The Joy of a Baby

Every day is different with a baby, no day is the same. If you want to get into a routine, you might as well give up now. Sam is so much fun every day. I've learned that days when she is fussy and I wish she slept more aren't much different from the days that Sam sleeps all day because I sit up worrying if she is sleeping too much. With Motherhood, there isn't much "restful" days but somehow you find it in you to keep going and you don't keep going with anger, you are still happy when you are running on empty. I am happy to wake up at three a.m. to feed Sam. I'll take any excuse to get up and hold her. When you're pregnant you don't think about the "after" pregnancy stuff, like feedings, diapers, crawling, walking, talking, and all that fun stuff. It may be hard at times but it is so worth it. Having Sam has brought Scott and I closer together. We seem to have a lot of respect for each other. Him for me in the fact that I am the Mother of his child and am taking care of her, while I have Respect for him for what a good Father he is and how hard he works for our family. Now a second child? Prob not for a few years. I'm not a good pregnant woman, I would like to enjoy my time with Sam and hopefully get to work from home while doing so. Time does go by fast, the first month felt like a week, so we will see how fast the next 18 years go by.

My Best Friend, My Sister

When I was growing up, Kelli was always my "defender". I rarely remember fighting with her. We shared a room growing up (which I did not mind). I remember after I wet the bed (ha!) Kelli was always willing to take me into hers (after I changed of course). If I was sad Kelli was always there to comfort me, and share her knowledge with me. I remember she would let me hang out with her and her "cool" friends, rarely did she make me feel like the annoying little sister. I remember when Kelli went off to college I sobbed and sobbed in my bed because no longer did I have my roommate with me, and NO I was not excited to have my own room, I would have much rather her stay there with me. I learned a lot from my Sister, from all her blissful moments to her tragedies. There's something about having a sister to share all your hard times with, and something about that special bond you will forever have. Yes, we have had our screaming moments where we don't exactly see eye to eye but the moments of closeness are worth it. Our family has always known that Kelli is a strong women, and stands up for what she believes in, supports her family through thick and thin, Loyalty is tattooed on her heart. I have called her sobbing several times, and she always knows the exact right thing to say. She will drop anything for her family. One time I even called her while she was in Ft. Collins from my bed at my Parent's house because I was scared of something outside and couldn't get the guts to get up and go up to Dad and Mom's room. She calmed me down and I finally got the courage to run (quickly) up there. She has a calming effect. Kelli, you have been put through a lot, and yet you still have that big grin on your face, which gives me faith in myself to see your strength. God knows your are strong, and so do we all. I believe in you and think that you are an amazing wife and mother. Thank you for giving me strength and a shoulder to cry on for 21 years. I am so lucky to have such a strong and loyal sister. Muah! You're beautiful and so much fun!

Emotions

I can't begin to explain the emotions you go through as a post pregnant woman with a newborn. Only the millions of women who do it can relate. Last night I was at my end, I was brought to my knees I guess. For the past month, I've been trying to numb my brain and convince myself that there is some way that this can be made easy. Yes, think again Jenny Campbell... This will never be easy, parenting let alone having a newborn will NEVER be made easy. Yes, there are good moments but there will always be bad. I guess it's left up to me to realize that the bad moments will pass and everyone has them. Babies cry and sometimes that's just what they need to do. There will be some days where you won't sleep and you're baby won't sleep either. Than there will be others where you feel like things should be harder. Scott's long hours are almost coming to an end, and I'm praying for instant relief when I get to see him more and get his help. Last night I called him crying and he came home and told me that I'm the best wife and mother and that they love me. Sometimes the simple things can make your terrible night turn for the better. I wake up this morning and Scott says I promise things will get better, and you're doing a great job. I guess the encouragement goes a long way. I call my sister crying my eyes out, and yet again more encouragement... Family is a treasure and I am so very thankful for mine.

Unbelievable

Laying with little Samantha Rose every morning is such a blessing. She usually awakes around 4:45 or 5 to have some early morning breakfast, and than after I turn on the TV, lay our little Rosebud on my chest and lay down for a little while than after she falls asleep again I lay her next to me. I never knew that just simply laying next to this little body of life could be so rewarding. The other day I was thinking about how my love for Sam is very intimidating to me. I never thought it would be possible to love someone so much and honestly it scares me a little bit. Wow, I didn't know I was capable of this. I'm adjusting, and I value Sam and I's time together. Listening to her little breath or getting a "wif" of her soft milky breath makes me smiles. Watching Scott grow as a father has been a pretty remarkable journey as well. To watch his eyes light up when he walks in the door or to listen to him talk to her has made me realize what an excellent choice I have made! I think having little Rose has brought Scott and I closer together as well. After delivering Sam, Scott told me how proud he was of me, and how he was in aw of of my natural ability of being a mother. When he said this to me, I really didn't know how to respond. Probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Scott has been a great father and has been an incredible husband through all this. How lucky we both are.

