with the intention of posting some photos, but I was shocked to find out I had reached my maximum storage space. But for a nominal fee of $2.99 a month, I can "rent" more. Chip said I can do it, although I've seriously considered starting another blog to avoid this charge.

At any rate, I will be back soon, in one form or another, armed with stories and pictures.

Birthday Goodness

Thirty-two. Years are going more quickly now, aches are creeping in, memory is fleeting. Yep, I'm in the throes of thirty-dom, no doubt. But it feels good.

I rang in the new year by attending an all day retreat (work related) and then going to dinner with Chip and the kids. Dinner was nice.

It should be an interesting year.

Bring it on.

Thirty-one

I knew it was coming.  It comes around every year at the same time and passes just as quickly as it comes.  July 26.  It's a good day.  It's my birthday.

This year I turned 31.  I was really sad to see 30 go.  Last year was the best year by far, and I anticipate this to be another good one.  Heck, I'm gonna shoot for a great decade. 

I didn't take the day off yesterday.  It was business as usual.  When I got home, I was treated to about 15 minutes of silence - a great birthday present!  Chip and the kids were at the store handling "last minute preparations."  They arrived and immediately sequestered me in the living room.  I smiled (and felt quite special) as I listened to Chip wrap gifts and orchestrate the kids signing their cards.

My gifts included perfume and a remote controlled 18-wheeler...and of course cake.  Then Chip and I went to dinner.  It was such a beautiful night.  I'm glad we were able to eat out on the restaurant's 2nd story porch. 

Here's to the start of another great year.  Look out 32; only 364 more days to go.

Congratulations...

...to Dr. Hartin, Board Certified General Surgeon!  Way to go, honey!  We are all very proud.



October 2008 - Chip diligently reading his surgery textbook while Abby and Tucker "help."



Sick and Tired

Literally, we all are sick and tired.  Ab has a sinus infection.  William has an ear infection.  Chip is getting over pneumonia.  And I have sinus issues.  I woke up last night about 2 in utter pain; I thought my face was going to explode it hurt so bad.  So, needless to say we are all sick and tired.

Work is going well.  I've used the "F" word a lot.  My boss said very few people say the "F" word; I'm one of the few who thinks their job is FUN, I guess! 

Chip is on a plane headin' back from Salt Lake City.  He should arrive tonight, but he has a feeling he'll get stuck in Chicago tonight. 

Not too much else going on.  Glad tomorrow is Wednesday!  Here's hoping to gettin' some sleep tonight...

This 'n That

Despite my best intentions, I was too tired to blog last night.  There is something about getting up at 5:30 and not being able to take an afternoon nap that really makes me appreciate an early bedtime. 

I thought I'd share a few things that happened over the past couple of days.  Here they are in no particular order:

1) On Wednesday I had to have a new-hire physical.  After filling out lots of paperwork and bending and reaching and reading eye charts and visiting the restroom, I realized the point of the appointment was to make sure I wasn't a druggie and to make sure I didn't have a pre-existing injury.

At one point during the exam, the physician assistant commanded, "Put your chin on your chest and look at the ceiling."  Just as an aside, I hate to brag, but if there is anything that I do well, it is following directions.  Given that I am an outstanding instruction follower, I did exactly as she said.  I put my chin on my chest and dutifully strained my eyeballs in the direction of the ceiling.  I don't know about you, but it was physiologically impossible for me to see the ceiling with my chin on my chest.  I wondered, "Gee, what in the world is she testing me for?  Is she checking my peripheral vision?"

Growing quite concerned that I might be failing the "test," I glanced over to her and noticed that she was performing the tasks she wanted me to do.  This cheerful-yet-poor-direction-giver was holding her head all the way back looking at the ceiling.  I realized that I, too, was supposed to have my head reclined, and I started laughing hysterically.  She looked at me and said, "You're not the first person to misunderstand.  I wish I knew how to put it better."  I told her, "Maybe you could say, 'Put your chin on your chest and NOW tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.'"

Thankfully, as Chip pointed out, I've been deemed healthy enough to communicate internally (that's my job, internal communications).  I think my job started already - after all, I did teach her how to communicate her directions a little more clearly. 

2) Driving down Main Street yesterday I noticed something awful.  Being the grammar nut that I am, I spot errors a mile away.  This particular error was only about thirty feet away: a sign over a cafe that read "RESTUARANT".  My initial reaction was, "Hmm, I guess restaurant is a commonly misspelled word."  After meditating on the difficulty of spelling that particularly ominous word, it dawned on me that not only did someone mispell the word, they actually had it made into a fancy sign, and then they proudly displayed it for all the world to see.  My question is this: Who does the editing for sign companies?  I understand people may make a mistake when ordering the sign, but shouldn't the sign maker correct any mispellings before making the erroneous word a permanant fixture for someone's business?  Ghastly.

3) I realized that standing in long lines is a perfect opportunity to laugh and to laugh hard and to laugh without any particular reason - right, Amanda?

4)  Mandarin collars don't look that great on me.

5)  I realize I am not the trendiest person in the world (or even in my house), but I do try to add a few pieces of present-day flair to my wardrobe.  I went to Target yesterday and found a clearance-priced scarf rack.  I picked out two brightly colored scarves and headed to the check-out.  In line behind me was a 30-something, beautiful, trophy wife-esque woman with her pre-pubescent daughter.  The dark-haired goddess looked at the scarves I had put on the conveyer belt, and said, "Oh, are those scarves on clearance?"  I said, "Yes!  Aren't they great?"  I just knew I had hit the jackpot with these obviously awesome scarves.  Then my heart sank.  She turned to her tween and said, "Aren't these the kind of scarves you girls like?  Maybe you'll get some in your Christmas stocking."  Gee, I can't wait to wear my scarves to work!  I ought to be the youngest looking gal around.

