rain

Hello from Arkansas.  

I will write much more about our trip to the south this week.  I have a lot to talk about and I think some of it will make for good reading.  However, right now, I just wanted to take a small moment to check in and share something that happened this morning that has not happened to me in about a year.

I woke up to the sound of thunder and rain.  And it didn't stop as soon as I noticed it.  AND, I got to sleep in to the sound of thunder and rain.  There is something so extremely soothing to me about this.  As I slipped back into a deep restful peace, I was happy to be back in the south.  

As I write, it' still raining and the occasional distant thunder makes me happy every time I hear it.  This is one of those things that never crossed my mind that I would miss, but I do.  So now I feel like I'm soaking it all in to store up until the next time I get to enjoy a summer thunder shower. 

checkup

Well, we fly out to Arkansas today which means this is also the last day of my internship.  :-)  Happy day all around.  

I'm not sure how often I'll get to write in AR, so if I appear to be lacking on the posting front, that's probably why.  We'll be back in a week regardless.

Anyway, we did go to the doctor yesterday for a checkup, and everything was just fine.  I actually even lost 2 pounds, so the doctor gave me the ok to eat a little more (yeah...juuuust what I needed, right? )  Poppy's heartbeat was loud and clear.  Around 160 bpm still, and much stronger than when he was the size of a strawberry or something.  

I gave blood again...or rather, they took it again, and I had the same lady from last time.  She remembered me and took it out of the back of my hand instead.  That was a first, but she was so gentle, and other than a little cold sweat, I was fine.  Repetition is the best remedy for overcoming phobias sometimes. 

**sidenote**  The lady put tape on my hand to hold on the gauze when I left.  This left me with the same sensation I got as a kid when I would wear mittens in the winter, and if I ran, the wind or something would tickle the back of my hand.  Has ANYONE experienced this?  I left the hospital and was thrown into a giggling fit because every time I moved my hand, it tickled.  Kyle thought I had completely lost it....which of course only made it funnier to me.  He reassured me that I'm the only person who is tickled on the back of their hand.  I don't believe him... **end sidenote**

They also gave us a welcome bag that I think they meant to give us before now...but it was fun.  A cute little diaper bag full of samples and magazines and books to read and information about classes and what happens when you stay there etc.  Basically, enough to keep me entertained on the plane today.

After the hospital last night we met some people from Conway, from St. Joe, who treated us to a nice seafood dinner.  Yum!  It was a lot of fun hanging out and talking with them.  Soaking up news from back home as well as their accents. :-)  It was a really fun night.  

We're looking forward to seeing everyone!  Talk to you when I do!

16 weeks

Here is the 4 month picture!  This may be the last bare belly picture you get, as I made Kyle take about 100 before I found one that was "decent for public viewing"  :-)  

At 16 weeks, little poppy (did I mention that Kyle has started calling it "mini-mut"?) is moving all around, but I can't feel it yet.  I think he should be about the size of my iphone now...or if using the typical comparisons, an avocado.  

Bones are growing and he can make faces and do somersaults. One thing I read said he can even put his foot in his mouth.  Eww.  

I'm officially at the point where I don't fit into most of my pants.  We went to goodwill today and Kyle let me indulge myself.  I'm easy to please.  I found some good stuff, and I love finding a bag of good clothes for 20 bucks instead of spending 35-50 on one pair of pants somewhere else.  It is a little sad to think about what you want to wear in the mornings and then have to remember, "oh yeah, that doesn't fit anymore" 

I have another appointment Monday, just a checkup, but I'll be sure to let everyone know how it goes.  

taco bell.

I know I write a lot about my food experiences, and I'll try to keep that to a minimum, but this one really did deserve its own post.  

I have wanted taco bell really really bad since becoming pregnant.  I haven't had any since before I was married.  They don't have many up here, and none are convenient for us to visit. 

First of all: don't judge me.  I am under no delusions what so ever.  I understand that taco bell is not good food.  I understand that it is not healthy or nutritious.  I understand that the tacos are slapped together by a high school kid using a chalking gun to put meat and sour cream on a tortilla.  I understand that this is not real mexican.  Trust me, I get it.  

Nevertheless, I want it.  I've run across two taco bells in the last week or so.  One was on my way to a fancy retirement party an hour away from where we live.  The other was after eating at a nice restaurant and walking around a mall.  Both times, I couldn't stop...I was full, or late, but I whimpered.  So, I made a resolution, that I could hold out until we got back to Conway.  

