24 Weeks and Goodbye 2010!

I can't believe 2010 is over! This year has really flown by. We have been blessed with such an amazing year and I can't believe that we are having a baby boy in 2011. Truly a miracle. I keep thinking , "This time next year...." and everything we do will include a little one. Amazing. I can't wait to see what the new year brings!

On to the good stuff!

How Far Along - 24 weeks YAY! I have been waiting for this week because at 24 weeks there is viability. If for some reason Patrick decides to come early (Please don't) then he has a fighting chance. Patrick, listen when I say, you are staying there until April!
Size of Baby - He is 1 lb and 9 ounces. While I am glad he is growing, because that means he is healthy, he doesn't need to be HUGE. I still have to get him out! Slow down a little buddy! He is about a foot long, the size of an ear of corn.
What the baby can do this week- His brain is growing quickly and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His little lungs are developing branches of the respiratory system and cells that will help his lungs inflate once he hits the outside world.
Total Weight Gain - 11 pounds
Maternity Clothes - Yes! I have found a pair of tights that are so comfortable. I have a few long sweaters and shirts I can wear with them, and plan on finding more.
Gender - A baby boy!
Sleep - Still sleeping good.
What I Crave - Crumb cake...the kind you find at bakery's in Philly. YUMM
Symptoms - I think some Acid Reflux is kicking in. Is this normal? I hate it!
Baby Purchases - Blinds for his room (why there weren't any in there before, I guess we are just lazy!) Three Christmas books that were 50% off and Michael bought him a cute little onesie from Baby Gap



I hope that everyone has a very safe and happy New Year's celebration!

Little Patrick in 3D

On Tuesday, we had another appointment with our high risk OBGYN. Lat time we went, the technician was NOT nice. I didn't know if she had a bad day or what, but we left with only one pictures, no explanation of anything. It was very impersonal and we were not happy.

When we went in on Tuesday, Michael specifically asked not to have her, and thankfully she wasn't in the office that day. Apparently she has had quite a few complaints against her. My question is, if this is true, why isn't anyone doing anything? To me, being a sonogram technician, especially in a high risk office where mothers and fathers are already upset because of certain problems they may have encountered, it is so important to be personable and try to set the patient at ease. We have to go three more times, so I hope she has off those days too!

We had an amazing technician this time. She commented on how great he looked, and how perfect his little heart was. Overall it was a great appointment and we are very happy to report that Patrick is a whopping 1 pound 9 ounces, and perfectly healthy. The Doc was a bit concerned with my levels on the 24 hour urine collection I did at 12 weeks, so I am going to do another one. I already knew I had to do two more, so I'm not overly concerned. Patrick is growing perfectly so I am happy!

We also were able to have a 3D ultrasound done. The pictures weren't the best because he wasn't positioned exactly right, and he needs to add some baby fat, but we did get a great picture of his little leg.
We also have one of him sucking his thumb and his little fingers covering up his face. Too cute! Hopefully when we go next month we can get a few better pictures of his face. Right now he kind of looks a little skeletal!

The ONLY Bowl Game that Matters

Today is the BIG day....the day East Carolina takes on the University of Maryland in the Military Bowl Game. This bowl game is so close to my house, but good tickets were hard to find, so instead (much to my dismay) I will be watching it from my family room on the big screen.

GO PIRATES!

One Spoiled Girl

Michael and I, knowing that this was our last Christmas alone, decided to spoil each other a bit. I didn't know just how spoiled I was going to be though. I was so surprised and excited to find these presents under our tree:

We have been looking at new cameras for awhile now. We have a pretty good Sony that we got for our honeymoon about four years ago, but it is kind of bulky and it takes forever to snap the actual picture. With Patrick on the way, we needed something that took GREAT pictures, was fast and I could easily transport. I love this camera so far. I took it outside for our first snow and took great pictures of Rocky and Michael playing. The pictures snapped fast, and only one was blurry. This is amazing since Rocky runs around like a complete crazy person in snow!We have the Dyson Animal vacuum and I LOVE it. I did NOT want to spend that kind of money on a vacuum, but since the minute I broke down and brought it home it has been worth EVERY penny. I had just vacuumed with our old vacuum, and wanted to still try out the Dyson....you should have seen the amount of hair I sucked up. With four animals, this vacuum has come in handy. When I saw they made a handheld, I almost fainted. It was a dream for this girl with OCD when it comes to cleaning the house. I used it the day I got it and LOVE it.

