Smorgasbord of thoughts

First, Rachel and Sydney are in NYC at Madison Square Garden watching Baylor play San Diego State in person for the NIT Final Four. I'm jealous. I have to settle for ESPN2. Well, at least it's being covered.

Second, I had a doctor's appointment yesterday (everything great--heartbeat 131), and I got back in two weeks and then again every week after that until baby girl is here.

Third, I love a good bargain. Twice a year, there's a group around here that holds a huge consignment sale called Kids Clothes Connection. I thought it was this next weekend, but it turns out that it started last weekend, so I went today after school. They had lots of good deals, but nothing I couldn't live without--yet, I still spent $11. I picked up a brand new Medela Harmony manual breast pump for $5 ($35 retail, I found out when I got home). I figured that $5 was worth it, just in case I can't afford the electric one I want any time soon (or just in case I really don't need the electric pump). I got a box of the microsteam cleaning bags for $3 (retail $7.75). And, being the bibliophile that I am, I had to browse their selection of children's books. So I picked up a hardcover children's book, Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young for the last $3 (retail $20). I picked it up because the the poems were selected by Jack Prelutsky (Children's Poet Laureate of the US), the book was illustrated by Marc Brown (of Arthur the Aardvark fame), and the introduction was written by Jim Trelease (author of the Read-Aloud Handbook). 3 for 3 on fantastic endorsements.

Fourth, my baby shower at work is next Wednesday after school. I'm trying to get Eli to come since he's never been to my school--doesn't even know where it is. And I figure that there's no harm in him meeting the people that I will only work with for two more days (at that point). Haha.

Fifth, Eli is leaving tomorrow at lunch time to go to Nashville to watch the US soccer team in a World Cup-qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago. I'll have to get myself up on Thursday morning. I hope I'm not late to work!

Sixth, we should be hearing any day from the US Army. The succession board has already met, so they know who they picked, but they have not notified the future JAG officers. We are anxious to know one way or the other! Again, this is Eli's last chance with the Army. If that doesn't work out, he'll go ahead and interview in New Orleans with the Coast Guard at the beginning of May (and pray that I don't go into labor while he's six hours away).

Seventh, my husband is beautiful. I have just been in awe of him these last few weeks, even as he stresses over what the future hold for him. He's going to be a good daddy. I'm so excited for him. It's the little things that have made me stop and smile. The way he laughs while he's reading before bedtime. The way he kisses my belly in the morning and says good morning. The way he reaches for my hand during prayers at church. The way he unwittingly attracts the cats to nap on his lap. The way he's researched car seats and knows what he wants for our girl. The way he'll let himself get excited about Baylor basketball (and he's not really a basketball guy). The way he's concerned about his family and providing for us. He's beautiful.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my smorgasbord of thoughts for tonight.

Sic' em, Bears! (We just beat San Diego State and are advancing to the NIT finals!)