I Did It!

It came down to the wire, but I did it. I got all A's this semester, which landed me a 4.0 for the first time in my life! I came close a few times during high school and while I was at UNI, but the idea of earning a 4.0 seemed 'unachievable' to me. I don't know why, I guess I just never pictured myself to be the 'straight A' type.

So now I can check that one off the list!

It was a long semester. Microbiology was not my friend. But I loved my OB/Pediatric nursing class and clinical experience. I think I would like to be an OB nurse when I finish school. (which is only a short 6 months away!)

It's time to move on to my final semester of nursing school! Everyone says it's going to be challenging, yet achievable. Wish me luck!

I would like to give a big THANK YOU to Adam, for supporting me and encouraging me through nursing school. There are days/weeks when I am not physically and/or mentally available as a wife because I have so much school work to do. Thank you for understanding and being patient with me. I love you!

Special Olympics

On Friday our class headed to Ames to help out at the Iowa Special Olympics. We helped out in the 'Healthy Athletes' tent. It was a cold day, but we had a good time. I would definitely volunteer again next year if it works out.

It was a very rewarding experience. As I was watching a few wheel chair races in one of the gyms, I couldn't help but notice how proud everyone was of the athletes. Parents, coaches, fellow athletes, siblings, care givers, teachers, etc. were cheering, jumping up and down, screaming, whistling, and even running along side the athletes during the races. You have no idea how loud it was inside the gymnasium! It got even louder as the medals were given at the end of each race. The amount of love in the room brought tears to my eyes.

No one ever wishes their child to have special needs. We feel very blessed to have such a healthy and beautiful little girl. But what if something happens down the road? What if Harper develops a learning disability? What if an accident occurs and she becomes physically disabled? What will happen? How will I feel?

I will feel no different than I already feel now. I will love Harper unconditionally for eternity! And that is EXACTLY what I observed yesterday between the athletes and their families/friends/support team. I saw families from all walks of life, young and old, rich and poor, small families and large families, etc. They all shared one thing in common - they loved their child with special needs just like any other 'normal' child. But most importantly, they were PROUD of their special needs child! I feel so blessed to be just a very small part of something so awesome! I know my life will never be the same again.

PS - The other girls with me in the picture are friends from school.

Moving On...

Today I finished my first year of nursing school! I can't believe that I only have one year left; time is flying by! I have one week off before I begin my 6-week summer course, which is 'Mental Health.' I hear this class is quite challenging because it is considered a second year course and everything is condensed down into 6 weeks. I will have clinical on Mondays and Tuesdays and class Wednesday - Friday. I am not looking forward to clinical because they will be in Ames and Fort Dodge - that will make for long days and high gas bills. As you could guess, we will be working with patients with mental illnesses at the hospital in Ames, and then will work with substance abuse patients in Fort Dodge. We also get to help out with the Special Olympics in Grimes! June 22nd can't come fast enough; I am looking forward to spending some quality time with Adam and Harper - going to the park, grilling out, trips to the pool, going on walks, etc.

In Harper News:

• Harper has been my shadow this week; I've taken her on lots of little 'adventures.' I took her to the library for her first time and she loved it! Which doesn't surprise me since she loves reading books. We played with the puppets, puzzles and read a handful of books. She even had her own little rocking chair to sit it. We definitely will be making a trip to the library every week. Harper also joined me when I had errands to run yesterday, so she go to visit Iowa Central, get groceries at Hy-Vee (and sit in the firetruck cart), and have lunch at McDonalds.


• Harper has started repeating things we say. She even repeats things she hears on TV, i.e - repeating letters that the contestants call on Wheel of Fortune. She is learning new words everyday - it is amazing.