FYI

I own a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. It doesn't have the power it needs but it turns on a dime and has been pretty good to us. A few weeks ago I started noticing a problem. I'm not sure what it is though. We'll drive the 6+ miles to Pullman and leave the car parked for a while to shop at Walmart or to see the doctor. On the drive home (this is a fairly flat yet windy road) I will reach about 58 mph and the car will suddenly down shift for just a fraction of a second. Almost like a hiccup. It's done this several times over the last three weeks. Last week I took it into a mechanic to get it looked at. Since it's our only car I had to drop Landon at the bus stop and then drop the car off at the car shop. Sam and I walked the 1/2 mile home in the freezing weather, and waited for them to call. At 10:30 I put Sam into all his cold weather clothes and wrapped him in a blanket and pushed him in a stroller to the elementary school, picked up Landon and we walked the mile back to the car shop to get the car. The mechanic decided it was a problem with the transmission sensor and sent me over to the transmission repair shop, another mile down the road. By this time I was in some pain from all the walking so I decided to go home and call and make an appointment. This last Teusday I dropped Landon at the bus and Sam and I drove the car to the transmission place. Sam and I walked to a nearby shopping center and waited for two and half hours in a kiddie play area. Sam had a lot of fun playing with all the kids that came and went while we were there, but sitting on uncomfortable chairs is not my kind of relaxing morning. When we went to get the car, the guy said it had nothing to do with the transmission. He thinks it has something to do with the engine. So I drove it back to the first mechanic and tried to explain what the transmission guy said, but I'm not good with "car speak" so I probably didn't do a very good job. In the end I was told to wait. So we're waiting for the problem to get worse or for the car to totally die on us, whichever comes first. Lets hope we're not far from home when it happens!!!

In other news: I have to admit that this pregnancy has been my worst pregnancy to date. Keep in mind that I almost died with my first baby, so this is really saying something! From the beginning these doctors have been really nice, but they seem overly worried about me going into premature labor. I try to tell them that Landon was early because I was sick and my body refused to go into labor on it's own anyway, and Sam was only 17 days early which is technically "on time". I just feel like they really aren't listening to me. SO - When I had my ultrasound a few weeks ago, and the doctors received a couple of "fuzzy pictures" they were worried I was having contractions. I had to go back in to have parts "down there" remeasured. (It's really fun taking Sam to my doctor's appointments when I have to strip and be poked and prodded.) This measurement only fueled the fire and so they sent me to the hospital to have some stress tests to test for contractions and after an uneventful hour and a half the doctor told me I had to go back and get measured again. Also - I should stay in bed as much as possible. (this was just before I had to take the car to the first mechanic and walk everywhere) Apparently all the walking around town did me some good though, and my last examination went well and I haven't heard from the doctors in over a week. Can't wait for my next appointment. I just hope they don't find something else wrong with me to call tests for!!!

Speaking of Doctors - Landon visited with a pediatrician last week to see if we can get medicaid to pay for some mental health testing for him. Not that I think he has any kind of severe mental health issues, it's just that I want to be able to tell his future teachers that he has been seen about his issues. I'm doing this in hopes that his future teachers won't immediately hate him for his inattentive absentmindedness.

Sam also saw a doctor last week. He hasn't been to see any medical professional since last spring and I thought he might need some immunizations. However, the doctor says he's all up to date and won't need shots until next year when we are getting him ready for Kindergarten. (WOW is he really THAT old already?!!)

Also - Chris had a GREAT day today!! It's been one good thing after another all day long. I haven't seen him this happy in a LONG time. Most of it is because he worked so hard last semester. His grades and his summer internship prospects are good so we have good hopes for the future as well. I just have to hope and pray that he can continue at the pace he's set for himself and continue to do well next semester.

I've been having an urge to post a picture of myself. Just so you can see how BIG I am, and to add at least one pictures to this barren post. However, I DON'T take pregnancy pictures. I feel huge and I'd rather not document that feeling. Plus I'm only going to get bigger! Hmmmm I guess it's something to think about.