quiet morning

The sunrise was really pretty this morning.  I almost always wake up once the sun starts coming up.  When I don't have to get up, I usually take a moment to appreciate how pretty it is, roll over, and fall back asleep for another hour or so.  So, I slept in.  Kyle says 8am doesn't count as sleeping in - but I'm a morning person, and I love these early hours.  He loves the late hours.  Maybe we can make this baby thing work out to our advantage. 

I don't really have plans for today.  Which is nice.  Maybe I'll convince Kyle to help me decorate for Christmas.  I've been wanting to all weekend - but you have to be in the right mood to decorate, and we've just been busy.  We did almost all our Christmas shopping yesterday.  We were extremely productive and I was very proud of myself for lasting 12 hours through various stores.  Anyway, maybe we'll decorate tonight, that would be fun.  :)

Tomorrow I start my last week of work.  Really, it's more like 3.5 days of work.  I still have a lot to do, and  part of me worries about getting it all done while the other part of me is just ready to stay home.  I'm going to try my best though.  I want to make this transition as easy as possible for the people I work with.  

It's strange to think that I'm "due" in a week.  At this point, I kind of have this feeling that I'll just be pregnant forever.  I'm waiting on somebody to call and tell me "just kidding!  There's not really a baby in there, here, just deflate yourself and go about your normal routine"  I'm not anxious.  I'm not nervous.  I'm not scared.  I'm...just waiting I guess.  Just waiting and trying not to dwell on things over which I have no control.  Don't worry - I'm sure I'll have a few good freak out moments in the coming week.  But, right now, I'm just...ready.  

Oh, and I have heartburn.  Out of no where, all the time.  Ugh.

I don't guess I really have a point to this post.  I just felt like typing here in the quiet morning.  I think I'm going to go clean something now.  When you're pregnant- they call it nesting.  So, I'm going to go do that for a while...got to make a nice little place for my baby bird, whenever she decides to come. 

middle name

Well, I think Kyle and I have finally decided on a middle name for Abigail.  It's not what either of us thought it would be, but after many a conversation and lots of mulling over - it seems to be the one we keep coming back to.  

But, we're not telling.  ;-)  

We'll announce it at her birth.  

Until then, you just get to wait and wonder.  Not that you'll have to wait too long...

giving thanks

I don't know if I'll have time to write tomorrow - and since I have a little time right now, I thought I'd take this moment to reflect on some things that I'm thankful for.  

I am thankful for my job.  I know not everyone is so lucky as to have a job that they enjoy...or to have one at all.  I'm blessed to work with good people in a good department and to do work that helps kids.  It can be very rewarding.  I'm blessed to have a job that pays well enough that Kyle and I can make ends meet.  While we do not live an extravagant lifestyle, we are comfortable - and we try not to take that for granted.   And, on top of all of that, I somehow managed to be assigned to a school that is less than 2 miles from where I live...and in Boston, that's a big deal.  I'm thankful for my job.

I'm thankful for my friends and my family.  No words will express how much I value the relationships in my life.  I couldn't survive without them.  I always feel supported and loved - and always have...which again, is something I know not everyone is as privileged to experience. Specifically, I'd like to thank my own parents.  I have never been very good at telling them how much they mean to me.  How much I really truly love them, and how thankful I am for all the sacrifices they have made for me.  How they sometimes make my heart swell to the bursting point with love I have for them both.   They are both such amazing people...with so many talents.  When I think about becoming a parent myself - I only hope to be a fraction of what my parents have been for me.  I know I don't always express it well, or often enough, but I want them (and everyone) to know that they have always meant the world to me- and always will.  I'm thankful for my friends and my family.

I'm thankful for Kyle.  Of course.  I'm so extremely proud to be his wife.  I'm lucky to have a best friend in my husband.  Somebody that I not only love with every part of what I am, but somebody that I genuinely Like to be around too.  I love being around Kyle.  He makes me laugh, he makes me think, he makes me happy.  He takes care of me and loves me - even when I'm grouchy and hormonal.  He knows how to calm me when I'm upset.  He's so smart.  When I'm with Kyle, I feel that we could do anything.  He gives me a confidence that I didn't used to have.  I love what we are together and am so blessed to have him as a husband - and I can't wait to see him as a father.  I'm so thankful for Kyle.

