Well, everything is continuing to go well. I am a little tired, but I think that has more to do with the 6 hour swing for the brain and being busy doing less exciting things!
We had a doctor's appointment on Monday. The baby's heartbeat measured at a good strong 163. It was easy to find, which I think impressed the doctor. I go in for my multiple marker screening in two weeks.
Here is the latest in developmental level from babycenter.com
"Head to bottom, your baby's 3 1/2 inches long — about the length of a lemon — and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more well-defined neck. By the end of this week, her arms will have lengthened and will be in proportion to the rest of her body. (Her legs still have some growing to do, though.) She's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair all over her body (called lanugo). Her liver starts secreting bile this week, a sign that it's already functioning properly, and her spleen starts contributing to the production of red blood cells. She's also producing and discharging urine into the amniotic fluid, a normal process that she'll keep up until birth. You still can't feel your baby's movements, but her hands and feet (which are now half an inch long) are more flexible and active. Thanks to brain impulses, her little facial muscles are getting a workout as she squints, frowns, and grimaces. She can grasp now, too, and she may be able to suck her thumb."
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
What makes up art?
One day, Andrea and I headed down to the Thames river for a trip on the London Eye and then a walk to the Tate Modern Museum.
The view from London Eye was worth ride, but nothing nearly as breath-taking as what we saw in Rome. I suppose the lack of a bright blue sky will do that! Andrea still took a couple neat pictures that I have figure out how to get posted. Now that I am back home, I don't have the luxury of having her post them for me anymore!
Next, we stopped into an Oriental Buffet. We both thought that sounded good and like a change from what we'd been dining on. Well, it was different alright. We each found a couple things that we liked, but the most interesting to me was that they were serving french fries. Good thing though, as that was one of the things I liked!
We strolled on down the river (which was a much better experience than in Rome!) until we reached the Tate Modern. It was an interesting experience to see what others considered art. Both Andrea and I enjoyed only about 25% of the pieces. The rest were more likes pieces of crap. One pieces was two rectangular canvas, one painted blue and the other black, attached slightly to each other. Another was a urinal where the artist simply signed his name to it. Others looked like scribbles that my students could have painted. I was glad we went because it was a free museum and I did get to see some master painters and their works. My favorite was one of Monet's huge painting of Water Lilies.
We then walked across the very neatly designed Millennium Bridge, which is a foot bridge that was designed for the celebration of the year 2000. We then headed home on the tube (which is, of course, the proper way to end a London day) :)
The view from London Eye was worth ride, but nothing nearly as breath-taking as what we saw in Rome. I suppose the lack of a bright blue sky will do that! Andrea still took a couple neat pictures that I have figure out how to get posted. Now that I am back home, I don't have the luxury of having her post them for me anymore!
Next, we stopped into an Oriental Buffet. We both thought that sounded good and like a change from what we'd been dining on. Well, it was different alright. We each found a couple things that we liked, but the most interesting to me was that they were serving french fries. Good thing though, as that was one of the things I liked!
We strolled on down the river (which was a much better experience than in Rome!) until we reached the Tate Modern. It was an interesting experience to see what others considered art. Both Andrea and I enjoyed only about 25% of the pieces. The rest were more likes pieces of crap. One pieces was two rectangular canvas, one painted blue and the other black, attached slightly to each other. Another was a urinal where the artist simply signed his name to it. Others looked like scribbles that my students could have painted. I was glad we went because it was a free museum and I did get to see some master painters and their works. My favorite was one of Monet's huge painting of Water Lilies.
We then walked across the very neatly designed Millennium Bridge, which is a foot bridge that was designed for the celebration of the year 2000. We then headed home on the tube (which is, of course, the proper way to end a London day) :)
Rubbing Elbows with the Stars in London
<> |
| Rubbing Elbows with the Stars |
After taking Monday off to do laundry, clean, and stay off our feet, Andrea and I headed out to Madame Tusaudes, the famous wax museum in London. We arrived there a little before noon on a Tuesday. Neither of us thought that it would be as crazy as it was! We had to wait 15 minutes, just to get into the building. Upon entering the building, it was another hour wait just to get tickets. Luckily, we did stand in front of some very friendly teenagers that were from the area. The guy of the group was turning 17 and absolutely was refusing to enter the Chamber of Horrors LIVE. The two girls that were with him giving such a hard time. Finally they asked us if we were from America. We replied that we were and they were in such awe that it was a little weird. Then the boy said "I want to live in the OC" We both laughed and assured him that no many people really wanted to live there. And he replied "But I love the show" Oh what TV portrays of America.
Once inside it was an absolute zoo! There were so many people I can't even really describe it. However, seeing all the celebs was awesome. Most of them looked so real. You will notice in the Brangalina picture, I am laughing quite hard. This is because Brad's butt was squeezeable. I hope that you enjoy seeing the pictures.
