Yesterday Scott and I FINALLY attended our one and only birthing class for the purpose of absorbing as much knowledge as possible about the long awaited (and dreaded) event. Luckily, we were spared the horror of watching "the miracle of childbirth" on video. (I really don't think that either one of us could have handled that - ignorance really can be bliss.)

The day ended up being much different than we had expected. There was absolutely no mention of "hoo-hoo-heeeee," as demonstrated in all of the movies and we were not sitting on the floor with baby dolls doing who knows what (as also demonstrated in the movies). Still, it was an informative day about what to expect and what to do. There are several different methods of painkillers used here than in the States, so it was quite helpful to learn what all of our options are.

I have to admit, however, one of my favourite (and most memorable) parts of the day was when there was mention of being "desperate for a cup of tea" while going through the labour process. Now, I love tea and own quite the variety of kinds and flavours, but somehow I think that having a "cuppa" will be the furthest thing from my mind while I'm contracting and everything else. I suppose that's one thing that will continue to distinguish me from the British (and Australian and South African) people here.

There is no doubt that having a baby in England has it's perks. After all, all antenatal and postnatal care is free, not to mention the entire process of childbirth and any painkillers chosen. Alternative forms of childbirth are encouraged. Plus, it has gotten our families on the ball and they are actually going to come visit us after we have lived here for a year! (just to name a couple of examples) However, it definitely has it's drawbacks as well; things that we had not necessarily considered:

1. If I have to spend overnight in the hospital, Scott will not be allowed to stay with me, even if I am in a private room
2. There is a chance I would not be put into a private room, thus sharing a ward (with people who I fear will end up being my clients in the future.)
3. The hospital provides NOTHING for us - no diapers for the baby, no hospital gown for me, no towels or feminine products... We have to bring EVERYTHING. It's not a huge deal but something that we were not exactly expecting. Guess I need to add some things to the hospital bag!

In any case, we are now as prepared as we are going to get for this process - somehow I doubt there is any way to completely prepare yourself for such an event. We are praying that everything goes smoothly so that Caleb and I can both be released from the hospital in 6 hours (which is an option if there are no complications) and would therefore negate concern of number 1 or number 2 listed above.

For now, the focus is: 3 weeks until my due date! (We'll deal with everything else when the time comes)

I came across a very interesting article today in Fortune Magazine regarding Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has been in the news in recent history regarding wages, health-care costs, and even illegal immigrant workers. However, despite what some people say, Wal-Mart is not entirely evil.

Yes, I do shop there (when in America), but I do recognize the organization needs to improve itself as well. The article in Fortune is about Wal-Mart’s new green initiative. Click on here for the article.

What was Al Gore doing in Bentonville, AR? As a guest of Wal-Mart? You’ll never believe it.

It's official folks: my stomach has outgrown my shirts. That's right, even the maternity shirts that I have purchased since entering this last trimester (which I also consciously purchased in sizes that left plenty of growing room - or so I thought) no longer cover my entire tummy. Now, I realize that there is quite the fashion trend to bare your pregnant belly for all to see and I know people who really pull off this style in a cute way. However, the problem is that, even if I was one of those people, it's not exactly professional and I still have 8 more days of work left. I cannot bring myself to purchase new pregnancy tops, as what I wear will no longer matter after I stop work (when I will probably lounge around in Scott's oversized shirts - which fit better now that I'm pregnant but, let's face it, still completely hang off my shoulders), but it makes it difficult to make myself presentable for professional meetings and Court. Maybe this is why everybody in England goes on maternity leave no less than 4-6 weeks before their due date - they run out of clothes to wear!! (I realize this is not really the case but it makes me feel less like I'll be birthing a monstrocity of a child within the month)

So my dilemma is this:
1. I can bare my midriff (not exactly professional)
2. I can pull my shirt down to cover my tummy, thereby exposing my boobs (which is equally as acceptable in England but, once again, not exactly professional)
3. I can wear Scott's oversized t-shirts (which would cover both boobs and tummy but is not exactly professional)
4. I can shell out rediculous amounts of money to ensure that I have appropriate shirts for a week and a half of work (keeping in mind that I'm cheap)

What's your vote? Or do you have other suggetions?

I don't usually post (or is it blog?) about work just because its not all that exciting.

However I decided to make an exception today due to a very interesting, unusual, and quite frankly, disturbing occurence this afternoon. I was talking to a co-worker, lets's call him James (his real name), discussing some CDs he purchased during lunch and music in general. Somehow we got off topic and country music was mentioned or something.

Then it happend....

James mentioned the wonderful country hit from 1992 by no other than Billy Ray Cyrus. That's right folks, Achy Breaky Heart. Not only was it mentioned in conversation as some sort of odd fact, but James and another co-worker, let's call her Louise (again her real name) started siging the chorus.

Of all the things, country music in particular, to be exported from The US of A this is the song we decided to let others here. Not only that, but is was performed by someone with one of the worst mullets ever.