When I look at my life - at the big picture - I'm so humbled by my good fortune.  What did I do to deserve all of this?  Nothing.  I try to never take these things for granted.  And yet, I'm sure I do - and often.  Days like Thanksgiving are just reminders to reflect....but we should reflect more than just on the holidays.  I have a great life - and I'm thankful for everyone who has been a part of it.  

May all your days be blessed. 

Fun Facts

Fun Birthday Facts

Abigail's birthstone will be Turquoise (Prosperity)

Her Astrological Sign will be Sagittarius

- Sagittarius babies are born full of optimism. The Sagittarius toddler is inquisitive and loves to explore. You may need to watch them in crowds since they will tend to wander off. You may also need to teach the little Sagittarius not to be rude, since these children are often scandalously blunt.

- Other Sagittarius babies: Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, Mark Twain, Frank Sinatra, Beethoven 

Her  Flower is Narcissus or Holly

  

She will be born in the Chinese Year of The Rat

-Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Other things
Abigail will start kindergarten in 2013 

Be old enough to drive a car in 2024

Finish high school in 2026

Will graduate from college with the class of 2030...give or take a year.

Dec. 08 Mamas

When I first found out we were pregnant, I did what most people do and spent hours on the internet researching things.  One of the things I found was a site where women who were all due with babies in December of this year got together and chatted about things.  Long story short - the site changed and a lot of people didn't like the new format.  Me included.  

Then one of the ladies started a spin off site.  A few of us flocked over, and the small group of us have really bonded over the last 9 months.  It's been great.  Our small numbers have allowed us to really get to know each other.  We come from all kinds of backgrounds, families, and places.  We have ladies in California, Colorado, Chicago, Kansas, Denmark...the list goes on.  Ladies with kids and first time moms.  We range in age, size, and personality.  BUT, we get along, and we support each other.  We listen to each other when we need to rant, vent, and throw a fit and we celebrate with each other in our joys.  We nearly always make each other laugh.  We're never mean to one another.

In some ways, its strange to think that I have all of these friends that I've never met, but I feel that I know so well.  It's nice to know that when I'm wondering if something is "normal" or want to know about a baby product...or just want to talk about the events of the day- that I have this amazing group to talk with.  We even had an online baby shower recently - where we all sent gifts to each other and opened them at the same time.  Fun stuff. :)

Now, that we're almost to December, we've started having births!  It's very exciting to "see" all of these friends of mine having babies.  I'm so happy for all of them.  I can't wait to join them!

So, if you're one of my december mamas -I just want you to know that I value your friendship and am very happy that we've had this group to help us through these last 9 months.  

nursery

Here are some pictures of the nursery thus far.  Abigail has to share with our office space, but you can get the idea.  We're pretty much set I think.  Just waiting for the baby.  :)

from the corner

 

looking at door

 

changing table

closet - it's more organized that it looks.  :)

looking at closet

   

from the doorway

clock

 

This was my dad's baptismal gown - or so I was told.  :)

Toy box. :)

catching up

I forgot to post about our 37 week appointment a few days ago.  I probably forgot because there was nothing exciting to report...

One cool thing was that we got to listen to the baby's heartbeat during a contraction.  Hers was doing what mine was doing.  It speeds up during the contraction and then you could hear it slow down as it let up.  I dunno why, but it was kinda neat. Then, when she's done being compressed, she kicks.  But, anyway, all was fine on the baby front.  She's taking her time and does not appear to be in any rush to exit the premises.   

Another thing I forgot to write about was my birthday!  I had a really great day.  Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes and goodies.  Abigail left me a card in the fridge that I found as I made my breakfast.  It said, among other things, "Happy Birthday...whatever that means" and that made me laugh.  Kyle and I celebrated by getting some yummy burgers and I did a little fun shopping and bought some cute baby outfits.  It was a good day.

On Thursday, Kyle took me to see the Celtics play the Pistons.  The Celtics won, and it was fun to get out in the city for a while and cheer on our team.  Yesterday, I treated myself to a much needed haircut.  So, I officially have the mom-do going now.  I really like it, and it feels so much better.  After my haircut, I met up with some friends from work to have a little dinner....

