Since I last blogged we moved into my parents' house for a month. Our apartment lease was up and the cottage we are moving into isn't finished being renovated, so we are here for August. I am still working, from home. This is tricky because I'm not naturally organized and with limited space I tend to feel kind of overwhelmed. We took the MPRE, which for those that don't know is the ethics part of the NY bar. Hopefully I passed, although who knew it was against the professional code of conduct to bribe a judge? We had a small family shower this last weekend, mainly for the purpose of not having to invite the family to the big friends shower in October. My mom's family didn't show up, which upset her and delighted everyone else. It was very nice but I was soooo tired afterwards. In another week we leave for GA, which I'm so excited for, but also stressed about getting ready. My job is great in that I love it, but I have trouble staying on schedule since I'm working from home.
Time has been flying!
I'm glad but also so afraid that I won't be able to get everything done that I need to do. I sometimes have what I call Juggler syndrome. I will have a few balls in the air, and I'll be doing ok. Then something else will be thrown in, and all of a sudden I just drop everything. I can't do anything because I'm so worried about everything all at once. The trick at that point is to know my limit and willingly choose to ignore some of the balls on the floor while I take care of the priorities. The other problem is that a lot of times the squeaky wheel gets the grease. In other words, I prioritize the balls that complain the most. This becomes a problem because in general, God does not demand my time from me by knocking on my door, calling or texting, or emailing me.
So here goes. These are the balls that I absolutely have to concentrate on right now:
1) I MUST pray! I'm about to go through major life changes, make huge decisions, become a mom. There is no way I can drop this ball. I've got to prioritize the Lord during this time if I want my life to mean anything. For me this means not only do I need to pray and read the Bible, I have to make a time a place to do this everyday. I need a time when I put down all the other balls and just get to know God better. I need to tithe joyfully, even though I am stressed about paying off my credit cards. I need to take the time to read those Christian parenting books, even though I'm sick of reading for work. Basically, if I want to keep anything else in the air, I need divine strength to do it, there's no chance I'll make it on my own!
2) I have to do a good job at work. Right now I spend a lot of time stressing about work, but not enough taking care of business. My boss has been very patient because she knows how busy I am, but I want to really show her that I can do a great job, and be a good witness to her.
3) I need to remember my friends! I never have a problem spending time with my family, because they are always there and it is very easy to make time for them. However, I am a notoriously bad friend. (I remember birthdays two days after they occur, I check facebook all the time, and then forget to check at all for two weeks, I make plans and then get absorbed in keeping up another ball, I let my cell phone go dead for a day and then forget to listen to my voicemails) Examples: I made plans with JO'D to go to Panera last week, then started to panic about taking the MPRE the next day, studied all night, then remembered the next day that I was supposed to go have fun. By then my phone was dead. Another friend from high school is getting married (I had no idea) and called last week to get my address for the wedding. I had no idea until Greg checked my voicemail for me. Two of my best friends from college helped us move from Newark to my parents' house. They worked all day in the heat, Drew moving furniture, Deb scrubbing my bathroom, etc. I haven't called them since that day to invite them to the beach. I think the act of letting go of some other balls will help with this one. If I can manage to do my work on time and not stress about it all the time, I should be more relaxed so that I can spend time with my friends and not feel guilty about it.
4) Take care of the body for Babybyrd's sake. This should be a no-brainer, but I frequently forget to eat, take vitamins, and drink enough water. When I get dehydrated, I start to get cramps/contractions. This happens way more often then it should. I also need to get to bed on time, even if there are things to do.
These are the balls that are going to have to stay on the floor for a little while: Excessive worrying about our trip to GA next week, school starting, the renovations at our little cottage, moving in Sept., Christmas shopping, Greg getting a job when we graduate, Babybyrd becoming a drug addict, running out of money, my sister getting pregnant, my parents' retirement funds, my friends and family never knowing God personally, C-sections, episiotomies, breastfeeding, making baby food, pottytraining, homeschooling, random horrible accidents, whether or not I passed the MPRE, how I did in my summer classes, and whether I will pay off my credit cards before the baby gets here.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Too Busy for Real Post
But just so I remember...
1) Went to the hospital Friday with contractions, drank water and they went away.
2) Nurse told us we should go to a nicer hospital because we a) have insurance, and b) are white.
