Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Converstation with a 4 year old
I said, "Nicholas, did you know your Pop-Pop Day give you this bear?"
He said, "No."
I said, "I bet you don't remember him much. You were just little when he passed away."
He replied,"No, I remember he gave me this bear."
I then asked him,"Oh yeah, do you remember anything else about him?"
"No" then he paused and said,"Mommy, can we go see my Pop-Pop Day?"
I said, "I am sorry sweety, no Pop-Pop passed away and he is in Heaven."
Nicholas replied,"Mommy can we go to Heaven to meet my Pop-Pop Day?"
"I am sorry sweety we can't go to Heaven yet that is where we go when we get old and pass away, so you will get to meet your Pop-Pop then, but I want you to know your Pop-Pop loved you very much," said to him. It was one of the cuties conversations I think I have had with him. Made my heart break a little that he won't remember my father.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thank you,
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Researched Argument 2
Iran must be sanctioned to stop its nuclear research. Nuclear technologies are dangerous: not only because of risks like radiation but also because it is not too far of a leap from nuclear power to nuclear weapons. In a world of tension and continued holy wars, allowing this development is extremely ill advised. Iran says it intends only to develop nuclear power. However, when the world asks the Iranian government to be open about its progress, it has yet to respond. The Iranian government has also been asked to allow the uranium it has to be enriched in another country to ensure it is enriched for power needs and not weapon needs. It has refused. This further concerns the world that Iran is not being truthful about its endeavors. Sanctions are needed to bring this country in line.
Our current plan of action does appear to be sanctions. President Barack Obama has recently stated that he is discussing “a package of potential steps” to dissuade the Iranians from moving forward on its nuclear program (Burns). Recently, President Obama has asked Iranian leaders to allow Germany to enrich its uranium for nuclear power. They have refused. Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council, believes, "You may have a political system [in Tehran] that is so fractured, that is so at each other's throat, that they are incapable of making a decision of this magnitude" (Burns). Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has said, “It is now well over a year since the agency was last able to engage Iran in discussions about these outstanding issues ... We have effectively reached a dead end, unless Iran engages fully with us” (Sanger and Broad). This has resulted in a censure against Iran demanding immediate freeze of operations on its once secret uranium enrichment plant.
Taking into account the enrichment plant that Iran was trying to keep secret and its lack of cooperation when it comes to the enrichment of its uranium, it is hard to mistake the intent. Perhaps Trita Parsi is right in saying that the country is just so broken. It seems as if they themselves do not know what is truly happening. In either case the country’s further development of nuclear technologies is a dangerous event. If the Iranian government is keeping it a secret intentionally then we know it has some plan to attack with these weapons of mass destruction. Even worse, if it is broken enough to not know what is happening, then who is pushing this development? These weapons would fall into the hands of whoever is responsible for these actions. This means we would know nothing of their intentions or who they are. With terrorist attacks in mind this idea is even more a concern.
What we need is to have Iran come clean on what it is doing or admit it needs help. If Iran cannot come forward and declare it does not intend to produce nuclear weapons and follow it with actions that support this statement, we need to impose sanctions on the country until they comply. The world is not asking them to not use nuclear power for civilian use. Russia currently has a contract to build a nuclear power plant in Iran which would not come online until the end of the year. Russia recently announced that plant will not come on line as planned. However, they do state the recent developments are not part of the delay (Schwirtz). Iran’s lack of cooperation will continue to cause delays on its power front. Many countries have made the message clear that the proliferation of nuclear weapons just increases the risk of a nuclear war. In 1995 the NPT Review and Extension Conference in New York decided to extend the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons indefinitely and without conditions extended. This treaty was signed by nearly every country in the world with the exception of three, India, Israel, and Pakistan. Iran has signed the treaty but has been found breaking the agreement (IAEA). It should also be noted the North Korea had signed but removed itself from the treaty effective on April 10, 2003, making North Korea the first state ever to withdraw from the treaty (Chaffee).
In a world where we know the risks of continuing to pollute our planet, why do we not start a new reform? We should have no more nuclear processing for power or weapons. The production of nuclear power produces nuclear waste that must be disposed of. Current methods of disposal are to box up the waste and burry it. This is a short sighted solution to power. Choosing a form of power like solar that is 100% renewable and produces no byproducts that are not recyclable is a much smarter solution to the world’s energy needs.
If countries like Iran need power why not offer solar as an option? Give them incentives to use solar or other green sources. If their intentions are for power and not weaponry then the added incentives we offer could not only allow for greener energy production worldwide but also help eliminate tensions over nuclear proliferation. What incentives could the world offer? One, we can lift any sanction imposed due to the nuclear concerns once transparency has been established that the nuclear issue is off the table and they are moving toward greener solutions. Also, we could offer to share technology advancements to ensure these still developing countries are using the current standard and getting the most effective energy.
It has been said that the world has lost patience with Iran and is demanding it come forward, without delay, and comply. Why not assist a country obviously in need of assistance make a smarter decision about its energy choice and at the same time help eliminate worldwide concern about any ulterior motives that may be currently perceived. Not only should we offer these changes but as a country we should also accept this policy of moving away from nuclear energy and other fossil fuel energy sources and start thinking about our long- term goals as a people. Why not strive for a clean sustainable society with ideals we live and share? We should lead by example and help bring peace and green energy to the world.
Chaffee, Devon. “North Korea’s Withdrawal from Nonproliferation Treaty Official” Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, April 2003. Web 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.wagingpeace.org/articles/2003/04/10_chaffee_korea-npt.htm .
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran” International Atomic Energy Agency, Nov. 2003. Web 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Board/2003/gov2003-75.pdf .
Sanger, David E. and William J. Broad. “U.N. Nuclear Agency Calls Iran Inquiry ‘Dead End’” New York Times, 26 Nov. 2009. Web 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/27/world/middleeast/27nuke.html?scp=4&sq=iran%20watchdog&st=cse .
Schwirtz, Michael. “Nuclear Plant Built for Iran Is Delayed, Russia Says” New York Times, 16 Nov. 2009. Web 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/world/europe/17russia.html .
