Caught!

So, I live in Southern California very near the settings of those tragic TV shows "Laguna beach", "Real Housewives of OC" and let's not forget "The OC." Not that these are reality...but...there is a level of reality to it. Yes, there is a lot of money. Yes, there are seas of silicon boobies. And, Yes Materialism is having a field day in my backyard.

I try to resist as much as I can, and I do . But some of it does start to rub off. Thank god I have graduated to a full B in pregnancy. (Sad that is takes being 8 months pregnant to hit the second letter of the alphabet.)

Anyway...Bugaboo strollers are rampant here. I have been doing my best to ignore this overpriced but oh so cute luxury item. Them seem to be everywhere I go. And, people always ask "Are you getting a Bugaboo?" Why do they ask? Even a sale gal at Babystyle was pushing one on me when I told her that it seemed crazy to pay $700-800 for a stroller. She said she had one and it was worth every penny. Now excuse me, but how much do they pay cashiers at Babystyle? Maybe I need to pursue a career in mall retail. Or, marry rich...

Anyway, I have been fighting the urge. We could afford it but I am trying to avoid it based on principle and thoughts of the other useful items I could buy with the $500 I would save if I stuck with the stroller I previously selected. I had told M about it and told him of my urges. He supports my restraint 100% and agreed to discourage me when I leaned the other way. He thinks that price is crazy.

So, sometimes I have weak moments. And, yesterday I had a brilliant idea. A gently used Bugaboo! I could indulge with less guilt. So, I found an ad in Craig's List (love that site by the way!) for a gently used Black Bugaboo Frog. This could screw up my will power. The price tag is still a hefty $500 but a savings nonetheless.

I left the scene (the computer) to have dinner with my sister and left the ad open on my computer. Well, this AM when I sit down to work there is a Post it stuck to my monitor from M that reads:

"$500 is way too much for a pretentious stroller."

Caught!

Ready to launch

Well, I had my last ultrasound yesterday. My Dr had ordered a third trimester ultrasound at 32 weeks to take another peek at the ovarian cyst and ensuring it is not getting too big. She also wanted to check me out before I travel to Georgia this weekend for a family wedding. I am passed their usual time when they allow travel.

Well good news! The cyst has gotten smaller. It measured smaller than last time and the baby has grown considerably so it looked a lot smaller too. So, I am hoping it will continue to shrink an disappear by the time Skylar is a month old...which is what the Dr predicted.

We also found that the baby is heads down and nuzzled way down in my pelvis. In "launch position" is what the u/s tech said. Actually, she was nestled so far down that the tech had difficulty finding and measuring my cervix. She actually said, "You may not be going to that wedding" and "Have you had any contractions?" so I could tell she was concerned. But, she switch to a transvaginal ultrasound and was able to find and measure the cervix. And, it was closed and just over the 3 cm they like to see. So, I was cleared for travel.

I am not sure if she will stay heads down, but I hope so since that will decrease the likelihood of a breech position and possible C section. I would really like to avoid a C section if possible.

The baby now weighs about 4 lbs. and is in the 42nd percentile. The tech said that this means that full term, if she continues to grow at the same rate, she will likely weigh 7 1/2 lbs. That sounds good to me. I have had many friends having 8 lb + babies lately. My last friend's baby was 8lb 8 oz! Yowza!

I am very excited for the trip this weekend. M's family is a lot of fun and I really could use a break from work. I had a major deadline yesterday and was just exhausted. And, there is more to come up until the final week in November.

Finding something to wear to a wedding was a challenge. I really love dressing up but of course none of my dresses fit over my basketball. And, I just wanted to make sure I felt good and comfortable at the same time. Luckily I found a simple black maternity cocktail dress that didn't break my bank. I have been so lucky with maternity clothes because so may of my friends have recently had babies and have lent me tons of clothes. Cute, expensive one I would have cringed at having to buy. So, the # of items I have actually bought is pretty small.

Same goes for baby clothes and supplies. Everyone has been so generous (and happy to get stuff out of storage in their garages!) and we have benefited.

So now, we are just waiting for baby. I am so excited for her arrival and to take the time off work to spend with her. I can tell M is going to be the best father. He is so cute in those baby care and childbirth classes we have had. And, he does a great swaddle and diaper! :)

Maternity photo

I had some maternity photos taken 2 weeks ago (approx. 29 weeks). Thought I would share one of my favorites.

