Waiting

The countdown continues. I've got 19 school days left until Thanksgiving (I think), which means that I've got 19 days of school left, at the absolute most. I'm going to miss school--mostly my friends there, but I have a feeling that I'll be enjoying myself with my little guy. Hopefully I won't feel too disconnected.

Otherwise, we're still plugging along getting ready for baby. We've got furniture to move around, but I'm figuring that's what family is for :) I've been washing clothes and trying to put stuff away. I've conceded myself to the fact that his quilt isn't getting done before he gets here. I'm at the point where I've got to crawl all over it, and I just don't feel like doing that now. So, I'm trying to finish the blanket that I started knitting.

The waiting continues, though. I'm about ready, and I hope that he is too.

Wonderful Women

I just have to send the hugest thanks out to the wonderful women that I work with at school! Wednesday after school they threw a surprise shower for me and our Little Guy--I was so touched. I'm still all full of warm fuzzy feelings that there are so many supportive people around us. And, I was truly surprised! So, thanks bunches ladies--you're the best!

Feelings. Nothing more than...

Today was the local memorial service for our dear teacher who died 2 weeks ago. It was a wonderful uplifting service and left me feeling glad for having known Edward. It also left me wondering (probably selfishly) what people would say at my memorial service. Who would be there? What would it be like? I know that's a bizarre thought, but that seems to be how my brain is rolling these days.

Matt and I also ventured to Babies 'R Us today. Yikes. We're [I'm] starting to wonder [totally freak out] about what kinds of things we're actually going to need and want when our little guy gets here--which is getting to be much sooner rather than later. Thankfully there is a nice consignment shop not far from us and that has been encouraging so far. We're in decent shape...it's just all of that "you should get ___, my baby loved it!" and "we couldn't have lived without _____." and "you're going to love ____." that makes me feel so under prepared. So, we took a stab at some of the essentials today (changing pad and linens) and before we knew it, we were up to $100 worth of stuff. Oh boy! The sooner that he gets here, the better I'll feel because I'll have something else to worry about--rather than speculate about how to make a life that I have no clue about easier. We'll get there...one day at a time...

Speaking of getting there, I have to send a big THANK YOU out to all of you who have offered silly and kind words of encouragement along the way. One of the skills that a teacher has to develop is the ability to separate your emotions from your ability to do your job, so I generally don't let (or desperately try not to let) my abject terror about this whole thing show. In reality, however, I really am terrified. My heart knows that all will be well, but my head is filled with "what ifs". It doesn't help that I see a totally different person when I look in the mirror too--someone who has "blown up" (as one of my students apparently told another earlier this week). Thankfully the other soon-to-be-moms that I've talked to feel the same way, so that's reassuring--at least I'm not totally off my rocker!

Before we know it, our two will be three...we'll get there...one day at a time...

Drive Carefully

Last weekend we lost a dear member of our school community. An ELL (English Language Learner) teacher was killed in a head-on drunk driving accident in Manchester. Some dumb-dumb in a giant truck got drunk and decided to drive down the wrong side of 293 late Friday night. Edward probably never knew what hit him (hopefully).

Edward was one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people you would ever want to know. He was also one of those people who drove 55 mph because that was where his car (which had a peace sign on the hood) was most efficient, and he was out to save the world--one plastic bottle and recycled tote bag at a time. Besides being an amazing person, he was a dad, and an incredible teacher. He had a way of reaching his students, and I believe that he truly made a difference in their lives. I know that my life is brighter having known him, and for that I am grateful.