10:09pm
My feet are hoisted up on the coffee table. Sadie is snuggled up next to me, snoring. Rich is in Denver. The TV is low, and my mind is relaxing. Softly, I feel a sensation like I've never felt before. Everything around me was still. Inside, on my right side, just below my belly button, I felt a tap. There it was again. And again. Three very distinctive taps.
Could this be? Could this be it?!?!?
I didn't dare move.
10:14pm
I feel it again - like popcorn popping. Two more taps...
This has to be it!
I sat motionless for the next 2 hours. The only muscles that moved were thouse of my raised eyebrows, eyes that grew large, and the corners of my mouth that turned upwards.
I felt, for the first time, the life inside me.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
TIMBER!!!!!
January 21, 2010:
SoCal's getting a nice little washing from Mother Nature - and it is so welcomed!!! Heaven know we've needed some rain for a long time now, and boy are we getting it!
Last night, we had quite a storm come through - LOUD thunder (which is VERY RARE in these parts), Lightning (again, rare!), CRAZY strong winds (Carlsbad reported in the 60 mph), Hail (it's been a few years since I've seen it, but then again, I'm not home that often), and the rain... a LOT of rain. We've had water spouts, high surf (its 20 foot today!!!), tornado warnings (Fox 5 reported 2 touched down in North County yesterday), Flooding (Leucadia, Del Mar, and Ocean Beach were all underwater yesterday and Sorrento Valley was evacuated today), etc... I could go on but I think you're getting the picture. At about 10:30pm there was finally a break from the rain so Sadie and I made our way to the little grass patch just outside the door. The wind was still pretty strong, so we didn't go far. But as Sadie did her ritual of sniffing every blade of grass before she could relieve herself, I looked up at the Giant Eucalyptus tree waving in the wind. I giggled to myself and thought "How Dr. Seussey you look in this wind - gently swaying your arms and bushels of leaves as if you were waving hello to us." Then Sadie was done, and back inside we went (er, ran...).
This morning, the wind and rain woke me up instead of my alarm. I just lay in bed and listened and was so grateful I'm in a nice warm house, on a second story. :) It finally started to calm down, so I figured Sadie and I would take advantage of the break and do the morning potty walk. We braved the wind and got as far as the corner of our street... and then, out of NOWHERE... a complete downpour! Sadie was shocked. I laughed. We quickly made our way back to the house. As I began my workday, I opened the blinds to let in the natural light (and so I could continue to watch the storm). As the morning rolled on, about 9:45, I was finally eating my oatmeal and preparing from my next call. The rain had stopped again, but the wind was just being nuts! I timed this next part just right - as I looked to my left, outside the big window, I started to hear a low growling noise and there it came... that big tree that waived hello last night started to fall and FAST! It made a large snapping noise as it hit the concrete. I jumped up - because my car was parked right outside, and near where this tree was going. How very lucky we are!!! The tree fell shy of my car by THREE FEET!!! There were leaves all over it, but no branches. I ran next door to alert my neighbor - his truck was right next to the tree - again, luckily on the other side from where it fell! He called the association and within an hour, the tree remover magicians were fast at work. They chopped it up into so many little pieces, filled two dumpster type trucks with it, and were off within 30 minutes. I have to admit, I'm a little sad the giant tree is now gone, and have to wonder, did it know last night and was actually waving goodbye? On the bright side, I'll start parking in the lot again (not the street) and have fewer car washes thanks to no more white birdie treats to decorate the black paint. :)
Tonight, I am grateful. You see, when we were little kids, Mom and Dad would take us to Mexico. I remember always being so humbled when we crossed the border back into our country. Driving on clean and organized streets, into well kept neighborhoods, and back to our home always seemed to be a quiet ride - I think everyone in the car was thinking the same. Sleeping in my warm bed, and having a house with carpet, and big protected yard to play in. Mom and Dad were good to teach us early how blessed we, and our nation, are. As I grew older and have had the joys of traveling to Peru, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand - that same feeling of humility and gratitude continues to grow and my appreciation is so much deeper. My heart is tender tonight. I've been following the Haiti news so closely - so to go through a minor experience such as I did this morning, my heart is so full of gratitude for where I was born and where I live and how very lucky we are to be warm, safe, protected, and with services so readily available to keep our streets safe and clean.
The tree pics are below for your amusement.
Enjoy the storm, be safe, and know that you are loved! ;)
xoxo,
Kattie, Peanut, and Sadie
SoCal's getting a nice little washing from Mother Nature - and it is so welcomed!!! Heaven know we've needed some rain for a long time now, and boy are we getting it!
