7.24.2006
7.22.2006
Thank Goodness for A/C
This past week has been very hot, but have had a few "cooler" days. Took this picture of Jakob zonked out on the couch.
Other than work, trying to get just the right amount of sleep (too much or not enough makes me sick throughout the day....); eating the right amount of food (going too long between meals makes me sick...) to keep everything balanced. It is tough when I have been working longer hours at work to get projects done for FY 07.
7.13.2006
To Be 33
Todd turned 33 today!!! Woohoo. He has a "hot dog steamer" and a copy of the live cd from the Depeche Mode Concert in Long Island he went to coming...
My friends came out with us for dinner. We were supposed to go for Thai food in Sturbridge, but decided on the Greek (one of his favorite places)- he had, of course, Seafood Newburg. Food was ok for me, not the greatest...service was horrible (all agreed). Jakob was ok...everyone ended up taking him for a walk around the property. He yelled loud "I have to poop!". After having just
gone potty 3 times in the last hour, I told him there better be poop; we are in the stall and I feel like I am in the bathroom scene of Dumb and Dumber where the guy is pooping/farting his brains out...less the poop- I couldn't stop laughing! Jakob says, "Well, you said I had to poop!!".
7.12.2006
Baby Update {July}
Appointment went well today. Heart beat was good, my blood pressure was good, and I have gained the 2 lbs. that I lost last month (Dr. Cooper was like "Ahhh...been eating Ben & Jerry's??"- I said I had wished.). Doctor stills jokes saying the heart beat sounds like a girl...we will see. We discussed inducing me early when the time comes for a bunch of reasons (we live 30 minutes from DKH; need to make arrangements for Jake; labor/delivery was scary with Jake...and he was big). I am feeling better now (except for itchies!!), just a few days here and there where I feel sick (especially if I do not get enough sleep...usually pay the next day).
Coming up: next ultra sound and blood work for detecting mental disabilities (need to schedule both)
Thursday marks the 18 week point.
Cravings:
Coming up: next ultra sound and blood work for detecting mental disabilities (need to schedule both)
Thursday marks the 18 week point.
Cravings:
- back to coffee- now with cream and sugar (rather than milk)
- cereal
- fries from McDonald's
- Mexican food
Funny comment:
After I told Kevin P. (Cali branch) they moved my due date out: "What is Sp*%ol delivering the baby?!"
Jakob napping next to "baby"
7.11.2006
7.08.2006
Moving on party...well, just a party
Got there kind of early on in the day and didn't leave until late. Todd would have loved to stay until 1 a.m. to finish out the UFC fight on pay-per-view but my back was killing me. Had a good time- of course I was the only sober one there...Todd had a good time too..."few" games of beer pong among other things.
Part of the reason for the party was to celebrate Rob's moving on from "hell"...I mean moving on to bigger and better things. Was good to see the Mexicans, meet new people, see old friends.
Kyle put on a little fire work display....was cool.
Part of the reason for the party was to celebrate Rob's moving on from "hell"...I mean moving on to bigger and better things. Was good to see the Mexicans, meet new people, see old friends.
Kyle put on a little fire work display....was cool.
7.07.2006
New Due Date....
Got a call from the doctor this afternoon. Looks like the baby is now due 12/15.
From what they could tell on the pictures, the baby looks ok, but it was difficult as I am 17 weeks rather than 21 (!!). I will be going for another ultrasound within the next 6 weeks. I still go for my normal appt. next week.
From what they could tell on the pictures, the baby looks ok, but it was difficult as I am 17 weeks rather than 21 (!!). I will be going for another ultrasound within the next 6 weeks. I still go for my normal appt. next week.
7.05.2006
Maritime Aquarium {Norwalk}
Well, just lost the whole entry when I went to post....
Anyway...here are a few pics until I feel like reposting:
Anyway...here are a few pics until I feel like reposting:
7.04.2006
Happy Fourth
Went to my folks house for some burgers, dogs, and mmmm mmmm potato salad.....
