Isn't it time yet?

Wednesday I got out the dreaded breast pump. Zac was coloring at the table and watching me out of the corner of his eyes. I turned it on and was testing out all the parts when he finally asked, "What is that?" I explained and his reply was, "I'm glad I'm not a girl!"

Thursday Claire and I pull up to mom and dad's house and as I'm getting out of the car I cringe as a contraction begins. Claire says, "Oh. You're having a contraction mommy?"

Friday night Sara is here. Immediately at 8:00 I announce that it is time for bed! (I had been counting the minutes). Sara looks at the clock and says, "At 8:00?" Eric, who has had it with a grumpy wife, simply says, "Yep!"

Please let this baby come soon! We are very ready!

Fooled Again!

After my first week off of work I am feeling rested, both mentally and physically, and admittedly a teensy bit bored. But today was everything except boring.
Claire started her first ballet class this morning. I found a cheap, 8 week program through the city for 3 and 4 year olds. It was perfect! She was so excited once we got there and she figured out what was going on. She was one of the littlest girls but was a great listener. She followed the teacher and had the best time! And yes, the "Homer tongue" was in full view when concentration was essential!

After lunch I took Sara with me to what I thought was a meeting for All Our Children International, a nonprofit that I am on the board of, but really walked into a surprise baby shower in my honor. One of my best friends, Rachael, is the president of the NGO and totally fooled me! I thought it was strange when I pulled up and saw my friend Iona and her new baby. I just figured that Rachael invited her to be a part of today's meeting. I was seriously that clueless!
I so enjoyed seeing my mom, mother-in-law, and all of my good friends (who I have now learned are fabulous liars!) come together to help celebrate. I got a ton of diapers and other adorable baby things that only get me more excited to meet this new family member! I can't believe that I have been completely surprised two times now by the very people I told to NOT do anything for me. And why is it that both times I chose to wear a sweatshirt and jeans that day?

Got Jesus?

Last night Eric and I took the kids to see the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda, Africa at the church. Spectacular doesn't quite explain it and I wish I had photos to share. The children ranged in age from 7 to about 12 and they have been orphaned by AIDS. They train for 6 months and travel in the US to raise money for their new homes (among other things) that were created by a reverend and his wife. The children were so beautiful and the music and dancing were so much fun. The program also displayed video footage of tragic things happening in their country as well as more hopeful. Needless to say, Eric and I took turns weeping. Zac and Claire were riveted and appeared to really enjoy it.
A few of the children spoke and when they did they told that they no longer suffer because of Jesus. "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." They really spoke and sang a lot about Jesus! Eric and I feel like we don't really need to go to church for a good 5 or 6 months because we got more Jesus in the 1 1/2 hours we were there than we have in a long time.
My favorite part of the night was when Claire turned to me and asked, "Who's Jesus?" All I could say was, "I'll tell you later."

Lately I haven't been quite myself. My aches and pains have been wearing on me, work is difficult because of the horrific situation we are in because of the budget crisis, and I did I mention my aches and pains. ;) Admittedly I could really use a little perking up.
Yesterday I reluctantly made my way toward the regular Wednesday staff meeting at my school. When I opened the door I found all of my co-workers standing in front of me, throwing balloons, and yelling "surprise!" I was truly that. I walked in the room and saw posters saying congrats to me and the baby, a yummy cake, more balloons, and an extravagant gift or two. It is overwhelming to me that amidst economic stress, report cards due, parent conferences, and just life, these fabulous people took a moment to celebrate me and my growing family.
(Especially when I told them not too! =) )
So perked up I am! Loved I feel! I only have a few more days at work per the request of my doctor (and my body) and I can't wait to meet this baby.
Thanks to my fabulous friends at the best school in town!

Sweet Boy

Recently we decided that Zac can have the choice whether to take a nap or not (but he still has to have "quiet time"). He has always been a great sleeper but had begun to take shorter and shorter naps. Since I am extremely pregnant I was afraid that this change would put a damper on my nap routine. Last week I fell asleep on the couch while Zac quietly colored at the table. Since I am such a light sleeper the next day I decided to lay in my bed while he played quietly. He didn't disturb me at all. I realized that I have got a pretty good deal here! All I need is about half and hour and he is responsible enough to play alone for that time. Today I asked him if he wanted a nap and of course he said no. He just wanted to play with his snakes. I slept for about an hour (oops!) and when I woke up this is what I found.



When he woke up I asked if he had a good nap. He was quick to inform me that he didn't take a nap and that he only closed his eyes for a little while. When I inquired about the one sock he told me that he was half man, half werewolf. He is such a sweet boy!