Happy Grad

 

I’m trying to get caught up here on my updates…last week was a busy week! Besides finding out the gender of our little pea in the pod, Jake graduated from nursing school last Tuesday from Utah Valley University! I am SO proud of my hubster. This school stuff has been a work in progress for years now, and for him to finally graduate with all the bumps in the road along the way is a big accomplishment.

Jake had earned his Associate’s Degree back in 2006 and unfortunately had to put advancing further in school on hold for awhile. Being a single, full-time working dad at the time didn’t leave much extra time or money for school, until lil’ ol’ me came along in 2008 to spot him tuition fees and encourage him to go back. Jake had planned to originally go into a medical engineering field (whatever the heck that is) but then decided nursing school would suit him best. He had to take a couple of years of hard prerequisites in order to apply for nursing school and was finally accepted into the program in 2011 among 40 other students out of more than 200 applicants. Just being accepted into nursing school was an accomplishment itself! 

The nursing grads reciting the Nightingale Pledge

The nursing program has been a 2-year program with the option to continue an additional year for a bachelor’s completion. Jake has now graduated with his ASN, giving him the earned title of an RN…or at least once he takes the big NCLEX test at the end of the month to be licensed in the state of Utah. For the nursing graduation ceremony, the nursing graduates have a special pinning ceremony separate from the normal commencement program that the University holds on a different day where the typical cap and gown stuff goes on. For the pinning ceremony, the graduates are presented with a special nursing pin that is given to them by another nursing mentor whom the graduate has asked to participate. It is a special occasion for both the graduate and the pinning presenter. 

Picture of the nursing pin the grads receive

The ceremony took place in the Grande Ballroom at UVU for the 36 graduates and their families. (Notice 36 grads instead of the 40 that started out…lost a few along the way!) The beginning of the program started out with the lights turned off and all the graduates walking in holding a lit oil lamp called the Nightingale lamp, named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing care. The lamp is a symbol of the care and devotion the nurses administer to the sick and injured in the practice of nursing. Later, the graduates then recited the Nightingale Pledge vowing to practice their calling morally and devote themselves to the caring of others. Nursing instructors then spoke to the graduates as well as the Dean of nursing and two of the graduates from the class. Funny student awards were given out and then it was time for the pinning presentation where the graduates would walk up one at a time to be presented. For Jake’s pinning, he chose the Dean to present his who gave him a big hug on stage. I might have gotten a little emotional throughout the graduation.  When it all wrapped up, there was punch and cookies afterwards, which I would’ve eaten ten of but we had plans to eat at PF Changs. Mmm! 

Yay! He did it!

One other thing to add about Jake’s graduation is that he designed their programs for the ceremony this year. All of the guests received a simple folded program outlining the speakers and order of events while the graduates each received a program booklet listing the same events along with a photo of the graduate and a short biography. I think it turned out great and will be a neat keepsake for all the graduates. Since I thought Jake’s biography he submitted was a winner, I’ll share it below:

JAKE JONES

As the youngest and most adorable of three brothers, I grew up in Keizer, Oregon and moved to Utah in search of greener pastures (or snow) shortly after high school. When I’m not slaving away doing homework or wiping butts at Intermountain Medical Center, I enjoy manly things such as watching sports, playing sports, dreaming of sports, and eating tacos. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy spending time with my wife Jenny and son Gage, and look forward to meeting our new little one due in September. I’ve always wanted a career in the medical field because I really enjoy helping people and being able to make a difference in people’s lives…plus, my wife thinks I look hot in scrubs. My plan at this point is to continue working on the Medical/Oncology floor at IMC. Tomorrow, I’ll probably see if my boss is ok with that. Eventually, I’d like to get into the ED where I’m certain to bring home some good stories (without patient identifiers, of course). UVU’s nursing program has definitely been challenging and rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know my peers. To them I say, may your wildest dreams come true…and stay cool, have a great summer. To my instructors, thank you and remember there were a few that didn’t make it this far, so at least I wasn’t that bad. 

Happy Graduation, hunny! Way to go Class of 2013!

