The Watkins Family

Moving on Up...literally

2010-02-27T03:58:00.002-08:00

That's right. We're moving upstairs! We're buying the home in which we live in the basement apartment from Pat's grandparents who will be moving out in May...then we'll move upstairs! Hooray for BIG, bright windows and a master bedroom with a door!! We've got a lot of design/remodeling plans in the works, including a new bathroom. Very fun!

I'm also switching to pm shift (11am-1130pm) this next week! This is a BIG, exciting change for all of us...I won't be such a zombie when I'm home on my days off.

After a year of lots of transition, we're finally settling in....its a good feeling.

Update

2009-11-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, there have been some changes in our lives:

1. I'm working full time as a night shift ER nurse.
2. Pat's in full-time grad school
3. We're attending Willow Chicago Church
4. We're putting the adoption on hold indefinitely for financial reasons

That pretty much sums up our life right now. I'm getting sick more frequently than I'd care to...mostly because I work in a human petri dish, and my body doesn't know day from night anymore. Hopefully my immune system will get used to the exposure, and a day time shift will open up for me!

A rollercoaster of changes

2009-07-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

There haven't been a lot of postings recently, because I don't know even where to begin. But its time for an update.

Pat has resigned as the junior high pastor after 3 years of service at our church. It has been hard to say goodbye to our church family, but we trust that God will lead us to the place we will be most effective! He is feeling lead to pastor high schoolers.

Today was my last day singing and playing on the worship team. It was very sad to say goodbye to my team that I have lead worship with for the past 3 years. I will really miss it.

I am in the process of interviewing for ER nurse jobs...hopefully I'll be starting one in August.

As far as the adoption goes, we are waiting to initiate unitl we both have jobs. We will need the extra money to afford the adoption and a home large enough for a second child. Our hearts are aching to bring a little baby boy home from Rwanda, but we are learning patience as life has not gone as expected in the past few months!

As of July 24, we will be jobless.

This has been an emotional rollercoaster for me, and the lack of knowing what our future holds has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone.

On the other hand, we have a clean slate right now, and it is exciting to see where God plans to lead our family!

Reaghan's Dream

2009-05-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I asked Reaghan if she had sweet dreams last night.

She said yes.

I asked her what she dreamed about.

She said 'American Idol!' (We watch it together on Tuesdays)

I asked her who won American Idol...

She said "Daddy!"

So if you are placing bets on who will win the competition this year, consider Reaghan's prophecy :)

Rwanda Update

2009-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are interested in our adoption process, here's the scoop:

We have selected our organization, America World Adoption Association.
We have selected our country: Rwanda
We have selected the gender: Boy
and the age: Less than 6 months old

We want so badly to jump into the "official" process, but need to wait until I get a job so we can afford it!

I am not going to get a job for the summer since we have so many youth group events/trips and family vacations planned.

SO, if all goes according to plan (and things rarely do!) we will submit our official application in September.

Since we decided to adopt in November, this year has been a good lesson on patience and waiting on the Lord. I want so badly to bring our baby home, but know that it is all in God's hands and in His timing.

In the meanwhile, we've met (via the internet) other families who have gone down this path, or are currently going through the process. Hearing their stories gives us something to look forward to!

A Better Day

2009-04-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today I think I turned a corner. We joined the YMCA this morning, which includes 2 hours of free babysitting everyday in their childcare center! Today I sweated on the bike and then relaxed in the sauna. Reaghan really enjoyed the play room. We might make that a morning ritual. It felt good to get out and move.

I've got a quiche cooking in the oven, mascara on my eyelashes, laundry in the dryer and fresh watermelon sliced in the fridge. I am the epitome of a domestic goddess.

Suddenly feeling lost

2009-04-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm going through nursing school withdrawal. The last few months, I've been telling everyone that the closer I get to graduating, the more I just want to stay home and be a mom. Now I'm 3 days out after finishing school, and frankly I don't know what to do with myself. It's hard to see the value of changing diapers, looking at giraffes at the zoo, and making countless pb&j's. I know in the long term, I am having an important influence on Reaghan's growth and development, but it's hard to see in the day-to-day routine.

I am going to go back to work this fall, full time for now, then hopefully part time at some point. For now, I just need to take a deep breath and enjoy the time with Reaghan.

People always say that being a mom is the hardest job in the world...I'm beginning to understand that. There's no paycheck, little cognitive stimulation, and little gratitude. But I know in the long term, God is using me to help shape my little girl's heart.

So close to the finish line

2009-04-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I take my exit exam for Morton College. It's a biggie---you have to pass it with an 850 or higher in order to graduate. I've done really well in the program, but it's still nerve-racking. I've already taken 2 Ibuprofens today for a stress-induced headache.

