Nervous

I'm really nervous about meeting with my new principal in a bit- mostly because this will be our first meeting and the sole purpose is to discuss me being out on maternity leave for pretty much the whole first semester.

New School

My new school is at the front of my mind today.  Some administrators came to do an assembly for our kids who will be going there next year and I have a meeting with my new principal this afternoon.  I wish I could just focus on the rest of this school year at this school.

Computer Ban

Me: That art project you were working on Friday was coming along nicely.  When's it due?

AL:  Last week.

Me: Then why have you spent the entire weekend chatting on Facebook and watching music videos?

Needless to say, AL is grounded from the computer for a few days.

Better Late Than Never

I know this picture is more than a week late, but here's the belly at 20 weeks.

Bless You

Nate says, "Bless you" to the cats when they sneeze.

Sitting 3 feet from him and I sneeze twice.  No response.

Baby Registry

We went to Target yesterday to make our baby registry.  As with our wedding registry, Nate insisted on holding the scanner... hence the large number of dinosaur toys and kids movies our list now contains.

Beautiful, Peaceful

I love late spring/early summer mornings around here.  Windows open, just-baked blueberry muffins, laundry on the line... it's perfect.

Grad Dress Update

Got my pink one shoulder dress in the mail today and tried it on and... terrible.  It's just too big.  It makes me look fat instead of pregnant.  And worst of all, the second choice is now out of stock!  Boo.

Poem in Your Pocket Day

Though yesterday was National Poem in Your Pocket Day- we're celebrating today!  

in Just-

spring          when the world is mud-

luscious the little

lame balloonman

whistles          far          and wee

and eddieandbill come

running from marbles and

piracies and it's

spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer

old balloonman whistles

far          and             wee

and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's

spring

and

         the

                  goat-footed

balloonMan          whistles

far

and

wee

by ee cummings

Green Pockets

I love our CSA but I often struggle to come up with dishes that use up all those greens (especially since I don't love them).  This recipe for "Green Pockets" from Serious Eats was my starting point.  I used a pizza dough recipe for the crust and then I added a handful of cheddar cheese to each pocket.  My favorite way to eat Swiss chard and kale thus far!

Weigh-In

Gained 5 more pounds in the last 4 weeks, putting me at 10 pounds total.  I know this should not bother me, but it kind of does.  I've been pretty much the same size since high school, it's hard to watch my body change.

21 Weeks

FuPu weighs 11 ounces and is 7 inches long (head to butt).  Swallowing is becoming a big deal as he/she is starting to "drink" some of the amniotic fluid and can actually digest it.  Yay for digestion!  Going to the doctor this afternoon to find out a) how much weight I've gained in the last 4 weeks and b) what the doc thinks of the ultrasound.

Grad Party Food

Me: I need to know what food you want to have for your graduation party.

Nate: celery and gummy worms

Beat Down

Twice in as many days, I've had former colleagues ask me when I became so "soft."  I used to just do what I needed to do without begging for permission... I "used to have balls and know how to use them."  In the last few years, the school system has beat me into submission but thanks to their reminders, I think I'm going pick myself up, pull out those balls, and just do what needs to be done.

Prenatal Yoga

Tired a few new yoga poses and sequences tonight in hopes of relieving some of the achy hips and back I've been feeling.  The more I think about it, the more I'm sure that pregnancy is a lot less magical than I was lead to believe...

Friends of the Library

I got the chance to attend a meeting of the Friends of the Library (public library, that is) and meet the new director.  He's young and has some great ideas!

Myth Confirmed

The myth that you go totally hormonally crazy at times during pregnancy has been confirmed.  Suddenly I'll either want to sob or punch someone.  The urge is very strong and is not at all exaggerated.

Simon Says

The only redeeming part of standardized testing is that I play a quick and quiet game of Simon Says during the stretch break.  Even the 8th graders are amazed by my mad Simon skillz.

