dog days

Hi! My friend Susan said I'm in the dog days of pregnancy. I would agree! I have insomnia, swollen ankles and I feel so huge that moving, standing up, bending over or vacuuming feels like I'm about to throw out my back. And--mind you, I've only gained 34 pounds, so it's not like it should be that big of a deal. I seriously underestimated what a physical event pregnancy would be!

I understand why women start to feel like they're ready to not be pregnant anymore. I am ready to be myself again!

After Monday, the baby could come any time. I still am not clear on how they decide when to begin counting, but there is a 35 day window of time that's considered normal and full-term--which, for us, starts Monday. I am mostly ready. I haven't 'packed the bag' and we don't have a car seat yet! So--still some things to do to prepare. But, mentally I'm prepared and excited. (finally!)

Today Dave and I attended an inspection for our house. It's prior to hanging the drywall. The builder said we were on track for an August 27th move-in date. We lost 3 weeks because we changed our fireplace and added an extra window. The fireplace took 3 weeks to arrive. Kind of a bummer--but it will all be worthwhile in the end.

We met some of our neighbors today. We have Marines, DEA, FBI, police, firefighters, and NRA across the street and next door! So--I will get to indulge my fascination with crime and punishment in getting to know them and hearing about their lives. I'm too much of a whimp to handle a firearm myself--so that pretty much puts me on the DL for any of those types of jobs. But I do watch Law and Order CONTINOUSLY. Continously. For the last several years. So I have a vicarious fascination with those professions.

Oooh--and---EEEEK. Many of these folks have PIT BULLS. Yikes. Toddlers and Pit Bulls. Hmmmmm. Not so much. We will be using our front door and playing inside I think. I'm sure the owners are all "on the right side of the law" and all, and I'm sure they're great at being responsible 'pack leaders' BUT still. I know the statistics, and it is my responsibility to protect the baby and my mom and my dogs...It makes me nervous.

Speaking of dogs--the treadmill has changed our lives. It's a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful thing. The dogs are like dream dogs. Very well behaved and they seem happy. I still can't get Merlin to be calm around diesel engines, and he still is a bit neurotic around other dogs. Baby steps. But for the most part, it has been a great investment and it's easy to keep up the routine.

And--back to the house and new neighborhood, I have to say, I thought the demographics would be professional, white-collar workers at our complex. But--the demographics of the whole DC area are very different than what I'm used to---primarily government and military. It's different! It feels like a very classically male environment. Very old-school male. Again with my bittersweet sadness! I'm trying to stay open to what's here.

My mom is doing really well here. She walks a lot more than she did--and with no 'walker.' She also is managing all her own medications and doing many more 'activities of daily living' by herself. So--it's a lot more like she is living independently--but she does have our support and help whenever she needs it. All of which makes her very happy. She says it the nicest situation she's had in years, and possibly ever.

Dave is also saying he feels very acclimated. He likes his quiet commute time, and at work everyone is already asking for his help with all their questions and problems. He's quickly become the resident expert. Oh--and I don't know if I mentioned the differences in work-ethics and expectations here--it's very 9-5. So David naturally is doing more than that. In Seattle it was 24/7/365. So--he feels like it's a cinch and they think he's an over-acheiver. So--that works for everyone.

Me--on the other hand, I have my optimistic, curious days, and my "Oh, my God, what have we done?" days. I just loved, loved, loved, loved Seattle and thought I would live there forever. I guess nothing is forever! I miss everyone there, especially my friend Helena--who is getting married in August--CONGRATULATIONS kiddo! And I'm sad that I can't be there :(

So--that's all for now. We miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.