Time is flying...

Where do the days go? The last couple of weeks seem to have just disappeared. It's both refreshing and very odd. We got Oscar 1.5 weeks ago, Mike was awarded the Bronze Star last Friday, we had another doc appt the same day and I started a new job on Monday. Busy, busy.

So this will be an update on all of those things...

Oscar is doing so much better. He's still addicted to Mike in a possibly unhealthy way, but he's getting better. He is now staying outside when home alone, and it seems to be working for him (Yes, yes...he has shelter, plenty of shade and water. We also have a doggie door that will be installed once he's a bit better so that he can have access to the den and the backyard). That being said, it could be working because there aren't any more screens for him to take out in an attempt to get back in. All window screens and the big sliding screen door were casualties of Oscar's first week at our home. Oh well! He had his first comprehensive exam at the vet yesterday, and he did very well with all the poking and prodding. He disliked the ear cleaning more than the temp taking or blood draw. Odd dog. But so cute.

Mike was awarded the Bronze Star last Friday at the Pentagon. It was a nice ceremony, and I am very proudof him. Our DC family and many of Mike's SPA and Navy/Army colleagues were able to attend. Pics below:







Xander is doing very well. Heartbeat was in the 150s when we went on Friday and the midwife said he seemed to be growing at the right pace (based on my uterus position). Um, okay. I was told to "make sure [I] eat"...ha ha. I assured her I have no problems eating right now. But apparently I only gained 1 pound in the last 4 weeks, so she was a bit worried. Let's just ignore the fact that I've gained more than average over the whole pregnancy. :p

My new job started on Monday. I don't have to go back until Thurs and Fri this week, so I've had the last 2 days off. Nice to have the break in the middle of the week. My first day was uneventful...just a bunch of training. I really like all of my colleagues though, so I'm excited about the job. Fingers crossed for a good conversation about Xander tomorrow.

xoxo
V

::HAPPY DANCING::

I got the job at Manning Sossamon doing corporate/commercial work. It's initially just part-time (20-24 hrs/wk) but they hope to increase it to 30-32 hrs/wk very soon and then eventually to full time. I start June 1st and am very excited. All of the attys/assistants there seem awesome, and I know I'll enjoy working with them.

This worked out very well. My last paycheck/severance from Dechert is on June 1st, so I won't even have to use unemployment. It's working out perfect. I feel very lucky and blessed.

Woot! :)

Happy weekend, everyone!

xoxo
V

$$ spent better be worth it...

so I had a 2nd interview yesterday at the law firm from last week. I think it went very, very well. All of the other attys and the two legal/office assistants were very nice and I enjoyed our conversations. That being said, it was one expensive interview, so I better get the job! ha ha -- think I can tell them that lil' fact? ;) New suit, blow out (because I left the house too late to dry my hair myself, so I had it blown out between my dentist appt and interview) and parking. Ka-ching!

Anyway, they have told me that they'll have more info re the position at the beginning of next week and will be making an offer to someone after Memorial Day. Fingers crossed. The managing partner did say they were very interested in me, but they are talking to one or 2 other attys, as well. Urgh!

xoxo-
V

1st day as a SAHW...

That's "Stay at Home Wife" for those wondering...ha ha! Okay, so (i) I'm not really a SAHW and (ii) it's not that funny to be laid off, but I'm trying to be as optimistic as possible about this new phase in life. With my mom here, I am probably going to wait until Monday to really start the job hunt, but I've made several contacts, provided some resumes to people who think they can help, and looked a bit online. So...there's some progress. But today...just consider me a lady of leisure. Or a lady with way too many errands to run over the next two days before she can relax and who's in total denial! Whatever!

xoxo
V

So much going on between baby and job (or the lack thereof)!

So I was 5 weeks yesterday. Yay! We heard back from the doc that my beta for 17DPO (last Friday) was 500mIU/ml. This is high (avg is 132mIU/ml and the range is something 17-429mIU/ml), but the doc still wants me to come in this Friday for another set of tests to make sure everything is doubling every 48 hours the way it's supposed to. So fingers crossed, prayer prayed.

I decided not to take pics until I'm actually showing (or maybe I'll start at 8 weeks or something), but I did take one last week at 4weeks, 0days just for comparison purposes. Figured I'd get it out of the way before the bloat starts. So...this pic is from 4 weeks, 0 days. I know you love the outfit! This is the type of sexy outfit Mike is able to see me lounge around in on a nightly basis. ;)

I've just started getting what I would call real symptoms. I've had the weird twinges and pulling feeling for about a week, but I'm now plagued by headaches, really sore boobs (thankfully, the "really" sore part is mostly at night) and nausea. No vomiting yet unless throwing up in your mouth counts (yes, gross, I know!), so hopefully I can get away with just a bit of quesiness. But who knows...it's still early. My mom apparently had very bad m/s with me and my brother. Fun times!

Finishing cleaning out my Dechert office today. I cleaned out the Lawyer's Committee office on Monday and most of Dechert yesterday, so just a couple of more drawers and two pro bono memos (to pass the cases to the next "lucky" associate). I also sent my resume to two people this morning who think they can help me out with the job search...so let the fun begin!

xoxo,
V

Unfortunate events...

I found out yesterday that I am being laid off and next Friday (Feb 27th) is my last day of work. Great! I have to admit that I had sort of been given the heads up that this was likely, but I had no idea it would be happening this soon.

The one positive in the whole situation is that I was laid off prior to our Munich trip that was scheduled for March 4th, and I had bought travel insurance for this particular trip. So we get a full refund on our plane tickets. Yay! Several people have told me that we should still go on the trip, but honestly...I have no interest. With Baby H on the way, it just seems irresponsible to take a week long trip to Munich...especially since Mike doesn't technically have any vacation time left after Christmas. whoops! And I like the idea of being able to start my "time off" by cleaning up around the house and getting organized.

"Time off" -- yikes! Hope I find something soon!

Cheers -
Vicky