And the Beat Goes On...

da-da dum da-dum da-da

I can't say this phrase without thinking about that awful movie "8 Mile" with Eminem and the song that he sang (rapped??).

When I think about the movie, my mind immediately goes to the part I saw in the previews where Eminem has his hand bobbing through the air (you know what I'm talking about) and that song is playing in the background. When I actually wasted time and saw the movie, I remember being utterly disappointed that in that part of the movie, the song wasn't actually playing.

When I think about that part of the movie, I recall a time driving in the car with Jenno and Ashley, and maybe Brian. That song came on the radio and Jenno and I started doing the "hand thing" that he did. Ashley was thoroughly embarrassed, even though we were in the car and anyone who saw us only saw us do that for a split second. Chances are they passed us quickly as I'm sure Brian was driving (love you!)

It always amazes me what thoughts we conjure up when you think of a certain song. It's weird that music has that impact on you, similar to Brian's previous post about Latvia.

Why did I think of Eminem today? Answer below:

Stroller

Check it out - giveaway to win a way cool double stroller.

I know what you're thinking, "why does she need a double stroller?" Well, I do plan on having a sibling (or two) for Kaylynn sometime before she graduates (yeah, I said it Brian, deal with it!), preferably closer to her own age. I mean if we're destined to have all girls, it only makes sense that they are close enough in age to be best friends! If that's the case, we'll need one of these! If we don't, I guaranteeI know some people who could use it and then I'd be the person who gave them an awesome gift!

Perturbed

I'm going to throw a little whining your way. So if you don't want to get hit with it, I suggest you duck...NOW!

I do not like this blogger writing software crap that Blogspot uses. I'm tired of having to spend 5 minutes writing a post and 25 formating it because it won't add a space where I want it to. Then it adds 6 spaces. Then back to zero.

The latest source of anxst came when I was writing a post (not more than 3 minutes ago). It wouldn't let me post it to the blog so I figured I'd copy it and paste it so I wouldn't have to spend time writing it again. When I highlighted the writing, it deleted it and I could not get it back. So instead of getting a post about baby pictures, you're going to get my bitching instead.

I know what you're thinking. By the time that I wrote this post, I could have re-written the other post. I see your point and I choose to strike it down as irrelevant. My other post took some flowing of the creative juices. I had it just the way I wanted it. It's gone now and I'm too exhausted to try to be creative. Too much creativity in a short span of time renders Brian grumpy. And no one likes grumpy Brian.

So like I said. Instead of a creative post, you get this crap. You have Blogspot to thank.

Oh yeah, and I'm an uncle.

It's A Boy!!!

We officially became Aunt Hayley & Uncle Brian this evening at 22:17 EST (that's 9:17 PM CST for those non-military time folks). Antonio Mario Piano was born weighing 7 lbs 2 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

Both mom and baby are doing well. Pictures will follow when available!

Strong Girl!

What you are seeing here is a STRONG GIRL!!

Up until today, when I put Kaylynn down on her stomach she just kicks her legs, lifts her head enough to turn it from side to side, and that's about it. At least before the meltdown. :) She's been very good about holding it up when you hold her, but the stomach is the hardest to do.

This morning when I was dressing her, I put her on her stomach to button her top and she just kept her little head held high. I got out the blanket Mrs. Dufour made her to let her have a little more head-raising time, but that lasted about 2 minutes (long enough to get a couple of photos).

I'm so proud of my strong girl. She's growing so much everyday. To celebrate, Kaylynn gets to go to the school with me and watch a bunch of teachers eat cake. It's a birthday today, woohoo!!!

Blog 2 Print

I've been asked by a few people if there was a way for me to turn our blog into a book, as Kaylynn might want to see what we had to say about her before she was born. Well, I just learned that there is:

www.blog2print.com

Turns blogs into a hardback, softback, or e-book. I'm thinking of doing this each year to chronicle our life and see how it changes. Yes, I have my FREE blog, but I'm good at doing stupid things like deleting stuff unintentionally and what not. I'd consider it an insurance policy.

Pretty cool, I think!

A 26 Year Old Dress (as opposed to 26 Dresses)

If something 25 years or older is an antique, then Kaylynn had a photoshoot in an antique dress. 26 years ago, my mom didn't know my gender before I was born, so she told her mother (my Honey) that she could go out and buy an outfit for the me when I was born. Honey came back with the pinkest, frilliest dress the store had (didn't you Honey??) I wore this dress home from the hospital and again for my 1 month pictures.

