Bijnki!!!

Warning - non-snarky post so if you want just the snark, bug off and come back later.

It's a boy!



So kiddo #2 is a boy. At first I was not excited about this. We already have a girl. I have sisters. My husband has brothers. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?

Also, I've known so many guys who are such dinks that it scared me we'd have one of those. Women can be awful too, no question. I've just known more women I've liked and have an easier time connecting with them. So what do I do with a little boy? Also, the whole snip issue is NOT something I've ever looked forward to having to decide for another person. I'd be happy to go with whatever Mr. Bijnkles wants, but I hate that we have to make that decision for him.

After thinking it over a lot though, I'm actually pretty happy that we're having a boy. It will be fun to see what differences and similarities there are between the two. Also, when everyone describes a typical boy toddler, I think they're talking about my daughter, so I'm curious to know if the boy will be like that as well. I've also heard that boys are sweet on their moms while girls tend to be daddy's girls. Elliott is definitely daddy's little girl, so maybe the boy will dig his mum!

So far pregnancy still sux and I can't wait to be done - just like last time. This time though I am a bit happier about the whole thing in that I have a slight clue about what to expect and after this one, we are sooo done and I never have to be pregnant again. Also, having Elliott around gives perspective into why we go through this and why I essentially give up my body to a wee little parasite that eats my food, messes with my hormones and makes me into a miserable wretch much of the time: she's the sweetest little badger I've ever met and there are few days that she doesn't make me laugh and smile so much that my face hurts. When she laughs it's just ridiculous how much it makes everything worth it. So we did it again and in late April, we will get to meet the little monkey who is the reason I wasn't able to enjoy a good pint while in London.

S.L.U.T. redux

Me modeling one of my Xmas presents from my darling husband

Hammer time

Last night just after 4 am, I heard what I thought was somebody hammering loudly.....like construction noise. It was loud enough to wake me up, and I tried to think of which jackass in the neighborhood was doing renovation work in the middle of the goddamn night. It didn't sound close enough to be the dude across the street who is demolishing an old house single-handedly with a hammer and crowbar (he started in October). I got up, got a drink of water, and then the cop cars started flying down the street, sirens blaring. They sounded like they were stopping a few blocks away, but I couldn't be sure. I wasn't too worried, since cop cars and emergency vehicles like to use our street while en route to the crappy part of town.
This morning, I discovered the following on our local news website. This is about 3 blocks away from us, kiddycorner from our backyard and over a couple of blocks:


Several injured in early morning shooting

11:02 AM PST on Saturday, December 22, 2007

By ADRIANE HORNER, kgw.com Staff

An early morning shooting left several people injured in NE Portland.
Several people were injured in the shooting at an after-hours club on NE Emerson St.
The shooting happened just after 4 a.m. Saturday at an after-hours club at NE 42nd and Emerson.

Portland Police said that all of the victims involved in the shooting have non-life threatening injuries and were being treated at area hospitals.
Detectives were investigating the three-block crime scene and interviewing witnesses.

The Gang Enforcement Team was also called to the scene.
No arrests had been made.



I must admit that I am a little surprised; this part of 42nd has a big old catholic church, and several restaurants....even a popular bakery and fancy Montessori school a couple blocks down. I have driven on this street many times, and I have never ever seen an "after hours club". There are a couple of taverns that cater exclusively to the 60+ year old pensioner crowd, but I seriously doubt that they are open "after-hours", as their patrons are probably snoozing soundly after hitting the early bird special. But as my husband pointed out, on the other side of the street there is a holdout from when the neighborhood used to be a shithole many years ago. A strange storefront with a couple of rusted-out cars and a weird old dude that apparently likes to collect large piles of wooden pallets.
Wonderful. Now my friend Lisa has more ammo (no pun intended) for her claims that I live in "The Hood".

Ellie in Em's glasses

I just love this pic of my perfect little niece Elliott...... HAD to post it.
I'm sure she will be less happy when she finds out she has a new little sibling coming to share all of mommy & daddy's attention. :)