The National Parks on PBS

It's great fun to take a break from grading and settle down with some pie. We turned on the TV to find a rebroadcast of this program on KUED. I'd meant to catch it over the weekend, but got a little too busy for it. How cool is it when TV does not disappoint?

Peaceful Equinox

To celebrate the last day of summer, I went running during the beautiful and cool evening. This was followed by a sweet kiss in the driveway as we watched this sunset and took inventory of our summer roses that are still in bloom.

The equinox seems significant this year. I'll enter this dark half of the year and emerge at the next equinox quite changed with a new addition to my life. There's something very grounding and earthy about pregnancy that places me and my body with the seasons. That inspires a certain trust in time and the process of nature. So while I see summer slipping away before my eyes, I can look ahead to wondrous events and know that, in only a few blinks of an eye, golden rays will again paint the sky and touch the roses in my garden.

Rainbow on Grandeuer Peak

This was the view out my living room window last night when I arrived from work. I love how even buried in this neighborhood - not even on the benches - I can see the storms on the mountains that tell me summer is coming to an end. Isn't it amazing that with all of our modern distractions and occupations, nature can still speak to us in ways that have been appreciated by our ancestors for thousands, if not millions, of years?

20-21 Weeks

I've officially reached the half-way mark! They usually count this at 20 weeks, when they can identify the gender and when the baby gains more recognition medically and more rights legally (in many ways he's already considered a little person). However, we all know that the first two weeks of pregnancy are pre-conception, so I'd like to say that now at 21 weeks I've made it half way.

I've been wanting to write this for a while, but I got sick and everything had to go on hold. I'm feeling better now and getting my strength (as well as my nutrients and fluids) back, so here you go. For over a month I've been able to feel the little guy squirming around in there, which I hear is a little early for a first-timer. Strangers are starting to notice my belly, and I have realized a protective hand on the stomach does wonders to confirm their suspicions (and hopefully keep their hands away).

So, to celebrate this half-way mark, here's my first belly pic. It may not look like much, but when I visually measure from my belly button to my back, there is definitely something taking up a lot of space already. Here's to hoping I can keep up the routines of working, teaching, walking, and running for many weeks more.

Baby Feet

Little feet and toes for our healthy baby boy! Yes, we still have to wait until January to meet him.

Green Zebras, Brandywines, Celebrities, Hamsons

When I had said I'd eat caprese every night for dinner, I didn't know how true that would be. Our garden is packed with tomatoes! We finished this bowl up tonight, and we've got another one overflowing.

Anyone up for a few delicious heirlooms?