T@rget trips

We spend way too much time at the one stop St@rbucks, lunch, grocery, clothes, toiletry mega-mart known as Tar-jay. Lils has a hard time containing her excitement and I'm ashamed to admit that I'm the mom screaming down the aisles as my kid runs out of control all over the place. This setting seems to invite energetic rebellion. It's the long aisles that just invite sprinting, the clothes racks that look like gymnastics equipment, and the mountains of toys and games which can be rolled, thrown, scooped, and kicked.

We're struggling for control and independence right now and, quite often I feel like the loser. I'm sure I'm not alone in this mommy struggle and I'm not the only one who feels like "4 years old" is a mental health diagnosis rather than a statement of age. How can this sweet, smiley face be so smart, loving, and witty one moment and such a challenge of wills the next?!?!  It's a good thing this love I have for her is completely unconditional.  Maybe it's not my child....maybe it's the red and white bullseye that makes us both crazy. ;)

Al Geez

My sweet girl is recovering from a weird case of strep and has had this strange hives breakout. This is not the first time she's had this type of skin breakout and the prospect of a serious allergic reaction kinda freaks this mama out a little bit. We made a mad dash for the pediatrician yesterday afternoon and have an official referral for allergy testing. I'm trying to stay off of google to keep myself safe from panic attacks. 

Fortunately for us, Lils loves her doctor and gives her a big cheese smile every time we have to see her. Hopefully we will have a verdict on what my baby calls her al-geez.

Long time no blog

I can't believe it has been SOO long since I have blogged.  I really remember the joy that blogging brought me and I miss it.  I hope to dive right back in but I'm not making any promises.  Lots of things have happened in our household over the past few years and I'm not even going to try to cover it all but some of the main things that are relevant to us now..

1. Munchkin is now 4 1/2 and in pre-school, dance and vivacious.  She's challenging, loving, sweet, beautiful and continues to be my dream come true.  Nothing makes me happier than her new habit of randomly telling me that she loves me. 
2. My weight struggle is in full blown failure mode right now.  I have gained a ton of my original weight back and feel horrible.  My running isn't possible until I lose some poundage and, unfortunately, this struggle impacts my life in a big way. 
3. I'm back in school.  Following a tough decision and many second guessing episodes since, I am now almost finished with my 3rd semester of graduate school.  I'm going to UAB and in the Family Nurse Practitioner program, scheduled to graduate in the summer of 2016.  I hope every day that this was the right decision for our family.  I am still working full time but will have to cut some hours in the Fall when I start clinical rotations.
4. We are still extremely fortunate to have the support and love of our family.  My parents are moving even closer to us....not even 10 minutes up the street.  Papa is still taking care of our girl during work days and they have an unbelievable bond. 

That's probably enough for now.  Hope to be back soon.