the speed of life

I was doing a little online banking the other day, a task that always causes angst, and I saw that a check had cashed for the amount of $72.60. It caused me to pause not because it put us in the hole (just yet) but we seldom write checks and if we do they are typically for smaller amounts like lunch money or paying a sitter. When I clicked on the check, I saw that it was a check for our lawyer that we wrote back in April. My initial reaction was to scorn him for holding my check for so long but then I paused and thought about how life has changed so much in year. This time last year we were knee-deep in a frivolous law suit that consumed our lives, put Rick in a dark place, and had both of us asking lots of questions about the/our future. So here we are now a year later and in another uncontrollable situation albeit a happier one. I think this time around it is more me that is struggling. I got through highs and lows (go ahead and blame the hormones). I like control, I like to plan, and there is just so much that I can’t control and I can’t plan. Part of me wants to go out and buy a bigger house, a bigger car, and every baby item ever made but realistically it isn’t possible or necessary at this very moment. I need to focus on patience which has never been my strong suit. And even more than patience, I need to focus on keeping these girls in belly until at least 35 weeks. I keep reminding myself that everything will work out but sometimes even I question my own mantra.

The girls and I had what we hope is our last appointment at the prenatal specialist where we reviewed only the hearts. Turns out they both have them and they both are in good shape. I get to stick with my doctor from here on out unless she notices one of the girls not growing. Right now they are 1 lbs 10oz and 1lb 8oz (although I can’t tell you which was which). They did switch positions, so Dip who had been head down this entire time is now head up and Chip is now head down. I asked the tech if it was possible for them to change sides and she explained that it is all based on the direction of the membrane. Mine is positioned so that they have to stay on their designated side. I admit that I questioned her expertise until she moved the ultrasound wand-thingy to the Chip (on the left) and the appointment suddenly became much longer as Chip, true to form, refused to cooperate. Each time the tech would focus on the velocity of blood flow, Chip would move, which required the tech to start over. Funny to think that already they are starting to develop personalities. It will be interesting to see if this obstinance continues once they move out of  their studio apartment.

I am trying to pick a room color right now, which is tough. I pulled about 7 shades of pink but I am having a hard time committing to an entire room of pink. And I am in a mad dash to clean out closets and hopefully make enough room for their stuff.

The boys are doing excellent. They are both knee deep in school and doing well. Right now they are both on a reading frenzy and you really can’t complain about that. Zachy started fall ball and has had two games so far. He is doing fabulous. He has always been far more relaxed at games compared to JT but this season he seems to be taking things a bit more seriously (in a good way). I think it helps that we have some excellent coaches that are really taking the time to work with the boys and helping them learn the game. JT hasn’t gotten to play a tournament yet with the Voodoo as we have several players that opted to play football this fall and unfortunately two sports is just too much to juggle even for the best. There is a handful of boys (parents) that are committed to the team and continue to practice and work at pitching. Hopefully the team will get in a game or two in November/December and then back again in full swing for the Spring.

So for the most part all is well and despite how I feel some days, I know that everything will work out.

Roadtrip - Charleston

I am ashamed that I have yet to finish our road trip chronicles and even worse that I have not documented from our final destination and visit with Pete and Judes. Prior to getting to Charleston, almost everyone we spoke with talked about what a fabulous place Charleston is and we have to admit, they weren't wrong. For me it is almost the perfect city, not too big, lots of fabulous dining, and you are maybe 30 minutes at most from one of multiple beaches. I am not sure really what the downside is to Charleston; maybe there isn't one? Maybe hurricane season?

I am relying on the slide show again, this time with captions to highlight some of our fun.  I think for me this trip was perhaps our most educational. There is just so much history in the city and so many places to visit. The boys really like Fort Sumter and JT loved (although I have no photos) the ghost tour he and Rick took where they learned all about the pirates. Sadly (at least to me) we only hit one of the historic homes but hopefully next time at least I will be able to see some of the plantations and other homes in the area. I am a little sad that we won't be able to be there for Christmas as I was told the homes are truly fabulous then.

sometimes it is best not to ask