This year has been very interesting to say the least. Earlier this year my husband and I were just getting used to the idea of having a child. We were planning for his July arrival, had begun the process of buying a house, and we were having a lot of fun deciding what his name would be. Then life threw us a curveball. We found out that my son would have to be delivered 16 weeks early because I had developed preeclampsia and as a result my son developed IUGR. He was born March 26th at a tiny 1 lbs 2 oz and the roller coaster ride of the NICU began.
I didn't really realize how amazing childbirth was until my child was born early. I didn't fully understand just how much a woman's womb nurtures and protects a child until I saw the doctors and nurses trying to replicate it in an isolette. I also wasn't ready for all of the different emotions I would experience. Feelings of inadequacy, fear, and helplessness.
It's difficult to come up with a reason as to why your body failed you. Why you weren't able to do what other women have been able to do for centuries on end.
It's hard to look at a doctor and read the expression on their face that says they didn't think your child wouldn't make it through the night. Or to watch alongside as nurses worked to resuscitate him. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
Yep 2007 was a crazy year indeed, but in a very weird way the challenges of this year proved to have a blessing mixed in.
I don't think I've ever been as thankful as I have this year.
I'm thankful that I had a great doctor who really jumped on my condition. Without her quick action my health would have been severely jeopardized and in a worst case scenario, neither my son nor I would be here.
I have the best husband ever. I love him and I really enjoy being married to him. There are no words that can adequately express how much he helped me this year.
I'm blessed to have great family and friends. Family that dropped everything they were doing to help us, and friends that met my needs, plus listened to me cry, complain, and worry.
I have a great new home that I love and a job that I enjoy.
And I have a great little boy. He's curious and silly. He has an infectious laugh and a smile that will steal your heart. He's great.
I have to wonder if I hadn't gone through this if I would be as grateful as I am now. I wonder if I would've taken everything I have for granted. It's certainly in my personality to do so.
So yes, while 2007 was probably the roughest year of my life I appreciate the lessons it has taught me.
I need to remember to cherish every moment, to not take my family and friends for granted, and as the plaque in my kitchen says "In everything give thanks".
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I know I did. It was just the hubby, the little one and myself, but we had a good time. We watched the little one open his presents and he seemed to really enjoy it. Of course he seemed to enjoy the wrapping paper even more. At one point he was even rolling on the floor in it (why didn't I get a picture of that!). Of course his grandparents spoiled him rotten and bought him all kinds of noisemaking toys, and I think this kid is going to be the best dressed child ever with all of the clothes he received. Hubby and I bought him a walker and a high chair. He LOVED the walker and since he got to eat sweet potatoes in his high chair I guess he liked it too. All in all the munchkin had a good Christmas and as a result passed out around 8 from all the excitement.
As far as food, we ate the traditional dressing and turkey on Christmas Eve, but I decided to branch out and make gumbo for Christmas day. It turned out to be pretty darn good if I do say so myself, but oh my goodness it takes a long time to make the roux. About 40 minutes of constant stirring to be exact, but it was well worth it. For dessert we had peach cobbler of course.
Below are a few few pictures from today. Enjoy!!
As far as food, we ate the traditional dressing and turkey on Christmas Eve, but I decided to branch out and make gumbo for Christmas day. It turned out to be pretty darn good if I do say so myself, but oh my goodness it takes a long time to make the roux. About 40 minutes of constant stirring to be exact, but it was well worth it. For dessert we had peach cobbler of course.
Below are a few few pictures from today. Enjoy!!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
23 months
I don't understand dog fighting. Why would someone raise animals with the sole purpose of placing them in a confined space to try and kill one another? What kind of person takes pleasure in viewing this activity, let alone placing bets on it? Better yet, who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea to electrocute, drown or hang dogs because they aren't vicious enough?
By now I'm sure you all know what and who I'm talking about. This past week Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his part in operating, funding, and participating in a dog fighting ring. While I had heard about the story for months, I didn't know the details of how these dogs were killed.
I've heard of dog fighting before and I was under the impression that the dogs that were deemed unworthy were shot. I found that disturbing enough, but then I read about the creative ways these people killed their dogs and I was shocked. Who does that?!
Now having said that I also have to say I don't agree with the sentencing.
That's right. I don't think Michael Vick (or anyone else that participates in dog fighting) should be imprisoned for nearly 2 years.
I'm sure my opinion is an unpopular one, so I'll try my best to explain myself.
There's no doubt in my mind that Michael Vick should be punished for his crime because that is what it is, a crime. Dog fighting is illegal and since he participated in an illegal activity there has to be a consequence. I could get behind him paying a rather large fine (millions), community service with PETA or another animal rights group, or a combination of the two. Heck, I could even agree with him going to jail for a shorter amount of time -up to 6 months- but I think it is a bit extreme to place him in prison for almost two years. To take him away from his children and family for 2 years is over the top in my opinion.
