This Week

Well, I started classes last week. The first 5 days were an introduction to the school, how to study, the stresses of nursing classes and basically, how not to fail out. Yesterday was my first day of Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology I. It's definitely going to be hard for me. I have to stay on top of reading and studying because sciences never came as easily to me as other courses. But, I am so excited about nursing school!!!!! (yes, I know you're not supposed to start a sentence with the word 'but'.)
Today was a pajama day for Ryder and mommy. He started daycare last Wednesday and though he only goes on days I have class, I still feel very torn about leaving him with someone else. I know he's having fun and is in very good, very capable hands but I still feel like I'm the one who should be home with him. I mean, I'm his mommy. If I had stuck with nursing at Samford, I might be able to stay home more with him now. Then again, if I had stuck with nursing, I might not be where I am now-and I LOVE where I am now. As we were playing tonight, Ryder put my finger in his mouth to chew on. PEOPLE--- WE HAVE A THIRD TOOTH!!!! He hasn't been too fussy so I didn't think about it. But, then again, he's been in daycare and I haven't really seen him during the day. I am soooo excited and sad at the same time. My baby is growing up. He isn't the same little boy I brought home almost 9 months ago.
Anyway, I'm going back to bed...it's 1:30 and I have to be able to function tomorrow. Ryder is pretty demanding ;)

How my baby calls out to me to come get him in the morning...

PS-he's fighting off a pretty big cold right now-from being in daycare and getting a tooth-so if you want to send up a quick, little prayer for him, we would all appreciate it. :)

Just a Normal Day

Today was just a normal day for the Fry family. But, after finding out that Tripp gained his wings yesterday, I treasured every single moment that I got with Ryder.
Mommy and baby bear went to church this morning at Coastline Church. Ryder loves the child care there. Everyone is so nice. It's smaller than COTH, but people have been so nice to me and they rave over Ryder. Today was an "in between sermon"-one between two series. Next week starts the Love and Respect marriage series and I am really excited about it. This book emphasizes everything I learned in school. I also registered myself and Pat for the marriage seminar in February. I tried to explain to him that you don't have to have a marriage "in trouble" to go to a marriage seminar-it makes a good marriage even better. There are also a few things in the book I want to discuss with Pat about making sure God is our #1 priority and that our marriage is one that exhibits God's love to others.
After church, Ryder and I met with our friend, Kaye, and her baby at a mall in El Cajon. It was nice to get out with a friend and see other people haha. Daddy stayed home and had a relaxing day to himself.
Tomorrow is supposed to be Ryder's first day of daycare. What a sad day it is going to be for me. I have been torn with feelings of guilt and excitement about this next phase of my life. I know I need to be able to have an identity outside of "Ryder's mom/domestic goddess". I  want to have a job-I want to have a life and friends outside of the house-I want to get out of the house with friends every once in awhile. I am so in love with my baby boy and it makes me feel bad sometimes, but I know it's okay to want to get out sometimes. I just don't want Ryder to like the people at KinderCare better than me haha.
We still haven't heard from NACCRRA yet. Ryder will be there 3 days a week-Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But this first week of class is a little different. When we go in and do paperwork tomorrow, I have to see if our 3 days can be Wed, Thurs, and Fri this week instead of the other days. Not only will that help with my school schedule but I am hoping to hear back from NACCRRA, too, since they are closed tomorrow.
Anyway. That is all that is really going on right now. I will let you know at the end of the week how class has gone and how tomorrow goes at KinderCare.
Treasure your families, hold them close, and give them an extra kiss tonight.

TEAS and Taco Night

Don't get too excited...it's "Taco Hell" not homemade. But I am tired today and feeling a little nauseous so I don't want to have to cook and then clean up afterwards. Don't judge me;)
I took the TEAS nursing entrance exam on Saturday morning. I passed...YAY...Now it is time to wait. The official deadline is November 5th, so I won't hear anything until closer to the end of that week. AGH...a month and a half away. When I find out if I pass, let's not be too cocky...IF I pass... I have a lot of work to do. Not only do I have to find a day care for Ryder, but I also have to get certified in CPR by the AHA, get a background check, take a drug test, get a physical, AND get my shots all up to date. I am so excited. I am praying I get accepted. If you feel like taking a quick moment and sending a little prayer up to God, I would really appreciate it.
Stay tuned and I'll let you know how all of this goes.

Kaplan College

So, I had my meeting with a representative from Kaplan College and a tour of the campus, today. Ryder came with me. (He was such a good boy and made friends with everybody.) It was so exciting to talk to someone. When I told her that I had a Bachelor's degree already, the representative got really excited and told me that would cut out a lot of classes. Originally, my plan was to just participate in their CNA program and then transfer elsewhere to get my Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). Well, While I was there I learned that Kaplan College IS an accredited college!!!! So...I took the first test I needed to to enter their program and "blew it out of the water" at least the representative said I did.
The next step is to go to a Nursing Informational meeting on Monday night. While there, I will be assigned a nursing representative who will take me through every step on an individual basis, from financial aid to registration for the TEAS exam.
Anyway...the meeting went really well today...I'll post more information on Monday or Tuesday after the informational meeting...
WOOOHOOO

Call Me Nurse Kelley

I AM SOOO EXCITED. Tomorrow, after my eye doctor appointment (PS-I'm pretty much blind) I have an appointment to start my classes to get my AA in Nursing to become an RN and, eventually, go back and get my BSN. I transferred from FSU to Samford for Nursing, but...well...that didn't work out. My GPA from FSU was too low, and, when combined with my GPA from Samford, it wasn't high enough. So, now, I am going back to finish what I should have done in the beginnning.
Step 1: become a CNA (certified nursing assistant). I am going to Kaplan College tomorrow to sign up for the 6 week course and financial aid.
Step 2: Register for Anatomy and Physiology (with labs) at the local college.
Step 3: Register for the NURSING PROGRAM!!!!
Those 3 steps will take the rest of the time I am here but it will keep me busy. And I can still stay home with Ryder-only being gone a little bit of the time and I can find someone I really trust to watch him for me (PLUS- the school that offers the nursing program has childcare!!!! I could take him with me)

I am going to visit my family on the East Coast at the end of this month. My sister bought my ticket so I could come and see her!! THANK YOU, KATIE! So I get to see her, ALL of my in-laws, and my parents are coming up for the weekend, too. I am so excited to see everyone and for everyone to see how much Ryder has grown and to see him laugh and smile---AND to see Carter, Daisy, Kemp, Lily, Powell, and Blakely. I feel like I have been gone forever and I need to see them!!!

When I get back, I'll start my classes (I GET TO WEAR SCRUBS---:) )
Stay tuned for more....