Well, yesterday I was reading a report for my supervisor in a meeting way down south of where we live.  On the way back, I saw one.  It was a taco bell/long john silvers combined.  It was lunch time, I was starving, the stars were aligned and I pulled in.  

I was so happy.

I decided to go with a #1.  I got my food, sat down and took a picture to send to Kyle.  As I was typing an e'mail to send with the picture, I decided that I couldn't stand it anymore.  I stopped typing, ripped open a supreme soft taco and let a years worth of cravings melt away.  I finished my taco and burrito...and then I had to decide what to do...

I ordered another one.  No, not another taco, another value meal.  I ordered it to go.  But, here's the really sad part.  I ordered it to go, not because I had anywhere to be, but because I needed the intervention.  I knew that if I stayed to eat the second one, there was an 80-90% chance that I would order a third.  So, I took my tacos and left.  

I was so happy though.  You have no idea how much I wanted one of those...and have wanted one for a year!

End food story.  May you all enjoy something today as much as I enjoyed my taco.  

i'm back

Sorry about the week long hiatus from writing.  I don't really have an excuse, so let's recap what's been going on up here in Boston land.

Well, first, Jennifer and Ben came to visit and we did lots of fun things.  We went to the aquarium and to Salem and to the beach.  I experienced my first Afghan restaurant (which was yummy) and they spent some time gallivanting around the city exploring things.  It was good to have them.

My work week has been relatively uneventful.  My last day is next Tuesday, and we're flying home that evening.  Lots of end of the year activities going on.  I'm just trying to get all my ducks in a row so that I can finally be done with my internship.  :-)

I found out that I will be rehired next year and that I will continue to serve Brighton High School (which is what I wanted) plus 3 day programs.  The 3 programs combined have about 10 referrals a year, so I'll only need to go to them when they need me.  I'm happy I'll be getting to spend 4-5 days a week at the High School.  It's funny, I never thought I would like working with the high school kids, but I do.  

So, as mentioned, we're coming home next week for a short visit and a whirlwind of trying to see everyone we love and miss.  Kyle will be testing for his 5th degree black belt on Thursday, so everyone send us good luck wishes!  I'm sure he'll do fine, but it's always one of those nervous experiences (for me more than him, I'm sure!)

In other news, we saw Get Smart last night...and it was just what I hoped it would be.  Classic Carell making me laugh.  Nothing academy award winning probably, but a good popcorn flick.  

fortune cookies

Ok, so first you need to know about last night.

Kyle and I went to taekwondo and, as usual, stopped for a bite to eat on the way home.  We went to wendy's and I had half a salad and a few fries before I was full.  We came home and I passed out while Kyle watched the Celtics game.  Jen and Ben got home around midnight and I woke up and felt like I hadn't eaten in a week.  Unfortunately, nothing sounded good.  What did I want?  Salty? Sweet? Hot? Cold?  I couldn't decide.  Then it hit me...I wanted egg rolls.  Egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce.  

Well, one of the great things about living here is that chinese is routinely available until 2am.  I started looking for a place to order from online.  Long story short- I got frustrated with the online searching, Kyle said I probably didn't really need them, and he made me a big glass of chocolate milk instead.  And, while it wasn't what I wanted...it filled me enough and I went to sleep.  

So, now for today.  I spent my day thinking about egg rolls.  I left work an hour early and went to a new little place I heard was good.  After looking at the menu, I tell the lady that I would like a SMALL chicken fried rice and 2 SMALL egg rolls.  I give her my 8 bucks and 5 mins later I have a bag of goodies to take home.  

I get home and start chowing down on this perfect goodness.  And then, I notice something....

...She gave me two fortune cookies.  Two. 

Normally, I would probably just brush this off or not even notice.  But I couldn't help myself.  I started thinking, "oh my gosh, did she think I was ordering for two people??"  "Am I eating like a cow?"  "Could she tell I was pregnant and was being nice or is this some play on eating for two??"  "Did she think that maybe I needed the luck?"  "Do I look like I routinely eat this much?"  "Is this really the normal amount of food for two people and I've just never learned appropriate food portions??"  

...it went on for a while.  I just stared at the extra cookie.  Slightly curious to what it says...should I open it?  Or should I throw it in the trash just to spite the Chinese lady who packed it in my bag?

