36 Weeks and Counting

So we're getting down to the finish. I'm now 36 weeks pregnant...9 months. This is something my students just don't get. They don't get how I can be 9 months pregnant, but still have 4 more to go.

This past weekend Lauren came to visit which was great. Friday we walked around Annapolis, downtown and tried to look for shoes. Saturday was my baby shower here and then we went out with the girls. Sunday Jim joined us and we walked all around D.C., the mall, the capital. It was very sad to see her go. Made me very home sick for everyone back in MI.

Monday morning I was up at 2 a.m. and then again around 4 a.m. and called my mom because, let's just say something was not right...leaving out the details. Decided that I would wait until 8 a.m. and call the office. Got up at 5:30 a.m. and went to work .Called the office at 8 a.m. and left a message for the triage nurse. She called me back around 9:20 a.m. and said she needed to call the doctor. She called back again and said i needed to go to the hospital. By now it was 2nd period, only one left for the day, and I called the main office and said I needed to leave, printed up my class list, talked to my class, got another teacher to cover my 3rd period if there was no sub and then headed back to Annapolis. Stopped by the house to get Jim and headed to the hospital. I was really in no hurry as you can tell.

We were thankfully only there for a few hours, but since the staff was concerned my water had broken I needed to make sure. Dr. Keith did a wonderful spec exam, so not fun, and confirmed what i already thought...water was still intact. I was just too active over the weekend. I need to slow down and rest more. Funny how last week they were telling me to walk more. Make up your minds!!!

It was a good trial run because it made Jim and I realize that we have a lot to get done before her arrival. Need to get the car seat set up in the truck and car, get a ped doctor (4/8) I go, and just get our bags packed in case she makes an early appearance.

I'll try and keep the blog more current, but I'm still working two jobs and going to grad school so I fall behind a times.

Be well!!!

Let's see...

Well let's see what's been going on with us...lots I guess

The first day of Christmas break, 12/19, found Jim and I at our first visit to L and D. After school I was rear-ended by a truck and missed my monthly check up. This happened about 5 minutes after I got out of school, but I had to sit and wait for the silly cops to show up and NOT give the jerk a ticket. My doctor wanted me to come in and be observed, for 6 hours!!! Hopefully that will not happen again and the next time we visit L and D will be to deliver this little one.

Christmas has come and gone, but luckily Jim, Finn, and I got to take a few days and head to MI. It was great to have a white snowy Christmas. The drive out there was a little long, but not too bad. Finn loved the snow and spent as much time outside as the cold weather would allow him. Let's just say we played the I want in I want out game a lot!!! Jim got to drive a snowmobile, Finn got to chase it, and plow snow with my dad's tractor. We got to go sledding, old school style. Jim got to meet April for the first time, they just moved back from FL. It was great to see them and spend time with everyone. If there was only more time. I can't wait to spend more time this spring and summer.

We returned to no snow in MD and to find out that there were $6500 in damages done to my car...thank goodness we're not paying that bill! I love the rental car they gave me...now if I can just get Jim to let me get rid of the little red car and get one like the rental all will be wonderful. I doubt that though.

New Year's Eve morning woke as at 6:30 a.m. when the little one decided to us feel him/her for the first time externally. I'm sure Jim wasn't overly excited at first to be woken up, but after he felt the little kicks I think it made it worth it. Since then he was been trying to get other feels in whenever I feel them. It makes it very real, not to mention my ever growing belly.

We're over half way there now. I'll be 24 weeks on Sunday...not too much longer. Where did all the time go??? It just seems like I was just telling everyone I was engaged and then pregnant. Crazy!!!

The wedding plans are coming along. It's the little things that I need to get done and kind of forgot about...like shoes!!! Who forgets that? I just need to get through the next few weeks of dealing with my students, delivery my little one, and then finish the rest of the wedding stuff.

I'm super excited about everything that is coming up in the next 6 months. I'll try and keep everyone up to date. Happy New Year and Merry holidays to all!!

Been a long time...

So it's been quite some time since I updated everyone. Things have been a little busy, mostly I'm just too tired at the end of the day to do anything but go to bed and maybe read a few pages in one of my many pregnancy books.

