So here I am, one day away from week 15 and feeling great! School started back yesterday, and my brain is spinning from all I need to get done. Since the district did not have an OT for a large part of the last two years, I spend a lot of time cleaning up messes and trying to organize very disorganized files and information. But, it keeps getting better :) And if all else fails, I have a good excuse to take a break around February ;)

Cody and I wanted to do something Friday night, and looked at what movies were out, but everything looked super dumb (piranha 3-D?) so I decided to check out what was showing at the Angelika Film Center, a place in Dallas that has some regular movies and then also has the foreign films and ones that did well at film festivals, etc. So, what should I come across but the movie "Get Low" which immediately caught my eye when I saw it starred Robert Duvall and Bill Murray. The plot line is an eccentric hermit who wants to plan his own funeral... and have it before he dies. Apparently it's based on a true story in the early 1900's. It is definitely humorous while also moving and serious at the same time- a good mix. And, seriously, Robert Duvall is just a great actor. So we really enjoyed ourselves, and felt like cultural snobs for the evening ;) Except we did enjoy people watching (some people come like it's a cocktail party), especially the guy in front of us who was trying to elegantly sip his wine from a plastic cup. He would slowly....slowly...slowly bring it to his lips and then it would finally hit his mouth, but it never looked like anything went in. Nice. And gaping at the outrageously overpriced concession stand. 7$ for a small popcorn? I suppressed pregnancy urges and waited until I got home to pop a huge bowl of popcorn :) I think the movie is making it's way to regular theaters in the near future and I recommend it with reservation, because not everyone's movie taste matches ours, but we really enjoyed it.

And on to the next story. This story is dedicated to Sharon whenever she happens to read it because she always invited me to Spin Class, and I never to her up on it ;) Today I went at the regularly scheduled time to my favorite Zumba class, where I was then sad to discover that the Fall schedule was now in place (seriously? It does NOT feel like fall) and the class is now earlier and on opposite days. Grrr! I lost the desire to work out and went to run a short errand instead. While completing that, I glanced down at my copy of the new fall schedule to see that Spin Class was starting in 10 minutes. Hmmm... to try or not to try? I knew it was a hard workout, but so is Zumba, and so far so good. So, why not give it a try? And here is how it went. The class was a lot smaller (maybe 8 people) so I couldn't hide. It started out fine. worked up a sweat as we peddled away, sitting on the seat. And then we had to do this biking squats and then handle bar type push-ups and then stand and peddle and lean to the side and peddle and quick bending and peddling. And I realized I was getting that I'm going to die feeling, that is great pre- and post- pregnancy but probably not good for extended periods of time while pregnant. Plus my heart always beats above the recommended workout limit (I just chose to ignore it- it's genetics, mom's does that too). And I was gasping for air. But this was like 25 minutes into the hour long class- AH! And I could not just discreetly leave, and would have to get off, wheel my bike off, and then try to gracefully exit while looking like a big wimp. So I just kind of cut some corners ;) This included getting off to get a few drinks of water and resting for a minute. And then getting back on. I also just didn't peddle as fast. And my favorite move was the "fake turn." Oh yes. There is a knob where you adjust the wheel tension and for a few songs we really had to turn it up. One song in particular. She yelled "One turn harder!" "One turn harder!" "Six turns harder!" and I'm thinking there is no way. So, sometimes I would just make minuscule adjustments. Other times I would turn it a little and then just let me hand make a few turns without touching the knob, so it would totally look like I was following directions. But then I realized the dead give-away when everyone was leaning into their handles, quads burning, peddling really slow and I was just keeping my own pace, definitely not as taxing.... SO I compensated for this by slowing down and looking like I was really working as well (such a faker!), leaning into the handle bars, breathing hard, and tensing my calves... I felt a little guilty, but mainly wanted to bust out laughing, or just shout "I know it doesn't look like it, but I'm three months pregnant, give me a break!" The great thing is that I made it through and felt great afterward, but this will probably be my last time to go to that class until after baby ;) (and yes, I have consulted my CNM about working out, to which she made the blanket statement "your body will tell you if it's a good idea or not." I think my body said no today ;)

Now I'm debating whether it is too late to take a nap, probably so but it would be really nice after scrubbing down a house... Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a minute...

C and I decided to go garage saleing this morning, which we've only done together once before. We made a list of places to swing by, ate a (yummy) breakfast, and then hit the road around 7:30. About 7 stops led to 2 pairs of maternity pants (so comfy, but slightly large- so I'll try to hold off for a month or so ;) , maternity shirt, little soft cowboy boots (couldn't help it), 5 regular shirts (3 of which worked out), 1 light jacket, a new popcorn popper, some golf stuff, a glass of ice tea (from cute entrepreneurial kids) and a dress (which didn't work out). All under $20. And whatever didn't fit right, I can just stick in our fall garage sale. Nicely done, if I may say so myself :)

And then I went to Target and bought a B band for what all the other stuff cost combined. Oh well, I think it will be worth it.

Have a nice Saturday!

Well, I had my second appointment today and everything looks good :) The great part was when I got to hear the heartbeat. This was the first time even though I could see it flashing in the ultrasound at my first visit. So cool! You hear people talk about it, but it is just unimaginable until you experience it yourself, and think, "this is My sweet baby." And it just makes it seem so real, especially when most of the other proof you have is that you are feeling tired and getting bigger ;)

She also told me that judging from the checkup, I was capable of having an 8-9 pound baby. I'm not sure whether to be relieved or scared, ha! But I wasn't really anticipating a teeny baby anyway as I was one of the smallest of my siblings at 8 pounds something. Today was exciting for another reason, C and I decided to get some Italian food and Carino's does 1/2 price family platters on Mondays so we went to check it out. On the way over, I realized that for the first time in a long time I Felt Hungry!!! Yay, what a very-much missed feeling :) Still had a little queasiness earlier in the day, but maybe things are starting to settle down.

