Let the Countdown Begin

I take my Comprehensive Exams this weekend, which means that in about four days I'll be writing non-stop until Monday morning.

Even though the experience is stressful, I feel ready. My Chair has really prepared me for my exams (which is a nice way of saying that she's given me a TON of work), so I kind of view Comps as one more (inconvenient) hurdle to clear before I can get my diploma.

Allison Elizabeth

I had so much fun seeing Allison last week. I miss her so much, even though I've only met her once. Here are some highlights from our visit.

She's so tiny! She didn't do very much, except sleep.

She's already sticking her toungue out at me.

Here she is with Uncle Brendan, or, as I like to jokingly call him, Fun-cle Brendan


Sweet baby girl

Maybe That's Why You Struggle with Critical Thinking

I didn't teach class on Wednesday because Brendan and I went to Fort Worth for the day to visit baby Allison. I sent my class an e-mail on Tuesday night saying that someone else would teach class on Wednesday because my sister-in-law had a baby and I was going out of town to visit her.

I had this conversation with a student in class when I returned on Friday:

Student: I'm glad you're back. Hey, did you have a baby while you were gone?

Me: Um, no. My sister-in-law had a baby, and that's why I was gone on Wednesday.

Student: Oh. Sorry. I guess I didn't read the e-mail closely.

Me: Guess not.

Keep in mind that this is a college student who's had class with me for three days a week since January. Now I know why he has trouble turning in his homework on time.

She's Here!

Allison Elizabeth Brackett made her debut this evening! Brendan and I are driving to Fort Worth to see her tomorrow morning. I still can't believe she's finally here!

The baby shares her birthday with my brother, so I'll never have trouble remembering their birthdays!

Baby Brackett Is Coming SOON!

Tonight, Brendan and I got a call from his parents saying that Baby Girl Brackett will arrive either tomorrow or on Wednesday! Natalie has been in the hospital with high blood pressure since yesterday, so she's scheduled to be induced tomorrow morning. If for some reason the baby still doesn't come, they'll perform a C-section on Wednesday. Either way, I'm going to be an aunt very, very soon! The baby wasn't expected to arrive for another two weeks, so it's a wonderful surprise that she's coming early, although I wish her arrival had been under less-stressful circumstances.

If you feel like it, please send happy thoughts and prayers Natalie's way so that she has a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl.

Springy Break

Around this time last year, Brendan and I embarked on the infamous Family Mooch Week. This year's Spring Break, however, will be decidedly less exciting. Brendan is working during the entire week, so it'll be just little ol' me around the house for most of the break. My parents are coming up tomorrow and staying for a couple of days, though, so it'll be good to see them and to have something to break up the week.

Even though it would be nice to go somewhere exciting (or, to just go anywhere) during Spring Break, I'm really fine with staying in town. I have loads of Comps homework, so it's not like I'll be laying around the house watching CSI in my pajamas all day, although that does sound kind of lovely. Comps is right around the corner, and staying on top of my assigned readings is the only way I can keep my sanity. So while it would be nice to leave town for a week with my hubby, I'd probably have a massive homework-induced freak-out when we returned. And no one wants that.

Brackett Baby Shower

On Saturday, I trekked to Fort Worth for the day for Natalie's (and Baby Girl Brackett's) baby shower. The shower was gorgeous, and Natalie made out like a bandit with all kinds of cute baby gear. Natalie officially has a beautiful "pregnant" belly, and it feels surreal (and exciting!) to know that I'll have a tiny niece in about a month. I've officially decided to let the little one call me whatever she wants, instead of me choosing an "aunt" name. The baby is due the same weekend as my Comps written exams, so we're planning on visiting her after I have my oral defense the next week. What a wondeful way to celebrate the end of Comps - seeing my beautiful neice for the first time!

Since Natalie is older than I am, I was the youngest guest at the shower. Being around lots of women at the party who already have children, or those who don't yet have them but want them, was an odd experience. After the shower, I came to the realization that I am so not ready for a family at this point in my life. I think it's a life-stage thing. I'm ecstatic to have a niece next month, and I'm more than willing to love on, cuddle with, and play with other people's babies, but I'm not quite ready for my own. I figure I'll know when the time is right, but right now I get kind of freaked out when I think about having a tiny person to take care of. I'm just going to enjoy being with my husband and starting my first job for now.

I hope writing this post hasn't jinxed me in the baby-making department...