This present was technically for his parents and grandparents, but it doesn't matter! I am the only person in our house who drinks coffee, so making a pot every morning is quite ridiculous. I didn't even think about owning something like this, but now that I have it, I am in love. It only takes about 3 minutes to set up, not to mention with the little individual pods you use clean up is so easy. No coffee grinds everywhere! I received pods for coffee and hot chocolate. I can use my own coffee with the filter Michael got me, or I could just make hot tea and get hot water. I. Love. It.

And if that wasn't good enough, Christmas afternoon I was surprised with this beauty...
On our cruise this summer, my Mom got a ring similar to this but with a flower design in the blue diamond. She is a ring person, and has too many to count. I only have my wedding ring, and am not a big jewelry girl. I found this simple design on the boat and fell in love. I looked at it numerous times but couldn't commit myself. Instead I secretly hoped my husband would get the hint and get it for me instead. We returned home and I didn't think about it again. I left the room on Christmas day for a few minutes, and came back to a tin container on my seat. I had absolutely no clue. I knew from the box inside the tin that it was jewelry but had no idea this was inside. Needless to say, the surprise of it all and pregnancy hormones made me cry like a baby.

Michael received XBox and the Kinect, which he hinted about but I was adamant I was NOT buying it! He also got a watch he had been eying up and the Powermat and accessories for all of his gadgets. I also got a game for his Wii and then little goodies. I hope he liked everything I got for him after seeing how much I was spoiled!

I know Christmas is definitely not all about the presents, and I am so thankful that I could spend it with my amazing husband and family, but the goodies did not hurt! I am enjoying every minute because next year it is all about Patrick!

Snow, Snow, SNOW!

So apparently we are supposed to get between 6 and 12 inches of snow between now and Monday morning. I will believe that when I see it! I do love snow, but why couldn't we get this when we are IN school so I can have off instead. Right now I have off, and I would love to head out for some after Christmas shopping with my gift cards and maybe catch a movie with the husband. Geez! I will drive in the snow, it really isn't that bad, but my husband doesn't like it. He worries about everyone else. I do agree there are some complete idiots who can't drive in snow and should STAY HOME!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I was completely spoiled. I will have to post about all my goodies I received later this week. I am one lucky girl!

Merry Christmas

This is our last Christmas with just Michael and I. I have to say we spoiled each other a bit (at least he says he spoiled me, and I KNOW I spoiled him). Next year, Patrick will be spoiled instead. This year I am very thankful for all of our blessings. Words cannot explain how happy I am that we have been blessed with a little boy on the way, my husband is home, we are happy and healthy and surrounded by wonderful friends and family. I couldn't ask for more.

Make sure you take the time today to think of those who cannot be with their families, but instead are serving overseas. It is because of them that we can sit and enjoy our Christmas without fear. They and their families will not be able to share Christmas dinner, or open presents by the fire. Say a prayer to keep them safe, and give them strength to get through their time apart.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

23 Weeks

How Far Along - 23 weeks
Size of Baby - A large mango. He is about 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. We will have a move accurate reading on Tuesday when we go for his growth ultrasound. I can't wait!
What the baby can do this week- He has a sense of movement, so no more rollar coasters for me! HA. Blood vessels in his lungs are preparing for him to start breathing and the sounds that he hears is preparing him for the outside world. Apparently if he hear the dog bark now, or vacuum run, he is less likely to be startled by it when he comes out.
Total Weight Gain - I gained 2 pounds this month which brings my total up to 11 pounds. The Doc seemed good with this, so I am too. We will see just how it goes over Christmas though! At first when he asked how much I gained and I told him 11, he thought I meant THIS month! Could you imagine?
Maternity Clothes - Still just the pants. I have three tops, but my regular tops still fit. I am going to miss shopping at J.Crew this break :( I always use my gift cards to head to the outlets to score some great deals. Oh well. Next year!
Gender - A baby boy!
Sleep - Back to sleeping very well! I equate this to my stress level going down between classes being finished and being out on break.
What I Crave - Crumb cake...the kind you find at bakery's in Philly. YUMM
Symptoms - He is kicking more and more, and of course the belly is getting bigger! I think I may have some heartburn, but I am not quite sure what it feels like, so I'm not certain.
Baby Purchases - We received the bedding and mobile this week, and we registered yesterday! It was so overwhelming in that store. We still have to register at Target because that is a little closer to where we are. I'm not sure if people are willing to drive an hour to Babies R Us, so we are doing both.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Welcome and Advice Needed

Christmas Break! I have waited for you since Thanksgiving break! As of 2:45 today I am on vacation until 6:30 on January 3. I would say I can't wait to sleep in, but we have a Dr's appointment tomorrow morning at 8:15 to hear our little Patrick again. Well worth it!