My nephew
History of Independence Day
Schoolchildren in America learn the basic history of the events surrounding the Fourth of July, but the details of this monumental occasion in American history somehow fall through the cracks. Although July 4th is celebrated as America's official split from Britain's rule and the beginning of the American Revolution, the actual series of events show that the process took far longer than a single day.The original resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776, and called for the Continental Congress to declare the United States free from British rule. Three days later a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson was appointed to prepare an appropriate writing for the occasion.The document that we know as the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4th, although the resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration was actually approved two days earlier.All of this had occurred with some of the delegates to the Congress not even present. New York, for example, didn't vote on the resolution until July 9th. Even more interesting is the fact that not a single signature was appended to the Declaration on July 4th. While most of the fifty-six names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, didn't actually sign the Declaration until 1781.Nevertheless, July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.
"Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.”Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), from the Declaration of Independence
Only four American holidays are still celebrated on their proper calendar days: Halloween, Christmas, New Year's and Independence Day. Of all the secular holidays, the Fourth of July is the only one whose celebration date resists change. Even in more provincial times, suggestions to alter the day of the festival to the preceding Saturday or the following Monday when July 4th fell on Sunday were protested. The feeling about the sanctity of America's Independence day was best expressed in a quotation from the Virginia Gazette on July 18th, 1777: "Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and Amen."
The Liberty BellThe Liberty Bell is one of the central symbols of American independence from British rule. This historical icon has a rich history that began when the Pennsylvanian Assembly ordered the casting of the bell back in 1751. Learn more about how the bell cracked, where it currently resides and what the inscription on it reads.
The National AnthemThe American National Anthem, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, was written by Francis Scott-Key in 1814. The song was an immediate hit with American revolutionaries due to its ability to inspire patriotism. However, it wasn’t until 1931 that the Star-Spangled Banner officially became the American National Anthem.
Uncle SamAlthough the name Uncle Sam has been a key aspect of American culture, no one is sure to whom the title originally refers. The modern-day image of Uncle Sam, the white-bearded man sporting a top hat and pin-striped pants, was made popular by the cartoonist Thomas Nast. His depiction has come to encapsulate the image of patriotism and American pride.
My nephew
History of Independence Day
Schoolchildren in America learn the basic history of the events surrounding the Fourth of July, but the details of this monumental occasion in American history somehow fall through the cracks. Although July 4th is celebrated as America's official split from Britain's rule and the beginning of the American Revolution, the actual series of events show that the process took far longer than a single day.The original resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776, and called for the Continental Congress to declare the United States free from British rule. Three days later a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson was appointed to prepare an appropriate writing for the occasion.The document that we know as the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4th, although the resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration was actually approved two days earlier.All of this had occurred with some of the delegates to the Congress not even present. New York, for example, didn't vote on the resolution until July 9th. Even more interesting is the fact that not a single signature was appended to the Declaration on July 4th. While most of the fifty-six names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, didn't actually sign the Declaration until 1781.Nevertheless, July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.
"Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.”Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), from the Declaration of Independence
Only four American holidays are still celebrated on their proper calendar days: Halloween, Christmas, New Year's and Independence Day. Of all the secular holidays, the Fourth of July is the only one whose celebration date resists change. Even in more provincial times, suggestions to alter the day of the festival to the preceding Saturday or the following Monday when July 4th fell on Sunday were protested. The feeling about the sanctity of America's Independence day was best expressed in a quotation from the Virginia Gazette on July 18th, 1777: "Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and Amen."
The Liberty BellThe Liberty Bell is one of the central symbols of American independence from British rule. This historical icon has a rich history that began when the Pennsylvanian Assembly ordered the casting of the bell back in 1751. Learn more about how the bell cracked, where it currently resides and what the inscription on it reads.
The National AnthemThe American National Anthem, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, was written by Francis Scott-Key in 1814. The song was an immediate hit with American revolutionaries due to its ability to inspire patriotism. However, it wasn’t until 1931 that the Star-Spangled Banner officially became the American National Anthem.
