Saturday, August 27, 2011

Me and my boys

Well, what a week! We had our ultrasound on Monday and very quickly found out that our little Coconut is a boy. So according to Luke, his name is "Coconut Sippy Cup." Jeff and I are trying to find a different one, so don't worry. He is growing well and healthy appearing so that is great for us. Weighs about 11 ounces.

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that the baby was not a girl. But it is God's will for me to have another little boy and that is something I have accepted. I realized that we have a lot of clothes, and yesterday, it dawned on me - no weddings to pay for. And life will be fun. Luke will have a playmate who he can mentor and teach the important things to - like play trains and learning to urinate standing up. And I won't have to deal with drama from hair, make up, dresses, and boys I am not fond of visiting our home.

Now we are in the midst of a lovely hurricane - aka rain and wind and light flickering. I am up, having had the bright idea to shower before the lights go out again. The two big boys are asleep (Jeff and Luke). Prince Murdock is creeping around and Coconut is just happy that I have had his morning OJ.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Vacation and the Week After

Last week, I was on vacation, and we had a blast at the beach. We played in the water and the pool. We laughed and joked. We ate good food - Flaming Amy's, Michael's Seafood, Big Daddy's, Bdobo Grill - all yummy! We went to Midieval Times one night. We played putt putt and went to the Railroad Museum. It was great week, and although I just love the beach, it was good to be home, especially in my comfy king-size bed. :)

During vacation, I got some great news. I had applied for a teaching award in April, and guess what! I got it. I am one of the 16 nationwide recipients of the Pfizer Teacher Development Award! Cool!!!

So, the week after vacation can be a bear at work, but it's been pretty good. We were busy Monday, and on Tuesday, we switched to our new Electronic Health Record (EHR). We even saw 14 and still left the office at 5:10 pm with all of my office notes completed. I am proud of how that is going.

Pregnancy has also been well. I have had a lot less nausea but still not enough energy to exercise. I have found out that several of my friends are having little girls with their pregnancies. So what about us? Well, we have our ultrasound on Monday, and we'll hopefully find out about our little "Coconut." Until then, we wait.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Full Circle - Kinda!

On Monday, August 1, 2005, I started my first job as a practicing Family physician after residency. I remember that day all too well. I arrived at the hospital at 6 am and my badge wouldn't work. Another physician asked me "do you belong here?" and I said yes. So she let me in the building. Then I rounded with my boss in what seemed endless patient rounds. After getting to the office, I finally mustered enough strength to ask my boss if I could just see patients in the hospital on my own. I wanted to dive in and not just follow the boss like a lonesome puppy. So I got three patients to see the next morning.

As for the office, I was working with new people. My office had no computer. I spent my time unloading boxes of stuff I felt I had to have to work. I had no one on my schedule but finally, I was able to see one patient. I remember having to dictate my note - utter dread. But the transcriptionist was very nice and told me I could give her some normals so that I did not have to say every line.

I left that day, somewhat encouraged. I remember Jeff asking me if I was happy.

So 6 years later, I am in a different job where there are exciting times ahead. Again, I am building my practice, and that is great. And I don't have to be at the hospital at 6 am! I am loving that. And I am encouraged with a practice expansion with more space and a mid-level on the horizon. And we are getting ready to change our electronic health record. So work has its challenges but they are good ones.

And, after wanting to have kids for so long, six years later I am expecting Skinner baby #2. I absolutely love the child I have already and feel so blessed to have a second one on the way.

Six years later, I am a more mature physician. I have learned lessons - hard ones. I have really treasured what is important to me in this life - my Lord and my family. My career is great and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a witness for my Lord. And I have learned that you don't have to do everything in medicine like hospital work and outpatient and nursing home, etc to be successful. And I am happier because of that.

So here's to the next 6, 12, 20 years!