My eyes are heavy with exhaustion as I sit here staring at the computer screen, the familiar routine playing out like an old habit after every trip. Unpacking, doing laundry, teaching a lesson on writing letters, giving extra hugs and kisses before bed, catching up on sleep, and picking lint from my socks—it’s all second nature now. I feel like I’m going through the motions, but deep down, I’m searching for the right words to capture what I’m feeling. I honestly don’t know where to begin. Thoughts are swirling in my mind, chaotic and disorganized, much like the piles of bags and suitcases scattered across my room. They were thrown everywhere late Monday night when I finally got home, desperate to scoop up my littlest one who’d been waiting up for me. Sorting through my emotions feels impossible—like trying to untangle the jumble of clothes and random items still carrying the smell of the rainy winds and city exhaust from downtown Chicago. One. How can something so small—a single number—make such a huge impact? It stirs up so many feelings, leaving me overwhelmed. One year ago today, I held my baby for the very first time, and now, a year later, I did it again. My husband brought the kids all the way from 300 miles away so we could celebrate Brayden’s first birthday in a special way. I tiptoed into his dark hotel room and gently kissed his head, breathing in the sweet scent of him. The moment was bittersweet, and I cried. One. We celebrated in true family style—shopping, dining at our favorite restaurant in the Windy City, and enjoying some gourmet mac-n-cheese, fries, and a whipped cream cake. It was perfect. As we sang "Happy Birthday," memories of that unforgettable day flooded back—his first breath, his perfect little cry, and the joy of holding him close for the very first time. I’m proud of the kind-hearted little boy he’s becoming, but I’ll always treasure the early moments too. One. Our time together before my husband had to leave was magical, like scenes from a beautifully-scored movie. There was the perfect bowl of popcorn, the thrill of splashing in the hotel pool, and the awe-inspiring architecture of the city towering above us. We got lost in the hustle and bustle of the city, the sounds blending seamlessly into the background of our celebration. It was just perfect. We’ll celebrate again soon, but bigger. Life is worth celebrating, especially birthdays, and we love making it grand. When we’re home for longer stretches, we’ll throw an even bigger party with friends and family. Plans are underway. One. As I rocked my one-year-old just a little longer tonight, savoring the moment before putting him to bed, I felt it. That overwhelming sense of love and gratitude, the kind that stays with you long after the day is done. It’s like being on a school bus where everyone keeps singing the same song over and over—it sticks with you, brightening your mood even during mundane moments. This feeling will stay with me forever. Stay tuned for more updates... The month-by-month breakdown: Read more about each month here. A ureteral stent is a thin tube that is inserted into the ureter, which is the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. It is typically used to treat various conditions that affect the flow of urine, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or blockages in the ureter. The stent is usually made from TPU in a pigtail shape on each end to keep it in place, coming with various sizes from 4.0fr to 8.0fr for different age groups. Double J stent,percutaneous nephrostomy set,ureteral stent,pigtail drainage catheter 2 MEDS TECHONOLOGY CO.,LTD , https://www.2-meds.com
The Big One
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Move Over, Dora