The Big 3-0

I am now in my 30th week of pregnancy and in the final stretch. It is hard to believe although I cannot say that the time flew by. Sometimes I think it did but when I look back to April when I was getting my first few ultrasounds it seems many moons ago.

One thing that may be soothing for those newly pregnant after loss and feeling stressed and worried (as I did) -- I DID and HAVE stopped worrying. Once I felt movement (approx 17 weeks) I no longer worried and now I feel pretty calm and relaxed. Even the baby's ovarian cyst does not worry me because my Drs and research have told me that it is not dangerous. So, I hope that is comforting to some.

I think I am starting to feel a bit fatigued and Blah again. Yesterday (Sunday) I did not have much motivation for anything (besides laying around and doing some household chores.) I even took a nap which is not like me at all (not even pregnant me.) It is funny but I always feel guilty when I am not productive. But, sometimes I have completed all of the tasks at hand and do not really have anything else to complete (besides things that require $$ which we are trying to hold off on since the new car purchase.)

The tasks I do have outstanding are work related. I have a major project to complete before maternity leave. I am due 12/17 and plan to work until 12/15 if I can. My work has been great since we need to all get together at the end of November (12 people from all over the US) and they are all coming to me since I cannot travel. Let's hope I don't go into labor early while leading a training course. :) I gave the disclaimer though because it could happen since I will be 38 weeks pregnant.

A funny thing I have noticed is how many more people/strangers talk to me since I am pregnant. I have specifically noticed this at the gym. People just chat me up -- and it has been mostly men believe it or not. (I have not yet had a stranger rub my belly though!) Often people talk about their own kids or how life changing children are, etc. I don't mind -- I find to very interesting. Of course there is that time where you just want to get on with your workout and people won't leave -- but I always try to move away gracefully.

This is not all that unique because I often (even when not pregnant) attract strangers who chat. Not sure why -- I think I am just approachable. I was ALWAYS the one in college who got approached by the campus Christian groups and invited to Bible Study -- it was a big joke among my friends. I think it is because I smile a lot. And it is true -- I usually have a perma grin. I was even voted "Best smile" in high school. It is just my normal facial expression at rest I guess. This will not be good for lines later on I know.

Sick sick sick

I am sick. I have a nasty cold that started on Sat and just won't seem to let up. I have tried not to take anything but Sudafed (regular) is on my list of approved medications while pregnant. So, I have taken that once to twice a day when I really need to feel better to get work done.

It was funny buying Sudafed because at my pharmacy you have to pick up a card on the shelf and get it from the pharmacist after scanning your ID. And you are limited to one package. I guess Meth addicts are using Sudafed to create drugs. Hmmmm and this is approved for a pregnant gal? That is why I try to resist taking it - but sometimes I just need relief!

And, little Skylar doesn't seem sick at all. She is rocking and rolling there stronger than ever.

M and I started Lamaze classes. He went to his first one last night. I can't say it is too enlightening because it is a lot of relaxation breathing which seems kind of like yoga breathing to me. I think what I like most is attending with M and having him there as my birth partner. I am a sucker for partner type things. I am not sure he loves going but he gets a kick out of how I eat it up. He thinks I am such a dork with my goofy focal point and how seriously I take everything.

Quite frankly, I wonder how much Lamaze I will use since I do plan to get an epidural. I don't really have the desire for a natural childbirth. I have a lot of trust in medical science and feel like if something can help me -- I'll do it. I totally respect those who choose to go drug free, just not for me, I guess. Although I do wonder how I would handle it. I think I would do quite well so maybe I will see how much labor I can take before opting for the epidural. A lot of people get it at 3-4 cm no matter what. We'll see - but I suspect I will not have a drug free birth and I am not ashamed. :)

Bizarre dreams

I have been having bizarre dreams about the baby for at least the last 2 months. They are usually similar and I believe they started when I started to feel her movements.

This is what usually happens....the baby punches me from the inside so had that her little fist busts through my abdominal wall. I can see her little pink clenched fist and I panic trying to stuff her back in because it is too early for her to see the light of day. A few times I dreamed her head popped out as well. All the while I am trying desperately to put her back in my belly where she belongs.

