Fun Gadget!

Okay, so I have a few problems with this product, but LOVE the idea. It's a kick counter for your baby called the KickTrak. Baby O has been super active and is actually starting to make me uncomfortable with his/her movements in there. We had our first fight the other day when I told Bo in no uncertain terms to stop trying to break my ribs.

Anyway, back to the product... As I said, I like the idea of it, but think it's another one of those gadgets you don't need. The site has all this information that seems like a scare tactic, telling you how important doctors say it is to monitor fetal movement, etc etc. Yes--movement is important. But no--you don't need this device to do it. The other disappointing thing (besides the price) is that it's not something that hooks up to your belly to read movements by itself. You actually have to manually enter when the baby kicks. Why couldn't I just do that on a piece of paper for free? Oh, that's right--I can!

So, nice idea, but I'm not going to buy one. I can tell without counting that Bo's moving just fine!

Welcome to My Crib!

We bought a crib! I should say, Mom and Dad bought us a crib!!! We don't have it put together yet, but here are some photos. The great thing is that there were two in the store and the one we bought had a box that was damaged, so it was $40 off. But inside, the crib was perfect! Yay for great bargains. Including tax, it was $120. Yay Walmart! And thanks Mom and Dad!!

I love how the wave pattern ties to the way I painted the walls. I love it! It reminds me of a harp, kind of.

It also looks better as a daybed than some of those convertibles do. I don't know if we'll ever use the convertible feature, but it seems all cribs these days are 3-in1 or 4-in-1, so you might as well like how it looks in another position. I think with a thicker mattress or pillows, it'd be sweet.

I'll post pictures of it in Baby O's room as soon as it's up with the bedding (also thanks Mom and Dad!) and all that. I can't wait!

More Fun Stuff for Little Girls!

I saw these on Lil Sugar today and just thought they were SO cute! Of course, I'll have to learn to sew, since I'm not paying $40-50 for these, even if I love them. Also--would it be too weird if I made one for me? I mean, I never saw myself as a tutu wearer, but still. For these, from Tu for Tee, may have converted me.

This is my favorite. Seriously--skunks should be a bigger trend. So much better than skulls.
How many licks to get to the center of a tootsie pop?
So adorable!

Nesting!

I've been a little quiet on the blogging front and the reason is two-fold.

1. I spent waaaay too much time this weekend organizing my thoughts on home birth for a series of guest posts that will be featured on my friend Tricia's blog next week. I'll post the link when they're up, or you can check her site linked to the right: Reston Mom.
2. I am in nesting mode! Right now that amounts to cleaning out closets, throwing things away, cleaning, working on novel #2, and--my current preoccupation--going through my CDs and uploading the ones that aren't yet on my iPod. Then I'm packing them for the attic! I feel like all I want to do is be a recluse lately. I'm embracing my inner hermit. The thing is, I'm not sure whether this is a baby thing or just me becoming more and more introverted. Maybe a little of column A, little of column B. Either way, I'm knee deep(more like thigh deep) in closets and ankle deep in CDs, so I may post lightly.

Next weekend Laurie is coming, so I'll have some fun pictures of our adventures--the rodeo, Houston Roller Derby, Brazos Bend (alligators!!). For now, back to work! Maybe later I'll do a fun post on jelly beans...my craving for today that I'm now regretting since my mouth feels like it's rotting. Ew.

In Case You Noticed...

My little counter thing up top jumped about a week today. This is because I realized after my last midwife visit that I had been using an older due date, May 1st, and Cathy is using the one I like better, April 25. My ultrasound technician also said it was closer to that date.

Due dates are NOT (contrary to popular belief) an exact science. You base them on your last known period, but if you have short or long cycles, it can change things. Plus, some doctor sort of made up the 40 weeks thing. It's a very good guess, but there's plenty of cushion room on either side. Anyway, I like thinking that this baby will be out of me sooner rather than later!

Me, at 31 Weeks

Wow, that baby's getting enormous! Also the backyard looks great thanks to Robbie. And I like my $8 dress. :)

Pants-Evangelism

Not too long ago I posted about maternity clothes and great bargains. Since then I bought a pair of pants from my wish list, the Secret Fit Belly jeans from Motherhood Maternity. They honestly are the best pants by far out of all the different maternity styles and brands I have tried. They look great and feel even better. The material for the stretchy part is very thin, which means that it's all but invisible under clothes and also super comfortable, and yet it holds the jeans in place perfectly. I think I should be on the Motherhood payroll for plugging them so much. My friend Hannah bought a pair and summed it up like this: "It's like you're not wearing anything!" Not exactly true, but compared to other maternity fits, it seems that way. Now I need another pair so I can give mine a day off to actually wash them... And did I mention they start at $16.99??