Uncle SamAlthough the name Uncle Sam has been a key aspect of American culture, no one is sure to whom the title originally refers. The modern-day image of Uncle Sam, the white-bearded man sporting a top hat and pin-striped pants, was made popular by the cartoonist Thomas Nast. His depiction has come to encapsulate the image of patriotism and American pride.
7.03.2006
Ultrasound Results??
We had the ultrasound today...we much rather prefer to have a doctor do it rather than a technician (with Jakob, Dr. Raheb went through everything he was doing)- I guess this is the downside of switching from an OB/GYN to family doctor. So, we have a picture...no specific due date (technician thought I was closer to 16 weeks rather than 19-20- I think she is on crack) ...could be a boy (but she wasn't sure..umbilical cord was in the way..). We did get to see the heart and spine and the baby had the hiccups. Jakob was more concerned with "What's that goo on my Mom's belly?!".I will get the results and an actual due date on 7/12. Looks like I will be scheduled for another ultrasound at the "22nd week".
7.02.2006
Rocky Neck
Last stop for today was Rocky Neck. Missy and the boys met us and we had full intentions on going to Gardner Lake (no cooment), then decided on the scenic route to Rocky Neck.
I was actually surprised that Jakob went into the ocean...and didn't want to leave- far cry from the reaction he had 2 years ago at the beach house in Delaware.
We had a good time.
I was actually surprised that Jakob went into the ocean...and didn't want to leave- far cry from the reaction he had 2 years ago at the beach house in Delaware.
We had a good time.
Gillette Castle State Park {East Haddam, CT}
Second stop today was Gillette Castle. I had no intention of touring the castleh with Jakob (although I really wanted to!), but we wanted to check out the grounds and spend time outside. The castle and grounds are beautiful, and the views breathtaking. It is definitley a place to go when the leaves are changing.
History:
Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Mr. Gillette's will, Gillette Castle and the adjoining property with its fine woodlands, trails, and vistas are now administered for the enjoyment of present and future generations. This apparently would have pleased Gillette, since his will gave specific directions to see that the property did not fall into the hands "of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded." This statement also points out the value Gillette placed upon his estate and the apprehension he felt about its disposition.
Gillette designed the castle and most of its contents personally, periodically checking every phase of their construction. Built of local fieldstone supported by a steel framework, it took twenty men five years (1914-1919), to complete the main structure. Gillette began his semi-retirement in his new home; and in the following years, he supervised the many thousands of refinements created by local craftsmen.
The woodwork within the castle is hand-hewn southern white oak. Of the forty-seven doors within the structure, there are no two exactly the same. And each door has a handsome external latch intricately carved of wood. Even the Castle's furnishings are indications of Gillette's inspirations. The built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, and light switches of carved wood all point to his creative genius.
Outside on the grounds, Gillette's influence is no less in evidence. The trails often follow, over trestle and through tunnel, the actor's three mile long narrow gauge railroad. Gillette's own walking paths were constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette's goldfish pond.
Gillette was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1853, the son of former U.S. Senator Francis Gillette and his wife Elizabeth Daggett Hooker Gillette, a descendent of Thomas Hooker, the founder of Hartford. As a child, Gillette was captivated with the stage and acting pursuits, an interest that his parents did not encourage. At age thirteen, he reputedly had built a small stage and amused himself by frequently giving puppet shows for his friends. At age twenty, he left home to follow his chosen career; but success was slow in developing. He attended classes at numerous colleges including Trinity, Yale, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and College of the City of New York, but never received a degree. His first recognition as an actor was attained when the lead became ill in "Broken Hearts" at the Boston Museum, and Gillette's stand-in performance was well received. This led to other and better roles for Gillette. He is most famous for his portrayal of "Sherlock Holmes" in his acting abilities and style. Besides his activities as an actor and playwright, Gillette is known to have written two novels, invented many trick stage props and lighting techniques, and often produced and directed the plays in which he appeared. After his semi-retirement in 1910, Gillette was welcomed by theatergoers countless times during his four revival tours. His last performance was at the Bushnell in Hartford in 1936, the year before his death.