My theory is that she is extremely active when I sleep and gives me some strong kicks which prompt the dreams. Also, I got that picture that was going around in e-mail about the surgeon who was doing surgery in utero of a 21 week old fetus and when he cut into the uterus a little hand came out and grab his finger. Have you seen this? The picture is real but the story has been altered a bit for e-mail drama. See the real scoop here:

http://www.snopes.com/photos/medical/thehand.asp

Not sure what has spurred the dreams (likely a combination of the two) but they are disturbing. Well maybe not as disturbing as my dream last night that I was riding bikes down the beach with my "good friend" Britney Spears. What the heck was that? That's it, I am never picking up an US magazine again!

My new "Mom" car

OK, so it doesn't really look like a Mom car but it technically is a wagon and there is a lot of space in the back for the stroller, etc. It is a 2005 Dodge Magnum which I got for a great dea. We had planned on buying a new car for the baby's arrival in December because I currebtly drive a 2 door SUV -- not ideal for a baby and car seat. And, I wanted to stop driving an SUV due to gas prices and some environmental guilt. I admit that this is no hybrid but the MPGs are much better than my current SUV.

I think M is a little jealous because the car had some bells and whistles like custom wheels/rims and grill that I don't particularly care about (although it does look nice!) So, I assured him that he can drive it whenever he wants but will need to have a permanent car seat base in the other car as well. (We do share both cars but he has exclusively driven the new car we purchased in 2004 so I just call it "his" car.)

Anyway, just another thing that makes it very real that come December I will have a baby and be a Mom. (By the way, my EDD is 12/17 Josefina) I can't wait!

The Nursery

So here is my latest project. The nursery! We painted it a soothing lilac/lavendar and I love it. Got furniture, crib, and crib bedding as well. Now we just need the personal touches and a baby of course!

How do I post pictures?

Does anyone know???? I used to but I have forgotten.

Decisions decisions

So, at the recommendation of my DR, I am beginning to interview pediatricians. Today is my first interview. My sister thinks I am truly anal as she would never do such a thing. She said (with an incredulous tone) "What are YOU going to ask them?" It is funny how different we are.

Actually, my sister (and my husband) both hold a big grudge with my OB/GYN because of the retained tissue after D&C and the scare she gave me over assuming I had gestational trophoblastic disease instead of simply retained tissue. It was a stressful day but she did change he diagnosis and I think it was an honest mistake. They both, however, question my loyalty to her. The truth is that I really like her. I think she is warm, friendly, and pleasant. And, I think she has a special interest in me because of our history and the challenges I posed for her. So, I get a little bit of special attention.

Nevertheless, I will be changing Drs after I give birth. I just found out that with my husband's promotion he can cover both me and the baby for FREE. That's right, free health insurance for all of us! Right now, I have a PPO and I pay $80 a month. And, it would be an additional $100/mo to cover the baby on my plan. So, that is quite a perk. So, despite my loyalty, I have to change. I may however, just switch to anothert DR within her practice because onre of them is covered by my husband's plan (an HMO).

Anyway, I am a bit nervous about the Dr interview-- not sure ehy since I am the interviewer not the interviewee. But, I do know I want to make the bext decisions and I would like to discuss the ovarian cyst with potential pediatricians, just to get their take.

So wish me luck!

Bumps and bops

This sure is an active baby. I get bumped and bopped all day long? My Dr says this is a great sign but I am hoping this does not mean she will be as hyper as her Mom! My mother often tells me what a difficult baby I was -- colicky and crying all the time. At 21, when my Mom had me, she said she would just cry and not know what to do to make me happy. Not a pleasant scenario. My sister, on the other hand, was a calm and mellow baby. And, although my sister was a big pain in my a$# growing up...I am hoping for a little one of her. :)

I have been feeling great so far and am approaching the 6 1/2 month mark (26 weeks).

I have just started the process of interviewing pediatricians and have 2 appts next week and a phone interview coming up. I was a little turned off that I could only get a phone interview with one, but I started thinking that I could ask all of the questions I want even if is not in person so I will give it a shot. I will definitely bring up the ovarian cyst to see if anyone has had experience with that. It *should* go away on its own in the 1st month but there is always the possibility it won't and may need to be aspirated. So, I think it is an important thing to bring up.

Off the baby subject...I got the strangest call 2 nights ago. My Dad's second wife (unfortunately he has been married and divorced 3 times and is currently engaged to #4) called me out of the blue. She was married to my father from the time I was 13 until I was about 22 called. I have not spoken to her in at least 12 years! We did not have a close or particularly friendly relationship (my sister and I really disliked her for most of the time). But, she called because her father died and she is going through a hard time. I think she is just lonely. She lives in Tennessee and seems to be doing well.

