10 weeks... 10 yards...

Along with an estimated 143.6 million American viewers I watched the Super Bowl. That’s 20 million (123.5) more than voted in the 2004 Presidential election*. I have to admit I wasn’t that impressed - All these well paid men working hard to move a football 10 yards for their first down. I understand the obstacles they face because in 10 weeks I’ll be required to move something the size of a football (if I’m lucky) about 6 inches to meet my first child!!! And let me tell you, that’s an expensive 6 inches. Kind of makes me wish labor was a sport that offered sponsorships… maybe I should contact Gatorade (for every thirst… there’s a flavor) … I hear its perfect to help balance the electrolytes during labor… or Snickers (not going anywhere for a while) or my personal favorite FedEx Ground (the world on time). I could use a FedEx Ground sticker as my focal point during contractions… what a commercial opportunity!

In all honesty I’m really looking forward to the labor and delivery and bringing home baby! We’re all doing great! At 30 weeks Peyton is roughly 15 inches in length and weighs a little over 3 pounds, she’s probably slightly bigger since she measures a week ahead (they haven’t changed my due date yet). My total weight gain has been 18 pounds. I’m experiencing no problems with sugar or swelling but recently started iron supplements – I think a steak dinner is on the menu for Valentines. Peyton is positioned with her head down and her legs and arms on my right side causing me to look a little lumpy at times. I really can’t wait to meet her!

The nursery is almost finished – just a few things to paint here and there. We’ve used ‘under the ocean’ colors – shades of blues, greens, yellows and purples. I won’t be able to take her to the ocean as often as I’d like so we thought we’d bring the ocean to her.

It hasn’t been all work… I’ve read a bunch since the holidays and have few favorites to share with you:

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.
This book hits on some fascinating topics while melting the lines between economics and our everyday lives. It’s a funny easy read that opens your mind and challenges the way you think about the world around you.

The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success as you Start, Grow, or Manage a Business by Martha Stewart
You should probably be a bit of a fan to read this book – I LOVED IT! I felt like I was reading a letter from a mentor. It was insightful, asked challenging questions, and was full of inspiring stories and anecdotes. The perfect book for someone looking to apply the entrepreneurial spirit to what they do!

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons
A must read! Ellen Foster (the title character) is an 11-year-old orphan with the wisdom of an old woman. Reading ‘coming of age’ stories has become a new passion of mine and this tops the list.

* Statistic information http://elections.gmu.edu/Voter_Turnout_2004.htm