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Researched Argument 1
Why do we not allow gay marriage in our country? Currently our federal law allows states to not recognize same-sex marriage licenses issued by other states. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996 (Stritof). Federal law currently does not define marriage even though it does not recognize gay marriages. Recently, there was an effort to define marriage as "a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife" (Lavoie). However, this was removed from the bill before final passage in favor of recognizing each state's right to define marriage (Lavoie). The most common public objection is that it is a sin, or the Bible says it is wrong. Then there are other objections that vary from the concern for these couples raising children to arguments that marriage is to promote procreation and this cannot be done in a gay marriage. Despite all the objections we are ignoring the civil rights of these couples.
There are two kinds of marriage in our country. There is a spiritual marriage. This is a marriage between two people under a higher power that they wish to acknowledge. This can be any god, goddess, or belief they wish to accept. There is no legal ramification to this form of marriage, nor any legal benefit. This part of marriage is mainly for the people involved. It is the couple‘s way of affirming their devotion to each other. This currently is available to anyone who wants it. This is what the marriage has been for thousands of years and this is the form of marriage most people are objecting to based on their spiritual beliefs. It is fine to believe your God does not condone gay unions. That is part of our country's religious freedom. The differences begin when a couple applies for a marriage license. Many couples do this at the same time as their spiritual union. This makes the marriage legally binding as well. This is the part of marriage that gays are being excluded from.
So we are not talking about a spiritual union. We are talking about the legal union of a marriage license. This is the current institution of marriage. This is what offers all the legal rights and benefits that come along with this marriage. This is law, not spirituality. This marriage is combining legal assets like income. It is legally binding someone as a beneficiary or allowing for equitable division of property if they divorce. Marriage allows a spouse to make medical decisions for their partner if he or she becomes incapacitated and unable to express wishes for treatment. Could you imagine not being allowed to express your loved one's wishes if they became ill or incapacitated? As a gay couple it would be possible a loved one, whom they considered their spouse, would have no legal right to declare their wishes. If their partner dies a wrongful death they have no legal recourse to sue for their loss (NOLO). These are rights that should not be denied any couple. Allowing gay marriage would protect these rights for these couples. I spoke with Dr. Vincent Silenzio, a well respected family medicine doctor and advocate for gay and lesbian health, on this topic. He said, “These rights are granted married couples automatically because it is presumed that a spouse is intimately familiar with the wishes of their partner, and would help with medical or legal decision-making with the best interests of their spouse as the most important factor. Of course, this is a lot to presume. But that's where this policy framework for partner's rights flows from.” So would it not make sense that these rights should be extended to gay couples as well. Allowing them to marry would make these lines less blurred and allow these couples equal rights under the law.
Another major opposition to gay marriage is these couples raising children. To me this point is moot as an argument against allowing gays to marry. Gay couples currently raise children, married or not. According to the 2000 Census data about twenty percent of gay couples are raising children (Romero et al. 1). These numbers however are estimated to be much higher, closer to thirty-seven percent, due to limitations in their data collecting. The same study found under fifty percent of married couples have children under the age of eighteen (Romero et al. 3). How many more gay couples would have children if they were afforded the same rights as any other couple? We no longer live in an age where marriage automatically implies children. In these cases we need to look at what is best for the children. Gay couples are going to have children. By not allowing them the same rights and resources, we put the child at a great disadvantage. Their parents cannot rely on the same family laws as current married couples. What happens to these children when a couple splits (such as a divorce)? They have no ability to request child support assistance, or if their parents die, they are excluded from social security benefits that would be otherwise offered to them if these marriages were recognized by the federal government.
When need to look at marriage as a union of two people who share economic and social responsibilities. This will also offer bonds of trust and reliance upon one another.We then see this can easily apply to any couple. The issue is not whether or not to allow gay marriage. It is about providing the same rights to all of our citizens without discrimination of race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Our country was founded on the idea of separation of Church and State. If we offer benefits to one couple all couples should have equal rights to these benefits. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution extends “equal protection of the laws” to all citizens. Denying a gay couple marriage is denying them equal rights under the law. Thomas Jefferson once said, “All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression” (Heritage).
We need to start offering equal rights to all. Our country once felt slavery was an acceptable practice. Many now believe denying gays the right to marry is acceptable. It is not. When asked if you support gay marriage, before you answer, I ask you to consider it not from the spiritual sense, but from a legal view as a binding contract between two people. Is it still wrong? As Americans we are required to protect our civil rights and to treat each other equally under the law. We need to separate Church from State so we can continue to protect the rights of all. Not allowing gay marriage in our law is discrimination. Not allowing it in our churches is our right as Americans. This is the difference we need to consider when addressing this change. As John F. Kennedy once said, “In giving rights to others which belong to them, we give rights to ourselves and to our country.”
Heritage Foundation, The. "Thomas Jefferson Still Lives" heritage.org, Web 27 Oct 2009. http://www.heritage.org/research/politicalphilosophy/em724.cfm .
Lavoie, Denise. “Massachusetts Sues The Federal Government Over Definition Of Marriage” The Huffington Post, July 2009. Web 2 Nov. 2009. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/08/massachusetts-sues-the-fe_n_228044.html .
NOLO. “Marriage Rights and Benefits” nolo.com. Web 27 Oct. 2009. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-30190.html .
Romero, Adam P. , et al. “Census Snapshot” The Williams Institute, Dec. 2007. Web 27 Oct. 2009. http://www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/publications/USCensusSnapshot.pdf .
Silenzio, Vincent M. B. Personal Interview. 3 Nov. 2009.
Stritof, Sheri, and Bob Stritof. "Defense of Marriage Act - - DOMA" about.com, Web 3 Nov. 2009. http://marriage.about.com/cs/samesexmarriage/g/doa.htm .
Friday, February 5, 2010
Personal Argument Essay
As a mother of two boys I have had to make a decision, along with my husband, about vaccinating our two boys against the novel H1N1 virus. This was not an easy choice for me. I knew the vaccine could be painful for my boys and possibly harmful. My children have already received their seasonal flu vaccination this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has been clear that the seasonal vaccine will not protect against the novel H1N1 influenza (CDC). I wanted to be sure the benefits of the vaccination outweighed the risks.
