Day nine: a photo of yourself when you were a baby

[I'll have to come back to this one, I don't have any baby pictures of me on the computer]

Day eight: a photo of something you enjoy doing

What I love doing almost more than anything else...holding a baby.
8/1/2010, Will - 3 months old

Day seven: a photo of something you stand for

Day six: a photo of someone you love

My family, 5/28/2010

Day five: a photo that makes you laugh

4/15/2011, Grace and Faith pointing to their sock that was stuck on the sun hanging on the wall.

Day four: a photo of a place you'd like to visit

Quebec, Canada
I've always wanted to go to Canada.

Day Three: a photo that makes you happy

Caramel
1/8/2011

Day Two: a photo of yourself from at least a year ago

4/28/2010

Day One: a photo of you

30 Day Photo Challenge

Day one: a photo of you.
Day two: a photo of yourself at least a year ago.
Day three: a photo that makes you happy.
Day four: a photo of a place you'd like to visit.
Day five: a photo that makes you laugh.
Day six: a photo of someone you love.
Day seven: a photo of something you stand for.
Day eight: a photo of something you enjoy doing.
Day nine: a photo of yourself when you were a baby.
Day ten: any photo you like for any reason.
Day eleven: a photo of a night you loved.
Day twelve: a photo of when you were happy.
Day thirteen: a photo of one of your favorite movies.
Day fourteen: a photo of your best friend (s).
Day fifteen: a photo of you and a family member.
Day sixteen: a photo from your childhood.
Day seventeen: a photo from a trip you'll never forget.
Day eighteen: a photo of your town.
Day nineteen: a photo of your favorite thing from school.
Day twenty: a photo of something you ate today.
Day twenty-one: a photo of somebody you find attractive.
Day twenty-two: a photo that you associate a good memory with.
Day twenty-three: a photo of something you want to do someday.
Day twenty-four: a photo of what you want to be when you grow up.
Day twenty-five: a photo that inspires you.
Day twenty-six: a photo of your favorite subject in school.
Day twenty-seven: a photo of something you are looking forward to.
Day twenty-eight: a photo of something/somebody that made your day.
Day twenty-nine: a photo of your favorite person from history.
Day thirty: a photo you find beautiful.

Easiest Baby Ever

I've been babysitting Alana since she was 8 months old, and she'll be 3 next month.



I always thought she was a pretty easy going baby (she was). Today I met and babysat her little brother Alan "A.J." for the first time. He is 7 weeks old.



During the almost six hours that I was there, he did not cry or even fuss once. He was perfectly content to sit in his swing or bouncer (and be moved from one to the other as his sister and I moved from one room to another as we switched from one activity to the next). I of course love holding babies so I held him for awhile too, but seriously, I think he is the easiest baby I have ever taken care of!

He knows my name

6 months

Exactly 6 months ago I was sitting through the first day of medical school orientation...And now, 6 months later, I find myself eerily in almost the exact same spot I was in at this time last year. Nannying again, waiting, planning to go back to medical school next year. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined 6 months ago where I would be today. (Well okay, to be completely honest, I did know that it was a possibility that things wouldn't work out the way I wanted them to, yet again, but I didn't really think that would happen).


So now, instead of spending my days going to lectures, dissecting cadavers, locating cells in histo lab, and studying nearly every waking minute, I find myself spending my days changing diapers, reading stories, watching Veggie Tales and Tinkerbell, playing at the park, going to the zoo, potty training, making sandwiches, preparing bottles and sippy cups, and taking a stroller and diaper bag with me everywhere I go. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE babies and want nothing more than to have one of my own...this just isn't how I imagined I'd be spending my time this year.
Still waiting and trying to figure out what your plan for my life is Lord...

