Wow, I forgot I had this blog. I'd like to bring it back-mainly because #1) I have lots of free time currently, and #2) I've been mulling over lots of stuff in my head in the last year or so that I'd like to get out on paper...computer....you know what I mean.

Since it is only February, I might as well start off with the annual new years survey that I've now been doing for FIVE years (!!) although I missed it last year. I can't believe its been 2 years since I've blogged at all. I love seeing how my answers change and how I am shaped and changed each year. Here goes.

 1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Gave birth-that's a big one!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember making any last year. This year, we resolved to #1) NOT move this year. #2) Give more. #3) Refocus on debt repayment, #4) Get me a job!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Ha...for starters, I did on October 10th. (Wow, never thought I would say that in one of these surveys someday!). Also Melissa Ball (March), Heather Ciras and Kim Amos (also October), and Lauren Capozzi (December).

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
None!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A job!

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
For sure October 10, 2011- Carter's birth day! 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Besides giving birth (there is a theme in this year's survey...), graduating from my Master's program, passing my Boards and becoming a CNM/WHNP

9. What was your biggest failure?
I like to use the term learning experiences. :) I guess Jay and I haven't been quite as focused on paying off our debt as we were when we started, although we didn't lose steam altogether. We're back on board now, baby!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got that nasty stomach bug, 2 colds, and mastitis twice. All since Carter's birth...yuck!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My iPhone...LOVE it and don't know how I lived without it! Also love my new iMac! I'm an apple girl...
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jay is and will always be my saint.... (same answer from previous years!) Seeing him as a dad has made me fall in love with him all over again.

13. Where did most of your money go?
Grad school and moving. Blah! This better not be the same answer next year!

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having a baby, graduating, Jay finally getting a job he is excited about

15. What song will always remind you of 2011?
LMFAO-Party rocking in the house tonight....

16. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier

ii. thinner or fatter? Actually thinner since I was pregnant this time last year! LOL

iii. richer or poorer? Poorer. Darn student loans.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Blogging/reflecting

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Stressing

20. How did you spend Christmas? Here in MA with my mom, Steve and Jimmy.

22. Did you fall in love in 2011? This question is becoming redundant. I wish I'd picked a different survey 5 years ago.  I think I am going to change the question to "How did your relationship with your husband change this year?" And my answer is that having a baby changes a lot-both positively and negatively. Our relationship has grown stronger throughout each move and having a baby has been the most fun bonding experience we've had as a couple!

23. How many one-night stands? See above answer. I am hereby changing this question to read "How has your child changed this year?" And my answer is that he changes so much every day! He has gone from a newborn to a 3 month old almost overnight it seems. Smiling and holding his head up have probably been his biggest accomplishments in 2011. Ha!

24. What was your favorite TV program? Modern Family (last year would have said LOST)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Again going to change the question to read "How have your friendships shifted this year?" My answer is that moving back to MA has brought a lot of my friendships back into the forefront, which has been SOOO nice. I really missed being able to hang out with friends!

26. What was the best book you read? I didn't read for pleasure as much as I'd have liked this past year. I think I read the hunger games this year or last-but those were really good!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Adele, and Hanson's new CD of course. :)

28. What did you want and get? A baby. Ha! Also my iPhone...

29. What did you want and not get? Being debt free

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Breaking Dawn Part 1...lame, yes. True, yes.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 27 and I believe I was in clinical in Millersburg.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? I think I had a pretty satisfying year. I would have liked to give more.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Scrubs and dress clothes for the office. Lots of maternity clothes!!

34. What kept you sane? Jay, my mom and Kim-the greatest labor support trio in history.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you enjoy the most? Rachel Held Evans

36. What political issue stirred you the most? I try to stay away from politics. Something I should not do.

37. Who did you miss? My mom. Lots.

38. Who was the best new person you met? I've gotten to know a lot of new people this year, mostly through clinical placements.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011: You can't control everything!