Introducing Our Miracle

Scott and I anxiously hop into our car early Sunday night along with our faithful pomeranian Lina... on our way to a totally new place in both of our lives. What am I thinking at this point? I think I was trying to numb my brain of any thought, trying to to go into auto pilot mode. Poor George is left behind with a large bowl of food and the house to himself. Little does he know that when we all return, it is not just Lina who he will be competing with. We drop Lina off with my parents, and Mom asks me if I'm worried... No I say, even though inside I have no idea what to expect and no idea what I am about to come upon. We walk into the hospital along with our bags and things to keep us busy, little did I know that I would not need anything to keep me busy during this process. We approach Labor and Delivery room 315... So this is where our lives change forever? I lay in the hospital bed and the process begins. Things seem to move along quickly from night to morning, and I am given false hope of not even having to get pitocin. Than the orders are given, and I decide I would like an epidural before any real pain starts. Why do women not get epidurals... it's like having the option of being hit by a bicycle or a bus? Anywho, the epidural makes me a happy girl and I think I have everything figured out until I remember that I hate the feeling of being numb anywhere! So, all the sudden my legs feel like an elephant's and I am sentenced to a bed for the remainer of delivery. This is okay, I think I can handle this right? Well, I move along okay until I come to a hault of Sam's heart rate raising due something with the epidural, and the nurse and doctor start to run in and out, and I'm not really told anything. My eyes begin to water and Scott puts on his strong face. Thankfully my nurse is a christian and she grabs my hand and tells me everything will be okay and smiles. Sam's heart rate returned to normal about an hour later. Scott goes to get something to eat and returns with two simple daisies, a rose, and a card saying he lo ves me, and I automatically get a boost! How thankful I am to have such a supportive wonderful husband. Something I learned was that labor and delivery nurses answers are always, "soon". Never listen to the nurses when they say soon because in all reality they don't know and they are just trying to keep you positive. Around the 24th hour of labor by epidural begins to slowly subside on my left side... Thankfully the (lets call her the epidural lady) epidural lady was able to give me some boosts. Around midnight Sam was dropping, and my back was very sore from laying in the same spot all day. There was no such thing as a comfortable spot. I turned from happy goofy patient to patient who all the nurses are talking about at the nurses station. My nurse continues to come in and tell me soon, soon, soon.... Finally I scream in tears that she keeps telling me soon but it's not soon and that she is a liar. I don't really thing this poor nurse knew what to think of my bluntness, so she smiles and walks out. After my outburst it is finally time to push. At this point I really do not care if it is going to hurt or not, and we begin to push. I am told that you can push anywhere from 5 minutes (kelli) to 3 hours (BLACH). I decide for myself that the three hour is not an option. We start to push and before you know it, fourty five minutes later Samantha Rose is finally here! All the sudden I have forgotten about all the fun I have just had and my world has been flipped. I think Scott and I were in so much shock that we did not have much to say to each other besides, "wow..." The nurse tells us that Samantha is easily an eight pound baby... Well, that's not so bad I think... But then the scale told us the truth... Samantha Rose Campbell came weighing in at 9 pounds .16 ounces! 21.5 inches long! Keep in my the I am 5'2" about 130 pounds (pre pregnancy). Can you imagine the shock on Scott and I's face? It was all worth it though. Little baby Sam is such a joy to be around and everyone has been helping us out a lot.

Little Sam napping on Daddy's Shoulder

Sam in her "going home" clothes, we were very ready to go home!
You just can't help but to love her sweet scented skin and her cute smile
Scott and Sam Last Night/This Morning snoozing away

Patience

"A patient man has great understanding."
Proverbs 14:29

Unfortunately, patience is not something that runs through my veins. I guess Scott got that part in our marriage. I've never been patient. My family will tell you I don't wait till my Birthday for gifts, I don't wait for tables when dining out well, and I do not like to wait for Scott to come home in rush hour traffic. So, these past couple of weeks have been a challenge. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that I am not working and enjoying the time off. But, it took me awhile to find things to fill me day. Yes, most the day consists of napping with Lina on my cozy bed, but I've learned to not be such a busy body, and let things wait. For instance, if there is a pile of dishes, I will not wake up at 6 in the morning to do them. I am slowly becoming okay with letting them sit till' mid day. The best thing for me right now is to be resting because once Sam comes, I will not be resting all that much. I guess I've become more okay with waiting for labor to begin. Maybe it's the fact that having a screaming baby in my arms scares me a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited to have her here, but I can wait for that moment. I'm not sure right now if being pregnant for two more weeks is more of an irritating thought than going through a long labor. Tomorrow is my 38 week appt. and it's when they decided if they are going to to induce me on Monday or not. I don't really know what I am hoping for. Part of my wants them to say YEAH Let's do it! and part of me wants them to tell me that I should wait for natural labor. I guess my fate will be decided tomorrow. Wish me luck.

No Work

So, today is my first official day of not working. I guess it's good to be able to have some spare time to myself before my whole world is flipped upside down. Little Sam Rose will hopefully be here by the 24th but we'll have to see how everything goes. I slept in this morning, ate some honey nut cherios than sat down for some TV. I guess I'll have to find some new things to take up the time in my day. We'll see... I put in a half hour of Wii Fit Plus and now my knees ache so I guess that's a sign to take a break. I think I might take Lina out for a walk, she hasn't been on one in awhile. Maybe there's a spot for a nap as well. I don't think the animals know what to think about me being home and them not being locked up. Well, hopefully Scott doesn't have to work too hard this week and he can get home at a reasonable hour. My next OB appointment is on Friday, so until than I won't know much about what's going on with little Sam. Hopefully I'm dialated to something! Cross your fingers.

A Creature of Habit

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go... I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you," says the Lord.
-Genesis 28:15

Why is it that we all become creatures of habit in some way? I mean for me it feels good to have my habits. Is it a safe zone for us or is it more like a sense of escape to your own world... or maybe both? I know that when I'm our room by myself I feel that it's my escape to find myself. While I'm work it's busy all the time and I have a walkie talkie in my ear all day, then when I come home I look forward to being able to catch up with Scott on how his day went, but then I like to have my alone time. I remember when I was younger, I looked forward to bed where I would have "Jenny Time" and I would gather all my thoughts and sort through how I felt about things, and I always felt so relieved the next morning. Somehow though I lost the ability to have "Jenny Time", and it was not until recently that I figured out how to do it again. Usually Scott is not tired enough to come to bed with me so I come in our room while he watches TV, and get the privlege of sorting through my thoughts for the day or even just getting to know myself a little better. I think that everyone needs to take time not only to know Jesus but to know yourself better. When I get to just sit and think, I seem to rationalize a lot better and figure out things a lot easier. I used to only grab the bible or a devotional when I was struggling to find an answer, but than I learned that the more I just try to learn and devote my life to Him, the more I get to know myself, and the more I feel more comfort in Him. So, sometimes I wonder is it bad that I am so attached to my 1/2 hour a night by myself where I pop open my computer and sit with Lina? I'm guessing that the answer is no. As long as your habit includes getting to know yourself and Jesus better, I think your headed down the right path. The hard part is is keeping honest and truthful with yourself? A Challenge?