Giving people the benefit of the doubt

On my way home from work today, I came very close to getting into a car accident when a lady pulled out right in front of me on a busy street (hence I was going about 40 mph). As I slammed on the brakes and honked the horn simultaneously, the lady quickly realized and pulled into the other lane. And then she slowed down her car, and mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to me. I nodded and smiled and said "It's okay" and we continued on our way. And it made me realize, so often when someone cuts us off or nearly causes an accident, we are quick to think "What an idiot!" or at the very least "What a terrible driver!" When in reality most of the time those kinds of things are a mistake. I make mistakes too, I've unintentionally cut people off or pulled in front of someone before. So from now I (and I already try to do this a lot anyway) I'm just going to assume it was a mistake and not think badly of the other driver or get mad. We all make mistakes.

Meeting blog friends

I first began following a blog and praying for people I had never met through Luke's blog back in September 2004, shortly after his near-drowning accident. And in June of 2006, when Luke's family was vacationing in California at a campground about 30 minutes from where I live, I got to meet sweet Luke and his family. I still have fond memories of the afternoon I spent visiting with Luke and his family, and remember vividly holding him in my arms. Praying for his healing became even more tangible. Join me in following Luke's journey and praying for him!

Then this last fall I got to meet Bella's wonderful family: Tim & Angelique, and big sister Ali (4½). Anabella was born with a rare genetic skin disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and underwent a bone marrow transplant during the summer. Bella died on October 11, at the age of 16 months. I had the privilege of attending her memorial service...her parents and big sister are truly amazing. Bella was a blessing to all during her life and continues to touch people through the legacy she left.

Then just yesterday, while home in Northern California for Christmas break, I was able to visit sweet Elijah's family: his mom, Marie, brother Josiah, 5, and baby sister Haliah, 8 months (Dad Steve was at work and big sister Kayla, 12, was at a sleepover). I have been following Elijah's blog since Marie's pregnancy with him in 2008, and this past year Marie and I have gotten to know each other through facebook and texts. Marie is a wonderful prayer warrior and has blessed me numerous times. And we got to know each other all because of precious Lijah's short life and the impact he has had on so many. It was fantastic getting to meet them and spend the day together yesterday.

One Last Christmas

Being Healthy

So yesterday, for whatever reason, I got really motivated to start exercising regularly, eating better, and losing weight. And I found this super fun (I think) website to keep track of everything (and it's free). http://www.fitday.com/ And the funniest part? Well, today I went to the gym for the first time in forever, so afterward I was logging my "activities" on the website and looking for "elliptical". I couldn't find it, so I was looking under every category trying to find something similar. And under "walking" one of the choices is "walking to and from an outhouse"! Yes, seriously. And according to the site, one minute of walking to an outhouse burns 2 calories. Definitely a type of exercise I'll have to consider in the future. lol

God's plan

"Just think, you're here not by chance, but by God's choosing.
His hand formed you and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else - you are one of a kind.
You lack nothing that His grace can't give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to

fulfill His special purpose for this generation."
-Roy Lessin

Things I am thankful for (in no particular order)

1. A God who loves me no matter what
2. Worship music
3. Amazing friends who always support me
4. A great church
5. My car (it is 12 years old and has seriously never broken down or left me stranded)
6. Butterscotch (cat one)
7. Caramel (cat two)
8. My condo
9. Coffee Bean
10. The opportunity to do med school again
11. My Bible
12. Journaling
13. Amazing parents
14. Wonderful sisters and brother
15. My digital camera
16. My laptop (even though it's huge it works)
17. My physician mentor
18. My iPod
19. My med school tutor
20. Prayer
21. My cell phone
22. Christ's death on the cross for ME!
23. Yoga
24. The joy of the Lord
25. Pictures
(more to come)

Please pray for Baby Ava

A friend and former coworker of mine has a 6.5 week old baby who is very sick. At one month old sweet Ava was discovered to have transposition of the great arteries (congenital heart defect) and due to her poor oxygen levels she has suffered severe brain damage. At this point heart surgery would be too risky because of the increased risk of more brain bleeds. The doctors have sent her home and told her parents to enjoy the time they have with her, but they are praying and believing God for a miracle for this precious baby. Please join me in prayer for Ava Rose.