Like Father, Like Son

We finally decided to go ahead with the 4D ultrasound this past weekend. We had debated whether or not we wanted to, wondered if he would cooperate and if it would be worth our investment. So we did.

When I say like father, I mean it. This boy has his dad's personality. He is not much of a mover at all, nor has he ever been. He's so laid back. I drank a cherry lemon sundrop before going to the appointment, and he did not budge. Those things pack enough punch to carry me dead tired through a school day. He did not wake up.

Luckily, he was in a great position so we were able to get some good shots.

He sleeps with his hands by his face.

He looks so sweet- and has his dad's lips!

Finally found his mouth, but didn't keep his thumb there long.

A sleepy smile.

We don't know if that is hair or not, so we'll see!

He does have my chubby cheeks and round face.

We are so excited and can't wait to see him here in about 10 weeks!

The Calm Before the Storm

I'm waiting for it. For that moment to hit when reality has set in, comfort is gone, the newness has worn off.

I'm waiting for that "challenging child" to emerge from the crowd.

I was extremely hesitant starting the year with 19 unknown children. I did not talk to previous teachers to find anything out. I've had nightmares in past years waiting to meet them and see them after hearing things about them. So I didn't. I just waited to see for myself.

And I'm still waiting. It's an eerie feeling, to have a group that gets right to work without a sound once I've gone over directions. It's new to have a group sit still for so long waiting for me while a teacher or visitor has entered the room, without being directed or asked. And the hall? They don't just stop straight, they walk through the hall straight too!

Normally, they start to break and true colors emerge within the first few days. If not then, then within the first week or so. Two weeks into it now and I can't figure it out!

Maybe it's a good group. Maybe my "talkers" are scared because they are few and far between. Maybe I set the bar high and they are still in shock. Maybe my big belly has them intimidated (or parents threatened them to death!).

Either way, I am blessed. It has really helped with my transition back into the classroom. I'm feeling great, aside from the occasional back pain. I find plenty of time to sit, stand, walk, rest, and move around. I haven't knocked a child in the head with my belly yet, but there's still time! It's harder to squeeze past students where I normally would be able to. My feet have only swollen twice, but neither on a school day and only noticeable to me, since I see them everyday (for now!).

Hopefully, things will continue going well for these next 11 weeks! That, and I might want to knock on wood too...

Quick Break

~ Summer break is over...
~ My parents came to visit last weekend and brought tons of stuff (blog to come)...
~ School has started and I have a great group!

All craziness aside, I figured I'd take a quick break to update my pictures. I'm glad to look and see the steady progression since most of the time it feels like leaps and bounds!

26 Weeks

28 Weeks

Sidenotes:
- Feeling great.
- No noticeable swelling (yet).
- Staying cool.
- Room mostly done.
- Laugh every time my belly moves.
- TOUCHED him the other day. Weird!

Monday Funny

I can't stop laughing about this, so wanted to share...

I went to the doctor this morning for yet another monthly checkup. Things are looking great! Sidetracked a little. Sorry! Back to it...

The nurse came in to check everything out. She had the Dopplar machine in hand and had just found his heartbeat. The sweetest, most rhythmic sounds coming from it... until HE PUNCHED IT! Yes. His little hand reached out and punched exactly where the end of the machine was. Made a good little THUD in the midst of the heartbeats. Granted, it was a little cold this morning and it might have woken him up, but still. He punched it! Shocked us all and cracked us up. I had to hold my breath so I would stay still for her to find it again.

Not even born yet and we're hitting things. That, and he moves nonstop during church. I think this is going to be a long road we're headed down!

Making Progress

24 Weeks

My goal when I left school this past May was to be ready for the next year in most every way possible. My goal for the summer? Get the room done. I thought I would have it cleared out and furniture in place in June, bedding and decorations done in July. That way, I wouldn't have to think about it when school starts back in August.

Not everything goes to plan. After 4 years of being in this house, our guest room became the "storage" room. And it had SO MUCH STUFF!!! I never really realized how well I can pack things in, and how well everything fit just right into place. Needless to say, it took way longer than I thought, especially since I was not able to do much of it myself.

Our furniture came in at the end of June, but I knew if I started on that project, I wouldn't stop until it was finished. We still had the yard sale left to go. Granted, I didn't wait too long after the yard sale. The next evening, Bobby, Teresa, and Leslie came over to help (a HUGE thank you inserted here!). Three hours later, it was almost done, but still had some left to go. I finished that before Chris came home for lunch to help move things into place.