I am currently 19 weeks pregnant and finally looking like I am. My belly suddenly popped out one morning and I've not been able to stop it since. I guess this is a good thing. At least now I look pregnant and not just fat.

Jim and I go for our anatomical ultrasound on December 18th where we can find out the sex of the baby if we choose. He chooses to find out while I am still on the fence. I was against from the beginning, but now I kind of think it might be nice to know. I guess I'm just have this feeling that it would be totally cool to be surprised at the birth and not in some little room with a stranger and the nasty urge to pee. Not to mention Jim swears it's a boy and I think it would be so funny if it ended up being a girl. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what I decide on that Thursday afternoon.

Other than that things have been pretty low key around. Here. Just teaching, coaching, and doing grad school work. Jim has been logging in the hours at Big Vanilla selling, selling, selling. This is always good with a kid and a wedding on the way.

Jim went and got the crib from his cousin, Stephanie the other week and put it all together. No missing pieces! It took us about two weeks to figure out how to get the pack'n'play set up and locked. Not as easy as you think. There's a trick to it!!! No one told us that! Other than that things are going fairly slowly in the nursery and I kind of enjoy it. I like to think of what this room will become in a few short months when our baby is sleeping in the crib and there's a pile of dirty clothes and smelly diapers in the trash.

Life will never again be the same. Scary, but amazing at the same time. I cannot wait!!!

Baby on Board

Since I have now passed through the first trimester I can tell everyone that yes, Jim and I are having a baby!!! I guess we celebrated our engagement a little too much. We will be welcoming a new member to our family April 30 ,2009 if all goes as planned and on time.

Still getting married in July as planned. I know it sounds a little selfish, but I still want my wedding and don't want to take all the photos while I'm bloated and feeling FAT! Plus that gives me a little time to try and take some of the weight form the baby off.

We;re both really excited and are attempting NOT to find out the sex. This coming form the girl who snoops for her Christmas presents EVERY year!!!

We'll keep you posted!

Monday and a 90 day challenge

I really don't like Mondays. Not 100% sure why. Maybe because they seem to last so long and the weekend seems so short? I can honestly say this is the longest day of the week. Why can't Saturday or Sunday seem this way? Maybe it's because I'm just so tired all the time. I've honestly started getting ready for bed at 7:30 p.m. By the time I get my lunch together, clothes laid out, Finn taken care of, answered the phone, brushed the teeth, pj's on, and wash washed it's 9 p.m. already. CRAZY!!! It's really said that I start that early. Then I wake at 5 a.m. to get ready for work. This morning I actually laid back down in bed after getting ready and took a 30 minute nap. Now if I were to sleep an extra 30 minutes I would be running around the house in a fury. How does that work? Maybe after a few more weeks of this I'll get into the routine and won't be so tired. I hope so!!!

I also decided to do this 90 day challenge thing at the gym I work at. Let's hope it works out and I can stick with it. I may have to modify a few things...you know what I mean. The first meeting was boring because they told me things I already know...I do teach Health and PE. Not to mention they talked to me like a kid. Didn't go to well .Hopefully my team will be cool and win the over challenge. Let's hope anyway!

So Sorry

I just realized how long it's been since I left a note to everyone. Things have been very crazy since we returned from Michigan an engaged couple.

We have set a date, July 10, 2009 in Troy, MI. I'm very excited. We have a wedding party, I think. Well I have my side done. Lauren, Lisa, Kristy, April and Tammy are my girls. Jim's little cousin, Cierra, is the flower girl and Alexander is my ring bear, but his costing me a million kisses after I talked him out of a million dollars. That kid's a riot! Please check out our wedding site fro more information if you like www.theknot.com/ourwedding/ElizabethJennings&JamesNorris I did not pay for one because we're trying to save money and not spend it. I know, I know...I'm cheap, but who cares! I'm marrying my most trusted companion and lover. That sounds really dirty. Jim's awesome and I could not be happier! He makes me a better person and gives me confidence to do the impossible.