History:
Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Mr. Gillette's will, Gillette Castle and the adjoining property with its fine woodlands, trails, and vistas are now administered for the enjoyment of present and future generations. This apparently would have pleased Gillette, since his will gave specific directions to see that the property did not fall into the hands "of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded." This statement also points out the value Gillette placed upon his estate and the apprehension he felt about its disposition.
Gillette designed the castle and most of its contents personally, periodically checking every phase of their construction. Built of local fieldstone supported by a steel framework, it took twenty men five years (1914-1919), to complete the main structure. Gillette began his semi-retirement in his new home; and in the following years, he supervised the many thousands of refinements created by local craftsmen.
The woodwork within the castle is hand-hewn southern white oak. Of the forty-seven doors within the structure, there are no two exactly the same. And each door has a handsome external latch intricately carved of wood. Even the Castle's furnishings are indications of Gillette's inspirations. The built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, and light switches of carved wood all point to his creative genius.
Outside on the grounds, Gillette's influence is no less in evidence. The trails often follow, over trestle and through tunnel, the actor's three mile long narrow gauge railroad. Gillette's own walking paths were constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette's goldfish pond.
Gillette was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1853, the son of former U.S. Senator Francis Gillette and his wife Elizabeth Daggett Hooker Gillette, a descendent of Thomas Hooker, the founder of Hartford. As a child, Gillette was captivated with the stage and acting pursuits, an interest that his parents did not encourage. At age thirteen, he reputedly had built a small stage and amused himself by frequently giving puppet shows for his friends. At age twenty, he left home to follow his chosen career; but success was slow in developing. He attended classes at numerous colleges including Trinity, Yale, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and College of the City of New York, but never received a degree. His first recognition as an actor was attained when the lead became ill in "Broken Hearts" at the Boston Museum, and Gillette's stand-in performance was well received. This led to other and better roles for Gillette. He is most famous for his portrayal of "Sherlock Holmes" in his acting abilities and style. Besides his activities as an actor and playwright, Gillette is known to have written two novels, invented many trick stage props and lighting techniques, and often produced and directed the plays in which he appeared. After his semi-retirement in 1910, Gillette was welcomed by theatergoers countless times during his four revival tours. His last performance was at the Bushnell in Hartford in 1936, the year before his death.
Devil's Hopyard State Park {East Haddam, CT}
Jake and I went to a few cool places today (Daddy was "crabby"). One of them was Devil's Hopyard in East Haddam. The weather was warm, but there was a nice breeze today. We hiked down by Chapman Falls (Eight Mile River) and snapped a few pictures. From there, the trail took us to more level ground with picnic tables (we ate our donuts for lunch). Close by was the river that had a covered bridge bringing you to more trails. We enjoyed splashing our feet in the cool, clear water (now he wants to go to the ocean!!).
http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/geology/devilsgeo.htm
History:
In 1919, the former State Park and Forest Commission obtained an 860 acre parcel located in the Millington section of Haddam. The principle feature of the park, Chapman Falls drops more than sixty feet over a series of steps in a Scotland Schist stone formation. The falls also once powered "Beebe's Mills" which were named after the original owner. The mills operated until the mid 1890's.
A search for the origin of the name "Devil's Hopyard" reveals a wide variety of different stories; none of them are verifiable and all are likely to be more fiction than fact. One of the most popular of these stories is about a man named Dibble, who had a garden for growing hops used in the brewing of beer. It seems that through usage, Dibble's Hopyard became Devil's Hopyard. There are records of several farmers having hopyards in the area, but there is no mention of a landowner named Dibble. However, Dibble might have been a tenant.