40. A song that sums up your year: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!



My answers from two years ago: 1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Lots of clinical skills :)

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
According to last year's survey, I did not make any resolutions last year. So no, I did not keep them.  This year Jay and I hope to continue paying off our debt with "gazelle" intensity!!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Ummm...yes! I feel like everyone I know....as far as MY friends go: Kristen, Jen C, Kim A, Candice and Jenn F gave birth!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year...

5. What countries did you visit?
None!

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Calmness, confidence, money :) (I'll stick with my answer from last year)

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 14th-Jim & Taryn's wedding date

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making it through my first year of grad school

9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting stress get to me

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was pretty sick at one point this fall...but I was pretty healthy overall.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our wii! Its been a fun year!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jay is and will always be my saint.... (same answer from previous years!)

13. Where did most of your money go?
Grad school-but a lot of it has gone toward debt!

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Births!

15. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Anything by Lady Gaga

16. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? I'd say happier

ii. thinner or fatter? definitely fatter

iii. richer or poorer? its hard to say with student loans....but i'd say i'm LESS poor?

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? praying, relaxing

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? stress

20. How did you spend Christmas? I spent it in MA with Jay's family

22. Did you fall in love in 2009? I fell in love in 2004, but remained in love in 2009!

23. How many one-night stands? Ha....riiiight

24. What was your favorite TV program? GLEE!!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I dont hate anyone...but I would say that my friendships have shifted a lot since last year. (Same answer as previous years!)

26. What was the best book you read? Harry Potter series

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? I don't feel like I really got into music this year....I'm content just listening to good old Fiona! 

28. What did you want and get? A wii, all As, paid off credit card

29. What did you want and not get? a new camera, being debt free

30. What was your favorite film of this year? New Moon or Blindside

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 25 and went to school!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being debt free! (Do you see a theme? At least I'm passionate?)

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? lots of scrubs. Which is great and comfortable and all, except for the blinding red color.

34. What kept you sane? Jay Govoni, as usual! And my mom.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ummm...Taylor Lautner...

36. What political issue stirred you the most? Mostly nursing issues due to my policy class

37. Who did you miss? I miss everyone....

38. Who was the best new person you met? New youth group kids probably

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: Stress is not worth it! Taking time to relax is.

40. A song that sums up your year: "Under Pressure" by Queen/David Bowie


My answers from three years ago: 
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Moved to Ohio, started grad school

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Apparently I made some last year (soely based on my answer from last year's survey) but I don't remember them! I didn't make any this year. They don't work. You shouldn't wait for the New Year to change your life.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Melanie gave birth to Gabriel....and quite a few of my friends are pregnant (or will be!!) and will deliver in 2009!!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year...

5. What countries did you visit?
None, but I visited quite a few states!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Calmness, confidence, money :)

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 5th....the day we gave Trot up.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting grad school at OSU for sure. AND making it through my first quarter!

9. What was your biggest failure?
I feel that I am a constant failure in so many areas...my biggest failure I am unsure of!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah I was pretty sick one time when I was supposed to see Kate Voegle in concert. I was so sad to miss it.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I didnt buy it (it was my birthday present) but my GPS has gotten more use than anything else I own!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jay is and will always be my saint.... (same answer from last year!)

13. Where did most of your money go?
Moving expenses again.... *Sigh*....actually scratch that....grad school!!

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Pregnancies!

15. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Little Miss by the Spin Doctors....not because it came out but because Jay and I constantly sing it with different words. Ha!

16. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Sadder in some ways....happier in others

ii. thinner or fatter? definitely fatter

iii. richer or poorer? its hard to say with student loans....

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? praying, wedding planning

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? being lazy :)

20. How did you spend Christmas? I spent it in Mt Vernon with my family....then in South Carolina with family

22. Did you fall in love in 2008? I fell in love in 2004, but remained in love in 2008!

23. How many one-night stands? Just a few...no biggie.

4. What was your favorite TV program? I think 2008 was the year of TV....One Tree Hill, LOST, 24, House, Heroes, America's Next Top Model, The Office, Grey's Anatomy

5. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I dont hate anyone...but I would say that my friendships have shifted a lot since last year. (Same answer as last year!)