Strange that she would reach out to me -- specifically. The first thing she said when she called (got my number from the Internet) was "This is X...Please don't hang up!" I just said "Why would I hang up?" Funny that some people would hold a grudge for over a decade -- I am just not like that. I always friendly even when some would argue I should not be. I talked to her for over an hour and exchanged e-mails. I have received numerous e-mails since then and it is clear she really needs a friend.

I think I did the right thing by being friendly and supportive even to a woman who did some awful things when I was growing up. I just can't find it in myself to be guard on someone after some much time has past. I still struggle though because I know people need to be held accountable for their actions. If we always just let people off the hook...Do they learn anything? But, is it my place to provide that lesson? I don't know.

I had a girlfriend who had a huge falling out with a woman who was just an acquaintance of mine. I ran into the acquaintance in a social setting and was polite and exchanged pleasantries. When my girlfriend found out she was very angry at me and felt betrayed. She said I should not have been nice to a person who hurt her so badly. It was true that the other woman was in the wrong (had slept with and stolen a boyfriend) but the assault was not personal to me and I did not feel comfortable shunning them when they just wanted to say Hello. I am not sure if I was correct but I know I have a hard time with confrontation and expressing my discontent especially when I am a bit removed from the situation or time has passed. I feel a bit conflicted but I can only trust that I should go with my gut and be polite and empathetic when I do not feel authentic anger or hurt.

Hmmm...thoughts?

Cyst update

Well -- the baby's cyst has gotten bigger. In fact, it almost doubled in size and is now about 2 cm. In the large scheme of things, that is still pretty small.

The u/s technician still did not seem concerned and I have not yet talked to my Dr about the results. The tech said my Dr may send me to a specialist for a 3rd trimester u/s to confirm it is ovarian and make sure its growth is not crowding other organs or compromising the ovary.

And, as I mentioned, most go away within the baby's first few months of life. They do not expect it to go away before birth.

I feel pretty calms about it. Everything I read confirmed it is not to be concerned about. Yea, I wish it wasn't there and my baby was alarmingly perfect -- but hey -- we are human and s%$t happens. As long as it is s%&t that won't endanger the life of my baby I can deal with it. :)

Names...names...names

As you may recall, I was always avoiding the name question which you inevitably get from everyone when discussing pregnancy. At first, I thought it was just too soon to get reckless and start naming the baby. I have never been one to understand why people name babies that they have miscarried -- especially very early miscarriages. To me, it would only be harder to put a more human face on the would-be baby.

Then, I just didn't like the question because most people are so free with their opinion when it comes to names of a baby to be. You tell someone your newborn is named Agatha and everyone says "ooo, now that is nice" but tell them when you are 8 months pregnant you are thinking of Agatha and you get the "Ew!" "No, don't name them that!" "I knew a girl named Agatha who was a total slut." Now, I don't really care if someone doesn't like the names I like, but I would rather not get opinions that aren't asked for just in case it starts some second guessing. Big decisions are hard enough as it is.

Well anyway...I am now sharing my name and have just thrown it all to hell since I like ti so much and no one can deter me. Comments welcome. :)

We will name our baby girl:

Skylar

M wants to call her "Skye" and that is fine with me. He actually wanted to name her just Skye but I really like both Skylar and Skye and I feel that Skye alone sounds a bit hippie dippy nature girl. Something the parents from Family Ties (Elise and Steven) would have named their child before they entered their suburban existence.

Anyway...that's it. It beat pur the other two front runners: Avery and Makenna. The middle name is now in M's hands because I nixed the name he liked: Kayla. Although our top three came from him nixing countless of my other name suggestions. Kayla may just be her middle name, I told him he was free to choose whatever he loved.

So there you have it.

Ovarian cyst

In my past post I had failed to mention that at my Level 2 ultrasound they did find that the baby has an ovarian cyst. The Dr has assured me that this is not uncommon or dangerous and it should resolve itself on its own (usually by the time the baby is 1 month old). The u/s tech said this is usually just a result of hormones. (Uh ohÂ…her hormones are already crazy!)

They said they will monitor it to ensure it does not grow and compromise any ovarian function but it is definitely not life threatening. So, that means more ultrasounds for me.

I have one this Wednesday to check ob its size. It looked Huge on theultrasoundd but my Dr said it was magnified and was only 1 cm in diameter. Strange cause in comparison to the baby's total size it looked mammoth. I am hoping that we may be pleasantly surprised by a complete disappearance.