6)  I am quite convinced that my stomach has a black hole.  I am always hungry.  (And I'm sure you're wondering, but the answer is NO.)

7)  I admire Chip for lots of reasons.  One reason in particular is his way of dealing with Abby.  He will stand up to her.  It's not that I'm afraid to stand up to her, it's just that it's sometimes easier not to fight her over every little detail.  Take this morning, for example.  Abby insisted on wearing a pair of shoes that her Daddy bought her, which unfortunately are about a half-size too big.  Instead of fighting her, I sent her off to school in her big girl shoes, but I made sure her normal shoes were in her backpack.   

8)  I love Mighty Taco, but after last night's post-preschool nightmarish meltdown in our corner of the restaurant, I'll think twice about ever going there again.

9)  There is a bicycler in the area who wears a yellow shirt and who has a trigger-happy middle finger.  And he likes to use it.  And he used it on me.  Silly bicycle man...don't mess with ladies in cars...

'Til next time.

We Made It!

There is a little diner around the corner from us that closes for the winter. Their last day is October 31 and they re-open April 1. I am always EXCITED when they re-open. Of course, I do enjoy their hot dogs and ice cream, but my happiness is based on more than just the food. Their re-opening signifies that we made it through another winter!

This is the second Buffalo winter that we've "survived." You wouldn't believe it (well, maybe a few of you would), but after a long, frigid winter, 40 degrees really feels quite warm! The sun is shining, and I'm hopeful that the temps will rise into the 50s.

Ah, only 8 more days 'til April 1. Woo hoo! We've really almost made it!

This and That

We celebrated Abby's second birthday on March 15! No, I didn't cry, but I certainly did my fair share of reminiscing. I kept thinking about our two-day stay at the hospital. We were so stressed! Who knew a newborn wouldn't sleep at night? Not us! Poor Abby.

Abby's "party" was held on Saturday the 14th because Chip was on call on her birthday. We bought her a rocking horse, a shopping cart, two puzzles, and a Mickey book.

We've all been sick lately. Abby caught the stomach bug, then I got it. Thank God Chip didn't get it, yet at least. He's dealing with his own problems - coughing!

I've been experiencing nausea for about five months. I went to the doctor and he ordered some lab work and an ultrasound (he suspected it could be my gallbladder), and he referred me to a GI doctor. Well, my lab work and ultrasound revealed nothing. So, I will be seeing a GI doc at the end of April. I'm no stranger to GI issues or doctors. Sigh. They'll probably want to do another EGD. It's possible my H. pylori (bacteria) has returned. Ugh.

I took Abby to her 2-year well-check today. She was wonderful! She is 34 inches long and weighs 25 lbs. She is in about the 50th percentile for height, but only the 25th percentile for weight. They also did some bloodwork - hemoglobin and lead. We were asked to hang around for a few minutes to find out the result of the hemoglobin. Abby's level was 19 - the normal level is 11 to 16. Hmm. They want to re-check it in three months. Me, being me, came home and looked up "high hemoglobin levels." I didn't like what I found. I pray that things return to normal next time. It could be because she is dehydrated; she did vomit for five or six days... In the meantime, I'm trying not to let my mind run wild.

Chip and I want another little one. No luck on that front yet. I'll keep you posted.

'Til next time.

'Bout Time

Boy, I've really got to keep up with my blog...

Rather than recount ALL the things that have happened since November 1, I figured I would just start fresh, and tell you a little bit about what is going on now.

Abby is pacifier-free thanks to her Uncle Jay! All it took was him saying, "Abby, you don't need a pacifier. Those are for babies." She took it out and never put it back in. What?! Not fair. I call Jay every now and then for baby advice. He'll have a great career as a "Baby Whisperer."

My little girl will be two on March 15th! Wow. Where has time gone? She is so loving. She's REALLY good at giving kisses, blowing kisses, giving hugs, dancing, and singing. She can sing Amazing Grace, Jesus Loves the Little Children, The Wheels on the Bus, and other nursery rhymes. One thing we have to work on is her "sugars." When I tell her to give me sugar, she procedes to wipe her nose all over my cheek. It's cute, but it's NOT sugar!

Chip is in the midst of interviewing for a pediatric surgery fellowship. He has three interviews left: Gainsville, FL; Philadelphia; and Oklahoma City. We'll find out May 6th where (and if) he matched!

I'm steadily making my way through my final semester of graduate school! [I shouldn't say final. It's kind of like the old saying, "You should never say 'never.'" I can totally see myself pursuing a Ph.D., but, shhh, don't tell Chip!]

Well, I really should be doing schoolwork, but like most nights, I find myself doing nothing productive. Sigh. It's so hard to use my "me time" to do "work."

Until next time, which hopefully won't be several months from now!

Junkie

Okay, I'm about to go to the post office to mail my application. (More on the job hunt later.) But, how sad is it that all I can think about is stopping by the gas station on the way home to buy a pack of peanut M & M's?

I feel like an alcoholic. "Yeah, honey. I'll run that errand...[so I can pick up some booze at the ABC store]."

What gives? Why do I need so much chocolate?

Here I go...

Okay, so everybody has a blog these days. I figured I needed one, too. I hope you enjoy reading about our daily life...I enjoy living it!