Things are changing

Well, the Borges house has experienced a few changes around here.

First, Reagan turned 9 months this month.  Can't believe it! It is busy trying to keep up with everyone, it snuck up on me.  He's still the sweetest thing- just goes with the flow.  He doesn't seem to anxious to crawl or stand, although he's been sitting on his own for awhile and he does the airplane move on his belly, kicking his legs feverishly behind him, like he may take off.  Just this week he got up on his knees by himself, I am hoping he'll want to see what all of the fuss is about.  I know he has it in him, b/c he moves around the floor somehow, just not the conventional way.  He got two of his front teeth, on the bottom a few weeks ago and his second two, on top, are coming through more each day.  He is very noisy, likes to hear himself talk and babble and loves to listen to you sing.  It'll calm him right away if he's upset, just for someone to start singing.  He really loves patty-cake and laughs hysterically when he is tickled.  It is so funny! He seems to know his name and is very fond of his big brothers.

Second, David has become the big helper around the house. He surprises me sometimes b/c he'll come in the kitchen and ask ' is there anyting I can do for you?'. Admittedly, my first inclination is to say no thank you, but I am learning to relinquish some of my control (freak) attitude and let him. He actually made his own PB& J the other day! He enjoys picking out MANY items in the grocery store and putting them on the belt, and then helps carry the bags in, once we get home.  It is quite the treat and I feel so proud of him, taking on the big boy role.

Third, Daniel is almost 100% potty trained. He wears underwear all day, except for naptime and at night and rarely has an accident.  He even made it through school this week two days, with underwear.  Besides, being so proud of him, it has been great not having to buy anymore pull-ups.  Thanks to Grammy B for getting the ball rolling, there's no turning back now.

As for mommy and daddy, we walk here and there and every where, only flying in the sky.  And, we can make our own pb&j, while being in our underwear. :)

3,000 miles away but worth every one

I always look forward to visiting Brian's family in California.  All of the cousins help out with the kids and they have so much fun.  Spending time with his parents and brothers and sister is such a blessing.  Each visit I think we all wish more and more that the distance between us would get shorter.  One of these days it might but until then we are making the most of it.

David and Daniel swam everyday in Grammy and Pappoo's pool.  They both kept their swimmies on but their courage and excitement took on a new life of its own.  Daniel was a little daredevil, sliding down the slide without any reservation and full of energy.  David also got past his fears and went down the slide numerous times as well as the diving board.  He even learned how to jump in doing cannonballs! We had a blast and loved the ease of bedtime after a long day in the pool.  It was amazing how fast their little eyes went shut. 
The flight out and back went well.  Reagan was a champ, as usual.  He got a cold while we were out there and ultimately ended up with a double ear infection.  Unfortunately, he wasn't diagnosed until we got back.  I felt so bad for him on the plane coming back but he hung in there and made it through.   (He's better now, although ear tubes are in his future). 
Most of the time we spent at the house hanging out and swimming.  One day, however, we ventured to Santa Cruz with the whole gang and made a day of it. It's basically a boardwalk on the beach, with rides and food and of course the beach.  The boys had a ball, they rode a train ride, airplane, skyline, ate huge ice cream cones and 'bout drown in the tide.  The water was really cold but they somehow managed to run through it and probably would've gone swimming had I let them.  Anyway, we walked out to the beach and played in the waves until the tide started coming in.  It snuck up quick and we got soaked up to our waists and Daniel went tumbling like a seashell swept up on shore.  We got him, but a little thrill for a minute.

Great grandma Gigi lives in an ACLF nearby so we were able to visit with her for awhile. She was doing o.k. for 103 years old.  She always has a smile on her face and the most gentle, sweet spirit. 

Brian and I had the pleasure of going out for dinner, which was so nice and we even stayed at a hotel for the night while grammy and pappoo took care of the boys.  I don't believe they missed us a bit.  Grammy and pappoo kept giving them more treats and were so much fun. What a fun treat though, to sleep all through the night.  Much thanks to grammy and pappoo.

It was difficult to say goodbye but knowing that we'll see them in December made it a little easier.  Thankfully we made it back safe and sound.

"Time flies when you're having......

Basically, not even knowing where to start, I find myself looking back over the past month, wondering where it went.  Since I started my job on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, the first part of June my life feels a little off balance.  Switching from nights to days has been an adjustment and adding more hours to my week has proven a little more than I can handle sometimes.  I am still deciding if I like where I am right now.  I have relearned a lot of skills I had forgotten or not utilized since nursing school.  So, in a way it has been refreshing taking on such a challenge.  However, as always, I decide to make changes that are generally drastic because I am too impatient to wait out the course of restlessness.  I knew I was needing a break from L&D, but at this chaotic time in my family life, I definitely have pushed myself.  I truly believe God led me here yet I don't have clear answers why.  Maybe He just wants me to see others that are truly suffering , to realize that my petty disatisfactions with the world are self indulging and unwarranted.  Or, maybe He's preparing me for something to come later in my life or one of my loved ones.  Either way, both of those things are happening.  I am unable to put into words the transformation and healing process that takes place in some one's body as he/she fights for their life from cancer.  Their bodies go from typical, "normal", to (for lack of better words) hanging on by a thread.  Just when I think he/she is on the verge of defeat, the healing begins and before long normalcy returns.  Obviously, it is not that easy and the person who has a transplant still faces ups and downs and possibly readmission to the hospital for complications, but the body is absolutely amazing to observe as it goes through this process. As I continue to move forward in this new area, I struggle with a lack of desire to work ( I'd rather be home with my family), and fond memories of L&D ( I miss the camaraderie and unique nature and excitement of that unit).  I can't honestly say I am completely happy or content where I am but I am taking it day by day.