I passed my boards!

I'm very excited, if you can't tell. :) I got an e-mail today saying my board scores were up, and I passed! My hands were shaking a little bit when I checked it, and it took FOREVER for the page to load. But I passed. Awesome. It's a huge weight off of my shoulders - it would stink to make it through dental school but not be able to practice dentistry!

Anyway, the blogging has been a little sporadic, and it will probably stay that way for a little bit. Today I took the afternoon off of school and cleaned out the garage! Aaron got home early and we packed up most of the garage and some other boxes and baby stuff Wyatt has outgrown. We are trying to figure out how to best get all of our stuff packed and moved to CF, but it's a daunting task! Our deadline is June 3rd - that's when we close on our Iowa City house. We are waiting on the abstract for the CF house, and then we can close. Hopefully sooner than later!

Tomorrow is my LAST day at the dental school. I would say it's my last day of school ever, but I have my five week externship to make up and then I'm officially done. Still, I turned in my keys today and packed up my locker... it was so weird!


Tonight we had dinner with Aaron's parents at their house, and Wyatt walked so much! I have never seen him walk so many steps in a row! He was very proud of himself, and his mommy and daddy were pretty proud too. :) He is just getting so big. He also has his top two teeth in, though he won't let me near them. Again, you have to hold him upside down to sneak a peek. :)


Lot's of rambling tonight, lots going on. Wow. :)

What a weekend!

So... a little absence in blogging - I left my computer in Iowa City for the weekend, so now I'm back! It was quite a weekend, but let me start with Thursday. I already blogged about getting to ring the bell, but I did get a picture on Thursday with the bell:

Here is a picture of me and my group leader Dr. Arnold. I'm sure she is very happy that we've finished our requirements! I don't know if I would want to be in her position - stressing about students getting all of their requirements done!

On Thursday evening I packed up the dogs, Wyatt, and myself and drove up to Cedar Falls. On Friday evening, Aaron and I went to my friends wedding with my parents. Wyatt got to stay with Uncle Tyler and Aunt Katie (and he was a little bit of a pickle for them, but he eventually went to sleep!). When we got to the wedding, we got a call saying my sister-in-law's water broke and they were headed to the hospital. Exciting! At the reception, Aaron and I sat at a table with some of my friends from high school. My friend Ann has a little girl named Maddie - she was shy at first, but Aaron won her over. She eventually asked him to dance with her. Very sweet!

On Saturday morning at 1:10 am, my newest niece Callie was born! Here she is - isn't she beautiful?

Aaron, Wyatt, and I went to go see Ellen, Jim, and baby Callie on Saturday morning.

Somehow Aaron remembered that this hospital room was next door to the room that Ellen was in when she had Conner! I don't know how he remembers these things. I remember when Conner was born, I made him hold him. It took a little less convincing to get him to hold Callie - I think having Wyatt has made him more comfortable with babies. :)

Sunday - today! - Aaron headed out bright and early for Chicago. He has a restaurant/hotel conference thing - there are all kinds of vendors and such. His work is sending him, which is nice. I, however, am missing him tons, even though I don't see him most Sunday nights!

Here are some cute pictures of Wyatt - he wore his overall shorts that he got from Grandma Cheri well before he was born! SO ADORABLE!!

I got him a new pair of shoes at Scheel's this weekend - they are a size up from what he was wearing, and they are so much easier to get on and off. I think they have better support for his feet too. And they were 50% off. Nice.

He loves the remote. Just like Daddy.

I love this little boy!

So, today is Day 20 of the shred! Wow. Thursday I actually didn't get the workout in, but I made up for it on Friday by riding the bike for 20 minutes after I did the Level 3 shred. Saturday and Sunday (today) I did the shred - I did Level 1 and 2 for variety's sake. My left knee/leg/calf is still bothering me. If I take Ibuprofen, that usually takes care of it. But it's weird - it's almost like shin splints (I don't know because I've never had that before) because it hurts when I do the jumping jacks or jump rope or going up and down stairs. But it doesn't hurt for the other parts of the exercise. Weird. Any thoughts, Suzy? :) Just kidding.

