Living the Dream in Louisiana

I finished 2 books recently, and I’ve been meaning to write a little something about them, so here goes…

I usually read silly fiction stuff, but my last two choices were non-fiction.  The first one was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot.

This book was SO interesting.  I’ve never claimed to be a science buff or anything, but there is so much I didn’t know about the history of scientific research.

Henrietta Lacks (the namesake behind HeLa cells) died from a very agressive cancer in the 1950s.  During this time, doctors were in the practice of taking sample cells for their research without permission or very precise record-keeping.  Turns out, Henrietta’s cancer cells were like nothing these scientists had ever seen.  Against the odds, Henrietta’s cells didn’t just survive in the lab, they flourished and reproduced like crazy! 

The book explains what a breakthrough the HeLa cells have been for science (like helping scientists to cure polio…no big deal). The discovery of these “immortal” cells created an insane demand among researchers all over the world, and launched a multi-million dollar industry.

The author was also able to interview Henrietta’s living family members, including her children, to add a personal touch to the factual information included in the book.  This aspect of the book told a heartbreaking tale of a very poor family who had NO IDEA that their mother’s cells were being used in scientific research.  Henrietta’s children weren’t made aware of their mother’s contribution to science until decades later.

It raises so many questions…should Henrietta’s family have received a portion of the money made as scientist’s sold her cells to researchers across the globe for the last 50 years? Read it, and let me know what you think!

The next book I read was quick read.  If I didn’t have a baby in the house that needed my attention here and there, I probably would have finished this one in one sitting. 

Heaven is For Real was so sweet and heart-warming.  Regardless of your religion, I think everyone would like to believe that there is something more to look forward to after our time on Earth.  This book really makes me feel good knowing that loved ones I have lost are in a truly amazing place now.

It’s a true story about 4 year old Colton Burpo, who undergoes emergency surgery and somehow slips out of his own body and briefly enters heaven.  While in heaven, Colton meets his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each.  His parents were were in shock and disbelief as they learned more and more over the next few years as Colton would offer up small details about what heaven was like. 

Next up, I’m knocking out my last couple of Sookie Stackhouse novels…I’ll spare you guys the review on those.  Just a trashy vampire novel…guilty pleasure, don’t judge.

You guys - I got the job!  Thanks so much for all of the good luck vibes, prayers, and well wishes.  I feel so relieved, excited, nervous and did I mention relieved?  Now that this crazy stressful time is over, I will be returning to your regularly scheduled programming on this here blog very soon. 

No more funk and moping, all cute babies and puppies and birthdays and smiles. 

I promise.

Today is the day. I will find out at approximately 8:00 am whether or not I will be hired by the new company. Send good luck vibes please!

My sweet baby girl is officially not a baby anymore. Today, she is one year old. A toddler.

The past year has been the best year of my life, hands down. There have been tough times, sleepless nights, pity parties, and missed social events…but that sweet face of hers makes me forget about all those times. Before she was born, I had no idea how much I could love another person. When you’re pregnant, everybody tells you about this crazy love that can only occur between a mother and her child, and I really thought I knew what they meant. I had been carrying that little bundle in my tummy for 9 months and I had grown pretty fond of her. But let me tell you, I HAD NO IDEA what I was in store for! It wasn’t until I held her in my arms for the first time that I truly felt the full magnitude of that love.

Happy Birthday Rory Belle!  You make your daddy and me so happy.  My favorite time of the day is the morning, when I know you’ll be standing in your crib waiting for one of us to come through the door to get you out of bed.  You’re always so happy to see us, and you greet us with your gorgeous little 6 toothed smile.  You are such a charmer. You have the cutest personality – you only have 2 or 3 words in your vocabulary, but you’re already a little bossypants. It’s hilarious.

I am so lucky that God picked me to be your mommy. You make me feel so special. I love you more than you’ll ever imagine…until you have babies of your own, then maybe you’ll get it. I love seeing you grow and get stronger physically and mentally every single day. I love every second that I get to spend with you. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the years to come.  Happy Birthday cupcake!

Love,
Your Mommy