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goodbye 2nd year

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Jacob officially finished his second year of medical school last week. I’m so proud of Jacob and so glad to be moving on to the next “stage” of school. From now until the end of July he will be studying hard for his first round of Boards. (I’ll be really happy when that part is done!) In August he starts two years of rotations. It’s so nice to know we’re half way done with medical school! And Jacob’s completely done with classes!

To celebrate we got together with our student friends and their families for a little bbq on Friday. We’re glad to have made such wonderful friends here. They’ve been together since first year and I was worried when we moved here at the beginning of second year we’d have a hard time making friends but we’ve been lucky to meet these great people. It makes it a little easier to be away from our families.

(Too bad you can’t see Addie’s outfit in the baby carrier because it is CUTE!)

Congratulations Jacob on all your hard work!

Posted in Fabulous Friends, Medical School, Vegas | 7 Comments »

making me happy

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

To be honest, I’ve been a little crabby lately. My carpal tunnel is getting worse by the day and my fingers are starting to swell. They don’t look too bad but my wedding ring only sometimes fits. I know I shouldn’t complain because there are a lot worse pregnancy complications I could be having. But it is frustrating to not be able to do anything without wrist pain/finger numbness. Oh and did I mention that the lab called to say that they lost my blood glucose test!? I took it on MLK Jr day so don’t know why it’s taken so long to figure out. I’m hoping I can just skip it at this point. I’m 33 weeks now, it seems crazy to worry about it now. I really don’t want to take it again!

Mostly I’ve been frustrated that Jacob is so so busy with school. I do appreciate that he’s so motivated and disciplined but sometimes it would be nice if he was a bit more of a slacker. Usually I like the alone time but I’m starting to feel bad knowing this is our last few weeks together just the two of us and he’s too busy to enjoy it.

BUT there are a few things making me happy lately.

- Multigrain Cheerios. I don’t know what it is but currently I can’t get enough of this cereal. I usually eat at least two bowls a day. Hold on, I need an afternoon snack….

Ok I’m back now.

- Lemonade. It’s certainly not the best for pregnancy heartburn but it’s one of the few things I’ve had any cravings for. Jacob wonders if it’s related to this next thing…

- Lysol 4-in-1 Lemon Breeze Cleaner. Yeah, that’s still going on. I can’t get enough of this smell. Our kitchen is much, much cleaner than normal.

- Jacob had these wedding photos framed for me for Christmas as a really sweet and thoughtful surprise. They finally made it to the wall this weekend and our apartment feels so much more homey now.

- The fact that it’s Cadbury mini egg season. This is the king of all candy, in my opinion.

- The wrist brace. Ok, it’s not making me happy at all but it is making life bearable! Plus it looks incredibly hot, am I right?

- Working on some things for Baby Girl’s room. I’m pretty much making it up as I go along. I’ll have to share some of my favorite baby things another day. I’ve found so many cool things (even if most of them won’t be coming to live at our house.)

- Seeing this on the fridge. The fortune says, “The rainbow’s treasures will soon belong to you.” I got it in a fortune cookie at dinner after we had the ultrasound last week. In case you didn’t know, we have a history of special fortunes.

- And this beautiful invitation on my fridge. Is my sister awesome, or what? I think it’s so darling (the photo and my “editing” don’t do it justice.) I’m really excited to go to Utah this weekend and see lots of my favorite people! I only wish I could stay longer. It will be a super quick trip for us but I can’t wait.

What’s making you happy lately?

Posted in Jacob and Me, Loves, Medical School, Pregnancy | 17 Comments »

2009 in review

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Here’s a little look back at this whirlwind of a year 2009. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I wrote last year’s review.

January

- We returned to our little apartment in Harlem after a Christmas break in Utah.
- Witnessed the pride and excitement of the inauguration in Harlem. I’ve never seen people so happy about politics!

- Got called to teach the 4 year old Primary class at church. What an adventure! I loved that calling.
- Went to Chinatown to see the Chinese New Year festivities.

February

- Loved a visit from Lori, Paul and Emmett on Valentine’s Day.

