Into July

 The kids finished school and had pretty good school years. Bron did summer school, but only about half of it, as we'd already planned our vacation before finding out she was eligible.  

Vacation was pretty good.  The four of us flew out to Virginia together.  We had a pretty early flight (6am out of San Francisco), so the kids slept for a good portion of it.  The first flight was really empty, so the kids sat with Aaron and I had a whole row to myself.  I think Bron sat with me towards the end of the flight.  We had a layover in Minnesota, I bought a shirt for me and lunch for everyone else.  I think this was the first year that Bert didn't say he wanted to go home as soon as we arrived.  

We spent a lot of time with Rebecca, Eddie and Nana. Went to the pool several times.  I got to have a massage, facial and Cracker Barrel for my birthday.  We played mini golf a couple times.  Took the kids to the trampoline park (I was surprised Bert wanted to go back, after spraining his ankle at his birthday party).  And Rebecca had a splash pad that the kids enjoyed.  The kids caught frogs and fireflies.

Aaron flew home after a week, and we flew home the next week.  He, of course, got sick at the end of vacation.  He got a few extra days at home for the summer cold.  

I feel like I've been playing catch up wince we got back.  The house hasn't seemed to recover.  Partially because I went right back to work, and partially because the kids are home, which makes cleaning difficult.  I've been making the kids do reading, and a workbook page everyday.  And Bert also has to go on a daily walk.  I probably should require this of Bronwyn too, but she's more active than he is, in general.  

Also, right after we got back, Aaron left for a Boys' Trip to Oregon to see his group of friends and play games for 5 days.  He and Scott drove, since Scott has a hybrid, and they decided that would be slightly cheaper than flying.  

At the end of June, Aaron and I celebrated 20 years of marriage.  We went to Black Angus for dinner (We were going to go to the nicer restaurant near us, but it was closed on Mondays), and we planned our anniversary trip.  We're going to London!  We haven't been on vacation alone together since our honeymoon (real vacation, not visiting family).  I'm nervous and excited.  The kids already either don't want us to go, or want to come with us.  I told them, when each of them turns 15 they can choose a location and we'll go there.  (Right now, Bert says Virginia, to see Nana, and Bron says Japan).  

20 Years!

We found direct flights from San Francisco to London (that were cheaper than layover flights) and a mid priced hotel.  We took care of our Visas last night (which was surprisingly quick and easy).  Now we're trying to plan our literary, as we'll be there a week.  Some things on the list so far: the national museum, the Tate gallery, possibly Cadbury World (which is 2 hours away), Gilwell Park, the palace, the bridge, the Eye, Harods, and Big Ben.  Aaron visited London when he was 16 with his parents, I've never been, so it'll be an adventure.  Hopefully we don't get too lost since we'll be using public transportation (or possible Uber) for all our travel.  

Yesterday, the kids started swimming lessons.  Bron was excited, Bert was not (as he "already knows how to swim").  They both had a good time, and did fairly well (though,  Bron still won't dunk her head).  We'll be having them M-Th for the next 2 weeks.  We're going to the Open Swim this afternoon, before lessons and will probably be doing that often for the duration of the lessons.  

Mid-Late June

At the end of April I had an appointment with my tattoo artist.  I added on two flowers for my grandparents.  A magnolia blossom and Queen Anne's lace.  Both of which make me nostalgic for my childhood summers on their farm.

In May there was a carnival at Bert's school.  I think Bron enjoyed it more than Bert did.  But they both had enough fun.  Bert was hoping the snow cone truck would come, but it didn't.  There was a churro truck, which was a good consolation.  

The next day was Scout-o-Rama.  Bron got over-stimulated.  Bert had a good time.  

The kids participated in some online research for eye-tracking related to autism.  They both got a gift card for amazon.  They both like participating in research projects (the gift cards help).  But I always sign up for various research studies too, something my mom instilled in me.

