Night Life Recap...

I'm down to the last two weeks of my seven week stretch of Nights...talk about going out with a bang...

In full disclosure, it's been miserable not being there for the kids during the week, but as usual, they are stronger than I give them credit for. I think they are taking it better than me actually.

After this, I end on an elective rotation. Which thankfully is much better hours, but I have research to finish, Boards to study for, and some of my last vaginal hysterectomies to finish for my graduation numbers.

I can't believe I only have 33 days left guys, but I am so ready for this hellish year to be over.

If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen my newest normal, but if not, here is the highlight reel:

Lots of Marco Polo Videos & FaceTime of school and bedtime routines...

I haven’t been able to hug my babies in five days thanks to my night float rotation 😞😩This is the part of the job I dislike the most. Thanks to their creative dad, I’ve been able to stay in the loop of what’s been going on at home even though I’m not there for the action. Like Marco Polo videos of Natey excited to tell me that he got 100% on his math quiz, Isabelle showing me a picture she drew at school, and the kids bickering at breakfast because someone was chewing with her mouth open LOL one more night and then I get some much needed Mama time ❤️ #mamasinmedicine #marcopolo

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson, MD (@mrsmommymd) on Apr 13, 2018 at 5:15am PDT

Some doctoring mixed in with ultrasounds and ORs...

Is it Friday yet? Oh ok. Just checking. 😩 #nightshift #latergram #mamasinmedicine

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson, MD (@mrsmommymd) on Apr 11, 2018 at 6:47pm PDT

Snack Breaks....

Sweet visitors to make home less far away...

Best surprise ever 😍❤️

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson, MD (@mrsmommymd) on Apr 17, 2018 at 1:03am PDT

Eight years tomorrow ❤️ 4.16.10

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson, MD (@mrsmommymd) on Apr 15, 2018 at 11:17am PDT

Cherishing my weekends with Saturday family dates & Sundays at church...

It’s going down.

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson, MD (@mrsmommymd) on Apr 21, 2018 at 5:38pm PDT

Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Talk to you soon!

xoxo

Beating Spring Allergies with Clorox® and FLONASE

***This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc., Clorox and Flonase. All opinions are mine alone. #AllergyFreeAdventures #CollectiveBias***

Spring is here and our family couldn't be more excited! Spring means the kids can play outside longer, mommy can move her workouts and coffee breaks outside for extra sun, and we all can enjoy the beautiful spring bloom of the North Carolina trees.

But in our allergen sensitive home, Spring also means that everything is covered in that distinct yellow-green pollen - which leads to red eyes, runny noses, and LOTS of sneezing. Since our move to North Carolina, we have experienced pollen that is anything we have ever seen! Even for myself, who never grew up with seasonal allergies, the itchy eyes and stuffy nose strikes more frequently.

I have found that right around the pollen bloom is the perfect time for a spring deep clean in our home. Mainly, because it makes maintenance throughout the spring and summer months a lot easier.

Here's a run down of how our family keeps dust at bay...

First, we hit up Kroger to grab all of my spring cleaning must haves - Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes + FLONASE mist. I couldn't decide between lemon or fresh scent, because they both smell great!

To stay on track, I have found some great printables on Pinterest to help me systematically and efficiently get through the whole house.

These are my Spring Cleaning MUST DO’s specifically for beating dust and pollen allergies:

- Change the air filters

- Dust all the wood furniture, blinds, and picture frames with a damp cloth

- Dust and vacuum all light fixtures

- Mop (Isabelle’s favorite. See exhibit A.)

- Wipe all countertops down with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes (including the bathrooms & kitchens) and any other hard, non-porous surfaces

Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes are great for this because the wipes can Wipe away 99.9% of the most common allergens*

- Clean ceiling fan blades

- Wash baseboards, door  frames, window sills, doors, and walls

- Wash all bedding and vacuum mattresses

- Vacuum the couch

- Clean and disinfect toilet and shower

- Disinfect all kitchen appliances including the inside of the fridge.

- Empty, clean, and organize cabinets

- Properly dispose of expired medications

- Lastly, don't forget door knobs!

For an added shield against allergies, this year we have added FLONASE to our routine. As a mom and a doctor, I am always looking for products that I would give to my own family and patients. FLONASE has made the cut because:

- FLONASE provides more complete allergy symptom relief because it relieves nasal congestion, while single-ingredient antihistamines don't.  