Avoiding Negative People

Your sin prompts your mouth;
you adopt the tongue of the crafty.
Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you.
-Job 15:5-6

Sometimes work seems really easy and other times I dread going in. This week I have to work with a different assistant and she isn't the best team player. She seems to have the common problem of talking about anyone and everyone to anyone who will listen. She often feels sorry for herself as well. This leaves me in the situation of not knowing how to handle it. Naturally I get angry and want to lash out on her, but if I sit there and think about it for a little then I realize that getting angry about the way she acts isn't going to help me at all. It is only going to make me more angry and prevent me from working my hardest. So tonight on the way home, I was realizing how angry I was getting about this next week, and how it was ruining my night? How stupid is it to let someone like that ruin my night. Why not take the approach of she is digging her own hole and there is not reason to dig with her. Why not just take the issues as they come and take a deep breath and realize that I only have to work with her for two days and then I will be home free. Instead of letting her negativity ruin my night/day, why not stand up and just go with the flow and keep a positive note... You never know it may rub off on her as well? I know sometimes I'm not the "peachiest" person to work with so maybe if she sees me just keeping my head in work and not being negative, she'll follow. I guess the real test will be this week.

Your Cave

[Jesus said], In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
-John 16:33

I often find myself wondering why must life be so stressful? Why can't we just simply have fun while we are here? Obviously there are many answers to this question. If life was easy that we would never learn anything about ourselves, we would never be tested on who we are, and we would walk around never being forced to turn to Jesus. There are times why I ask God why must I be put in a certain situation or why has this happened to me? Obviously it sounds selfish, and I should probably be thinking about how there are so many other people out there that have it way harder. I know that my dad has used the saying, "Well, if that's the worst thing that happens all day, you're having a pretty good day." Which is so true. Why must we sit there in self pity acting like we are the victim of this world. Obviously God has a plan for us, it's just sometimes we fail to see the reasoning behind some things. I know that I get really upset about how H1N1 becomes a huge threat to pregnant women when I'm PREGNANT. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to scream up to Him, "Really??? Are you serious?" But, than again I have to think about the reasoning behind it. Maybe He's testing me, or maybe He's helping me realize that you can't walk in fear like "What About Bob" as Kelli has referred to me. I often find myself running into a "cave" in fear which Satan has brought upon me instead of walking towards the light, and just telling God, "Here I am, I will follow." I guess we also have to keep in mind that there are some situations in which God does not intend for us to know why He has done it or what the plan is. Sometimes it's just best to keep going and not find the reason. I guess the main idea is to escape from your cave of fear, anger, discouragement, disappointment, or failure, and come closer to Him and trust in Him. And whether you find an answer to your questions or not, just know that it's happening for a reason and it's something you can trust.

A Thankful Heart

"The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces."
-Proverbs 10:8-

Today was my first 11.5 hour day, and it went very well. I've learned that the most I just listen and smile and take in as much as I can, the better my day goes. I watch people fight instruction, and they just seem to be leaving a lot more discontent than I am. The more that I am willing to listen, the more people are willing to teach me. Only being twenty years old, I feel that I have matured a lot through this job, and learned a lot about myself, and a lot through others. Today, when I got home, Scott was making dinner, and Lina was eagerly awaiting my homecoming. It felt so nice to come home to a sweet husband and an eager pet after a day of work. It's amazing how much a "Thank you" can do for a person. Before I sat down to do my blogging, I did the dishes, and Scott came up to me, kissed me, and said Thanks for the doing the dishes... It made me smile, and feel truly appreciated. It makes me realize that telling people Thanks for doing little things really goes a long way. Maybe that's what all the angry people at work are missing? Maybe no one has thanked them for doing something lately... Maybe there is something going on at home perhaps? I've learned not to pry when people are angry but rather just smile at them and listen to them. Maybe everyone just needs a pat on the back every once in awhile?

Luke 24:38-39

"Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do."

A common problem that I have in my life is fearing everything possible. It's been a bad habit since I was little. Fearing the worst, and never really hoping for the best. I always obsess about everything bad that is possible and even things that are pretty impossible. It reminds me of the "Betta" on the movie My Girl. She thinks that she has every disease including prostate cancer because she is so terrified of death. I catch myself always worrying about things that will end my life... But a question that I don't usually ask myself is why am I so terrified of death...? If I die I go to heaven... what is wrong with that? That is eternal bliss? Shouldn't I be content with whatever happens and knowing that it is his plan not mine. A common fear lately is what if I catch H1N1 and die, and never get to see my first born child. Sometimes I even wake up in a sweat about it, and can't get back to sleep... Why don't I ever tell myself that that is his plan, and I will never know his plan so there is nothing I can really do to stop the road I have mapped out for me. Sometimes I even admitting to myself that if I wasn't worrying about this, I would be worrying about something else. Is that a way to live your life? Shouldn't you be sucking up every last drop of joy you can instead of obsessing about the negative? So the question I need to ask myself is, "Why am I frightened? Why is my heart filled with doubt?" I need to to trust in him and his plans and spend my time how ever long it may be enjoying life. Now, here comes the hard part... believing and trusting.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

So Tomorrow is my first Monday working in a long time. I am very excited to have Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday off, But I do have to work this Saturday. Today, Scott plans to watch football all day so I might just have to get out and do some shopping because sitting on the couch all day watching tv is not my thing. Right now George and Lina are to my right taking some early morning naps while Scott is on my left playing some violent video game... blah.. Hopefully soon he gets up and makes some yummy pancakes, I might have to hint at him to do that. Hopefully the weather stays cold all day because that is the Sunday weather I can appreciate. Maybe it will make it a little easier to stay inside all day. Thursday is my 32 week appt. and I'm excited to hear what they have to say, and hopefully I can get the h1n1 shot soon! It would give me a huge relief.

