Moving from the limbo to the roller coaster

I’ve admitted that the limbo was never my thing, but I certainly used to love roller coasters. I’m so ready to get off this one, but it looks like we might have one more month of the ride. Last week, the rumors were positively radiant. “Good surprises!” “All of September!” “Well into September!” Where I had previously thought we had about a 25-30% chance of being included, I suddenly had a surge of optimism. I even got my husband a little excited, although he generally scoffs at rumors. Now, the rumors have crashed to earth, and the thud of a September 7 cutoff rings in my ears (our LID is 9-9-05). Another month of waiting and probably travel after Chinese New Year. I am trying not to take it to heart too closely since last month’s rumors underestimated the cutoff date. Instead, I’m trying to focus on our lovely Thanksgiving holiday. We spent two days with my mom and three with my husband’s family. A real highlight was the shower my in-laws threw for us. We played hilarious games like “Baby Jeopardy,” “The Newly-Parent Game,” and my favorite, the “Baby Relay Race.” We were timed on how quickly we could feed, bottle, burp, change, read to, sing to and tuck in a Cabbage Patch Doll. I was second, and my time was ok, but things degenerated by the time my nephews finally participated. Applesauce was flying through the air, diapers went around the doll’s head, and “Hail Mary” passes into the crib were not unusual. The best relay time was for my brother-in-law who looked down at the doll and yelled for his wife, “Hey! Come and get your kid!” I nearly peed my pants I was laughing so hard. In addition to many wonderful gifts, everyone from the 9-year-old to my 76-year-old mother-in-law gave us a copy of their favorite book as a child. They ran the gamut from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Green Eggs and Ham to Walter the Farting Dog. (Plus one SAT Study Guide for Math – too hilarious!) My husband asked everyone to take his or her book and write a message to our daughter in the front. Just thinking about what they wrote (especially the kids) chokes me up. They are all so eager to meet and love our daughter; it is almost overwhelming. Even if we wait another month, I feel full of love and gratitude at the moment for our wonderful families. Not only were we showered with an embarrassing number of gifts, but also they have shared every step of the way with us, always ready with comfort, concern, support, and excitement.

It certainly makes the roller coaster ride much easier...

We Interrupt this Blog for a Rambling Meme

OK, I'm planning a nice, long blog post about my trip to Chicago (just got back last night), but it's late, so I'm going to pick up a meme that's been making the rounds. I will post about my trip though, because it was a lovely trip...

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

Gah, face creases.

2. How much cash do you have on you?

$35, and happy to say that I forced myself to put $60 in cash left from my Chicago trip back into checking.

3. What word rhymes with "DOOR"

Galore.

4. Favorite Planet:

Venus - all you need is love, right?

5. Who is the 4th person on the missed call list on your cell phone?

My admin assistant, trying to track me down at my conference in Chicago.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?

My main ring tone sounds like I've hit the jackpot at a slot machine, I love it.

7. What shirt are you wearing?

Doing this before bed, so my white jammie top that says "cupcake" on the front (the sprinkles are actually little beads, it's very "cute" for my tastes).

8. Do you "label" yourself?

Often.

9. Name the brand of shoes you are currently wearing?

Socks only right now, but earlier I was wearing my favorite shoes of all -- acid green suede cowboy boots. Oddly practical footwear, really!

10. Bright or dark room?

Dark, with just the lamp over the desk on.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?

Enjoy her blog immensely, and can't wait to hopefully meet her in China.

12. What does your watch look like?

Silver with acid green band that matches the aforementioned boots.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Just falling asleep after unpacking from Chicago.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say?

Haven't gotten into the text message thing.

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?

We don't have them here, it might be the first place I've lived that doesn't.

16. What's a word you say a lot?

Unfortunately, it's probably "sorry," but I'm trying to break that habit.

17. Who told you s/he loved you last?

My husband checking in on the phone in the office today.

18. Last furry thing you touched?

Hmmm, this is tough. Probably the turtle toy/nightlight gift from my friend Cheryl for the nursery. It projects the constellations on the ceiling. Too cute.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?

Not a one, just vitamins and fish oil capsules.

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?

Film? OK, I don't text message, but I'm not 80!

21. Favorite age you have been so far?

31. 40 was hard just because of the wait for our daughter. But otherwise, I love my early 40s. But I felt much more alert and dynamic at 35.

22. Your worst enemy?

Laziness and a tendency toward quick criticism.

23. What is your current desktop picture?

My godson, Geoffrey.

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?

Don't forget to ask your mom what we should bring for Thanksgiving dinner.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?

I have so many flying dreams, but when it comes right down to it, I'd take the cash.

26. Do you like someone?

What are we, 13? Yep.

27. The last song you listened to?

"Hurt" by James Blunt, track 15 on the Cities 97 Sampler, just released today.

28. What time of day were you born?

6:00 a.m.-ish. Not sure if the birth certificate is 100% accurate.

29. What is your favorite number?

23 -- it's very significant in my family.

30. Where did you live in 1987?

Iowa City, Iowa

31. Are you jealous of anyone?

C said this very well "Yep, for this or that here or there, especially when it comes to having more money than I have. But I don't think there's anyone I know with whom I'd trade lives." Ditto.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?

Maybe occasionally. I like to think so since I have a pretty good life.

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?

Getting ready to join a conference call (with our Manhattan office). It was so surreal. Still is sometimes.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?

Shake them aggressively, but only if no one is looking.

35. Do you consider yourself kind?

Yes -- I think it's the most important quality a person can have.

36. If you had to get a tattoo where would it be?

On my back where it would show in a tank or a swimsuit, but never at work. I really wanted to get one when I turned 40, but I couldn't find a playmate to join me (or a piece of art that inspired me).

37. If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be?

Mandarin or French.

38. Would you move for the person you loved?

I've done it before, and I'd do it again.

39. Are you touchy feely?

With people I care about, yes.

40. What's your life motto?

Be kind to others, and it will pay itself back.

41. Name three things you have on at all times?

Contacts or glasses, wedding ring, watch.

42. What is your favorite city/town?

In the U.S. -- Boulder, in North America -- Zihautenenjo, in Europe -- Prague.

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?

Tortilla soup and a banana for lunch.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?

Thank you notes maybe from birthday gifts? Wow, this is hard.

45. Can you change the oil on a car?

Nope, but my husband probably could (he does in the lawn mower).

46. Your first love: What is the last thing you heard about him/her?

He's recently single again and living in Austin. He emailed me to say he was sorry that his ex was sending all his exes weird emails. I decided not to respond, but I feel a little guilty about it. Not sure why.

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry?

My uncle is a huge geneology fanatic, so pretty far.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?

Wow, it is pathetic that I cannot remember the last truly fancy-dress event I attended. The cruise down the Danube this summer was very dressy most nights. Five nights of dressy (I bought two new cocktail dresses -- fantastic bargains). It was fun at first, but I was beyond tired of it by the last night...

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?

My back, I'm in an awkward position.

50. Have you been burned by love?

Yes, but I wouldn't change a thing.