Human Dominoes and Other Philosophical Questions

Yesterday, it was necessary for me to eat some fried mushrooms with ranch for lunch.  Don't question it.  Absolutely necessary.  Allison and I went in search of bar food and ended up at Cocktails and Company (whose mushrooms ended up being sub-par, by the way, but Allison's onion rings were fabulous). 

While enjoying my lunch of fungus and grease, I happened to notice a news story playing on the television about a world record that had been broken...  for human dominoes. 

Its exactly what it sounds like.  In China's Inner Mongolia 10,276 people, mostly high school students, lined up together then fell over in succession.  The feat took approximately an hour and twenty minutes, plus the twelve hours they had spent over three days practicing for it. 

"Wow, what a gigantic waste of time."  That's all I could think.  Imagine what good those students could have done with those thirteen hours and twenty minutes.  They could have repaired buildings, fed the hungry, cleaned my house.  But, no.  They chose to spend that time falling over in a line.

Then the not-so-cynical side of me (which has not come out for quite some time) took over.  So what if that is how they chose to spend their time?  What have I been so excited about lately that I've spent half a day on it?  Not much, let me tell you.  I haven't repaired any buildings, fed the hungry, or cleaned my house, either.  I don't even have any ridiculous stories about how I fell over with a bunch of people and broke a Guinness World Record. 

Our lives are going to change in a huge way come February.  The life that we have now will no longer exist.  Our days of sitting around like slugs are numbered.  And then, when the baby comes, I will no longer have the option of doing nothing.  I will have taken part in something amazing; I will be charged with helping the miracle that God has given me explore the world and take in every single thing that she possibly can.  I will get to experience a whole new world and all the wonders that come along wth seeing things in a brand new way.  I will look at everything in a new light and enjoy countless new experiences and enjoy every single moment of it. 

I guess the real question is, "Why not start now?" 

(Almost) 12 Week Appointment

I cannot describe to you how nervous I was yesterday morning.  My almost-twelve-week appointment was scheduled for 9:30, and I was absolutely terrified.  This whole time I have been saying that I feel that things are different this time, that I just feel that everything is okay...  but feeling and and actually knowing are two completely different things. 

The wait seemed like forever.  Mike kept putting his hand on my leg or on my arm, whichever was shaking more at the time.  I'm not one to sit still on a normal day, but my fidgeting was admittedly out of control.  

Finally, we went back and started all the "normal" stuff, the exam, the questions about how I was feeling, blah blah blah.  I had no patience for any of it. 

Then, finally, it was time for the cold junk on my tummy and the Doppler. 

And... there it was.  Almost immediately after the doctor put the wand to my stomach, we were able to hear the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.  "Woosh woosh woosh woosh woosh."  I have never, NEVER been so happy in all of my life than in that moment.  Right then for that little bit of time, I finally knew that everything was okay.  Her heart rate was 170 beats per minute and very strong, the doctor said. 

It was absolutley amazing.

On our way back to work, it was all Mike and I could talk about.  That little woosh woosh and what it meant.  She's really in there still.  She's really growing.  She's really doing all right. 

At work, I was beaming.  I told every single person I could find what we had just heard and how unbelievably happy I was.  It was such a wonderful feeling to see how excited so many other people were to hear about our good news.  I couldn't stop crying for the rest of the afternoon, and really, still can't. 

I am so very blessed.  I am so lucky to have this little miracle growing inside of me, to have a wonderful husband to share this with and to have friends and family who are (almost) excited as we are. 

Things that are currently making me happy include (but are not limited to):

1.  Lemonade.  I could drink 2 gallons of it a day and still want more.  I want some right now, actually.
2.  Grape candy.  Thank you, Jackie, for feeding my addiction.
3.  This blog:  http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/  So darn cute.
4.  Pony tails.  I should really go get a haircut, but I am afraid then I might actually have to do something with my hair.
5.  Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my very own Yudu and the amazing crafting that will take place after said Yudu arrives.  Thanks, Mom!
6.  BabyCenter.com.  There should be a 12 step group.
7.  Looking at baby stuff.  Anywhere, any time.  Love it.