Year in Review

I can't believe it's been over a year since I've written here. So much has happened, I mean so much. The last time I was here I was revealing the death of my daughter, Anna. Today, I have mostly positive things to share, not in great detail today, but a brief synopsis.

In December of 2016, Tony and I found out we were expecting again. I am happy to say that we welcomed our fourth child, Michael Anthony, to the world on July 25. My pregnancy with him was much different than all of the others in so many ways, but more on that in a future post.

After nearly 8 years at my former job, I left in January to complete an internship in Child Life. I enjoyed my previous job, but I was looking for something a bit more, something more fulfilling for my soul. I have found that working in Child Life, and not to brag, but it comes to me pretty naturally. I passed my certification test a week ago and am excited to be a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). I'm actually going to apply for my first job this week!

Count the Kicks is doing amazing in our state. The Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative is providing all materials to Nebraska providers for free and is also assisting us in pushing the information out. During the past three baby fairs/conferences that Count the Kicks has participated in, I've continued to hear an increase in the number of women and providers who are familiar with the program. Now to make sure it is being used!

On a sad note, our beloved dog, Desda, died after 15 wonderful years of being Tony's, and eventually my, furry family member. It was not an easy choice to make, but one that we felt was best for her. Vinny misses her and I often call our new dog by her name. We have made a new pup a part of our family, Gia. We think she is at least part australian shepherd, although she was listed as a sheltie sheepdog, of which I am not convinced. She arrived three weeks prior to Michael, so it's a bit crazy around here, but we love her.

Those are the major updates for now. I plan to find some time to delve a bit deeper into them in future posts.  

My plan is to visit here more than once a year...we'll see how that goes!