Got the blackberry, and am posting from the truck, waiting for JC to arrive. Spent the day visiting clients, the usual fun. Took my new intern who is pretty cool. JC has arrived and off we go.

Ok, I now have a b lackberry, so the theory is that it will be easier to post. That is, if I ever get my work, home,and Keenan schedules under control!!

Here's to the attempt!

good lord. I can't believe what i watch sometimes. There is a new show on vh1 called I love money. All the losers from some of my fave reality shows competing for 250K.

what passes for entertainment these days is sad. It is even sadder that I have to admit I like it.

I can do it!!! I'm at Panera, and thumb typing on the Pocket PC!!!

OK, for the update. Keenan is having tubes put in his ears on Tuesday. We've been fighting ear infections since early February, and nothing has cleared it up. I really hope this helps him sleep better. Not like I'd like to sleep through the night either...:)

Work is, well, work. I like whaT I'm doing, but it's really intense, and can be hard to deal with. Oh well, it pays the bills.

Going home for the 4th. We've gone to John's family's house for the past couple of years, but fireworks right outside where the baby is sleeping seems like a really bad idea. Besides, I've gotten hit every year I've been at the fireworks show. There's something to be said for self preservation!!!

I think that's about it, besides the house we bought about 6 weeks ago. The basement's a mess but we're unpacked. It's nice to have my own laundry again. Now to get the ceiling fans in....

i got a pocket pc!!!!!! maybe this will get me to post more often. At least, I can keep my schedule(s) better. Will post more tomorrow.

HE'S CRAWLING!!!

It is April 29, 2008 and Keenan has started crawling!!!!!!!

OK, I'm on the road again. But, I'm in the Depot Inn, in La Plata Missouri, and yes, the train goes by, I heard it.

The train, with Jesus cross stitch on the wall.

I'm going to hell, if this doesn't already qualify.

Well, it's Sunday again. Panera in downtown Clayton is not quite the madhouse that the Brentwood store is, and I like it. It's also closer to home. Keenan is at home with Dad, and I have to be back in time for Parents as Teachers.

House update. The house I posted is no more. The basement leaked, and the owners wouldn't fix it properly and then wanted me to pay for it. Um, no. So, we found another house, and it's even better. The basement is dry as a bone, there is an extra room, and the appliances are newer and nicer. Ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom and a LAUNDRY CHUTE to the basement!!! The "gargage" is really just a shed, and we'll knock it down and start over with it, but that is the only major drawback and that's not even that bad! I am really excited, despite the bondage and trouble owning a house is. I'm lucky enough to have people in my office who are very knowledgeable about home/handy stuff and have lots of references for handymen/service people. The electrician I hired to look at the other house is a friend of a friend and I think I'll have him swap out some of the older wiring in my house (it is 81 years old) this summer.

Keenan is about to crawl. He is up on his hands and knees, belly off the ground, (no small feat, thank you!) and rocking back and forth. He can get up to his feet and launch himself forward, but that's the extent of the forward movement at the moment. Backwards, he's an Indy-star. Never seen a kid move so fast in a direction that he obviously didn't want to go! It's still really funny.

He's also starting to eat everything. I had some soft pretzel at Sam's, oh they're so good, and he wanted some of what I had. So I gave him a little bite and he chewed it up and reached for more. Got us through the Sam's trip with no stopping for ba-ba, which he is starting to hold on his own. He's growing up so fast! He has little shorts on today. It's amazing how the time flies. I'm so glad I have the still camera and the video camera. He changes so fast, and it's all pretty much cute (not so much the teething thing, but the rest of it is...). He'll walk soon, and wow, the time has flown by...

Anyway, work is fine. Same old same old. Not much to say about that.

Well, off to home and to check in on the development of my little boy. I'll try to post a recent pic soon! If I don't and you want to see him, let me know and I'll email invite you to his Snapfish page!

Random thought: nope, no random thoughts. Just a drink of coffee and bit of souffle.

I said I'd try to post once a week and here it is. I'm in Hayti, MO, getting ready for a trial in Kennett tomorrow. Just for those of you not familiar with Missouri geography, and before today I'm proud to say, I wasn't...I'm in the Bootheel of Missouri. Otherwise known as BFE. Without the sand. In fact, it's downright marshy around here. But, it's an improvement over the SNOW that was coming down this morning outside my winodow in St. Louis! Hells bells.