Birth Plan, Take One

I finished up a preliminary draft of my birth plan this week. Though I'm really happy with it right now, I may go back and make changes as I think of them. There are two parts--the ideal for our home birth and a hospital contingency plan. So here it is, in all its glory!

Birth Plan for Baby O

Our hope is to enjoy a safe and natural birth in our home. We want to be flexible and hope our birth team will also adopt an open & supportive attitude. As much as possible we want the freedom to make choices as birth progresses.

Theme Verse
Hebrews 12:2- Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Labor
I would like the freedom to:
-move freely and labor in any location or position
-eat and drink as I’m hungry and thirsty
-listen to any type of music (or not)
-have alone time with Rob if desired
-wear (or not wear) my choice of clothing

Birth
I would like the freedom to:
-give birth in any location or position
-choose whom I want in the room during delivery
-let Rob choose what role he would like to play

Baby
I would like the freedom to:
-have immediate skin-to-skin contact
-wait until cord stops pulsing before cutting
-breastfeed as soon as Baby O is willing/able
-choose how soon I allow others into the room


Hospital Contingency Birth Plan

If for any reason, we are not able to continue labor and delivery at home, Rob and I hope to still enjoy a safe and natural birth in the hospital. As much as possible, we would still like to be responsible for decisions and want to be fully informed about any suggested procedures.

Labor
I would like the freedom to:
-labor in whatever position I desire
-wear whatever clothing I would like
-eat and drink without an IV
-labor naturally without being offered drugs of any kind

We would prefer:
-intermittent listening instead of EFM
-infrequent vaginal exams unless necessary
-natural progression unaided by Pitocin, the breaking of waters, etc
-natural tearing instead of an episiotomy

Birth
I would like the freedom to:
-have only essential hospital staff in the room
-push at my urge
-give birth in any position
-touch the baby’s head when crowning
-keep the cord intact until pulsing stops

Baby
I would like the freedom to:
-have immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact
-keep Baby O with Rob and Kirsten at all times
-have Rob accompany Baby O if medically necessary to remove from the room
-room-in exclusively
-refuse eye ointment, Vitamin K, or other routine tests and vaccines
-breastfeed exclusively without supplemental formula
-wash Baby O ourselves as and when we see fit

C-Section
I would like the freedom to:
-remain conscious
-have Rob present at all times
-get to see Baby O immediately and establish skin-to-skin contact
-have Rob accompany Baby O if medically necessary to remove from the room
-keep Rob and Baby O in the room during closing and recovery

Registering!

We have already been blessed by friends and family with tons of gifts for Bo. I am amazed again, as I was when we got married, at people's generosity!

I have a few showers coming up, which means that it's ALMOST TIME FOR BABY. It's amazing how I feel like I've been pregnant forever, and now suddenly it's flying by. Crazy! I mainly registered at Babies R Us, since they have everything and have a pretty good return policy. I registered for a few things at Target (where my bedding came from) and also Dillards (because my Mom said her friends would like it). The one I'm most excited about is at Cutie Tooties, where I registered for cloth diapers! I may not get any from there, as a lot of people don't like ordering online, but we'll see. It would be really nice, as they're cheap if you're just buying one, but for us to start out with a supply, the cost is substantial. Though a substantial savings from disposables! Plus they're really, really cute. Anyway, it's fun to see all these little gifts and know that very soon, there will be a baby here to enjoy them all!

This Is for YOU (and You Know Who You Are...)

Apparently one of the side affects of pregnancy is hemorrhoids. (Thankfully not one I've had to deal with!) This is something funny I saw in a magazine designed to make buying cream for them a little more fun, if that's even possible. It's called Roid Rage. Kind of sounds cooler than buying Preparation H, huh?

Personalize M&Ms!

Maybe I'm a big dork and everyone but me has already heard about this, but did you know that you could have personalized M&Ms made? I think it's such a cool idea. You could even have a business logo printed! This site allows you to choose a custom message and place an order. I know it's silly, but I think it would make a fun gift. There is also a place to order Dove individually wrapped chocolates (Dark Treasures...right Ginny??) where a message will appear on the inside of the foil wrapper instead of the usual (weird) message. Fun!