Well, I opened it.  It said, and I kid you NOT: "It doesn't matter.  Who is without flaw?"

I cried.  And then I got over it and ate the other egg roll....and it was really good.  

just a post

I haven't posted in a few days, so I figure I'd best write something up here.  :o)   On one hand, not a lot has been going on this week and on the other hand, lots has happened. 

I have 10 days left of school.  I have 1 kid I still need to see, and I'm done.  There really isn't much for me to do at work, so I usually sit, and sit, and walk around, and sit.  I spend time browsing the world via my phone and I help out with mindless paperwork for the sped office when they have something I can work on.   But, for the most part, I get here a little late, and leave a little early.  

However, there have been several exciting developments this week.  On Tuesday, I got a new laptop.  It's one of the little white macbooks, which I like.  The best part is that it was completely free.  It's part of the BPS initiative.  All teachers and itinerate workers got macs this year.  It is much faster than my old laptop...which is in need of some major care.  So, new computer, cool.  

On Wednesday, Jennifer and Ben flew in to town.  They'll be here for almost a week, gallivanting around the city and enjoying the abundance of museums, art, and hard to find independent films.  So, family coming to visit, very cool.

Last night I had to go to a retirement party for some psychs that I don't really know.  I was a little down, just because I would have rather spent the time with Jennifer and Ben.  But, I got to get dressed up and drive an hour to a little country club where I had a cherry coke from the bar and enjoyed a mediocre catered meal....actually, the food wasn't great.  Nevertheless, it was good to go and to be a part of the department, and the ladies who were retiring deserved a good turnout.  So, fancy retirement party, mildly cool.

Oh, and I feel like I finally look the tiniest big preggo.  I've officially grown out of most of my pants, so skirts and dresses are the clothing of choice this week.  So, little poppy is growing right along.  I promised Leah another belly shot soon, so stay posted.  

As for the rest of the week, I imagine we'll try to get out and see some sights with Jen and Ben and take it easy.  I'll be sure to post something a bit more interesting soon.  :o)

water

From the time I was in middle school through high school, my favorite drink was water.  I liked water and salads and weird things like lettuce sandwiches and cucumbers with salt, and tuna straight out of the can.  Overall, I was pretty healthy...and pretty active, and I Loved water.  It was almost always my first choice.

Then something happened and I stopped craving water all the time.  I drank it of course, and still ordered it more often than not at restaurants...and I would still have a glass or two with my meal, but it wasn't the same.  I didn't love it anymore.  It was just...there.

However, in the past week, I have become a human sponge once again.  When we first found out about lil' poppy here, I read up on all sorts of stuff and started carrying a big water thermos with me everywhere I went.  That's what the website said to do.  Always stay hydrated and drink 8-10 glasses a day.   But, by the end of the day, I had rarely finished half of it.  Now, however, I can't get enough!  

I think it's a good thing, and it makes me feel good because I know it's healthier than root beer or coke.  Yesterday, I drank 36 ounces at lunch alone.  And I stopped counting for the rest of the day.  Today, it's been the same.  I'm sure some of it has to do with the heat outside, and the rest with poppy probably...but its a welcomed change.  

On a slight sidenote...my favorite kind of water is the kind that has been sitting in a glass full of ice long enough that the outside of the glass has collected condensation all over it and all the ice cubes in the glass are starting to get soft and look round instead of shaped.  That water...it's sooo cold, and it's my absolute favorite way to drink it.  I've been known to make a glass of water before I start making dinner just so it'll be perfect by the time I'm done.  

Anyway, no real point to all this except to chronicle a new observation.  It's a good thing.  

Happy Birthday Jennifer

      

Today is my sister's birthday.  

So, I thought I would write a quick note about the things I like about her.  

1.  I like that she is my sister and genetically closer to me than any other being on Earth. 

2.  I like that we talk on the phone nearly every day and that it doesn't really matter if we have anything interesting to say or not.

3.  I'm glad she took the time to sit down with me when I was in 1st grade and walk me through the soundtrack of Phantom of the Opera, explaining to me what each song was about and describing the plot.  In hindsight, I think this was a big moment in my character development. 

4. I'm glad she never ate my nose with a fork as she so often threatened....but I'm glad she chased me and pretended to anyway.

