Week 34...6 weeks to go!

I can not imagine getting any bigger. I feel like my stomach is going to split open any day now. She is really active still and I can actually feel body parts, although I am not sure how to distinguish between them, but I feel bigger, sweeping movements along with the little pokes and kicks. She has eased up on my bladder somewhat, but I know that will change once she drops lower. My emotional mood swings are off the chart, although Sean says I am the same, but I can tell I am more emotional than before (I know some of you may find that hard to believe. I admit it - I am moody) :) I am easily overwhelmed, tired and sore. I think my sciatic nerve is causing me pain when I walk. I have days that by the end of the day, I can barely walk. I imagine I will endure this for the remainder of my pregnancy. I try to exercise, but lately, have been resting more due to my soreness. I do not feel ready and probably never will, but I can not wait to meet her for the very first time. I have a baby shower this weekend and one in mid February. I am trying to savor these last weeks of being pregnant as it will be over soon. I have enjoyed being pregnant, but do have to say that the 3rd trimester is my least favorite. I waddle, I am clumsy, and it is hard to get up from the anything - the bed, chair, or floor without excruciating effort. I feel huge and my maternity clothes keep getting tighter. I am thankful the end is in sight. I will post another picture as soon.

Winter

The nasty system that has torn up California has made its way into the valley which resulted in high winds, rain, and snow at higher elevations. Here are some pictures from Red Rock Canyon and one of our new car.

140 Year Old Bullets

Me: Have I shown you guys my Civil War bullets?

Student: No, you save your best stuff for the other classes.

Me: That's because I don't like you. Anyway, I have a package of actual bullets from the Civil War. I am going to pass them around, but you have to be careful because these are 140 year old bullets and they are very unstable. I am trusting each of you to pass them to each other carefully and no matter what, DO NOT drop them.

Student: Will you cry (sarcastic).

Me: I'll duck and then I'll call an ambulance. I'm serious be careful with these.

Student: Why would you bring these to school?

Me: Everyone in here is 16-17 years old, I think each of you can handle this. Can everyone handle looking at the bullets? Alright then, again be careful [I take great care getting the little bag of imitation Civil War bullets out of my desk]. Where should we start? How about with you (picks a student that looks tense or has been daydreaming)? Catch!

Some students dive. Others just watch helplessly as the little bag of imitation bullets hit the floor. Eventually, they begin to see that I am laughing at them.

2007

As 2007 comes to an end here are some personal highlights in no particular order:

1. I worked at Cinevegas in June on a small production crew. It was a very interesting experience seeing the mega entertainment machine up close and interacting with people that have dropped into my living room like terds through my "teevee." Most of the people that I talked to were very cool indie film makers, actors and actresses. It actually was an valuable experience. I had a two week, all access pass to the Palms and attended VIP parties all over the strip. One highpoint was bowling at the Gold Coast until 4am with friends. Two lanes down from us, some guy tore off one of his fingers while throwing a bowling ball. Just for the record, the Gold Coast did not interrupt moonlight bowling in order to find said finger. An uncomfortable moment had to be when I stood awkwardly about 10ft. from the cast and director of Oceans 13 wondering when to hand off the giant charity check. No one had given me any cue as to when I would get rid of the check. I stood out in the open, but just off to the side of all that teeth, hair, and general beauty, sweating and hoping that I wouldn't screw up the hand off by giving it to the wrong person and just making an ass of myself in some unforeseen way. Very awkward. One of the many insights that I gained was that the celebrities, films, explosions, and jokes serve only to draw your attention to various brands/products. I guess it all reminded me of a photographer at a Sears Portrait Studio waving the shiny object behind the camera in order to get the child's attention.

"Look over here, look over here! It's Brad Pitt doing something!" Flash! Pepsi in your psyche.

I'll be working for Cinevegas again this year the second week of June.

2. I had just woken up and was listening to music and reading the news online when Gwen walked into the den holding a pregnancy test. I looked up and she said, "dude." I asked her if she was sure and told her that we would go and buy more tests that afternoon. I continued to listen to music staring at the computer. We then went down to Paris and attended a Ron Paul political rally. The reality of the pregnancy had not sunk in yet. Ron Paul and his desire to deregulate everything only scared me. We walked around outside and it was too hot (112?). We eventually made phone calls home to the parents. That was 7/7/07.

3. While in the middle of writing this Cruiser became restless and wanted to wrestle. Cruiser is our 70 pound greyhound. I think he just scratched out my eyeball thus ending this little 2007 re-cap.

Here are some photos and favorites form 2007:

This is "Four Winds" from Bright Eyes. I would say that he is post punk and out of Omaha. I love his songwriting and his lyrics are often intelligent. Anyway, he's been flirting with alternative country and usually turns the jingoistic and reactionary "stick a boot yer ass fer turrah!" on its head. Check out the video.



Here is "Videotape" by Radiohead. In Rainbows is one of my favorite albums this year.



This last one is "Neon Bible" by The Arcade Fire recorded live in an elevator. Neon Bible was probably the album that I listened to most of 2007.

Happy Holidays!

I know it has been awhile since my last post, but I was waiting for a few projects around the house to be completed. One of which is Lola's room (for those that do not know, we have decided on the name Lola Grace). With the help of my mom, Lola's room is ready for her homecoming. My mom came for a week around Christmas, washed all the baby clothes and toys, and helped to set up Lola's room. (She also bought her crib as a gift, which you will see in the photos.) I am so thankful for her help and relieved that this project is done. We also got the garage organized so one of ours cars will fit, which is a good thing since we bought a new car yesterday. We thought it necessary since my Kia was not rated as a safe car. We bought a Honda Element and we really like it. As far as updates go...my pregnancy is still going well. I am getting bigger and having some lower back pain at times. I am still waking up 3 or so times per night, but lately, I wake up around 4 am and can not get back to sleep. I have a lot on my mind with Lola's due date approaching and am feeling anxious (and terrified). I am nervous about labor and then nervous about what to do with Lola when she comes home. It is easy to read books and listen to others advice, but another to live it. Here is a picture of me today at 30 weeks and some of Lola's room.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

I am amazed at all the love I feel every time I come home to visit. My baby shower was wonderful and I can't thank everyone enough for all they did to prepare for it, attend it, and share in this special time with me. I am so thankful for the friends and family I have. I will post some pictures soon. Thank you again.

25 weeks are still growing

I am feeling rather large these days and even some of my maternity clothes feel tighter. I finally had to buy larger shirts to go around this belly that still amazes me as it seems to grow each week. Tonight I am home bound to Michigan to spend time with family and friends and have my first baby shower! My pregnancy is still going well and I feel good. I am not used to carrying around this extra weight, which does cause me to feel more winded and tired. Her heartbeat is usually around 135-140 and am I finally able to feel her kick. Sean can feel her too! She usually kicks me at night when I am relaxing in front of the T.V. , but I don't mind since I waited so long to feel her. Here is an updated picture of me.