Awesome career and being an amazing mother and wife.. Can women really have it all?

Hello blog!
 It has only been a year since my last post.  First all Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!  I hope you all know how loved you are.  We sure got lucky with my husband.  He is a rockstar in the dad department.  The Rigbys are headed north for the summer and I am sitting in the back keeping the little boys happy.  I decided to post my thoughts on this topic because it is constantly on my mind.  I wonder if other women do the same.  I am a speech language pathologist (SLP) as most of you know and LOVE what I do.  I also LOVE being a wife and mother.  It is really hard at times to balance it all and give myself the me time I need to keep sane.  One way I have done better at balancing it all is I have learned to say no and that it is okay.

There are times that I often wonder in my career if I am pushing myself to my full potential.  Right now I am working as a school based SLP  and stepped into this work setting because I wanted to have more time with my boys.  I really feel it is the best balance with working full time and being a mother.  I get off by 4:00 and have all those wonderful breaks that are so deserved by educators!  As much as I love my job I often feel the urge to doing something more challenging.  I have thought of going back to med school (too old), law school, PA school, starting my own therapy company, and just moving into a big rehab company to climb the corporate ladder.  As you can tell lots of thoughts in my head all the time.  Every time I feel the urge to do one of those the mom guilt gets me and I decide to continue enjoying my comfy life as it is.  I keep reminding myself they are only little once and work will always be there.  Do other women and mothers go through this same thought process?  I would love to know your thoughts on it!
I feel men are really lucky because for the most part they know they will work hard in a career.  I do not feel they have the "dad guilt" as much as we do.

Maybe this is a start to me blogging again!

5 months old

These past five months have flown by! We are so crazy about our two little men. Sawyer is such a good baby just like his big brother was. It is crazy people are even saying the same things that they said about Mac as a baby. I have heard "he's so laid back, serious, content, and happy!" "He studies everything around him." I think Sawyer smiles more than Mac and that's a lot. He is vocal, but not as much as Mac was at this age. He is great at napping and eating. I am still going strong breastfeeding which is way easier second time around. My goal is 6 months and then I will start a little formula and be done at 9 months. If I did not work I would do a year, but I loathe pumping. Finding the time to pump is also very hard. This year I am seeing 60 kids a week, have 17 re-evaluations due by May, and meetings weekly. Sawyer has eaten rice cereal, oatmeal, pears, carrots, sweet potatoes, and bananas. He seems to like it all about the same. His eyes are still very blue, so I feel pretty confident they will stay.













Sawyer loves our dogs and Mac. He will laugh at them all day long. Sawyer is also super ticklish. My only trouble with this little man is sleeping through the night is not happening. He did great until the dreaded 4 month regression hit. Since then it's been a mess. I try to stay positive, but sometimes a mommy needs her sleep. He gets close to doing it and then it will be a mess the next. It does not help that he is cutting 4 bottom teeth. Sawyer started going to school with his big brother this month. We had his nana and Mimi coming to keep him the past two months. He seems fine with school like he does everything else. Sawyer I am so thankful for every inch of your sweet self. Your go with the flow attitude is just what I needed trying to find a good balance with you guys. You are such a cuddly baby and your smiles are so contagious! We love you so much and can't imagine our family without you. I can't wait to see how crazy you and Mac get over the next few years. Mac asks me often "If you are big enough to play trains yet?" I know that time will come before we know it.


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Sawyer's Birth story

Can't believe I am getting to post this! I imagined doing this during my pregnancy and always realized it could go either way. Since my first was born in 2011 I had always hoped I could deliver vaginally one day. On August 20 the blue moon worked in my favor and God watched over us to have as the doctor called it "textbook" perfect vbac. I did my research and felt risks were equal for me to have a vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean) or repeat csection. I was an ideal candidate and knew my body went into labor all on its own with my first which was a requirement from my OBGyN. I had a c section date I was fine with and thought if its meant to be then he will come before that date. I work in the medical field and understand business and science reasons that are for and against vbacs.

