After an extended absence, I am going to try to bring this blog back to life. I have spent a lot of time focusing on my daughter and husband the past few months but I am also starting to realize that I need to take more time to focus on me. So, in addition to the goals I have listed in my 101 in 1001 list (more on these later), I have set a new goal.
I want to get back to me. I want to get back to the girl I know myself as. The past few years I have focused on my career and my family and home. The things that have moved to the back burner are the things that make me the happiest. The thing that has slid the most is my physical appearance. I reached my heighest weight ever, have worn little (if any) make-up, and put my hair in a poorly composed ponytail.
This weekend I took the first steps to change this. I purchased a few products at Ulta that I am excited to review for you later this week. I also look forward to documenting our upcoming move home and the career changes I expect to make in the near future. Stay tuned!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
101 in 1001 Progress
It has been a busy couple of weeks but I am excited that I was able to complete a few of my 101 goals. After much deliberation, we decided to stay at home as we celebrated Amelia's first Christmas. After talking to my friend M, I found out that she and her fiance were without a place to go for Christmas dinner. I love to cook and jumped at the chance to share this passion for friends.
We quickly decided on the menu of ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and Better than Sex cake. I was so excited to show off the honey/brown sugar/spice glaze for the ham that I found on the Food Network's website. It is a glaze I have used before and it is amazing! I was also making the mashed potatoes from scratch although I took the easy route on the other items.
Once I had the ham in the oven, I began thinking about how I would set the table. On several occasions, I had been given crystal serving dishes to use with the china I received as a wedding gift. My husband raised an eyebrow when I began setting the table but as I explained to him, it was as good of a time as any to use them.
The dinner turned out ok. M was in charge of bringing the potatoes and because they had trouble finding our place, they arrived late. Because they arrived at the same time I pulled the ham out of the oven, I rushed the potatoes and tried to mash them before they were soft. It did not work out so well and the potatoes were lumpy to say the least. Because I was so focused on the potatoes, I did not pay enough attention to the gravy and that ended up really runny. It tasted good but it wasn't the prettiest meal I've made!
Despite the aesthetic challenge of the meal, the day could not have gone better. It was a great day surrounded by great friends, talking with family, and reflecting on how amazingly blessed we are. That, my friends, is what the holidays are all about.
We quickly decided on the menu of ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and Better than Sex cake. I was so excited to show off the honey/brown sugar/spice glaze for the ham that I found on the Food Network's website. It is a glaze I have used before and it is amazing! I was also making the mashed potatoes from scratch although I took the easy route on the other items.
Once I had the ham in the oven, I began thinking about how I would set the table. On several occasions, I had been given crystal serving dishes to use with the china I received as a wedding gift. My husband raised an eyebrow when I began setting the table but as I explained to him, it was as good of a time as any to use them.
The dinner turned out ok. M was in charge of bringing the potatoes and because they had trouble finding our place, they arrived late. Because they arrived at the same time I pulled the ham out of the oven, I rushed the potatoes and tried to mash them before they were soft. It did not work out so well and the potatoes were lumpy to say the least. Because I was so focused on the potatoes, I did not pay enough attention to the gravy and that ended up really runny. It tasted good but it wasn't the prettiest meal I've made!
Despite the aesthetic challenge of the meal, the day could not have gone better. It was a great day surrounded by great friends, talking with family, and reflecting on how amazingly blessed we are. That, my friends, is what the holidays are all about.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
101 in 1001
As I mention in my personal information, I have a lot of goals. Some of them are simple tasks that I just have not made the time for, some of them a bit bigger. As a part of my blogging experience, I have decided to attempt the 101 in 1001 challenge. I have chosen 101 of my goals that are somewhat attainable within the next 2 1/2 years and put them to paper.
The clock starts now, December 8, 2010. My goal is to complete each of these tasks, purchases, and trips by September 4, 2013. Wish me luck! Oooo - looks like I can cross the last one off of my list!
The clock starts now, December 8, 2010. My goal is to complete each of these tasks, purchases, and trips by September 4, 2013. Wish me luck! Oooo - looks like I can cross the last one off of my list!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
In Honor of Amelia
Most of you who know me well know that I am not generally someone who speaks out in support of a particular cause but in honor of my daughter, I feel it is important to share with you a special upcoming date. November is recognized as National Prematurity Awareness Month and more specifically, November 17th is Prematurity Awareness Day.
You all know our story. We joked for months that Amelia would be born on the 4th but what we did not anticipate is that she would be born on the 4th of May instead of the 4th of July. As I read more information, I find that our story is not as unique as we would like to think. According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely making it the leading cause of death among infants. As I think back over the past few years, I begin to realize that I can list more premature babies among family and friends than full term babies.
