It Is Official

Today a reporter from our local newspaper called, asking

"Councilwoman, are you running for re-election in November???"

Megan was in the middle of a timeout . . . the timer on the stove was beeping . . . I ran upstairs to have a moment of quiet . . . then realized I could barely speak because I was so out of breath.

Until today, I've managed to artfully dodge the reporter's questions.

Today I was feeling adventurous.

Yes, I am certainly running for re-election.

My goals for my next term include working to expand our city's economic base by adding critical infrastructure and expanding our fiber optic network. We need to increase our focus on building industry and attracting high tech jobs to the city. Secondly, we have a critical need to expand our fire coverage in the southside of our city where residents experience 10 minute response times.

This August, I'll be our city's first councilwoman to give birth while in office.

Of course I'll run for re-election. I have nothing else going on this fall :)

Pretty Boring Around Here

I knew it had been a while since I updated my blog when my sister sent me a message that said,

"You blog is now boring. I'm over it."

Then Kristina P. sent me a message asking if everything was o.k.

Who is Kristina P. you might ask?

Kristina P. writes a hysterical blog and is actually famous on the internet. Seriously, famous.

I was so flattered that Kristina P. actually spent a moment of her super exciting life of Snuggy wearing and naked neighbor watching to check up on me. Little old me? Thanks, Kristina P. You made my day!

Just for you, Kristina, I'll give you a quick update on what it is like to be officially 9 months pregnant.

What have I been up to?


Well, I went shopping for nursing bras this week to prepare for the moment when I'll need to trade in the Victoria's Secret model for the Playtex. This bra is so ugly I think my great-grandma Josephine wore one that was sexier when she was 90. Seriously.


I do have a plan to liven things up a bit.


I'm going to go to the grocery store, put a pregnancy test on the belt, and act all giddy and excited. I'm going to tell the cashier to cross her fingers for me that I'm pregnant, since I have a strong suspicion that some of the symptoms I've been having might hint that I'm expecting.


I just want to see her face.


Then I want to go to Walmart and yell at the dorky security man at the exit.
I'm going to say, "What kind of security is this? I could be stealing watermelons right out from under your nose and you didn't even check me!"


Again, I just want to see his face.


It has been pretty boring around here.

To the Rescue

Our trip to Coldwater Lake, Michigan has become a yearly tradition.

This year, I felt too hot, too pregnant, and just too crabby to go. Kasey and Andrea had to twist my arm but I finally relented and made the journey. I left John behind for a week with the girls (oh yeah, and the kids went too.)

The week began with a daring water rescue.
Andrea's daughter Anna ventured out on the boat dock while Kasey and I were sunning ourselves.

Then she fell in.

Plunk.

Under the water.

Seriously, it was frightening.

She was struggling *eyes wide open* with her face just under the water.

I ran from across the boat dock, jumped over a lawn chair, plunged into the water, and rescued her. I'm not kidding.

Luckily, Kasey was there to photograph me just after the rescue.

And here is little Anna, thanking me for my efforts.



The rest of the week was less exciting but certainly fun.

And here is my friend Kasey wearing her son Cooper's size 4t shirt.

I think the best part of the week was being 8 months pregnant, 40 pounds heavier than normal, and walking around in a bathing suit next to her. Ha!

It was either that, or singing this song all week . . .

Giant Red Tomato

Am I a total slacker or what?

It is July 14 and I'm just now getting around to posting about our Fourth of July.

As you may know, it is my favorite holiday.

It isn't just the noodle salad or the fireworks.

It is an incredibly powerful day when we honor those who have fought and died in the name of our freedom. It makes me cry . . . gives me chills.

(And the noodle salad doesn't hurt either.)

After I got dressed and looked in the mirror I realized I looked like a giant red tomato.
You would have hidden too!

After the parade, I hosted my annual Independence Day family gathering. This gathering included lots of noodle salad and lots of complaining. I wouldn't have it any other way.


This year (as in every other year) the major form of entertainment was a game called "Who Can Come Up With the Best Excuse To Skip the Fireworks This Year?"


The First Runner Up was Nana with the time-honored "It is just too cold" excuse. I gave her a pair of jeans and told her to suck it up. (not really, but that is what I wanted to say)


The Second Runner Up was my mom who asked, "Can't we just watch the fireworks from this dumpy parking lot?" No mom, we cannot. We need to walk to the grass to find the perfect firework viewing location.


The Grand Prize went to Justin who whined, "I think it might rain. We should just stay home."


Once again, I had to insist we were all going - no excuses - no whining!
I practically had to drag everyone there kicking and screaming.

And once again this year, a wonderful time was had by all.


(Including me and my double chin.)

The end.

Lisa's Birthday

Hey - this is Katie, Lisa's much younger sister :)

I'm not sure if you know, but today is Lisa's Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEAPER..

I seriously have the BEST sister.. We talk at least 392877904 times a day - usually about the same things over and over. We try and have a sister day every Friday. She is my best friend... best, best friend.

My sister is my person. I cry to her, yell at her, laugh with her. She is a special person and I'm thankful for having her in my life.

She makes my son a birthday cake every year on his birthday. This is the cake from last year - he still talks about it all the time. She is talented beyond belief. She makes Colin's birthday so special each year - she is just a special person. Wait til you see the Shark cake this year :) (the weekend before she gives birth-no pressure, lis)

I'm sorry if you don't have a sister like mine. I am willing to rent her out.... hmmmm, she should add a paypal link on her sidebar...

Happy Birthday to my beautiful (older) sister. I remember the sister book you made me years and years ago. We need to update that :)

TTFN

I was hoping to get a chance to update with Fourth of July pics before I left for my mini-vacay.

I'm sorry, you'll just have to sit in suspense until I get back.

I'm off with Megan to Coldwater Lake, Michigan for a little trip with my girlfriends and their kids. I've already called ahead to make sure the A/C is cranked up. St. John will be kickin' it at home. I'll miss him.

Talk to you when I get back!

TTFN

Caution: Naked Belly Shots

I know you have been just dying for a pregnancy update!

Well, I'm still pregnant and I look like I'm carrying sextuplets.

Don't believe me?

Check this out . . .

My sister (who is also preggo) and I assume the above pose, facing each other belly to belly, and argue about who's belly is thinner. Seriously. This went on for hours the other night.

We've even polled every member of our family. The consensus - mine is thinner with hers more round but mine sticks out farther. (Good thing we're not having a "who's butt is thinner" contest, mind you. She would surely win, no butts about it!")

At my last doctor's appointment, I was shocked to find out I only gained one pound in my seventh month. John's reply (imagine him saying this, shivering, wearing sweatpants, in our house with the A/C absolutely CRANKING . . .

"Yeah, that's probably because of all the extra calories your body is burning trying to stay warm."

I am married to a comedian.

And St. John, I'm STILL HOT.

Susie's Wedding - Part Two

How about a few more of the family pictures I promised you from Susie's beautiful wedding?

The lovely bride and groom with Mom and Dad K
The Shivers Family

(Almost) all the cousins

(Almost) all the siblings and Mom and Dad K

Our Little Family

When Megan saw this picture, she said to me, "Mommy, why are you hiding behind Daddy?"

Well, Megan . . . extreme pregnancy weight gain might be part of the reason. Blame your brother :)