January 29th 2019

Magic in the Mundane's 6th installment-- It's been a while. Since my last magic in the mundane post the holiday season has come and gone, and the hustle and bustle of full time work and extra curricular hobbies and activities has kept us busy. I was feeling a little uninspired throughout January and never want this space to feel forced or like something I HAVE to do; so I waited until my inspiration grew and my desire to create was rekindled. So here we are; A quiet Monday afternoon, I have the day.. Well actually week off of work, I just put that adorable busy little toddler down for an afternoon nap and I'm sitting cozy at my computer, hot coffee beside me and an eagerness to document life lately.

Christmas this year was a blast. Benen's first Christmas was spent sleeping through the festivities in a peaceful newborn way. This year was a whole different kind of magic. He was engaged and excited and spent time playing with his cousins and family ripping open an obscene amount of toys and books and eating generous amounts of delicious food in true Christmas fashion. Typically I feel mildly stressed about the holidays. Usually being a bit of a perfectionist and making sure everything is just right. This year that stress was eliminated for me; as I had to work the entire week of Christmas  including Christmas day. So I simply did the best I could. While this was a nice bonus for our bank account; I'll probably try my best to never have to do that again. At least while we have a young family. It was a busy week but we managed to fill our cups up with an annual friendsmas dinner, visits with family and friends, yummy food and an insane amount of gratitude.  New years was low key, so not hip and exciting, but quite honestly perfect. Josh and I spent our 10th new years together, snuggled on the couch with snacks and netflix-- and Benen made an appearance for snuggles and kisses for the strike of midnight.

We're going in to February and Benen is almost 15 months old. He's so big, and my love for him grows each day. Josh and I were just reflecting as he sat in the rocking chair all by him self getting ready for bed the other night "remember when we had to hold his neck, how did he get so big!?". He is becoming increasingly independent and clever. He likes to wave and still showers us with big open mouth kisses and hugs. He ADORES dogs. I think he legitimately might believe that he is one… he drinks out of Sully's dish…. just. Like. Sully. He says "woof" all day long and even greets Sully's friends and other pups in the walking trails with an excited "woooooofff" "Woooooff". I hope I'm not jynxing myself here, but hes getting to be so much better at sleeping and more and more frequently will give in to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep… in the snail position obviously. He thinks its funny to say "ughh-ohhhh" and askes to be "up" to never miss out on the action.

I haven't really documented this in words yet… But after much consideration I've decided to make a slight career change. An opportunity presented it self, and it was like a big neon sign that I couldn’t ignore.

For years, I've had a special interest in the perinatal nursing specialty. I have dreamed about obtaining my specialty and exploring this realm and beyond for many years now. Out of my own time, interest and financials I took my first theory course through BICT while I was still in nursing school. I took my second theory course this past year while on maternity leave… baby steps (pun intended) I thought. With the successful theory courses under my belt there was still a 12 week breastfeeding course and two 144 hour clinical experiences left to complete. I had no intention to finalize this education any time soon but then the stars aligned and an opportunity presented itself. There was a posting for a perinatal specialty education position; in which the health authority would sponsor successful applicants to obtain their specialty education through BCIT and then obtain a position on the labor/delivery and maternal unit. I deliberated the options, fretted about change and got excited about my potential dream. I applied, I had nothing to lose and didn’t have to make a decision right away.

I was awarded the position and had 48 hours to officially accept the offer. I was initially elated and proud, but the decision was not totally easy. I love my current job as a home care nurse. I get to spend more quality time with my clients and their families. I get to be autonomous and my scope is vast ranging from wound care to palliative care and everything in-between. I get to work out of the most amazing office and work amongst the most intelligent and kind co workers who specialize in a variety of professions. I feel like I had JUST regained my confidence and job specific skills after returning from maternity leave. But I did it. I made the decision to shake things up, and give this new opportunity a fair shot. For I know I would forever wonder what if. Besides if it's truly not meant for me, I can switch things up again -- one of the beautiful things about a career in nursing. Change is frightening, but change also is a sign of growth.

Although I plan to stay in the casual pool and pick up home care nursing shifts occasionally, I had my official last day last Thursday. My co workers treated me to lunch and the most beautiful bouquet of flowers with the kindest, thoughtful words on a card. I packed up my desk, which at this point was a confusing contradiction as I still had my "welcome back Marisa!" sign and decorations up with my farewell flowers, and said my goodbyes.

Now I'm in limbo, I have this week off to soak up time with my sweet boy, and dedicate some time to my online breastfeeding course before I nervously but excitedly start my new adventure next week. Next week I'll  officially be a BCIT student and start my first clinical experience down Island. I'll commute back and forth in between my rotation sets for the next month and a half. Then I will complete my specialty experience at our local hospital and go from there.

Shout out to Josh for being my number one fan as per usual and showing me 110% support for our family and to make this dream a reality-- team work makes the dreams work ! <3