- FLONASE helps block 6 allergic substances, and most allergy pills only block 1**.  

- Once-daily FLONASE nasal spray products are proven to offer 24-hour relief from both nose- and eye-related allergy symptoms.  

- FLONASE products are both non-addictive and non-drowsy.

With the help of Clorox® and FLONASE, I am able to keep my family healthy and all of our allergies under control so that we can spend less time congested, and more time doing things we love to do together.

*Use Clorox® products as directed for removal of non-living allergens like pet dander, dust mite matter and pest matter on hard nonporous surfaces in your home. Keep out of reach of children.

**vs single-ingredient antihistamines which do not treat nasal congestion. Mechanism vs most over-the-counter (OTC) allergy pills. FLONASE nasal sprays act on multiple inflammatory substances (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, tryptases, chemokines, and leukotrienes). The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown.

Find more spring allergy tips like these here, and savings here. I would love to hear how you arm yourself against allergy season in your home? Share below!

Decoding Disney: Planning Our Trip as a Beginner

When I was a kid, my family's trips to Disney were some of the most memorable times in my childhood. Maybe it's me, but I get all swept up in the magic... So I have been waiting for the right time to take my kids - when they would remember this expensive trip and could actually do a lot of the most popular attractions.

This spring break, we made *my dream* come true, but not without a lot of planning to make sure I got my money's worth we got our money's worth. Honestly, Nate and I joke about how you could take a whole class on Disney park essentials. THERE. IS. SO. MUCH.

Here is how I planned our Disney vacation with limited time and funds.

1. Do NOT re-invent the wheel. 
There are so many people who have already gotten Disney down to a science so I  definitely leaned on their knowledge - including one of Nate's coworkers who is a Disney pro - whom we texted while at the parks if we had questions.

Aladdin's carpets!

Here are some of the most helpful Disney travel blogs that I referred to over and over as I planned our trip:

The Disney Tourist:
- Best Rides in Magic Kingdom
- Best Rides in Animal Kingdom
- Best Rides in Epcot
- Ride Height Requirements

All Good in Mommyhood:
- Wait Less at Magic Kingdom

I'm actually pretty impressed with myself and my planning for our Animal Kingdom day.

2. Do NOT visit during peak times. 
We did (spring break) and the crowds were unbelievable. Your time of year also determines your ticket price. We still had a blast, but next time we will come during the "off season". This is a joke, because I don't think there is a Disney off season haha

But here is a good look at peak times for the parks to help you plan your trip:
Undercover Tourist: Peak times at Disney

3. Save money by staying off of the Disney property. 
Initially I was actually kind of bummed about this, but by the time we planned our trip (maybe 1 month ahead) EVERYTHING was booked on the Disney property. We actually ended up in an amazing 3 bedroom AirBnB for a fraction of what we would have paid at Disney that was 15 minutes away from the parks with traffic. It had a great view, pool, and gym so we didn't miss a beat. The perks of Disney property would be easier access to the parks (by bus or tram), round the clock meal service availability, and of course, being in the Disney magic 24/7. Maybe one day when I'm an attending... hahaha

4. Bring grandparents. 
Well on my budget they brought us...LOL My parents were in the park trenches with us, and we had a blast! This was clutch for having a back up plan if we were headed to a scary ride so that Nate and I didn't have to miss out.

Nate and I also went back out to Epcot after everyone else was exhausted from our day at Animal Kingdom. If you are traveling with little ones, the Park Hopper may be an unnecessary expense unless you have a sitter, because our kids were over it after one park. 

5. Download the DisneyGo app as soon as you get your tickets. 
It not only links your whole groups' tickets, it helps you get fast passes quickly, can manage dinner reservations, has park ours, can be your park map + itinerary, and helps you keep up with attraction wait times. They really did a great job with this...

6. Read up on Fast Passes and BOOK THEM EARLY. 
Below is a link to an explanation of Fast Passes, but not only is it nice to not have to wait in the long lines, but no matter how "mature" your child, Fast Passes help them not be so miserable. I think you can reserve them up to 30 days ahead of your trip. You get three in advance per day and then when you use those up, you can add them one at a time per person.