Although a premature birth can be very sudden, there are several people and organizations researching ways to prevent and assist babies that are born too soon. The most well known is the March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.com) but there are several others as well. One that is especially close to our hearts is Children's Hospital of Minneapolis (www.childrensmn.org) where Amelia received the most excellent care a parent could wish for. Award-winning neonatologists, parent support, and an amazing nursing staff are just the beginning of what has made our journey a successful one. I would like to encourage you to take a moment to read about how some of these organizations are helping families like ours and their efforts to prevent prematurity.
If after reading, you are compelled to do more, there are several ways to get involved. Aside from financial donations, you can also volunteer your time to educating others. For those in the Twin Cities area, Woolley's Steakhouse, Cork's Irish Pub, and Chez Daniel are donating their proceeds from select desserts to Children's Hospitals. Borders is also accepting new book donations to be used by patients at Children's. (Amelia suggests Love You Forever because it is the first story she was read!) And starting today, 77kids by American Eagle will begin their Wish4Snow benefit which will allow you to create a virtual snowflake at www.77kids.com If 100,000 snowflakes are created, American Eagle will donate $25,000 to 8 Children's Hospitals around the country, including the one in Minneapolis.
If you have stuck with me this far, thank you. Just by reading this you have helped to increase awareness about prematurity and become a part of the solution.
Best regards,
Becca
You all know our story. We joked for months that Amelia would be born on the 4th but what we did not anticipate is that she would be born on the 4th of May instead of the 4th of July. As I read more information, I find that our story is not as unique as we would like to think. According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely making it the leading cause of death among infants. As I think back over the past few years, I begin to realize that I can list more premature babies among family and friends than full term babies.
Although a premature birth can be very sudden, there are several people and organizations researching ways to prevent and assist babies that are born too soon. The most well known is the March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.com) but there are several others as well. One that is especially close to our hearts is Children's Hospital of Minneapolis (www.childrensmn.org) where Amelia received the most excellent care a parent could wish for. Award-winning neonatologists, parent support, and an amazing nursing staff are just the beginning of what has made our journey a successful one. I would like to encourage you to take a moment to read about how some of these organizations are helping families like ours and their efforts to prevent prematurity.
If after reading, you are compelled to do more, there are several ways to get involved. Aside from financial donations, you can also volunteer your time to educating others. For those in the Twin Cities area, Woolley's Steakhouse, Cork's Irish Pub, and Chez Daniel are donating their proceeds from select desserts to Children's Hospitals. Borders is also accepting new book donations to be used by patients at Children's. (Amelia suggests Love You Forever because it is the first story she was read!) And starting today, 77kids by American Eagle will begin their Wish4Snow benefit which will allow you to create a virtual snowflake at www.77kids.com If 100,000 snowflakes are created, American Eagle will donate $25,000 to 8 Children's Hospitals around the country, including the one in Minneapolis.
If you have stuck with me this far, thank you. Just by reading this you have helped to increase awareness about prematurity and become a part of the solution.
Best regards,
Becca
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Hero Beside Me
While very few of my coworkers noticed these past two days, my outfits have featured one of the most special accessories in my collection. As much as I love jewelry, I rarely take the time in the morning to find the right pieces to compliment my outfit. Yesterday and today there was little to no thinking required.
After our first fight as a couple, my husband gave me a set of his dog tags as a symbol of his committment to me. It wasn't something sparkly, no diamonds, no gold. A simple set of military tags on a standard ball chain. A few weeks later we went to a local street fair and found a simple necklace with a red, white, and blue crystal pendant. It was being sold by Blue Star mothers and the money would go to their family support group. It was the perfect way to give back and make my dog tags even more special.
To most, it is a silly necklace that really doesn't go with any outfit in my closet. To me, it is a symbol of my husband's bond not only to the military or our country, but to me as well. The Marines and Army made him the man I fell in love with. It is where he found strength, courage, self-confidence, friendship, and trust. To say I have had a similar impact is humbling to say the least.
As I go to bed this Veteran's Day, I can't help but to think about all of the things he saw and experienced in his 12 years as a soldier. The actions you and I may never know about that kept so many people safe. The willingness to do more if needed. Soon he'll be home and lying in bed with his arms around me. At that moment in time I know there is no safer place in the world than right here.
After our first fight as a couple, my husband gave me a set of his dog tags as a symbol of his committment to me. It wasn't something sparkly, no diamonds, no gold. A simple set of military tags on a standard ball chain. A few weeks later we went to a local street fair and found a simple necklace with a red, white, and blue crystal pendant. It was being sold by Blue Star mothers and the money would go to their family support group. It was the perfect way to give back and make my dog tags even more special.
To most, it is a silly necklace that really doesn't go with any outfit in my closet. To me, it is a symbol of my husband's bond not only to the military or our country, but to me as well. The Marines and Army made him the man I fell in love with. It is where he found strength, courage, self-confidence, friendship, and trust. To say I have had a similar impact is humbling to say the least.
As I go to bed this Veteran's Day, I can't help but to think about all of the things he saw and experienced in his 12 years as a soldier. The actions you and I may never know about that kept so many people safe. The willingness to do more if needed. Soon he'll be home and lying in bed with his arms around me. At that moment in time I know there is no safer place in the world than right here.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
A few simple words
It is amazing how a few simple words from a stranger can change your entire day.