We went to the Makers' Fair the weekend after Scout-o-Rama.  It's where local people sell local-made goods.  We went to one before Christmas as well.  I really enjoy them, and the kids get bored.  Next time I think we'll leave them with the grandparents.  It's hard to look at lots of things with them.  They both do pretty well when we go shopping, but I guess this is different.

Bronwyn's school had young author's fair.  She, originally didn't participate.  The teacher worked, and worked with her.  She even offered to write, if Bron would dictate.  No dice.  So I wasn't going to go to the presentation, because she had nothing to present.  Aaron took her to school that day, and told me I needed to come and be with her, she was starting to freak out.  So I came to school to be with her.  And she was starting to melt down.  But I found out, that she did write the book, in her speech class, so she had something to present.  She was worried that so-and-so was in her group and he'd be mean to her.  It turns out so-and-so wasn't in her group, so she calmed down.  She read her book to the group of bigger kids without issue.  I was so so proud of her and told her as much.  Writing is the hardest thing for her.  

Around this time, my older sister came for her annual visit.  She and my dad went to Vegas, and a few other more local places.

Kids finished up the school year.  

Bron had a field trip to the park with her class.  I volunteered to go along, mostly to keep an eye on her, because situations that are different are hard for her.  She did fine.  Until we got back, then she was melting down a little.  Hitting, and being mean.  But she rallied.  At the end of the year, the whole class got awards for various things.  Bron got the Reset Award for being able to reset her emotions when she gets upset.  That is a well-earned, hard-worked for award.  I think she was able to finish up the school year without getting send home.
We were originally hoping that Bron could switch to Bert's school after kindergarten.  But her school is a better fit for her, and she in able to get more services there.  So she'll stay.  It's rough having two kids at two schools. But we do what we have to do.

Bert did a presentation on How to do Scratch.  I went and recorded it.  He did a great job.  The kids really liked it, and were very interested.  He did pretty well at the end.  His report card only had a couple of 2s and Ns.  

We went to the tide pools with the scout troop.  I think the kids really enjoyed it.  And I like the anemones.  I hadn't been to the tide pools in a long time.  We stayed at the beach for a bit after.  But Bronwyn got run over by a wave, which was our cue to head home.

I had 2 unsuccessful blood/platelet donations in a row.  The first time, they couldn't get a good vein (and they're only allowed to stick you once).  I think my draw-er was new.  I went back a couple weeks later to donate platelets, but my red loss was too high, so I wasn't able to donate.  

Bronwyn started Summer school.  It's just 8-11am, short days, which are nice.  The first day was a little rough, but she found her groove after that.  

On June 1st, Nanny passed away.  She had been ready for a long time, well over a year.  I got to see her in January, which was good, but she didn't remember me.  I bought last minute plane tickets for her memorial (June 17th).  I flew on Breeze for the first time.  It was a long flight, but having a direct flight was really nice.  I had to leave from SFO, but that wasn't a huge deal.  I got to spend a lot of time with my mom, which was awesome.  I got to see my sister and nephew a bit too.  Little Eddie isn't so little anymore.  He's not a huge fan of me.  My sister and I got mani/pedis.  The only time I ever do that is when she takes me.  I enjoy it, I should do it more.  But I have  hard time doing those things for myself.  The memorial was kind of weird.  Like really Jesus-y.  And very focused on being saved.  Which is fine for some, but she wasn't really like that when she was a live.  She was a devoted Christian and "knew" Jesus.  But, aside from meal-time prayer I do not remember Jesus ever being mentioned. My sister enjoyed catching up with the cousins at the luncheon.  She was like, you can talk to them too.  But I don't really have a relationship with any of them.  She does.  I think a lot of that is the fact that she lives there, and I don't.  But my social anxiety was on high.  

For my 40th birthday, Aaron did a Rachel day.  I got a nap, we went to Target and bought things I want.  We got what I wanted for lunch.  And we had a fancy (expensive) dinner.  Aaron ordered me a piece of jewelry, but it wasn't delivered until the 12th, actually the 15th.  So I got it when I got back from my trip.  