Ready for the Weekend

After a long week of work, I am ready for the weekend. Tomorrow, I plan to sleep for at least four hours while Scott is at work. I am very excited and I'm sure Sam is too. It is officially October which is exciting! Yahoo October is my favorite month, I don't know if it's because my Birthday month or because of the fall feelings that come along with it... or maybe both. Anyways, yahoo for October. Scott's birthday is next Thursday and he will be 31! What an ol' man. We will be going to Ted Montana's for dinner and I have bought him a Bronco waffle T-shirt. Next Thursday is when my next OB appt. and I will be 8 months along, let's all hope for good and healthy news. Well, it's off to work for me... another day of training.. wahoo. Oh well the lady I'm training is very nice and easy to train so hopefully it goes by quickly!

S to the Weet

Just as Scott and I thought we had it all figured out, God has thrown us another surprise. Today, when I arrived home from work, Scott had some interesting news to share with me. His boss had called and offered him a Hollywood in Lakewood, Colorado. I was instantly relieved, but Scott and I also had to go over option and rethink our plan now. We were thinking that Scott would just take unemployment and take care of Sam while doing so but when given this opportunity we had to rethink. It is truly a blessing that we will lucky enough to have two incomes when Sam is born. We ultimately decided for Scott to take the job, and now we are both very excited that we have been taken care of. It is truly amazing and wonderful that Scott's bosses thought that much of him that they were willing to offer him another store. We were completely content with the fact that Scott got laid off because everything happens for a reason, and we are now even more content that we have a safe secure spot at the moment and can get our bills paid off like we had planned on in the very beginning. I am so lucky that I get to take my three months maternity leave now, and that I will be well rested before I go back to work. Ahhh, thank you Jesus for taking care of us and giving our hearts peace no matter what happens. We are lucky and grateful.

A Change in Plans

Once again, Scott and I are left with a situation in which we do not know what is next for us. All we really know is that Samantha Rose will be here by December, and that we have each other. Isn't that all that really matters? Last night, I get a call from Scott who is on his way home, and I ask him, "What's up?" And all Scott can say is, "Nothing good..." sounding very defeated. GameCrazy is closing half their stores in the nation, and all though Scott's store is one of the few that is staying open, someone with more experience and longer history with the company will be taking the store. To my surprise, I wasn't too "freaked out"... Every time we've been in this situation, we've been well taken care of, so I trust that something will happen to where we can survive. We've lived a pretty sweet life since Scott got his job @ Gamecrazy. We didn't have to think much about what we bought or what we were doing... So maybe this is a good thing? Maybe we needed to be "reigned" in a little bit. Some of Scott and I's happiest times were the times when we had no money and we're at home just enjoying each other. So, what's the plan for now? Scott will apply for unemployment while looking for a job, and we will get by. Yes, we do have Sam on the way, but the good news is her room is almost done, and we may even have some to spare which will result in some returns. Scott does seem defeated, but he seems very comforted in the fact that he has a family to come home to, and not any disappointment from anyone to deal with. We will be taken care of... I'm sure of it.

Feeling Defeated

Work has been a challenge... We are switching to a new schedule so now we are working three 11 hour days and then we get the following 4 off! I am very excited because now taking care of the baby will be much easier with my schedule. BUT, at work not many people seem to be excited about it, and I can see some of their concerns but right now we really have no option. We have jobs and this is the way the practice is going... I see it as either we go along with the plans or we go find other jobs. I would like to go along with the practice because right now I see my job as a blessing. For the past few weeks I feel that all that has gone on is rude comments and rebellion. I try to give some leadership but every time I do people get defensive or will back me up in private but then when we start talking about it with everyone else, they change their mind. I feel like I am stuck and have no option now but to just keep my mouth shut, and not give anyone positive or negative reactions because either one you give, people tend to find some negative in it. I was also asked how much time I was going to be taking off for maternity leave, and I felt like it was "suggested" I only take four weeks off... and I kinda had already decided that if I was going to be a working mom that I was going to take as long as I could. And now that work is not so fun anymore... really why would I rush back to all these people who don't support each other at all, and who really don't care about each other as much as the pretend. The only person I feel support from right now is my office manager and I guess if you have that relationship everyone wants to be rude to you. We'll see what happens today... went to bed at 8, woke up @ 3 because I couldn't sleep... what will happen today... I'll keep my head down and work and respond yes or no... those are my only options for today.

A Nice Sunday

Today, we started off the day with a nice mug of coffee, and then some relaxing time on the couch. Lina sat beside us while George did his "Catly" job by hunting the odd all black wasp looking creature that flew into our house. George did not full fill his duties because Scott had to swap him with a bible study book of mine. I think George felt a little De-Man-ded. We then got Scott all ready to go to Vegas for his work conference... I helped him pick out some very "stylish" outfits that he looked very cute in, then we packed him up, and he was off to the airport at noon. Lina and I then decided to take a nice long nap starting on the couch but then we migrated to the bedroom where we disturbed George's slumber. We woke up to a nice clean house that I decided to randomly clean while Scott was getting ready, but I am mighty glad that it's done with and now I can slump around while Scott's gone and not worry abot cleaning up the mess! I went over to a co-worker/friends house to help her pack a little and to go to dinner. It was a nice night with some Twilight involved which always makes for a good time! Now, here Lina and I sit on the couch at 11:30 at night, and George is up in his den being angry about something? Tomorrow my sister in-law (scott's real sister) is coming over to see the baby room and to have lunch, so I'm very happy that I cleaned and that I don't have to worry about it in the morning. I can sleep in, which will only be till about 7 because I am now wired to not sleep in past the hour of 8 because I work early hours at work. I can maybe even have time to take a morning nap too! Scott called after he got out of the Nintendo meeting and he got a free copy of Super Mario Brothers! I am very excited for him to come home with all his fun free goodies! He seemed to be having a good time which is good! I am awaiting his second call but I have a feeling I might be catching z's when he calls. I'm off to lock all the doors, close all the blinds and fall asleep! Night Night

