Sunny Side of things...

Finally, here comes the sun. But let's not forget the thunderstorms that come with all the hot, humid weather as well. Just can't win here in VT...

I spent my weekend in Mass with my U15 soccer team playing games in the 90 degree weather. The girls were laughing at me because I was sweating more than they were...and they were playing a game. I guess that's what I get for being pregnant in summer.
The team begged me to hold a "team meeting" at the mall Sunday...so I did. And we all went shopping. At one point I was in Motherhood with 11 15year olds picking out outfits for me. A very funny scene. Something a male soccer coach will never experience...last year at this tourney I was told by an older male ref that" my team played very good for a woman coach..." Luckily that was not repeated this year. Younger refs maybe?

If you care, they played really well--tied 0-0 and only lost 1-0 to two teams who beat us 2-0 and 6-1 just last weekend. So major improvements.

Vin stayed home and painted the baby room doors, and knee wall doors. He also worked the medical tents at the Burlington Marathon on Sunday--the hottest day on record--and seemed to enjoy that.

Mon we were both home and I cleaned and vacuumed everything...for four hours. While Vin was off bike riding and running--training. Then we both did yard work outside for another three hours. Needless to say my back was very sore last night but isn't bad today.

My soccer team seems to enjoy a "rubbing" of the belly for luck. And the baby entertains them on the sidelines as it moves my entire stomach from side to side, or gets the hickups. Very interesting feelings inside...can't wait for the baby to be big enough to come out! 8 More weeks, or 48 days, but who's counting!!!

Rain Rain GO AWAY

What happened to the day when the sun came out?

We are on day 16 here in VT with all rain and no sign of relief. Everything is flooded and the grasses are so long you would have to bushwhack through if you wanted to walk through the puddles.

Can you tell I am a bit upset about it. Thankfully this past weekend I headed down to Mass for 6 soccer games and it was sunny. We had to play on turf because all the Mass fields are under water, but at least they had that option. If you want to know my teams lost 2 games each, but played hard and tried.

The picture is from four weeks ago when we climed Mt Hunger...Nala was taking a rest on the mountain top.

News Bulletin: Vin wins husband of the year---when I returned last night from my weekend away at 10:30pm...he surprised me with having the baby room all set up. The crib assembled and all the furniture in the right spots. The guest bedroom is now officially part of the basement. I was so excited and very touched. It is fun to walk into a room full of baby furniture and baby stuff. Thanks so much Vin...(and Ben who gave up a Sunday to help Vin with all the assembly and moving.)

Hope all is well with all of you...keep reading the blogg...I see the baby doctor Monday--today. Will let you know the latest.

Baby doctor visit was great. All is fine, heart beat was fast and fun to hear, baby weight okay, mommy weight not looking anymore...but all good news. Now I go in every two weeks to see the doc...that means things are getting closer!

Back to work and HAPPY about it...

The strike is over and all the teachers are back to work--thank goodness. Negotiations ended Tues night at midnight and we returned Wed am. I have never been so glad to be working. I really did miss teaching and the strike experience and stress related to it is something I hope I never have to do again.

I just read my bothers two bloggs and it is a wonder that people ever get anything done...Everyone is so busy these days...do you think that runs in our family?

The baby is doing fine. Besides using my bladder as a trampoline and trying to scratch its way out...he is doing fine. I have to take pee breaks in the middle of class, in the middle of practices, and in the middle of games. It is always fun to see a pregnant lady running for the bathroom, or port-a-pottie as luck might have it.

I placed pictures of my babies right now...Reese up top with her stuffed pig which used to OINK until she ate the device, and Nala and Vin resting on the sofa...spoiled doggies and husband. BUT got to LOVE them all.

Baby Shower Thanks

Thank you to everyone who attended my baby shower either in person or spirit. We had a great day of visiting, laughing, opening baby gifts, and eating great food.
I really appreciate everything you all gave for the baby and Vin and I. Thanks so much for your love and friendship. (Enough gushy stuff...) BUT thanks :)

Vin and I made it back to VT safely. You should have seen the truck..packed and overflowing with gifts and dogs. We had an uneventful drive back and even had time to grab Pizza Hut pizza...which Angie had a craving for!!!

Back in VT the Kitchen is full of baby gear because we have not set up the baby room and have no place for things just yet. I cannot believe all the stuff you need for such a little baby...interesting. Not like buying a dog where all you needed was the collar, a leash and food bowls with food. UGH...what's the difference? I wonder?

I am not back at work yet. My union is still on strike (day 3) and things don't look that good for a settlement. On Friday I even found myself on the front page of the Burlington Free Press holding my strike sign and walking the line...nice he? I have reached newspaper status I guess.

Today I have the late shift at strike head-quaters. So I report from 12:30pm t0 6pm to help with lunch and dinner and cleanup. I also have soccer from 5-9pm everynight this week except Thurs which is baby class with Vin. I hope we return to work soon because this strike stuff is way too stressful and full of more hours than my regular workday.

Anyway...baby is doing fine and growing even more. I still have two months left and I am getting bigger by the day. I cannot believe how this works...very interesting and fun to experience.

I am headed outside right now to clean my car--the local robin thinks it's fun to ram the windows and poop on all the doors--I think we may buy a beebee gun soon to show it who's boss.

Oh and I also got called the Jury Duty starting June 5th...I will let you know how that goes...

Anyway...take care, and thanks again for such great baby stuff!!!

Mt Hunger

Mt Hunger...and no I am not talking about my appetite.
It was my bright idea on the 30th of April on a beautiful 70 degree Vt day to take a hike.
We decided on Mt Hunger because it is an easy 45 min hike to a great summit. Well, that's one trail.
We apperently took the other trail--2 hours straight up with a three legged dog and 7 month pregnant lady. Good choice.. :)
WE had a blast...the dogs loved it, I worked my ass off, literally, and Vin was just a trooper carrying and lifting the three legged dog and pregnant lady back down the mountain.
We climbed rocks, walked on ice and snow, and ate lunch with a beautiful view of the valleys. Sometimes you just can't beat VT. That evening however we were all fighting to see who was going to be more sore. Vin, the dogs, or Angie. We all tied...We were all just beat.

Since then however, our relaxing lifestyle has hit a few bumps. There is a strike in the near future for Angie's school. If no contract settlement by Wed 4pm, the teachers in my district go on strike. So that has been quite stressful for Angie's work atmosphere.
Then Angie's soccer club, Nordic, where she is to work starting September threw out the model she was going to be hired under and are in flux. So again Angie's job is up in the air.

Luckily the baby and I are doing fine. The doc says I am good to grow!!! And getting bigger every day. The baby gets stronger and kicks and moves with force now...wakes me up in the middle of the night and such. Very cool!

Well I guess that's it...I also think it's enough. Will keep you posted on work sagas and baby updates. Can't wait for my shower in NY...and see family and friends this weekend. I need a break!!!