To Sugar Free or Not to Sugar Free....

Since becoming pregnant, I gave up diet sodas and all the other things I used to like with artificial sweeteners. It was hard at first, but I drink so much more water now and don't miss those things as much. Maybe it's a good thing because there have been several articles this month about sugar-free food. One study found that rats eating sugar-free products gained more weight than those eating snacks with real sugar. Yikes! Another dealt with the effects on the human metabolism.

Of course, for every study saying one thing, it seems there is another saying the opposite. For example, other researchers have found that artificial sweeteners do aid in weight loss in humans. But many researchers say the jury is still out on the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners. I know the my midwife told me that during pregnancy I should always choose regular soda over diet if I have to have one. After reading these articles, I'll think twice before getting hooked back on Diet Dr. Pepper after having Bo!

Here are links to a few articles so you can read and make up your own mind.

Health Care Public Article

Daily Bruin Article

US News and World Report Article

Midwife Visit--30 Weeks!

I had my midwife visit today and everything is great! No swelling (despite what that one woman thought...), everything indicates that my blood volume is increasing as it should be, my blood pressure is great, my tests all came back perfect, and baby seems to be fantastic! I thought it was funny that my glucose test came back as one of the lowest and best she'd ever had. This tests how well your body is breaking down and reacting to sugars. I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with the fact that my body is VERY used to breaking down sugars. :) I gained two pounds (which is perfect--a pound a week from here on out) and one inch, so that I'm 31 inches now.

Baby's heart rate was between 143 and 172, which is a great fluctuation. Cathy said that Baby O is highly reactive, meaning that he/she is responding very well to stimulation and surroundings, hence the heart rate changes. When poked or pushed on, the heart rate sped up, and then quickly came back down. If Bo is highly reactive, maybe that explains why I'm getting kicked all the time. At the moment I'm being kicked in the ribs--thanks, Baby!

Always good to have a good report!!

Nursery Progress!

Finally I finished painting the nursery! Though I do reserve the right to add or change things. I like it, but I also like to let things sort of sit and simmer so I can decide what to do with them. So we'll see! But for now, I really like it. It's been fun to prepare for baby by praying and reading books as well as doing fun stuff like the nursery.

So here are some photos. It's fun and bold, like our bedding, which is that mod jungle theme, seen here.




The next step is getting the crib and finishing up other details. Lynn and I went shopping for fabrics to complete the look yesterday. How amazing and fun is this fabric?? And perfect for the mod jungle theme. I almost want to re-paint around this theme pattern. Lynn is going to make curtains and re-cover my glider. I can't wait to see everything together!

Coming Soon!

This week is a little crazy. I'm just about finished with the nursery painting (look for pictures soon!) and am shopping today with Lynn for fabric to recover the glider and make curtains. I have to finish my birth plan by Friday for my Bradley class, so that will be coming as well. See, I'm busy! To tide you over until the next post of substance, here's a photo that came up under a google search for funny pregnant photos.

All I can say is Wow.

More Things NEVER to Say to a Pregnant Woman

Here are a few more things people have said to me recently that left me wondering about their sensitivity and/or intelligence. As a Public Service Announcement, please THINK before speaking to a pregnant woman.

"So, you bought some new fat clothes?"

"Did your water break yet?"

"How are you feeling? Because it looks like you've got lots of swelling and water retention in your face and legs."

Seriously--I'm going to stop leaving my house soon. And you'd think I'd be safe in church!! Nope. Can I start saying whatever I want in response to these kinds of things and then blame it on pregnancy hormones??

Cloth Diaper Links

There was a lot of response to the post on cloth diapers, so I wanted to post some links here in case you want more information! Most of these sites sell diapers, but many also have information about cloth diapers or offer something special like a service where you can rent cloth diapers to see how they work for you.

Cutie Tooties: offers a great personalized survey where you tell what features are important to you and the owner will respond with what diaper choices might work best. They also offer a registry!

Mother-Ease: a particular brand of cloth diapers. They offer some neat introductory packages so you can try their product.

Diaper Pin: offers a list of announcements of sales and specials at other cloth diaper sites.

Dapper Diaper: sells cloth diapers and also has a fun blog to read with more info.