School begins in a few weeks, and I am starting to realize I have a lot to do. As a contractor, I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule which is a big plus, but sometimes a negative. There is no one else to really tell me what needs to be done and when I need to do it. I think I will do some work from home this week and then I have a meeting on Friday, so that should get me back in the groove. The week after that, there are already a couple of evaluations lined-up, so I better get ready. It also looks like another OT will be joining me, which means all of the students will be able to receive their services and I will have someone to bounce ideas off of! Definitely looking forward to this. And, hopefully, she will be able to help out (or help figure out a solution), once I'm done for the year. I'm waiting to cross that bridge for a few more weeks, hopefully it won't be too rough :)

Katy and Tim came in for a few days, and it was SO great to see them. We ate lots of yummy food, played games, went shopping, ate more good food, chatted, and ate some more food :) Our food list included mom's biscuits with eggs and sausage gravy, dad's grilled hamburgers and hotdogs followed by chocolate sheet cake and bluebell ice cream, and roasted chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, homemade bread (thanks bread maker!), and homemade ice cream with fresh peach cobbler. So good! I had a great time and hope to visit them in the not too distant future, by then I should look a lot more pregnant.

I think that's about it, but I do have a fascination with reading week by week baby development sites and I think it's funny that I have to make myself not check them until I reach the next week, or I get disappointed when I don't have something to read that day. 1 more day until I can google the mayo clinic. I will try and hold out.

I am afraid I have now entered the phase of life where most of what I talk/type about is pregnancy and baby related. So feel free to move on, I will understand. Otherwise, stick around and I will try to entertain you :)

As mentioned above, I am now more than 1/4th of the way through, which is nice to see. I got my first ultrasound around week 9 when the baby was an inch long, and it was one of the coolest experiences in my life! It just made it so real to see the sweet little baby fluttering around in there. Since then, the baby has grown to about the size of a plum and is now around 2 inches long. In just a week, it will grow to three inches, which seems so fast! As for continuing side affects, I still don't feel hungry and food is generally unappealing, but I can always manage to eat, so all in all not bad. And (hopefully, please!) this will end in a few weeks. And I'm often sleepy, but have time to get the rest I need for now- so that works out. I'm always up for a nap :) Okay, and last little development is that I'm starting to get a baby bump (not noticeable to anyone else probably), but I'm excited about it.

Let's see, I've also met with doctor and a CNM (certified Nurse Midwife- can do everything except surgery). Turns out there can be a big difference in policy from one hospital to another, so I've settled on Baylor Dallas, well equipped with all the cutting-edge stuff while also very supportive for those who want a natural birth. So, looks like I'll be working with a CNM, though my husband says she's a hippie (The ankle-length, tie-die skirt didn't help- ha!). I really liked her, she has tons of experience and from everything she said- we are very much on the same page. I am pretty excited to have that settled :)

Hmm, what else? Headed back to work in less than a month, but enjoying the last few days of summer. Cody and I made a mad dash to the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago, left Wednesday afternoon and drove to Amarillo, Drove from Amarillo to Flagstaff (with a stop at the Petrified Forest) on Thursday, Spent the morning at the G.C. and drove to Albuqurque on Friday, and then drove home on Saturday. Insane, but we got to see some amazing country along the way, make some great memories, and eat at some yummy places. Seriously- the next time you're in Amarillo, stop at Cayote Cafe! Best. Hamburger. Ever! Mmm, oh so yummy, every bite of the 1/2 pound patty.

Oh and we went and saw "Inception" today. So intense, which leaves you pretty tired after 2 1/2 hours, but well worth the mental engagement. Amazing affects, good plot, cool ending. But don't blink or get up for popcorn or you will be hopelessly lost. Consider yourself warned, but go see it :)

So, I've been holding out a little bit just to give it time, but the news has slowly but surely been spreading around that I am pregnant :) It's still early, but more people knowing = more prayers, and I am definitely good with that. We are very excited and happy about it! We knew about a week before we shared it with our parents, which gave us time to plan a fun way to tell them. Of course, this is the first grandbaby for my parents, so we had them over for a Father's Day dinner and after eating, we handed dad his gift. He opened it and found a mug that said "Great Dad's Get Promoted to Grandpa." I thought that was the cutest saying, and loved the surprised expression as he read it. They just kind of looked at us for a minute, a little afraid to make the wrong conclusion I guess, until I finally said "Yes, we are trying to tell you something!" And then there was hugging and rejoicing ;)

We then went and told his parents (it can be very convenient having our families in the same town), and even though they already have three grandkids and another on the way, they were also surprised and super excited. I knew I better give up on it being a secret at that point, because my father-in-law Loves sharing good news, and even that evening he leaned over and shouted to his neighbor the news when she came outside- ha! I think that is some of the most fun I've had in my life, getting to tell people. My sister screamed over the phone, My brother was in a crowd of people at a wedding and kept saying "Are you serious?!, Are you serious?!, etc." I called family and got a great reaction from my uncle who, when I asked for him to put my aunt on too, told me that I "haven't been married long enough to make a call like this." And there was another family member (who shall remain nameless) who said "Oh No!" I missed it, but Cody said he just kind of looked at him until he realized it was good news. As C said, it wasn't an accident and we Have been married long enough- ha!

I have my first Dr.'s appointment next week, and am tentatively looking forward to it. I am not sure exactly what direction I want to take delivery-wise, but have time to think about it so no stress yet. I am also glad I have the summer off as half the time I am yawning and the other half I feel nauseous. Hopefully this will end with the first trimester, which ends a few weeks before school starts- so that should be perfect. I guess that's it for now, but I'm sure there will be more updates to come :)