Anyway, I'm starting my last week of clinic tomorrow. Wow. Four years of dental school has gone by fast!

Great summer evening

Tonight was such a great summer evening. Aaron got done with work in CF at 2, so he was here in Iowa City around 3:30. I got done with school early, so we got to run some errands together and then pick up Wyatt from daycare. We headed downtown and ate dinner at the Saloon - we sat outside and the weather was gorgeous! One positive of eating outdoors is that the birds can clean up all the food Wyatt throws on the ground! :) After dinner we walked around downtown and walked through the farmer's market. Then... back home and Wyatt played for awhile and went to bed. I did my Day 16 workout, and now we are catching up on our DVR'd shows!

Day 15 - halfway done!

Tonight Wyatt and I stopped at Fareway on the way home, and I picked up some groceries for dinner. I made Rosemary Chicken stuffed with spinach and chevre, and sauteed red potatoes and green beans. It was very tasty - the green beans were slightly more al dente than I like, but other than that it was good. Wyatt enjoyed banana, strawberries, graham cracker, and potato for dinner. And don't forget his cup of water - he loves that!

He was in a pretty good mood and put up with me cooking for awhile.

After dinner we played - Wyatt really likes this picture of my Grandma and Grandpa B. He kept coming back to it and wanted to pick it up and chew on it. Ah, teething.

Here's my three boys looking out the window... Wyatt LOVES his doggies.

I gave Wyatt some boxes out of the recycling to play with tonight. He loves boxes, especially ones with lids he can open and shut. Here I bought him some new toys last night, and I should have just got more boxes! :)

Anyway, tonight was day 15 of the 30 day shred! My left knee was really bothering me today, so I went home over the lunch hour to take some Ibuprofen and put some ice on it. This afternoon it felt SO much better after that, so I was still able to do my workout tonight. Plus, I wore my new shoes today and I think they helped. My knee might hurt more often if it means I buy new shoes... :)

Well, I suppose it's time to get to bed soon. Last night Wyatt woke up at 1:30 crying, so I spent about an hour trying to get him back to sleep. I'd rock him and he'd fall asleep in my arms, but as soon as I laid him down he would immediately start crying again. Poor little guy - he's going to be happier once those top two teeth come in!

I rang the bell today!!! (and day 14)

Today I finished up a root canal, which was the last requirement I needed to finish in order to graduate. Yay! I would be happy if it was the last root canal that I do. :) So I got to ring the bell - it's a cowbell that has a saying on it something about how every time it rings a dental student gets his/her wings - and we walk up and down the aisles at school ringing the bell. Most people stop working and clap or cheer, so it's a lot of fun to do. :) It's a crazy/awesome/scary/thrilling feeling to be done with school. I've been in school for so long, I almost don't know how I'm going to do without consulting someone about everything I do!

So, tonight Wyatt and I went on a mommy/son date to the mall (okay, my hairdryer died this morning so there was an underlying urgency to our trip to the mall :) ) and we had dinner together at Panera. He enjoyed people watching and eating his cereal bar and bites of my bread dipped in soup. Then we went to Kohls and I got some new tennis shoes, as I think my old tennis shoes may be contributing to my left knee/calf/something hurting. Kohls was also having a 40% off sale on Fisher Price toys, and I had a 20% off coupon, so I let Wyatt "pick out" two new toys. Sometimes I think he gets bored with the toys in the basket. When we move, I am going to try to sort out toys and try to rotate them so there is always something different to play with.

Anyway, tonight was day 14 - two weeks! - of the shred. I'm definitely making some progress - I've lost just over 5 pounds and gone down a notch on my belt. Woo! I had a hard time getting motivated to do the workout tonight, but every time I do it, it goes so fast. So I still did it, just a little late. The only problem with working out later is that I'm fired up and don't want to go to bed. :) Oh well. I'll get there eventually...

