There is so much ongoing in my life, and not enough time to share it on this blog. I'm going to have to begin logging in the basic highlights at this rate! Here goes....
A few weeks ago we had the ultrasound done, and found out that we are having a baby boy!!! Biggest thrill EVER!! Yet, at the same time, I knew from early on in this pregnancy that it was a boy. There was an energy, a visual in my head, that it was a little guy nesting in there. I guess the instincts are coming out early- amen to that! The ultrasound experience was incredible- seeing how big our baby is growing, and watching him move and shift around, was fantastic! It was like watching a hologram, images popping out at random (or maybe that's the way my brain was processing the whole experience!) We could hear the heartbeat again, and as always it was music to my ears. Lucas was quiet and watchful and very very happy. We got a dvd of the ultrasound, and a couple of photos printed out to share with family. Funny thing happened: as I sat up afterwards, I got a weird surge in temperature and felt on the verge of fainting. Arrghh! Embarassing, but I was told by the tech that its common for women carrying boys to be a little more unsteady. Maybe its the hormones. I mentioned it to Mom after and she said that the same thing happened to her when she was carrying my brother. At least its "normal"! And baby has been moving these past few weeks- its something that always makes me stop what I'm doing and absorb the experience. Small miracles. Mini Zen moments.
Nesting: We are still in the early stages of preparing the house for baby. Thankfully there are a few months left, and family is helping us out with the grunt work. The studio is going to be converted into a nursery/baby room, and we are working on theme ideas. For now, we've picked out the colors blue and chocolate brown. Mom bought a beautiful 3-in-1 natural wood crib (Simmons), perfect for what we're doing with the nursery. I am working on the rest of the house, and building bags of things to donate to the Louisiana Boxer Rescue Garage Sale at the end of September. Also working on registries (Target and Babies 'r' Us)- it's an eye opener how much baby will need. Trying to cut down on costs by shopping for secondhand furniture like a dresser, chest of drawers, baby changing table etc., and comparison shopping. Also reading pregnancy books by the dozen- so much info, so little time!
Beau: About a month ago, my furry son started exhibiting strange behavior and aggression towards me, and every day was a battle between the two of us. It got to the point that his "time-outs" were 5-7 times a day, which was very unusual and distubing. It was a very difficult and depressing time that seemed to drag on and on. I contacted every person in the dog business that I could find, and asking for help/advice/info on what to do. The main concern is baby- we don't want Beau showing aggression towards our little one once he's home. I've been working with him on a daily basis and trying to re-train him, with some improvements. So far his aggression symptoms are improving a LOT, but he still barks at everyone when he's out in the yard, and still has issues (mainly, hardheadedness). One day at a time...and considering crate training, along with a refresher course in "Beau-bedience" for the two of us. The photo on this blog entry is very dear to my heart-a shot I call "My two sons", with Beau and the baby bump. Beau has an affectionate and lovable side to him that makes me hang in there, despite the bad times, and this photo exemplifies that side of him.
Photography: Until this week, my photography has taken a very dusty backseat to everything else. But this week I started up again- took some great shots of Beau drinking water out of a hose- a series I call the "Dog Days of Summer". I am reading up on photography basics, and in the process of learning how to use the lovely Canon camera that my Mom gave me several months ago. Its a tool that can push my pictures from really good, to incredible. Determined to learn it, and will be going to parks and outdoor events to practice and get familiar with it. Especially want to know how to operate all the special features before the arrival of baby!
Another photo note: I entered the Hearst 8x10 Photo Contest. Subject matter up to the photographer, and you can submit 16 photos. Winner receives an exhibit opening in New York. Ahhhh, the glory! Winners will be announced October 1st. I wrote up a bio explaining my volunteer work with animal rescue groups and how my photography tied in to that, then selected 16 photos that, to me, exhibited both animal rescue and life here in Nola. Regardless of whether or not they win, I sent them off with love and optimism and hope. Stay tuned....