I also received the bedding today and mobile. At first the mobile didn't work, but since I am persistent and refuse to deal with shipping things back, I finally figured it out and it is now playing music AND turning! Tomorrow after our Dr's appointment we are going to register. I am so excited! Any advice? What is the ONE thing you think I HAVE to register for?

Let the Countdown Begin!

Only two days left until the much needed/anticipated Winter break begins. I will have 11 glorious days of absolutely nothing to do. Except registering for little Patrick and having a sonogram. Who can complain about that?

After today I am ready for this break to begin. I got into a little argument with a fellow teacher. He has been getting on my nerves lately (long story short, he doesn't actually teach and still gets away with it-nice). Well today he SCREAMED at my students, which I immediately told him to stop. After school we got into it, and he had the nerve to say that he shouldn't have to 'handle' my kids. Let's just say my pregnancy hormones kicked into full rage. Needless to say, I could go without seeing him the next 2 days, but I digress.

The kids were actually very good today. We did a little holiday craft and I still got some quality teaching in. Shocking! Tomorrow will be another day full of actual lessons and then I think Wednesday will be a wash between assemblies and our holiday party, but we will see. Of course, the kids may have different plans.

My shopping is almost all finished. I need one more present for my Pop and one for my SIL. With my SIL we have a limit of $25, and I have NO IDEA what to get her. My brother is happy with a gift card from Wawa, but I'm not sure what to do about her. I better make up my mind - only 4 shopping days to go!

22 Weeks

Moving right along! I feel him more and more and everyday and am loving it!

How Far Along - 22 weeks
Size of Baby - The size of a spaghetti squash (I have no idea what that is!) About a pound and almost 11 inches long!
What the baby can do this week- His eyes have formed, but the irises still lack color. He looks kind of like a miniature newborn...everything is the same as it will be in 18 more weeks! His pancreas is also developing.
Total Weight Gain - 9 pounds. Time to start walking more! (As of two weeks ago) I go again to the Doctor next Thursday so we will see!
Maternity Clothes - Jeans! I love the maternity jeans. They are so comfortable.
Gender - A baby boy!
Sleep - Haven't been sleeping very well, but I equate that to some stress with school and the end of classes.
What I Crave - Crumb cake...the kind you find at bakery's in Philly. YUMM
Symptoms - He is kicking more and more, and of course the belly is getting bigger!
Baby Purchases - I ordered the bedding today. I hope I like it in person since it took me about four forevers to pick out. I really didn't want a theme, just colors but I couldn't find anything I liked. I picked out one that has the colors I like with a monkey, lion and elephant. It's just one of each, and instead of buying all of the accessories, I am going to get just plain colored pillows and window treatments. I don't want to be overwhelmed with monkeys! Keep your fingers crossed!

Snow!

I love snow, but I think Rocky loves it more!

It started snowing around 12 pm today (as if my students weren't crazy enough!) We have about an inch so far. I doubt we get anymore and I am sure we will have school tomorrow, but I could always use a two hour delay!

Now to Deal with the Kids...

So I am officially finished my classes for the block! I survived taking two and teaching one. I still have to grade my students final papers, and input final grades, but everything else is finished. Now I just have to deal with getting the kids through one more week of school. Lord help me!

They are already on vacation in their little minds, but I keep trying to convince them that I do still have things to teach! It's getting harder every day. It got even harder the other day when it started snowing. Let's hope that doesn't happen again before break!

School is a very interesting place to be right now. Between building a new elementary school, and possibly having to switch schools, I feel like everyone is constantly trying to guess what the administration is thinking and planning their next move. It feels like a giant game of survivor as we try to figure out who we would want to work with, and how to best plan our next move. It's exhausting. I wish I could just have a crystal ball to find out what school I will be in and what grade I will be teaching. For someone who likes having control, this situation is a nightmare.

Not only that but just today I found out that a teacher was written up for something that she posted on Facebook. To me, she did say anything wrong. No students or administration was named, she was venting about a situation. First of all....how did they see what she wrote (I am guessing someone saw it and reported it) and secondly, if that's the case, WHO WOULD DO THAT? We are all teachers. We all know how frustrating everything is right now between Race to the Top and some schools being under review. Aren't we supposed to be on the same side? If they have time to look at Facebook statuses then we have a problem.

So, even though situations at work are very frustrating right now, and the kids are getting crazier and crazier, I have to look on the bright side. The rest of the nights this week are filled with Christmas parties, our growing baby is healthy, and I may even get my car back this week! Things could always be worse.

LAST CLASS!

Ok, so not the class I am taking, that's tomorrow night. But tonight is the last night for the class I am teaching. YAY! All of their papers are due by tomorrow so hopefully I can have it all graded and finished before the weekend. And most importantly I should get PAID next week sometime.

