Nick just finished his final semester of course work with a 4.0! All As. I am such a PROUD wife. I love to see him so dedicated to his career in Agronomy. Which I tell people, that is the study of soil and plants. We are in the home stretch. We just need this summer and next summer research to be complete, write a small book report called a dissertation, and then he will be a Doctor of Dirt!
I can't wait for December 2013 where I will be in the front row with Allie cheering on her Dad as he walks across that stage getting his PhD diploma. T minus 1.5 years!
CONGRATS NICK!!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Just a soda
Special story...
So I was at my usually lunch venue, Brown Baggers. Yes, having a child to get off to school in the morning makes it difficult to pack a lunch and be on time. So I have found a lunch place for $3.82, I receive a sandwich, chips, small cookie, and bottle water. I am telling myself I can't make my lunch for that amount...
Anyways, so I am line. About 3 people back and this woman comes up behind me. Description of the woman: Octo-mom looking, cut off sweatpants, greasey hair, do you have a mental picture? She starts talking of course to me, about how all she wants is a soda and can't believe how long the line is. In my head, I am like when I get up there I will let her go in front of me. So still waiting, she is asking what I am going to order, I say the Murphy Melt (turkey/provolone sandwich). She then continues to say, oh that sounds good, but I am only getting a soda. She continues to ask questions about the sandwich, how much? what do I get on it? etc, etc. But always reemphasizes the only getting a soda. Anyways, it is my turn.
Brooke to woman behind me "So are you just getting a soda?"
Woman "Yes, just getting a soda"
Brooke "You can go ahead of me"
Woman does not say thanks or anything to me, goes right in front of me "I will have the Murphy Melt"
SERIOUSLY? You just talked with me for 5 minutes about how you weren't getting anything but a soda.
Kicker of the story...she left without getting a soda
So I was at my usually lunch venue, Brown Baggers. Yes, having a child to get off to school in the morning makes it difficult to pack a lunch and be on time. So I have found a lunch place for $3.82, I receive a sandwich, chips, small cookie, and bottle water. I am telling myself I can't make my lunch for that amount...
Anyways, so I am line. About 3 people back and this woman comes up behind me. Description of the woman: Octo-mom looking, cut off sweatpants, greasey hair, do you have a mental picture? She starts talking of course to me, about how all she wants is a soda and can't believe how long the line is. In my head, I am like when I get up there I will let her go in front of me. So still waiting, she is asking what I am going to order, I say the Murphy Melt (turkey/provolone sandwich). She then continues to say, oh that sounds good, but I am only getting a soda. She continues to ask questions about the sandwich, how much? what do I get on it? etc, etc. But always reemphasizes the only getting a soda. Anyways, it is my turn.
Brooke to woman behind me "So are you just getting a soda?"
Woman "Yes, just getting a soda"
Brooke "You can go ahead of me"
Woman does not say thanks or anything to me, goes right in front of me "I will have the Murphy Melt"
SERIOUSLY? You just talked with me for 5 minutes about how you weren't getting anything but a soda.
Kicker of the story...she left without getting a soda
Friday, April 13, 2012
2 years ago...
Yesterday I was thinking, 2 years ago (exactly) I was going to my Final KC Happy Hour at the Blue Moose with the KC Kappas and friends. Makes me think about how my life has changed.
Change is good.
For one main reason...
My priorities have changed. For example, I don't know the last time I went to a Happy Hour... I do know if we had made it to the park enough times so Allie can enjoy her swing time before the sun sets. Yesterday, I was craving more than anything to go to the Blue Moose for $1.50 bottle night where I would start the night out with a great group of girls and run into K-States graduating classes of 2004 to 2006 trying to relive the college Thursday nights. Now, I am just glad I have my quarterly Dinner Club weekends, Kappa annual reunions, Weddings, Bachelorette parties, Shower weekends to remind me how much friends matter in life. You always need to make time with your friends even if it only happens once in awhile.
Fashion, now I am more concern about getting Allie cute outfits or outfits that fit bc she is growing like a beanstalk! Recently though, we went to Orlando Outlet malls. I was selfish, I bought items for myself again! It was wonderful to walk away with a Kate Spade, Coach, Nike bag filled with items for myself. I will never be able to give up shopping...
