Thursday, May 24, 2012

Day 494 (May 24, 2012)

Sparky Had Hiccups
Last night was the first time (well at least that I know of) that Sparky had hiccups.  I had heard from others that the baby can get them and what they may feel like for me.  

Well, I was awake around 2 a.m. and felt little taps over and over again but it was a different feeling than the pokes, punches and kicks I was used to.  I decided after many that they were hiccups.  

After about two minutes I was curious if Sparky would react to the menacing issue.  Sure enough, he became very unhappy like most of us do with hiccups.  He rolled around, punched, shook, kicked...he was a real problem solver.  I was entertained and then decided to try to help with a drink of water and then a walk around the house.  

Problem solved and back to sleep for us both. 

Day 493 (May 23, 2012)


Learning our about the states and capitals.  The fifth graders had to learn first the eastern states and then the western states.  Yes, it is nice that we do not require all 50 states and capitals at once.  Above is the song we used to have some fun while learning.

Day 492 (May 22, 2012)

Hairy Monster
Harley has been exceptionally bad lately...meowing at us in the middle of the night, biting and just being bad.  Here he is pictured in the backyard where he loves to roll around and to hide under the palm tree.  

But we cannot just put him in the backyard and enjoy him being content.  No, he is only happy when EVERY door in the house is open so that he could be where exactly he wants to be at any time. 

Day 491 (May 21, 2012)

Sparky's Quilt, A Work in Progress
While at my mom and dad's house I sneaked a look at the quilt for the baby.  It is looking great...planes, trains and boats. 

Day 490 (May 20, 2012)

Make-Shift Eclipse Watcher
Halfway Blocked
Chris made his "eclipse watcher" out of, wait for it...a Coors Light box.  Shocker, right?  Well, it worked and we enjoyed the rare event.

The eclipse made for a strange moment when it turned quite dark during daytime hours.  Kona, the black lab, even had a moment where she was spooked.  We blamed it on the eclipse. 

The next day all my fifth graders wanted to share their experiences with the eclipse.  Very cool!

Day 489 (May 19, 2012)

Glucose Test...Yuck!
After failing the 1-hour glucose test (barely), I had to venture back to the lab for the 3-hour test.  This test required a blood draw at the beginning, to drink the pictured potion, and then have three more blood draws at hour 1, 2, 3.  

But, I found out that I passed...woo, hoo!  No gestational diabetes. 

Day 488 (May 18, 2012)

The Beginning of Bottle Head Dolls
The students formed their first step with their bottle head dolls.  They will become modeled after the historical person the student has been researching.  It requires a bottle, styrofoam ball and lots of clay.  We used Cellu-Clay which is so easy to use...just add water to a recycled paper mix and mold. 

I will update as these creations become cuter. 

Day 487 (May 17, 2012)

The Foot that KICKS
I had another ultrasound today and Sparky is still breech.  He showed nothing but his beautiful spine, thigh and then gave a good kick for a picture.  He is keeping his face hidden while positioned breech. 

Day 486

Stocking Up
The diaper buying has started!

Day 485

Wonderful Book for Sparky's Library
Snuggly Blanket with Baseball and a Doggie
Too Funny!
Bobble Head Shirt
Amazing Booties
A past parent had contacted me to meet up for a visit and to shower me with gifts for Sparky.  I met up with Susan and had a wonderful chat catching up on the latest.  When I opened a beautiful package I was overwhelmed with her generosity...all the pictured gifts!  

I have had amazing parents and Susan will always stand out.  She showered me with kindness when I taught her son and continues to today.  Thank you, thank you!  I am so fortunate.

Day 484

Kona, Spunky, and the New Bed
Dixie, Yes Dixie, On a Bed
At Costco we got new beds for the doggies.  It took Kona some time because she has been very attached to her bed in the garage.  She has her spider, Spunky, as the pillow and all.  Now for Dixie, it is shocking that she is not on the couch!  She actually loves her new bed! 

Day 483

Happy Mother's Day, From Chris
From Sparky
More From Sparky
Chris has always honored me on Mother's Day for being the mommy of the pets.  This year was extra special because I was honored for being the mommy of Sparky.  