On the bright side, Sunday will be my LAST DAY of school...I'll be working on the organ transplant floor again at CMH, which is a great way to end my three-year journey for my R.N. (Still have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, of course, but I'll be done with MC).

The closer I get to graduating, and starting to look for employment, the more and more I just want to stay home and raise my kids & help with the youth group. That's been my dream since I was in eighth grade: be a stay-at-home-mom and youth pastor's wife. Not really an option for us, if we ever want to move out of Pat's grandparents basement, though. We are so grateful that they have let us live here for free while I was in school, but the time is coming that we will need to move on.

Hopefully I can just work part-time so our kids can be raised by their parents.

I don't know if this desire to stay home with them is my own dream that I need to let go of, or if it is God's tug on my heart to find a way to make it work. God give me (& Pat) direction in this area.

Easter Pic

2009-04-22T11:36:00.001-07:00

Reaghan seeing the Easter Bunny come to ANPH

Organ Donation

2009-04-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I worked on the organ transplant floor of Children's Memorial Hospital. It's an interesting floor because you see some kids who are still waiting for their transplant, barely holding onto life. Their parents are in despair, holding on to a glimmer of hope than an organ will become available. Then you have other patients who just received their new organ, and are completely different kids. Their families are relieved, elated, and yet terrified of organ rejection.

Working on this unit has reminded me of how important becoming an organ donor is...If you haven't already, please become an organ donor and sign the back of your driver's license!

Wild Animals

2009-04-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Yes we went to Brookfield Zoo today. We go almost weekly since it's so close and we have a membership. Today's trip was different than most, however. It seems that EVERYONE in Chicago had the same idea we did, and the zoo was, well, a ZOO! We saw more people than animals, and some of the people were acting well, like wild animals!

I guess it was a good practice round for Disney World next month. I've always hated those toddler "leashes"...I don't like the idea of "walking" my daughter...but after fighting through the crowds today, I'm beginning to wonder if it's necessary...Reaghan can weave in and out of a crowd a lot faster than I can, and she's very bold.

All whining aside, we had a great time at the zoo in the sunshine. It was a good study break and fun family time.

NOW back to the books...

We're Ba-ack!

2009-04-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hello again, folks. Long time no talk. Ok so it's been almost a year since I quit blogging...and I think I'm going to give it a whirl again. I was mostly inspired to start again because I have gained a new friend whose blog I follow, Jamie Jo Braner, who adopted a little girl from Rwanda about a year ago through the same organization that Pat and I are going through. Actually, she and her husband were the FIRST family to adopt from Rwanda through our program...Thanks for paving the way for the rest of us, Braner family!

Anyway, back to Berwyn. This year has been busy...I'll try to sum it up in a few words...

School, Church, Toddler, Pottytraining, Family.

So I graduate about a month from now with my R.N. degree. When I started this school nonsense about three years ago, I thought that by the time I graduated I'd know it all...oh how wrong I was! The more I learn, the more I realize I still don't know.

I'm beginning to get nervous about finding the right job, and being good at it.

I just need to trust that God has brought me this far and he'll see me through, right? Cast your cares unto Him for he cares for You.

Well, time to get back to studying.

I am hoping to start being more consistent with the blog, and posting more photos (to the delight of my non-facebook family, I'm sure!)

Love,
Meredith

FACEBOOK!

2008-08-18T18:50:00.001-07:00

We're moving to facebook...get a free facebook account and you'll have more access to our pictures. If you need help getting an account, email me.

minnesota

2008-08-15T14:46:00.001-07:00

2008-08-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T12:48:00.001-07:00

University of Illinois Football Game Sept 29, 2007

2007-10-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Reaghan and Meredith got to go watch Uncle Mike perform in the drumline of the U of I marching band (Pat was working). We had a great time with my aunt na, mom, hillary, dad, and aunt patty. Reaghan enjoyed the game a lot too, although she found it hard to nap when everyone was cheering. We're looking forward to going back to the game on 10/28, this time with Pat, too! (Thanks mom for the pictures!)

a few more pictures

2007-09-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Sears Portraits

2007-09-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Reaghan at the zoo

2007-09-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken in August when G'ma Virginia and Aunt Hillary took Reaghan to the zoo for the day. They have a children's play zoo there, and Reaghan apparently loved looking at herself in the mirror. The last one was taken on her way home---she was pooped out!

Reaghan July 16th

2007-07-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Reaghan and Bailey

2007-07-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't pose them--they were just hanging out like this!

Reaghan's Dedication Day

2007-07-15T19:06:00.001-07:00

Living Legacy

2007-06-18T15:57:00.001-07:00

Here is Reaghan with all seven of her living great grandparents. This is not the "official" picture, but I wanted to get something on the website!

