Positive Thinking...

So recently I've been trying to see the positives that could possibly come from this whole unemployment problem in Michigan, there have been SO many friends and family that have been affected by losing their jobs, including ourselves last summer when Shawn was "let go" from his job and we were living (barely) on unemployment checks for 5 long months and paying ridiculous amounts of money for full coverage insurance (about $1400/month) but somehow God answered our prayers and Shawn finally landed a great job with Perrigo of Holland. Although I am grateful for Shawn's job it's hard to think of it as being a fully secure job, since it seems like that doesn't exist right now, everyone seems to be "walking on eggshells" every single day, hoping and praying that they wake up with a job. As for the positive thinking there has been one major "positive" I've noticed when it comes to married couples who have or are going through the hard situation of unemployment, they are working TOGETHER in a way that is strengthening their relationship like I've never seen before. Looking back, Shawn and I never appreciated each other as much as we did during those 5 months of "making ends meet" and it made us work together in such a different, powerful way that I just can't even explain. Losing a job is one thing, but when you have someone in the family with a chronic health issue and you lose insurance coverage it's a totally different experience, it's scary. The couples with children and/or health conditions that I have witnessed go through this unemployment devastation are some of the most inspirational people to me, they never fully lose hope and if anything having their spouse and children there give them the strength and determination needed to keep moving, rather than simply giving up. I pray that this economy starts showing improvements soon and that the people impacted by this tough situation come out on top, as stronger, more grateful people. I pray for everyone who is struggling during this horrible time, it seems like nearly everyone is in fact struggling one way or another and above all I pray that we will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel very very soon. My eyes have been opened to just how bad it has become out there and it makes me even more grateful to be able to remain a stay-at-home-mom, even though I could really use a raise :)
God bless!
Sarah

First Blog

Well, after noticing a few friends who have been a part of this whole blogging thing and after hearing how much it helps some moms to, in a way, "vent" about their ups and downs and even the simple every day struggles or accomplishments that continually happen I thought I should give it a try. So here we go...
Today we had another doctor's appointment for my 2 year old son Landon, he was scheduled for a preop physical (to give us the "okay" to have his dental surgery on March 4) and to have one of his Hepatitis shots given to him. Since my husband Shawn was home I had him come with me so I'd have an extra set of hands to help hold our abnormally strong son down when it was time for that dreaded shot. Landon has been consistently in and out of hospitals and doctor's offices since birth so he learned very early that these visits usually consist of someone holding him down, pushing, poking, and many times hurting him and now he will instantly break down when the nurse calls his name in the waiting room. Today was no different, and I was actually grateful that he acted out like he normally does so Shawn could see just how much I go through every time I bring him to a simple check up, getting his blood drawn is a totally different story :P The nurse that weighed him, measured him and then gave him his shot was in complete shock when she realized just how strong he is and how hard it is to hold him still even for a few seconds. When the three of us (myself, Shawn and the nurse) held him down for the shot the nurse said she has never in her 15 years of nursing dealt with such a strong, solid toddler, she compared his strength to that of a 7 year old. She looked at me and said "Wow you are SO patient and great with him, most parents would be freaking out or breaking down along with their children when they act this way." I looked at her and simply said, "I'm used to it by now." The moment Landon heard the words "ready to go home?" he stopped his panicking and started waving and blowing kisses to everyone around him, lets just say he was more than ready to head home. After that appointment I started to wonder what it's like for mom's with kids who aren't so strong and who are sweet, calm and interactive towards people at doctor visits. Landon has learned what and how to fear certain things or situations as an infant who was a medical mystery for the first 5 months of his life. I know he's behind in the speech department and I also realize that it's due to not having the opportunities to interact with other children on a regular basis, but every day I try to work with him on saying a new word or phrase and although I see improvements we still have a long road ahead of us. Well, this blog is a little boring, but oh well, I'm a first timer and right now I've gotta end this so I can get things done before naptime is over. I will write again soon, we have A LOT of upcoming events in March including his dental surgery on the 4th; our first time flying with Landon on the 25th to Colorado for my brother's wedding which Landon just happens to be the ringbearer in and I am a bridesmaid on the 28th, so I'll be writing as we prepare for all of that. Take care!
~Sarah