Welcome back to the Jungle!

Well, it's official... tomorrow is mommy's first day back to work. Well, actually, I've been working all along, freelance... and that's what I'm doing now as well. But this time, it's not from home and I don't just step out for the occasional client meeting or event. I'm actually going to work, on a schedule, and more importantly, in a newsroom.

I'm just doing some vacation relief work at FOX 4. A few days or weekends a month to help fill in. I worked for them back in the 90's... so it's nice to be welcomed back!

But seriously, I haven't set foot in a newsroom for almost 6 years. (unless you count getting a football signed or Ella's Daisy troop tour) When Ella was born, I went back for 2 weeks and knew I was done. I gave my 2 weeks notice and never looked back.

Going back to work is one thing... but I've been juggling that all along. The freelance works around my kids and our family schedule... but going back to a newsroom, is a whole different beast. Newsrooms are cut-throat, competitive, tough and for that reason, I haven't missed the business one bit. I LOVE producing!!! I'll love to write again, to be part of the fast-pace of breaking news, to whisper in some one's ear and make them look like like they're so smart and on top of things... but will I love that return to the aggressive, competitive environment??

I was on top of my game the last time I did this. I was young, single, carefree, and I lived for that job and the climb to make more money, get more power, make more decisions, and have some sort of control. Now I have a husband, a mortgage, 3 kids, 2 dogs a super-sized SUV and I've relinquished all control. I'm lucky to control whether we have enough toilet paper in the house on any given day.

And that's not the only difference... I told Troy last night, "I need my TV body back." I didn't look like this. I was younger, thinner, more fit and lots more fun "back in the day." I guess the reality is, my outside must reflect the changes I've experienced on the inside. I'm just not the same girl that I was back then. I'm a woman, a wife, a mom... a lot has changed. I've survived a brain tumor, unemployment, and 4+ months in the NICU with a critically ill child who is still developmentally delayed and immuno-compromised. I feel like I've conquered the world... but can I still do this TV thing and do it as well as I once did???

I love my life now. I wouldn't trade what I have with Troy and the kids for anything. Leaving my stressful, long hours in TV news was the best decision I've ever made. Going back is scary, but exciting too. There are lots of familiar names, faces, and friends that I'll be happy to work with again. But as always, there is a new computer system to learn, and really... they always stink!

Plus I'll be leaving the kids alone with Troy. He is the best husband and father a family could ask for... but he's gonna have his hands full and I"m not sure he realizes that yet. Just this first weekend of my computer training... he'll have 3 birthday parties, one hair cut appointment, school lunches for Monday, talent show practice, clothing and showers for Monday plus feeding, diapering and clothing 3 kids. Seriously, he may quit before I get home!!

I'm doing so much prep to have things ready for him... my week has been a fiasco! Party gifts are wrapped and labeled, groceries purchased, clothes laundered and laid out for parties, and school Monday, kid back-up rides are in place, schedule rearranged to allow for extra Daddy time. (because he's not as fast at this as I am yet) And that's just this first weekend. Did I mention I'm missing Ella's recital, no, Daddy will NOT be in charge of hair and make-up for that one...

It's going to be a juggling act... for all of us. But financially, this has been the toughest year ever for our family. We had almost $20,000 in medical expenses and that's just what insurance and Max's Medicaid DIDN'T cover! We need this as well as my freelance and any other work we can get. I can't go back full-time, because Max can't go to childcare, and he has so many doctor and therapy and clinic appointments, etc... that a Nanny would cost us more than I could ever make.

This is what works for us. It will be an adjustment, but I'm really hoping to find joy in both worlds. Wish us luck and say an extra prayer if you could!!!

Marching for Mighty Mr. Max!

Congratulations to our birthday boy on his successful party at the March for Babies!!!



What a great day to celebrate Max's first year and all healthy babies! Our family participated in the March for Babies yesterday. We asked friends to join us and donate to the March of Dimes in lieu of gifts. Your response has been overwhelming!!




Our family raised more than $2600 and Team Mighty Max raised more than $3000!!! What a tribute to our boy! This is a quick photo of Team Mighty Max before we hit the road. ( and before Troy headed to the car to elevate his knee!)


It was emotional. We walked with the Hendrix family. Nicole Hendrix was the wonderful NICU mom who donated her breast milk for Max. While it was joyous to see she and Shannon with their healthy newborn, Lydia... it was bittersweet... seeing the balloons with notes they had written for their little angels in heaven... Addilyn and Lillian. We miss them both, even though we never knew them. They are forever a part of our lives and part of why we walk. Max just loves Nicole. Look at their picture! He's gonna outgrow her soon!!!




Max had a great day! He was the center of attention and as always, his charming self. He was able to see several of his former NICU nurses... including Monique and Betsy. (below) These two wonderful ladies were primary nurses for Max on the overnight shift. They kept him safe and sound so Mommy could sleep at night and know that he was in good hands!



FOX came to do a follow up piece for his birthday and they talked with both Nicole and I again. Of course, we both cried on TV, again!!! But it is emotional for us, this bond that we will forever share. We are so blessed to have them as part of Max' extended family!

We had a variety of people join us and support us in this event and we are so grateful for all of your help! This is truly a birthday that we'll be able to tell Max about for the rest of his life. What a great memory it will be... telling him how we celebrated his first birthday by giving back to the organization that helped us so much during his NICU stay... and helping other families like ours... who are thrown into the world of preemies with absolutely no warning!