26. What was the best book you read? Twilight Series!

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery? Hmm....I think I would call Hanson a rediscovery. I went to their concert out of pure historical reasons and my love for them was reborn through their new music. :)

28. What did you want and get? A GPS

29. What did you want and not get? no more war, a loving world, a Wii, furniture, all A's

30. What was your favorite film of this year? I seriously don't even know. We don't ever go to the movies! There are a lot I still want to see.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 24 and had a birthday party at my mom's house.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? all As... :)

3. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? lots of scrubs. Which is great, except for the blinding red color. Other than that....what fashion?? I have lots of pretty bridesmaid dresses...does that count?

34. What kept you sane? Jay Govoni!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? "Fancy" always makes me chuckle. Hmm...I guess that one designer on Extreme Home Makeover...I dont even know his name!

36. What political issue stirred you the most? Lots of 'em! I tried to not get involved in debates though, because politics brings out the mean and hateful in people.

37. Who did you miss? I was lucky enough to see just about all of my friends and family at least once this year....I miss them all constantly though.

38. Who was the best new person you met? All of my school friends

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: Fake confidence in stressful situations if you can't find it within.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "Breathe" by Anna Nalick


My answers from four years ago:
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Moved out of Massachusetts for the first time, applied to graduate school

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did make some for this year....so far, I'm not doing a very good job! I didnt make any last year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin Melanie....as usual. And I have a feeling maybe next year I will have more answers! :) (At least pregnant people, not necessarily giving birth)

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year...

5. What countries did you visit?
None this year :(

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Money? Haha

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 27...my first day of work....eww.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
MOVING across country, and getting into the university of cincinnati!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Hmm, I'm sure I failed at many things, but not enough to ruin my year!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not anything serious. Just a few annoying colds!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
An apartment?

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jay is and will always be my saint....

13. Where did most of your money go?
Definitely moving expenses!

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving was pretty exciting. At first! :)

15. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Solider Boy

16. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Sadder in some ways....happier in others

ii. thinner or fatter? definitely fatter

iii. richer or poorer? poorer...a lot poorer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? saving money, praying

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? spending!

20. How will you be spending Christmas? I spent it in Nashville with my family on my dad's side!!!

22. Did you fall in love in 2007? I fell in love in 2004, but remained in love in 2007!

23. How many one-night stands? I will not even dignify this with an answer. Oops, I already did.

4. What was your favorite TV program? One Tree Hill

5. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I dont hate anyone...but I would say that my friendships have shifted a lot since last year.

26. What was the best book you read? Anything by Don Miller...and I really got into amish books too :)

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery? Did I discover Mika this year? If so, HIM!!!

28. What did you want and get? Into school?

29. What did you want and not get? A bedroom set/dining room table

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Ratatouille....love it!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 23 and worked at ENC, and then had a joint party with Jay where we made chicken stack ups and went bowling...but only Jay's friends came. :( (Except Jill!)

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More money...haha see a theme here??

3. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? too much work clothes...i cant wait to wear scrubs every day!!!

34. What kept you sane? Jay Govoni!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ooh, fancy? Hmm, Wentworth Miller?

36. What political issue stirred you the most? Lots of 'em

37. Who did you miss? Who didn't I miss?? We left all our awesome friends behind :)

38. Who was the best new person you met? I didn't meet these people: but getting to know Jason, Heidi, Laura and Lauren has been great!!!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007: Live below your means

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Movin out! By Billy Joel! :)


My answers from five years ago:
1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I graduated, got married, lived away from my parents, got a puppy!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I try not to do them, they are just unrealistic usually!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister Jessica gave birth to Embree

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year!

5. What countries did you visit?
Just the good ol' USA....Hawaii though, not too shabby.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
No debt? :)

7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 28th (my wedding), October 24th (Trot's birthday) and December 26 (when we got Trot)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Definitely graduating from college!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Hmm, I'm sure I failed at many things, but not enough to ruin my year!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not especially

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Trot!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jay is a saint!