I don't understand how Mary Winkler can murder her husband and is only sentenced to 210 days, but Michael Vick is sentenced to 23 months.
I'd rather have my prisons hold rapists, murderers, and child molesters rather than participants in dog-fighting rings.
I also have to wonder why hunting, fishing, and bull riding are deemed ok by society and are legal, but dog-fighting isn't. You could argue that at least when hunting we are using the animal for food, but the last time I checked there wasn't a shortage of meat at the grocery store nor is meat required for survival. Vegetarians seem to get along just fine.
One could also argue that it's brutal to make dogs fight to the death, but is it that much different from hooking a fish in the mouth, pulling it out of it's natural habitat and essentially allowing it to suffocate to death? Also, is wrapping a rope around a bull's testicles and having a cowboy ride him purely for entertainment wrong? I'm not saying these situations are exactly the same, or that they are even wrong, I just find it odd that they seem similar in nature, yet I don't see anyone calling for these participants head on a platter like Vick.
Hear what I'm saying. I'm not condoning what MV did at all, I actually find it rather disgusting. I just happen to be in the minority that believes the punishment doesn't fit the crime.
By now I'm sure you all know what and who I'm talking about. This past week Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his part in operating, funding, and participating in a dog fighting ring. While I had heard about the story for months, I didn't know the details of how these dogs were killed.
I've heard of dog fighting before and I was under the impression that the dogs that were deemed unworthy were shot. I found that disturbing enough, but then I read about the creative ways these people killed their dogs and I was shocked. Who does that?!
Now having said that I also have to say I don't agree with the sentencing.
That's right. I don't think Michael Vick (or anyone else that participates in dog fighting) should be imprisoned for nearly 2 years.
I'm sure my opinion is an unpopular one, so I'll try my best to explain myself.
There's no doubt in my mind that Michael Vick should be punished for his crime because that is what it is, a crime. Dog fighting is illegal and since he participated in an illegal activity there has to be a consequence. I could get behind him paying a rather large fine (millions), community service with PETA or another animal rights group, or a combination of the two. Heck, I could even agree with him going to jail for a shorter amount of time -up to 6 months- but I think it is a bit extreme to place him in prison for almost two years. To take him away from his children and family for 2 years is over the top in my opinion.
I don't understand how Mary Winkler can murder her husband and is only sentenced to 210 days, but Michael Vick is sentenced to 23 months.
I'd rather have my prisons hold rapists, murderers, and child molesters rather than participants in dog-fighting rings.
I also have to wonder why hunting, fishing, and bull riding are deemed ok by society and are legal, but dog-fighting isn't. You could argue that at least when hunting we are using the animal for food, but the last time I checked there wasn't a shortage of meat at the grocery store nor is meat required for survival. Vegetarians seem to get along just fine.
One could also argue that it's brutal to make dogs fight to the death, but is it that much different from hooking a fish in the mouth, pulling it out of it's natural habitat and essentially allowing it to suffocate to death? Also, is wrapping a rope around a bull's testicles and having a cowboy ride him purely for entertainment wrong? I'm not saying these situations are exactly the same, or that they are even wrong, I just find it odd that they seem similar in nature, yet I don't see anyone calling for these participants head on a platter like Vick.
Hear what I'm saying. I'm not condoning what MV did at all, I actually find it rather disgusting. I just happen to be in the minority that believes the punishment doesn't fit the crime.
Friday, December 14, 2007
If we don't learn our history...you know the rest
For the past 5+ years I've been committed to re-examining my faith. So often our faith (or lack there of) is simply handed down from our family and we never investigate or even identify what it is that we believe. So I decided a while ago that I was going to take the time to develop my own relationship with God, the Creator, the Universe, or whatever name you choose and accept that it may look differently from what others think it should. My main goals were (and still are)
-to identify what I believe,
-to pinpoint why I believe what I believe,
-to give myself permission to change those beliefs
-to acknowledge there are some things I won't be able to figure out
I consider myself to be Christian. This was the faith that was handed down to me by my parents and the dominant religious faith of Americans. I acknowledge that those two facts alone probably contribute more to me following Christianity than probably I even realize. If I happened to be born in a different country and culture I can't deny that would greatly influence my religious identity. Nonetheless, I do attempt to live my life by principles outlined by Jesus so for all intents and purposes I'm a Christian.
Anyway, as a part of my spiritual growth process I joined an international, inter-denominational bible study, which will remain nameless as I don't know the "rules" of this whole blog thing. The study goes through a particular book of the bible over the length of an entire school year. I like it because it provides a very structured approach to bible study and allows me to come to my own conclusions with minimal outside influence. This year the study is on the book of Matthew and I have come to a conclusion about something. I don't think there is any way we can know what the "Return of Christ" is going to look like.