Tulips are my absolute favorite and I was so happy to see them in the vase.  Additionally, Sparky bought some gear to root on Dad's favorite team...WVU.  And, of course Sparky had to buy gear with his favorite mascot displayed. 

To celebrate the day, we enjoyed a brunch with my parents, went on a Costco shopping spree, and enjoyed a walk at Shadow Cliffs.  It was a great day!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Day 482

Sparky's Furniture
Thanks to my mom and dad, we got our baby furniture today.  Thank you, thank you!  We got the crib and the tall dresser.  It was a given that we wanted the dark color for the furniture but when looking around I realized how important the height of the crib would be for these tall parents to be.  

Now, this is a picture from the store...our bedding is in the works.

Day 481

For the Mothers
We made these flower pens for the moms.  The kids were very focused in making these special gifts for their moms.  Well...most were focused on mom.  I have now found two kids that kept the pens for themselves in their desks! 

Day 480

Hand Made Gift From a Student
For Teacher Appreciation Week a little girl in my class made these adorable earrings...presented so pretty on the patch!

Day 479

Etching
Drumming Away
Tie Dye
Mustang Mural
Fish Windsocks
Time for our annual "Celebrate the Arts" day.  Once again, it was amazing!

For our first session the class did the etching art piece.  They used pastels to cover a canvas with color.  Next, they covered it with black paint.  Then, they took a unraveled paper clip to etch in the picture of a toucan. 

Next, the kids ventured on to a drumming session.  We watched/listened to a drummer that has played with many different musicians and has done work with performances like Lion King.  It was priceless when a kid asked if he has ever played with anyone famous which came after the drummer's explanation that he had played with The Who, Pat Benatar, and many others.  Oh my!  

After a recess time with popsicle treats and all we continued with our day.  The kids created their tie dye shirts which was the most efficiently run station due to the very organized moms in charge.  

Lastly, the kids went out to the playground to paint the mustangs on to our new P.E. storage sheds.  Additionally, they painted the school wide project of fish windsocks.

The art stations ended but the last part of the day was for all the kids to have a picnic lunch with their families on the lawn while listening to music.  Wonderful day!

Day 478

Oh My!
I hardly ever bake...too many supplies to take out but I do enjoy cooking.  And, if I had to frost a cake it would look like a disaster.  I was just amazed by the cake that one of our school moms brought in.  Wow!

Day 477

Teacher Appreciation Week
Starting May 7th it was Teacher Appreciation Week.  I found this picture posted and sure felt it was fitting. 

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Day 476

Baseball Outfit, Of Course!
Pouting Harley
For Jet Ski Work with Daddy
Dixie Puppy Shirt
Chris and I were at Babies R Us and found these outfits for a wonderful deal.  We could not turn down baseball, mechanics, and basset hounds!  

While taking these photos, Harley was lounging in Sparky's room which is going through drastic changes he will not be happy about.  Harley decided to swat the camera strap as I took photos and then went on to pout. 

Day 475

Another New Restaurant in Town
Chris and I had intended to just go in for a drink and maybe some appetizers to check the new BJ's out.  But, when we got a coveted booth in the bar area we were staying put.  The line was out the door and people were waiting for a long time to get seated in the dining area.  We studied the enormous menu and settled on some items.  Another delicious find. 

Day 474

New Burger Joint in Town
We had been hearing great things about "The Habit" and decided to get take-out.  I tried to call in the order but...nope only walk in orders taken.  So, I made the trip over, stood in a very long line, ordered and waited.  But, it was worth it!  I was impressed by many things:  this place had become a fun place for families and teenagers, the workers were all so polite and thorough, the food was cheap, and the food was delicious! 

Day 473

Oh My, Dreams
No one was joking about pregnancy dreams!  I have always been a very vivid dreamer who remembers many details from the night's entertainment but pregnancy has bumped that up a notch.  Some highlights from my dreams:

I dreamed was going in for a c-section to deliver Sparky and to get up to the operating room I was lifted up on a chair and doctors had to balance the four legs to take me in.  My OB was a tall Tom Cruise.
 