3) Discharged from the hospital to find out the owners of our building want us to move out by July 31. Were planning on moving out Aug. 31.
4) Found out the place we will move into will not be ready until mid Aug. at the earliest.
5) Cry.
6) Parents tell us to move in for a month. Not persuaded by the one room/bathroom accommodations. Persuaded by the possibility of saving $1315 in rent.
7) Frantically tried to make up for time spend on 5) by working late on project for work.
8) Lost sleep and felt nauseous.
9) Despite 8), still went to midnight showing of Harry Potter.
10) Drove around Newark and Elizabeth asking liquor stores for empty boxes.
11) Did not get shot, did get stared at.
12) Finally got motherload of boxes from IKEA.
13) Packed up things we don't use.
14) Packed up more things we don't use.
15) Packed up some things that I didn't even think we had.
16) Felt the need to simplify.
17) Went online and saw that my take-home exam is already up.
18) Asked boss for time to study/work on exam.
19) Received heart warming speech about the importance of academics and the need to prioritize.
20) Was asked to do more work.
21) Will, instead of doing work or studying/taking at-home exam, pack up some things we don't use.
1) Went to the hospital Friday with contractions, drank water and they went away.
2) Nurse told us we should go to a nicer hospital because we a) have insurance, and b) are white.
3) Discharged from the hospital to find out the owners of our building want us to move out by July 31. Were planning on moving out Aug. 31.
4) Found out the place we will move into will not be ready until mid Aug. at the earliest.
5) Cry.
6) Parents tell us to move in for a month. Not persuaded by the one room/bathroom accommodations. Persuaded by the possibility of saving $1315 in rent.
7) Frantically tried to make up for time spend on 5) by working late on project for work.
8) Lost sleep and felt nauseous.
9) Despite 8), still went to midnight showing of Harry Potter.
10) Drove around Newark and Elizabeth asking liquor stores for empty boxes.
11) Did not get shot, did get stared at.
12) Finally got motherload of boxes from IKEA.
13) Packed up things we don't use.
14) Packed up more things we don't use.
15) Packed up some things that I didn't even think we had.
16) Felt the need to simplify.
17) Went online and saw that my take-home exam is already up.
18) Asked boss for time to study/work on exam.
19) Received heart warming speech about the importance of academics and the need to prioritize.
20) Was asked to do more work.
21) Will, instead of doing work or studying/taking at-home exam, pack up some things we don't use.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Crib Shopping!
Today I'm going with my Mom and Sister to BabiesRUs to look at baby furniture. I'm psyched but also a little worried. It takes me forever to shop for something big and I usually go back and forth between the choices and weigh all the pros and cons.* My mom and my sister and generally much more impulsive shoppers and my mom especially hates to walk around stores. So hopefully everything will become clear and we'll find the perfect stuff right away. I am sort of leaning towards a black crib, but it's one of those things where I'm not sure I'll still be into it later.
* Exception: Wedding dress. Tried on 3 and bought the third one.
* Exception: Wedding dress. Tried on 3 and bought the third one.
Father's Day
Borrowed from Christine at Smiles and Trials
I know these things, but somehow forget quite often.
My Child ~
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad, Almighty God
I know these things, but somehow forget quite often.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Boy Nursery Ideas
I made a registry at BabiesRUs, which was probably one of the funnest things ever! I've just been fantasizing about that nursery ever since I saw BabyByrd's boy parts! My three main ideas were:
1) Sock Monkeys! - specifically, dark wood furniture, red and cream walls, and cute sock monkey bedding. Very retro feeling. Another pro: it matches the brown/red carseat, highchair, packinplay, and stroller I registered for. My down side was that all the baby stuff that is required would just clash and look really weird. There's no way I could be that clean and organized to hide all of those rainbow-colored bouncy seats and exersaucers. Also this bedding is a little out of my price range, and the fabric is also pricy, even if I had the time to sew my own bedding. Additionally, someone informed me that "sock monkey" is a racial slur. Were they just pulling my leg?
2) Blue and Orange/Goldfish in Bags - I got this idea from a blanket I bought on etsy. It has that Heather Ross fabric with the little bags of goldfish. From there I thought I could just do a very light, clean blue and a sort of rusty but not too bright orange. This was Greg's favorite idea. He said fish are macho! My problem: too much of a committment. I never liked orange, so even though this is really cute, I'd probably have to live with at least one orange wall for longer than I'd want to.