One of my main concerns is the fast pace at which that the vaccine has been tested and produced. Can it really be ready for distribution this quickly? Is that not what the long extensive testing is for? Is the new vaccine safe? Some have questioned the safety of the vaccine because of the rush that was placed on the vaccination's creation and testing. The CDC has stated, in a recent webcast, that the novel H1N1 vaccination has not only been produced safely, but also had additional testing just to be sure it was safe. The novel H1N1 vaccine has been manufactured in the same way as the seasonal influenza vaccination that our country has been using for decades. The FDA still ran clinical testing, however, to guarantee no additional side-effects would arise (CDC).
I also considered the possibly harmful additives that are used to preserve the vaccination. These chemicals can vary by manufacturer.However, some common ones are mercury and formaldehyde. Both of these substances are in extremely low quantities just as in the seasonal vaccination I currently give my children. I have not seen any adverse affects from the seasonal vaccination so I do not expect to see any effect from the novel H1N1 vaccination. I do still worry, however, as my children take more and more vaccinations if these small amounts could possibly add up enough to be an issue. For example, the CDC is recommending both the seasonal flu shot, the novel H1N1 (possibly two doses), and even in some cases the bacterial pneumonia vaccine, because a large number of the investigated deaths from the novel H1N1 virus have also found traces of bacterial pneumonia (CDC). Now add on top of these three (possibly four) shots and any other vaccinations the children are due for during their visit I must ask myself: could I possibly poison them?
I also took into account my children's chances of contracting the novel H1N1 virus, and if the vaccination would be less of a risk than serious complications from the virus. According to the CDC the largest age group currently affected by the virus is people ages five to twenty-four. This age range accounts for fifty percent of the current reports. My husband and I are both above this range and both of our children are below. My husband and I both work from home so we have no concern about work environment and the children do not attend school. So there should be less of an immediate risk for them contracting the virus. My children are also both healthy with no known underlying issues which should also help reduce their risks of any extreme outcome if they were to contract the novel H1N1 virus.
What other methods could I use to help protect against the novel H1N1 virus? The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has suggested the following everyday steps to protect your health:
•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
•Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®). Read detailed information about how long to stay away from others.
•Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures (HHS).
Presented with the current facts and my previous experience with the seasonal vaccination, I do believe my husband and I will vaccinate our children. I do not believe we will rush to be in the first rounds. I do not feel we are in a high risk situation. The limited supplies should go to those truly in need. This will also allow time to verify that there are no added side effects the clinical trials failed to represent. This will make the decision an even safer one for my children. In the mean time we will continue to practice good habits like washing our hands often and avoiding close contact during the flu season.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Inactiveated Fact Sheet”:n pag. Web 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-inact-h1n1.pdf .
“Webcast: Sebelius, Napolitano Answer H1N1 Flu Questions from the American People” :n pag. Web 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/webcast.htm .
“Interim guidance for use of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine during novel influenza A (H1N1) outbreak”:n pag. Web 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/ppsv_h1n1.htm .
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) “Prevention & Treatment”:n pag, Web 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/index.html .
Written Argument Analysis
In an excerpt from her book Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States (649), Sister Helen Prejean is opposed to the death penalty and is seeking it being abolished. She has some very compelling arguments.
Sister Helen sets a clear tone for her work in the first paragraph: "I think of the running debate I engage in with “church” people about the death penalty. “Proof texts” from the bible usually punctuate these discussions without regard for cultural context or literary genre of the passage invoked. (Will D. Campbell, a Southern Baptist minister and writer, calls this use of scriptural quotations “biblical quarterbacking.”)" (649)
She notes that she often debates the subject of the death penalty. This brings a sense of authority to her stance and helps her credibility as an authority. She also finds most arguments fail because of the use of biblical references out of context. Appealing to our sense of reason, she describes the most common “proof texts” and sets them in proper context. This was an effective argument because she takes the most commonly used references to support the death penalty and places them in to context to show they were not Jesus supporting death as punishment but more about Mosaic laws at the time these stories were written.
Her weakest argument was the section discussing the history of the Church since Jesus's teachings. Here she speaks about the corruption in the Roman Catholic Church and the invention of "original sin." Sister Helen concludes, Augustine used “original sin” to control the church’s subjects by violent means, even death (651). This part of her argument could have been left out. It felt more like a frustrated attack at the church rather then helping support her cause of abolishing the death penalty. She does, however, supply a source for the information she provides about the documented corruption, wealth, and status that it brought to the Church. This helps again in giving her credibility by showing some of her research.
In her closing argument she states an understanding that we allow executions not because of malice but more out of ignorance of what really happens during these events. Sister Helen has attended an execution and is confident if they were made public we would be ashamed of the process and be forced to abolish the practice. She is speaking from the heart here. This is not a successful argument, however, because she has seen an execution and could share the things she has seen to help break the secret. In this text, however, here she just provides general terms and descriptions of “torture and violence” (653).
Another strong argument from Sister Helen was a list of other actions that if we were to follow the laws set forth in the bible would also be punishable by death: contempt of parents, trespass upon sacred ground, sorcery, bestiality, sacrifice to foreign gods, profaning the Sabbath, adultery, incest, homosexuality, and prostitution. Sister Helen then goes on to surmise that if we try to use the bible as justification for the death penalty, then the above offenses would also be worthy of the same punishment. This argument was very successful as it appeals to our sense of logic when looking to the bible as justification for using the death penalty.
Sister Helen also discusses two flares of hope, as she puts it, Mohandas K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King (652). She was referencing a short essay by Susan Jocoby where she discusses nonviolent aggression. She continues to grow her credibility with more shown research. This is a key point of her argument. Her point here is change can come without violence and if we follow Jesus’s words of compassion, we cannot afford to allow executions. Sister Helen says they cost us to much, morally (652). For a person of faith, this argument would be very successful by appealing to one‘s belief in Jesus.
One thing she failed to address here is the alternatives to the death penalty. Life in prison is costly to our society as well. The cost of housing, feeding, clothing, and maintaining a prisoner takes a toll on our country's economy, and there is a point when the benefit of the greater good does outweigh the life of one. Sister Helen made her best argument when she said, “I would not want my death avenged -- especially by government, which can’t be trusted to control its own bureaucrats or collect taxes equitably or fill a pothole, much less decide which of its citizens to kill” (649).