Day 13 ... let's brush our teeth

"What is this thing?"

"It's great to chew on!"

"Oh, I'm supposed to brush my teeth with this, huh? Got it." After Wyatt's afternoon snack today I brushed his two little teeth. He actually put up with it quite well - I let him have the toothbrush when I was done, and he handed it back to me several times so I could brush his teeth more. I still need to go down to the Pedo department at school to get a kids toothbrush. He's going to be getting the top two teeth very soon - if you hang him upside down he opens his mouth and you can see them just about to come through. (What can I say - he likes to rough-house :) ) He wasn't abnormally fussy today - we'll see how he does tonight!

Today I went back to Level 1 - my knees are a little sore, and I thought it might help. It still is a hard workout, but I can tell I'm getting into a little better shape!

Day 12... and happy to be home

Today was a long day of traveling to get home, and we were SO excited to see Wyatt! He and my mom greeted us at the airport - he was pushing around the umbrella stroller like a big boy.
I feel like I just eat junk when I'm traveling, so tonight after my workout I'm feeling a little queasy. Ick. Level 2 again - I hate the plank pose! I do like the way the workout is set up with the three sets of three types of exercises, as it makes it go by quickly.
Anyway, I'm ready to sleep in my own bed! Good night!

Day 11... and headed back to Iowa

So, Friday was day 11. I did Level 2 again in the morning. I took my test on Friday afternoon, and then in the evening we were in search for the best Tex-Mex we could find. We went to Doneraki's, which was recommended to us, and it was fantastic! The tortillas were made fresh and everything was very authentic. I left feeling a little miserable because I think I ate too much! I'm sure Jillian Michaels would have had a fit. :) They even had a mariachi band that walked around playing. It was pretty entertaining. We were going to go to see Robin Hood, but it was sold out, and the next showing wasn't until 9:45 and let's face it - I'm old. I didn't want to get back at the hotel at midnight and have to pack and then get up at 6. So we just went back to the hotel to relax. We did stop at the bar to get a drink, and the bartender must not have been working in his job for very long because the cocktails he made were quite hilarious. Aaron ordered a White Russian (which the guy had no idea what it was) and instead of putting cream in the drink, he opened up three pre-packaged creamers and put those in. And then he started on my cosmo - I'm not sure what he put in it, but I did see a packet of Sweet and Low go in. Aaron and I laughed the whole way up to the room. We stopped at the market on the way back and got a Bud Light lime instead. :)

Anyway, I think it's been a good trip - I think I accomplished what I needed to, and it was also a nice time to spend with Aaron. Now I'm excited to get home and see Wyatt!

New day 10

So I'm just counting today as day 10 of the 30 day shred. I bumped up to Level 2, and it's intense! Still, I'm feeling much more energetic and it wasn't as hard this time around (don't get me wrong, I hate all of the plank exercises, and Level 2 is heavy on plank moves).
I'm officially 1/3 of the way done! Yay.

Anyway, today I had orientation for my exam in the afternoon, and afterwords Aaron and I went to dinner and to see Ironman 2. Dinner was fantastic - it was at the Backstreet Cafe here in Houston. I love eating at really good restaurants. And I love lamb. I know a lot of people don't care for lamb, but I think it's really tasty. So I especially enjoyed my lamb chops tonight. Now I know I need to do Level 2 again tomorrow! :)

I miss my Wyatt. :( I wish he was here, but the logistics just weren't right to bring him along. Still, it's nice to have some time to spend just Aaron and me!
Well, I am off to bed shortly. Tomorrow I take one of the last exams that I will have to take before I am officially a licensed dentist!

We made it to Houston!