Savings, my main concern was funding the next big trip to go to Europe, Mexico, didn't matter, I wanted to go everywhere! Now, how much we can put away for our home, retirement, and Allie's college savings. Yes, we already have a 529 plan set up and contributing to it monthly. I believe I was in college 6 years ago and wait, Nick is still in college!
Job, shockingly, I love my job. I love the people I work with, the challenges they give me, the trust they have in me, bonuses, everything about it! I never thought I would succeed at being a working mom, but here I am. Stay at home moms, I am still jealous everyday of your career path, one day I hope to join you... But for now when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade and add vodka, spice it up!
Change is good.
For one main reason...
My priorities have changed. For example, I don't know the last time I went to a Happy Hour... I do know if we had made it to the park enough times so Allie can enjoy her swing time before the sun sets. Yesterday, I was craving more than anything to go to the Blue Moose for $1.50 bottle night where I would start the night out with a great group of girls and run into K-States graduating classes of 2004 to 2006 trying to relive the college Thursday nights. Now, I am just glad I have my quarterly Dinner Club weekends, Kappa annual reunions, Weddings, Bachelorette parties, Shower weekends to remind me how much friends matter in life. You always need to make time with your friends even if it only happens once in awhile.
Fashion, now I am more concern about getting Allie cute outfits or outfits that fit bc she is growing like a beanstalk! Recently though, we went to Orlando Outlet malls. I was selfish, I bought items for myself again! It was wonderful to walk away with a Kate Spade, Coach, Nike bag filled with items for myself. I will never be able to give up shopping...
Savings, my main concern was funding the next big trip to go to Europe, Mexico, didn't matter, I wanted to go everywhere! Now, how much we can put away for our home, retirement, and Allie's college savings. Yes, we already have a 529 plan set up and contributing to it monthly. I believe I was in college 6 years ago and wait, Nick is still in college!
Job, shockingly, I love my job. I love the people I work with, the challenges they give me, the trust they have in me, bonuses, everything about it! I never thought I would succeed at being a working mom, but here I am. Stay at home moms, I am still jealous everyday of your career path, one day I hope to join you... But for now when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade and add vodka, spice it up!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
5 months later...
So I have neglected the blog world! I am sorry!! Between working, BUSY season at work, Allie, Nick, Drew's wedding, holidays...jammed packed with activities! We have two more hectic weekends in front of us and then we are ready for 7 full weeks in Lincoln just the three of us where we will finally get some quality bonding time. We have a swim class lined up with Allie on Saturdays and also will be hitting up a story hour.
Being a working mom is a lot harder than I ever imagined. So many (every) day I wish I could stay home with Allie and know her every move, instead I am the career woman. Luckily, I am advancing nicely in work and getting lots of "fun" (in an Accountant's world "fun") opportunities to grow. They have me sit in on all the planning meeting for the company and in February flying me out to San Diego to learn more about Financial Forecasting. Exciting, right?!
Nick is plugging away at classes and getting his good grades! He is diligently working so he graduates on time!
So here is the little person you really want to hear about! ALLIE :) She is our happy/smiley baby! She seems to always be in a good mood with lots of smiles. She loves to sing songs, roll around, sit up, grab at toys. She is advancing right with the charts, not to early and not to late. So, you think we have it easy? Don't be fooled, she is a little challenge...due to the fact she does not like to nap! Yes, so we have a baby who is on the go from 7am to 8pm with about a 1.5-2hr of naps (2 hours a day is an extremely good day!). And her naps are cat naps, 30 min here, 15 min here, etc. So Nick and I are always exhausted by 8pm at night! Our doctor said the lucky parents get babies who like to nap. Guess we are not lucky in that department. Other than the napping situation she is our little angel! Can't remember what life was like before her!
Below is a our trip to Orlando back in October! We had such a good time, we are heading back in March, but this time just Nick, Allie, and I with a tour guide named Leigh.
Being a working mom is a lot harder than I ever imagined. So many (every) day I wish I could stay home with Allie and know her every move, instead I am the career woman. Luckily, I am advancing nicely in work and getting lots of "fun" (in an Accountant's world "fun") opportunities to grow. They have me sit in on all the planning meeting for the company and in February flying me out to San Diego to learn more about Financial Forecasting. Exciting, right?!