13. Where did most of your money go?
The wedding, paying off debt, Trot...

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting married and getting Trot (there seems to be a theme here...)

15. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

16. Compared to this time last year,are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier.

ii. thinner or fatter? probably fatter!

iii. richer or poorer? richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Devotions

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Stressing!

20. How will you be spending Christmas? I spent it in Ohio with my mom and family

22. Did you fall in love in 2006? I fell in love in 2004, but remained in love in 2006!

23. How many one-night stands? Only about 6 or 7...haha just kidding!

4. What was your favorite TV program? 24

5. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I dont hate anyone...but I would say that my friendships have shifted somewhat since last year.

26. What was the best book you read? Velvet Elvis

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery? Regina Spektor.

28. What did you want and get? A puppy!

29. What did you want and not get? I didn't really want anything else!

30. What was your favorite film of this year? I seriously have not seen any movies this year...haha!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 22 and I went to Dick's Last Resort with Jen and a bunch of people.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If I read the Bible and prayed more

3. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? CASUAL!

34. What kept you sane? Jay Govoni!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Reese Witherspoon

36. What political issue stirred you the most? I need to get more into politics.

37. Who did you miss? My parents, Kim Hunt, Kim Amos, Emily and Joy

38. Who was the best new person you met? I dont think I met anyone?

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006: Don't stress...its not worth it!

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:Wow, nothing comes to mind! Me, musically speechless...this is insane! Too much pressure!

Four Months Old!

Another fun month gone by with Carter. It is amazing how much he changes and grows every day. He smiles all the time and his laugh sounds like grunting! Its pretty funny. He loves to grab at and hold toys and look at books.

He is not yet on a nap schedule, and generally sleeps for 45 min-1 hour between most feedings in between awake/play times. Unfortunately, this month Carter has regressed a bit in his sleeping, waking up multiple times per night. Sometimes we can soothe him to sleep, but sometimes I have to feed him once or twice before we wake up in the morning. I think it is a combination of a growth spurt and possible teething. I know it is early for teeth, but his drooling has increased, he is always chewing on his hands (poor things are all chapped!), he is fussier than usual, plus the waking up at night. Later in the month, we started putting him to bed around 8:30pm which has actually helped him sleep longer and wake up less. It must be true that sleep begets sleep!

Carter went on his first plane ride to Nashville from January 14-18th. The idea of the plane ride was stressful for me, but luckily he did great, except for when I accidentally put him in his carrier incorrectly and he screamed while getting off the plane. Oops!

Carter was sick with a cold/croup cough this month, which is always scary and not fun for anyone. We also recognized that he has torticollis, which means the muscles on one side of his neck are tighter than the other side, making him tilt his head to the left. We've been trying to work on it with him, and will bring it up with the pediatrician at his 4 month visit to see if physical therapy is necessary. On February 1st I noticed a freckle/mole which appeared on his left knee which seemed like it appeared overnight!

On January 11th, Carter rolled to his right side for the first time, but hasn't done it since! He still prefers the left side. On January 13th he rolled to his stomach for the first time but then didn't do it again until February 4th. Now every time he is placed on his back he rolls to his belly! It is funny because he doesn't know how to roll back and since he hates being on his belly, he cries every time he rolls. We roll him back, then he rolls right back to his stomach and cries again. We have to put him up against the left side of the crib at night so he won't roll and wake us up every 5 minutes to be rolled back! He has been holding his head up and tolerating tummy time so much better this month. It will be no time before he is crawling!

Carter got his first haircut on February 1st-by mommy! He had a small patch of longer hair on the right side of his head and the top of his head that looked weird since the hair had fallen out everywhere else, so I just evened it up a bit. :) I think it looks much better!

On February 3rd at 9:19pm, Emma was born. I helped Meghan through her labor from 1:30am until Emma was born, which means I pumped every 3 hours at the hospital while daddy and Grammy watched Carter. They are only 3 days off from being the exact age difference between Meghan and I. I am excited for them to grow up together like Meghan and I did!