Oddly enough, despite myoveranalyzingg, worrying personality I have not been too concerned. All my research and the Dr.'scasuall reaction made me believe that it is no big deal. SO, I am grateful.

The u/s tech said a funny thing. She said, "Worst comes to worst she loses her right ovary. But, you only need one." That is true but it struck me as a funny thing to say. I would like my daughter to have both ovaries if possible. :)

Anyway -- I will keep you all posted on the u/s result on Wed.

Pluto ...not a planet?!

Well, all be damned! All these years thinking I knew all of the planets in the solar system. Heck, I still hum my planet song, "Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars..." once in awhile. How ill it sound now when I can't punctuate it wuth "Plu-to!"?

Demoted to "dwarf planet" -- funny how reality changes...

This will be one of those things were I can tell my little girl, "When I was a little girl, there were 9 planets in the solar system. There was this little one name Pluto but...." :)

Blogger Blocked! I swear...

Well, I have to start by apologizing for my blogging delinquency. Somehow my Internet cookies got disabled and I had to login to Blogger to post and provide comments on others' blogs. Well, I forgot my password and the password retrieval from Blogger was not working for me. I tried about 25 times. Finally, I got an e-mail from Blogger support this morning and was able to change my password and login. (I have written it down and tucked it away so I can avoid this happening again.)

A lot has happened in the past 6 weeks! I am now 23.5 weeks pregnant and it has been confirmed it is a girl. The u/s tech said she could locate the labia (not just absence of male genitalia) so I was free to go shopping. It is exciting to know the sex of the little being inside me.

I feel pretty darn good too.

I have relaxed 300% since week 17 when I first started feeling movement. Now I feel it all of the time and it is very reassuring. She is quite active and bops around in there, especially after I eat anything sweet which has been fairly often since it is my one craving. Chocolate! brownies! fudge! Despite my sweet tooth my weight gain has been pretty good at 14.5 lbs total at my appt on Monday.

Work has been going well and I had a trip to Dallas the first week in August. Then, M and I were off to the Big Island of Hawaii for a fabulous vacation -- or babymoon of sorts. We golfed, hiked, swam at the beach, visited the volcanoes, took a helicopter ride over an amazing coast, and ate amazing fruits every morning. It really was a wonderful vacation.

Now, I am back to my planner ways and am starting on the nursery which is really fun. I have different paint splotches all over the walls but have vowed to stop since buying samples and quarts adds up and I haven't even selected a color. Paint is supposed to be the cheap thing.

I am also planning to research some more environmentally friendly diaper options. I am not that keen on cloth diapers and plastic pants but have heard there are some hybrids out there that may work well. I don't have the best plumbing though so that is a concern. I would not want to have to deal with little surprises coming back to great me all of the time. Especially since the bathroom next to the nursery is the guest bathroom. Any advice, tips, etc. are welcome.

What else is new? I am working on a new project at work which I really enjoy. And, I have hired a dear friend who I used to work with to contract for my company and assist me until my leave. So, business meetings with her are fun.

Anyway -- so I think that is about it. I will return to blogging since I can now. :)

Wow! Time flies

As I mentioned, I have been really busy with work so my apologies for not blogging.

All is still going well. I did break down and go get an ultrasound at that private place near me about a week and a half ago. Just wanted to see that little heartbeat. I was glad I did! All looked good and the tech said it was a girl. She didn't seem to have any doubt! :)

I don't regret it because I had to rescehdule my BIG ultrasound because M has to leave suddenly for a business trip to New York and would miss it. I would rather have him there with me than have it sooner -- so I will have to wait.

I have been feeling good and am growing. At approx 17.5 weeks I have gained almost 10 lbs. Yikes! It appears to be all in the belly though and I think that is about right. Last night I am pretty sure I felt the baby. It was like a popping and I could see mt stomach move almost like a twitch. Exciting! It becomes more real every day!

She Works Hard for the Money

It seems as I get further along and the stress starts to subside I blog less and less. (Sorry - I will be better.) I also stop browsing the Internet message boards as much as well. I let my Fertility Friend subscription expire long ago and I never visit WebMD or Babycenter anymore. I think that is a good thing. Obsessing is never good (I know you know what I mean Josefina!)

I do still keep up with the Blogs I read because they are all extremely interesting women and I care about what happens to them.