Well, more than just my 2 friends were there, and once again, I walked in on a baby shower that I didn't expect.  :)  The BPS girls decorated and had cake and we all had a good time enjoying each other's company, laughing, and eating.  The girls had all pooled together and got me and Kyle many many gift cards to Babies r Us.  They will be very very handy to have!  Just another blessing to add to the list.  

So, that brings us to today.  Sorry for the kinda scattered brain post.  I'm pretty scatter brained nowadays (this week I tried to open my office door with my car remote...more than once).  Maybe this week I'll do a better job of posting as we go.  :)

the bright side

When you're 9 months pregnant, it's easy to complain about things.  And, in my opinion, there are some good reasons for complaining.  It's not easy, y'know.  But, it's also not all storm clouds and water retention.  So, I'm going to count my blessings - because, really, I have it pretty good. 

1. I have no trouble sleeping.  I sleep through the night and am relatively comfortable.

2. That means I don't have to take 15 bathroom breaks at night...or during the day for that matter, which is nice.

3. I'm able to eat a regular sized meal (instead of having to eat tiny ones every few mins)

4. I don't have heartburn

5. I can still shave my legs, see my toes, and front kick (y'know, if needed).

6. I have really good blood pressure.

7. My hair and nails have benefited from the vitamins I'm taking.

8. I haven't had any crazy cravings, or aversions since the 1st trimester.

9. I have some days of amazing energy and can get a lot done.

10. I am surrounded by supportive people - near and far.

11. We have basically all our baby things/gear/stuff ready to go.

12. This baby is taking her time getting ready - which allows me to get some things done for work that I need to finish.  And I'm ok with that. 

13.  And of course - I'm healthy, Kyle's healthy, and this baby is healthy.  What more could I really want?

So- always look on the bright side of life.  (and if you could read that sentence without imagining people whistling while being crucified - then you need to watch more monty python)

Life is good.  Don't forget that. 

tired.

I'm tired today.

I got plenty of sleep last night, and I slept through the night - but my body was just not ready to get up this morning.  I think another 3 hours would have been what I needed.  

My body is always tired now it seems.  Tired of being big, tired of carrying this baby around, tired of not being able to move, tired of bumping into countertops and corners, tired of not being able to lay on my back - or my stomach, tired of having my organs rearranged and my bones prodded.  tired tired tired.  

So, now I'm at work, and I can barely keep my eyes open.  I have maternity-itis.  I want to be done with work and just relax - but there is still so much to get done, and so much that I won't be able to finish no matter how hard I try to squeeze everything in.  I decided that December 8th will be my last day at work even if Abigail hasn't come by then.  I could continue to work and get paid...but I need the time off, to relax, to focus, to think.  I don't think she's going to come before then.  I think she'll be two days late. 

I'm tired, but I'm ready.  One day at at time, right?

my Billie Jo

Today is my friend Billie Jo's birthday. So, I wanted to take a moment to highlight what she means to me.

I'm not exactly sure of the precise moment I met Billie Jo. We were both in Conway - she went to UCA and I was at Hendrix, but we met at Taekwondo. She was the girl who taught the tiny tigers. I was the girl who worked the front desk. Somehow we became friends. :)

It probably didn't hurt that we quickly learned that we had a lot in common. Obviously, we both did taekwondo and we were the same age. We were both majoring in psychology, had both come from small towns. She was a majorette in high school, and I was on the flag line. We were band nerds. Our birthdays are only 3 days apart. We supported eachother in our work with the taekwondo kids and bonded over the job we shared teaching. After college, we both went on to go to grad school in school psychology.

Over the years we did a lot together. Kyle and I drove to Atlanta one night to go to a Braves game with Billie Jo the weekend she and Ricky got engaged. Billie Jo was there on my first airplane ride and switched seats with me when I was freaked out by sitting by the window. We traveled to Boston together before I knew I'd be living here. I was in her wedding, and she was in mine. She moved to Oregon where I was able to go visit. Just this summer, we went to Hawaii together. It's been really great. Of course, our husbands are a whole other topic - when Kyle and Ricky get together - well, I'm not sure how to explain it. I don't know if regression or hilarity or kindred spirits is the best term to use...but they match just as well as we do. 