Prejean, Helen. “Executions Are Too Costly—Morally.” In Barnet and Bedau 649-653.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Visual Argument Analysis Essay
The photo is a portrait of a mother and three of her young children clinging to her as she stares pondering into the distance. Her mouth is slightly turned down in a frown, her children's faces are buried in her shoulders, and a baby laying in her lap. The look in her eyes is as if she does not even recognize her children are with her as she considers what will come of them. Her brow is heavily wrinkled with concern. Their clothes are torn, dirty, and tattered. The baby's face is covered in dirt as its eyes are closed. When looking closer at the baby one may ask, “Is it sleeping?” or “Has it passed away?” With the children's faces hidden one is only left to imagine if they are crying. Are they mourning the baby? Perhaps they are scared, like their mother, of what their fates will be.
The photo was taken during the Great Depression. This was a time when many people in our country were homeless, hungry, and looking for work. I believe Lange was trying to capture the urgency of the situation. We see in her photo these tired, poor, and hungry people starving as they sit waiting for opportunity. Lange spoke about the photo in an article she did in 1960, saying, “There she sat in that lean-to tent with her children huddled around her, and seemed to know that my pictures might help her, and so she helped me. There was a sort of equality about it” (EyeWitness).
Lange wanted to emphasize how bad things really were in the region and wanted to help. After taking the photos she contacted an editor of a San Francisco news paper about what she had seen and the condition of the camp. The editor then published an article with two of the photos Lange had taken that day. The government had also been alerted and aid was rushed to the camp (EyeWitness). Lange achieved her goal of helping this woman. The aid had much to do with the photographs she took that day. The photos told their story better than words could have described. Some could argue that she explained the context of what she had seen, but this photo was able to show what the words had been failing to portray: the pain. One could see the pain in the mother’s eyes. The heavy burden she carried with her was clearly seen in her face.
This image was a vision of suffering that people of the age were all too aware of but many had not seen with their own eyes. The photo was able to bring this tragedy to life for readers not only locally but around the country. It was able to bring aid to those pictured as well as many others suffering the same fate. This image is so striking and memorable. This is for good reason: it tells a story. The photo shows true emotions and it is sure to make an impact on nearly everyone who sees it. The image overall is a very touching picture that shows the pain of a world one could only imagine. It is tragically sad and strikingly beautiful all at the same time. It is compelling and intriguing. It is life and truth. Perhaps most of all it was an argument that won.
Barnet, Sylvan, and Hugo Bedau, eds. Current Issues and Enduring Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argument, with Readings. 8th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008. Print.
EyeWitness to History, "Migrant Mother, 1936,": Web. 30 Aug. 2009. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com .
Prints & Photographs Online Catalog (PPOC), “Migrant Mother.”: Web. 30 Aug. 2009. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pp/pphome.html .
ENG 102 Papers...
Been a while
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Infrared flower
Infrared flower
Originally uploaded by Kenneth B
Just wanted to share this...it is a photo a very talented friend of mine took and I love it, enjoy!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Bella Mittens
Bella Mittens
Originally uploaded by onemoreblue
Finally finished my mittens. Now I just need to knit 3 more pairs for Kim, Shirley and Kristian, woo hoo, one of them down 5 more to go...hehe
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
More knitting...
And for comparison here is what they looked like in the show. I have some other yarns to make more pairs in a similar color...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Photography...
Click on this Picture to see the rest.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
100% on my last paper!
- Fear of the risks. Complications are rare and usually minor but may include bleeding, infection, cutting the foreskin too short or too long, and improper healing.
- Belief that the foreskin is needed. Some people feel the foreskin is needed to protect the tip of the penis. Without it, the tip of the penis may become irritated and cause the opening of the penis to become too small. This can cause urination problems that may need to be surgically corrected.
- Belief it can affect sex. Some feel that circumcision makes the tip of the penis less sensitive, causing a decrease in sexual pleasure later in life.
- Belief that proper hygiene can lower health risks. Boys can be taught proper hygiene that can lower their chances of getting infections, cancer of the penis, and STIs. (AAP)
- Medical benefits, including
- A slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A circumcised infant boy has about a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life; an uncircumcised infant boy has about a 1 in 100 chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life.
- A lower risk of getting cancer of the penis. However, this type of cancer is very rare in all males.
- A slightly lower risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
- Prevention of foreskin infections.
- Prevention of phimosis, a condition in uncircumcised males that makes foreskin retraction impossible.
- Easier genital hygiene.
- Social reasons. Many parents choose to have it done because "all the other men in the family" had it done or because they do not want their sons to feel "different."
- Religious or cultural reasons. Some groups such as followers of the Jewish and Islamic faiths practice circumcision for religious and cultural reasons. (AAP)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Causal Analysis Essay, another "A" woo hoo!
Facebook, it is seen almost everywhere. Social networking sites have found their way into our pop culture, but why? Just last week the popular show Numb3rs mentioned Facebook and had a small sub plot about one of the characters signing up. The show Ugly Betty also recently incorporated Facebook into its storyline. Betty signs up on Facebook because many of her peers were using it, but once signed up she receives a friend request from her ex-boyfriend. On 90210 the popular girls talk about uploading pictures to Facebook from their Sidekick mobile phones. Popular movies are incorporating socal networking sites as well. For example, in the movie He's Just Not That Into You, there is a reference to MySpace being the “new” booty-call. Facebook has even been in the news recently due to customer outrage over a change in the site's terms of service agreement, a change which was quickly rescinded. There has even been recent mention of the site being sold, which would mean all the personal data on the site would be sold along with it.
What are these sites about? Why have they worked their way into almost every facet of our media? Is it that social networking really works? One friend joins, and tells another, who tells all their friends, and so on; this is surely part of it. How about simple peer pressure? Everyone is doing it! Personally, I started using MySpace because I saw it on the news. Then I was hooked, and moved to Facebook because other friends were there, and even joined a site called Ravelry, which is a social networking site for knitters. Facebook boasts “over 175 million active [users] (users who have returned to the site in the last 30 days)” (Facebook). MySpace has around 126 million users (Hempel). Consider this year's record breaking Super Bowl attendance of 98.7 million viewers and one can see why at 175 million active users, Facebook is so impressive (ESPN).