Boy, oh boy!

I think this post is pretty self-explanatory, right? Last Tuesday, Jake and I went to my ultrasound appointment where it was confirmed that our upcoming baby Jones is indeed a boy! It was a bit of a shocker...and I'll leave it at that. :)

During the ultrasound, the radiologist lady did all sorts of things besides just tell us the gender (which wasn't until the very end because apparently baby Jones did not want to spread his legs and show his naughty bits). Pictures were taken of baby's brain, heart (we could see all 4 chambers), spine, aorta, kidneys, cranium size, etc...all to check that he is growing healthy and normal. It was a crazy appointment, and not what I had expected as far as the pictures went. I thought I would see a baby with facial features and didn't expect such skeletal pictures...baby's skin is still transparent so I think the radiologist explained that is why they do this ultrasound around 20 weeks because the organs are fully developed and can be checked for any problems before the skin completely develops. Seeing the spine was crazy! And baby was very active for his picture session. I think it may have been due to my drinking Sprite before my appointment, which is rumored to make the baby more active for an ultrasound. I'm saying it worked. One second he was posing for the camera, and then the next second he decided to flip over to be in some other position where we'd have to reposition the monitor to find him. Oh! And we could clearly see baby opening and shutting his mouth every now and then. Whoa. I think one of the funnier moments was seeing my full bladder on the ultrasound as this big, black bubble next to curled up, squished baby and right after the radiologist had me use the restroom to empty myself, baby suddenly had a lot more room to spread out and decided to have his legs out straight. I think the cutest pictures we were able to take home with us out of our bunch is a couple different foot print pictures. Baby feet are kind of cute. Aww...

Later that day after my appointment, I had Paradise Bakery make a giant 12" cookie to surprise my parents and Gage with that evening. Our surprise was the first time Gage was hearing the news, so he was the most excited to hear about a little brother on the way. I don't think a day has passed where he hasn't mentioned it or asked questions about the baby such as, "Is Junior kicking yet?"...Junior?! Oh heavens. Note to self: Gage does not get to be included in nick-naming or naming the baby.

So now, the nesting period begins! Boy stuff here we come.

Pregnant Chicken

I have been following the Pregnant Chicken blog now for quite some time (even before I was pregnant) because the blogger is soooo hilarious and outrageous. She gets right to the point of all things pregnant without sugar-coating it, and I may find her profanity extremely funny. For example, when she posts about possible medical problems a new pregnant mom does not want to think about that may occur during pregnancy/labor, Pregnant Chicken refers to these posts as "The Scary Shit Series". Another post titled "Porn for Pregnant Ladies" (which I was hesitant to click on at work but did anyway) show pictures of hot male celebs like a topless Hugh Jackman with captions of them saying things you'd want to hear such as, "I hope you still have cankles after the baby gets here because they totally turn me on." Are you a fan yet?

Anyway, when I did become pregnant, I was able to sign up to be on their email list where I'd be sent a weekly email with updates about my developing baby and what's going on during my pregnancy that week. This week's was particularly hilarious so I figured, "Why not share?!" Here is my update...

WEEK 17
Way to pork up, kid! No, not you, your baby, well, if you’re like me, then you too (high five). Your baby is about 5 inches long (from head to rump – I have no idea why they don’t count legs. Legs count in my book but whatev) and weighs about 5oz. So it’s the length and weight of an iPhone. Your awesome little minion is also starting to suck and swallow (punch anyone in the face that says something pervy about that) and is moving joints in preparation for doing the running man at weddings. Yes!
 
You are probably showing now.
 
If you are like me you laughed at that because you started showing when the pee stick showed two lines, or you wondered what the hell I am talking about because you’re wearing the same pants you did a year ago. Both are normal so don’t panic and ignore anyone that comments on your size. I have no idea why people feel compelled to point out a woman’s weight gain (or lack there of) while they are gestating a person when, at any other point in her life it would be considered rude. Keep in mind that very few of these people have much reference for how big you should or shouldn’t be so try to chalk it up to making conversation and go about your business.
 