Let's hope this time when I am driving home I can avoid the deer. Of course, with a prediction of a wind chill in the teens or below, I am guessing they won't leave their home. At least I hope they don't!

21 Weeks

More then halfway there now! Time is going by so fast!

How Far Along - 21 weeks
Size of Baby - The size of a carrot! Almost 3/4 of a pound (according to measurements last week he is a little bigger) and about 10 1/2 inches long.
What the baby can do this week- Move more and more. I can feel him a lot more and sometimes he kicks so hard I can feel it on the outside too. His eyelids are and eyebrows are present now too.
Total Weight Gain - 9 pounds. Time to start walking more! (As of last week)
Maternity Clothes - Jeans! I love the maternity jeans. They are so comfortable.
Gender - A baby boy!
Sleep - Sleeping pretty good right now. I am still getting up to use the bathroom but I am so tired I go right back to sleep.
What I Crave - Crumb cake...the kind you find at bakery's in Philly. YUMM
Symptoms - He is kicking more and more, and of course the belly is getting bigger!
Baby Purchases - I did buy little baby socks last night. They were so darn cute!

When is Break?

So we are almost halfway through our loooonnngggg three and a half weeks of school before Winter Break. The kids are driving me crazy (which doesn't help because I can't have my wine) and I am exhausted. Who would ever schedule us for three full weeks of school, and then three days the week of Christmas? Clearly they have no idea what children are like before the holiday!

Pray for me.

Meanwhile, the classes I am taking are almost over! Only one week left for the two I am taking and the one I am teaching. Teaching really wasn't that bad! I have had a really good class, so I have nothing to complain about. It is nice getting that pay check I must admit. I won't be teaching it for a few blocks, but they have asked me to design two distance learning classes when I get paid to do. The good thing is whoever designs them has to teach them. Therefore that would be moi! Which means I get paid to design and to teach eventually, AND it's all online. Bonus. I can earn money while still spending time with little Patrick. YAY!!

I can't decide if I am going to take another class or not. I want to so I can get it out of the way before the little one comes, but I don't feel like paying for it. What do you think?

Halfway There!

Today is great...Friday, payday and halfway to meeting little Patrick! Our little Bambino this week is about 13 ounces (according to Doc's measurements yesterday) and 6 1/2 inches long. He is swallowing more and producing meconium (the lovely present he will leave in his diaper once he is born!).

How Far Along - 20 weeks
Size of Baby -A banana...The Doc said he is about 13 ounces! Almost 1 lb!
What the baby can do this week- Poop
Total Weight Gain - 9 pounds. Time to start walking more!
Maternity Clothes - Jeans! I love the maternity jeans. They are so comfortable.
Gender - A baby boy!
Sleep - I am tired. Between crazy kids before Christmas break and my classes I am one tired girl. When I do lay down I think about all of the things I need to do...grade papers, set up appointments, save more money, clean the house, etc. It's quite annoying.
What I Crave - Orange Juice and cereal....not together.
Symptoms - He is kicking more and more, and of course the belly is getting bigger!
Baby Purchases - None, unless you count the Labor and childbirth classes we signed up for.

Drumroll Please....

We are having a.....







little.......












We are so excited! James Patrick (we're going to call him Patrick, yes I know, confusing, deal with it!) is measuring perfectly and all organs are working well!

Slackers

I love my job. I bust my ass, and I hate paperwork and all of the extra duties that teachers are expected to do, but I love the kids. I love seeing their eyes light up when they learn something new. It really is amazing.

I also love some of the people I work with. It is nice to be able to vent to each other, enjoy each other's company outside of work and just having fun with one another. I have been blessed with working with an amazing group of teachers for the past 5 years. Now, with the building of a new school, all of that will change, but that's for a different, longer post.

Although I love most of the people I work with, there are some that I could do without. There are those who don't plan, don't really grade anything, don't really do much throughout the day but claim they 'teach.' Yes, I know this is shocking, but it happens. I work so hard at my job, long hours planning and coming up with activities, grading and by the end of the day I am exhausted.

My Dad says I can't worry about others, and I agree. But this doesn't stop me from resenting the fact that I bust my ass every single day, while there are some that don't do anything and yet they get outstanding reviews and people actually think they do good! I keep waiting for the cover to be blown, but 7 years in and it hasn't. It is just amazing to me!

I know I can't worry about this, but I can't help it. It doesn't just annoy me, but what about the kids? How do I deal with this without wanting to say things that I would probably regret? I am friends with one individual, but the more I am around them, the more I resent them. I am sure they can probably tell, but I am just so sick of it. Help!