Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my birthday. Tomorrow we leave for 3 nights of camping and biking and relaxing on Jekyll Island.

Dr. Appt Update

I gained 5 pounds in the last 4 weeks, which is right on target. They found the heartbeat right away, which was cool. And we scheduled my ultrasound for a week and a half from now, which is best of all.

17 Weeks

Today I am 17 weeks pregnant.  FuPu is 5-6 inches long (head to butt) and weighs about 5 ounces.  She/he is learning how to suck and swallow this week.  I'm looking forward to listening to the heartbeat today at my doctor's appointment and I'm really anxious to find out just how much weight I've put on in the last 4 weeks.

Rice Balls

I really want to learn how to make onigiri (rice balls) and then I want them to taste as delicious as they did when those Korean kids made them for me last summer.  

Good Things

1. Today my grandparents are coming through town for a quick visit.  Chinese for dinner (Peking, of course!) and peanut butter pie for dessert!
2. Tomorrow I get to hear FuPu's heartbeat again at my 17 week check-up (who would have thought I'd look forward to doctor appointments so much?)
3. And finally on Friday, it's my 28th birthday and we're leaving for Jekyll Island!

Speeding Ticket

$170 for going 11 MPH over. PLUS a $7 convenience fee to pay it online. Since I'd have to get a cashier's check AND actually take it to the court house, I paid that damn fee this time.

DrawSomething

I'm REALLY enjoying playing DrawSomething on my iPod.

Unhelpful

Does everyone really think I don't know how hot it's going to be in August when I'm 8 months pregnant? Please stop telling me how miserable I'm going to be- it doesn't help.

Wardrobe Malfunction

I put on a pair on nonmaternity pants this morning.  See, they fit when I'm standing... but not so much when I'm sitting.  Can you say Pregnant muffin top?  Also, I just realized that you can vaguely see my hot pink bra through my patterned shirt.  Great.

Third Morning In a Row

I go to eat cereal for breakfast only to find that the box has less than 1/2 a cup in it AND the bag has been left open so the cereal is stale.  Making AL eat all 3 for breakfast this morning since she is the culprit. 

4 Miles

Went on TWO 2 mile walks today. Love this weather and loving how mild my allergies are so far!

Helicopter Parents

I read this article today and realized that while I don't worry that Nate and I will be helicopter parents, I do worry we'll get into fist fights (or at least shouting matches) with parents who are.  Seriously, if you push my kid out of the way to help your kid get an Easter egg, there will be consequences.

Maternity Clothes Shopping

As you may know, we live in a town with very few options when it comes to shopping, so today Nate and I drove the 30 minutes to the nearest decent shopping center. My plan was to pick out a maternity swim suit. I went to 4 stores (Old Navy, Target, Ross, and TJ Maxx) and found NOTHING. In fact, most had little to no maternity clothes at all. So I did what an pregnant woman would do- I cried in the store.

Prom and a New Game

I took some really amazing pictures of AL (though I can't put them here, sorry) and then she said she had a great time dancing at prom. Even though it was stressful and time consuming and she seemed so ungrateful for my efforts, I was really glad we were able to pull it off.

While AL was out dancing the night away, we had some neighbor friends over to play a new card game, which was hilariously fun. Just a warning though, it's geared toward a particular sense of humor, so there's a limited set of people who would enjoy playing it with us.

Even with the speeding ticket, it was a fantastic day.

Prom

AL has a friend over doing her makeup (thank goodness because we all know I would be useless!). Then we'll take some pictures and I'll drop her off at her Senior Prom!

Rice Krispy Treats, Remix

Today I made something really delicious. I started making rice krispy treats, but then I added peanut butter, oats, chopped peanuts, and some wheat germ. AMAZING.

Perfect Spring Day

This weather is amazing.

56 in a 45

While running errands this morning, I got a ticket for going 11 MPH over the speed limit.  Crap.

5 AM

Downside to going to sleep at 9 PM?  Being wide awake (and hungry) at 5 AM.

Painting Nails

Taught AL how to paint her nails just now, as she's never done it before.  Something new every day.

Diminishing Returns

Cherry Coke and coffee were so much more enjoyable when they were a rare treat.  Now that I need to drink caffeine every day, I'm enjoying them less and less.