Root Canals & Temp Crowns

Last night I woke up in a "huff" because I remembered that tomorrow would be the first day I assist with a full root canal. Intimidated? Yes, very much so. It was relieving though to have a friend/coworker by my side to walk me through it along with the doctor. Final Outcome? It was a lot easier than I thought! I felt really good about it all... Yes, there were hiccups at times but it went very well! I also made not one but two temporary crowns on this patient as well on teeth # 7 and 10 which are the two teeth beside your front top teeth. I felt very good about those as well, and felt successful. I've learned that it is very helpful to have the assistant help me rather than the Doc. No offense to the Dr.s, but the Assts. seem to know how to explain things better and the Docs. are also in a hurry. So, yes I feel much more comfortable with "Endo" (Root Canals) now, and I feel that I have great potential with this practice. My Dad just recently had a root canal, and I have to say it is more interesting to me now that I know exactly what happened. I never thought that teeth would be something I would be interested in. I guess God smacked me in the face with a future because I know that if it weren't for the cleaning I went in for that one November afternoon, I would not have ever though about going into Dentistry. But, boy am I glad that that's where I fell! Today, we hired a new EDDA Asst. and although I didn't get to talk to her much, she seems like she will be a great piece to our team. I am bummed that she will be replacing a friend though, so that transition will be hard. I think I am getting a cold because my throat is a little sore but hopefully some rest, vit. c, netti pot, and nasal spray can help me recover quickly. Tomorrow I am going appartment shopping to help a coworker/friend out. Hopefully we find something around Aurora and by work. We'll keep our fingers crossed! Time for Sam and I to lay down... Night

Busy Weekend

This weekend I wish I had a twin that could pretend to be me. I felt like I was pulled in several directions and now I am pooped. Yesterday I got a call at 8 in the morning from one of the Doctor's, and I had to go in to assist with an extraction, than I was invited to my nephew Finn's 1st birthday, so I went over to his house to celebrate than I was called a second time to help the other Doc. with another extraction. It was overall a very busy day! Today I got to sleep all day which was nice except for the fact that I am now wired to go and it is midnight . Tomorrow is my "24 weeks" appt. but I'm really 25 weeks measuring at 26 weeks. So hopefully little Sam is doing well in there, she is moving a lot which is a good sign. Last night we bought one of her car seats, it's pink and brown with birdies and flowers on it, we also bought a buzzy/swinging chair, which matching the color of our couch and has a pink flower and lady bug for her to look up at. Than, I ordered the changing table we registered for off line and got the changing pad and changing pad cover. So overall it was a busy Sam weekend! We also bought some decoration for her room... a fairy canvas, a soft duck picture, and a clock! We still have one more wall to cover and we don't know what we are going to do with that yet. Now, we have to do the curtains, the closet, and get the rocking chair. We're almost done!

A Light @ The End of The Tunnel?

This is a random picture taken' about two months ago, or maybe even longer ago? I think it was actually before I was pregnant... hmmm. Anywho it's a silly picture of me but a cute one of my beans. Today, Scott and I had to run to petsmart to get her some ear "gunk" cleaner. She seems to me much "perkier" to me now that she has clean ears. While we were there, there was a boxer, golden retriever, and a basset hound doing some doggy training school. They were very funny to watch because none of them wanted to be there. The Golden kept looking around for someone to pet him/her, the basset hound looked exhausted and a little annoyed that he/she was even there with the big dogs, and the boxer just looked too hyper and out of it to even realize where it was. We never attempted to bring Lina to a training class because she would soon forget all of her lessons and go back to her princess ways. She is a very loyal pup and that's all that matters to me. Although, I would love not to have to lock her up every time we leave, but if we don't she likes to "potty" on the carpet... UGH! She is very appreciative of me and Scott though! She met a fellow pom the other day... His name was TAZ, and she did not like Taz because Taz likes to bark as much as she does and that doesn't settle for a good match now does it. Lina still misses our old golden retriever, Sandy and still gets excited to this day if you say her name. :( Lina got to go to Breckenridge and Frisco this weekend... Although I did not have a ball of fun, I'm pretty sure her and Scott had a good time. There's just something about being 6 months pregnant and not wanting to be in the car for longer then 20 minutes. It's funny all the wierd pregnancy symptoms I've had... Awful rash, leg cramps, acid reflex, horrible back aches, Sam kicking me in the ovaries, and never seeming to get a big full breath. I know that this will all be worth it but I am already looking forward to the end of pregnancy and not having to go through it for another five years, so hopefully God grants me a quick next four months, and an easy labor! We shall see what he has in store for me though, I guess one never knows. Tomorrow is my long day at work and we do not get a lunch because all three Doctors will be in and all three doctors decided to schedule appts. over lunch... how considerate of them! Oh well, business is business and a job is valuable right now. I am looking forward to maternity leave even if we have to cut our cable for three months to afford it, I'm def. looking forward to a "summer break" type time. Even though I won't be sleeping very much, I am still excited to be thinking about something else other than work. Scott goes to Las Vegas this month for a work convention. It'll be interesting to see how Lina tolerates him being gone. When I left for Washington she was pretty depressed, so we will see what the outcome is! I think Scott will have fun learning about all these new systems! He'll be very busy though! I on the other hand will be at home working. Work has been going by fast lately which is a plus because sometimes those 10 hour days seem to be never ending. Just keeping a positive attitude will be part of the solution to keeping those fast going days! I slept all day today and it was very nice! I had a peanut butter sandwhich which is one of my favs! Well, time for bed! Gotta get up earlier then the sun! Yikes!

Jealous of Amelia Bedilia

It's hard to make everyone happy isn't it? It's hard to just smile and not say anything for me. Sometimes holding my tongue is harder than I think. Why can't it be easier than it is. Sometimes I wish I was a little more like Amelia Bedilia... Naive about things rather than picking every situation I'm in. Maybe I just haven't learned enough about myself yet to the point where I know how to control myself and just stay out of things. For some reason if someone looks upset I have to ask why and know the details. Why can't I just go on with life and not ask and if they want to tell me, they can just tell me. I guess I just need to learn more about myself and try and teach myself how to shut my lips at the appropriate times. We'll see!! Til' Then!