So, today Aaron and I traveled to Houston. We were supposed to leave at 1:35 from the Cedar Rapids airport. Well, it was raining and our flight was canceled. Seriously. I didn't think they canceled flights due to rain. I think maybe it just wasn't that full, and that was their excuse. So, we got re-routed to Minneapolis on a flight two hours later, and we finally made it to Houston around 8:30. We got to our hotel around 9:30, then we walked to a nearby restaurant and had dinner. Now it's 10:30, and I just don't think the 30 day shred is going to happen tonight! Gasp! We'll see. But I'm too full from dinner. We ate at a muy autentico Mexican restaurant - very yummy enchiladas, and their salsa was fantastic! So I'm not feeling very motivated to work out right now. Maybe I'll do double time tomorrow to make up for it. :)
I'm just happy we made it to Texas, and my box of supplies that I shipped seems to have traveled just fine!

Day 9 that almost wasn't...

Today Aaron and I headed up to Cedar Falls after I was done with school, because I wanted to see Grandma before I go to Texas. Mom said that the doctor said Grandma's heart is out of the A Fib, and is back to beating normally. She looks SO MUCH BETTER today! I am happy that she is feeling better.

Anyway, I packed my 30 day shred DVD to bring along on my trip, or so I thought. I just grabbed the case and left it in the DVD player at home! So... Aaron was already going to Wal-mart and I had him pick up another copy that I will keep in Cedar Falls. Mom did the workout with me tonight - very late! We didn't start until after 10! But, it's done. I'm moving up to level 2 tomorrow. Seriously. :)

Wyatt takes more steps... and Day 8

I love this boy so much. Just look at those blue eyes. *Sigh* Even when he steals my cell phone and chews on it. :)

"What's Daddy's number again? Wait, what's a number?"

Here's a little clip of Wyatt taking some steps. I need to get a little farther back to you can see him better!

Aaron called me tonight and told me that Grandma still doesn't get to come home yet. Probably tomorrow. Her heart is still in atrial fibrillation, in other words it's not beating like it should. Grandma just wants to go home, so I think that's what is going to happen. I wish I didn't have to go to Texas on Wednesday - I'd rather go back to Cedar Falls to see Grandma again! Maybe Saturday evening when we fly back in to Cedar Rapids we'll drive up.

And... workout #8 tonight. Level 1 is getting easier, so I may try level 2 again tomorrow!

Mother's day and day 7

Today was my first mother's day, and it was very good. I got to spend the day with Wyatt and Aaron which is a treat! Wyatt got me a nice gift, and Aaron watched Wyatt for awhile this morning so I could work out and shower at my leisure. Nice! We had a potluck-style lunch today at my parent's house, and all of my siblings and their families were there. Grandma didn't get to come home today, but she is feeling better as they are getting her medications right.

I'm slacking on getting up pictures of Wyatt - I'll work on that the next two days. On Wednesday, Aaron and I are flying to Houston for a school trip, and we'll be there till Saturday. Wyatt will be hanging out with Grandma Muffy during that time, and the dogs are staying home with our dogsitter. After I get through this week, I only have two weeks left of school!

And... I've finished a week of the 30 day shred! Hurray for me. :) Three more weeks and two days. Oof.

Grandma B.

Well, our plans for today changed. The day started out at 4:45 am when Grandma B. came and knocked on our door because she was having chest pains and she was out of nitro. I got up and got her another nitro and took her blood pressure, which was extremely low. She was still in pain after the medicine, so I called my dad (they were out of town, which is why we were staying with Grandma). He called the doctor, and they wanted us to take her to the hospital. Grandma kept saying we should just go back to bed! So Aaron drove Grandma to the hospital, and I stayed behind because Wyatt was still sleeping. Mom and Dad headed back a day early from their trip, and they went to the hospital and sent Aaron home. Aaron, Wyatt and I went to visit Grandma after lunch, and that's when the doctor pulled us aside and told us that Grandma's heart is failing. We've known for awhile that she has congestive heart failure - where she builds up fluid and it makes it hard for her heart to pump it all. But the doctor thinks she has had other damage to her heart, so it's really running on 10%. That's how amazing Grandma B. is - she can do all she does on 10%! So, not great news, but she is happy that they aren't recommending surgery. She is feeling better, and they are going to work on changing her medications so they can get her blood pressure under control and keep her out of pain. She gets to come home tomorrow, and then we all get to spoil her. :)

I already did my Day 6 workout this morning... level 1 is so much nicer!

