An Experimental Tour of the Baby's Room

Hello! I thought I'd try out the new camcorder tonight. Here is my first attempt, which seems to me a little blurry, but at least you'll get a glimpse of the new, organized baby room. Hopefully I won't make you seasick - I'm sure filming on these things is a skill to be learned - one we're sure to become proficient in once the baby arrives. Much love and blessings - M

Showered with Love

In the last couple weeks, we've had two showers - one at the church and another at my grandmother's house. Jess and I have just been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that we've received. And the stuff. Wow - this baby will be better dressed in his first few months of life than he ever will afterwards! Here are a few photos of all the fun:

Here are Dani and Perrie - my beautiful students whom I've taught since they were in the sixth grade (six years ago!). I was so happy they could be a part of this fun event.

Here are three of my good friends: Jeanne, Hannah, and Sarah.

Here is Jesse and I, seated with my San Diego Mom, Pam Paganini, at the family shower hosted by my grandparents.

Finally, here are my cousin Chelsie and I with the delicious cake that she made for the event. We really are so lucky to have such an amazing group of friends and family!

Make Room for Baby

We've been working on the "second bedroom" for a few weeks now...well - Jesse has been working on it while I make periodic visits and frequent suggestions. Luckily, he's had help from Jackie Boy and our friends, Micah and Hannah. Here are a few photos to enjoy along the way - it's nearly finished now, just the wallpaper border to put up and the valance to hang!

Chronicles of the Dog

When Marilee and I first got our dog Jack as a new pup, we were so excited. Not only was this a long-time wish of ours to have a dog, but because this was one step closer to having a child. I think Jack always knew that he was the John the Baptist, paving the way for someone who would usurp his place and authority. His life has always been devoted to one thing, "postpone the kid." For instance, when we got him we told ourselves that if we could keep a dog alive we could probably handle having a kid. So what does Jack do, a week after he arrived - concocted a life-threatening Pneumonia, costing us thousands of dollars. His strategy was two-fold - not only had he set us back financially, he caused us to doubt our readiness for child-raising - GENIOUS! He had indeed cemented his role as "our child."

Every time Jones (that's my name for Marilee) and I would gain a spine and lay down the law, he would develop some illness and give us those big ol' sad eyes. We were jello. He sleeps in the bed with us, has his favorite spot on the couch, prefers Breyers to Dreyers, and throws a fit if he is told no (really, he has a conniption). Just a couple of weeks ago I went into the kitchen to slice myself some cheese. I went to go answer the phone and 2 seconds later Jack runs into the living room with the whole block of cheese imprisoned in his mouth. You see, he loves cheese. This was a triumph.

What will we do when little Malott arrives in January and Jack is no longer mister numero uno? Already he can tell something is up. He seems to be regressing some in his behavior. But everytime we have little ones over he loves them. He just wants to keep licking them. It's us I'm worried about, not junior. Little Malott will just have to get used to being soaked with puppy drool every day. Oh well, some kids do have it worse - there are starving kids in China still.

Growing Wider

At our doctor appointment yesterday, I received the good news that I do not have Gestational Diabetes. My first glucose test had come back with high scores (what can I say? I've always wanted high scores before!), so I'd had to take a more extensive test that included fasting for twelve hours, drinking 100 mg of a terribly sweet substance called "glucola", and then have my blood tested four times over three hours. We pregnant people need to eat, so I'll just say that by noon (by then, no food for 16 hours) it's good that I was alone - I was pretty cranky!

Anyhow, that's over and I'm grateful that my test results came back normal - it seemed a bit cruel to have to give up ice cream so abruptly, when I'd waited so long to indulge. :) We've switched over to sugar-free ice cream, pudding, and cookies just to slow down the rapid weight gain, but I still get to eat carbs! (Thank goodness - Panera just opened up down the street!) Speaking of weight gain, I can officially say that for the first time since our freshman year in college, Jess and I weigh the same. Wow, I'm still processing that fact.