As for the house, the building inspection was last week. It was pouring. Good thing, because we found out the basement leaked. In 6 places. And no, it wasn't on the seller's disclosure, but there was evidence that it had leaked before, so I'm certain the sellers knew about it and didn't disclose it, hoping to get lucky. It's going to cost a lot to fix, and I've put it in my Inspection Notice that they need to fix it. We'll see what they do. Needless to say, I haven't started packing up my crap yet.

Otherwise, it was a quiet week. Keenan is still crawling backwards, albeit far faster now. He's going to be one to keep up with once he gets forward motion. He did a little scooch forward, but couldn't repeat it. He and Daddy are at home alone tonight. I made sure to get everything done, dishes, laundry, clothes out and bags packed so that Dad could just concentrate on watching and playing with The Boy. However, as my mother pointed out, that's just making sure they get into trouble, by leaving them nothing else to do. We'll see. :)

Two other observations from the week:
1. America is the only country I have lived in that people do not actively climb the escalator. Rather, they just ride. I find it telling.
2. I was driving through Hayti today and saw a sign on the florist shop "Easter Bokay". My spelling isn't always stellar, but that's ridiculous.

For how long, I don't know. The idea was to get out once a week to have coffee and errands, but it doesn't always pan out. Last week was Kirksville, for my newest nephew's baptism, week before the laptop battery wasn't charged, etc. This week, no excuses. Steaming hot coffee, cheese souffle, and free intarweb. Life is good.

OK, the last couple of months.

Keenan is growing like a weed. He is 21 pounds and almost 28 inches tall. He is 7 1/2 months old, and just about to crawl forward. I say forward, because he can go backwards crawling. It's pretty amusing because it pisses him off so royally. The phrase "one step forward, two steps back" applies here.

I had knee sugery about 6 weeks ago. The cartilege on the thigh bone had a spider web crack in it, and so I had arthroscopic surgury to fix it. Problem is, once you take out cartilege, it doesn't grow back. So my doc drilled into my bone marrow to release some stem cells that may fill the hole and mimic the cartilege material. It should hold off a total knee replacement for another 15 years. We hope.

This week, we bought a house. John decided that he likes WashU so much that he wants to stay and do his PhD here. That's cool, I just wish he had discussed it with me. Anyway, if we're going to be here another 3 years, it just made sense to buy a house. The link is below.

http://www.realtor.com/map/search/listingdetail.aspx?zp=63130&mnp=18&mxp=17&bd=3&bth=2&typ=1&sid=eae1e4ea0e064de7a341670769b18c77&pg=2&lid=1096741489&lsn=14&srcnt=16#Detail

I think it's really cute. All of the appliances are new, and come with the house. New roof, new AC, been completely rehabed in the last 3 years. We'll need to add a covering for the parking pad, but that's no big deal. I'm pleased with the find. And, it took 2 days to do. John and I decided to not renew our lease last Saturday when we were on the road to K-ville, and this past Tuesday, started looking. By Thursday morning, we were signing the offer. Closing is May 15, the same day as the last time I closed a house. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well. The building inspection is Tuesday morning.

John is plugging along at his Masters in Japanese lang and lit. He's doing very well, having gotten nothing below an A- last semester and having all A's so far this one. He may be in the running for a total tuition remission next year. That would be ok, but since his mom is paying whatever remaining tuition after his remission, it doesn't impact us much. Obviously, he likes it well enough to stay and apply for his PhD program here.

Work is work. I am now the only CDU attorney on the east side of the state. My colleague who was in my office here has left the PD's office for private practice, and her replacement is in KC with the other boys. It's lonely, but I have the guys in the Clayton office for company and idea bouncing. They're pretty great in and of themselves, so it's not all that bad. Just the necessary self-discipline all the time gets a little tiring. No one to make me do my work...luckily I'm still on top of it.

I think that's it for the updates. I am going to try to do this Sunday morning thing every week, as schedule permits. I hope all is well with everyone else, and if you all ever want me off LJ, email me. That I check about every night.