How about social networking to go? Nearly every cell phone now has a browser; most now also have some way of interfacing with sites like Facebook and MySpace. The popular iPhone, SideKick and Blackberry brands have applications so users can post updates right from their phone, or take a picture and instantly publish it to Facebook. By doing this, do they add to the popularity of the site, or does the site add popularity to the cell phone brand? It seems to me that sites such as these gain their popularity from a circular effect. They become popular because they make things popular.
These sites can be a wonderful way of sharing with friend and family that live far away or connecting with people who have been lost to the past. Perhaps the true reason these sites have become such a large part of our society is we are a much more transient. Gone are the days where it was common for someone to never leave their home town. Almost anywhere in the world now, one can find that an Internet connection is available. Sites like Facebook allow us to keep in touch with friends and family no matter how close or far we are from them. In past eras we would write letters home telling loved ones how much we missed them and about the places we had been, but in our society “home” changes and often. The U.S Census found between 1990 and 1993 that “The "average American" makes 11.7 moves in a lifetime … “ (Hansen). Therefore, people are making a virtual home, a place where we can connect, gather, and share.
In a world where some people value privacy more so than others, Facebook offers, by default, a way to stay in touch while maintaining that much wanted privacy. Only the user's friends and family can see their posts, pictures, and thoughts. This is a comfort to Facebook users. It also makes the site more appealing to an older generation that is more weary about sharing personal information over the Internet. On the other hand, MySpace offers an avenue to declare one's presence to the world. If the user is at least eighteen, the default setting is set so everyone can see the profile. This can be great for those who want to become known to the MySpace community and in some case the world. This is one of the main reasons the site is so popular with bands and celebrities.
Whatever the reason for their growing popularity, social networking sites seem as if they are here to stay. They have become part of our culture. As the younger generations grow, these sites will be as common as having a phone number to exchange; a small place in cyberspace to call home.
ESPN Associated Press, “Record 98.7 million tune in to SB XLIII”:n pag. Web 4 Mar. 2009. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3882060 .
Facebook, Facebook Fact Sheet “Users”:n pag. Web 1 Mar. 2009. http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?factsheet .
Hansen, Kristin A., Population Profile of the United States “Geographical Mobility”; n pag. Web 3 Mar. 2009. http://www.census.gov/population/www/pop-profile/geomob.html .
Hempel, Jessi, CNN Money “Can MySpace get its mojo back?”; n pag. Web 6 Mar. 2009. http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/05/technology/myspace_struggles.fortune/index.htm .
Thursday, March 12, 2009
My Movie Review, Another "A" yeah!
Marcus Aurelius, the emperor of Rome is growing old; his son, Prince Commodus, has not grown into the man his father had hoped. Marcus Aurelius plans on making Rome a republic again and asks his general, Maximus to lead Rome to freedom after his death. Maximus, when not leading Rome's army, is but a simple farmer and family man. He serves his country, but wishes for nothing more than to see his family and sow his fields. Before the Emperor has a chance to announce his plan of naming Maximus his successor and his wish that Rome be a Republic again, he is killed by his son Commodus. By assassinating his father and stealing the throne Commodus averts the true wishes of his father. When Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty to Commodus he orders Maximus killed, along with Maximus's wife and son. Maximus escapes but is wounded. He finds his way home, but only to find his wife and son slain. He is then kidnapped and sold as a slave. He is purchased to become a gladiator, fighting for his life, his freedom, and eventually for Rome. With nothing left but the promise he made to the dieing emperor, you follow him on his journey. “The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor.”
The theme of this film is that of power, corruption, and betrayal. Maximus wants nothing more than to return home to his family; he wants no power and that is why Marcus Aurelius trusts him to make Rome a Republic again. When Commodus steals the throne and kills Maximus's family, he dooms himself by creating a man who has nothing left to lose and only a dying mans wish to fulfill. This is made powerfully clear in the movie when Maximus looks at Commodus and says, “Father of a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife and I shall have my vengeance in this life or the next.”
This moving could easily be compared to another classic journey, Troy. In Troy we follow Hector and Achilles to their fated battle, just as you can follow Maximus to the Coliseum and his battle with Commodus. In both cases it seems fate brings mighty men together and one must fall to the hand of the other. I enjoy Maximus's journey in Gladiator more than the story of Troy. The story in Gladiator focuses more on just Maximus, which allows you to make a firm emotional connection with him. In Troy the storyline is strong, but I feel torn between cheering for Hector or Achilles.
This movie has a great deal of strengths. It is action packed. The cinematography is amazing, especially during the battle scenes. The battles are hazed, and bloody, and took great advantage of high speed filming to slow down the action for theatrical impact. The musical score is also fantastic, winning a Golden Globe for Best Original Score by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard. It is emotional, enveloping music, which pulls you in deep like a siren's song.
When I look for a weakness in this film, I struggle to find one. The only thing I felt could improve is pacing in the latter half. Some of the events between battles in the arena seem slow. In particular the scene in which Commodus is arresting or killing those whom he found plotting against him, it feels as if they are just quick filler shots. Some shots are almost confusing, like the scene in which you see one of the senators asleep and a dark figure creeps in and places a poisonous snake under his sheets. You never really see this senator do anything in the film to warrant him being killed but the scene is still there. Despite this, the film has a very compelling story.
This movie is a vivid, fantastic journey that will take you on a roller coaster ride to a stunning, climactic ending. Fall in love with Maximus for his enduring spirit and cheer for him as if you were sitting in the great Colosseum of Rome.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Yeah! I got 100 on my essay!
There was a small knock at the door. It was a woman. I could no longer tell you her name. She was a grief counselor for the hospital. She had come to talk to me about the loss of my baby, Grace. Grace was born too early and passed away while I was giving birth to her. I was recovering from the night before. I was given support information, numbers to call, packets and pamphlets to read, but what I remember most of the counselor's visit was when she handed me a box.