Tuesday August 20 I got up to get ready for work and thought my water broke.  I had an appointment that morning and waited until then to do anything about it.  I thought I was having a tad bit stronger contractions, but honestly this pregnancy I quit keeping track because I had so many those last few weeks.  I knew from going into labor with Mac what else to look for when it really became time.  Before this appointment I was 2 cm and 80% effaced.  When I checked in for my appointment I told them I thought my water broke, so we were immediately sent to labor and delivery observation.

Here is a side not before I go further.  Mac was born on a super moon and when I found out that it was a blue moon Tuesday I packed up everything Monday night.  I told Mike he is coming tomorrow with the full moon.  Guess what he did!!!  We have werewolf boys ;o).

Mike and I get to the observation room and find out it was not my water, but I was contracting every 4-6 minutes and my doctor wanted me to wait an hour to see if they continued.  I was checked and I was 3 cm 80% effaced.  She had told me that I would be watched very closely since I was a vbac which was okay with me.  The hour passed no change, but contractions continued and some were every two minutes.  They gave me tons of water and we waited another hour.  At this point contractions were every 2-3 minutes and my water bag was bulging, so we were admitted to have this baby.

Sawyer was tolerating labor beautifully which Mac did not do at this point.  We alert family and friends and walk upstairs to my room.  After this the next couple of hours consisted of getting my epidural once the contractions became to painful and hanging out with Mike and our wonderful nurses.  Texas Women's Hospital has 1:1 nurse to patient ratio which is fabulous.  Since I was a vbac patient my nurse stayed in my room the entire time.  I was concerned about getting the epidural to soon because things I had read suggested that it might slow down labor.  My nurse said that is actually a myth, so I went ahead and got it at a 5.  I have no idea how women do it without.  It's so wonderful!!! 

The nurses and my doctor could not believe how my body produced contractions so well on it's on which they did with Mac too.  At this point I was really getting excited that my vbac might really happen.  I progressed pretty quickly and by 8:45 pm I was at a 10 and it was time to practice pushing.  I was warned since I did not push with Mac it could take 1-2 hours.  After my practice pushes he was ready to come.  Mike and I were glowing and so excited.  My doctor who was not on call and is that loyal to her patients stayed to deliver myself and 2 other patients.  She came in and said everything looked great, but I needed to wait one hour while she did an emergency c section on  one of the other patients.  We were bummed, but totally understood.  She came back and 3 pushes he was out!!  It was a wayyyy better delivery experience.  I did not even cry I was just glowing from excitement and thanking God for taking care of us!!!  I even looked at Mike and said "I DID IT!"  My doctor was just as happy for me.  Her words "you rocked that and made it look easy!"

I know it's not always and option for everyone to deliver vaginally.  I am thankful we have options when they are needed.  The initial recovery for both stinks, but I bounced back a lot faster this time.  It was not even a week later and I went out to eat for my 30th.  I would highly recommend giving a vbac a try if you are a CANIDIATE for one.  Do your own research and get a good doctor. 

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Just keep waiting waiting waiting

I am 39 weeks today and I am so thankful for this healthy smooth pregnancy, but I am also sooooo ready to have this baby in my arms. I know Dory doesn't say waiting, but that has ran through my head lots this week. Lol I do not remember being this ready with Mac. I think it has a lot to do with a. I am more confident now with babies b. we have no idea what Sawyer looks like, and c. Last week I was 2 cm and 80%! I just knew he was coming last week.

I cannot wait to see Mac meet his little brother (tears form just imagining this moment). I cannot wait to really savor the itty bitty time. That is something I do not feel you do as much with your first because you are so terrified. I cannot wait to hopefully be successful breast feeding again. Selfishly I am ready to lose this weight and workout again. 30 extra lbs makes it difficult to be a fun mommy!

Mac had an atypical umbilical cord, so we had a really good idea from all the ultrasounds what he looked like. The only ones I have had with Sawyer were to confirm and the 20 week. Now do not get me wrong I am beyond thankful for a healthy baby, but I have never been good with waiting on presents! Ha

Mac came at 39 weeks and like 3 days, so hopefully history repeats itself. If you know me well you know I am very organized and a planner, but with pregnancy I love the excitement of going into labor unexpectedly. I know weird! I secretly hope for a cool water breaking experience. Lol.