1. I'm drunk. JOhn gave me some amy time, and I drank at a bar. It was good.
2. Keenan likes prunes. Sweet potatoes, carrots and squash and bananas. Hates green beans and peas. Snuck them in his oatmeal. He is regular.
3. The plan is to give me time on the weekends to go to Starbucks (bastards) with the laptop and give me time for coffee and updating. We'll see how that goes.

I'm keeping an eye, but no time so far to be present. Will keep trying. Wow, 5 month olds are time consumeing.

Keenan won his first costume contest tonight dressed as a little Jack O' Lantern. And no, he's not going trick or treating tomorrow!

RE: feeding our son

"He's got to want it"

"Well, he's not veal"

Well, no, no he isn't, and yes he does. Ah, kid gets fed, it's all good.

Wow, the time gets away from you so fast with a little one!!!!! I have turned into quite a voyeuse - rather watching life than participating. I find I can just watch Keenan for longer than my attention span normally is.

However, life goes on, and he starts daycare on Monday. We went by today, and as I left, the infant room supervisor, Miss Sarah, not only hugged Keenan, but me as well. I am terrified at the thought of leaving my most precious baby with anyone besides family, but at some point, he needs to be interactive with more than just mom, dad, nana, and grandma. I know this. I know he'll be safe, and I know he'll thrive.

But damned, I'm scared.

I also go back to work the 24th. Ass deep in crocodiles after 3 months off, but hey, it was worth it. Vacations aren't always worth it because of the crap I come back to, but this leave was definitely worth it. To celebrate my return, I have cleaned out my closet of all maternity and old clothes (yes, I am back in my pre-Keenan clothes, thank you!) and bought a couple of pairs of new shoes. Nothing like black, strappy stilletos to make you feel like a professional ass-kicker again. It'll be nice to put that personality back on. I've missed it.

Once I go back to work, updating will be even more sporadic, but MUCH thanks to Rob, who nudges me now and again, I'll be sure to check in. Like I said earlier, it's not that I'm absent, I'm just watching! :)

John is feeding Keenan, and I have one spare second to post.

Who knew Target Greatlands wasn't a 24 hour thing? I never thought I'd say it, but I wish there were a SuperCenter closer to my house.

Hell has officially frozen over in 105 degree heat.

After 9 months, I'm happy to announce my sporadic return. Also, I proudly present the newest addition to my clan:

Keenan Alexander Clay
born 8/1/07 at 11:44 pm
8 pounds 6 ounces
20 and 3/4 inches.













I am on maternity leave until 10/24 and will check in as I can. Keenan keeps my quite busy - feeding 8-12 times per day, and each feeding, from start to finish (diaper change, feed, up time to prevent reflux, and usually another change) takes an hour per. 8-12 hours just on the basics leaves Mommy little time for sleep. But lots of time to just look at him. I can do that all day long

I really like reading my Friends page. I have such a diverse mix of people and it's always entertaining keeping up on the geeky, down to earth, diva mess that I've managed to put together.

Thank you all.

OK, it's a dreary Sunday afternoon and hubby is playing FFXII. I finally have time to write about an event that happened 3 months ago and was one of the best days ever.

John and I got up (yes, I stayed at home, much thanks to many who offered places to stay) and loaded the car. Dress, decorations, butane heater (outdoor tent), flower pots (fresh bouquet makings), and ourselves and headed to Shakespeare's West. The room wasn't set up, but once we got there, things started to happen, thanks to Brian, the manager and my de facto wedding planner. Tables moved, the tent got put up and we managed to get the back room and the tent decorated just in time to go get my hair done. We got that done and headed out to John's parents' house.

It sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri river, and that day, you could just catch a glimpse of the sparkle of the water through the fall leaves. It glinted gold, orange, and green, and reflected the cacophany of colors surrounding the back yard. We unloaded the rest of the stuff (dress, flowers, suit, etc) and I went it to start making my bouquet. My mother in law comes in and starts helping and there is a fun picture of us laughing and doing that. I lucked out when it comes to mother in laws. In the middle, my grandmother in law comes in with more ivory callas she had picked up on the way out. So thoughtful. So, with the bouquet done, and me having my tiara and hair already done, we just have to have me dress, get the photographer there and the rest of the guests.