Also work on your ninja moves because people are going to start touching you too. It doesn’t bother some women, but to others it’s like reaching out to stroke their tongue – awkward and gross. When my friend was pregnant and someone would touch her belly, she would just gently reach over and touch theirs in the same way. It was hysterical and stopped people dead in their tracks.
 
As with commenting on your weight, I don’t think people are trying to be rude, I think they’re just locked in baby mode and forget that the baby container is an actual person.

And it Starts...

Well, my curiosity about maternity clothes has arrived. It's not that I'm busting at the seems, but sitting down in buttoned pants isn't the most comfortable. I decided to go see what all the fuss was about...negative fuss, I might add. It seems that the few comments I've heard from previously preggo peeps is that they hated maternity clothes shopping and that stretchy waist pants felt like they were falling down all the time. They couldn't be that bad, right?

 

Luckily, the new outlets at Traverse Mountain by my house have a maternity store that I could venture off to. I went to Motherhood Maternity (Jake accompanied me...aww) and found a plethora of bright and colorful spring clothes just waiting for me to buy. The store ladies were so nice and helpful, loving the fact that this was a first for me and giving me words of encouragement like, "Don't let the clothes freak you out." After gathering up an armful of clothing, it was time to try them on. I...was...in...heaven! Everything is SO comfortable and light and stretchy. I hate shopping--especially trying clothes on--but this was a great day. I loved that I didn't have to feel guilty about being chunky and that size blah-blah-blah was too tight. These clothes expect you to be chunky! Deal. They even had a small, round belly pillow in the dressing room you could stuff under your shirt to help you visualize your upcoming Buddha belly. Hilarious. So, after a good half hour in the dressing room, a runway show for Jake, and a few dollar signs later, I had purchased new clothes that I just love! I vowed to even shop there when I'm not pregnant because the T-shirts were the most scrumptious material ever. The non-pregnant store rep lady does and you'd never know it. So even though my plan was to save my clothes for a few weeks when I'd more appropriately fill them out, nope, I like them too much that they shall be put to use pronto. Yay! See the Princess Jasmine colored green shirt? FAVE.

Easter

The Easter Bunny came to our house!...and not for Gage since he wasn't with us this year. No, Mr. Hunny Bunny brought a special delivery for me! 

There I was, groggily waking up at the wee hour of 10 a.m. on Easter morning giving myself a pep talk about how I should get up to slap on some makeup for church in an hour. Mornings are not my thing. But alas, my buns were dragged out of bed and I was off to first search for my hubby in the house since he doesn't sleep in past 8:30 a.m.  And what to my wondering eye should appear? My hubby in the kitchen making me a delicious breakfast omelet so dear. Sausage, cheese, avocados and tomatoes. Oh my yum. And there was another surprise - awaiting for me on the table was my very own Easter basket with flowers, shoes and treats from See's Candies. Look at all the fun goodies! Darn him for being so wonderful. Sigh. I LOVE it all. LOVE him. Bestest sneaky Easter bunny. Made me feel guilty for only getting him a Reese's peanut butter egg.

After church we headed up to my parents' house to spend the afternoon. It's a tradition to color eggs, so I came prepared with my Neon egg dying kit I scouted out at Walmart. (Side note: I've always been an anti-plastic egg person. Growing up, my brother and I always colored real eggs which where then used for our egg hunt in our backyard and then used for egg salad sandwiches for the week. I was baffled when I got older to hear people did the plastic egg thing instead and had candy or money hidden in them...isn't that what comes in your Easter basket?? Seems stupid and seems like a buttload of candy afterwards. It's not Halloween!) Anyway, I got Jake to join in the egg-dying fun since he does spectacular ones every year. Here's our final product! 

Easter ended with a delicious dinner of spiral ham, funeral potatoes (mother calls them "holiday potatoes" because she hates the funeral term), asparagus with lemon pepper and raspberry fluff made by me...well, Jake. It was a nice Easter and such a beautiful day outside! I just wish Missy Moo could've been around so I could've taken her for a walk at the park.

