NEWS FLASH

I've taken a break from blogging for a week or so but we have been in a huge transition around here. There are many things changing in our world which is a good thing. I think the most exciting thing is that Arabelle started SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!! It has been about 2 weeks so I think it's safe to say/hope that it will stick. I/we have had many mini breakdowns over the last year due to lack of sleep, trying different sleep tactics, etc, and I had my last one (hopefully for a loooong time!!!) a couple weeks ago.

Once again, I decided to try to mix it up. Jac helped me come up with a long list of things I could change. The funny thing was there wasn't any big change we did so maybe she was just ready?
We increased the nighttime temp of the house to 70, added a long layer of jammies underneath her fuzzy jammies (versus a long sleeved onesie), no breastfeeding after bedtime if she wakes up, and lavender essential oil in a diffuser for 4 hours at the beginning of bedtime. Oh and if she wakes, give her at least 5 minutes if not 10 before we go in to soothe her.

IT WORKED. As in she has only woke up 1-2 times per week versus 2-3 times per night!!

We are starting to wear different life glasses I say... Getting deeper sleep feels real nice, and I have to say I don't dread bedtime as much as I used to.

Other news...

Chris has a new position! He now has a charge RN position in the same ED. He has been doing charge RN coverage a few times per month but this means only charge shifts. The good news is that the position is 8 hour shifts. The bad news is that it is 8 hour shifts, he's going from 36 per week to 24. So we shift, adjust, and he picks up shifts when he can. We are excited to have more of daddy home, and for longer periods of time too since he doesn't need to leave home until 130pm versus 930am.

I'm also slated to start a new gig in a few weeks, working with a local pediatrician in her office. So excited to be a part of another great practice and see patients I may not be able to see in private practice. This will offset some of Chris's hours a little bit.

We put our llama Fudgy down this week. He has had a few health issues but more recently we kept finding him stuck on the ground, almost paralyzed on one side. After some help rolling over he would get up and slowly walk around. We thought it was arthritis and attempted to treat him. But catching a grumpy llama and sneaking him a pill daily (hidden in a carrot) proved to be very stressful on Fudgy. Our neighbors called us checking on our animals as they heard his warning noises (used towards Chris!) Between the vet visits, attempting to treat him, rolling him over, as well as digging the hole for his burial, we have put quite some time and funds into the guy. He was for sure suffering this last week so it was time. RIP Fudgy.

Owen lost his first tooth. This is super cool information if you're a parent, otherwise it's just kinda weird that parents make a big deal about this. He was leery about a fairy coming into his room while he was sleeping so he left his tooth outside of his room, on the hamper. It is kinda weird to think about, huh?!

The rest of the Vegas Trip

Vegas was a lot of fun with the family. We barely had time to explore the timeshare, Owen swam just 2 times in the pool. We really weren't there very much.

 Papa and Owen with the statue man.

 The boys thought he was weird then scary then funny.

 Our crew walking around the casinos.

 Thank you Damon Bradshaw for everything. This was on the first day (of 3) that the drivers were around for the public.

 Owen and Ryan Anderson.

 The trucks raced for time a quick half lap and jump to qualify.

 Everyone had a great time. Ara was much more interested when trucks were racing... The down time did not hold her attention so we walked and I wore her around a bit.

 The popcorn kept her busy for a good 20 minutes.

 This boy was in heaven! He was so excited he was licking his chapped lips like crazy..

 Resting Arabelle at a post-bedtime race.

 Awaiting the parade

The crew at the second night of racing.

Ara and I missed the third night of racing due to her having a fever of 104. We stayed in, walked to the gift store, watched Maid in Manhattan, and packed up most of our stuff. Then mama had a popcorn and wine night and watched the Pioneer Woman. It was relaxing although I was bummed to miss the Freestyle competition. Owen and Chris didn't get back to our room until 11... It was good we stayed home.

The ride home was long but we were so grateful for our awesome housesitters. Chris actually took the passenger seat for the second half of the drive. As always it's awesome to get away but so nice to come home!