The woman left after she gave me her presentation. I know it must not have been an easy job trying to console women who had just lost a child. Now that I was alone again I began looking over the box. It had six sides, it was hand-painted lavender, with flecks of white and silver. There was a bright gold dragonfly painted on the lid. Holding the box in my lap, I ran my hand over the lid. Tracing the dragonfly with my finger, I could feel the paint where it rose and fell. The box had a great deal of texture to it. It was slightly rough and chalky feeling. I opened the box to find a single yellow paper inside that read:
"Memory Box Artist Program
Touching lives through Creativity
This box is donated and created by Pat Sheely, a decorative artist. The pattern on the box is based on an original design by artist Same
The Memory Box Program (http://www.teraleigh.com/memoryboxes/ ) is comprised of a group of artists that donate their time and money to create boxes for grieving families. Each box is created with great love and a sincere wish to reach out in support and understanding. As artists, we hope that this box brings you some small comfort, and the knowledge that we know that your child was special and very, very loved.
Signed Pat Sheely
Member of the Penns Woods Chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters"
The underlined areas were filled in, by hand, with blue pen. Once I finished reading I placed the paper back in the box.
Still with the box in my lap, I turned my attention to the neat pile of things stacked at my bedside. I started by placing a small double-quilted blanket, which we had used to wrap around Grace, in the box. It was white with green squares, thick, soft, and had little bears printed on it. I held it to my nose and breathed deep. Its scent was of her, of that night. I folded it in quarters and placed it in the bottom of the box, laying it on top of the yellow note. It made a nest in the bottom of the box for the other things to rest upon. Next came a tiny pink hat. The hat was much smaller than a normal newborn hat, because this hat was made for premature babies. It was knit, but not by hand; it was machined. Grace had worn the hat the night before. It was still very big on her head, despite the fact it was made for a preemie. There was also a small white cloth bib with a lace edge and magenta-pink roses on each corner. She wore it in the picture the hospital took for us. Next came a handful of pictures that were taken by the nurses of my husband and I holding Grace and of my husband bathing her. I then tucked in a set of cards reading, “Girl Shives,” with her weight and length on the front, her foot and hand prints on the back. I placed the lid back on the box and sat with it in my lap, looking back out over the river.
This memory box was full of tiny items that belonged to my tiny little girl. The box had a profound impact on how I grieved. I kept the box close, taking it with me when going to see family and friends, so I could share the things we had left. The box collected a few more precious things along the way, the card from some flowers, my bracelet from the hospital, a tiny pair of pink socks my mother had set aside for the baby, and the few ultrasound pictures we had of Grace from earlier in the pregnancy. Even later still, we added her ashes to the box. We had her cremated and could not decide where she should be buried. Therefore, she now sits with her things in the small lavender box, wrapped in a pink blanket with lace trim. I developed a strong love for dragonflies because of the box. They reminded me of Grace. Still, when I think of her, or miss her, I open the box, and find the blanket she wore that night she came and went. I deeply breathe in the scents still stored on the blanket. It brings back the moments we had with her. Then I tuck it all neatly away, until the next time the lavender box catches my eye.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Knitting again...
So I been wanting to get some knitting in and finally got around to completing a project. It is to totally cute project called the Hallowig. So here is what it looks like...LOL
Sunday, February 1, 2009
School Essays...
I idolized my father. He was a Marine, tough and strong, but still very soft and kind. Well, he was soft at least when it came to me, his only daughter. “You can do anything you set your mind to, and don't let anyone ever tell you different,” he reminded me often. He was my hero.
We got the guns and packed them into the car. Then off we went. I was not sure where we were going. I asked my dad and he said, “It's not far.” We drove as if we were heading out of town. It was a road I had been down many times in my life. We continued down the long, straight road, with a few rolling hills. Emerald-colored pine trees lined the length of our drive. He turned off onto a dirt path I had never noticed until that day. We drove back into the woods until we came to a clearing.
We lived in the Pine Barrens. The ground is sandy, but firm, not like the beach. The Barrens are full of trees called Pygmy Pines. These pines grow only to about six feet tall in most areas. When I looked around the clearing, we were at a dump. It was really just a small sand pit the locals decided to use as a place for unwanted things. Around us, there were tires, cans, bottles, old sofas, and refrigerators. These items were piled together in the sinking sand pit, only to rust and decay away. Across the pit was a pine-lined ledge.
Dad and I gathered up some cans and bottles we found in the area. He took them around to the ledge on the other side of the pit and then stood them up in a line. When he came back, he took his time teaching me about the gun. It was a .22 rifle with bolt action. He showed me how to load it carefully, and then he let me put a few rounds in the gun myself. He then reminded me of all the safety things I should do with a gun. “Never point it at anyone and keep it pointed toward the ground when not using it,” he reminded me.
Then it was time to shoot. I tried to lift the gun, but it was just a little too heavy for me. Dad saw me struggling, so he knelt down on one knee and placed the barrel on his shoulder. This allowed me to aim with ease. I pulled the trigger. POP! Can after can fell. Dad looked proud. For about half an hour, we continued to set them up and shoot them down. “You are doing really well,” he said to me with a smile. I was so happy. I was alone with my dad, my hero, and he was proud of me. I could shoot well.
Then my dad did something that, to this day I will never forget. He got serious for a moment. He pulled a brand new quarter out of his pocket. It was shiny, and it glinted in the sun. He handed it to me.
“Do you see any marks on this quarter?” he asked me.
Critically, I looked over it and said, “No, it looks new.”
“I want you to mark it, scratch it, dent it, make any kind of mark you can on it,” he said explaining my task. I was still puzzled as to what he was doing. Why in the world would he want me to scuff up a brand new quarter? I did as he said. I bit it. Then I threw it on the ground and stomped on it. I tried to scuff it with my shoe. I picked it up, and tried rubbing it across some tree bark. As hard as I tried, all I managed to do was make it dirty, but no marks appeared. Dad cleaned it off and looked at me.
Handing me the quarter he asked, “Did you make a mark?”
“No,” I replied with some question and frustration in my voice. I was still confused as to where this was all going.
Dad took the quarter from me and placed it on the side of a dead tree stump that was near us. He wedged it in a bit, so it would stay in place. I recall the gleaming profile of George Washington shining back at us in the bright sun. Then he took my hand, and we stepped back from the stump. With me safely behind him, he took aim, and shot the quarter. I was shocked. What was this? What was he trying to show me? The quarter bounced off the stump, and flew to the ground.