Overwelmingly Silly

Work is something most of us do to survive, and work is not something you look forward to every morning. But, my sister once told me that you're not working for your boss, your co-workers, but God. Work as if you're working for God. A wise bit of information don't ya think? When I get frustrated with work, all I have to remember is I am working for God, and who better to make proud than him? Going through this job has made me realize a couple things about myself...1) I am not a hugger of those who are not my family. When people are sad or upset, I feel awkward or uncomfortable to hug them, but if it's my family it's okay. When people have exciting news I would rather give them a high five then a hug. 2) I try to make every situation funny so no one feels uncomfortable. If someone is mad at someone else I try to make them laugh about it. If someone is upset about something at home I just try to make them smile rather than giving any advice because I really don't have much advice for them. 3) I do not like people that try to act hard to impress... Why would you make everyone around you feel that they have to walk on egg shells around you? Why not just be nice, and smile? 4) Stress gets the best of everyone and makes people act differently than they really are... whenever we are all busy and stressed we tend to not get along as well. 5) Women are impossible, and will never all get along... just a fact. 6) If you stay neutral on every situation, life will be much easier! Easier said than done, but a good goal for us all to work towards! I think that being silly rather than being angry is a better approach on helping people, I am not sure why but it seems to be my automatic reaction. I thrive to make people life, and when I get a whole room laughing I feel like I've done my job. Sometimes I can even tend to overwelm myself with my obnoxiousness, so it's just something to keep in mind, that sometimes it's just better to be quiet than a loud mouth class clown.

You Can Fly

Don't we all wish that we never had to grow up? But, it seems
to work out that we want to grow up too fast when we're young, and then we can't seem to slow growing up down when we want to be "young" again. If I think back to high school, I think how much time I wasted with people that I have nothing to do with now? Why didn't I spend more time with my family? Why did I dread having to spend the night in when it was a family night? I remember my dad telling me that it when you grow up you regret all the time you spent out of the house. Back then all I heard was blah blah blah. But, now I realize what he was saying. I wish I would've spent all my time at home it would've been way more worth it, and I would've gotten way more out of it as well. Why do we all seem to think that growing up takes too long when we're "younger" but than growing up seems to have gone by way to quick when you're moved out and now working to live. Isn't it funny that once you have bills to pay, you realize that working is no longer fun but a necessary essential to life? No longer do you work to go get that new shirt you really wanted, but you work to put food on the table and to pay bills. I think that it's hard for people to make that transition, but I got lucky and had someone who had been doing it for awhile, so the adjustment wasn't all that hard to make. Maybe it's good that we all are forced to grow up, but maybe a good piece of advice is to not grow up till' you have to, don't rush it? Now, it just all depends if you take that advice...

My Name is Jenny Campbell...

Why must we identify ourselves as whatever our occupation is? Whenever I bring a patient back, I automatically ask, "So John, what do you do for work?" Why is it so important for us to know what everyone does for an occupation? Why don't I ask what people do for enjoyment, or what people do to let loose? Most people don't like their jobs anyways... Yes, I am a Dental Assistant but that is just something I do to survive financially, what I do for fun is a whole different thing. My name is Jenny Campbell and I like teapots, fun colors, and old movies. I think that describes ME a whole lot more than me telling you I'm a dental assistant. Today, a very cute two year old little girl came in with her mom and I was the only one who could get her to smile and talk, and her mother was very nice as well. My point is I felt like these patients weren't laughing and talking to me because I was one of the girls who work at the Dentist, but a girl that they could relate to and enjoy my company. I would prefer to be liked for my personality then to be liked because I smile and nod at whatever these people are saying. When people are honestly interested in you, it is refreshing. They get to know you and you and not as your occupation. Little Annie did not mope because she was an orphan, she engaged with people even more and took care of all the other orphan girls. Yes, she longed for her parents but she still was known for her look on live, and her soft heart. She did not choose to be an orphan but she CHOSE to be positive and to love what life she has. Should we all look closer instead of just seeing "Orphan Annie"?

Funny Girl

Last night was a very interesting one... I've been having some pains in my lower right abdomen, and it wasn't getting any better so I decided to go to the ER. Everyone there was very nice and they did and ultra sound to make sure all my parts were working and working correctly. Samantha looked fine, a bit of a fire-ey child. I guess she's been kicking my in the kidney a lot, and my uterus is stretching so that's the reason for the pain. The funny thing is every time the ultra sound tech would sweep over her legs she would kick at it. They were very large kicks and I guess little Samantha will take after her mother and be a soccer player and sassy. Maybe she will be like the funny girl, on a mission to be independent? Hopefully she is a little more tame that I was! I was very happy to see that she was okay and that she was moving more than ever! She is still breech and hopefully she switches soon. I guess they have plenty of time to switch though so I'm not so concerned. We got home just before midnight and I was very tired so it was not hard to fall asleep. Today, I have my twenty week ultra sound and I am excited but feel a little foolish because I went to the ER just last night but it was a piece of mind to know that my kidneys, ovaries, and apendix are okay. I guess you make decisions for a reason maybe I'll never know why but I'm glad I went just a little embarresed to tell the doctor... We'll see how it goes!

Smile

A Baby Pomeranian... Doesn't get any cuter than that

I Knew George Kept Secrets From Me...

Enough said...

Really, how did they get this cat to cooperate?

Scott didn't know I was taking his picture...

Pretty Blue Jay

Wanna go for a walk?

Live or Die?