Diaper Daisy: allows you to rent cloth diapers to see if they are for you. Great idea! Also, their shipping is only $1.99 and free for orders over $50.

Diaper Junction: sells new and also gently used cloth diapers.

Diaper Swappers: a forum where you can read or post information as well as get in contact with other cloth-diaper users to set up exchanges or sales.

**UPDATE***
Kelly just sent me another great link--Miracle Diapers. You can register to have cloth diapers loaned to you if you have need, and it has a GREAT list of affordable diapering links. Thanks, Kelly!

Baby Dreams

I have started having almost nightly dreams about birth. Is this normal? Am I going to have the baby way early or something? It's kind of freaking me out.

Dream #1- I went into labor now, at 29 weeks. I didn't seem concerned about the baby's health (I guess 11 week early babies were okay in my dream) but I was really concerned that we weren't at home, but out of town. I called my midwife and was like, "Is there a way to stop this labor thing?"

Dream #2- I woke up (in the dream) and had had a c-section. The baby was gone, my belly was gone. Strangely, I was not concerned about the baby, but I was really really PO'd that someone had given me a c-section without asking. I was trying to find the doctor who did it so I could sue.

Dream #3- I had just given birth (and it was a girl, in case you're wondering) and was holding the little, tiny baby. I was in my very small bathroom holding her with my mom and brother there. But the bathroom was too small for Rob to get in, so I was fighting my way through my mom (who obviously was excited and wanting to hold her) so that Rob could see her. I woke up just when we were wondering, "What should we name her?"

It's kind of fun dreaming about birth, as long as that doesn't mean I'm going to give birth like now. If you're pregnant or have had babies, did you have birth dreams??

Fun Baby-Naming Site

Here's a great site I read about on Lil' Sugar. It's called Nymbler, and it allows you to type in your favorite names for boy or girl, and then it will generate other names you might like based on those preferences. It actually works fairly well--when we typed in some of our favorite boy names (Lincoln, Sawyer) lots of the names it produced were ones we had talked about. Same thing with the girl names. Very fun to check out!

Valentine's Day Special: Reasons I Love My Husband

I really don't like Valentines. It's my second least-favorite holiday, the first being New Years, of course. This year it got off to a rough start--I got food poisoning. So my Robbie stayed up with me while I moaned and writhed in bed, even employing some of our birthing class stuff like making me breathe well and having us take a walk around the house while my stomach cramped up in knots. (Baby seemed fine throughout, kicking and catapulting in there like everything's normal.) Rob even knelt behind me in the bathroom floor (!) and held me while I puked. Seriously, who does that? He's going to be so great in birth.

Here are some more humorous and visual reasons why I love my husband:

1. Even though I don't demand gifts, I found this really funny one and told him, "There is a gift at Wal-mart that costs $2.97 and is so perfect for me. If you walk in there, you will see it and KNOW." And he did.

Forget the "Kiss Me" part--how cute is that hedgehog? It will have to do til he lets me get a real one. If I had my way, we'd be overrun with animals.

2. Here's how he's spending his day off this week--on the roof with a chainsaw hacking down the neighbor's trees that drop massive amounts of leaves in our pool. (I've been complaining about the state of our pool lately.)

It should be illegal to look so cute in safety glasses.




Our huge palm is also out of control, and he took care of that as well.
Now he's cleaning out the gutters. Sigh. I do have a great husband!

Beginning of the Nursery!

I started the nursery! I couldn't find the camera the first day, so here are the second two days. And yes, I know it's blue. I'm okay with that. The reality is that nurseries are more about the parents, as babies don't care. Also, if we have a girl, maybe she'll be like me and like blue. I'll keep posting as I go--I think maybe I have three or so more days of work. I'm terrible at making straight lines.

Day Two. Doesn't look like much, does it?
Day Three. Houston, we have yellow stripes.

And the Worst Part of This Is...?

I ran across this article today. A woman in Edmonton is suing her doctor and hospital after she became pregnant despite having a tubal ligation. I can imagine that it was quite a shock to become pregnant after an operation designed to make you sterile. But I felt sort of sick and sad reading some of the woman's quotes about WHY she is suing.

She is asking for $350,000 to help with the cost of raising the child, but this was really the clincher: "Herman is seeking $100,000 in damages for mental distress and the pain, discomfort, restriction of social and recreational activities and loss of enjoyment of life due to the unwanted pregnancy."