He went and retrieved the quarter. There was a perfect hole right through the center. He banged down the sharp edges so it would be safe for me to hold, and I would not cut myself. I was still a bit puzzled. Then he handed the quarter to me and said,
"Look at this. If you ever decide to point a gun at a living thing, remember this. Remember the power. This is what a gun can do to a quarter that you could not even scratch. Imagine what it would do to a person. I do not want you to think you can't protect yourself. If you ever need to use a gun to protect yourself, I want you to do it. I am showing you this so you can understand what you would be doing. A gun is a great tool. It can feed you. It can protect you, but its main purpose is to kill. Never raise a gun to anything you do not intend to kill."
I held that quarter in my hand, turning it over repeatedly. I looked at the perfect hole now where George's face once was. I remember thinking about the day, shooting the cans, and how much fun we had. I realized my dad had not only taken me out there to teach me how to shoot, but also to learn when to raise a gun, and when to pull the trigger. Perhaps the most important lesson of the day was the great responsibility that comes with making these decisions.
Looking back on this now, as a mother, I hope I can pass this along to my boys. Think before you act, because your actions can have great consequences. I think back on that day often, of Dad and me in the woods, of how much it impressed upon me. I think how lucky I was to have a father who would take the time to ensure I could handle a gun safely and, to teach me how to protect myself if needed. He also taught me how to be a responsible person when it comes to that moment in time when you need to decide if pulling the trigger is the only option.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
John's 2 Month Appointment.
Monday, January 5, 2009
John 's Ear Flap Hat
So Julie has these great patterns and I decided to make John a really cute 11 cable ear flap hat. He just looks too darn cute.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Nicholas' Christmas Ear Flap Hat
I was asked to write up a pattern for the hat, and here it is. Enjoy...
Nicholas' Christmas Ear Flap Hat
Materials:
- I used less then 1 skein of Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted (Green) and Columbia Minerva Nantuk Sports Yarn (Red) double stranded to make up for the weight difference) I'd say no more then 200g of yarn, but you will want to add yarn if you are going to knit it longer then below.
- 16″ circular needle and at least three DPNs to match, to meet gauge (I used US8)
- 1 stitch marker
Gauge: 3.5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
Ear Flaps:
Cast On 7 sts with MC to a double pointed needle. (Make 2 of these)
Row 1: K1, P5, K1
Row 2: K1, M1, K5, M1, K1
Row 3: K1, P7, K1
Row 4: K1, M1, K7, M1, K1
Row 5: K1, P9, K1
Row 6: K1, M1, K9, M1, K1
Row 7: K1, P11, K1
Row 8: K1, M1, K11, M1, K1
Row 9: K1, P13, K1
Row10: K1, M1, K13, M1, K1
Row11: P to end
Row12: K to end
Row13: P to end
Repeat Rows 12-13 until flaps are desired length, mine were 3.5 inches long. Leave a long tail (8-12 inches), this will help when weaving in ends to close up any gaps the form.
Hat:
Cast on 10 sts to a circular needle, knit the 15 from the DPN for the first ear flap, then cast on 24 sts, 15 from the other ear flap, then cast on 10 more sts.
Join, being careful not to twist your work, place a marker. (Note: If you are going to add any stitch patters/fair isle details, the marker is at the center of the back of the head.
Round 1 (MC): K9, k2tog, K 13, K2tog, K23, K2tog, K13, K2tog, K9 to end of round (70 Sts).
Rounds 2-5: Knit round
Rounds 6-10 (SC): Knit round
Rounds 11-15(MC): Knit round
Continue in 5 rounds of alternating MC and SC until you reach your desired length of the head of the hat. My hat was 3 inches from the beginning of the rounds, or 6.5 inches from ear flaps
Begin Decrease:
Start round 1 with your next color and continue switching colors every 5 rows.
Round 1: *K8, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 2-5: Knit round
Round 6 : *K7, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 7-10: Knit round
Round 11: *K6, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 12-15: Knit round
Round 16: *K5, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 17-20: Knit round
Round 21: *K4, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 21-25: Knit round
Round 26: *K3, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 27-30: Knit round
Round 31: *K2, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 32-35: Knit round
Round 36: *K1, K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 37-40: Knit round
Round 41: *K2tog*, *repeat until end of round
Rounds 21-25: Knit round
You should now have 7 sts , use a needle to pull through and pull tight, weave in all ends and tighten up any gaps you see. I also added a tassel to the end, just cut 3 pieces of yarn, use a crochet hook to pull them though, and pass the ends into the loop, pull tight and trim ends. Also adding the ties for the ear flaps add 3 pieces of yarn, and braid, or you could also do an icord or even just pick up a few sts and knit back and fort 3-4 sts. I used the braid in this hat.
Note: This pattern was inspired by Julie her pattern is here. Also if you have a hard time getting the ear flaps onto the circular needle Julie has a great video on youtube here showing how to do it.
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Knitting like crazy
Well I got to knitting, only 2 days to finish it for Christmas...well here I am looking and I see, oh I not only have plenty of this green, but I have a lot of this nice red, so I decide to make stripes...So then I am thinking, why not make it an elf hat, and POOF! This is what I ended up with...hehe...
Now do I have enough time to make one small enough for John...hehe
Monday, December 22, 2008
Back to work...
Also I enrolled in my first college class in nearly 10 years. I am starting out with one class, just taking a basic English Comp 101. I figure if I can pass a writing class I should be okay for most of my other classes. It's an odd feeling to be 29, mother of 2, and be considered a student again. I am nervous about taking the class, but got to start some place, right?
I really haven't been knitting much, and I would love to be doing it, just can't find the time right now. Maybe I can start doing it during down time at work, now that I am back. Well at least when I am not updating my blog etc.