As mentioned, Billie Jo now lives almost as far away from me as is possible and still be in the US. She lives in Oregon while we hold down the eastern coast here in Boston. I always miss her, but we talk a lot. She's almost done with her doctoral degree in school psychology...and I think that sometimes she is as excited about Abigail as I am. She teases me that she is living vicariously through my pregnancy. Of course, I'm living vicariously through her PhD. I'm so very proud of her. Billie Jo has always been the put-together organized ideal of what I strive to be. 

So, Billie Jo, Happy Birthday. I hope you have a great day and know that I miss you very much, but love you even more.  

wine tasting in Oregon

arriving in Hawaii

bachelorette party

being helpful at my wedding

fun in Boston

always friends.

movie alphabet thing

My sister tagged me in this little game. You find a movie for each letter of the alphabet. These are movies that you like and could watch at any given moment. (a complete list of the rules can be found on her blog)

...Ok, I've been working on this list for like 3 days. There are some letters that do not have movies that I have seen. I have chosen to leave these blank instead of trying to pull something together. Let me know if you have any good ideas. There are also lots of movies that I love that I couldn't include because their letter was already taken.

Tag yourself if you think you can fill out a whole list - it's harder than you might think. And Jennifer, I didn't even cheat off of your list! :-)

Apollo 13
Braveheart
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Dances with Wolves
Edward Sissorhands
Finding Neverland
Green Mile
Harry Potter (any of them)
I am Sam
Juno
K-pax
Little Mermaid
Moulin Rouge
Nell
Office Space
Practical Magic
Q
Rent
Shawshank Redemption
Titanic
U
V
While you were sleeping
X-men
Y
Zorro

36 week checkup

We start going to the doctor every week from now on.  Well, from now until the baby is born....after that, I don't think she needs to see us quite as often.  ;-)

Today's appointment was as uneventful as ever.  Blood pressure is still good, heart rate is still good (150), baby is in the right position and seems to be about the "right" size.  As far as labor progress- the doc's words "Yep, nothing going on yet"  

So, we wait.  I told Kyle I'm going to start some serious walking.  I'm not asking this baby to come early, but if she's more than 2 days late, I'm going to be less than thrilled.  Kyle tries to remind me that all we can do is wait...and that wait we will.

I know he's right, but he can still bend and fit in small places.  So, his logical advice is often lost on me. 

BHS surprise

Today started out ok.  

I had to drive down to the office (about 30 mins away) to get some things I needed before heading back to the high school.  Then, there's this  kid I really really needed to test today (well, I've really needed to test him the past 7 times I've tried to find him - but attendance is, shall we say, a bit of a challange?) Color me surprised when he wasn't here again today.  Sigh. 

Then, I remember that today is an early out day - which means 1) I have even less time to do the testing I need to get done and 2) I have to go to a sped meeting at 1pm about the new specific learning disability regs for the state.  Because I'm a nerd - I was actually kinda excited about the meeting because I think the changes they're putting in place are really good.  But, because I'm starting to get a little busy - I was hoping to spend my meeting time writing reports.  

Anyway, the bell rings, the kids leave and I head to the meeting room.  I'm 5 mins late and still the first one there.  Typical.  I sit down and a few others trickle in.  And then the rest of the teachers come in wheeling a tv cart full of goodies.  

Surprise!

Several of the SPED teachers and staff came in with cake, drinks, and gifts.  In true spirit of our department - everyone was excited and sweet - and already late for their next meeting, so it was a very efficient shower. :-)  

I was surprised, of course.  I think I was more surprised by the amount of participation.  I really love working at Brighton High.  I think they have some incredible staff.  And while I like to think that I get along with everyone - I didn't expect them to go through the trouble of a shower.  I mean, I guess I kinda expected a card or something signed by everyone (which they did as well - with a very generous donation within!)  It really made me feel a part of the school in a new way.  I am very grateful.  

Here is me stuffing my face.  That cake was Amazing, by the way.  

And opening gifts.  

So, obviously, after having a surprise shower and being all flustered - my plan to stay late and write reports was shattered by my high energy and desire to skip and run and twirl in circles (don't worry - I didn't)  Instead, I left and went about several errands that I needed to get done.  I got home a few hours later and am making chili to keep us fed on this cool autumn night.  

