Insurance Debacle

It's definitely not an interesting story, but calling the news was a last resort. I was sure they wouldn't run this story. In the end I'm getting what I want so I'm pretty darn happy. Please excuse the high-tech quality of this video. We don't have a DVR! I'm mad they didn't mention I'm eight months pregnant and that's why my face is so fat!

So you don't like pickles?

34.5

Weeks, that is. Doctor says I'm measuring big, but we're also scheduling the little guy to come early so no biggie. Other than the fact that I can't sit, stand, drive, eat, sleep or do anything comfortably! Evening breathing is a challenge these days! On the bright side, it was a lovely 70 degree day so we packed up the kid and visited the Fine Arts Museum of Houston. This painting of Elsie Driggs was my favorite: Remi was a perfect gentleman but very time he made a squeak a frenzied, geriatric docent would appear out of nowhere to make sure he hadn't ruined a priceless work of art! What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

Perfectly Posed Pups

When the light is streaming in just right in the winter, the pups get a solid 8 hours of slowly following the sun as it creeps across the floor. The other morning I looked over to see this: I had laid out the blanket for them and Remi must have left the ball there for them to snuggle around. They looked so cozy, I almost wanted to join them.

Nap Time Straight Jacket

Due to previously unforeseen circumstances, this is how we have to dress Remi up for his nap time. In order: Remi, onesie, t-shirt, pants, onesie. Even with this get-up he routinely wriggles free of his diaper constraints and leaves me with a weeks-worth of sheets to wash in one day.
But how can you be mad at that face???

What happens when he gets too tired?

Zoo Day!

My friend invited Remi and me to free day at the Houston Zoo. The parking was free, admission was free, and we packed our lunch so we didn't have to spend a dime! It is a challenge for me to trudge around for too long, but my time alone with Remi is precious and waning, so I gave it the old college try. It was a beautiful day and despite the crowds, we had a great time!
He hated being in the stroller but Mama's back was hurting too much to fight him.
Remi has been fascinated with flamingos lately, glad we got a good look at these guys.
Proud lioness. Crowds were too thick around the male, couldn't even get a glance.
The elephants were quite active, playing with buckets and breaking huge sticks.
For some reason Remi was quite disturbed that this dude was hungry.
Craning his neck to get a good look.
One of his favorite exhibits: desert birds and desert squirrels. Go figure. It was just a drier version of what we see everyday in the backyard.
Cool concrete feels oh-so-good on the face.
Pooped.

Quite nearly a lifetime ago...

Okay so it's been three years. Keith had more hair, I had less and Remi was but a distant hope...

Big Day

For anyone who is wondering, it looks like we will be scheduling my c-section for either March 1st or 2nd!
Hoping I don't go into labor before then, as I heard a report today stating c-sections are much riskier while a woman is in active labor.
I didn't think this would be my lot in life to bear children this way, but I'm so glad that everything has been relatively smooth sailing until now.
For the tsk-tskers that are asking "Why doesn't she just do a VBAC?" Well, my doctor, Keith and I made the decision together that this is the safest route to go, especially considering Remington's difficult birth. Yes, it's more expensive, harder to recover from and leaves a heck of an ugly scar, but I'll take my chances if it means that I can have another healthy baby boy.

Resolute.

Well, I don't usually make goals for the new year, but considering how much my life will be changing in two months, I made a list of ten things to help keep me balanced and purposeful. I'm posting them here so I'll have no excuse when I lose the scrap of paper they are written on!

1. Read 20 books
2. Stick to a budget
3. De-junk the house
4. Learn to make a patchwork quilt
5. Start making felt baby shoes
6. Lose 40 lbs
7. Learn more about photography, and hopefully improve upon
8. Find a hint of a green thumb
9. Be a better and more effective homemaker
10. Practice civility, generosity, and graciousness in everyday situations

I think given my current "situation" #6 on my list should be the easiest to accomplish, with #10 being the most difficult. I'm looking forward to the 2010 but a little sad to see 2009 go away so quickly!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve in Galveston was awesome. We love to take any chance we can to go see Keith. Luckily, Callie's family was able to join us for a while and meet up for dinner too!
Remi had to bundle up for our cold Texas weather:

The giant chess board on The Strand was a big hit:


And who can resist all of the candy at LaKing's???