We're also in the process of moving to a new place. Just need to finish painting. I hate painting. I say that every time and that I'm going to hire someone next time, but I always end up doing it myself. I loathe painting!!!

I started a t a new high school on Monday. Still trying to figure out where everything is. I guess I better get to it because the kids show up on Monday. Yikes!!!

Other than that I'll try and stay more up to date once I get into a routine with school, swim, and grad classes. Maybe I'll even get this whole wedding thing done in time!!!

ENGAGED!!

As of July 17, 2008 I have become engaged to Mr. James M. Norris. You're looking at the future Mrs. James Norris! He was super sweet and I was very surprised. It happened on a rainy evening in our camper at Wilderness Sate Park. I couldn't believe it. I was definitely caught off guard and pleasantly surprised. I'm so excited! My family is as well and all our friends. I sometimes catch myself looking at my ring and am in awe that it is there.
We're currently talking about a July wedding for 2009. Kyle and April are wedding in May and Jim's brother Tim and Gennie are wedding in October. It will be the year of the wedding for both families.
I'll keep you all posted on the details and what not. I can't wait! We're so happy and excited for this!

8 days and counting

Only 8 days left until my trip back to MI. Now if I could just get packed! I'm excited, but so not ready for the 10 hour drive with just Finn and I. I had some stuff packed, but Finni decided he didn't like what I packed and unpacked EVERYTHING!!! I do mean everything too. I have now learned to keep the bags zipped close and the toiletries off the floor. First he was laying in the suitcase all cute, then he took it all out. Crazy dog.

I hope i get to see everyone at least once. I can't wait for the Tiger's Game!!! See you all soon!

Almost 9

It's hard to believe that my best friend Lisa's daughter, is going to be 9 this September. After spending time on the phone with Lisa this afternoon and hearing all about the wonderful and eventful things that go on in her family. I cannot help but think back over these past 10 years that I have known her and her family. I remember showing up the first time to her first apartment in July with Jen, Beej, Maria, and myself to find her very pregnant and trying to haul in groceries. I still have pictures of Camryn and Anthony in my house, although they are outdated. I remember Camryn telling me, in all seriousness, that if you run with a knife (her's was plastic at the time) you will fall on it and DIE!!! She was 3 at the time. My next favorite memory was right after Anthony was born. Joseph and I went over to their house and decorated it for Lisa and Anthony's homecoming. It was a sight to behold with streamers and balloons, there were even cute little messages on them. I think Camryn enjoyed it the most. I remember all the afternoon swimming in the pool with the kids, secretly hoping to turn them into the next Olympians, evenings on the deck relaxing and drinking, neck rubs for Lisa because Christian just can't seem to get it right, holidays with the kids and their family, and just daily activities with them.

When Lisa told me how grown up Camryn is getting it made me realize how much I am missing. Not only from their lives, but from Lauren's family and Kristy's (well not kids per say but Casper). It's hard to think of Camryn as a tween. Before I know it she'll be a teenager, then I'll being cracking up at how Christian will be reacting to all this.

I want you all to know that I love you all and miss you. I'll see you in not quite two weeks. Hope to get some QT with everyone!

Tasks

Since I had the ENTIRE day off with no work, none, nada I decided to get my to do list done. It looked like this:
1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Balance checkbook (YUCK!)
4. Drop off clothes and stuff to Good will
5. Pick up Jim's paycheck
6. Deposit check
7. Rent check to Dave
8. Finn to dog park
9. Straighten living room
10. Grad school journal and discussions
11. Return to Sam's Club
12. Tuition bills for the B of E
13. Clean walls
14. Vacuum (double YUCK!)
15. Bake a cake (YUMMY!)

As of 4:30p.m. all I have left to do is the cake! Go me! I rock!!! Gotta love productive days!!! Now I the rest the weekend COMPLETELY OFF!!! YEAH!!!!!!!

Maids

Some I never thought that keeping a house clean was that big or hard of a deal. It seems that simply cleaning up after my roommate, her dog, and myself was not. Picking up after Jim and Finn is. Maybe since when I lived in North Beach I only taught school and did not have two other jobs and grad school. I really need a maid!

