Glass tea steeper

Today I am going to try to post several small posts w some cool tips and ideas!

Life changer for my tea drinkers!! Omg. Put honey, lemon, sugar, etc, and loose leaf tea in the bottom, add hot water. Seal. Enjoy! 

http://youtu.be/ES7I6wgZ1X0

'Twas the night before Christmas

Tonight was a special night. I picked up Sullivan from school, came home, took a quick bath and 20 minutes of mom time, then came downstairs and cooked Sullivan Chef Boyardee ABC's and 123's at his request. Don't judge, it didn't kill me, lol. He is quite proud of how well he can get the letters and meatballs on the spoon (and so am I).  

Then we watched a little TV, snuggled on the couch, he played with my phone and the iPad, started the fire, typical normal evening.

Sullivan then went to Martin and said "night night". Martin was like he's ready for bed! So I asked him- and he said Night Night. Well ok then! That is such a huge deal! He used his words to tell us what he wanted! Then, as we were going up the stairs, he stopped to say "night night" to the Christmas tree,

the dogs, Etc etc... When we got upstairs, one more thing he did was after his tubby, he was draining the water, and he looked at the drain and said "bye bye" and waved at the drain. 😂 it was so funny. It was all I could do to get out "yes, tell the water goodbye". (Then I promptly texted his teachers lol).  I don't have to remind you again how big of a deal this is. 

But at bedtime, as we climbed up in our big cushy chair to snuggle and drink his milk, I decided to get out something to share with him from my childhood. Mom had given me my 'Twas the night before Christmas book to read to Sullivan. We opened the big book and started to read. He LOVED it! He listened to each word as I read it charismatically, and pointed out Santa. The familiar pictures and words brought back such wonderful memories that I am so thankful and happy to share with my own baby.  These small moments are so important. Times like these are what makes life magical. It's what being a mom is all about. It makes it all absolutely worth it. It was nice to have some peace tonight with my son. 

As we roll into Thanksgiving week, and then start the holiday season, lets all take a little time to savor each other and what we all probably take for granted each day. Let's be thankful for our health, shelter, and food on our table. Thankful that we are all together safe and sound. Thankful for the knowledge and skills that our educators and therapists have to teach our children. 

I also ask you to challenge yourself to do something out of the ordinary for a stranger. Pay for the single mom's gas or her groceries. Buy the car behind you'd coffee in the drive through. Take a meal to an elderly person. Have a friend over for no reason. Tell people in your life that you love them. Out loud. Mean it. Give real hugs. Love each other. 

Nikki 

dear mom who feels like she is failing her kids

dear mom who feels like she is failing her kids

Halloween 2015 evil arises.....

My coworkers better love me. Hyped up at 1:33 am and turned my kitchen into a winter wonderland.

It's going to be "epic"...

Well, time has certainly gone by since I have blogged. We have a 2.5 year old, and he is a mess!  We are in halloween week, and we still have the holidays to go.  I am still working as an NP, and do my best every day.  My schedule is crazy, and we have a new house and 3 doggies still~ Half of my family is in Israel this week, and we are excited to hear about the trip and see pics!
More later!
Nikki

Well, I haven't written anything since December, and I promised I would do better about blogging...slacker...anyways, here we are, 2 days away from being 38 weeks pregnant. I have hit a wall. I am finally to a point where I want him out.  We got the nursery finished, and I am excited.  Maybe it won't be long now. Can't wait to meet Mr. Sullivan. I feel our lives are about to change a whole bunch.

Merry Christmas!
This has definitely been one of the hardest years we have ever had. By we, I say Martin and I and my coworkers, Dr. Troup, and my family. Vanderbilt was really tough, but it's over, now I have boards to conquer.  The infertility struggle was hard. It sure did end well, though, right?
WE ARE HAVING A BABY! 
What an amazing God we serve. He has blessed us this year over and over again. It really is amazing how he loves me! Its amazing how he cares!  Praise be to God our father for sending his baby to us to live and then to die to save us. Blessed is Mary who traveled this journey of pregancy and labor and delivery for the sweet, precious baby Jesus. I think of Mary a lot lately.
I also can't help but remember two of my most favorite people in the whole world. Oh aren't they so excited about this precious baby coming? Jennifer has one coming too! Can you imagine?
I sit here writing my Christmas Eve blog  and email that was started by Art, and passed on by Daddy, and now me.
Santa has come, the presents are all finally wrapped for my precious family tonight and tomorrow.
The doggies will have full bellies tomorrow, and just be happy to be with us.
Even the new baby has a few toys, some for a girl, and some for a boy, just in case.
I am about to go to bed, because this new found condition I am in leaves me very, very, tired, and it is WAAAAY past my bedtime.
Goodnight sweet friends and family. May your Christmas be as blessed as ours is this year. 
Silent Night
Holy Night
All is Calm,
All is bright.
Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!
Love, Nikki