Wow...25 weeks!

It seems crazy, but I am officially 25 weeks along. Here are the last two email updates:

24 Weeks - "Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon."

25 Weeks - "Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture."

We've gone from an ear of corn to a rutabaga in a week! Let's learn about what's new and exciting in our world.

#1 - School's out! That's right! Monday was the last day of school and I've had these last few days to kind of "veg out," deprogram, unwind, etc. It's been great. Kiddo must be happy about it too because he's been on the move almost constantly. I really did need some downtime. The last few weeks of school were hell with my job drama and a few lingering student issues that just wouldn't go away.

Everyday, I find some bit of housework to do (dishes, laundry, etc.), but I've been laying pretty low and being chill. I find myself loving and hating it at the same time. I feel like I have TOO MUCH time on my hands right now, so I'll actually be glad once summer school starts next week and I'm working 4 hours a day 4 days a week.

#2 - Granny visited! Granny Joan came down last Thursday afternoon and stayed until early Saturday morning. She brought a TON of clothes for Kiddo. He's going to be one stylin' little boy! Thursday, we kind of chilled, but Friday, Mom came with me to the doctor to hear his little heart beating. It made her cry. It made me cry (not really, but inwardly moan) when I had my belly measured for the first time. I looked down and realized that my belly appears to be covered with blonde hair. I guess that proves I'm a natural blonde, but it makes me wonder if it is required to shave it. I know that people shave stranger parts of their body and most celebrities are "hairless," so I'm wondering if I need to invest in a shaving kit for my bump. I'll have to think that over...

Saturday, Aaron and I went to Knoxville for a reunion of sorts. I had to laugh when one of his aunts asked if the baby would be premature. I wasn't really sure how to respond! I think I said something like, "Well, I'm not planning on it."

#3 - Job prospects and schooling. I've been applying for administrative jobs recently. I even had an interview! That was so great because I'm out of practice. Although I didn't get the job, I didn't truly think I would. I am still relatively young in the education world and giving me any semblance of authority requires someone to have a lot of faith in my abilities. I do feel that my skills continue grow and I'm very proud of my progress. I'm hoping that if none of the current jobs work out, next spring will be a different story.

On a related note, it would appear that I'm am once again bound to go back to school. In order to keep my teaching position with my current program, I must seek provisional licensure in English at the high school level. I will likely have to take at least 1 class, possibly two, in the next year in order to keep the position. I'm not thrilled about the schooling requirement with Kiddo on his way and pending budget issues due to daycare costs, but I've never minded school truthfully, and I am beyond ecstatic to keep my position with my program for another year.

#4 - Registries! I do believe that, short of minor additions, the baby registries are complete. Aaron and I finally added a "travel system" last week. We now have three registries going: Target, Babies R Us, and Amazon. I'm doubting that much will be purchased from the Amazon one, but it was the best place for us to be able to add books (and Legos). The shower plans are in motion as well. I was hoping to avoid a shower, but it seems that I am destined to have one. At least it will be easier since it's about Kiddo, not me. I am working hard on a guest list and I've suggested that we have an assortment of bars instead of cake (rice crispies here I come!).

I think those are the major developments for the time being. Hopefully in the next week or so, Aaron and I will pick a color of base paint for the nursery so I can start working on it after school. Beyond that, I am simply trying to enjoy the summer while working at school again/still. I think that next summer, I'll actually take a bit of time to be with the Kiddo...LOL! We'll see if that happens. Damn my ambition! Later with love!