Take a Load Off

Why take a picture of my computer screen? This was the news I got to see this morning as I checked to see if I passed National Boards. After waiting all weekend to find out (not to mention 7 1/2 months waiting), I can finally say that I've joined the ranks of other esteemed teachers across our nation by becoming certified under the National Boards for Professional Teaching Standards!!! I still can't believe it...WHEW! I was getting worried that I'd have to redo part of it and that's the last thing I wanted while being preggo. What does it mean? I can competently teach anywhere in the United States and hopefully earn a significant yearly stipend if our state doesn't cut it out of the budget.

Yes I did the leg work, but not without help from my favorite person...Pete. He's the one that encouraged me to do it. I begrudingly started the process kicking and screaming (on the inside) because I just finished my Professional Certification, so why do more work??? I saw other teachers go through the process and it looked like they gave up so much...and they did! I dragged my feet through the whole thing, but Pete helped out by making dinner and doing most of the stuff around the house (including paying attention to our dogs) while I had many dates with the laptop. He helped me study and listened to my ultra-long, really monotonous portfolios. All the while, he never complained and always filled me up with confidence. Pete, you're the best and I love you more all the time...I'm the luckiest girl:) Now it's time for me to return the favor to him in order to study for his Captain's test in March...right before baby boy arrives.

Time to celebrate! (Maybe in 4-5 months)

Snakes, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails

That's what little boys are made of...or at least that's how I remember the nursery rhyme:) Yep that's right, we are having a boy!!! We couldn't be more excited, but of course we'd be happy with whatever God gave us. Here he is:

The money shot! His little man parts are clearly there. One leg tucked under, while the other is bent upwards so you can see the bottom of him foot.

Cute profile...we can't wait to kiss that little face.

He started arching his back a lot towards the end. Stretching or just tired of the ultrasound tech poking around in his space:) I like this pic because you can see his stomach, heart, and spine. All good things!

Tummy at almost 20 weeks...we're about half-way there!