These past few weeks have been a whirlwind. I have made a huge change in my life. My last day at Nemours was today! Today, I am officially unemployed. Granted it is just til Monday, but it is the first time in my life since college that I have been unemployed. I made the hard decision a few weeks ago to go back to Arnold Palmer Medical Center to work as an outpatient dietitian for their Pulmonary group. I will be working with two physicians and a nurse practitioner that I adore. It was a difficult decision, but I am doing what will be best for my family. It is crazy that I have to think about "my family", but I am so thankful that I have to. I am really looking forward to this new opportunity and I know it is the best decision. Basically, I will be doing the same work (part time) with better benefits. In this insecure economic situation, I have to look out what is best for those beautiful blue eyes that look up to me. I know I am making the right decision, but it still is a difficult time. After all, these people have been there since I first started 10 years ago and have seen me grow into the person I am today. Fortunately, it is an amicable split and I know that I will still be in touch with my friends from Nemours.

Today is also a very special day. Not only is it my nephew Liam's 3rd birthday, but Tracy and Stephan welcomed their second into this world. Callie Anne Balderach was born today at 6:59pm weighing 6#6oz. I briefly talked with Tracy just after the delivery and their family is doing well. How beautiful does Tracy look in this picture, not to mention the little future daughter in law! Unfortunately, her Papa (grandfather) was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her Papa is such a wonderful man with so much spunk. You always feel so good being around him. I am praying for his peace and comfort at this time. Kirk, Chad, Sandy and Coleman are in my prayers as well during his last few days.

I wish so much that I could be there with Tracy and Stefan as they transition into this world of a 4 person family, just like they did for me. It was so awesome to have Tracy there with me when Cal was just 3 weeks old. Those memories will forever be cherished. Please know that I am there for you in spirit and just a phone call away. Here is a beautiful pic of my very best friend with her new beautiful Callie (who will marry Cal and we will call them Cal squared)... I will summarize some advice you gave me: "These first few weeks/months are rough, but soon you will be back to your normal self and getting more sleep. This period of time will not last forever. Enjoy it!" I love you guys!

Enjoy the next post of Chase singing "Happy Birthday" to Liam. You can tell his independence is really starting to shine through! Just for the record, this film was made 2 minutes before Callie was born. That is why I miss your phone call Stefan! :) Can't wait to come down for Liam's big birthday bash and to see the boys playing together!

It has been a busy week at the Brinkley home. Last week, Cal developed a cough and was not acting himself. I thought he may have caught my cold, but he had a high fever of 101.5 on Wednesday. We went to the pediatrician's office and it turned out he had a terrible ear infection and RSV! He was started on antibiotics for the ear infection. I had to just watch him and make sure his breathing was normal and not labored. He did sound a little wheezy for about two days, but was was soon starting to act like his normal happy self. He has not had a fever since Wednesday when we went to the doctors office.

Saturday night, Cal and Chase got to sleep over at Nina and Mammaw's house. They had a blast! Dawson and I were invited to Catherine and Jimmy Ellspermann's house for a Valentines dinner. We had great food, great wine and great company. It was such a fun night.

Today, Dawson had the day off today for President's Day. He had a wonderful idea to take the boys to Sea World. It was so much fun. Chase really enjoyed the Shamu show. When he woke up from his nap today, he demonstrated how Shamu splashed all the kids with his new stuffed Shamu toy. The weather was beautiful today. Chase even got to enjoy the splash pad in the kids playground. Click on the image below to see it larger.

Today is the birthday of a very special lady, Mammaw! She is 94 years young today. We had a big family get together to celebrate her birthday today. We also celebrated Taylor and Dino's birthdays that are in February as well. It was a great day visiting with family.

Thank you Norma and gang for hosting. We loved your yummy spaghetti and alfredo sauce.