Not Enough Sleep

I'm really starting to feel the lack of sleep.  Still have 2 hours of school and a trip to the grocery store before my much needed nap.

One Week

In one week it will be my birthday and we will be on our way to Jekyll Island!

Nerd Day

Using their spare change, the kids voted at the last book fair for either Nerd Day or Twin Day.  Nerd Day won, so today I'm seeing a lot of suspenders, glasses, and high water pants!

Hobbit

I'm having my "second breakfast."  I know there will also be "elevensies," lunch, and an afternoon snack.  Apparently being pregnant makes you a hobbit.

Hunger Games Movie Review

First off, I have to say that I hate movies with shaky-cam and super quick cuts.  It makes me feel sick and confused.  And since that was about 70% of the film, I don't think I'll ever watch it again.

But as for the movie as an adaptation of the book, it was decent.  They had a lot of what I wanted, though it completely lacked the subtlety of the book- the small ways people rebel against the capital, the internal turmoil of Katniss' feelings towards Peta, etc.  Maybe that wouldn't have translated well into movie format- I get that- but it does feel like quite a bit was lost.  Enjoyable, but not outstanding.

Prep Work

Trying to decide things to do to make going to school tomorrow morning (after only 3 hours of sleep) easier.  Packed breakfast and lunch and laid out my clothes.  Think a 2-3 hour nap and a shower might be the best I can do.

Tummy Touching

Just had a student touch my tummy.  I know I've got a long road ahead of me.

Budget Meeting

We're having another system-wide budget meeting after school today.  Here's hoping they're putting art and music back in our elementary schools!

Midnight

I'm looking forward to seeing Hunger Games at midnight, but honestly, I hate seeing movies in crowded theaters and I hate staying up late. I suppose the real reason I'm going at midnight is because part of me just wants to prove that I'm not too old to do stuff like this.

16 Weeks

Since everyone seemed on board with putting everything on one blog, here's pregnancy update Week 16!

FuPu (that's the fetus' nickname by the way) is now the size of an avocado.  His/her ear is in it's final stage of forming, meaning that it's possible he/she can hear my voice.

On a separate note, I'm wearing my first maternity skirt today and I'm in love with elastic waistbands.

Thanks, Grandma

Thanks to the hem-tape my Grandma included in the sewing box I got as a wedding present, AL's prom dress is hemmed up and ready to go.  Should I start preparing my acceptance speech for Foster Parent of the Year?

Dress Shopping

Spent over an hour driving all over town looking for a reasonably priced dress that fits AL.  The one she wants is way to long.  Spend another 30 minutes just pinning it.  Still have to tack it up or something.  Will there ever be a day when she appreciates all the trouble I'm going through for her?  Because that day is not today.

More Food

I've got to start packing a bigger lunch.  And a second breakfast.  And a snack.

2 Blogs?

Should I combine my 2 blogs (and basically just put everything here) or should I keep them separate so you don't have to read all about pregnancy/baby stuff if you don't want to?

Prom

AL just told me she wants to go to prom.  Did I mention that prom is this Saturday?

Ice Cream with AL

Last night I asked AL to help me take the recycling to the center and promised ice cream after to celebrate the first day of spring. Usually she says no to anything that involves spending time with us, but she agreed. We had a really nice 20 minute outing and chat. Glad to know she doesn't hate us after all.

My Other Blog

So I'll just come right out and say it... I have another blog. I'm finally ready to share it (and my big news) with you and the world.

I present to you... Katie's No Longer Secret Pregnancy Blog!

New Best Friends

My sinus headache is gone!  Caffeine, Tylonol, and air conditioning (keeping me away from the pollen!) are my new best friends.

It's Spring

Killer sinus headache today

The cats come inside covered in yellow pollen

I hate allergy season

What We Had For Dinner

For dinner tonight: roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes, and asparagus plus "compost cookies" for dessert (I made mine with chocolate chips, toffee bits, pretzel pieces, and crushed graham crackers). YUM!

Easter!

Yay!  My sister's coming to visit for Easter weekend!

DC

I really want to go to Washington, DC this summer.

Good Eats

Blueberry muffins for breakfast and pasta salad for lunch!