Yesterday I received a message from my health insurance company that was extremely vague. Thley identified themselves as being from the insurance company and informed me they needed to speak to me about my daughter. Because of my daughter's stay in the NICU, this had me concerned. I thought everything was processed - were they suddenly going to tell me it was all rejected? How would I cover all of this? I was panicked.
After hours of frustration at work and several phone calls, I finally connected with the person who left the message. They were calling as part of their preventative care program and wanted to let me know about services available to help Amelia. Whew! That is a relief. I was connected with a nurse who began asking a series of questions about Amelia's condition and care. I told her our story and about the obstacles we had overcome. After I finished, she gave me one of the best compliments I have received to date - "It sounds like she is doing really well and you are doing everything right. She is lucky to have such caring and focused parents."
This may seem extremely simple but as a new mother it is golden. I think it is every parent's fear that they will not be a good parent or that they are going to somehow cause their child harm. With a preemie, this fear is increased exponentially. Telling our story brings back a flood of memories of how small she was and how strong we all were. Taking her out into public is an adventure because everyone seems to have an opinion and they are usually quick to point out what you could be doing better. It is enough to make a new parent mad. At least for one night though, I can rest easier knowing that I have succeeded at the most important thing I will do in my lifetime - motherhood.
Yesterday I received a message from my health insurance company that was extremely vague. Thley identified themselves as being from the insurance company and informed me they needed to speak to me about my daughter. Because of my daughter's stay in the NICU, this had me concerned. I thought everything was processed - were they suddenly going to tell me it was all rejected? How would I cover all of this? I was panicked.
After hours of frustration at work and several phone calls, I finally connected with the person who left the message. They were calling as part of their preventative care program and wanted to let me know about services available to help Amelia. Whew! That is a relief. I was connected with a nurse who began asking a series of questions about Amelia's condition and care. I told her our story and about the obstacles we had overcome. After I finished, she gave me one of the best compliments I have received to date - "It sounds like she is doing really well and you are doing everything right. She is lucky to have such caring and focused parents."
This may seem extremely simple but as a new mother it is golden. I think it is every parent's fear that they will not be a good parent or that they are going to somehow cause their child harm. With a preemie, this fear is increased exponentially. Telling our story brings back a flood of memories of how small she was and how strong we all were. Taking her out into public is an adventure because everyone seems to have an opinion and they are usually quick to point out what you could be doing better. It is enough to make a new parent mad. At least for one night though, I can rest easier knowing that I have succeeded at the most important thing I will do in my lifetime - motherhood.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
First Post!
If you know much of anything about me, you would know that I love to write. I have toyed with the idea of starting a blog for quite a while and the time has come to make that idea a reality.
A little about me...
I am the proud mother of a 5 month old girl. She was born 8 weeks premature and although parenthood has given my husband and I many challenges, we could not be more excited to have her in our lives. I never would have imagined that someone so small would give me more strength than I have ever known. She is the light of my life and I am so excited to watch her grow and see the world through her eyes.
My husband and I have been together for 4 years now and married for a year and a half. We both knew from the first moments that we would end up together at some point. Within the first few months, we knew it would be forever. I still wake up in awe of him and consider myself lucky to have him in my life. He is the only person who truly sees beyond the walls to the person with a passion for life, family, and new experiences. He shares my dreams and works side-by-side with me to make them come true.
I live in the Midwest, just down the road from where I was born and raised. About 500 miles down the road, but it is a long drive home on a single highway nonetheless. I was the stereotypical small town girl, moving to the big city to live a crazy single life. Within the first six months I had started dating the man who would eventually become my husband. Not quite what I had planned but I'd say it worked out pretty well!
I hope you enjoy my blog and look forward to sharing my experiences with you. Good Night!
A little about me...
I am the proud mother of a 5 month old girl. She was born 8 weeks premature and although parenthood has given my husband and I many challenges, we could not be more excited to have her in our lives. I never would have imagined that someone so small would give me more strength than I have ever known. She is the light of my life and I am so excited to watch her grow and see the world through her eyes.
My husband and I have been together for 4 years now and married for a year and a half. We both knew from the first moments that we would end up together at some point. Within the first few months, we knew it would be forever. I still wake up in awe of him and consider myself lucky to have him in my life. He is the only person who truly sees beyond the walls to the person with a passion for life, family, and new experiences. He shares my dreams and works side-by-side with me to make them come true.
I live in the Midwest, just down the road from where I was born and raised. About 500 miles down the road, but it is a long drive home on a single highway nonetheless. I was the stereotypical small town girl, moving to the big city to live a crazy single life. Within the first six months I had started dating the man who would eventually become my husband. Not quite what I had planned but I'd say it worked out pretty well!
I hope you enjoy my blog and look forward to sharing my experiences with you. Good Night!
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