It's always Interesting to get to know patients... Today I met a woman who had a brain tumor and her son had had a brain tumor four years before her. The brain tumors were not genetic it just so happened that both of them had gotten one. She was truly amazing though. She told me that the small things never got to her anymore like waiting in rush hour traffic or waiting in line for something. Once you've been given a second shot at life, you are so grateful for life that you will be excited about life. She told me she had taken the stairs up to our office and I told her that I rarely take the stairs and the elevator was my best friend... She laughed and said she appreciates any exercise she gets. This woman likes EXERCISE? Yes, I know it makes you feel good but she truly felt blessed to be given the opportunity to take the stairs? Does this make you rethink your life? Does it make you think , "wow I really don't have it that bad!" I almost felt silly for some of the issues I think I have. I guess it's just a lesson to always love, don't hate anything, and just appreciate any opportunity to succeed which usually every opportunity is one that you can suceed in some how. Working in the dental field has opened my eyes because you form relationships with these people who you only see once every six months, and you truly are stunned at the things you hear. I remembered I cleaned a little girls teeth in December and she had Leukemia, and then she came back yesterday and she was done with chemo, AND recovering! I wanted to jump up and down and give her a hug, but her only being 6 years old, she prob. wouldn't understand why this strange girl was hugging her. My point is, you become so involved in these people's lives when you rarely see them. Maybe it's just my personality but I just can't help myself to cry with the people who are crying or to celebrate with the ones that have accomplished something. We also have a patient who came in a couple a weeks ago and he has stage 4 liver and colon cancer, and he just seemed to have the most positive outlook on life... Why is it that the people who are "dying" are more positive than the people that are "living". I guess it could be that the people who are "dying" are living their life to the fullest and not really dying but living, and then the people that are "living" are letting their lives slowly slip away and are not really living but slowly dying. I guess it's something to keep in mind when you're just going through the motions, why not dance through the motions, because in the end we are all dying, and on a journey to heaven.

Baby Steps

Yay! We've been married 1 year last Sunday, and we had plans to go up to Cave of the Winds but I sadly got rejected because I was pregnant... so we headed to the Cliff Dwellings down the street, and I have to say it wasn't worth the twenty dollars we paid to get in but I did get some cute baby shoes out of it! We bought Samantha some Moccosins (sp) that look just like these! I can just picture a little Samantha with a cute dress on wearing her little Indian shoes! We are so excited, and the bigger I get the more excited Scott is getting! We have an ultra sound on Monday, and we have our fingers crossed for nothing but healthy news! After a year of marriage that went very quickly, we both have learned a lot about each other, and I feel very lucky to have such a sweet husband. Scott felt bad that I got rejected at The Cave O' the Winds, and made me feel much better by buying me a 30 cent lollipop! Today, Scott met me a work for lunch and then he headed off to buy sunglasses because his eyes are sensitive and he needs to block the light! He got a good deal with our insurance, and he is very excited to get his stylish sunglasses back in a week. Has the year flown by or what? Just a second ago it was December? And now we are already half way done with the seventh month of the year? Oy yoi yoi, where is the time going? I'm looking forward to a long weekend and lots of sleeping! I had to work last Saturday and I tell ya that having three day weekends is a joy and you get so used to it that when you have to work a regular five day weekend it's ROUGH! Oh well, Lina and I are off to bed while Harry (from Harry and the Hendersons) laughs it up out on the couch... Hmmm sound proof walls one day?

Little Kicks

I have been feeling little kicks lately and they are ever so light that it's sometimes hard to tell if it's her or not. But today I was assisting and she kicked really hard! It was refreshing to feel, but kinda surprising. Being on my feet all day does makes them hurt, and I was ready to go home and be off of them. It gets really hot in the office after lunch so dealing with that has been a challenge but I'm hoping it'll get better. Work has been really busy lately but I guess that's a good thing. Scott and I are going shopping tonight so hopefully we can get home early so I can go to sleep a little early and feel rested! It's interesting how sensitive I've become since being pregnant and I always have to wonder if it's because pregnancy or just me. I guess I'll never know. Hopefully little Sam starts kicking more so I can have a piece of mind every day!

Tired & Grumpy

Today was exhausting and than on top of it I don't think I slept very well, so it made the day difficult. We only had to see patients half a day than we had a staff meeting for the rest of the day. I was tired and wanted to go home, and the meeting seemed longer than usual, even though it was prob. the same as all the to others. I don't know if being pregnant has anything to do with it but I was super sensitive today, and erked easily. It's been an off week so far, and I hope it gets better.

Zonked

Today went quick for a Tuesday, and I am happy to say it is over. You know how you have "off days" well today was def. an off day for me. Everything I did I either dropped or did something wrong with it. I was happy to go home and rest my sore back! Poor Lina had to stay in the Kitchen all day today because I couldn't go home for lunch because we had an assistants meeting. She was happy to see me and happy to run over to her dr. pepper toy box and dump everything out, and than chase after George. Tonight we will be having Bean w. Bacon Soup and Casadillas... A simple meal I think but easy to make and no grilling involved! Yay! Scott didn't sound too excited about the whole menu but I'm sure he'll eat whatever I make him. Tomorrow we have our monthly staff meeting and some people wanted to go to the park.... I'M PRAYING that idea doesn't follow through... it's supposed to be almost 100 degrees out there and I need a comfortable place to sit with AC. I'm crossing my fingers for no park or outdoors meetings. Last night I went to bed at eight o'clock and then woke up through the night with the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. I guess the propper way of describing my mood is, "just plained pooped." Hopefully when Scott comes home I can curl up on the couch with him after dinner, take a bath, and than off to bed again. Well, off to make some dinner and fall asleep!

Simply Me

When I was little I LOVED the movie Cinderella, and my siblings would celebrate if the vhs tape broke. I think the reason Cinderella was my favorite movie was because it shows how being a good person will eventually be praised. I think I liked the whole magical theme to is as well... Like the fairy godmother or the mice turning into handsome horses. I liked that my imagination was being fed. Cinderella never thought she deserved more which is funny because she did deserve more, but yet she was so humble and did what she was told to do so and really never complained. I know that if I was Cinderella I would have handled things a lot differently. Maybe we should all strive to be like Cinderella... Just work work work and be the best person we can be, and then don't expect to be praised for it. If you follow the lord than you will be praised when it is your time to go up th heaven. But until than just work our hearts out, work like we're working for Jesus and that's all we can really do right? Although, most of us have much better lives then Cinderelly, just be grateful that our time here on Earth can be shared with family and loved ones. Right?

My Ricky

Today was the day! Scott and I went out and about in search for some Samantha stuff. We did well, and got the crib, and some bedding. Scott was pretty tired so I set up the crib and might I add, did a very nice job. Than Scott hung some pictures up for me, and now I have a hard time keeping myself out of there staring and day dreaming of the day she finally comes to join us. Scott has been such a good hubby by painting the nursery, not complaining when I ask him to do silly things, and just being very supportive through this all. My first twelve weeks was pretty tough and I was constantly feel sick and never up for cooking or cleaning, and Scott did not complain once. I am very lucky to have such a sweet husband!