In reading Matthew, the Jews had expectations of what was going to happen when their Messiah came based on how they understood the scriptures (our old testament). It was said that Elijah, who is reported to have ascended into heaven years earlier, would return first and then after that the Messiah would come. This savior was going to be the king of all kings and rescue Israel from oppression. And what do they get? They get some hogwash of John the Baptist being Elijah, and they get Jesus. A rule breaking, wine drinking, guy that hangs out with sinners and others of ill rapport. Let alone, this guy claims that he is in fact their king. He doesn't appear to be royalty, he's hated by many, is called a blasphemer, and if he is a king he doesn't appear to be saving Israel from anything.
I'll admit it. Had I been in around during that time I would've totally dismissed Jesus and his claims. Why? Because he wouldn't have matched up with how I interpreted the scriptures, and this leads me to the point of the post. Why do we as Christians think we can pinpoint the what and how of Jesus' return? Sure, it's fun to speculate, but why fuss and argue over it? It could very well be a symbolic return. It could be that the literal person of Jesus isn't going to return, but the world will come into the fullness and enlightenment of his message. It could be, dare I say it, like Elijah "returning" in the form of John the Baptist, a new messenger with the spirit (character) of Jesus, or it could very well be a literal return with trumpets sounding, white horses, and all that jazz. My point is I don't know and I'm fine with that. I'm going to try and learn from the history of my forefathers in faith and not presume to know exactly how this whole thing will play out.
-to identify what I believe,
-to pinpoint why I believe what I believe,
-to give myself permission to change those beliefs
-to acknowledge there are some things I won't be able to figure out
I consider myself to be Christian. This was the faith that was handed down to me by my parents and the dominant religious faith of Americans. I acknowledge that those two facts alone probably contribute more to me following Christianity than probably I even realize. If I happened to be born in a different country and culture I can't deny that would greatly influence my religious identity. Nonetheless, I do attempt to live my life by principles outlined by Jesus so for all intents and purposes I'm a Christian.
Anyway, as a part of my spiritual growth process I joined an international, inter-denominational bible study, which will remain nameless as I don't know the "rules" of this whole blog thing. The study goes through a particular book of the bible over the length of an entire school year. I like it because it provides a very structured approach to bible study and allows me to come to my own conclusions with minimal outside influence. This year the study is on the book of Matthew and I have come to a conclusion about something. I don't think there is any way we can know what the "Return of Christ" is going to look like.
In reading Matthew, the Jews had expectations of what was going to happen when their Messiah came based on how they understood the scriptures (our old testament). It was said that Elijah, who is reported to have ascended into heaven years earlier, would return first and then after that the Messiah would come. This savior was going to be the king of all kings and rescue Israel from oppression. And what do they get? They get some hogwash of John the Baptist being Elijah, and they get Jesus. A rule breaking, wine drinking, guy that hangs out with sinners and others of ill rapport. Let alone, this guy claims that he is in fact their king. He doesn't appear to be royalty, he's hated by many, is called a blasphemer, and if he is a king he doesn't appear to be saving Israel from anything.
I'll admit it. Had I been in around during that time I would've totally dismissed Jesus and his claims. Why? Because he wouldn't have matched up with how I interpreted the scriptures, and this leads me to the point of the post. Why do we as Christians think we can pinpoint the what and how of Jesus' return? Sure, it's fun to speculate, but why fuss and argue over it? It could very well be a symbolic return. It could be that the literal person of Jesus isn't going to return, but the world will come into the fullness and enlightenment of his message. It could be, dare I say it, like Elijah "returning" in the form of John the Baptist, a new messenger with the spirit (character) of Jesus, or it could very well be a literal return with trumpets sounding, white horses, and all that jazz. My point is I don't know and I'm fine with that. I'm going to try and learn from the history of my forefathers in faith and not presume to know exactly how this whole thing will play out.
Friday, December 7, 2007
I've joined in the madness
So I've decided to immerse myself in the world of blogging. I'm not exactly sure why. I don't know if I'll have much to say, or if it'll be interesting, but I figured I'd throw caution to the wind and "just do it".
I'm sure there will be plenty of run-on sentences, misspelled words, and comma splices, but who cares? It's my party and I'll use bad grammar if I want to.
So who am I? I'm a wife, a mom, an employee, and a host of other titles, but really I'm just a woman trying to find her way and purpose in this world.
You can call me Mel.
I'm sure there will be plenty of run-on sentences, misspelled words, and comma splices, but who cares? It's my party and I'll use bad grammar if I want to.
So who am I? I'm a wife, a mom, an employee, and a host of other titles, but really I'm just a woman trying to find her way and purpose in this world.
You can call me Mel.
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