- Had a very uneventful Valentine’s Day night. Jacob was busy studying for a test. We ordered heart shaped pizza from Papa Johns (authentic NY pizza, you know!) and rented a movie.
- Enjoyed a visit from my SIL Heather and her kids from PA. We spent the day visiting FAO Schwartz, seeing the carriages at Central Park, and eating McDonalds; a perfect day for the kids.
- Started enjoying Saturday night “Dessert Nights” around Manhattan. So fun to try new things.
- Assisted my friend Kiasa with some of her science themed birthday parties including one for Design Mom Gabrielle Blair’s daughter. Kiasa does a fantastic job and I loved working with her.

March

- Got a fabulous haircut from Rubi. I love that haircut.

- Celebrated Jacob’s 25th birthday. He was busy with school and didn’t want to do anything special so we celebrated quietly at home.

- Saw one of my favorite old musicals Guys and Dolls with Jacob.
- Had our bathroom ripped apart because of a consistent leak. It was never put back together completely before we moved!

- Took a trip to Washington, DC! We loved seeing all the sights and visiting some museums. The American History Museum was my favorite. I injured my ankle while we were there which really slowed me down. But we had a fantastic time!

April

- Enjoyed Conference weekend (although by myself since, as usual, Jacob was studying like a mad man.)
- Got locked in the bathroom while home alone.
- Spent a week in San Francisco with Heidi. It was so fun to go on a trip just me and my sister. We had a wonderful time seeing the city and relaxing. Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 here.

- Started taking care of this adorable creature (and 2 other kids on days I didn’t have her.)

- Decided to transfer to Jacob’s school in Las Vegas. This decision was insanely bittersweet.

May

- Jacob finished his first year of medical school. Woohoo!
- Made a trip to PA for niece Ariel’s baptism and visit with the Lauberts, Miners, and Jacob’s parents.

- Jacob’s parents coming back to Manhattan with us to spend the day. Jacob had a blast playing tour guide.
- Celebrated our 3 year anniversary with dinner, a movie, a stay in a nice hotel in midtown, breakfast at Max Brenner and a visit to the Strand before I had to work the next day.

June

- Made a quick, impromptu trip to Philadelphia. This may be my favorite trip of the year because Jacob was out of school so he was totally stress free! And I love the early American history in Philadelphia.

- Explored the High Line. Perhaps the coolest park in the city.

- Saw Anne Hathaway and Audra McDonald in Twelfth Night in Central Park. LOVED this.
- Finally experienced fried chicken and waffles at Amy Ruth’s. We give it two thumbs up!
- Went to Las Vegas to find an apartment.
- Had lunchtime dates around town with Jacob when I was taking care of Puff. They were good buddies.

- Basically went some place fun in the city everyday.

July

- Had a fun 4th of July BBQ with our neighbors and then went to the Hudson to watch the fireworks.

- Enjoyed the NY Philharmonic concert in Central Park.

- Had a visit from my brother, Ian, for a couple of days. I was working so Jacob played tour guide. They enjoyed a city tour and a Mets game, among other things. We introduced Ian to the delicious NY food, including truck food (hello Dessert Truck, we love you.)
- Saw Blithe Spirit starring Rupert Everett, Angela Lansbury, and Christine Ebersole.
- Enjoyed another visit from my SIL Heather and the kids. We had an overpriced and underwhelming lunch at Mars 2012 (but the kids had fun!) and then went to the Heckschler Playground in Central Park to play in the water.

- Went to the beach with Jenn, Norris and Puff.

- Saw In the Heights with Jenn.
- Reluctantly packed our meager belongings into a mini van (Jacob is MAGIC!) and moved across the country. We stopped along the way to see my SIL Erin and my Grammy and my parents.

- Bought a car- a 2005 Toyota Corolla.

August

- Spent a few days in Wisconsin for the big family reunion with Jacob’s siblings.
- Jacob started school again.
- I went to Utah for a week to help Heidi get ready for school.
- Totaled our 2 week old car in a car accident on the way home from Utah when Jacob came to pick me up. We were very, very lucky that we walked away with only minor bumps, bruises, and cuts.