We also celebrated our 18th Anniversary.  But on that day, we found out that Bronwyn had covid.  So we ordered lunch in.  

Sick Bron

At the tide pools

The park field trip

My 40th Birthday

Painting the sidewalk

Bron's book for Young Author's Fair

Presenting her book

Bron and my sister

Bert's presentation

Bert at Scout o Rama

The magnolia tattoo

Somehow it's been a month since I blogged.  I suck.  

Let's see what I can remember.

Our 12th anniversary came and went without fanfare.  Between being 8 months pregnant, having a 3 year old and being poor, we didn't end up doing anything.  I think sometime after baby is born we'll have a do-over.  We had dinner at Chick-fil-a.  Haha.

Last week my FiLs truck was stolen from in front of their house.  It was his work truck, so all his tools were in it.  We assumed we'd never see it again, or if we did, it wouldn't be driveable.  Bertie and I came back from running errands today, and there it was, back in front of the house.  Nothing was missing, nothing was broken.  And, the weirdest thing, it was found one street over.  So that had a happy ending.  The police guessed maybe some kids wanted to go joy-riding, found they could, got scared, and left it.

Last week Aaron's co-workers threw us a baby shower.

It was really nice, and kind of fancy.  We got a lot of diapers, and clothes.  I'm making Aaron write all the thank you notes (since I did all of them from my shower).

Baby is measuring right on track.  I've had some braxton-hicks, but nothing "real" yet.  I had my GBS test last week.  I'm positive.  Lame, but no big deal.  We have her room mostly ready, I need to put a few more things away, and hang up the wall decorations.

Aaron got a promotion at work!  He was an EW2, now he'll be a supervisor.  Usually, one has to be an EW3 first, but they liked him, so he gets to skip a step (which is really rare).  So he'll make a good deal more money, and have a better commute.  (I should mention that his commute was good before, about 30 minutes, which is practically unheard of around here, but his new one will be 15-20 minutes).  So that's really exciting.  His supervisor pay starts today, but he doesn't actually start the job til next week.

Today Fiona has a seizure.  This happens once or twice a year.  Generally it's not a big deal (as in the vet can't do much).  But she was kind of running as she was seizing, and smacked her head into the bed frame.  I picked her up, and she had cut her forehead open.  I took her to the vet (which was fortunately open).  They kept her for four hours.  Gave her drugs to stop the seizure, and she got iv fluids.  They glued her head back together, no stitches.  They drew blood, but we won't have the results til Wednesday.  I was talking to one of the vet techs about fireworks, and mentioned we'd given Yoie her anti-anxiety medication last night.  The tech said that that medication can cause seizures in dogs that are already prone to seizures.  That was good to know.  She's currently still a little dopped up, so the few fireworks going off haven't bothered her.  We'll see how tomorrow night goes.  (Note: we have a thunder shirt for her, but putting it on her, makes her nervous.).

How far along? 37 weeks 
Total weight loss/gain: About 20lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes, please.  I've been searching for a couple more nursing tops.
Sleep: Surprisingly, no real issues, except some insomnia.  Once I'm asleep, I'm usually good.

Best moment this week: Baby shower with Aaron's co-workers

Movement: She loves to dance

Food cravings: Otter pops, watermelon
Food aversions: Garlic, onions, and sometimes raw veg
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Some braxton-hicks, off and on. (By this time, Bertie was already born.)

Belly Button in or out? In, it's not going anywhere
What I miss: Sleeping on my back.

What I am looking forward to:  Meeting my girl
Milestones: We made it to full term!