5. I'm glad she introduced me to music of all kinds and let me copy her tapes when she was in college.

6. I like that she has a freckle on the back of her neck that makes her squeal when you touch it. 

7. I appreciate that she understands my moods. 

8.  I like her humor and I like that she's so much smarter than me. 

9. I'm happy I had somebody to idolize and bother as a little girl, but somebody I knew would always be on my side.  

10.  I'm glad she was there on my wedding day.

11.  I like that she cooks so well.

12. I love that she's a movie freak and appreciates the finer points required in the months of planning themed foods for outstanding Oscar parties.  

13. I'm glad she didn't give up on me when I refused to wear socks or turtlenecks...or jeans with buttons. 

14.  I'm glad she forgave me for coloring on all her collectable horses with paint pens...and for breaking all of her collectable glass figurines.  

15. I like that I can make her laugh. 

16. I'm happy that she still makes up Christmas songs with us to sing to mom and dad on Christmas morning.

17.  I'm glad she influenced me to play french horn...the most beautiful instrument in the world...and that we both say "french horn!" when we hear a particularly beautiful piece in a movie or tv score.

18. I like that Jennifer appreciates the small things around her.  

19.  I'm excited she's coming to visit!

20.  And finally, I'm happy I have somebody to snuggle-bunny (or snuggle raptor)  with...somebody who gets it...and why it is what it is.  

So Happy Birthday Jennifer!  Love you!

history

I'm procrastinating.  I need to write 2 reports tonight.  I just finished one...but it took me 3 hours because I wrote while watching scrubs, what not to wear, family guy, and cnn.  That tends to slow my concentration.  

So, I still need to write one more.  I will.  But I decided I needed a quick break.  

Right now, CNN is counting down how many delegates Obama needs before he's reached the "magic number" Only 4 now.  It'll be over soon.  I didn't think much about it at first...in my mind I was thinking, "well, we've known for a while that he's gonna win...about time it's final..."  But then this lady on the tv who was reporting from where Obama will be speaking later made a comment that made me think...

She said, "So many people are here with their children, because this is history, and they want their children to be here when this historic moment is made.  When America elects the first African American presidential candidate"

wow.  

She's right.  This is bigger than I've thought about in a while.  I hope he wins the presidency, I'll give him my endorsement.  I mean think about it, my child will potentially never know a world before we elected an African American president.  He or she will be born into a world that has overcome a barrier that has defined a lot of previous generations.  That's big.  And exciting. 

awareness

Everybody knows that when you're pregnant, your body changes and you become more aware of things.  Things like smells, and food and such.  

Lately I've noticed that I'm slowly becoming more and more aware of the fact that there is a little being inside me.  Probably since the ultrasound.  I knew it was in there, but seeing it move all by itself, seeing it jump around and move it's arms...made me realize more than ever that it isn't just a little shrimp anymore.  It's a baby, with a mind of it's own.  It's amazing to think about....kinda creepy...but amazing too.  

Yesterday I was laying on the couch (an increasingly common place to find me)  and I was experiencing all the little aches and pains that go along with having your body stretch from the inside out.  I was rubbing my stomach and absentmindedly watching TV.  Suddenly I realized that I'd gone from rubbing to poking, and had this moment of panic that I'd been poking lil' poppy in the head for 5 mins.  I know that in reality, I'm not going to gouge his eyes out by poking my belly...but I'm just more aware of how this baby feels now.  I'm starting to imagine it with its own thoughts and feelings.  I apologized to poppy anyway...I didn't want him to think I was poking him on purpose.  

I wake up every morning now between 5:21 and 5:24.  Every day.  That's when the light comes in my window.  It doesn't matter how much sleep I get, I've become an even lighter sleeper than usual.  I got a text on my phone last night, and I woke up from a dream when I heard my phone buzz once.  And poor Kyle, if he so much as breathes too loud, I can't fall asleep.  I'm too aware of everything at night.  I like to imagine that this is part of preparing myself to have a baby....that I'll be awake when it needs me.  At this rate, I'll be able to sleep and count the baby's every breath at the same time.  It's ridiculous. 

It's interesting watching myself change, physically, emotionally, mentally.  I enjoy it.  

Right now, for instance, I am extremely aware of my very serious need for some lucky charms.  It's a must. (Seriously, the Marshmallow Mateys that come in a 5lb bag from Wal-Mart...they're the best)  I'll write to y'all later...I'm off to the kitchen  :o)