When we found out Kaylynn was going to be a little girl, mom pulled the pink dress out of hiding and got it washed and ready for when she was 1 month old. We had intentions of getting photos taken by a real photographer (aka, not me) but she got strep and we had to cancel. Kaylynn was in a great mood this afternoon (and who isn't after a trip to Aaron Brothers!) so I decided it was now or never. Mom would NOT be happy with me if Kaylynn hit 2 months without the pictures. It turned out to be a good thing, because if I had waited too much longer, she would have out grown the dress.

Here's Kaylynn wearing her mommy's old dress, sporting a smile! Her pretty little smiles make us melt!

The dress also came with a bonnet. The bonnet is about to lose both strings that hold it together. Luckily, I've been on a sewing kick, so if I was good, I'd sew them back on. IF. :)

A close-up of her sweet face.

And just for fun, some taken with Mommy's scarf (made by Auntie Allison) as the background.

When I go to Frankston, I'm going to find my pictures in this dress so we can compare. Maybe we'll get an inkling into who Kaylynn looks like. For now, we're both tired...

Brainwashing

Yesterday was Kaylynn's first Aggie sporting event. We drove up to College Station to watching the Fightin' Texas Aggies play #5 OU. It was a really good game; the Ags only lost by 6, which was their 3rd loss of the season! Not bad. Kaylynn slept through most of it. It got very loud at the end as we were making a run to possibly win and she woke up at that. She also sang her very first Aggie War Hymn, swaying and everything!

Unfortunately, the day was not without its hiccups.

First of all, Dollar Bill Byrne insists that every breathing body that enters an Aggie sporting event has to have a ticket, even if that breathing body cannot hold their own head up, much less sit in an upright position that would require the use of a seat. That's right, we had to pay like $24 for Kaylynn to get into Reed Arena. It's a joke. I have half a mind to write him a letter, not that he'd ever read it.

Secondly, as we were leaving the house, Brian made me put down the diaper bag to give him a hug and apparently I never picked it back up. When did we realize this? Right after we secured a fabulous parking space in the lot right near the entrance (and paid our $5 to park). As you would figure, it was right around Kaylynn's feeding time. So Mom volunteered to leave to run out and get formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes. Of course, they made her pay the $5 again to repark. Thanks again $Bill (or PTTS, whoever is in charge of basketball parking fees).

Other than that, it was a good day. Our camera was in the diaper bag, so we didn't get a picture of her in College Station, but we did get a picture of her in her Aggie outfit when we got home.

Graded

Well, this was the big week. After more than a month of wondering just exactly how I did in my first semester of law school, I found out my grades. Am I happy with the grades I got? Well, no. I didn't make all A's so this was not a great semester. I'm not being greedy or anything, but I'm a perfectionist (a major character flaw). I strive to be perfect and to be the best. And I wasn't perfect. As I have told Hayley (and anyone else that has asked), some grades I've seen before in my college/high school/middle school career; others I haven't. But all things considered, the grades will just have to do. They aren't going to kick me out (yet...) so I should just "keep the wagons moving".

Now, my professors got the opportunity to assess my performance during the last semester. I cannot say that I had the same opportunity. (Let's face it, those evaluations that you fill out mean absolutely nothing. In fact, in one of my classes, crim law ::shudder shudder::, the professor stood there and watched us fill them out. He gave us 2 minutes to do them. He's old: really old. He's been there so long that nothing that those evaluations say will have any bearing on him. It's called tenure folks.)

I realize that everything that I say here regarding my classes will have the same effect as those stupid evaluations. But I need vindication, damn it! So I am going to take this opportunity to turn the tables and grade my professors and classes. Each class will be graded along 4 lines: course potential, usefulness of class time, usefulness of textbook and an overall grade.

Here we go in alphabetical order.

Civil Procedure

Course potential: B+

I didn't really know what this course was all about going into it. I saw civil and I figured it had something to do with non-criminal matters. I was right. Essentially, the course sought to inform one the general federal rules as they apply to civil litigation. Litigation is not my bag, but it also went through and described the things you must consider when choosing a court, the type of law to apply, etc.

Usefulness of class time: A

Going to class was important. The professor did an outstanding job explaining concepts and how they applied to hypotheticals. He took added time to answer questions (including student hypotheticals) and did his utmost to get us to understand what was going on. The professor told relevant life experiences which were often amusing, which is a big plus.

Usefulness of textbook: A-
This did not seem like a typical law school textbook. Of course I'm only basing this off of 5 textbooks (given this was my first semester and only had 5 classes...). But it didn't simply rely on cases to transmit the concepts we were supposed to learn. Instead, it had additional commentary which explained what the case was trying to say and how it applied to other cases. It was pretty darn beneficial. In fact, I would say this was the most beneficial book that I bought last semester. It was actually worth the $130 I paid (and the $13 I received back for it...).