So I got to read "The Tales of Beetle the Bard" it's a book from the Harry Potter series. If you have read the books you will know the Tales are like the wizarding world's fairytales. I really enjoyed the book. I also want to read the new book by Christopher Paolini, "Brisingr". I will likely wait for it to come out in paperback. I don't have a lot of spending cash right now with the kids, work being up in the air, and school. Maybe Santa will bring it for me. I have a librarian for a mother-in-law and a book crazy brother so it is possible. Beck, my mother-in-law does tend to get me a gift certificate from a book store, and some tea, because she knows I drink it. I often get books from my brother as well but now that I have kids I get less gifts for me =P
Lets see what else has been on my mind. Well I found a new cereal I really like. hehehe... It's called Strawberry Fields by Kashi, way yummy, if you get to try it, I strongly suggest it. It's also organic which is always a bonus in my book.
Oh and if you read this blog for updates I strongly suggest if you don't already use facebook to get an account and add me there, I have been using it a lot for pictures and videos of the boys.
Will write again soon...
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Can't Sleep...
Then again he always does surprise me. We stopped into a store earlier and he spotted a shirt and said "Mommy it's yo gabba-gabba" It's a kids show I guess he watches some times. Jeremy and I have never put it on for him, but he knew all the characters names. He had Jeremy and I amazed. So we picked him up a shirt as a Christmas present. I guess we really shouldn't be that surprised. When I took John in for his 1 month check up, I had taken Nick with me to give Jeremy a little break. The pediatrician told me Nick is basically a functional 4 year old from just the little she seen of him while he played waiting for us to be done. He won't even be 3 until February. It was nice to hear he is doing well, at least in the doctor's eyes.
Well maybe getting this all out in text will help me calm down and sleep. I was at least happy the mom took care of it and didn't let the kid go back to playing, nor did she make her other 2 children that were very well behaved stop. She even had him come over and apologize a 2nd time after he stopped crying, which wasn't needed, but nice. She explained to him again what he did wrong and then sat him back down. She did seen frustrated in the sense that he does do this a lot and she isn't sure how to stop it. I kind of felt for her, but it was also hard since I was pretty well enraged at the child when I seen what he did.
Ok going to stop thinking about it now and hopefully get to sleep before the sun comes up.
We did get to take Nicholas to see Thomas again. I got a cute video I plan to put up. Actually putting it up in youtube now. Let me get the link. Oh I found another one from the car ride to see Thomas, Nick was rocking out to Christmas music, he kills me some times.
Nicholas See's Thomas
Nicholas Rocking to Christmas Tunes
Nicholas and his John Cena impression
Ok I feel a bit better, hope I can fall asleep now... hehe
Monday, December 1, 2008
Over due Update
I got a quick second while Nick watches some TV and John is taking a short nap so I wanted to update some if I can. The recovery time is going good. I feel good and I am feeling more and more normal as the days go on. I have even had enough energy to cook a few real dinners now, rather then just nuke something or defrost something, or have Jeremy cook. Jeremy's been taking the baby on weekends for me so I can catch some sleep. John has been going though a growth spurt and not sleeping much in place of eating all day and night long. Nick is really loving being a big brother. If he hears the baby cry he comes running to see if he can help in any way. He even likes to try and give the baby his pacifier or bottle. Jeremy had to work on Thanksgiving so I took the boys to his grandmother's for dinner. It was a bit insane having both of them by myself, but it went fine. I should be back to work my Christmas, which I am kind of bummed about. I guess it's just part of the mommy hormones. I have a hard time with the idea of spending less time with the boys. I had the same anxiety when I went back to work with Nick. I guess it's been a little hard this time too because work is changing a lot too. I will likely not be going back to my old job, they want me to "advance" my position. So I need to find a new job in the company. Same thing with Jeremy. The hard part about this is scheduling. We'd both like to continue to work from home, but to do this with any of the other jobs they are offering we need to consider schedules a lot more greatly then in our current positions. Doing phone work also means we need to install a new phone jack in the office, get a phone from work to work at home, and make sure our schedules don't over lap at all since I couldn't be on the phones if he had the kids etc. So I guess it's just a lot to worry about before I am even back to work. I am trying to think about it as little as possible for now, because it just stresses me out and I end up crying with the hormones right now. I know things will work out for the best, I just am too emotional right now to feel alright about the whole situation, plus I really like the job I do now, and my boss. Who wants to change things when they are good, right? Well Nick is hungry and I need to make a call or two. Will update when I can.
Friday, November 7, 2008
My Birth Story...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
36 Weeks and feelin' the pressure...
Friday, October 17, 2008
So far so good...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
New Dose
Saturday, October 11, 2008
My appointment...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Yay we made it to 34 weeks!
If the baby was born today they should have very little complication, if any related to being premature. We are very excited to have made it this far. The p17 shots and the T-pump along with the bed rest seem to really have done the trick this time.
It will be really nice to go to term and be able to take a healthy baby home from the hospital with out having to have a NICU stay. That is our hope at this point. A nice easy birth and a nice healthy baby to bring home.
The last Ultrasound we had showed the baby having very chubby cheeks so we are hoping he doesn't get too big for me...hehe. I get another growth check not this Friday, but the following Friday.
I am totally bored at this point, and still have at least another week of the pump, but we are making progress. Almost there...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
33 Weeks!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Doctors appointment...
I am however starting to feel ready to deliver in the sense that I am done with being in bed all the time. My patience with being stuck in bed is running thin, but at the same time I know it is too early for the baby to come now. I guess I am just starting to get bored finally.
On a home note, we did finally get our wood stove installed completely. We have been test burning it the last few day. It is going to be great this winter. We had to do a few burns now to burn off the smell new ones have, kind of like breaking it in.
Unfortunately not all of the hard work is done, even with the stove installed. We got a really great deal on a lot of wood, only issue is, the wood needs to be stacked in the shed before it gets to be winter, and it's a lot of wood. Here is a picture and keep in mind there is already a bunch stacked in the shed.
I am hoping I will be able to help stack once the baby comes, but if I go to term it maybe too late for me to help. Unfortunately for Jeremy this means he needs to stack it all himself. It's pretty crazy, but needs to get done, but over all I think we are both happy we won't need to rely on oil heat this year. Although we may fill the tank once before the season starts to have it as a back up if needed, but I think we would almost use electric back up before oil this year. We haven't decided if we should make the investment or not yet. I am sure we will make up our minds soon. Winter weather isn't that far away.