Baseballa, Holla!

Spring is here! Baseball is about to be in full bloom!...little league, that is. Yup, little Gage-meister is making his way up in the baseball world. This year instead of just being assigned to a team, he got to experience his first draft for tryouts that kids third grade and up have. We didn't know what to expect for the tryout, but I was a surprised to find out they were having the boys show off their batting, catching and throwing skills one at a time. Naturally, this took foooooorever. Good thinking there, folks. So, after an hour of standing in a single line outside in a frozen wind chill, Gage was finally up! 

First up is the batting where each boy was pitched (machine) 3 balls to hit. After the third, it was time to book it over to first base to show off a good run. I'm pretty sure some kids didn't get the memo on "run" since many were lollygagging and decided to do a light jog instead while taking off their batting helmet off half way down the line. Hello! Grr. Anyway, I was surprised to see Gage miss all 3 balls since he is usually better at batting than out-fielding.

Batting was then followed by catching 2 balls at first base thrown by a kid near third. Gage missed the first (I blame the third-baseman for throwing it crappy) but miraculously caught the second while tumbling to the ground afterwards, managing to keep it in his mitt. He got props for that, and my guess is that his little maneuver got him some major points...catching was the least successful area for almost every kid so for Gage to catch one is, I think, a big snazzy deal.

Next up he headed over to third base to catch 3 ground balls from home base and then would have to throw it to the new kid on first. Gage is a great thrower so those went fine. And that concluded his tryout! Now we just wait to hear from a coach to see what team he's on. Exciting! He gets a full team uniform this year and the teams will be competing tournament style so he could have the chance to go...all...the...waaaay! Love me some baseball.

THE Announcement...yup.

Well, blog audience, it's time to break the news...there is a BABY JONES  on the way!!! Holy. Moly. Guacamole. There's much to say about this, so instead of writing a buttload of paragraphs like an essay, let's do a Q&A session to give you ze bebe scoop...which, ironically, ends up being a buttload of paragraphs anyway but they look more organized...

When did this happen?! 
This could be looked at two ways: when did Jake and I have some fun, or when did I find out I was preggo. Since the first is none of your business, I'll answer the second. In mid-January right when Jake left me for his 10-day Sundance Film Festival adventure, Mother Nature had still not shown up so it was off to Walgreens for a preggo test. I felt like a slutty teenager in the check-out line by myself. True story. After getting home and seeing the positive blue sign (after staring at it for over an hour in case the result changed...and then another hour just in case) it was confirmed. Again, holy moly. Preggers.

How did I react vs. how did Jake react?

I was terrified at the thought! I mean, I knew this would be coming one day but suddenly it was here...like really, really here time-to-get-fatter here and prepare for slobber and diapers. I decided it would be best to wait and surprise Jake when he got back from Sundance so it wasn't on his mind in case it stressed him out. Well, that's what I planned anyway...but noooo. While talking on the phone one night with Jake, he randomly happen to ask about Mother Nature (curse me for opening my mouth the previous week!), and I couldn't lie and say she arrived! I was busted. The secret came out and Jake was probably just as shocked as me but more thrilled. I got showered with hugs and kisses when I drove up to Park City a couple days later to see him.

How did we tell my parents?

This was great. They didn't even see it coming! The day Jake got back from Sundance, we stopped by my parent's house to visit. I had bought a stuffed froggy from the Carter's baby outlet in Park City to give them and made a sign for Mr. Frog to hold announcing a baby was on the way. (See pic below) We had both my parents gather in the living room and presented them with their gift bag. They didn't suspect anything out of the ordinary, thinking it was something from Sundance since Jake usually comes home with a variety of freebies. They pulled the frog out, and instant screams and tears of joy filled the room, and Jake and I found ourselves smushed by a stampede of hugs. Aww...

How have I been feeling?