Cinco!

Tonight was day five of the shred. Back to level 1 - thank goodness! It was still painful, but a good hurt.

What's ironic about the picture from yesterday is that I ruined those pants later that day. In the afternoon I finished a root canal on a guy, and while I was working I spilled bleach on my pants. Awesome. If they were black, I'd color the bleach spots with a permanent marker (I actually have - I have a pair of black maternity pants that got a tiny bleach spot on them, and I really did just cover it with permanent marker. It totally works.). I don't know if I could get the right brown color in a brown permanent marker. My classmate told me I should try to re-dye that area of the pants. I think I should just go shopping for a new pair of pants. But, maybe after I'm done with the 30 day shred! :)

Today I finished up my complete upper/complete lower denture patient - yay! One more requirement to check off my list. I think I will ring the bell on the 17th - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Well, I need to get to bed, but I'm all jazzed up from my workout so I don't know if I'll get to sleep right away. Aaron has to work at 6 am tomorrow - boo :( - so Grandma B., Wyatt and I will be hanging out for most of the day. I told her I might go shopping tomorrow (new dress pants, remember?) and she thought she might like to come along.
Good night all, and have a happy weekend!

Day 4 and my school group picture

My class is split up into four groups based on when we do our externships. I am in group one - we had our externships first. Our group leader is Dr. Arnold - she's the one in the middle holding the plaque. Our whole class voted her as our teacher of the year, which is why she has the plaque. We decided to get a picture of our group today, as we have just about three weeks left of school! Wow! I think I may be able to ring the bell in 11 days... Soon! :)

Anyway, tonight was day 4 of the shred, and I bumped up to level 2. What was I thinking??? My arms are shaking as I'm typing this! Tomorrow I'm going back to level 1, and I think I'll stay there for a few more days!

Day three

One tenth of the way done with the 30 day shred! :) You've got to celebrate the small milestones, right? :) I've decided blogging is my way to keep me motivated to do it every night. I'm hoping I'll be able to fit in the twenty minutes every day.

Anyway... not much else to say. Wyatt took 3-4 solid steps tonight and Grandma and Granpa's house. It's like he just decides he's going to walk instead of crawl, and then he does it! Very cute. :)

Shred Day Two

Tonight Wyatt and I had some healthy dinner. He had strawberries, cheerios, and feta cheese (you should have seen his face the first time he tried the feta :) ). He ate more strawberries than anything else. I had a spinach salad with strawberries, feta, and balsamic vinagrette, then some whole wheat penne pasta with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. He had a couple bites of my pasta - I thought he'd spit it out, but he actually liked it! I think I would like to have a couple vegetarian nights a week - this was pretty easy!

We'll see if the strawberry stain comes out of that shirt... Mommy needs to remember to put a bib on Wyatt. Oh wait, he just pulls it off. :)

Anyway, I did my second night of the shred tonight. I was a little sore today, and I have a feeling I will be even more sore tomorrow!

30 day shred with Jillian Michaels - Day one

I got inspired by another blogger who is starting the 30 day shred with Jillian Michaels. So tonight I did the first workout, and wow! I am out of shape! I waited to do the workout after Wyatt went to bed, and the dogs thought I was nuts. Of course, it took me a little while to figure out how to get the DVD player to work since Wyatt reprogrammed the remote. What an intelligent child. :)

So, now the challenge is to keep doing the work-outs for the next 30 days! And then my abs will look just like Jillian's. Ha.