I dreamed that a bear was driving a car and that my cat was talking to everyone.  

I dreamed that Sparky was born on July 8th via c-section and was only 5 lbs, 10 oz.  I had too many guests visiting that I only saw the baby for a short time.  Then I went home and was begging Chris to take me to the hospital so we could name the baby.  But, Chris insisted on teaching some crazy teenage drivers a lesson by using his old police badge to scare them straight. 


Day 472

Little Dirty Paw Prints on the Clean Floor
Our house never seems to stay clean with three furry critters.  After a entire house scrub down, Harley played outside and left his mark. 

Day 471

Baby Bassinet...It is Getting Real
Our friends, Kim and Talyn, brought over their baby bassinet for us to use.  We are so thankful.  I was given great advice from my friend, Felicia, to take any kind of hand-me-downs because one never knows what a baby will like and won't like. 

Day 470

Spring Has Sprung
And the Roses Have Bloomed
I sure love when the sunshine comes out and the flowers begin blooming.  Yes, it is awful on the allergies but I am finished with the clouds and rain.

Day 469

Spoiled Baby
Ammy, my mom, brought over an overflowing basket of goodies for Sparky.  There were all sorts of baby products:  washing solution, books, outfits, booties, spoons, a beanie.  Sparky will be so thankful!

Day 468

Off to S.F.
The Winding Mall
While BART is a savior for traveling into the city it is also so very gross!  I was off to meet two college girlfriends, Maria and Susan, in the city.  On the way in BART was pretty uneventful maybe because I read the entire time.  I arrived in SF and walked a ways to meet the girls.  The three of us ate lunch.  Maria, pregnant with twins, this pregnant girl and Susan, the newly engaged...we had lots to discuss.

After lunch, Susan went on to other plans while Maria and I literally walked and shopped until we dropped.  I really regret not taking our picture especially since these two obviously pregnant girls were getting looks and very nice comments.  I thought Maria was going to beat down one crazy lady that tried to touch her belly!  

Our excursions came to an end and it was time for me to ride home.  It was a long wait for my BART train back and when I got on I found a quiet corner to sit in by myself.  Then this man sat next to me.  He looked "normal" until he started biting his finger nails and spitting them out.   I thought I was going to puke!  Thank goodness he was only on for one stop!

I arrived safely at home and was totally exhausted!  It was wonderful to see the ladies.  

Day 467

For Our Future Olympian
For Those "Kicks"
I was telling my mom what a moving, shaker and kicker that Sparky is and she said he was training for the Olympics since he will be born during the 2012 Summer Olympics.  My mom found this adorable jersey for Sparky to train in and these sporty shoes to protect those little kickers!  Too cute!

Day 466

STAR Testing
It has begun...the dreaded yearly testing.  The kids are stressed and the teachers are stressed.  In fifth grade there are six tests for the kids:  2 parts for language arts, science, and math.  The students are not timed and therefore our entire morning is devoted to testing for six school days.  Not my favorite thing to do as a teacher, ugh! 

Day 465

Cravings!
So, I ate an entire cantaloupe!  I had started cutting one up and putting pieces into a baggie for a snack.  Then I realized that if I didn't cut the entire thing I would never go back and use up the whole fruit.  I cut away and put all the pieces in the bag.  When it came time to snacking on it at school a quarter of the bag turned into the entire bag being emptied into my mouth.  

At least I am craving fruit and not fattening foods.  But then I was told from a friend how this beloved fruit can carry listeria and my worries started!

Day 464

Woo, Hoo...An iPad
No, I didn't get a personal iPad but I did get one to use for school.  I am very excited about this technology upgrade and cannot wait to explore all of the possibilities.  It is especially important for me to learn how to use an iPad to it's fullest capability because it looks like my fifth graders will have their hand on a class set next year...oh my!

Day 463

Water...So Entertaining
Camera Shy
On a rather multiple occasion, I walk into the kitchen to find water all over the floor.  When this would first happen, I looked around for a spilled cup or leaking from somewhere but now I know the culprit...Harley!  

This kitty loves to play in the water bowl.  He dips a paw, swats the water, changes paws, stares at the water and repeat.