Survival of the Fittest

We pulled into the parking lot of the Roanoke Convention Center a few minutes after 8 am this Tuesday. Throughout the whole parking lot you could see a sea of black suits, occasionally interspersed with the brave soul who wore tan or brown or dark blue. Everyone was carrying plastic baggies with 3 pens, ID, 1 credit card, some cash, and a watch. Several hundred people were also wrestling with computer cords and laptops. Almost everyone had either a cup (or two) of coffee and/or a cigarette. You could feel the tension hanging in the air.

It was time to take THE BAR.

I don't blame people for being nervous, for showing up early for check-in, for even being zombie-like at the hotel (our hotel was jam packed with people taking the Bar) because you go to school for 3-4 years, study full time for 2-1/2 months, are in tons of debt, and your career is based on how you do during a 2 day test where you literally have more subjects covered than you actually took in school. I would totally be stressed. But looking from the outside, it was funny to see the pacing, adjusting of ties and hair, and grim determination; hear people comparing resumes, involvement in law school activities, and memorized facts; and feel the anxiety.

When we were back in the area to pick Roy up for lunch things had changed immensely. People were laughing and joking around and enjoying their extra long lunch break. The newness was over and they were 1/4 done. People even took the time to wave and talk to Abby (the poor thing was probably feeling deprived since all the law students had ignored her the day before...she's just not used to NOT being the center of attention and affection). :) I like to think she lightened things up for a few people.

So we survived the Bar. Roy felt like he did his best and had unending energy for two days. We couldn't ask for anything more, especially since he (and I) didn't sleep well the night before due to our own wrestlings with the Bar stresses. It's not something I ever could have imagined without being there to experience it. I'm glad we were there to support Roy, enjoy the delightful Olive Garden dinner, and mostly to celebrate the fact that Roy is DONE with his day-long studying sessions. At least for the near future.

Two of Everything

I am asking for some advice from moms and caretakers of two. We're not going out today and buying stuff, but I was doing some looking online last night and there are way too many options out there for what we "need" for adding another kid to the family. Any feedback or advice would be lovely--you can even send an email if you don't want to leave a huge comment. Below are my current questions (and here's a guarantee that there will be plenty more!):

1. What are some ways to prepare child #1 for child #2? Any good book recommendations? Fun activities? What did you do that worked?

2. Abby will be just over 2 when the baby is born and we are big walkers and adventurers. So we want a double stroller. There are SO many out there. I require a big enough basket at the bottom to fit a diaper bag. Also, I want to buy only 1 stroller that will fit the baby in an infant carrier but also work for when he/she is older. Do you like the side-by-side stroller or the front-back better? What kind do you like?

3. Sharing a room or not sharing a room for the kids? How did you make sharing a room work?

Thanks in advance!

Another Interview

Roy has an interview next Thursday (the day after he finishes the Bar) in Wise, VA. Where? Don't worry, we wondered the same thing. If you picture the corner where Tennessee and Kentucky meet Virginia, you've found Wise, VA. It's an interview for one of the officers of the court there, which would be pretty cool. Abby and I are going down to play in Roanoke during the Bar so we'll be joining him on his adventure to Wise too. Oddly enough, my brother-in-law served his mission in TN and his first area was Wise, VA so he called and gave us a run-down last night. It would be about as opposite of DC as you can get--there are about 3200 people in the entire county. We've just been cracking up. I've definitely wanted to move someplace not as busy as DC, but I wasn't quite thinking that big of a difference. We'll see what happens, but in the meantime, I'm looking forward to next week where Roy is done with studying for the Bar (HUGE YEAH!) and we can explore Wise, VA.

Cousins!

Abby had a fabulous time playing with cousins James and Miriam recently. They came and stayed with us for a couple days and we had fun going to DC with them. Video 1 is the game invented by James, Miri, and Abby during lunch. The game begins with Miri shaking a paper towel tube holding water bottle lids and then tossing them on the floor. James and Abby grab them and run around for a while. This is partway through one round, but you'll catch the beginning of the game at the end of the video. You can't hear a lot, but every once in a while you hear an excited shriek coming from Abby that's pretty hilarious. The girls also had a fabulous time playing (splashing) in the bathtub. Poor Roy took a bath himself!

We miss you, James and Miri! Come back and see us soon!

Dancing Queen

A few Sundays ago, we had some Church music playing and Abby started dancing. We haven't seen anything quite like it before coming from her and we had to video and share it!

Potty Time

Abby has been interested in sitting on the toilet lately so we've been highly encouraging that. She has some incentive because Roy told her she could wear Elmo underwear when she was going potty on the toilet and she'll do anything for Elmo right now. We've had a few successes so far (one of them even being #2, although we had to race and strip down the hallway to make it in time). Now you can see her strong face in action--notice how her entire body shakes. It's so funny! This video is from last night's race to the bathroom:

STRONG!

We sing a song in Primary at Church talking about how we can build our families and make them strong. Since I work with the kids at Church, the music leaders teach them songs with actions to help them remember. Abby's favorite line and action is, "My Heavenly Father sent me here and He knows I can be, STRONG and righteous as I build my eternal family." Abby puts a whole lot of emphasis and feeling into strong:

February 13, 2010

We are thrilled to announce that we have another baby coming to join our family. We got to see arms, legs, head, and spinal cord today and lots of wiggling. Abby had fun copying the baby wiggle and carried the pictures around saying, "Baby". I'm 9 weeks and haven't been as sick this time, but have definitely taken advantage of napping with Abby. We can't wait to meet our little one!

Update

Roy has a job interview on Friday with the Chamber of Commerce (not to be confused with the Department of Commerce). We're excited for this opportunity to interview since it's the first actual job interview so far. Thanks to everyone who has been keeping him in their thoughts and prayers!