I love it! It looks absolutely beautiful. To me, anyways. Since it is our only extra room, we have to keep the double bed in there, but I found a cute comforter that matches the colors I'm using. The next project is making bedding and decorations, but I'm taking a small break before I delve into that one. The picture is in my mind, but I'm excited about how it's going to turn out!

Confession...

My name is Taryn, and I have a problem.

I've known it for awhile, but am now coming to terms with it and am okay enough to admit it.

I am OCD. Sometimes, I think it leans more towards anal retentive, but I think OCD pretty much sums it up. Anyone who knows me could sum it up as perfectionist, others as driven. Those that know me closely might consider it annoying. Well, maybe only Chris.

There are a few things that have allowed me to come to this solid conclusion:

- I cannot function without a to-do list. I have lists throughout my house and purse. I put more things on these lists faster than I can cross them off. My menu hangs on the fridge, with the coordinating and categorized shopping list on the backside. Downside: If I don't have a list, I do nothing.

- I cannot stand to leave a project unfinished. I will read a 500 page book in a day. I will embroider a quilt square without acknowledging anyone around me, and work until it is done. I will put together drawers at 5:30 in the morning because I want the baby finished. Downside: I freak out if these projects are not finished within my mental timeline.

- Everything has a place, and should be in it when I go to bed. Pillows arranged a certain way. Remotes put back where they belong. Doors closed, cabinets closed, lights off. Comforter folded so it's easier to put back on in the morning. Downside: Dishes and dusting do not apply to this. My house will most always be straightened, but do not count on dishes being done or furniture dusted every time you come over.

- My organization astounds even me. I can walk you through my house or classroom and get you to anything in either place, without even being there myself. My attic has a walkway to move through, dividing into sections based on like items. My classroom materials are color coded, to help keep like things together. Exception: Things out of place at school do not matter to me. I have a basket for things like that. I'll refile them when I get a chance.

If you can believe it, it has actually improved over the years. I have learned to lighten up, to ignore some things. I have found ways to cope. I'm working on it. That's my confession.

Double Deuce

So, I'll be honest. I get tired of boring titles here. I can't think of good ones but I don't want to just say "Update at 22 Weeks." Not really m thing. Plus, I write on here like I am talking, so why not put it in the title as well? Double Deuce popped into my head, so that's what we're going with.

22 Weeks

I'm 22 Weeks along today. Things have been going well, for the most part. At this point, there are a few things noticed...

~ No cravings. I get hungry, or need to eat, but nothing that continually stands out above the others.
~ No heartburn, for the most part. There are slight issues with anything fruity, but if I sit up or stand for a little while after consuming, it goes well.
~ I burp like a drunken sailor, if I knew what they burped like. Just know it's a lot!
~ I still haven't gained much weight. If I have, it's not very noticeable.
~ I can still fit into many of my non-maternity clothes. While I still have the wide variety, I'm enjoying it. Drawstrings are awesome. Just know that most of the time, pants are not buttoned and sometimes not zipped. Oh well!
~ Sleep is staggered. My body pillow is great for my hips, but is not very conducive to turning over in my sleep. Therefore, I wake up to do that. Not having to get up during the night still, so I don't mind falling right back to sleep.
~ Cutter is not much of a mover yet. I'm hoping he's got his dad's personality- calm and laid back. One can dream, right?
~ Chris says my belly is big. I just remind him that we have 18 weeks to go!

It has been a crazy last few weeks with VBS. Now that that is over with, I can move on to the other 500 projects I have going on right now...

~ My furniture is in! We ordered our from JCPenny and got some great deals with it. However, it is still in boxes in the living room as we continue to clear out the guest room. No rush!
~ I've picked out and purchased all my material to make the bedding for his room. They are bright, and I love it! I also got a matching comforter for the guest bed that will stay in there. Just need some curtains. Time to break out the sewing machine.
~ In clearing out the room, we have BOXES of stuff to get rid of! We're having a yard sale next weekend, so that should really help. Plus, extra cash never hurt anyone!

Summer is halfway over. Hard to believe that in a month, I'll be thinking about my classroom instead of my guest room. Hopefully, it will slow down now and let me enjoy it!