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Summer Time Fun

I feel so lucky to get to work full time with a job I love and have all summer off to soak up my family and friends!  This summer is super special since it is my last summer with Mac as my only... Oh me such mixed emotions.  This summer has been full of going to the zoo, train museums, pool, beach, splash pads, and play dates.

                               Mowing grass with daddy for the first time! He loved it!


                                Getting ice cream with one of Mac's best girlfriends Megan.






Father's Day in Austin where uncle Connor joined us.


Mac's first kiss!







Zoo play date!





I went and saw my best friend Amy and met Brooks who is sooooo cute!!!













Nana joined us at the beach!





Family beach trip where Mac caught his first fish!




Happy Birthday America!!

The 10 week countdown!

It's official Sawyer will be here by August 22 first thing in the morning unless I go into labor before where I will attempt a vbac unless my doctor advises otherwise.  This pregnancy has flown by and I am now off for the summer.  I feel very fortunate to have these last 10 weeks to soak up every moment with Mac as an only child.  He is super excited about his little brother and I hope this continues once he arrives.  He hugs, kisses, and talks to Sawyer daily.  Last week he told him to "Get Out!" Hahaha Mac is full of personality!!

This past month was busy wrapping another school year up and preparing for the start of another in which I will be out the first three months.  I told everyone not to do anything for us since this is our second boy.  No one listened because they said it's my first baby in Texas!  I had two cute showers thrown by the wonderful people at my school and our speech path group for the district.  I feel so blessed to work with so many people who have made Texas feel like home!

For my first week home with Mac we have been swimming, to the zoo, had a picnic, and tried out our new library!  We are going to Austin this weekend for Father's Day.  Mike wants to try out the number 1 BBQ joint in Texas! It should be a fun adventure and he is very deserving of his special day!! I can't wait to see if Sawyer will be a Mike clone too.

Oh Boys!!

On April 4th we found out another sweet little boy will be coming into our lives!!!  His name is going to be Michael "Sawyer" Rigby.  Michael is after his awesome daddy and Sawyer we just loved.  Mac and Sawyer will be into lots of mischief growing up together.  My prayer and hope for our boys is for them to be kind to everyone.  I want them to be the boys that are little gentlemen and who take up for kids that are being bullied or singled out.  I want them to see people for who they are.  I hope I am always the Christian example that I need to be for them.

I grew up with brothers and it seems that I will officially be out numbered by boys the rest of my grown up life.  There maybe a third chance for a little girl, but even so we will still be out numbered.  I LOVE LOVE having a little boy!!  Little boys are insanely crazy about their mommy and to think I will have TWO that way makes me eager for August to arrive.  My ultrasound pictures were not as clear as they were with Mac, so I really cannot tell a whole lot about this little guy.  He is super active and was actually punching at the ultrasound machine for most of his pictures.

 Oh Sawyer you are already, so loved and we cannot wait to bring you into this crazy world.  Mac has already cleared a path for you and I am ready for all the peculiar things you boys do like chew on grass, eat dog poop, pick up dog poop to help mommy...., pee everywhere, and play with bugs and worms.  I am sure you will add to this list and it will all make me love you even more.

 

P.S. Please have blue eyes!!

Sweet daddy moments

Mommy and their sons definitely have a very loving and neat bond, but a father and son relationship is so exciting to watch! I am daily watching our little man evolving into his father. I have really been blown away with how many things he has taken interest in that are just like his daddy. I will say Mac may not have gotten much from me which is totally fine, but he definitely has momma's personality!! The most out going little boy around! I just love it and even on days when I would like a second of silence I embrace it because I work with to many sweet boys whose moms would love to be in my shoes.

In saying all this I wanted to document a very special moment for daddy today. If you know my husband then you know he goes to Home Depot almost daily. Mac was in there at like 2 weeks old. Mike is very handy and always "needing" something. Today he came in and said he was going to Home Depot. Mac screamed "daddy daddy I want to go to pepot!" We both got so excited! Mike has probably been waiting on that moment since he knew Mac was a boy. I love my boys!!


"Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad."


They even sleep alike!