Last night, we had quite a storm come through - LOUD thunder (which is VERY RARE in these parts), Lightning (again, rare!), CRAZY strong winds (Carlsbad reported in the 60 mph), Hail (it's been a few years since I've seen it, but then again, I'm not home that often), and the rain... a LOT of rain. We've had water spouts, high surf (its 20 foot today!!!), tornado warnings (Fox 5 reported 2 touched down in North County yesterday), Flooding (Leucadia, Del Mar, and Ocean Beach were all underwater yesterday and Sorrento Valley was evacuated today), etc... I could go on but I think you're getting the picture. At about 10:30pm there was finally a break from the rain so Sadie and I made our way to the little grass patch just outside the door. The wind was still pretty strong, so we didn't go far. But as Sadie did her ritual of sniffing every blade of grass before she could relieve herself, I looked up at the Giant Eucalyptus tree waving in the wind. I giggled to myself and thought "How Dr. Seussey you look in this wind - gently swaying your arms and bushels of leaves as if you were waving hello to us." Then Sadie was done, and back inside we went (er, ran...).
This morning, the wind and rain woke me up instead of my alarm. I just lay in bed and listened and was so grateful I'm in a nice warm house, on a second story. :) It finally started to calm down, so I figured Sadie and I would take advantage of the break and do the morning potty walk. We braved the wind and got as far as the corner of our street... and then, out of NOWHERE... a complete downpour! Sadie was shocked. I laughed. We quickly made our way back to the house. As I began my workday, I opened the blinds to let in the natural light (and so I could continue to watch the storm). As the morning rolled on, about 9:45, I was finally eating my oatmeal and preparing from my next call. The rain had stopped again, but the wind was just being nuts! I timed this next part just right - as I looked to my left, outside the big window, I started to hear a low growling noise and there it came... that big tree that waived hello last night started to fall and FAST! It made a large snapping noise as it hit the concrete. I jumped up - because my car was parked right outside, and near where this tree was going. How very lucky we are!!! The tree fell shy of my car by THREE FEET!!! There were leaves all over it, but no branches. I ran next door to alert my neighbor - his truck was right next to the tree - again, luckily on the other side from where it fell! He called the association and within an hour, the tree remover magicians were fast at work. They chopped it up into so many little pieces, filled two dumpster type trucks with it, and were off within 30 minutes. I have to admit, I'm a little sad the giant tree is now gone, and have to wonder, did it know last night and was actually waving goodbye? On the bright side, I'll start parking in the lot again (not the street) and have fewer car washes thanks to no more white birdie treats to decorate the black paint. :)
Tonight, I am grateful. You see, when we were little kids, Mom and Dad would take us to Mexico. I remember always being so humbled when we crossed the border back into our country. Driving on clean and organized streets, into well kept neighborhoods, and back to our home always seemed to be a quiet ride - I think everyone in the car was thinking the same. Sleeping in my warm bed, and having a house with carpet, and big protected yard to play in. Mom and Dad were good to teach us early how blessed we, and our nation, are. As I grew older and have had the joys of traveling to Peru, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand - that same feeling of humility and gratitude continues to grow and my appreciation is so much deeper. My heart is tender tonight. I've been following the Haiti news so closely - so to go through a minor experience such as I did this morning, my heart is so full of gratitude for where I was born and where I live and how very lucky we are to be warm, safe, protected, and with services so readily available to keep our streets safe and clean.
The tree pics are below for your amusement.
Enjoy the storm, be safe, and know that you are loved! ;)
xoxo,
Kattie, Peanut, and Sadie
Yep, that's my little black Jetta "Gorilla" *phew!*
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
Peanut!!!
They say Hawaiian islands are enchanted, and full of romance. This, I can attest to! In October, while visiting the beautiful island of Kauai, the magic happened.
A few weeks later, my boobs hurst SOOOOOOO bad, and by 8:30pm I was doing the head-bob of exhaustion. Rich called it, and I was in denial. "You're pregnant" he would continue to say with a smile. I continued to say "there is no way."
But then, here it is... I'm 2 weeks late, and was starting to think he just might be correct.
On Sunday night, we built up enough courage to journey to the local drugstore. hand in hand, we stood in "that aisle" and looked at all the brands. I'll admit, I was nervous, giddy with anticipation, and completely filled with fear all at the same time. I mean - this is real. I'm standing right here. Looking at "these" tests, and am going to BUY one - FOR ME.
You see, for years, I did not think this could happen. Dr's said it was going to be unlikely, and I tried to hang on to hope... but in my ripe old age of 33, I was beginning to settle with the idea that perhaps my destiny was to have the pleasures of being an aunt, and mother to only creatures that could not speak my language, ran on four legs, or swam with gills, or hopped with webbed feet, or hid in shells, or only needed sunlight, soil and water to survive.
We got home. I didn't do it right away, and I don't really know why - I think I was trying grasp the concept that maybe, JUST MAYBE, a plus sign would appear on that pretty little white stick. But was also afraid, it might not. Rich kept saying to get started. And I kept coming up with excuses and to-do's.