Stream of conciousness

Bertie was sick with a high fever for a week.  We went to the doctor a total of three times in that week.  Had 3 weigh-ins, 3 rectal temperatures, 2 blood draws, 1 nasal culture, 1 chest x-ray and countless doses of Tylenol, Advil, nurse and snuggles.  We were really just getting in the swing of weaning, then sickness.  Bertie lost .75 lbs in the week he was sick.  It was hard on me, and Aaron (and everyone else), and stressful to have a sick kid.  I mean, 105+ fevers for a week?  Yikes.  But, here we are, a week later, and he's almost himself again.  Still not quite eating as much as usual, and still more tired, but the fever is gone.

Bertram took his first step yesterday.  He was helping me close the dishwasher, just one step.  

Aaron might have to strike on Tuesday.  The county is not playing fair.  The managers' union got an 8% raise, the county actually has money, and Kaiser lowered their premiums.  The union wants a 5% raise (it has had to forgo cost of living raises for the past 5 years) and no changes to health care.  The offer the county had was a 1.5% raise, and 2% of your salary pays for health care, which equals a .5% decrease in pay.  And the county wanted to be able to change health care systems and rates with a 30 day notice.  (Uh, no.) If they don't have a better offer by Tuesday, the 9000 member union will strike.  

I was asked to start working three days a week again.  I like working less, but more money is always nice.

I had been doing well with eating right, and exercising, until the sickness.  Hopefully next week I'll get back on the horse.  

We were able to get out to dinner for our 10th anniversary on Tuesday. Just a nice dinner downtown.  I'd like to do an overnight at some point. Maybe when my mom comes to visit.

I only cooked twice this week, but I made two good dinners, both vegan.  I did a tofu and veggie stir-fry (with no-calorie yam flour noodles) and summer rolls (with rice noodles, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot and cilantro). with peanut sauce.  We're trying to eat a more plant based diet.  I bought some Kale, though I'm pretty sure neither of us like kale.  I'm not sure how I'll cook it, maybe sauteed with olive oil and garlic.  

The supreme court legalized gay marriage for the whole country this week.  This means that Pride weekend (this weekend) will be awesome, and church tomorrow, will likely be awful.  Since I'm so on the fence with church lately, I decided to stay home.  I love Love.

Misc.

Due to an error in communication, Aaron and I were no together on our anniversary.  It was pretty lame.  He was volunteering at camp.  Maybe we can take a day when Summer is over and do something.  But he'll be back and forth to camp a few more times and then to Dallas for 2 weeks.  Plus, the boss and I need to get the billing department situated, before I can schedule time off.

So here's what I did on our 7th anniversary:

• Woke up at 7, cleaned the house and started laundry
• found a HUGE cockroach in the garage, and trapped it under a cup
• Cleaned more, due to cockroach-induced paranoia
• Went to rest in bed, and read my new Marie Claire, only to find ants.  Then I continued cleaning, and then sprayed bug spray.
• Then I showered
• Saturday was also the company picnic, and since it was at a park, I decided (very stupidly) to bring the dogs.  
• The dogs did ok, until another dog showed up (usually they do ok on neutral territory).  Actually, Zelda did fine, Yoie was the problem
• Thought walking them around would calm them down, so I could tie them to the table and socialize.  
• Ended up sticking them in the car for a few minutes (it was a cool day, but I still hated doing it).  And ended up leaving before getting to eat.
• Came home, ate cookies and a banana and took a two hour nap.
• Watched several episodes of Taboo on Netflix, and then decided I didn't have the perfect pink nail polish.
• Went to Target, bought said polish.  Stopped at Panda Express to buy myself a fancy anniversary dinner.
• Ate, painted my nails, and watched more Taboo, before switching to an Auschwitz documentary.
• Aaron called to get directions to a Walmart in Livermore, to keep a ladder from flying off of the truck.
• 11pm, went to bed.

So it wasn't really what I would have wanted.  And there were way too many bugs in the house.

I ended up staying home from church today.  I haven't been feeling well for a week.  And I took Hurima this week.  So the idea of being exposed to 100+ people's germs was not too appealing.  And I took a nap, which was nice.