I do understand that some people do not want children, and I'm assuming that this woman did not, since she had the procedure in the first place. But that statement was just so disturbing to me. She has already had the child, and one day that child will be able to read. And will run across his/her mother's quotes about the "unwanted" and "undesired" pregnancy as well as the "loss of enjoyment of life." Again, I understand that you might feel differently if you got pregnant and really didn't want children. But does motherhood really mean that you're going to lose the enjoyment of life? Be restricted in social and recreational activities? I don't think so.

I hope for her child's sake that all that wording is just a ploy to get money and not how she really feels. If that's her real state of mind, I sure hope she puts that child up for adoption.

Cloth Diaper Extravaganza!!

Rob and I have been talking about using cloth vs. disposable diapers for baby, and I've been investigating. They have changed a lot since our parents used them! (IF they used them.) Mostly we're doing this to save loads of money, but they're also great for the environment and can be used for child after child.

So, today Kelly and I went to Young and Restless, a consignment store in town that specializes in new and used cloth diapers, among other kid stuff. It was overwhelming! But really helpful, as every woman in the store was willing to share her favorite type and the way that everything works. A woman was there from Kissaluv's, which makes really nice American-grown-and-made diapers. Their site has some great information on cloth diaper basics, care, and other helpful links. Here are some of the basic things I learned today.

All-in-One Diapers: These are just what they sound like. There is a cloth inner part that will be touching the baby's skin and absorbing all the "stuff" and a waterproof outer layer. When dirty, the whole thing goes in the wash. Bumkins makes really cute all-in-ones like this pink camo. They can be expensive--this one is around $25.

Pocket Diapers: These are similar to all-in-ones, but have a pocket where you can insert extra layers for better absorption. Here's a handy diagram from Fuzzi Buns. They run at around $18 a diaper.

Diaper Covers: These involve buying two parts--the absorbant insert that goes next to baby's skin, and a separate waterproof cover. This is the cheapest way to go, as you can buy chinese prefold inserts for a few dollars. A waterproof cover goes over the insert so that when you change baby, (hopefully) only the insert needs to be washed and the cover can be used again. If you want to do the nicer inserts, Kissaluvs are great! I bought one today for around $10. They are super soft and fitted around the legs, plus the newborn size folds down for the umbilical cord.

There are so many other details to consider, such as fabric type, closure (velcro, snap, or pin), etc. If we had the money, I'd love to diaper in Kissaluvs, but since our main motivation is expense, I'll probably stick to prefolds and cheaper covers. I feel loads better about this after going into the store and actually seeing the different choices, but will wait a bit before I commit to a certain brand or style. If you're in the Houston area, definitely check out Young and Restless!

Me and the Bump, 29 Weeks

It's Rob's birthday, so he couldn't get out of bed to take this picture. Hence the rumpled sheets I couldn't quite crop out.

Places I Feel Weird Being Pregnant

Okay, so if you're a woman, chances are you've had the experience of a stranger (or someone you know) checking out your chest. It happens. Now that has changed to people staring at my belly. Here are a few places where I feel especially strange...

The Gym. People kind of look at me like, "What the heck are you doing on a stairmaster? Shouldn't you be in bed or having that baby or something?" I keep waiting for the people at the front desk to ask for a doctor's note.

Normal (ie, non-maternity) Clothing Stores. I may be imagining it, but I definitely feel like people are watching me thinking, "She'll never fit into that!" (And they're right.)

The Liquor Store. I was buying something for Rob's birthday today, and definitely got odd and awkward stares as I went into the store, and as I came out with my little brown bag. Oh yes, there was judgment. But it was kind of fun going up to the register just thinking, I DARE you to say something. No one did.

Meet the Neighbors

About an hour ago, I was writing overdue thank you notes with my back door open (since it's a lovely 75 outside) and suddenly there was a little girl in my house. Her mother was not far behind, but apparently Mikayla came to our backyard to see Tex and then decided to come inside.

I'd never actually met these neighbors (who live two doors down) and it was really funny and odd to meet them as they all came into my house (Mikayla's father and grandfather also showed up) while I sat in my pajamas trying to decide if it's rude not to get up when strangers enter your open back door in the middle of the day. (I decided it was okay not to get up.)