This is probably the most frequently asked question among friends and family that know the news. Yes, I've been bitten by the infamous morning sickness!...which is a retarded name. I chalk my queasiness up to my super spidey senses I've seemed to develop. Seriously, my sense of smell is wonderous! That's a good and bad thing. I quickly learned I needed to switch up some of my smelly-good lotions I had been using since those smelled yuck now and things that would normally just smell bad before now make me gag...like literally, I gag all the time and throw up may or may not accompany it. Brushing my teeth still makes me gaggy, I've noticed being in the car within the first 5 minutes makes me gaggy, a deep yawn makes me gaggy, and sometimes when I'm just sitting minding my own business I'll get gaggy. It's a curse. I used to be more queasy off and on throughout the day (more so at night), but it has been going away now that I'm coming up to my 2nd trimester, which is common. I've learned that being pregnant makes you think of great adjectives to describe yourself...pukey, gaggy, puffy, etc. The list goes on!

How far along am I right now?

I am 14 weeks and counting...I know, I waited awhile to share the news. Not too much longer and we'll be finding out if baby is a he or she. Yay! Maybe this is where I can disclose my fingers are crossed for a she.

When am I due?
Currently, the date is set for September 18th.

How did my first doctor appointment go?
Jake accompanied me to Intermountain Riverton Hospital on March 5th where we got to have my first ultrasound. We were able to see mini baby, take it's measurement to monitor growth, and listen to its heartbeat which was rabbit fast. It was a surreal experience. I thought I might get emotional, but honestly it just seemed foreign to me. Even now it hasn't fully sunk in. But the hospital staff is great! I love my doctor's nurse, and I even got a present from the staff with different reading materials, chapstick, baby formula and prenatal pills for being a new mom-to-be. Sounds like I'll have to get used to monthly appointments. Ugh. 

Cravings?
I'm quite surprised at this one that no, no food cravings thus far. I've only noticed that take out Chinese food sounds unbelievably gross to me now...ugh, gaggy just writing that. I guess if I had to stretch for a craving it would be my beloved banana peppers I chowed down half a jar of last night. Mmm. If anything, I miss foods I'm told to regulate or stay away from now such as hot dogs, fish, PEPSI (caffeine), deli meat. Not that I ate a plethora of hot dogs before but now being told "watch out" means I want a hot dog, dag-nabit! Don't tell me what to do!

Moodiness?
Jake should thank my lucky genes for this one...no moodiness/emotional outbursts that I've noticed. I thought I would start crying at irrational, random moments like maybe during State Farm commercials or something, but nope, I've been normal. If anything, I do have a lot shorter patience span. That I can notice. If you annoy me, I will probably snap because you are doing something retarded and I can't stand it any longer that you're being so retarded and I must point out that you are being retarded and are annoying the heck out of me. Yup. I view this as me just being more open to expressing myself. That should be a good thing, right? Just making the world better!

Sleeping?
I can count the peaceful, restful nights of full sleep on one hand. This is due to one too many trips to the potty in the middle of the night. Which reminds me, I've wanted to invest in a night-light. Trying to find my way to the b-room in pitch blackness up to two times during the night is just waiting for a disaster to happen. Not only could I fall on my face and break my ankle, I will then pee my pants for not making it to the b-room. That's just embarrassing. 

Have we told Gage the news?
Gage doesn't have a clue what's going on right now! Meaning we haven't told him, not as in Gage is retarded, which as I mentioned earlier would then lead to me snapping at him. No, no...we've decided not to tell G-meister until we find out the gender. This is for a few different reasons which I'll just bypass explaining on here so it doesn't sound like I'm ranting.

Other thoughts to wrap up this announcement?
The further along I get in my pregnancy, the more excited I am. I'm still nervous thinking about the unexpected and what's to come, but I'm comforted knowing that's ok too. How can you not be bi-polar about this?! Big ole butt and chunky thighs, cankles to come, a true sacrifice on my body in the works...but all for a greater cause, a new addition to my family. It's a lot to mentally prepare for, and it's scary wondering how I'm supposed to be nearly as good as my mom was raising me. Luckily, I have Jake as my amazing companion, and I know he'll be beyond great to make up for what I lack. I chose a good one!