I finally got the courage, and snuck into the bathroom. I carefully read the instructions on the box. Studied the sterile white stick. And let it began... much to my utter amazement - the lines appeared INSTANTLY.
I just stared at it. Hand steady as could be.
And was completely overcome with peace. I read the instructions again, just to be sure...yep, I followed everything to the tee. But the line "Results may take up to two minutes" kept repeating in my head. And I kept thinking - but this was instant - INSTANT.
After a few minutes, I stepped outside, walked up to Rich (who was kindly doing the dinner dishes) and just showed him the stick with the bright blue plus sign. Water still running, he stepped away from the sink, soapy hands and all, and walked around the corner and embraced me. We just stood there and hugged for the longest time. And he whispered, "congratulations Mommy."
This morning, I did it all again - just to be sure.
Make no mistake - a little baby is tucked away, deep inside my body, sharing my nutrients and stealing all my energy. :)
Welcome little Peanut, what a journey we're about to embark... and I can't wait!!!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Tonight, I realized...
This week...
In the last 7 years...
I have lived in Oceanside, Leucadia, and La Costa (Carlsbad).
I have learned to love this ocean so deeply. The surfing, the fishing, the beach outtings, and especially the "sea bone" collecting. I find solice, and peace, and answers when I'm on her - and even near her.
I have learned the crisp and definative lines drawn between a Native and a Transplant, and have met wonderous people from both sides. :)
I have worked at a Sportfishing company, an Asian restaraunt, the fantastic Trader Joes, a marketing firm (unworthy of a plug), and eventually went back to the real world with a successful Security Technology Distribution company that brought me full circle to my passion - Information Security.
I have been a mother to 60+ plants, 3 fish, 2 frogs, and my most precious Sadie - the most gracious miniature schnauzer.
I've had the pleasure to have lived as close as 3 houses from the ocean and loved hearing her whisper me to sleep, or have her furocious surf wake me during a heavy storm... and I also learned, being this close = mold will live on everything, paperbacks/photos/receipts/letters - pretty much anything paper will not survive, and clothes NEVER dry.
I have enjoyed watching countless sunrises and sunsets from my board and the sand, finding sea treasures on every walk, playing in the glowing fun of red tides, and witnessing her ever changing dispostion. And I have gained a enormous respect for her. To some, she is a line. To me, she is my world.
Just over a year ago, Sadie and I moved 5 miles inland *gasp* but have realized just how lucky we are. We are in such a wonderful home with amenities a single gal can't afford solo on the beach. Oh how I missed the bubble baths! We still have an amazing view of the sunset, and have since replaced all the furnishings - and healthily live mold free! :) Soon we'll be making another move when our family expands. I'm excited to see where this next path will lead, and have no doubt in my mind it will be even more spectacular than I could even imagine.
And, I smile.
- On the 10th, I will celebrate my 7th anniversary for being a San Diego resident,
- On the 14th, my parents will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary,
- On the 14th, our nation will honor the 232nd anniversary for adopting the flag of the United States.
In the last 7 years...
I have lived in Oceanside, Leucadia, and La Costa (Carlsbad).
I have learned to love this ocean so deeply. The surfing, the fishing, the beach outtings, and especially the "sea bone" collecting. I find solice, and peace, and answers when I'm on her - and even near her.
I have learned the crisp and definative lines drawn between a Native and a Transplant, and have met wonderous people from both sides. :)
I have worked at a Sportfishing company, an Asian restaraunt, the fantastic Trader Joes, a marketing firm (unworthy of a plug), and eventually went back to the real world with a successful Security Technology Distribution company that brought me full circle to my passion - Information Security.
I have been a mother to 60+ plants, 3 fish, 2 frogs, and my most precious Sadie - the most gracious miniature schnauzer.
I've had the pleasure to have lived as close as 3 houses from the ocean and loved hearing her whisper me to sleep, or have her furocious surf wake me during a heavy storm... and I also learned, being this close = mold will live on everything, paperbacks/photos/receipts/letters - pretty much anything paper will not survive, and clothes NEVER dry.
I have enjoyed watching countless sunrises and sunsets from my board and the sand, finding sea treasures on every walk, playing in the glowing fun of red tides, and witnessing her ever changing dispostion. And I have gained a enormous respect for her. To some, she is a line. To me, she is my world.
Just over a year ago, Sadie and I moved 5 miles inland *gasp* but have realized just how lucky we are. We are in such a wonderful home with amenities a single gal can't afford solo on the beach. Oh how I missed the bubble baths! We still have an amazing view of the sunset, and have since replaced all the furnishings - and healthily live mold free! :) Soon we'll be making another move when our family expands. I'm excited to see where this next path will lead, and have no doubt in my mind it will be even more spectacular than I could even imagine.
And, I smile.
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