3) Barn Dance - This is not so much an idea, as me just being too lazy/uncreative to come up with a unique theme and instead to register for a crib set and accessories like everyone else. However, the set is really cute and different. It's not pastel or super-babyish. And I think I could do a lot with the farm/barn theme for a little boy's room too. Also, it's not so monochromatic that it would look terrible when littered with atrociously colored toys. But also not so cheesy that it couldn't be classy when cleaned up. The down side: Someone else might have it!
** Update: **
We eventually went with the sock monkeys! My Dad painted the nursery walls a deep red on top, and wide tan and cream stripes on the bottom and added white chair rail to match the rest of the trim. I registered for bright red sheets and changing pad covers.
I found this adorable sock monkey fabric for a reasonable price on ebay, and stitched up some valances and a bumper, with a coordinating dust ruffle. I'm planning on making a matching blanket for Henry as soon as I can find the time!
I also found some little knock-off paintings similar to the ones in the picture above on ebay, and will hang them soon. For the guest bed I bought dark brown bamboo sheets, a plain white quilt and shams, and a brown and red throw pillows at Target. The light bed really brightens up an otherwise dark room.
1) Sock Monkeys! - specifically, dark wood furniture, red and cream walls, and cute sock monkey bedding. Very retro feeling. Another pro: it matches the brown/red carseat, highchair, packinplay, and stroller I registered for. My down side was that all the baby stuff that is required would just clash and look really weird. There's no way I could be that clean and organized to hide all of those rainbow-colored bouncy seats and exersaucers. Also this bedding is a little out of my price range, and the fabric is also pricy, even if I had the time to sew my own bedding. Additionally, someone informed me that "sock monkey" is a racial slur. Were they just pulling my leg?
2) Blue and Orange/Goldfish in Bags - I got this idea from a blanket I bought on etsy. It has that Heather Ross fabric with the little bags of goldfish. From there I thought I could just do a very light, clean blue and a sort of rusty but not too bright orange. This was Greg's favorite idea. He said fish are macho! My problem: too much of a committment. I never liked orange, so even though this is really cute, I'd probably have to live with at least one orange wall for longer than I'd want to.
3) Barn Dance - This is not so much an idea, as me just being too lazy/uncreative to come up with a unique theme and instead to register for a crib set and accessories like everyone else. However, the set is really cute and different. It's not pastel or super-babyish. And I think I could do a lot with the farm/barn theme for a little boy's room too. Also, it's not so monochromatic that it would look terrible when littered with atrociously colored toys. But also not so cheesy that it couldn't be classy when cleaned up. The down side: Someone else might have it!
** Update: **
We eventually went with the sock monkeys! My Dad painted the nursery walls a deep red on top, and wide tan and cream stripes on the bottom and added white chair rail to match the rest of the trim. I registered for bright red sheets and changing pad covers.
I found this adorable sock monkey fabric for a reasonable price on ebay, and stitched up some valances and a bumper, with a coordinating dust ruffle. I'm planning on making a matching blanket for Henry as soon as I can find the time!
I also found some little knock-off paintings similar to the ones in the picture above on ebay, and will hang them soon. For the guest bed I bought dark brown bamboo sheets, a plain white quilt and shams, and a brown and red throw pillows at Target. The light bed really brightens up an otherwise dark room.
It's a Boy!!!
It's not that I haven't had anything to blog about lately, it's that I've been so busy that everytime I sit down with the intention of blogging it's just too overwhelming and I don't know where to start!
First of all, I finished classes and started my summer job. I am sooo grateful for this job! I'm working for a professor and doing research. She comes in once a week at the most, and the rest of the time I am on my own, setting my own hours, goals, etc. I can work from home practically whenever I want. This kind of job is really hard to come by for a law student, as evidenced by my job last summer, where I worked 14 hours my first day!
My husband is also doing great. He is working at a firm writing an amicus brief about a medical ethics issue. He is almost finished and then will join me at school doing research for another professor.
Money is tight this summer, but I just made a budget/plan that should get us through. The hardest part is that I really want to buy baby things, but so far I've been really good about holding back.