Nick is plugging away at classes and getting his good grades! He is diligently working so he graduates on time!
So here is the little person you really want to hear about! ALLIE :) She is our happy/smiley baby! She seems to always be in a good mood with lots of smiles. She loves to sing songs, roll around, sit up, grab at toys. She is advancing right with the charts, not to early and not to late. So, you think we have it easy? Don't be fooled, she is a little challenge...due to the fact she does not like to nap! Yes, so we have a baby who is on the go from 7am to 8pm with about a 1.5-2hr of naps (2 hours a day is an extremely good day!). And her naps are cat naps, 30 min here, 15 min here, etc. So Nick and I are always exhausted by 8pm at night! Our doctor said the lucky parents get babies who like to nap. Guess we are not lucky in that department. Other than the napping situation she is our little angel! Can't remember what life was like before her!
Below is a our trip to Orlando back in October! We had such a good time, we are heading back in March, but this time just Nick, Allie, and I with a tour guide named Leigh.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
2 Months, 2 Wonderful!
Parenthood, nothing we thought it would be. CHALLENGING but REWARDING. Our little Allie has completely changed our lives.
We brought her home and had absolutely no idea what to do with her. There was no instruction manual specifically for Allie Nicole. I wish there was :)
So we have pick up a few tips along the way:
Parenthood, Day 5: Allie made a little sound from the backside, so I being the great mom went back to the bedroom to change her diaper. All of sudden, I scream "Nick!" Nick thought I had dropped Allie... No. Instead I was covered with Allie's poop!! Yes, I went to open up the diaper and projectile poop came out and was all over the pack and play, my clothes, and onto the carpet. It was WWIII and Allie had won. Changing a simple 6 lb 15 oz baby's diaper took 2 grown adults one hour. Welcome to parenthood!
Take away tip 1: Allie is a 3 striker, if you hear a noise, give it a minute or two, because there will be two more noises until that diaper should be open, bc otherwise you could be looking at an hour ordeal!
Parenthood, Sleeping
Sleep is a wonderful thing. Sleeping baby = sleeping parents = happy parents = happy baby
Allie has blessed us in week 8 to sleep through the night. Meaning we have gotten 6 to 9 hour stretches of straight sleep during the night. Yes, bedtime is 9:30 and Mom/Dad don't "need" to wake up until 4:30ish. Does that happen? No, being the 1st time parents we wake up to listening to the baby monitor or go to her room checking to make sure she is still breathing.
Take away tip #2: Don't be a worry wart, she is swaddle, sleeping, Brooke/Nick SLEEP :)
Parenthood, Me time
Sometimes being a parent is tough work and we just need a break, so parents are a wonderful asset! Nick and I have been blessed with 3 nights out: Kenny Chesney/Zac Brown Concert, Royal's game, Amanda/John's wedding. Thanks to our wonderful parents!
Tip #3: Take your parents up on their offer to watch your child, you can say no, but don't be afriad to say yes!
Parenthood, Girly Girl
I am trying my hardest to make Allie into the girly girl, but she wants to be a little tomboy like Leigh Bee. Every time I place a bow on her head she screams and starts pushing it off...it is a challenge! I think I need to come to terms with her being a Volleyball player and not a Cheerleader :)
Tip #4, persistence, yes, I will fight through and get her to love those bows!
Parenthood, growing like a beanstalk
This might be a shocker, but our daughter is on track to be tall...gasp! Yes, having a 6'6" dad will give you the gene of height! She has grown 4" in 2 months...on average, you grow 1/2" to 1" in a month. Our little over achiever.
Tip #5, buy a size bigger, 6 month = 9 month clothing!
So we have pick up a few tips along the way:
Parenthood, Day 5: Allie made a little sound from the backside, so I being the great mom went back to the bedroom to change her diaper. All of sudden, I scream "Nick!" Nick thought I had dropped Allie... No. Instead I was covered with Allie's poop!! Yes, I went to open up the diaper and projectile poop came out and was all over the pack and play, my clothes, and onto the carpet. It was WWIII and Allie had won. Changing a simple 6 lb 15 oz baby's diaper took 2 grown adults one hour. Welcome to parenthood!
