just another day in pediatrics

today i marveled at my patient's light-up shoes.

donned a pink visor bedazzled with rhinestones, along with 10 other nurses and doctors in silly hats, and sang a "no more chemo" song to a boy who just received his last dose.

laughed until i almost cried while being entertained by "who let the dogs out" sung (and danced to) by the cutest 3-yr old boy i've ever seen.

let my 5-yr old patient listen to my heartbeat with the stethoscope after listening to his, and seeing his eyes light up when he heard the "thump thump".

i also put in an IV, accessed a port, gave chemo., blood, FFP, cryo. and IVIG.

but those things aren't what my day was about.

the wonderfulness that is autumn

• starbucks pumpkin spice latte and caramel apple spice
  
• the leaves candle from bath and body works
  
• orange pumpkins on every front porch
• apples, apple pie, apple turnovers, apple cider ...
• knee-high boots over skinny jeans
• cardigans
  
• fall t.v.
  
• leaves changing colors
• football
• molasses cookies
  

need i go on? please winter, don't come too soon.

more than just a job

working with kids that have cancer and blood or immune disorders has its fair share of hard days. heartbreaking days. days that leave you angry that something so bad can happen to someone so sweet and innocent.

working with these kids also brings unspeakable and indescribable joy. i get the chance to witness miracles. i see beauty rise from the ashes. impossible obstacles being overcome. unbelievable turnarounds and tumors vanishing with no explanation other than the Almighty. i get the honor to be a part of the lives of the bravest people on the planet.

these kids remind me what life is about.
what love is.
how blessed i am to be healthy and alive.

full and blessed

friday night - hs football game with close couple friends - we always have a great time and we love football

saturday night - pedicure, dinner and starbucks with a close girlfriend - some great conversation and bonding

sunday night - relaxed by the fire under the stars with another close couple - 4 hrs of conversation and laughter (and smores!) in the cool fall air

monday night - my very best friend of 15 years and her husband and 8 month old baby spent the night with us on their way home from chicago - grilled out, graters, quality time

i am so blessed to have such wonderful friends
my heart is full

love being her aunt

this past weekend i got to fly to north carolina for my neice adley's dedication. my brother and gini are staying with my parents until this weekend when they move into their new home, so i got to spend lots of time with them, my parents and adley! it was wonderful to spend so much time hanging out. i also got to see both sets of grandparents who were in town. i can't believe how much she's grown. i was in heaven holding and playing with her. i may be a bit biased, but you can't tell me she's not the cutest baby ever!