It makes for a fun story, and reminds me of me at that age. When we first moved from New Orleans to Richmond, I was about four, and one day wandered out of our house and to the neighbors behind us. I rang their doorbell, and when they answered, I demanded that they show me their house. (This is actually one of my first memories.) They were confused and surprised, but I was quite forceful, and was looking at the master bedroom when my mother finally found me and rescued the poor traumatized neighbors.

Man, I hope our child is like Rob not me.

Gladiator Baby, pt 2

So, if you've read the other posts, you know that Rob is in the late stages of American Gladiator auditions. He's done one interview, one taped interview, and then had to send in a 10-minute tape showing his workouts, life, personality, etc.

I got to play a little part of it as well. When we went to the callbacks, I made my "Gladiator Baby" shirt, and the casting people LOVED it, so I got to be in pictures with him. Then in the video, I bragged about how Rob's going to be my labor coach in our home birth, and how he's going to help deliver the baby. That's definitely something that sets him apart from probably most (if not all!) those big, muscular guys! And it'd be fun to see home birth getting talked about on TV if he does make it and they ask about it.

We'll keep everyone posted, but should know whether he's in or out in the next month!

Pregnancy Side Affects

I feel like pregnancy should come with a warning like those ridiculous commercials for various medications. Side affects may include...well, a whole lot of things. Here are a few things that have been driving me nuts lately.

Back Aches: Every time I lay down to sleep, I feel like my back clenches up. The only position that is comfortable is the one I can't be in--on my back.

Brain Malfunction: There was a study done the other day linking pregnancy with memory loss and other fun things. Even so, it always seemed like a joke to me, until last week when I had a really bad day and left my wallet in the dressing room of a Motherhood store. What's even funnier about that is that I had taken the wallet out to look for a style number for a pair of jeans, then forgot that I had ever had it in the store, and told Rob I left my wallet at home, so he paid for it. The store called ten minutes later to let me know, and only THEN did I remember ever even having it. Sheesh.

Sleep Issues: If you know me, you know that I often say that I hate sleep. I feel like I'm missing something, and I'd just rather be up. Pretty much the story of my life. (Hopefully my child will be just like Rob--a great sleeper!!) But now I am really tired and know I need sleep, yet find myself waking up at 4a.m. fairly consistently. Last night not only was I awake for an hour, I was FURIOUS. Don't ask me why--must be hormones. A few nights ago when this happened, Rob actually practiced the relaxation stuff from our Bradley classes and put me back to sleep! He's good for things like that.

Hormones: I have random days where I hate everything and everyone, or I feel sorry for myself and get all weepy about nothing in particular. Yesterday was one of those days. (Hence the 4 a.m. anger.) I did find a nice solution though: laughter, in the form of the first season of 30 Rock on DVD.

I can't complain too much, since I missed out on that whole morning sickness thing, but it's funny to have my mind and body doing bizarre and unusual things.

Thanks, MaryBeth!!

I think that MaryBeth intends to fully outfit our family and new baby with clothes. I love it! Especially when they're as fun as these. Thanks, MB!
I love Tex in clothes. Especially such an applicable one. I can't wait to go skating with him while he's wearing this.
This is the cutest onesie ever!
Tex seems to prefer to nibble (his OCD thing) on his new shirt rather than wear it. But don't worry--he'll be wearing it plenty! Mwa ha ha!

The Kindness of Strangers

I don't know that I've vented here, but lately I've been really frustrated by things like people's behavior toward me in public, as though I think because I'm pregnant, people should hold the door for me or refrain from cutting me off in traffic. Anyway, today in Walmart, a man let me go in front of him in the checkout line (!) and then said, "You look like you're about four months along?" I could have given him a big hug. When I told him I was actually seven months, he said, "Wow, you're really little!"

I dedicate this post to all the people out there who have cut me off in traffic, bumped into me with their grocery carts, let me hold the door for them and not returned the favor, cut in line, or told me that I look big. I would say it restored my faith in humanity, but I didn't have very much faith in humanity to begin with.

Gladiator, Baby!

Here we are after Rob's second interview for American Gladiators. Baby and I supported as best we could. :)

We Went, We Saw, We Conquered

I don't know why they wouldn't let me try out. If you want more pictures and the full story, check our photo blog. Seriously, how tough do I look?

You Won't Believe What We're Doing...

We're heading to Austin tonight after our Bradley class so that Rob can try out for American Gladiators. Oh. My. Gosh. I'll let you know how it goes. As long as he doesn't end up looking like this guy...