neglecting the fan base

Joy!!

Daddy time




ok, I should be studying for an exam, but thought I'd have "a moment of zen" whilst I pry my brain to open it and stuff in some knowledge about the ADA, healthcare systems, and OT responsibilities (JOY) Actually, I kinda like the class as the profs are engaging and the info is quite applicable. I just don't want to screw up 40% of my grade this Friday. Everyone cross a toe for me. (and hey, why not wish us all luck? no curve, we're in it together!!)
Core stabilization? check.
And Gram was here, so let's bow to that (she was the one watching E in the chair).

check out the rad socks, yo. -->
Our buddy Auntie Cindy came by so I could work a bit Sunday night
can you feel the love?
and cage time is here much to Kudra's delight: it's like TV!

stuck

whilst talking with my mother just now...Emelia had almost figured out the crawling thing. First, she rolled over (perhaps prompted by Gram's voice asking if she could). Then, she scooted back enough, only to get stuck here.

So she ate the floor instead.

I think her belly was lubricated from 15 minutes of blowing raspberries. I'm soaked. She's so joyous, considering she's been a pooper all day and fussing at Auntie Eva & Uncle Rob's earlier. I guess beating me up physically and emotionally is already proving to rock her world. I thought I had 12 years before that kicked in. Lucky us!

what a week

just took this--another in the faves from Auntie Bleen, Uncle Heg! Note Emelia's face...not really a good day for her either. Missed her morning nap, so now I must pay.

Really, in the overall scheme of things, this week was not bad on paper. I didn't have any tests or papers due, just some project meetings and review for future stuff.
However.

It *was* a hard week somehow and I'm glad it's over. Emotionally, I flipped and flopped. Emelia just didn't feel like sticking to her regularly scheduled (by her) nap times, and then fussed a few nights this week. This led to be feeling drained, and not being very good about handling the stress of it all. We're halfway through the semester, but only 10% through the assignments--many exams, papers, projects, and crying sessions ahead. Bummer.

The weather has turned back to warm and sunny, making me happy but D not so much (better weather = super busy at work and longer hours). It will balance and bring cold sooner not later, I reassure him. Wet, cold, snow/rain is in the future!
Going to attempt to get a few assignments started today, never able to finish anything on a Saturday, no matter how hard I try. We shall see what happens.
<-- *almost* sitting on her own. Does well until those legs kick and toppling happens! On the Emelia front (always, even if not mentioned, she is here!) she is napping a bit on my lap. She hates me typing so I'll sign off in a sec. Still working on crawling forward (not yet) and drooling in prep for teeth (also not yet). (*update: the little bit of napping only lasted about 5 minutes. Still cranky.) <-- retiring this PJ outfit as it either shrunk or she grew! Cute? OH YES. Laughed her Polish-butt off at the sitter's son yesterday as he was being quite silly for her--then puked after we left their apartment, prolly from the air intake from 15 minutes of laughing. Also hilarious. Pics from the week are posted like crazy, in the hopes to entertain those who want a smile. I'll keep the drool here :)

cuz no one can stop me

My Saturday has involved some early morning studying, writing a blog post (ahem), feeding and changing the kid like 42 times, having Eva and Rob over for a bit, then lunch and presumably studying more...
but first, an interlude of spit bubbles--E's new thing--and random squeals:

slap in the face

The title is twofold:
1. School
2. Emelia!

The first is that I didn't really survive our first exams. Not good. I definitely have to do some creative baby-wrangling and tons of continual studying or I will fail a class.
ew. I'm not exaggerating, for all of you that are more familiar with my test-taking skills. This time my powers failed me.
(side funny: a girl in my class, Michelle, said she dreamt this week that she was a super hero. Upon waking, thought "what sort of super hero would I be? Procrastinator Girl!!" She's so cute.)

Back to #2 (which, for those interested, are getting decidedly stankier)
E has been pounding and slapping thngs, when not drooling 8x her body weight (see Dave Berry), sleeping, screaming (a fantaaaabulous new response to anything not to Her Majesty's liking), eating toes, or chuckling (my baby doesn't giggle. that's for sissies apparently).

So I have a great 3 months left to school this semester. I can be extremely thankful for supportive classmates and an understanding faculty. Otherwise, I honestly would be dropping out. Family and friends warm my heart, and sometimes I feel like I'm draining em all via my empathy powers! (Darrell's been watching Heroes).

In the un-noted #3, I'm happy to be hearing lately from a long-misplaced (she was never lost, knowing exactly her place on earth the whole time. I think.) Hi NTMLE!

Today is gorgeous out. D is only working an evile opening shift, so hopefully we can do something that involves social. I need to study, but I also need to balance it with my hubs time. Oh, and it's cold. Waiting on the reappearance of Grandma so we can properly do the clothes shuffle. After the huge influx of 0-9mos. onesies, it's hard to believe that Miss E will still need to shop. Luckily, I have all these gift cards. I can't wait until December 13th...Most of them will expire come Dec. 31st!


anyone know how babies can get socks off so easily? I have a little Miss One-sock. Look away anywhere from .1 sec to 1 minute, and a sock has disappeared. This video is to highlight a) she still hasn't figured out crawling and b) her tactile pleasures are simple.

study break

Ok, all Emelia is for me today is a study break!! Thankfully, she was a precious (albeit stinky) flower for her Auntie and Uncle so I got some good stuff done.
Since then? eh, we'll see when I take the two exams. E is currently all about the toes...


This I wanted to post yesterday but the file got all wonky...isn't she cute all swaddled?

and see the lower right? Queenie Kudra takes over!

arrrrrrrgh (now with pics)

First things first, politics.
*This lady sums it up nicely (thanks Cookie for the linkie to kmkat, and thanks kmkat for the goods)

* there's this delight.

*and finally, for fun, you can do this.

In more personal news, I was feeling pretty confident yesterday that I was going to be able to get a lot done this weekend. Emelia was in a good mood, sleepy but cute, we went to the store, and I got myself some dinner on as Darrell had to work late again.
going forward? (this is her new expression, biting lips)

checks blindspot

moving?

mm hit something

dangit, why can't I go forward? these hands mock me!!! (baby, I know how you feel)

Today, I wake up, and maybe it's from watching McCain and Obama spar last night, but I'm feeling pretty shitty. Gorgeous day, E and her Daddy slept well, and my back is only slightly wonky. Had a few nightmares about what will happen to our country if the unthinkable happens and McCain/Palin gain the seat...pretty nasty to contemplate. I don't care what your politics are, it must be recognized that such incompetence and lying is not going to help to recover us nationally nor internationally.
Now, regardless of this looming mess, the multitude of crap on my plate is feeling overwhelming.

I will succeed. I know this. But it sucks sometimes. I'd rather be at a nice cafe in Madrid or a lovely bed and breakfast in Tuscany. Darrell and I have agreed that when I am done and waiting for my board results, we'll take a break and go on a little jaunt. It's a nice carrot on my stick.