News Crew Breakfast

I'm up early because my morning includes a trip to the grocery store to pick up doughnuts and juice for my news crew at school.  Should be fun- especially since it's a surprise :)

FuPu Knows

FuPu must know I'm in a bad mood.  He/She is kicking up a storm- trying to remind me where my priorities lie.

TWICE a Day

Just found out I have to give the standardized test TWICE each day.  You read that right.  I will be testing ALL day.  Meaning that, you know, my JOB of CLOSING A LIBRARY will not get done.  Pregnancy hormones took over and I sobbed in my office (all windows so they kids could see) for a solid 20 minutes.  So frustrated.

2 Hour Nap

Just woke up from a 2 hour nap.  Didn't intend to spend that much of my Sunday sleeping.

The Fault in Our Stars

I just finished reading a fantastic book.  I laughed, I cried (and not just because of pregnancy hormones).  This work of realistic fiction takes on the ideas of life and death and love through the story of two teens with cancer.  It sounds cheesey, but I assure you it's thought provoking and hilarious and completely sucks you in to the lives of the characters.  I highly recommend you read The Fault in Our Stars.

Painting

Got the nursery painted this afternoon thanks to AL's amazing help!

Moody

I'm feeling depressed and overwhelmed about finishing the school year.  I'm not ready to say goodbye to my school or to start at a new one.  I'm feeling restless, but it's too late to start on any of my weekend projects (painting the nursery or staining the picnic table).  And all my maternity pants push on my bladder (and the baby- who pushes back!) when I sit down.  I'm going to blame this moodiness on pregnancy and try to get over it.

Lesson Planning

I'm searching on the internet for some lesson plan ideas and I've realized something: anyone who writes an entire lesson plan that revolves around class discussion is living in a fantasy world.

Picnic Table

My father-in-law is building me a picnic table today!

Dress Winner

Thanks for your help!  Based on all your advice, I went with the one-shouldered dress in pink.  I'll post pictures when I actually put it on!

Dress Advice Needed ASAP

Which dress should I get for Nate's graduation? (I really need to order it Friday)

I Don't Understand

Why would I not automatically be invited to a meeting who's sole purpose is deciding what to do with my school's library materials?  Does being the librarian not qualify me?

Visitors!

My in-laws are coming up for a visit today!  Yay!

20 Weeks!

Can you believe it?  I'm halfway through this pregnancy!  Starting this week, we can discuss FuPu's length in terms of head to heels- 10 inches (the length of a banana!), not just head to butt because he/she is straightening out- which is probably what's causing all the nudges I'm feeling in my belly.  Oh, and FuPu now weighs 10.5 oz. 

Kale Smoothie

Got our first CSA yesterday and decided to try something new with all the greens- a kale, strawberry, and pineapple smoothie.  The verdict: disappointing.  The more I drank, the less "grassy" it tasted, but definitely not my favorite way to eat greens.

Congratulations, AL!

AL found out today that she's been accepted to Paine College!  This is especially exciting since this was her first choice college.  So proud of her and so happy to know that one more thing is settled for the fall.

Clothing Concern

Most Often Asked Question by the kids these days:  Is your baby a boy or a girl?

Second Most Often Asked Question:  If you don't find out, how are you going to know what clothes to get it?!

Another Missed Last

Just as I didn't recognize my Last Night of Real Sleep was over until much later, I realized just a few minutes ago that I missed another last... the Last Day I Wore Pants with a Zipper.  It wasn't that long ago, but it'll be at least 5 months before I put on pants without an elastic waistband.

Good Night's Sleep

I haven't slept through the night in 3 months.  I realize now that it might be YEARS before I do again.  If I had only realized, I might have appreciated that last night of 8 uninterrupted hours so much more...

Closing Time

Today I've started to really think about what will be involved in closing this library.  I contacted the historical society to donate the library's set of yearbooks.  I'm making piles of materials to give away to teachers.  I'm looking around at what's mine and I'll take and what will be left behind.  This is unbelievably overwhelming and depressing.  I'm dreading the next 5 weeks of this.

