Wagon Ride

Well I have been pretty exhausted lately. Between softball games on Monday and Wednesday nights and long days in the NICU, I'm worn out. Not to mention getting to snuggle that cute little boy every evening. The short nights and long days are starting to add up.

I am still enjoying my rotation through the NICU. It can be difficult at times but I have been learning a great deal. There is a great team of nurse practitioners and residents that have helped me out along the way. I couldn't have started out with a better group of people.

I summoned some extra energy this evening and Chris and I took Hunter on a wagon ride. He seemed to enjoy himself.

He is all smiles!!

Let's go already, put down the camera.

Yea!!! We are moving!

I love wagon rides!

As you can see he is always so happy and excited for a new adventure. I just can't seem to get enough of him.

Forth of July Weekend

I didn't get to celebrate too much over the weekend. I was in the NICU both Saturday and Sunday but I had Monday off to relax. The weather didn't really cooperate with our plans to watch fireworks outdoors but we got to show Hunter what they looked like on TV.

Our yankee doodle dandy!!

Erica and Hunter

Chris and Hunter

I have recently been going to bed at 9:00pm and for anyone who knows me, that is at least 4 hours before my typical bedtime. This getting up at 5:30am is not really my favorite thing but I'm makeing the best of it. I can say that the traffic that early is non-existant which is a plus.

Hunter is trying his hardest to crawl. He can get up on his hands and knees for a total of 5 seconds before he gives up and gets frustrated. I know once he is on the move we will be chasing after him for years.

Chris is being a real trooper with my long hours and early mornings. I know it isn't easy to take care of Hunter in the mornings solo and then go see patients and take care of him all weekend long.

I know this transistion would be much more difficult if I didn't know that my mom and dad were taking care of Hunter during the day. I would worry much more and not focus on my job as well.

So far things are going well in the NICU. I am enjoying taking care of the little ones. The learning curve is steep but I'm trying to keep up.

The First Day

Well . . . day number one is over. I can honestly say it was somewhat overwhelming. I survived though and am looking forward to day two. Actually caring for my patients wasn't the most difficult part of my day. Trying to get oriented to a new computer system and enter your notes and write orders (which is kind of scary the first time), was the overwhelming part.

It was also a little frightening to have every attending and resident I encountered apologize that I have to start in the NICU. There is a large learning curve for it to be my first rotation. I take this as a compliment of sorts. It may have been dumb luck that I am starting in the NICU but I like to think that they knew I could handle it and I only hope I can prove that I am dependable, reliable, and knowledgeable.

And the journey continues . . .