Fast forward through the getting ready part. The music starts and I take two steps and DROP HIS WEDDING RING. Yep, that's right, the one we imported from a little boutique in Dublin. Luckily, I caught it on the bounce. I made it down the steps, no tripping (despite my dad and brothers taking bets on which one I'd go down on), and down to Judge Bryson and John. Judge Bryson gave us the loveliest ceremony, omitting promises to God as I had asked (huge step for him, and utterly kind of him to agree), and when he said "you may kiss your bride", John swept me in his arms and dipped me. :) The family applauded, it was perfectly executed, and pictures began.

After a pre-reception cake and punch (MIL thought it would be a good thing...?) we all got ready to go to the reception. Brother in law and his SO painted the car, and through bubbles we went.

We got to Shakespeare's, and got announced as we walked in over the "come get your pizza" microphone. Many people had arrived already and the pizza and wine flowed. Cousins I hadn't seen in years, aunts, uncles, friends all gathered and had a great time. Many people really liked the laid back atmosphere and fun that we'd planned. We only tried to burn the building down twice!

The butane heater for the outdoor tent was plugged in outside and people going in and out of the door had chaffed the cord until it exploded! No one was hurt, and it got fixed in a jiffy, but the light show was great. Then, my hairstylist, who stopped by, thought it would be a good idea to smoke near the butane heater. Yeah, that was a good idea. But, no singed eyebrows.

After a good four hours of gathering, talking, drinking and eating pizza, a bunch of Grimmies and us went back to the house for more drinking and talking and gathering. Grimmies are people who lived in Grim Hall at TSU, and formed a lifelong bond. We see them at all the gatherings, weddings, and reunions we can arrange, which are far too few and far between. Last year, it was 2 weddings, ours being one.

All in all, it was a wonderful day, and one I could have never thought possible. The weather was perfect, all plans went off if not perfectly, then acceptably, and I got married to someone I can really call my best friend.

And yes, Virginia, you can consummate your relationship after way more wine, excitement and pizza than two people should reasonably hold. :)

I'll post pics once they're done, and I'll post about the honeymoon later.

As for now, I love edamame. It's weird the things you crave when you're pregnant. *shrug*

Yes, I know I've been AWOL for 3 months. I have a good reason.

First: the wedding was wonderful. I will post pics as soon as I've finished editing them with my photog. Married life is great, way better this time.

Second: honeymoon in Vegas was a blast.

Third: We brought home an extra present from Vegas. I am one week away from finishing my first trimester, and am due in July. For those (guys) who don't know that language - I'm knocked up! We are ecstatic and busy (read: sleeping all the time).

I promise I will get on more than once every 3 months!

Well, I had a trial last week. We had one deaf venireperson. They all got sworn in, all but the interpreters. Interpreters go back with panel, and it gets notices just as we're doing strikes for cause. I don't think it's big deal, just get them out here, swear them in, ask what happened back in the jury room, and as long as no harm, no foul.

State asks for a mistrial.

What? Excuse me? You want to try this case so bad and you WHAT? This is the PA who is the biggest bitch on the planet. I don't often actually hate people, but she qualifies for my never-ending sh*t list. She's actually just a bad person, inside and out. An utter hypocrite. But, I digress.

The judge couldn't believe her, either. He actually looked at her and said: "Are you asking for a mistrial? You have got to be kidding!". He was furious at her. I just ducked.

This mistrial was just the latest in a whole line of misconduct she has engaged in regarding this case. It's been phenomenal and something should be done.

In other news, I'm getting married in 4 days. And the jitters have begun. I looked at the weather and it's going to be partly cloudy and 58. 58!!!! That's frigid!!! Partly cloudy won't even help!!! Oh crap! I'm calling my reception place right now to ask about renting a heater for the outside tent.

WHAT WAS I THINKING? I thought this would be no big deal, wouldn't be a big mess, the simpler I kept it. But no. Had to spend another 50% of my budget to rent a tent for more room, and now it will be COLD!!!

Oh hell.