I won't say I am totally relaxed. I have to wait a full month between appts this time as my Big u/s is scheduled 7/19. It was so reassuring seeing the baby so often, I miss it and catch myself worrying. A friend gave me the # of a private location that does u/s for $25. I have tucked the # away in case I feel really strongly that I need to take another peak before the 19th. But, I am trying to wait. I also have a great fear of finding something wrong when I am not at the Dr's office. Not only will they be strangers, but I would have to admit my impatience and that I was ultrasounding behind everyone's backs to my Dr, husband, etc. Of course, that would probably be my last concern if something was wrong, but I can't help thinking it now.

One reassuring thing is that I am starting to obviously show now at 15.5 weeks. It is very obvious to me and my husband (and even my Mom and best friend noticed). But, most people dismiss it because I am not very big. I had a very flat stomach before so to me it is a big change, but other just say "that's a pooch?" or "its about time you looked normal." I am normally thin but not painfully so at all. I think some of my friends who gained quite a bit of weight with their pregnancies are a bit disappointed that I haven't gained 20 lbs already. But, I know how difficult body image issues can be so I understand. All in due time I think.

Aside from the baby watch, I have been very busy with work. My "day job" is packed and the extra consulting work I picked up keeps me chained to my desk at night. Argh! I keep walking around the house singing "She Works Hard for the Money..." I am not sure if M is amused. It is all worth it though because the proceeds will be used for my new "nesting" projects. I had a plantation shutter installed in the soon to be nursery and just ordered new carpet for all bedrooms. I am also going to have our bathrooms redone as I have been planning for years. The extra work is paying for almost all of it, so it feels good to know we aren't cracking into our savings which we will really need when the baby comes.

I My work has been incredibly supportive about my pregnancy and upcoming leave. I am very grateful. My boss also submitted me for a promotion effective in January (while I am in leave!) It doesn't get better than that. I think they are trying to make sure I don't leave. And, because I work from home, I don't think I will be going anywhere anytime soon.

So, all in all, things are good. Better get back to work!

"....she works hard for the money...so hard for it honey..." - Who sings that? Donna Summer?

Officially relaxing - I promised I would

OK, so I made it to the 14 week mark. I had another ultrasound yesterday (I am an u/s junkie it seems) and the all looked good with a HB of 156 bpm. I had the same u/s tech as last time but this time she took it back that she thinks it is a girl and says it is inconclusive at this point. (M has hope for his boy, yet!) Also, my Dad's fiance who is a psychic and medium (no kidding) says it is a boy. Now, I take her "predictions" with a grain of salt because I am still not convinced of her abilities, but M says he will choose to believe that one.

It is crazy that my Dad is marrying a medium. She is actually the "Crossing Over w/John Edwards" type in that she claims to get images and messages from those who have passed. As you can tell, I am a skeptic. I am not all that skeptical of psychic powers in general, it is just that her "messages" thus far have been very general, nothing convincing. And, I went to her "church" once and it was really laughable. I got a few "messages" that were so far off AND some where they stated the obvious. (i.e., I am sitting next to my sister who looks just like me -- people often think we are twins. And a "psychic" says..."I sense a bridge of family over you two." Well no she%$! Anyone could have told you that.) as far as her gender prediction, she has a 50/50 chance just like everyone else. Well, the suspense will end in 4 weeks.

So, it is actually setting in that I will be having a baby in December. Now on to the projects! Nursery is my favorite upcoming one although I will wait until i know the gender. I do know that I would like to create a very cheerful room with a sock monkey or two in it. For some reason I love those darn sock monkeys!

I haven't had much time to concentrate on baby things because I have been busy with work and took a consulting job with my husband's company on the side. I develop training and my husband asked me to do product training (on the web) for his company. It is great extra $$ but it is hard to work all day then work some more. But, I keep thinking that having a bigger savings will be needed once Baby C comes so I will be busting my butt for the next 2 months. Hopefully I have some time for fun.

We do have our vacation to Hawaii planned for August 5th (Big Island) so I am really looking forward to that! We wanted to squeeze in a vacation in the 2nd trimester since I had to cancel the trip to Tokyo and who knows when we will be able to get away again.

An Inconvenient Truth

M and I recently saw An Inconvenient Truth in the theatre. I strongly recommend seeing it regardless of your political views. Although it is narrated by Al Gore and there is some undeniable campaigning going on, the scientific evidence is compelling, disturbing, and undeniable.

Please do not disregard it as a "liberal" or "Democratic" film.