Necessary Risk

My goal for the day is to wash and pack up all our winter clothes and blankets. I know this is pretty much guaranteeing that it'll snow next week, but on the 4th day in a row to hit 80*, I feel it's a necessary risk.

Root Beer Chicken

I almost forgot, I made a new recipe for dinner tonight- Root Beer Chicken. It was good, but I think we all decided we like a bit saltier marinade (this one was rather sweet).

Migraine Averted

Managed to get through the whole day without the migraine surfacing! Got everything done around the house I wanted to, went on a walk with Nate, and was able to go to trivia.

Good Morning, Headache

I've been waking up with a headache almost every day lately. Today's doesn't feel like it's going to go away like the others. I wonder how much I can get done before I have to take the heavy-duty migraine meds and curl up in my bed...

Long Friday

8th grade pizza party followed by 2 and a half hours of play practice.  I'll really need the weekend after this afternoon!

Inspiration

I can't stop reading this blog.  

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ 

At Bay

I've had the beginnings of a migraine creeping around the corners of my head for over a day now.  So far I've kept it at bay with coffee and Tylonol and I really hope it'll just go away.

Miscalculated

For about 30 minutes this morning, I thought that there was only one more week until Spring Break.  Then I realized there are 2.  Boo.  2 more weeks until my birthday and our trip to Jekyll Island.

Open House

There's an Open House in our neighborhood for a new EarthCraft Home this afternoon.  I'm looking forward to looking through it with the added bonuses of good company (friends from out-of-town) and some pretty tasty (and free!) snacks.

So Sore

Now I remember why I only rake leaves once a year.  My shoulders and back will be sore for months!

Porcelain Doll

While going through the last of the boxes in our closet, I came across a box full of Cherished Teddies (ceramic figures of bears I collected in middle school), some awful pottery I made in college, and a porcelain doll that I made sometime in middle school. After taking a few pictures of the doll, they've all moved to the yard sale pile.

Spring Yard Work

Time for my once-a-year leaf raking and if my little brother gets here as promised, we might mow the lawn too.

Pi Day

Happy Pi Day (3.14)!

When I taught 8th grade math we used to celebrate this up big time.  While I miss it, now I get Poetry Month.  It's a decent trade-off.

Caffeine Dependence

I'm drinking half a cup of coffee or half a can of Coke every day. It feels so wrong, but at least all my little headaches have gone away in less than 30 minutes because of it.

Go Me

In the 4 hours since I've gotten home I've made and eaten dinner (twice baked potatoes and salad) walked 2 miles, worked on a sewing project, packed my lunch for tomorrow, laid out my clothes, and taken a shower. All that and I still have time to read in bed before turning in early!

What's Best

I'm really struggling with trying to help a neighbor family that is going through a hard time.  It's difficult to know what's "best," if there is a "best," or even if I'm a person who gets to judge that.

Date Night

Got milk shakes from Chick-fil-a and we're going through some boxes of notes/memorability from our closet. Did I do anything in college except write mushy notes to Nate?

Pad Thai

On JM's recommendation, we made Pad Thai (using this recipe). I did chicken instead of shrimp and while it was good... well, we just learned that we're not big Pad Thai fans. AL was "grossed out" by the bean sprouts (Nate and I like them, but AL says they look like maggots), while Nate and I realized that we haven't liked any recipe yet that uses fish sauce. But if you like Pad Thai, I think you should still give this recipe a try!

Perfect Busy Balance

Today was just busy enough for time to move by quickly, but not so busy that I felt frazzled.

14 Days

14 school days until I find out if I have a job.

14 school days until Spring Break.

14 school days until my birthday.

Putting My Foot Down

Had to give AL an ultimatum for the first time.  Considering nearly every sentence we ever spoke to NA contained the words "or else," this was still surprisingly difficult.  Besides the fact that she's giving me the silent treatment, I think it went well?

Spinach Artichoke Dip

We're having spinach artichoke dip for dinner.  Because I want to.

Conundrum

What do you do when you strongly suspect your teenager is lying to you?

Third Eye Blind

Washing dishes and listening to the first Third Eye Blind album.  Hello, high school flashbacks.

Chocolate Muffin FAIL

Those chocolate banana muffins had the worst consistency ever. Dense and chewy. Eww. After a disappointing breakfast of toast and coffee, I'm off to run errands with AL.