It's amazing that even though I am off for the summer I am still never home. I leave Monday-Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. (earlier than when I go to school mind you) and return weekdays around 4 p.m. and Saturdays by 10 a.m. This does not include my workout time. Don't get me wrong... I love my Big V! Then I need to work on grad school stuff (not my best idea). Anyone want to come and clean and do my work for me?

This week will hopefully be my last week working on curriculum, I pray. I spent 5 hours in the office working on it and have to go in tomorrow for another 5 or more. I am happy I got involved because I am making some great friends and contacts along the way. I can see myself moving up in the education field. It just is a lot harder than I ever thought to create a curriculum from scratch.

I am looking forward to having Friday to Sunday COMPLETELY off!!! I plan on doing nothing but hanging out at the pool or taking the boys to the beach to swim. Now if I could just figure out how to get paid the big bucks doing this I'd be set!

Police

So yesterday after swim practice I was driving home only to be pulled over. Yes, I was speeding. Yes, I was driving the little red sports car. I know better, but hunger makes you crazy. I noticed him as I was changing lanes, slowing down, and descending a hill. Of course, off went the lights and I pulled over to the side of the road.

He approached..."Do you know why I pulled you over?"
Me..."I was speeding."
Cop..."How fast to do think you were going?
Me..."well when I looked down it was like 80 (mind you this is a 55) and was like OMG I need to slow down. Then I saw your lights"
Cop..."License and registration please."
Me..."OK" Some small talk about work, my driving record (gulp!), and he left.
Cop..."Did you see me and then slow down or slow down and then see me?"
Me..."Slowed down and then saw your lights." (like I would say I saw him first!)
Cop..."Well I'll just give you a warning because you stated the same thing both times I asked. Slow down and be nice to your students."
Me..."Thank you and I'll try!!!"

Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayers! I so could not afford another ticket. I'm so watching my speed better...for the moment. I'm not going to lie, I know I'll speed again. It's like a drug in that car!

What a guy

So since I found out my job has been reduced, Jim has looked for a new job for me. He found one in Annapolis that is just down the road, like less than 5 minutes. The only problem is it's a private school and Pre k-8 school. Not really something I want to do. It was great for him to look out for me. I'm still hoping to hear from AAC for something there, but my two heads of departments in PG have been looking for me as well. They're awesome.

Finn update...Jim and Finn went back to the vet on Friday. The doctor said we need to push him a little harder because he should be walking on his leg a little more. He has to go swimming at least 3 days a week and for about 15 minutes. He can also go through his range of motion. He didn't whine once for the vet, but when we do it he wiggles and cries. What a brat! Such a drama pup, just like his momma according to Jim. At least we got some more pain meds for him and those seem to help a little more as well.

Jim update...he took his Firefighters test on Saturday. There were like 1600 people there to take the test. Let's keep our fingers crossed that he passes on moves on to the 2nd and 3rd rounds. If all goes well he'll start training in December. After that he's really a firefighter. Please wish him the best of luck in this long process. He's currently working at Adam's Ribs in Edgewater cooking, catering, and whatever else they need him to do. He's till doing mortgages, but on a part time bases since the market is so bad right now.

As for me...I'm just counting down the days until I don't have to drive all the way to GPHS five days a week. The 100 plus miles a day is getting tiring. I'm working out 5-7 days a week. I took a spinning class on Saturday with Megs and Patty. I'm still hurting from that!!! I enjoy the different classes and hopefully will start to see the benefits soon! Other than that I'm working at school and coaching as well as trying to stay on top of my grad school class.

Honestly???

Honestly...are people really that stupid? This morning 23 teachers were late to school and another 15-20 were out.

Then before school even started a young boy and girl almost got into and then another boy tried to join in. Followed shortly by boy#1's mom who stuck her head into the building and started yelling and saying that if he wanted to fight her son, he knows here they live. What the hell is wrong with not only the students, but parents??? Honestly, how do you hold down a job and act like a parent when you behave like that.

