Raegan update

I went to the OB today and saw the Nurse Practioner. Travis wanted me to post the update since he always forgets most of what happened. My weight is still the same -- meaning I haven't gained any weight at all during the entire pregnancy. However, the baby is gaining just fine. We've been having growth scans done about every two weeks to check his weight and two weeks ago he was about 6 lbs. 2 oz. and today he weighed in at 7 lbs. 9 oz. (The tech said the scans are usually within half a pound of the actual weight.) He's measuring about 2 weeks ahead, which doesn't really surprise anyone. I'm still 3 cm dilated, so the modified bed rest is doing its job. The only new thing that has come up is that the measurements for the amniotic fluid are increasing, which isn't unusual in diabetic pregnancies, but it means I'll talk to the doctor who will actually deliver the baby on Friday to discuss when we might want to schedule an induction. The NP said she thinks maybe we should schedule it around 37 weeks, which is about 2 weeks from now. We'll know more on Friday and keep everyone posted.

As an aside, since I'm posting and everything, let me just mention how awesome Travis has been. Since we've been in Knoxville, he's done all of the cooking and cleaning anyway, but now, even with me at home every day, he's still doing everything around the house, plus all the extra stuff I ask him to do (which is mostly cooking for me, since I have to eat real meals for breakfast and lunch). I would definitely have had this baby already if I had to do any of the stuff he does. He's been really great. (And when he's not doing the stuff around the house, he's practicing the guitar. Constantly. All of the time. Which is great for him, but it sometimes gives me a headache, like when he sits next to me when I'm watching TV and starts playing the acoustic. He might be taking it a bit far, though -- this morning when he stopped playing, the guitar strings were bloody and had some skin on them.)

Stuff

Meet Charlotte. We just found out that she is actually a HE. This hamster killed his brother buttons over territory, survived a dog attack, survived 4 or 5 colds, lost an eye, and has been around for 10 months or so. Most hamsters would have died to one of those causes, so I figured he deserves a spot on the blog to cellebrate his heartiness.

After 3 months of saving my beer money, I was going to buy a new guitar, but I found a couple of sweet deals that I couldnt pass up. This speaker cabinet has 4 x 12 inch celestion vintage 30 watt speakers. If you know cabinets, you know these are the speakers to get. All the greats use them, including the late, great Dimebag Darrell Abbot. May he rest in peace. This one is custom made, Randall only made them for 1 store in the US, with the urban camo. I lucked up finding this, especially at the price I got it for, about 1/5 retail.

This is the head that Dime used on his first 2 albums with Pantera, the exact model. It has monster distortion, and is very loud. Im very close to matching Dime's tone, with his signature guitar, the cabinet, and this head. Im only lacking a coupleof effects, but I can wait. They dont make these heads, havent since the 80's. His mxr flanger/doubler, furman pq3, along with an mxr 6band eq, and I'll be there. They dont make the flanger, or the pq3 anymore, so Im gonna bide my time and find a good deal on them in a pawn shop, or ebay. They usually go for $200-$300, so Im gonna see if I can hold out for $50.I tried my best to get some video of the rig, but the camera keeps failing to record. This is the only shot that doesnt cut out after a second. something about management file being corrupt. Its pretty frustrating, I just hope the camera isnt dying.

Raegan

Just a quick update on the Preggo lady. She has been home with the rest of us for the past couple of weeks, after the doctor put her on light bedrest. Sunday before last, we took her to the hospital, as she was having contractions. They gave her a shot to stop the contractions, being only 32 weeks. She went back to the doctor 2 days ago, having contractions 10 min apart. She is barely 34 weeks now. They are not going to stop her labor if she goes again. 34 weeks is long enough. She has been 3 cm for a couple weeks now, and has lost 3 lbs since her last scheduled appointment. It doesnt look like she will make it much longer. I may wake us all up early tomorrow morning, and go walking around for a few hours. A 4th of July baby would be cool. We still havent locked down a name yet. Im wrestling with naming him Jim. Then we would have a Jack and Jim. Raegan isnt on board with that one.

Summer!

Time for watersports!

Or just being lazy in the sun.

Ninja Warrior

WARNING!!! This clip may contain material not suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. Training for Ninja Warrior should only be done under strict supervision, and these guys are all pros. Do not try this at home.

Fireflies!

Finally, they have crawled out of their holes. This is a very exciting time of the year.

They had so much fun tearing up Grannys yard.

Mechanic in training.
Pawpaw taught Jack to skip stones.

So sexy!

Runs with toast.

Pawpaw is so tough.

Granny is getting around very well. She walks all the way down Crestview every day, and we have been taking little trips like this one to different parks. She is such a great example of adapt and overcome. Grace searched long and hard for the perfect stone.