Favorite Recipes Needed

After all my new recipes, I'm in a dinner rut.  Would you mind sharing your favorite go-to dinner recipe?

Muffins

I just baked up a batch of these chocolate chocolate chip banana muffins!  I'm really looking forward to trying one in the morning!

Light Out

I have a light out in my office.  It went out 2 years ago and made me so happy (too many florescent lights).  Every time we get a new custodian, they try to get it fixed.  I explain why I like it out and then BEG that they don't fix it.  Today someone put in a maintenance request about it (without my knowledge) but thankfully when the repairman came, he remembered my request!  Not only did he NOT fix it, he disconnected some wires so no one else would :)

Work Day

I only have one meeting today.  The rest of the day is mine to work in the library.  So far, I've spent most of my morning catching up with coworkers.  Productive?  No.  Necessary for sanity and morale?  Absolutely.

Teen Angst

I don't know how to deal with teen angst. I was never a moody recluse, so I can't relate to this at all.

Quiet Lunches

I've started eating my lunch in an empty classroom at the back of the school.  Just me, my peanut butter sandwich, and a good book for 30 minutes.  Why didn't I do this sooner?

Cleaning Out

I've decided to start cleaning out my office- making piles of things to take with me, things to give to other teachers, things to trash, and finally (probably won't get to it today) making notes for the things I'll leave behind.

Thursday at a Glance

This is my Thursday:

Doughnuts with Dads event.

End of Book Fair.

3rd grade chocolate fountain (they just finished reading The Chocolate Touch).

What's today have in store for you?

DVDs

Nate and I spent the last 2 hours going through all our movies and TV shows, getting rid of the cases, and putting the discs in a binder. SO time consuming, but such a space saver!

Convenience Fee

We get a bill for our tag tax.  Nate goes to pay it online.  There's a $5 "internet convenience fee."  Nate yells, "This is ridiculous!" (and it is) but then proceeds to go through with the payment.  I argue, "A stamp is only 50 cents.  Let me mail it in."  Nate wants to pay it online simply out of principle.  We argue.  In the end I win.  But here's my question, would you have paid the bill online?

My Tuesday Afternoon

• ate 2 spoonfuls of chocolate chip cookie dough
• voted
• went on a 2 mile walk
• made Thai zucchini and noodles for dinner

New Cell Phone!

After accidentally throwing my phone away at the Denver Zoo last spring break, I'm FINALLY ordering my new phone today!

Last Book Fair

Hosting our last book fair this week.  Yesterday's sales were pretty pitiful ($35) but I'm feeling confident that today's Muffins with Mom event will boost sales by quite a bit.

Former Student

One of my former students just came to visit.  He has a beard and tattoos.  I feel super old.

Focus on Today

I find that if I focus on today or even this week, I am happy. It's only when I start to think about anything past May (or maybe even July) when I start to freak out. So I am making it my goal to only focus on today. One day at a time.

BBQ Fundraiser

I'm trying (not very successfully) to put together a BBQ fundraiser for our neighbors (serious medical issues).  I have everything set up, but I can't seem to sell any tickets.  If you live in my town, please let me know if you want to purchase an $8 BBQ plate.  Pick up is this Saturday from 11-2.

Talk, Talk, Talking

I love visiting with my parents. I feel like we could talk forever about just about anything.

Mom and Dad!

My mom and dad are here to visit for the weekend!

High Museum

I get to go on a field trip to the High Museum of Art today with the middle school students.

Instead

Instead of crying on my bed, I submitted that application I've been putting off.

Wound Reopened

Going to that public forum was like having a barely healed wound reopened. I just want to lay on my bed and cry.

Impossible

It's frustrating that they want the technology for this meeting set up a certain way... even when we don't have the necessary equipment.  

Public Forum

Tonight the board is holding a public forum about the closing of our school in our gym.  I would skip, but I have to run the sound system.

Interview

No, not for me.  For AL.  She has her very first job interview this afternoon at Applebee's.

Book Fair- Moved Again

I've had to move the location of the book fair 3 times.  Finally it was decided to set it up in the gym.  AND THEN when it's delivered this morning, I'm told that I can't set it up in the gym after all (at least not until tomorrow afternoon) because they're holding a public forum (on closing the school) tonight.  Grr.