- Found out (2 days after the accident) that we had a bun in the oven. Expected arrival: April 2010. I started getting sick immediately.

- Enjoyed a visit from Emily and baby Charlie for a few days. She helped me set up the apartment and she made me some curtains!
- Celebrated my 25th birthday with surprise tickets from Jacob to see Jersey Boys at the Palazzo.

September

- Went to Utah for a long weekend. Got to see Laura and go to Delia’s baby blessing.
- Spent most of the month sick on the couch.
- Jacob had his first “block week” of tests.
- After a month of rental cars (for which we are still waiting to be reimbursed from the other insurance company) we finally got the money from our insurance company to buy another car: an 02 Honda CRV.
- Took a quick trip to Cali to see the Sheets and the Ames. Spent a fantastic day at the beach.

October

- Continued being sick and exhausted. Hence the extreme lack of blogging…or doing much of anything.
- Enjoyed General Conference weekend.
- Had a fun visit from some of “the buddies” (Lori, Paul and Emmett, Mike, Jeff) for the BYU/UNLV game. Lots of Rock Band was played and Jacob barbecued before the game.

- Had a visit from my friend Amy from college and her son Landon. She’s pregnant too so we mostly laid around the apartment and ate Sour Patch Kids, which was my craving that week (and one of the few pregnancy cravings I’ve had at all.)

- Took another weekend trip home to Utah over Heidi’s Fall Break. We saw the Odyssey Dance show “Thriller”, the play “Curtains” and the movie “Bright Star.” Soaked up all the fall weather I could since it was still pretty warm in Vegas.

- Jacob had another “block week” of tests.
- Went to the ward Trunk or Treat and then celebrated Halloween at home with Tortilla Soup and renting Coraline. Mom sent me this t-shirt which I considered my costume.

November

- Slowly started feeling a little bit better.
- Found out we’re having a baby GIRL!

- I went to Utah the weekend before Thanksgiving and Jacob joined me the day before the holiday. We had a great time with my family and Grammy was in town, which is always interesting!

December

- Celebrated Sinterklaas Eve with my first attempt at the Dutch dinner and presents from Sinterklaas.
- Jacob had his semester finals.
- I hosted a Christmas Cookie Exchange for some of the wives that were in town during finals week.
- Went to Utah on the 18th for the family Christmas party at Aunt Nette’s house. Had a yummy dinner of appetizers and had the traditional White Elephant gift exchange.

- Had a fantastic Christmas with the family where the baby was incredibly spoiled.

- Celebrated NYE at home just the two of us with Chinese food (tradition!) and renting 500 Days of Summer. We watched the fireworks on the strip from our window.

In summary, we’ve had a crazy year. We’ve had plenty of “downs” but the “ups” have been so fantastic that it was all worth it. When all is said and done I know I’ll look back at 2009 as one of our best years. A year ago I never would have expected we’d start the year living in NYC and end it living in Las Vegas. If I’ve learned anything this year it’s that the Lord has a better plan for us than we have for ourselves, even if sometimes we don’t understand it.

I can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store for us, especially with the arrival of our baby girl in the spring. So much to look forward to.

Posted in Family, Jacob and Me, Medical School, New York, Pregnancy, Travel, Vegas | 12 Comments »

this is the face

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

of a 2nd year medical student!!

Here he is celebrating his new-found freedom at Papaya King. (I think I prefer Gray’s Papaya but not sure that Jacob agrees.)

(I’m about 2 weeks late in this announcement, I apologize. But in my defense, the lack of posting about this announcement has been because we’ve been busy celebrating the announcement. More updates on the way!)

Posted in Medical School, New York | 6 Comments »

the one about leaving

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

Hello, internet, my old friend.

I’m overwhelmed by everything I want to post so I’m going to “chunk” it. Let’s start with the days before we left. I haven’t installed Photoshop on my laptop yet so pardon some of the pictures!