Overall grade: A

Like I said, I didn't know what to expect and I am not interested in litigation. However, the course was very rule-based which is good for a tax accountant. I like that kind of structure. Additionally, it provided insight into how one goes about choosing a court, what law will apply, and how to use the established rules as a weapon.

Contracts I

Course potential: B

This course is related to instruments that everyday people use everyday. It's practical significance to the normal person is the source of its potential.

Usefulness of class time: B+

This was not the standard "recitation" class. Sure the professor expected you to do the daily reading and sure, he called on people randomly, but he did not grill you or treat you like a moron. He took some time to explain some of the concepts and how to apply them to hypothetical situations. It did help that he was witty and made many of the classes entertaining. Plus the class was only an hour long.

Usefulness of textbook: C-
You are going to see a pattern develop in this area. The textbook was simply a book with many contracts cases in it. The idea is that you learn the concepts the established case law. This is a bad idea. No two cases are the same; similarly, no concept is applied to two cases in the same manner. It is completely dependent on how the judge wants to rule. It would have been more useful to learn rulings by judge.

Overall grade: B+

This area of the law was one of the more interesting (at least I found). I feel as though I actually learned something in this class and didn't simply have to make stuff up in an effort to successfully pass the final. I must reiterate that the practical nature of the course boosted the grade that it received.

Criminal Law

Course potential: A

Think about it. Blood, guts, murder and mayhem. This is the class that we read about every day. So and so murdered another. So and so broke into a car. So and so killed a federally protected bird. I'm not all about the gory stuff, but this is what you hear about every day in the news. This class had the potential of providing a comprehensive understanding of just what the newspapers are talking about when you read of someone committing a crime. It had the potential to provide an understanding of just where that line is in the realm of criminal law. It had so much potential, except...

Usefulness of class time: F
There was no point going to class. The professor didn't teach anyone anything. It really was a waste of time and a complete shame. Yeah there was recitation, but it was not random. You knew when you were going to be called on. You didn't have to do the reading otherwise (not that it would have done you any good. See below for more). The professor clearly knew what he was talking about, but he didn't let any of us in on what was going on. Instead, he encouraged us to read supplemental information. You did not need to be in class at all. I would have been better served catching up on my sleep (which I may have done a few times...) than sitting there in class.

Usefulness of textbook: F/B+
I know what you're thinking: how can you give an F AND a B+ for a class's textbook? Well, here's the answer. The professor required us to get two books. One was a standard law school case book. It was full of cases that taught you nothing. It was the book I opened for the first two days of class before I learned that it was pointless. It was also the book that he expected us to read 50+ pages out of for each class. Not possible. This book got an F.

Then there was the supplemental book that he required us to read. This book was probably my saving grace. Without this book, I do not pass. It was not a case book. It was a "black and white" description of the law. It explained concepts and described how they applied to scenarios. It was the book that I could have read in lieu of going to class and still passed the course. Come to think of it, I basically did read it in lieu of going to class. Yes, I was physically present in class. But mentally I was merely honing my "Maj Jong Tiles" abilities.

Overall grade: D------------

As I said, it was a miracle that I passed this class. If it weren't for the supplemental book, I don't know what I would have done. The shame in this class is that I spent my time and money attending a class where I was supposed to be taught something. Instead, I had to spend my time and money to attend a class AND THEN teach myself everything I needed to know on my own time when I had other things to do. The only suggestion I got to put down on my course evaluation for this course was that they do away with class time. Instead, they should have the students read the supplement and show up to take the final.

Legal Research & Writing I

Course potential: C

You're learning how to "write". A whole semester on that. All you're reallying "learning" is the format that you're supposed to write in for law school classes. There just wasn't much interest or potential for this class.

Usefulness of class time: A

It was here that we learned what we needed to learn. The professor was awesome. He knew that this was not the most exciting class, but he did a great job of dressing it up.

Usefulness of textbook: F
What? There were textbooks for this class? I had no idea!

Overall grade: B-

I'm giving it a B- over a C+ solely on the fact that the professor entertained us while we were there. The humor and wit that was infused into the class lessons enabled us to learn while allowing the class time to pass quickly.

Torts I

Course potential: D

I've already said it a couple of times so I won't beat a dead horse. Civil litigation is not my thing and does not strike my fancy. I don't care about suing another person because they said you smell. I don't care about suing another person for jumping out and saying "Boo!". I don't agree with these frivolous lawsuits that have the effect of ruining the lives of others because they have a judgment against them that they cannot pay. The fact that I have to go through two semesters of learning how to sue someone else is just plain boring. Fortunately, I made it through the first half.