So, today started out ok.  But, it ended up great!

belly progression

Here are the progression shots.  Enjoy it, because I'm done with these pictures.  :-P  Oh, and sorry about the bad lighting in the last one - we switched apartments and the new one just doesn't have a good spot for these pictures like the last one did.  C'est la vie.  

scrap room floor.

Sometimes as I go about my days, I find myself making little mental notes about this here page.  I'll be driving and think "that would be a good thing to blog about"  These things are not usually important or really that interesting - but just things that amuse me or made me go "hmm"  

Unfortunately, I rarely get around to blogging about these little things, and then they just build up, and then I have too many themes in my head to pick one to write about and I end up deleting them all from my stockpile and just start over.  

So, in a new attempt to clear out my mental cache, I am going to give you a brief summary of lots of things that I've been meaning to share.  I apologize in advance for the mental whiplash you may experience. 

Today I was called to a crisis at one of my schools.  Two sisters were shot over the weekend, and one died.  She was 19-years old with a 1-year old daughter.  I was on standby to help with grief and/or trauma counseling.  I don't know which made me sadder- the existence of the circumstance or the fact that so many people (kids & teachers alike) had a "it happens" kind of attitude.  But they're right, very few of these kids have lived to high school without knowing at least one, and more often, more than one person close to them that was killed in a violent crime. 

Our town has a large orthodox Jewish population.  This means that it is very common to see grown men in black pants, shirts, and long black trench coats with ropes around their waists and big quaker-like black hats on their heads over their curly locks (see picture for mental image).  The other day I was driving and saw a fall festival by the local temple.  There was a big inflatable, very colorful, bouncy castle set up for kids to bounce in.  There was also a line of about 12 grown men, all in black, in a single file line outside.  The contrast of the men in their somber ware and the big bouncy castle was enough to make me laugh and almost pull over to take pictures. 

 

I get braxton hicks contractions all the time now.  They make my whole belly turn into a rock for a few seconds.  During this time, my heart speeds up just a little and I loose my breath - even if I'm not doing anything because (I'm guessing) my lungs are getting squished.  Also, because I'm short, when my whole torso turns into a rock - I get this turtle-on-his-back syndrome where I just can't move effectively at all.  It's annoying.  

We went to New Hampshire over the weekend for a taekwondo tournament.  It was so very New Hampshire-ish.  The weather was grey and misty.  There was a light fog that covered big rural fields and hovered around old picturesque red barns or white farm houses with weathervanes on top.  I felt like I was in an L.L Bean catalog the whole morning.  

I'm officially starting our 9th month of pregnancy today.  It seems that as everything gets closer and closer it gets farther and farther away at the same time.  

We went to outback over the weekend (a rarity up here).  We wanted cheese fries.  They were so good.  Good enough to put into my mental blogging cache.  It was one of those food-moments where the satisfaction of a craving goes beyond what you hoped it would.  I'm such an emotional eater.  This is not a good thing - but, man, those cheese fries were beyond amazing and exactly what I needed to fill whatever void it was I was trying to fill at the time.  Amazing. 

I have tomorrow off of work because Boston is crazy and takes every holiday they can take.  I tell people that it is the only way we make it through the winter.  We need frequent breaks and positive reinforcement. 

Ok, I'm done for now.  That was probably only half my cache - but for anyone who is still reading, I didn't want to scare you off forever.  More next time maybe.  

dear abby

Dear Abby, 

It's Friday night, around 6pm.  Your dad is asleep (he was up really late last night) and I am sitting in your nursery thinking about things.  Thinking about you.  

I like sitting in your nursery.  We got this glider that I think you'll like.  I sit in it for a little while everyday and rock you - even though you're still on the inside.  It seems to calm you when you're being restless in there.  From my chair, I can see your crib and I like looking at the bedding and imagining you in it.  Your dad and I bought you a new lamp too - hope you like it.  I made a mobile for you, and it's hanging here waiting for your opinion as well.  There are a lot of things we want to show you.  

We can't wait to meet you.  

We're still working on your middle name.  Your dad and I have been going back and forth on several options.  Sometimes he leans in and tries to ask you which one you like better.  So far, you haven't given us any clear sign - so, we're doing the best we can.  But don't worry - we'll have one by the time you get here.  