No wonder people overseas have a misinformed view of the South and country music.

After living here for over a year, we finally went out for the long-standing British tradition of "Afternoon Tea" at The Savoy, one of London's most famous hotels. We were joined by Stephanie and Kim (pictured) in a belated celebration of Kim's birthday. It was a very relaxing afternoon, during which we were served unlimited tea of our choice, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones (I forgot to take a picture of the table!). Scott had "darn good Earl Gray" - after being instructed by the rest of us that it would not be appropriate for him to order coffee at a traditional tea. We also tried Oolong Orange, Rooibos Lemon, and Hummingbird Vanilla, along with a couple of iced tea varieties. The only downfall of the afternoon was the inattentive service which made the "unlimited food and tea" a bit of a challenge at times. It was a costly meal but definitely worth the experience, with a pianist helping to set the mood of the afternoon while we sat around an enjoyed good conversation.

In pregnancy news (because my mother is too impatient to wait for another update and picture until my next dr. appointment on Friday), I now only have 4 weeks left until my due date and I am sad to report that it appears that my pregnancy sickness has returned, after only two months of relief. If anybody has wise prophetic words that this is a clear sign that the baby will be born very soon (very soon being within a week or so), I would love to hear it. Additionally, I have begun to swell slightly (though Scott and I are really the only people who can tell). My rings are now tight on my fingers and my feet and ankles are starting to retain water. Though this could be due mainly to the sweltering heat we've endured here (sans air conditioning) for the past week, it still makes me sad. However, I only have two more weeks of work left before I begin my extended maternity leave, at which time I suppose I can sit inside in front of a fan with my feet elevated at all times if necessary.

After the last several posts from Cheryl (and I am glad she is sharing with the masses), I have returned. For those of you that know what one of the birthday presents Cheryl gave me, today was the day I finally got to experience it. For those not in the know, on my birthday in January, Cheryl gave me a lastminute.com experience, Spy Academy.

It was great!!

After being broken into groups, we started the day with some sniper shooting. We used high-powered pellet guns to shoot some very small targets 26 meters (85 ft) away. I did pretty well hitting the furthest target twice. Its a lot harder than it looks using the scope and laying in a prone position. Its tough to stay steady once you are ready to take the shot.


Next, we did some close combat target practice. This time we used semi-automatic high powered AK-47 BB guns to fire at various targets. The instructor called out a number and we have to take down each target using standard double-tap technique. We also had random pop-up targets to hit as soon as they came up.


At this station we also gave axe throwing a try. The instructor didn't really describe a good throwing technique, just safety tips. I was up first and I didn't do very well. Once of my axes missed the target completely. I got one axe to stick but it would have hit the attacker, or hostile, in the foot. During the next round I did much better. I got two of my five axes to stick, one in the left side of the attacker and one right in the center of the chest.


Then came the spy gadgets. Our instructor showed us actual hidden radios and earpeices. The radio transmitter is much bigger that in the movies or TV, but still easily hidden. Its amazing the places you can put pinhole cameras and the quality video the produce. There was one in a smoke alarm, a file folder (like in your office), a small audio speaker (behind the cover), and the outer part of an automobile side mirror. That one was pretty cool. He explained how the camera would record the video on a hard drive in the trunk of the car without anyone in it. If a couple of guys are sitting in a car for hours on end drinking coffee, eating doughnuts, that will draw attention. How many times do you look twice at an empty car parked on the street?

Oh, I should mention that most, if not all, of these surveillance gadgets can be purchased from any spy shop and even some electronic stores (one here is similar to Radio Shack).

We then learned some simple, but effective techniques in hand-to-hand combat. More defensive in nature if someone is approaching you in a threatening manner, or you are trying to subdue someone from behind. We tried these techniques on one another and with just a little pressure and force I can see how these would work in a real-life scenario.

(The guy in black is blocking my partner)

Lastly we headed off to our handgun training and laser combat. We put on tactical vests, with belts and leg holsters. I have to say, if was ever to be a police officer or anything, I would really want my handgun holster strapped to my thigh. It just feels so natural versus on your hip. The instructor taught us the proper way to hold the handgun, and the proper standing technique (Weaver Stance). Not to brag, but this part come naturally to me as I was trained by my dad in this area several years ago. We then worked on our quick-draw skills and how to turn towards a threat on our left, right, and rear. Cheryl pointed out to me later that I looked really serious and intense during this part.


Our laser combat was a lot fun. Its like grown-up Q-Zar. The rifles are much bigger and its much more open outside with no team bases. I will say its also harder with your target sensor on your head versus the chest and back. You get lots of ammo (but it takes 8 seconds to reload...a long time) and 10 grenades to fire at the opposing team. We did 2 scenarios, the first was basic Team A (the A-Team) versus Team B. The second time we had to protect a VIP. One of our team only had 2 lives (instead of the usual 10) and we as a team had to protect them as we brought them back to HQ. It didn't work out so well.