It works out best if you start with fast passes grouped earlier in the day.

Fastpass FAQs

We had an amazing spring break. But knowing what I know now, I can't wait to get us back and make our next trip even more memorable!

Spring Break 2018: Johnsons Do Disney!

This year, our family went to Orlando for spring break!! This is like the first non-inside-North-Carolina-or-Visiting-Family vacation we have had since I started residency. Actually, since Nate and I had our one year anniversary trip in 2011...

We met my parents in Orlando and we stayed in an AirBnB minutes away from Disney. We ended up getting two dedicated days at the Parks, swimming, good eating, and tons of family time. It was a dream and just what I needed.

Monday...
We arrived after an overnight 9 hour drive. We had an awesome breakfast at a restaurant called KeKe's Breakfast Cafe and then met my parents at my grandpa's place while we waited for our AirBnB check in. My dad's dad travels to Florida every winter from Michigan and it was so nice to see him!

When it was time for check in, we were all so excited because the AirBnB spot was amazing! Message me if you want details.

We were exhausted though, so we got carryout dinner and fell asleep by the time Michigan was playing in the championship game. **Tough loss, but good season boys!**

Tuesday...

9AM crowds. 

We got up around 6:30AM and got to Magic Kingdom by 9AM. The weather got  hot quickly and THE. CROWDS. WERE. INSANE. By lunch time the kids were done with me, but we powered through. Thanks to Fast Passes and good food, we were able to ride/see:

1. Jungle Cruise *first ride and first fast pass, we were sold on walking straight to the front haha 

2. Enchanted Tiki Room 

3. Aladdin's Magic Carpets *followed by DoleWhip YUM!*

4. Festival of Fantasy Parade

5. Mickey's Philharmagic *A 90s kid's dream!!*

6. Prince Charming's Carousel

*Lunch at Pinocchio's Village Haus*

7. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

8. The Barnstormer

9. Magic Teacups 

10. It's a Small World

11. Tomorrowland PeopleMover

12. Space Mountain

13. Happily Ever After Fireworks Show 

We ended up leaving around 10:30PM and we were exhausted. Especially the kids. Nate and Izza complained about the heat, the lines, the most fun rides being too scary, and the fireworks being too loud...🙃 

They were on sensory overload by lunchtime each day. I snapped a special collection of photos featuring little Nate being over it. I think I'm going to call it, "next time, save your money, Mom..." hahaha

Wednesday...
We slept in and lounged by the pool. I got a work out in, but really I didn't need to because at Magic Kingdom we walked FIVE MILES.

At night we headed to Disney Springs for a Cuban themed Dinner at Bongos. So good!

Thursday...

So the newest and most talked about ride right now is Pandora: Flight of Passage. We could not get fast passes to this, so my plan was to get to it first thing. This meant we had to open the park. So we got up at 5AM and were at the gate by 7:15AM.

We were able to get done with the Flight of Passage ride by 8:30AM. The wait for the rest of the day was 3 hours. That was the best decision ever. That ride was probably one of the best rides any of us have ever been on. The kids, however, were scared. And said it was too loud :sigh:

Rest of the day, the weather was milder and the crowds were a little better until about 1PM, so we were able to ride/see:

1. Avatar: Flight of Passage



2. Avatar: Navi River Journey

3. Kilamanjaro Safari

4. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

*Lunch at Harambe Market*



5. Dinosaur 

6. It's Tough to Be a Bug

7. Festival of the Lion King



8. Expedition Everest 

After this, it was about 4:30PM and we headed back to our place. Isabelle slept the rest of the  night and Little Nate and my Mom watched Avatar. Big Nate and I went back out for a quick look at Epcot. I always thought it sounded boring, but it looked pretty cool!

Sadly, there wasn't enough time to check out the World Showcase, but we were able to check out Future World including the the Chevy Test Track and Soaring. It was also time for the annual flower festival which was gorgeous.

Friday...
We spent our last day in the sun appropriately with a marathon pool day and some awesome poolside grilling by Nate. Seriously, the AirBnB was bomb.



Saturday...
We hit the road back to reality.

It was a great week. I'm so thankful for this trip... Sunday night I head back to work and I think I'm recharged enough to finish out these last two months of residency!!