Ka-Chow!

Yes, yes! I have gotten a new car (new to us) and it's wonderful. The shiny Honda I've always dreamed of having. It was a little sad leaving Ol' Blue Moon behind but driving away in the pretty Honda made it a little easier. We needed a more "family friendly" car for when Samantha comes, so we decided to go for a Honda because they are said to be really good cars. We feel very blessed to be able to make this purchase and very blessed that my parents allowed us to trade in the bug as well. The new car drives very smooth compared to the ol' vw, and it much more spacy. I am very happy that I only work 1.2 miles away from work and that we will not be adding up too many miles on the new car. The bug went through a lot... Driving me to middle school some days, taking me to high school, and driving up and down from Fort Collins. Yes, it had it's problems and very expensive fixes for my parents but it was a good car, and lasted longer than I thought it would. Overall though, I am so excited about our new Honda!

Just Me & My Pets

Today is a nice extra day off because of the holiday weekend. Scott had to work so today it is just me, Lina, and George. Lina is a very loyal pup, In less it gets too hot for her she'll will prob spend the rest of the day laying by me or begging for some scraps. Maybe she'll get a "Beggin' Strip". What makes us love our animals so much (most of us love our animals). Is it because animals can't talk to you or disagree with you? Is it because they are so excited to see you when you get home? Maybe it's because they have nowhere else to go besides being at home. I think George is a little confused about his species because he seems to think he can beat up Lina. It is very entertaining at times though!

Paying the Bills

Isn't it odd that I love to open my bills, and than rush to the computer and set up billpay for them? Is it because I can afford them? Or is it because it gives me a sense of responsibility? Would it be the same if Scott was the only one bringing home the dough? Hmmm... I wonder why it gives me such a feeling of accomplishment to hit the "submit" button. I created an excel worksheet to even tell me how much more I owe for the rest of the month and how much has gone out. If I was older would it be as much fun or do I find it "cool" just because I'm twenty years old? I find it very odd that anyone loves to pay bills. Maybe part of it is I work so hard for my paychecks twice a month that I'm more than happy to give my contribution to the bills. It is also interesting to me that in school I really could've cared less for the subject of math, and now I find myself finding ways to fumble the numbers around, or ways to cut down the bills every month so I can put more into savings... Don't get me wrong, the more money you save the better off you are BUT still I'm having a hard time why I think me paying the bills is something to brag about when everyone in the world has to do it. I find myself begging Scott to go to the mailbox to get the bills just so I can open them, and see all the "Thank you for your payment" remarks. I get to write one check a month for HOA and let me tell you... I enjoy signing my name Jennifer Campbell... I guess it makes me feel grown up. You'de think the me being pregnant and about to be amother would make me feel more grown up but no it's paying the bills? I guess I am and odd duckling? I guess it makes me feel like Mr. Doug Funny because whenever he goes into his "imaginary" world he becomes this superhero when really he's just a funny young boy going through life. I'm just a funny odd girl going through life but when I do something silly I go into my own world thinking I'm so "cool" and "grown" up because I paid a bill. Funny how our minds work sometimes eh?

It's Off to Work I Go...

After a nice refreshing vacation to Washington, I was off to work again... I get Friday off though which is a big WAHOO for me. When I got back to work I was welcomed with open arms and felt very appreciated. Today I realized at how proud of myself I am. I have learned so much, and I feel that I really am good at my job. Everyone around me is always encouraging me as well which helps a lot. I started to realize today that I love being knowledgeable in my job. Even though everyone else at my job is awesome as well... It makes me feel good that I am good at my job. Even though sometimes I get down about the way things go, I have a lot of loyal people behind me and a ton of support... and I really need to keep that in the back of my mind. Even though today was a little stressful, I had a great day and am open to all the challenges that lay ahead. We all had to do a second interview with one of the new applicants for the Hygiene Assistant, and I thought she was a great applicant! She seems to positive, and ready to learn. We have two more to meet, and I'm sure it'll be a hard decision. I get to train whoever does get hired and I'm excited to see how it goes after the last experience which was really hard! There's a girl at work who takes credit for other people's work and doesn't have the most integrity. So, I pray that we get someone who is really in this to be here and to help everyone out. I'm crossing my fingers... Night Night for me have to be up with the birds tomorrow.

A Weekend in Washington

Yes, Yes I got to spend this past weekend in Washington state in a town called Burlington. Better than I expected I would say. Didn't expect to have as much fun as I did. I thought it would be a little akward with the whole me not seeing any of my aunts, uncles, or cousins for about 12 years... But to my surprise it was fun and interesting to see how much we've all changed. It was very nice to be around the water again. Haven't gotten to smell the salt water for many years. Living in Colorado you don't get to see much water at all so it was very nice to be around it. I also got to see many agricultural things that I also don't often get to see. Strawberry bushes, apple trees, and for my first time a cherry tree. Also, you know that you are in the country when there is a bunch of cows outside of the church. It's very interesting to see how things change from state to state and city to city. As much as I loved being in Washington, I am ready to go back to the city, and be on my toes again. It was wierd to sleep with no noises to sing me to sleep. In Aurora, I hear sirens, cars, and people all through out the night, and I guess I'm just used to that so now when the ouside is dead quiet it throws me off a little bit. I guess I am just a city girl now. It was very nice to see my grandma and grandpa who have 19 grandkids! I also enjoyed seeing my aunts and uncles who I've not seen in awhile. I got to see my Aunt Sue's st. bernard who is a whopping 145 pounds! She was very slobbery but also very cute and fun to play with... my grandpa calls her the slobbermonster. I think that Betsy's ear was bigger than my pom's little head. It was def. interesting to be around a 145 lb. dog when I'm used to a little ten lb. pup. I went driving around town with my mom and got to see the strawberry fields and boy did it smell good. I am very excited to go home to my sweet huband who painted Samantha's room this weekend, and he will be picking me up at the airport. It'll be nice to be reunited!