Mike's mini me

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You know you're a Speech Pathologist when...

A couple of months ago this was posted in our monthly speech meeting.  I loved it and had to share!  Every bit of it is true and I feel my fellow SLPs will feel the same!  I honestly feel I have one of the best jobs in the world!!!

 

 

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A SPEECH PATHOLOGIST WHEN......

 

 

*You speak entirely in acronyms (just ask my husband).

 

*You are the only adult who still plays with bubbles on a daily basis and enjoys it.

 

*You could easily do language therapy with the items in your purse.

 

*You understand that "ship" and "sip" do not begin with the same sound.

 

*Friends and family ask you to assess their children and you already did it mentally without them knowing.

 

*You genuinely enjoy your job everyday!

 

 

 

 

 



HAPPY THURSDAY!! One more day and I am off for a week and headed to home sweet home TN!!!



Mac's singing!!

Anyone who knows me knows why I am so excited about this!!!!! He started singing last night with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" which I always sing to him before he goes to bed.  It was such a sweet moment when he joined in.  Happy tears were everywhere!!!  Here is sweet boy singing The ABC song!  Happy Sunday!

An Amy weekend!!

This weekend my very best friend came down to see us before she has her sweet baby boy in January. I cannot wait to see her as a mom and meet this sweet little guy. Amy and I met In graduate school and have had such a special friendship ever since. I thank God all the time for placing me at ASU because she is such a blessing to me and my family! When I lost my best friend Mica in December Amy drove 6 hours to Bolivar and back to Little Rock in a day to be by my side without me even asking her to. She is so wonderful. Go Here to read about a mission to save and change children's lives that Amy is apart of. This is a beautiful example of being God's faithful servant.
Amy and I now enjoy our visits doing the simpy things in life that we can't normally do together. It's funny how our lives change and we notice it more with every visit. This trip we were on our way home from shopping and my dad called. He said "oh you and Amy shopping must mean you girls bought shoes." I said, "Nope baby boy clothes." Lol. One day we will go back to buying those shoes!
Friday night we ate at this hidden oasis in the city called Tiny Boxwoods with some of my new friends here in Houston. It was wonderful food and a fabulous atmosphere.








When Amy and I depart from one another it is always messy, so we make it quick. Amy I am a better person for knowing you! Thank you for everything!

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Never stop exploring

About a month ago Mac started playing in this box and I of course took some pictures! Once I put them all together and up on Facebook I realized what the box said. I think that motto is one we should all try to live by! Mac certainly is and I am loving every second I get to watch him doing it even if one of those exploring moments involves dog poop! I love you my sweet sweet Mac!!!!
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Our Summertime in Pictures

This is not a surprise, but we have been traveling EVERYWHERE this summer!!! In 7 weeks we went to 7 states. It was lots of fun and we got to spend time with lots of people we love! Mac got to meet some of my friends he had never met. Both sets grandparents got lots of Mac time which they loved!! I got to spend tons of time with my nieces and nephews which was long over due. When my oldest brother and his family picked Mac and I up at the airport Jamie and I both were in tears loving on each others babies. Jack tackled me and I could not believe how big he was. It had been over a year since I had seen them. Once back to Texas we were home for 3 days and then went to our favorite low key TX beach with some of my oldest friends and their better halves. One thing I love about where we live is it's so close to the beach!!!! So here are some of my favorite moments of the summer!












Lindsey & Tim's wedding in Charlottesville, VA ( beautiful)




Happy 4th of July with a yummy crab boil in Arlington!








Ashley Brown's bachelorette party in New Orleans, LA




Finally back in Tennessee with oldest brother's family who had just moved back!! Fun times with his cousins!!




One of Mac's favorite things to do with Mimi & Papaw!







These two has a blast together!





Second favorite thing to do at Mimi and Papaw's house: throw rocks in there fish ponds "boys"







Back home to the beAch in Texas! Mac LOVED it!! He wasn't scared at all which kept mommy very busy. Everyday when we would drive out on the beach Mac would start squealing with excitement.




His cousin John joined us from NJ!







He loved fishing just like his daddy!

Ps this post was supposed to have been done last month! Haha
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