Another tale focuses on the potholes near the falls, which are some of the finest examples of pothole stone formations in this section of the country. Perfectly cylindrical, they range from inches to several feet in diameter and depth. These potholes were formed by stones moved downstream by the current and trapped in an eddy where the stone was spun around and around, wearing a depression in the rock. When the rock wore itself down, another would catch in the same hole and enlarge it. We know this now, but to the early settlers the potholes were a great mystery that they tried to explain with references to the supernatural. They thought that the Devil has passed by the falls, accidentally getting his tail wet. This made him so mad he burned holes in the stones with his hooves as he bounded away.
The park today offers some of the finest birding in the state and fishermen find the clear, cool stream water an excellent source of brook trout.
http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/geology/devilsgeo.htm
History:
In 1919, the former State Park and Forest Commission obtained an 860 acre parcel located in the Millington section of Haddam. The principle feature of the park, Chapman Falls drops more than sixty feet over a series of steps in a Scotland Schist stone formation. The falls also once powered "Beebe's Mills" which were named after the original owner. The mills operated until the mid 1890's.
A search for the origin of the name "Devil's Hopyard" reveals a wide variety of different stories; none of them are verifiable and all are likely to be more fiction than fact. One of the most popular of these stories is about a man named Dibble, who had a garden for growing hops used in the brewing of beer. It seems that through usage, Dibble's Hopyard became Devil's Hopyard. There are records of several farmers having hopyards in the area, but there is no mention of a landowner named Dibble. However, Dibble might have been a tenant.
Another tale focuses on the potholes near the falls, which are some of the finest examples of pothole stone formations in this section of the country. Perfectly cylindrical, they range from inches to several feet in diameter and depth. These potholes were formed by stones moved downstream by the current and trapped in an eddy where the stone was spun around and around, wearing a depression in the rock. When the rock wore itself down, another would catch in the same hole and enlarge it. We know this now, but to the early settlers the potholes were a great mystery that they tried to explain with references to the supernatural. They thought that the Devil has passed by the falls, accidentally getting his tail wet. This made him so mad he burned holes in the stones with his hooves as he bounded away.
The park today offers some of the finest birding in the state and fishermen find the clear, cool stream water an excellent source of brook trout.
7.01.2006
Can we say vacation?!
Today officially begins the first day of my vacation. WOOHOO! I go back to work 7/10. Started off with a party at Melissa's house...pool, food, keg, jello shots- yeah, I enjoyed the food. Jakob decided "I want to spend time with my Grammy"...so I wasn't going to argue. We had a good time..Brian and T were there from work.
Todd announced today "I am going to start a new diet today" (he doesn't eat much anyway), as she stuffs 2 slices of pizza in his mouth...after having 4 beers and a cigarette (yes, a cigarette!!!) and a slew of food today at the picnic.
Don't really have a plan for this week: Monday we have the ultrasound!; lunch with Rob from work one, or two days; and party at Boucher's Saturday. Probably going to head to the children's museum and Devil's Hopyard tomorrow. Just going to wing the rest of it (want to go to the beach and to Maine)...I would be happy hanging out here, playing outside with Jake and reading.
Todd announced today "I am going to start a new diet today" (he doesn't eat much anyway), as she stuffs 2 slices of pizza in his mouth...after having 4 beers and a cigarette (yes, a cigarette!!!) and a slew of food today at the picnic.
Don't really have a plan for this week: Monday we have the ultrasound!; lunch with Rob from work one, or two days; and party at Boucher's Saturday. Probably going to head to the children's museum and Devil's Hopyard tomorrow. Just going to wing the rest of it (want to go to the beach and to Maine)...I would be happy hanging out here, playing outside with Jake and reading.
The monitor went on the big computer...don't think we are going to go back to Best Buy for a while. They told us when we bought the Gateway that if ANYTHING happend to any piece of the equipment, they would replace it. So after 2 years, the monitor goes and it is coming back fixed within 1-2 weeks. Sucks, stuck using the 5 year old laptop! Same thing happend when we bought the iPods- mine went through 3 (yes, 3) hard drives...I get a new one next time it goes out (they had told us it would be replaced if anything went wrong).
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