Usefulness of class time: B-

Here's the thing: my torts professor was smart. Very smart. She knew what she was talking about. The problem was that she asked questions that no one understood. If we didn't understand the question, we could not understand the answer. It was a vicious circle. That said, the professor did a great job of taking extra time to explain the concept or idea several different ways in order for us to understand it. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. She also took time of her own to meet with us outside of class in review sessions to enhance our understanding.

Usefulness of textbook: C-
Just a standard law school textbook. Too many cases explaining too few concepts.

Overall grade: C-

You probably gathered from the "Course potential" grade above that this course was one of my least favorites. Again, it was the fact that you're learning all the little ways to go about suing someone else. Just not my thing.

Unsolicited Opinions (and some cute photos)

I've always read and heard stories about how when you're pregnant everyone will stop and give you their advice and tell you their labor horror stories. I can honestly say that didn't happen to me TOO terribly much. Then I always heard that once you have the baby, people will still give you their opinions on what you should do, if the baby it too hot/cold, asking if it's a boy/girl when it's clearly obvious, etc. Again, until now, I hadn't dealt with this (granted we're 5 weeks into it, so plenty of time for these unsolicted opinions).

Well, my streak ended today. After enjoying a nice lunch with Kaylynn's Great-Grandma O and Grandma and Grandpap Frink, we made a quick stop at Jo-Ann Fabrics. See, I saw on this blog (because I am a blog-stalker) about these cute onesies, so of course, I think I can make them too, and I needed some fabric for them. As usual, Kaylynn is a hit everywhere we go, and most comments are about how cute she is (agreed). One lady was so excited to see her she started telling me about how she was getting a granddaughter very soon and how much she was looking forward to it. All is going well until we got to the check-out register and the lady behind the counter asked the same question everyone else asks:

Lady: "Oooh, how old is she?"

Me: "1 month"

Lady: "Doesn't anyone know that babies aren't supposed to leave the house until they are 6 weeks old? I guess I'm just old-fashioned, but that baby does not need to be out of the house."

Me: ::silence::

Seriously. At 1 week, our doctor told us that we were no longer on house-arrest and as long as people didn't get in her face, we were good to take her places. I mean, I'm still trying to avoid the biggies as much as possible (mall, Target, grocery store), but there's only so long you can do that...I've got to buy groceries, I've got to buy diapers/wipes, household items, etc. Yes, it was chilly out today (50), but she was in the hippie sling, nestled into me and had a blanket. I think she was fine. They always say that the baby doesn't need anymore layers than you do and overheating a child is one of the things they tell you to avoid doing because of SIDS. That's why they can't sleep with blankets over them and what not.

GRRR. The lady got me fired up, but I was good and kept my cool and didn't say a word back. I'm proud of myself. Instead, you get to read about it on here.

Here are some cute photos of Kaylynn that were taken today before lunch. She's doing well holding her head up and I'm trying to catch her pretty little smiles on camera. Close, but no cigar.

The picture below is as close to the cute face she makes when she stretches as I've gotten. I LOVE this face.

1 Month!!!

Dearest Kaylynn,

It has been one month since you graced us with your presence and your father and I could not be happier. We have had the most fun watching you grow, listening to your sounds, stealing your kisses, and snuggling for hours. I cannot believe that it's only been a month because it feels like you've always been part of our little family. Your dad and I have always enjoyed being around each other - since we pretty much are the same person (we sometimes think about the most random topics, out of the blue, at the exact same time) - but I think he'd agree with me that spending these last 31 days with you have been our best days yet.

You are quite a unique little girl, though I know I am biased. I can already tell that you are going to be a very smart, strong, and beautiful young lady someday. You are getting very good at holding your head up, which is a large feat for such a small person. You are amazed by the light fixtures in the bathroom and you know when you see your daddy in the doorway through the bathroom mirror. You make the cutest faces and add new faces to your mix everyday. Just today I have noticed that your eyes seem to have taken on a new shade of blue, getting closer to that beautiful shade of blue that your dad has. When we read each night, I love that you are trying to listen intently, even though you really want to fall asleep (which happens eventually, usually in the 2nd book of the night).

