Annoying ** I got back from lunch today, and I checked my voice mail for new messages. As I finished, I looked up and my newly-switched-to-August Arizona calendar catches my eye. It's a photograph of a red sunset over downtown Phoenix. It's an okay picture, though the real thing is much better. But it's the name of the photographer that caught my eye. It's my old boss. Not someone whose name I want staring at me every day. I did not leave on good terms last Spring. Mind you, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, professionally and financially. But still not happy memories.

His name is obscured by several layers of black magic marker now.
Posted 2:40 PM by Kerry O.

Hospitals. Yay. ** So, I have a question for anyone out there who's ever had a baby: How did you pick your hospital? I thought I knew which one I wanted, but on further reflection, I'm not completely convinced. I have 2 hospitals to choose from, and they're both very good. One hospital I was in for several years when I was ill as an infant, and I have a weird emotional attachment to it as a result. The other hospital, I've had mixed experiences with (none bad, exactly), but is rumored to have a better labor and delivery department - one of the best allegedly. The first one is 5.74 miles from my front door - the second is 5.92, so no difference there. And I think both want you to wait to do hospital tours until you're 6 months pregnant. I don't think I want to wait that long to make a decision. Are there any great resources out there for comparing hospitals? Anyone know?
Posted 11:47 AM by Kerry O.

Fowl post-mortem ** Good night, sweet sparrow. At least, that's what I think you were. I really only got to see you for a fraction of a second before your spirit left us. You might have been a pigeon though. I know you were gray and white and I know that you swooped down in a last-second moment of weakness. Just remember, I did cry for you. If I could've avoided you, you know I would have done so. But you sped so quickly, straight down, and straight towards my car... There was simply nothing I could have done. Thank you for not cracking my windshield though. I hope you didn't have little birdies waiting in a nest somewhere for their food, and I hope you lived a long, healthy life. Sweet dreams and say hello to the spirits above for me.
Posted 11:24 AM by Kerry O.

I'm going to be a Mommy! ** So the Doctor's Visit went fabulously. Joe went along with me, and got his first experience with an OB/GYN office. How funny! The best part was that we got to get an ultrasound. Our little 1/2 inch baby is in fine form. He (yes, we're calling it 'he' - 'it' is just too impersonal) is measuring right on, and looking healthy so far. We got pictures! I'm going to scan them in this weekend. But everything suddenly feels so real. I have lost my inhibitions, if not my fears. I still worry for the little one, but I'm not afraid to tell people now. Watching that huge heart beating so surely made me a believer. I'm going to wait at work a little longer, mostly because my boss is not here this week or next. But everyone else can know now as far as I'm concerned. Yippee!
Posted 8:46 AM by Kerry O.

Interesting ** I feel as though my body is being controlled by some other force. Today is another weirdly emotional and hormonal day.

On an up note, we saw Austin Powers last night. It was very funny. A little weak on the actual Austin Powers character - it was really about everyone else. But there were some priceless lines. I do recommend seeing it, definitely.
Posted 9:59 AM by Kerry O.

No TMBG ** Didn't see TMBG last night, unfortunately. Watched horrible, awful TV instead. Chris couldn't go and Joe didn't get home early enough (and didn't want to go anyway). So, I guess I'll have to go next time. No biggie.

I have a date tonight with my husband, though. He's taking me to see the new Austin Powers movie. I just hope we catch an early one. I'd feel really stupid falling asleep in a movie theater. It'll be nice to pass the evening in a fun way. The closer I get to our Dr's appointment, the more slowly time seems to be moving! C'mon, Thursday, hurry up!
Posted 1:41 PM by Kerry O.

The weekend in review ** There are important things pregnant women should not do. Moving is one of them. I was of limited help yesterday as Chris and Mason attempted to move, with the help of Mason's neighbor and Joe. I got to move a lot of clothing and light bags. How is it possible that I was still exhausted last night?! They must truly have been wiped out.

Anyway, they moved about 3 or 4 blocks from me. I was driving to work this morning and passed a cute Scottie dog and thought it was neat that there was another one in the neighborhood; maybe a playmate for Princess? Alas, upon closer examination, I found it was Monty and Chris out for a walk. Still a playmate for Princess! Just one we know already.

My birthday was nice, relaxing and relatively uneventful. My only cravings so far have been salad and ice cream. So for my grand, exciting birthday dinner, we went to Souper Salad. How luxurious, eh? Saturday we cleaned all day, and capped it off with a "Party." I use that word generously, as it involved about a dozen friends, alcoholic beverages (for all but me of course), a BBQ grill, a half-hour of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and a premiere viewing of my new American Pie 2 DVD. Yep, it was a rockin' party. Things are a little different for me now than they were just a few years ago. But we still had a wonderful time!
Posted 3:23 PM by Kerry O.