Revelations

I realized last night that my "allergy attack" is in fact a cold.  Boo.

I also realized that I can no longer bend over like I used to- that in fact, my stomach does not bend.

Miracle of Life

AL was asking a lot of questions about being pregnant and giving birth so I got The Miracle of Life from the public library and now we're watching it together.  (She's totally enthralled!)

Photobooks

Our yearbook fell through so I'm making a photobook for each grade level this week.  I know what you're thinking- teacher of the year.

Scratch 'n' Sniff

I bought some cocoa butter lotion (that's what you do when you're pregnant, right?) but every time I put it on, the smell brings on really powerful flashbacks of chocolate scented scratch and sniff stickers from 2nd grade.  Now my growing belly smells like a A+ paper from Mrs. Berg.

Sunday Cooking

This afternoon I made a batch of peanut butter bars, egg salad, cibatta bread, and chicken chili mac for dinner. I love spending my Sunday afternoons cooking- I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor all week!

Dresses

AL and I went shopping at the local (s)mall today for dresses to wear to graduation (her's and Nate's). While she found a super cute one AND shoes, it looks like I'll have to go out of town or buy online because non-maternity dresses no longer really fit right. Oh well.

Thoughts on Education

If you have 10 minutes to spare, this video offers some really great insights into the problems of (and some solutions for) our public education system.

Yard Sale!

Had a yard sale this morning and sold just about everything! Just 2 boxes (clothes and books) to Goodwill. Had to call AL to wake her up and tell her we sold her bed, but we have a whole lot more space AND a nice chunk of change in our pockets!

Strawberry Shortcake Daydream

I can't stop thinking about the strawberry shortcake I had at OK Cafe last week.  Is it silly to want to drive almost an hour just to order a $6 dessert?

20 minutes

I woke up at 6:55 (that's 55 minutes LATE) and still made it to school by 7:15. So thankful for short hair and for the habit of packing my bag and lunch the night before!

Movement!

I felt the baby move!

Black

I was taking a class picture on the front steps of the school and there was something wrong with my camera's settings.  Every time I clicked, the resulting photo was just a black screen.  I say to the students, "Hold on, it's all black!"  One yells back, "That's just our skin color!  We can't help it!"  HA!

"Secret" Lunch Spot

Apparently my quiet lunch spot has been discovered.  During my 30 minute lunch today I had SIX teachers come to ask me questions.  Still better than the number of kids who interrupt my lunch if I eat in my office though.

19 Weeks

This week FuPu weighs half a pound and measures 6 inches (from head to butt). One more week and I'll be half way through my pregnancy- that's so weird!

Spring Book Reviews

I've read a few books over spring break (and over my lunches now that I take them away from my desk) and thought you might enjoy a couple quick book reviews.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

I know, I'm really late in reading this, but it was every bit as good as everyone said it would be. So interesting to read from the perspective of someone with autism. For a similar but YA read, try Out of My Mind- written from the point of view of a girl with severe cerebral palsey.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt and Violets of March

Both of these getting-to-know-your-true-self novels were enjoyable, but predictable and pretty fluffy.

Messenger

I realized a couple days ago that there was a Lois Lowry book I hadn't read- so I immediately read it and remembered exactly why I loved this author as a child. Everything she writes is amazing, suspenseful, and thought provoking- I could hardly put this one down. If you've never read her books, go out and read them now!

Family

Had a long conversation with AL tonight about what it means to be part of our family. Emotionally exhausting. Pray for wisdom.

Better Mood

My day has not included any standardized tests, my afternoon meeting was rescheduled, and I think I'm going to make some chocolate cake (in the waffle iron) when I get home.

Bad Mood

I am in a bad mood. 2.5 hours of testing crap, AL ate the leftovers I wanted for dinner, no one can go on a walk with me, and Nate has late classes.

Did I Mention How I Feel About Standardized Testing?