You are on a 4 hour feeding/sleeping schedule, which is pretty awesome! Daddy and I cannot complain about you keeping us up all night, as we've been very lucky with you. You are very excited when it's feeding time and can let out a good, loud burp to compliment the chefs (Thank you Similac!) You get it honestly, as your dad, mom, Grandma Moore, and Uncle Mike are all excellent burpers (you'll learn that soon enough!) Also, part of your daily schedule is bathtime at night with help from Daddy - which you are getting used to, even though you hate getting out of the warm water into the cold air - and storytime and prayers with mom in your room on the rocker. Your dad and I want to make sure that you are always thankful for everything you have and realize how lucky you are to have so many people who love you and fight over who gets to hold you the most (lucky for us, your dad and I will always win that battle! hehe!)

In the past few days you've discovered your voice and have been cooing and "talking" to us. I hope that you'll always want to talk with us and tell us all about your troubles, because we'll always want to know what's going on (I'm a nosey person, you'll learn that too). When we put you down on the floor for tummytime, you want to crawl and scoot so bad, but it's just not time for that...yet. If we give you our hand or arm as a prop, you will scoot yourself forward and you can lift your head, turning it from side-to-side.

All of this and it's only been a month. I can't even imagine how fun and exciting life will be with you going forward, but don't be in a hurry to grow up too fast. Always know that your daddy and I love you more than anything in the world.

Love,

Mommy

4 Weeks Does Not Equal a Month

Baby girl is 4 weeks old today, but not a month old. It'd be a lot easier if it were the same, but it's not.

Today we took a trip downtown to visit Brian's office. She was such a good baby - all alert and looking around. Everyone could see her pretty little eyes. After a lunch at Schlotzsky's, she and I took a trip to Central Market pick up some Brunello for Grandpa Moore and then to Whole Foods, where I got to try out my "hippie sling". I think we both like the sling. She slept well in it and I didn't have to lug in the carrier, put it on a cart (poorly, as they don't fit), and try my best not to run over people in front of me because I can't judge the length of the cart.

Kaylynn had to rest up before the trip downtown. She was all comfy in her pack 'n play.

Carbaugh Christmas

Here are some photos from Christmas at Honey & PawPaw's.

Honey with her newest great-granddaughter.

Cousins playing. Tatum wasn't quite sure what to think of something this little.

The "big" boys, CJ, Tristan, and Tanner. I'm curious where they got this ice cream...I never saw it.

Brothers - Tristan and Tanner

2 Sets of 4 Generations. Honey, Mom, Me, Kaylynn and Honey, Aunt Lila, Abby, Tatum. Kaylynn was eating her shirt and Tatum was watching. :)

The Carbaugh Family - Uncle Larry, Mom, Aunt Lila, Honey & PawPaw

WIP

::Shudder::

Work in Progress - an accounting term. Actually, a cost accounting term, to be more exact. I hated cost accounting with a passion.

The site is a WIP, as I have been fiddling around with these digital scrap booking pages, trying to make my own background from these little "kits". It's not uploading correctly, so for now it looks goofy. Just ignore it until I get my act sorted out. :)

Here, I'll give you a picture of our sweet Little Birdie to hold you over. She sure does love her seahorse friend. Well, either she does or I do, regardless, they are napping together.

Bowlin'

Coming into today, I was feeling good. I went 5 for 5 on my bowl picks yesterday and found myself in first place in our pool. I was riding high. And then came today's games. Now I'm sinking, and here's why.

1. Tech Sucks. Yep, I should have seen this coming. They are the same bellyachers (yes, I know I'm a hypocrite since all I seem to be doing here is bellyaching...) that they are every other year. "We should be in a BCS game. Our quarterback should be the Heisman Trophy winner." Blah blah blah blah blah. The fact is, Tech is the same team they are every other year. Great against sub par teams and sh*tty against decent teams. The difference this year is that they got lucky against Texas and Baylor. Otherwise they would have finished just like every other year: 3 losses and crummy bowl. As long as Mike Leach and the spread offense are in Tech, I don't want to hear another Red Raider EVER talk about a national championship, let along a BCS game or a Heisman Trophy winner.

2. Pirates are bad. Look at the east coast of Africa for confirmation. Pirates are running rampant there and the world is doing everything they can to stop them. But the NCAA appears to have the solution: wildcats. Wildcats are fearless and ferocious. Furthermore, they are efficient killers. I clearly erred in thinking that a drunk, scurvied (not a word, but defined by The Frinkenhagen as "one with scurvy"), sea sick pirate would be any kind of match for a wildcat.

3. What the hell is a/the Crimson Tide anyway? No, really. What is it? At least I knew what a Ute was (it's a Native American from a tribe in Utah, not a "youth" as described by Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny...classic). You NEVER pick a team if you don't know what the hell they are. Rookie mistake!

At least there's tomorrow. And at least Ms. Kaylynn has rocked the deuce and is now sleeping soundly, as I will be shortly. 10-4, over and out good buddies!