I am really thinking there should be a test one has to take in order to have children. After that there should be yearly exams as well. Why do they think their kids act this way? I am very concerned about the future society my children will be forced to live in.

School is NOT out yet and I'm sick to death of teachers thinking that they can write a pass for their students to come down to my gym and I'll watch them. It is not a holding cell and it's sure not MY JOB t take care of YOUR students. Do your damn job!!!

I'm sick to death of it all!!!

A sad day

So we found this great house on Craigslist.com, it had everything!!! Fenced in yard, garage, basement, hardwood floors, multiple bathrooms. It was PERFECT!!! I knew it had to be too good to be true for only $1200 a month. We went and looked at it, outside only and e-mailed the guy. That's where things got strange. He said he was out of country and after several e-mails we could have the place, but needed to Western Union him the money first before he sent the documents and keys.

So I got stocked that we were going to move into this great new place and that the gods were FINALLY smiling on us. I should have known better.

Stranger yet, there was a lock box on the front door, but he wouldn't give us the code to go inside. From there on out and a short phone call to my dad, we decide to look into the Nigerian scam idea...yep! We almost got scammed. I am just in shock right now. People can be so cruel and money hungry to take advantage of others. I'm so mad at this Prick I can't believe it and at the same time so sad. We were really looking forward to letting Finn have a backyard and maybe a sibling.

All in due time I guess. Someday our ship will finally come in. Just another test for us. Please warn other loved ones about this. We're definitely reporting this guy.

Another day, another dollar

18 days left!!! The seniors are done in 5 days!!! I cannot wait for summer! Today was a B day and I could barely get out of bed to deal with my kids. I was amazed at what brats 1B was and 3B was awesome. Usually does not work this way. it may be that there are 14 seniors in 1B and 28 freshman in 3B. Just a thought. I love my A days for the most part, 4th period planning is always great!
I'm really hoping to like my job more next year. I love doing what I'm doing, but I just feel tired at the end of the day. It's sad when I get excited about being home before 7 p.m. at night. I love teaching and coaching. I just wish they were both closer. I guess Romeo just spoiled me for too long!
I can't wait until the day where I have more money in the bank than bills coming in. I don't think that will ever happen though. Still gonna wish for it!
Only a few days left of school and then it's outside to coach my wonderful swimmers and enjoy the summer off. Two months until i head back to MI fro a few weeks. Hope to see everyone while I'm there!

Another one bites the dust

So last week I finished my third grad class. Special Education kicked my butt. I figured that after that class the rest would be easy. Well I was certainly proved wrong. I am now in ESL 523...no breaks for me. I shouldn't say that it's really hard because it is only the first week, but 2 discussion questions with answers to all classmates and an introduction plus a journal and only an 800 word paper. One DQ due on Wednesday and the next on Friday. The rest is due on Sunday before midnight. To bad I'm in bed by 9 p.m., well I try any ways. So here I am on a Saturday night finishing up the paper and journal. One down and one to go. I did manage to get an 89% in SPE so hopefully that will help bring my GPA back up from a 3.1 I would really like to have a 3.5 or better. I feel like I didn't try hard enough the first time around.

All of this must be done because tomorrow we're heading up to Jim's little brother's new house by Baltimore for a housing warming party and his dad's birthday. Then it's back to his mom's house to celebrate Mother's Day with that side of the family. Jim has been gone since 2 p.m. and it is now 11 p.m. It seems we're always in different places these days. He works from home a lot so he wants to go out on the weekends, where I'm gone almost 13 hours a day and want to just relax at home. Maybe some day we'll met in the middle. He's pretty good about staying in and watching a movie with me on Friday nights, but not all the time. I'm also up by 6 a.m. most Saturdays for swim practice. Needless to say I need a nap by noon.

Overall things are going good. We could of course have more money, but that always seems to be the case. Some day, I'm sure. Jim's sitting for the Firefighters exam at the end of the month. Hopefully that goes well because their schedule rocks! 1 on and 3 off. He can totally keep his other job and make double the income! I can only dream of course.

Money is the root of all evil and I'm currently paying out the butt for grad school in order to keep my certification and make more money...3 down and many more to go!