Spent over an hour sorting tests and checking off barcodes.  Get to spend another 2 hours in test training and checking labels this afternoon.  THEN (lucky me), I get to spend the better part of 2 weeks administering the test.  I HATE standardized testing.

Obtuse

My AP:  What are you doing this morning?

Me: Being the librarian...?

Fingers and Toes

While Nate and I both agree that FuPu's face looked super creepy and alien-like on the ultra-sound, I was totally in awe of his/her little fingers and toes.

Ultra-sound

Coming back today was much easier knowing that at 3:30 we're going in for our ultra-sound!  I get to see FuPu today!

6 More Weeks

Just 6 more weeks of school until summer break.  Just 6 more weeks until my school, the school I love, closes.

Katie's Taxi

I dropped Laura off at the Greyhound Station at about 1:00 and then went to Ikea and to the Ok Cafe to meet a a friend until it was time to pick up Nate from the airport at 4:30. That makes 3 trips to Atlanta for pick up or drop off in 4 days! Thankfully the people I was carting around are worth it.

Sunrise Service

Laura and I went to the Explorations in Antiquities Center for their Easter sunrise celebration this morning.  It was a really beautiful service in a really cool place- so glad we went!

Chocolate Roulette

Laura, AL, and I all took turns picking chocolates out of a box hoping for certain flavors. There were clear winners and losers (I didn't get what I was hoping for even once!) but it was still fun to play.

Yard Sale Pricing

Laura helped me price all our yard sale items while we listend to Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.  Good way to spend a Saturday morning- productive and fun.

Yummy Muffins

I made these delicious fruit and oatmeal muffins for breakfast this morning. In addition to the bananas that make up the base, I also used craisins and blueberries. Yum!

Late Birthday Present

Laura brought me such a cool and special birthday present yesterday- she borrowed a doppler from the clinic she works at and we were able to listen to FuPu's heartbeat! We were even able to Skype with my parents so they could hear it, too.

4:15 AM

This morning I got up at 4:15 and drove to the Greyhound station to pick up my sister. We drove back, had breakfast (at Waffle House!) and then I took AL to her 2nd dentist appointment. Very busy early morning.

Early Bedtime

My sister's on her way here so that means I need to get to bed. Going to go pick her up at the Greyhound station at 5 AM (leaving here at 4!) Good thing Nate's not here to keep me up later, though I never sleep very well when he's gone.

Popcorn for Dinner

Nate's out of town, so of course I'm having popcorn (and an orange) for dinner.

Airport and Baby Visit

About to take Nate to the airport (he's going to PAX in Boston!) and then off to visit Jenni and her sweet new baby!

18 Weeks!

I'm 18 weeks pregnant today! This week FuPu's bones are hardening and he/she has fingerprints! Still haven't felt him/her move yet, but that should happen soon (and you'll be sure to hear about it when it does!)

Dentist Appt, Round 1

This morning, I'm taking AL to her first of 2 consecutive 8 AM dentist appointments to get cavities filled. Poor girl.

Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto

Nate made this delicious risotto for dinner tonight!

Who's Up for More Spring Cleaning?

Today's another day full of errands and chores, of which neither Nate or AL are particularly enthused.

Earned an Eyeroll

Is it too much for me to ask AL to not paint her finger nails while she's using the computer?

Getting Stuff Done

Already done: unpacked, grocery shopping, laundry, got AL a new SS card, vacuumed, windows washed, bathroom cleaned.

Still to do: wash the car, sweep the floor, clean the baseboards, go through books for yard sale, oil change on the car

It's Official

I've been offered the position as the media specialist at the big middle school in town. Such a relief to know I have a job (in a library!) for next year.

Belly Picture

It's getting bigger...

Back from Jekyll

Our spring break get-away to Jekyll Island was fantastic as always. We had such a nice time biking around the island, sitting around the campfire, and this year we even went to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary! Too bad it rained nearly the whole day we'd planned to spend the day at the Cumberland Island beach! Oh well. Best of all? We still have almost a whole week of Spring Break ahead!