My gift voucher advertised that we would learn how to pick locks as well, however the lead instructor said they were told by police to halt that activity.

All in all it was a great day. The place was a little difficult to get to and back from, but definitely worth it.

The company, Spy Games has done a few things in the U.S. and they would like to get things going there but there hasn't been very much interest. Apparently FOX News did a news brief on them 18 months ago. Spy Games does much more than what I described above. Full on games like a series of missions in The Enigma Project, be a bad guy in a Diamond Heist, and even helicopter insertion for Hostage Rescue.

They also have a Spy Camp for kids 10-16 years old. Maybe they will have things up and running in the States when Caleb is a teenager.

I went to the midwife today. No protein in my urine, perfect blood pressure, no water retention...so overall very healthy. I'm still measuring about 1.5 weeks further along and the head is "partially engaged." There are signs that this baby will be early but no guarantees. I return to the doctor in 2 weeks. If there is another growth spurt between now and then they might consider inducing due to the size of the baby! Seriously, nobody can deny that this child is massive. Even I am amazed at just how large my stomach is, and I've watched it grow every day!

As you all know, I am married to the king of Entertainment and pop culture knowledge. While this is nice when we are on the same team in Trivial Pursuit, it's incredibly frustrating on a day to day basis when we're watching movies and I am trying to place certain characters in other movies or tv shows that they have been in. In short, I am ALWAYS wrong. Even if everything in my gut tells me that I am right about what else a certain person has been in and I sit there and argue it for endless amounts of time (which happens regularly), I equally always know that I am wrong if Scott is disagreeing with me. I cannot explain how frustrating this is! I am so sure that I'm right and then we open up IMDB just to solidify the exact opposite. This, of course, means that Scott is always right. Let me tell you, it has been a LONG five years together of me losing at this game (though my skills have improved tremendously at identifying actors and actresses).

Well, folks, I'm here to tell you that persistance pays off and tonight I WON!!! That's right...I was RIGHT and Scott was WRONG!! This is the first time this has happened in the entertainment genre of topics and I must revel in my glory because it is entirely possible that this situation may never occur again. Let me paint the picture for you:

Tonight we were watching The Story of Us and a character came on screen. I immediately turned to Scott and asked him if this man was "Coach." Now, this was a completely random tv connection to that series of "Just the Ten of Us" that ran for about two years (and I don't know if Scott and I have ever before discussed this tv show), but he knew exactly who I was referring to by the term "Coach." (One of the many reasons why I married this man!) In any case, Scott quickly dismissed the possibility of it being the same person. I didn't argue it because I resigned myself to the fact that I was wrong (I always am), but I remained curious at how I knew this man.

During our chocolate milk break (that's right, I love chocolate milk and have recently rediscovered my huge appreciation for the beverage), Scott was making the milk (and by making, I am not suggesting that he went out back to milk a cow...he just mixed the syrup and the milk) and I decided to open up our trusty IMDB and find out who this man was. I quickly located the character's name and discovered that he was played by Bill Kirchenbauer. Clicking easily on his name provided a list of all tv shows and movies he has ever been in. And wouldn't you know it but down at number 17 was "Just the Ten of Us" as the part of "Coach Graham T. Lubbock."

I have been vendicated! I may never again be right when Scott is wrong about a tv or movie character but it no longer matters because the element of doubt has been created and I have proved myself to be a worthy adversary...and it only took three years of marriage to get to this point!

The baby has officially dropped! I cannot even begin to convey the excitement about this new development! Seriously, let's look at the facts:
1. Caleb is no longer constantly perched under my ribs, threatening to crack them in two with each movement (And since he never stops moving it pretty much equalled constant pain).
2. Labour is impending and chances are that he will NOT be late (my biggest fear). On average babies are born 2-4 weeks after dropping! (I have 6 weeks left until my due date).
3. My ability to breathe, though still constricted, is much more open. Oxygen is good.
4. Did I mention that chances are that the baby will get here early?! (Sorry Mom!)

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!!!

Some people have been requesting updated belly pics. I can technically now say that my baby is due next month!!! Less than 7 weeks left and counting... (though we're praying for the baby to come early so it would be even less than that!)

As promised, we have pictures of our new place and the newly decorated nursery. We have also included a picture of the hideous furniture that has finally been vanquished from our home! Like usual, if you wish to see the complete collection of pics, go to our family website.
Seriously. You can't say this isn't hideous. Getting it out of the house proved to be quite the ordeal as well, and involved 2 men, one hour, and extinguishing every possibility, including sawing it in half before it was finally out the door!
Our living room.
View from the kitchen into our dining room/second living area.
Kitchen and Bathroom. Unfortunately, just about all houses in Croydon have the bathrooms off the kitchen. I think it's a plumbing issue.
Guest bedroom. Where all of you can stay when you come visit!
Our bedroom
The nursery!!! (which is right off of our bedroom)