What's happening in our world...

As I have quietly lurked around other blogs on the web, I have decided that my blog is somewhat boring compared to the other blogs I have seen. How do other bloggers get such cute backgrounds on their blogs? How do they upload or download all the little "extras" such as polls, slide shows, etc? I have decided I am not as blog savvy as I once thought I was. Perhaps I just don't pay my blog as much attention as others do (keeping in mind I work a 40 hour week), or maybe it's all just beyond my mental capacity at this time. So to all you savvy bloggers out there...help!

So I thought I would indulge my readers (the few I have) regarding one of my latest addictions. Since being on bed rest, Kam and I found that "regular" TV is no longer cutting it, and invested in Dish Network. My oh my has this opened up a new world to us! I have found that not only am I addicted to cable TV, but one channel in particular...channel 110 a.k.a the Food Network channel. I know that most of the time I will never try the recipes, but something about watching someone else cook makes me feel more domestic. I love watching Giada (*sp) on Everyday Italian, The Barefoot Contessa, and of course 3o minute meals by Rachel Ray. I have also found that prime time food network is great. Who wouldn't love the Food Network challenges, Throw down with Bobby Flay, Ace of Cakes and Dinner Impossible? And of course, let us not forget the fast paced favorite...Iron Chef. So to all the Food Network lovers out there...cook on!

So I thought I would write a run down on what has happened this week. Monday through Wednesday were pretty uneventful. I came home from work on Monday feeling listless and with a scratchy sore throat. I felt bad because I didn't want to be around Ellison and get her sick, so in addition to spending 8 hours away from her at work, I spent the rest of the evening in bed, keeping my distance. I had the day off on Thursday, so Ellie and I got to hang out. We were pretty low key, and at 2:30 I went to get my blood drawn (which is now only happening every 2 weeks!). At 4:00, we took Ellie to get her RSV shot. I felt so bad as I heard her screaming, but I kept telling myself it is for her own good. We have to take her to get these shots every month through RSV season. Yesterday I had to work, and Kam got the lucky job of taking Ellison to get her immunizations. Kam said she only cried for about 5 minutes after it was over, but she was fussy last night, and has been some today. The pediatrician said she is in perfectly good health and all was well. He even gave us a prescription for some ear drops to give to her before we take off on the plane during our visit out to Utah. I have to work the weekend, so I went to bed early last night, and woke up feeling awful again today. I hope I can get over this cold soon!

It's offical, I am back to work after having Ellison. I have hated coming back to work and leaving my little one, but I have no other choice. I have to admit that I am quietly looking around for something that isn't going to require 40 hours a week, pays well and offers insurance. If anyone knows of a job like this, I would be more than happy to take the offer...unfortunately no one wants to offer me anything like this. In the mean time I have let my boss know if the oppertunity to reduce hours ever arises, I would definately be interested. We will have to see how that goes! In other exciting news, Kam and I have booked our tickets home for Christmas. We are flying into Las Vegas on the night of the 26th and flying out the afternoon of the 2nd. We are going to try to bless Ellison while we are out there.

I became bummed out today as I looked at the calander and realized I only have about 2 1/2 weeks before I have to go back to work. I was hoping that the maternity leave would never end, and I would get to stay home forever. I have quite enjoyed having my time at home, having a very flexible schedule, and not having to worry about working an 8 hour day. I have also enjoyed not having to worry about my co-workers using aweful language, or writing notes on each patient. I do love what I do, but I really love being a mom more. I do have to admit, I have found that being a mom is the hardest job I have ever done! Any other mothers out there who agree, comment now!

Hello all,

Here I am writing again, to let you know all about the maladies I have experienced for the past few weeks. As you all know, I had Ellie by C-section in September...well lucky me formed a blood clot as a result and spent and additional week in the hospital on blood thinners to try to treat this thing. I am home now and will be on blood thinners for the next six months to treat this beastly thing! As a result I cannot breastfeed the baby because of the medication I am taking, so I pump and dump. I missed a feeding today and developed mastitis. I have to admit I am feeling like Job, I would like him to move out of my house and go visit someone else. Kam and I need some down time from all these medical problems! Anyhow, the doctor dosen't seem to be too concerned about the mastitis, and I will be taking an antibiotic for it. Other than that things are going well, we are enjoying our darling baby girl!

Hello all, sorry it has been so long since I have last written, as most of you know, life has changed dramatically since the last time I wrote. We have welcomed our little girl, Ellison Eve Howard to our family. She was born on September 08, 2007, five weeks early. Ellison weighed 5 lbs. 11 oz. and is 18 1/2 inches long. We are both doing fine, and have been home for almost a week. I have to say, I am sleep deprived, and still trying to recover from a C-section, but other than that, I am doing well. Kam has been a great dad, taking on a lot of her care, from feeding and burping to diaper changing. We feel really blessed to have this little girl in our family and will keep you updated on the progress.