Take away tip 1: Allie is a 3 striker, if you hear a noise, give it a minute or two, because there will be two more noises until that diaper should be open, bc otherwise you could be looking at an hour ordeal!
Sleep is a wonderful thing. Sleeping baby = sleeping parents = happy parents = happy baby
Allie has blessed us in week 8 to sleep through the night. Meaning we have gotten 6 to 9 hour stretches of straight sleep during the night. Yes, bedtime is 9:30 and Mom/Dad don't "need" to wake up until 4:30ish. Does that happen? No, being the 1st time parents we wake up to listening to the baby monitor or go to her room checking to make sure she is still breathing.
Take away tip #2: Don't be a worry wart, she is swaddle, sleeping, Brooke/Nick SLEEP :)
Sometimes being a parent is tough work and we just need a break, so parents are a wonderful asset! Nick and I have been blessed with 3 nights out: Kenny Chesney/Zac Brown Concert, Royal's game, Amanda/John's wedding. Thanks to our wonderful parents!
Tip #3: Take your parents up on their offer to watch your child, you can say no, but don't be afriad to say yes!
I am trying my hardest to make Allie into the girly girl, but she wants to be a little tomboy like Leigh Bee. Every time I place a bow on her head she screams and starts pushing it off...it is a challenge! I think I need to come to terms with her being a Volleyball player and not a Cheerleader :)
Tip #4, persistence, yes, I will fight through and get her to love those bows!
This might be a shocker, but our daughter is on track to be tall...gasp! Yes, having a 6'6" dad will give you the gene of height! She has grown 4" in 2 months...on average, you grow 1/2" to 1" in a month. Our little over achiever.
Tip #5, buy a size bigger, 6 month = 9 month clothing!
Our Family of 3!
Stay tune for tips on Allie Nicole, again, these tips are in her instruction manual :)
My Favorite pics of our Allie Gator!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Veggies are here!!
Our garden is starting to produce...I think someone will be making enchiladas tonight!
Monday, July 11, 2011
A True Connection
Tonight was the night I felt a true connection with my beautiful daughter, Allie. From day one I knew I loved Allie, but for the past three weeks with the struggles of breast-feeding I got caught up in being a "sleep deprived milk cow." Yes, breast-feeding is probably the hardest thing I have ever done in life.
Today was probably the hardest day, Nick was out of town for work (the 1st day Nick traveled away for work...go figure!), Allie could not get enough food from me, and to top it off Allie got an eye infection. So here I was no husband, sleep deprived, crying baby, and rushing to Walgreen's by myself in 105 degree weather for the eye medicine. Wow! Welcome to parenthood.
Once I got home from Walgreen's, change diaper, feeding, and placing the ointment in Allie's eye, there I was, holding this sweet baby girl who finally was satisfied and peacefully sleeping. I started crying, bc after a long day, it was all worth it to see Allie content. I realized how much I truly love my daughter and am so blessed to have her in my life. She then of course cracked a huge smile (probably gas), but I am going with her telling me "Mom, you did good today!"
Parenthood is not what I expected, it is much more, so much more rewarding then anything I ever had experience in my life. A life changer, but one I am so glad Nick and I made together.
Today was probably the hardest day, Nick was out of town for work (the 1st day Nick traveled away for work...go figure!), Allie could not get enough food from me, and to top it off Allie got an eye infection. So here I was no husband, sleep deprived, crying baby, and rushing to Walgreen's by myself in 105 degree weather for the eye medicine. Wow! Welcome to parenthood.
Once I got home from Walgreen's, change diaper, feeding, and placing the ointment in Allie's eye, there I was, holding this sweet baby girl who finally was satisfied and peacefully sleeping. I started crying, bc after a long day, it was all worth it to see Allie content. I realized how much I truly love my daughter and am so blessed to have her in my life. She then of course cracked a huge smile (probably gas), but I am going with her telling me "Mom, you did good today!"
Parenthood is not what I expected, it is much more, so much more rewarding then anything I ever had experience in my life. A life changer, but one I am so glad Nick and I made together.
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