As I sit here and type this - I know that I don't have many more nights like this left.  Nights where I have nothing to do, nights where the only sound I can hear is my own typing, nights where I have no agenda and no schedule, nights where I can go to bed at 6pm if I want to, or stay up all night watching movies and eating brownies.  Part of me wants to cherish these nights- these very quiet moments with nothing going on.  However, the closer you come to arriving, the more time I spend thinking that I'd rather be sitting here in the glider with you.  I'd rather be spending my time tonight feeding you, bathing you, changing you, watching you.  I'd rather spend my Friday night getting to know you and showing you all the things we want you to see.  

Soon enough, I know.  

Until then, I hope you know that your dad and I are very excited about you.  We are going to be the best parents that we know how to be.  I can't make many promises - but there is one I can make.  I promise that you will be loved.  Very loved.  

unity

In the midst of an overwhelming sea of political commentary out there - I will try to keep this brief.  

I voted today, and I was proud to do it.  I watched Obama gain in the electoral votes and I watched as he was announced our president-elect.  I watched McCain's speech, and I watched Obama's.  

I am filled with optimism and am looking forward to watching how our country grows.  I believe that Obama will do great things.  I really do.  I know a lot of you don't agree with me, and that's ok.  I only hope that in the coming months, that our country is able to unite. 

To be honest, when I read about people who say hateful things about Obama or who are utterly pessimistic about our future as a result of this election - I feel both sad for them and hurt.  Are our differences really so great that we can't find common ground?  Is it really worth fighting about?  I don't know, maybe it makes them feel better to put down the candidate, the election process, or the country.  I just feel that this kind of attitude is counter-productive. Divided we fail.  

Let's work together on this.  Let's unite. 

I am about to bring a little girl into this world.  I need it to be as perfect as possible.  Tonight we made history.  I hope that everyone, regardless of how you voted, is able to recognize the importance of tonight.  Here's to looking to our future - our bright and exciting future.  Blessings to all.  

hiccups & kicks

Here is a short video for all of you who would like to see Abigail move a little.  

I took the video the other morning.  It won't win us any academy awards (a bit of the quality is lost in translation as well...) but I thought it was worth trying to share anyway.  Let me know if you have trouble viewing it.  

surprise!

Yesterday I got a message on facebook from our friend Mary.  She asked if Kyle and I were still planning on coming over for dinner.  Apparently, she had mentioned this to Kyle earlier in the week - and he never mentioned it to me.  When I asked Kyle about it, he said "Oh yeah, she did say something about that - I didn't know if it was really happening though, I thought maybe it was just more of an idea"  

So, I wrote Mary back and said that even though my forgetful husband hadn't mentioned it - as we didn't have plans, we'd love to join her for dinner.

So, around 7:30 we head over (she lives about a block down the road).  I was dressed in my Saturday bum -best and ready for some food.  We walk in and whatdayaknow - a dozen or so people yell "Surprise!"

A surprise baby shower!  

And, yes, I was very much caught off guard.  Apparently, they've been planning this since September.  I've always known Kyle was good with secrets, but I also always thought that I would somehow know if this kind of thing was being planned.  

Anyway, it was absolutely wonderful.  They decorated and cooked, Stephanie made a beautiful cake.  We played shower games that I actually enjoyed and our friends were so generous with gifts.  We didn't leave to go home until after 1 in the morning.  It was a lot of fun.  :)

So, THANK YOU to everyone who schemed and plotted this event - like I said at the shower, when you live so far from family, it means a lot to have such wonderful friends.  

Surpriiise!!!

BC friends

Tim

The very yummy cake Stephanie made

Nat- sporting the latest in baby fashion.  :)

Halloween

Kyle and I were going to go as Mary & Joseph (on the way to Bethlehem, obviously)...but, I couldn't find all the pieces I needed, so we switched to the basketball theme.  

We went to a party that one of my co-workers was hosting.  Kyle got to meet a bunch of the people from "my world" and we had a good time.  Our costumes were super comfy, which was nice, and people seemed to like them.  We had a great time.  

So, here are some pictures. 

Kyle calling a party foul and assigning penalty shots.

ignore that my shot clock is made wrong.  :)

Ref Kyle

Several of my BPS co-workers