We had the BIG ultrasound this Monday. The tech was a little crabby/didn't want to talk, so it wasn't quite as fun as I'd hoped, but I still got to see BabyByrd for like 25 minutes! It's strange, but I feel like it's sort of hard for me to believe that he is really there unless I can see him on the ultrasound. Although that might change now that I'm starting to feel kicks! Anyway, the tech said her guess was boy, but while she was measuring other things both Greg and I got a good view and it seemed pretty obvious. :)
First of all, I finished classes and started my summer job. I am sooo grateful for this job! I'm working for a professor and doing research. She comes in once a week at the most, and the rest of the time I am on my own, setting my own hours, goals, etc. I can work from home practically whenever I want. This kind of job is really hard to come by for a law student, as evidenced by my job last summer, where I worked 14 hours my first day!
My husband is also doing great. He is working at a firm writing an amicus brief about a medical ethics issue. He is almost finished and then will join me at school doing research for another professor.
Money is tight this summer, but I just made a budget/plan that should get us through. The hardest part is that I really want to buy baby things, but so far I've been really good about holding back.
We had the BIG ultrasound this Monday. The tech was a little crabby/didn't want to talk, so it wasn't quite as fun as I'd hoped, but I still got to see BabyByrd for like 25 minutes! It's strange, but I feel like it's sort of hard for me to believe that he is really there unless I can see him on the ultrasound. Although that might change now that I'm starting to feel kicks! Anyway, the tech said her guess was boy, but while she was measuring other things both Greg and I got a good view and it seemed pretty obvious. :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Vacation!
Yay! I'm done being a 2L! Greg and I are spending our week off relaxing in Willow Valley! We decided to go for comfort and skip the 8+ hour drive to Niagra. Instead we're relaxing by the pool, eating at the smorgasbord, and shopping at the outlets. We got a great deal on the room too since it's off-season and mid-week. This weekend my sister and her husband are going to Illinois to visit our friend Crystal, so Greg and I will stay at her apartment in Ocean Grove for Memorial Day weekend.
Monday we had our doctor's appointment and had a quick ultrasound. I was a little bit disappointed because I had been looking forward to the ultrasound for so long. I was sort of using the ultrasound as a carrot to get through my finals. The last one that we got at Greg's Dad's house was so good and clear, you could see everything. This one was very fuzzy and we still couldn't tell the gender. Also it was very short and the screen was sort of turned away from me. It was frustrating that it was so short, just because I was looking forward to it so much.
Despite the fact that we coudn't see the gender, I did buy a few baby things today, including some boy clothes. I kept the receipts, I figure if the next ultrasound shows us a little girl, we can always exchange the stuff at the Jersey Gardens outlet :)
Aside from how ecstatic I am over the vacation and shopping for adorable tiny baby clothes, I'm also super excited because I just heard some other great news. One of my best friends from college who was the best man at my wedding, and another really close friend who was a bridesmaid in my wedding have been spending a lot of time together. Saturday night at my birthday party they both ended up staying late to catch up. They left together and the next day they called us to say they are now dating! These are two of my favorite people in the world, and now they are together. I am so happy!
Monday we had our doctor's appointment and had a quick ultrasound. I was a little bit disappointed because I had been looking forward to the ultrasound for so long. I was sort of using the ultrasound as a carrot to get through my finals. The last one that we got at Greg's Dad's house was so good and clear, you could see everything. This one was very fuzzy and we still couldn't tell the gender. Also it was very short and the screen was sort of turned away from me. It was frustrating that it was so short, just because I was looking forward to it so much.
Despite the fact that we coudn't see the gender, I did buy a few baby things today, including some boy clothes. I kept the receipts, I figure if the next ultrasound shows us a little girl, we can always exchange the stuff at the Jersey Gardens outlet :)
Aside from how ecstatic I am over the vacation and shopping for adorable tiny baby clothes, I'm also super excited because I just heard some other great news. One of my best friends from college who was the best man at my wedding, and another really close friend who was a bridesmaid in my wedding have been spending a lot of time together. Saturday night at my birthday party they both ended up staying late to catch up. They left together and the next day they called us to say they are now dating! These are two of my favorite people in the world, and now they are together. I am so happy!
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