The Friday before we left we had a family dinner at Aunt Nette’s house. We had her yummy pot stickers and other deliciousness. Look how cute the table settings were! Aunt Nette knows how much I appreciate good dishes! We roasted marshmallows for smores around their fire pit and had homemade strawberry ice cream. So so fun. Thanks Aunt Nette!

This is my cousin Stephanie’s adorable baby Luke. I learned the hard way that he does NOT like to be tickled! He would have nothing to do with me after that unfortunate incident.

On Saturday we had our last minute yard sale. We had a really great turn out and were able to unload a lot of our stuff. Most of everything that was leftover went straight to DI. Thanks a million to Shareka, Joy and Heidi for their help. We had some intense bargain hunters (aka cheapskates) at our sale. This lady was all up in my face about how $20 was too much for the set of Martha Stewart Stainless Steel Pots and Pans! Lots of women kept trying to talk me down to $15. So I raised the price to $25 and then the ladies were trying to talk me down to $20. It worked out perfectly. Thank heavens for Jacob because he had to do a lot of Spanish translation for us!

Sunday we had our friends Julie and Brandon over to play games. I heart Dread Pirate!! Don’t mind Jacob’s pirate impression.

Monday we cleaned, packed, sold, shipped our life. Luckily we had card night at Pudding on the Rice that night because that’s a pretty sure fire way to cheer me up. Here’s Cassity, doing her picture of the day!

I have no pictures of Tuesday and Wednesday because they were crazy. Mom and Heidi came both days to clean the house. We would have been sunk without them. With them cleaning we were able to sell some more stuff off on Craigs List and fill some last minute vinyl orders. I did sneak away Tuesday for a haircut and we all enjoyed lunch at P712.

Thursday was moving day. We had originally planned to leave Thursday morning but it became clear that wasn’t going to be possible. We still had some things that needed to be shipped and a last minute trip to our storage closet. That last minute trip ended up taking Jacob several hours when the key broke off in the lock! That was quite and ordeal. We finally checked out of our apartment at about 3:30. We went to the post office to ship the last boxes, the storage shed to drop off the last few things, and we were headed on I-80 at about 5:00.

Me right before we left.

Our bags all packed! And Rock Band which we took with us to WI to play with the family and shipped it from there.

We made it to Rawlins the first night. We got there about 10:30 and were surprised to discover that most of the motels were booked! So we ended up at a nicer place than we would have originally gone to but it sure was nice. When we left the following morning, we stopped to get gas at a nearby gas station. We were walking back to our car when I recognized a couple from our BYU ward filling up a Uhaul truck with gas! They were on their way to Denver to relocate for a job. They had stayed in Rawlins the night before as well and were getting a late start that day like we were. We got a giggle out of that.

After encountering some really yucky traffic between Grand Island and Omaha (accidents and then Lincoln/Omaha traffic) we finally made it to Des Moines about 10:30. Aunt Linda and Uncle Mark were sweet to put us up. It’s always fun to see their cute house. They brought Grammy over in the morning for a breakfast of aebleskivers. Love those! Check out Aunt Linda’s adorable place settings!

Linda has the cutest studio full of vintage lovelies. Here are some of my favs!

(Isn’t this fun?? That’s my Grammy on the right!)

We were just going to miss Jacob’s sister Maegan who was leaving Wisconsin the day we were going so after we left Des Moines we met up with her and the fam at a gas station in Cedar Rapids.

My attempt at a picture of the Mississippi River from a moving car! I love that river. Makes me miss Nauvoo!

In Wisconsin we enjoyed a fun evening playing Rock Band! James went to town on her tupperware and wooden spoons.

She said to me, “I want rock star lessons.”
“I thought you were already a rock star,” I answered.
“No. I’m just a kid,” she informed me.

Campbell liked me helping her drum for about 2 minutes and then she just wanted to bang on it herself!

On Sunday I helped the girls make crowns from a cute craft kit Heidi gave us.

Then we went to feed some horses at the neighbor’s house. The girls loved feeding them and James loved sitting on one but Campbell wanted nothing to do with that! When she got on there and started freaking out I said, “What a big girl!” and she kept crying, “I’m NOT a big kid! I’m a little kid!!”