Reaghan's Jumper

2007-06-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

Reaghan loves her new jumper, given to us by my friend Maribel. The quality of these pictures isn't great, but they're cute anyway :)

Reaghan's Dedication

2007-06-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Reaghan was dedicated at church on Father's Day. We want to say thanks again to all of our family and friends who drove/flew in for the celebration! We had a barbecue afterwards at Bill and Gwen's, and a good time was had by all. We had pictures taken with Reaghan and all SEVEN of her living great grandparents. It was pretty special. Here is a picture of Reaghan with Pastor Larry. More pictures from this event will come soon!

California

2007-06-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

Reaghan, Pat, Meredith and G'pa Bob went to California to attend Tim Russo's wedding. Reaghan got to go to the ocean for the first time, sleep in a King size bed, and she went swimming in the pool at the hotel! She was a great traveler.

Reaghan and the dogs

2007-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hangin out on June 1st.

Boy's Bible Study

2007-06-01T10:34:00.001-07:00

Reaghan helps Daddy teach his weekly boy's Bible study at our house on Wednesdays.

Reaghan's Friends

2007-05-30T16:49:00.001-07:00

Rebecca and Bridget are two junior high girls who like to come over and play with Reaghan. They also help me out with baths and diaper changes.

Buddha Baby

2007-05-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

It's been VERY hot in Chicago the past few weeks. Reaghan isn't a fan of the heat, so we sometimes strip her down to her diaper during the day. I affectionately call her a myriad of nick names including Budda Baby, Chunky Monkey, Chubs, and Thunder Thighs.

Uncle Mike Snoozing

2007-05-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

After the Y-me race on mothers day, Michael was pretty tired. Mike took a snooze, but Reaghan was ready to play!

Asleep on G'pa with her tongue sticking out

2007-05-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Praying

2007-05-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

We caught Reaghan "praying" in bed one morning a few weeks ago. We couldn't resist snapping a few photos

Happy Baby!

2007-05-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Here's some smiley pictures :)

Too Cool for School

2007-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Reaghan in her shades. Taken around May 1.

Reaghan and G'ma Gwen

2007-05-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

Taken on May 16th. Too cute!

Mother's Day 2007

2007-05-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

Hillary, Michael, Claire, My mom, Reaghan, and I did the Y-me walk for breast cancer in honor of Claire's mom this mother's day! We had such a good time downtown. Here are some pics from the walk.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Watkins Babysit

2007-03-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Pat and I both had to be at church last night, so Great Grandpa and Grandma volunteered to watch Reaghan for us. They said she was good for them. When we got home, she was asleep in Great Grandpa's arms, and he had been singing to her.

Great Aunt Kim & Stephanie come for a visit

2007-03-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Pat's cousin Stephanie and her mom, Kim came in for a visit on Monday. Stephanie was headed back to Colorado where she lives, and they came by on the way to the airport. Reaghan smiled a lot for her cousin.

Pretty Baby

2007-03-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

I just like this picture, so I thought I'd include it for your viewing pleasure :)

More Pics from Saturday

2007-03-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Great G'pa & G'ma Randles visit with Reaghan

Busy Saturday!

2007-03-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

We had a good time visiting with Grandpa Bob and Great Grandma Babe today! They came over for lunch and spent some cuddle time with Reaghan. I think Rea looks alot like her G'pa Bob.

Uncle Michael came over, too, and played a video game with Pat all afternoon.

In the evening, we went over to Grandpa and Grandma Watkins' house for supper. It was G'pa Bill's Birthday. Mmm Giordano's Pizza. Reaghan got passed around between both sets of paterna greatl grandparents, her two aunts, and of course her grandparents. She's a very popular baby!

Reason to Celebrate!

2007-03-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Reaghan had an evening with NO FUSSINESS! We even went out to dinner with Great Grandpa and Grandma Watkins, and she slept through the whole thing. This makes me a VERY happy Mommy :)

Baby Shower at EBC

2007-03-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

The women at our church threw us a baby shower last week! Reaghan received some BEAUTIFUL new clothes, among other gifts. We can't wait for her to wear them!

Book Worms!

2007-03-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

This week I'm all about studying. I'm trying to pass a Math requirement for my nursing program by taking a test instead of a class. I haven't taken a math class in seven years! My brain hurts. Luckily, Reaghan is a good study companion.

Reaghan's Birth Announcement Picture

2007-03-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share her birth announcement picture online:

Reaghan Grace Watkins
6 lb.s 4 oz.
18 1/2 inches
January 2, 2007

Pictured here at
2 weeks old
sooo cute! :)

Entry #1

2007-03-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Today I am starting a blog to keep all our family and friends posted on what's happening with Reaghan these days, and what Pat and I are up to as well. I hope you enjoy the updates!