After we got out of there, we headed for King's Cross. All you Harry Potter fans know that we were heading for Platform 9 3/4. They have did a great job actually creating a trolley to look as if it is going into the wall. We grabbed a bite to eat at the local sandwich shop and then headed for home on the tube. It was unbelievably crowded and we had plenty of people. It was nice to be home and get away from it all.
London--A Historical Day
We went to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, which began at 11:30. Even though we arrived at 10:45, there was already a sea of people. We crossed the road right before the Horse Guard crossed as they were heading down to begin their own parade. While waiting, we took some pictures of the guard, buildings, and flags. We were informed that the flag only flies over the palace when the Queen is in residence. Although I didn't notice them then, there were snipers sitting up on the roof, watching the crowd through binoculars. As the actually change happened, I couldn't see much, but I was doing my best. There is no concept of personal space here. This one gentleman in particular kept elbowing me in the breast until I had to ask him to please stop. I got my lucky break when the Marching band came in front of the palace. People, who were standing close to the gate, moved to the street trying to get a better view. I wriggled up into their spot and didn't let it go. Most of the actual ceremony was quite dull, but then the band broke it out. First the played Hurray for the Red, White, and Blue. Then they did this tribute to American music. It started off with Thriller, included some Bon Jovi, Madonna, etc. It was hilarious. After the craziness was over, we headed through yet another London park, St James.
In St James, we stopped and had lunch. This time, we forced to feed the pigeons are crust from our sandwiches, so that we could keep them distracted while we ate the main part of our food.
Next, we headed over to Westminster Abby. I was excited to be seeing the inside of the church where the Royals marry. However, when we got there we realize you had to pay quite the fee and couldn't take any pictures. I didn't see a whole lot of point in that. So, we enjoyed the view from the outside and then went and sat in St Margaret's. The church which is still used for services in the area.
After that stop, we headed over to see Big Ben. It is quite amazing. I had seen so many pictures of it as a child, that it amazed me that I was actually viewing it in person. We then went into Parliament building. There are no tours allowed, but they did allow us to sit on a debate session between their parties. It was the most entertaining political debate I had ever witnessed. Not only did I learn some interesting facts about British child support laws, but I got to see people talking to each other about issues in a way that seemed very real to me.
We were thinking about doing the London Eye that day, but I was just too exhausted to add one more thing into our list!
In St James, we stopped and had lunch. This time, we forced to feed the pigeons are crust from our sandwiches, so that we could keep them distracted while we ate the main part of our food.
Next, we headed over to Westminster Abby. I was excited to be seeing the inside of the church where the Royals marry. However, when we got there we realize you had to pay quite the fee and couldn't take any pictures. I didn't see a whole lot of point in that. So, we enjoyed the view from the outside and then went and sat in St Margaret's. The church which is still used for services in the area.
After that stop, we headed over to see Big Ben. It is quite amazing. I had seen so many pictures of it as a child, that it amazed me that I was actually viewing it in person. We then went into Parliament building. There are no tours allowed, but they did allow us to sit on a debate session between their parties. It was the most entertaining political debate I had ever witnessed. Not only did I learn some interesting facts about British child support laws, but I got to see people talking to each other about issues in a way that seemed very real to me.
We were thinking about doing the London Eye that day, but I was just too exhausted to add one more thing into our list!
London--My first couple of days
London has been absolutely beautiful. Monday, my first full day here, we spent in the house just catching up. It is pretty difficult to adjust to a six hour time difference! Andrea did take me up to the tube spot to purchase my oyster card, which makes the riding the tube much fasther and chaper, and then we finished walking up Earls Court Rd. This is a fairly residentail area and there were tons of dogs out and about. This is a dog friendly place to be! It started to sprinkle a little and Andrea didn't have anything to cover up with, so we headed back.
The next day we made a trip out to see the Wimbledon. We got off at the wrong tube stop and had to take the long way around the park. However, it was beautiful and almost smelled like you were walking through a garden because of all the flowers blooming along side the road. We were hoping to get in and take a look at the museum which is generally open to the public. However, since they were running their main event, it was closed :( Kinda a bummer after the long tube ride and walk we had. Luckily, they were selling souvieners outside and I was able to purchase a neat tennis shirt for Denise.
We hoped back on the tube and went to the Marble Arch. This is inspired by the great arches in other cities, such as Rome and Paris. When you look through the pictures, this is where the pigeon proofing one was taken. Speaking of pigeons, London has more than you could ever need/want in one location. When Mary Poppins sang about feeding the birds, she had no idea what a horrid idea that would be. Next, we headed into Hyde Park. We stopped and had lunch from one of the booth vendors that have control of the park.
Next we headed up to Piccadilly Circus. This area is in the center of their theather district. It is done up very similarly to Time Square. I wonder which was completed first?
We ended up our day seeing Trafalgar Square. This area was created for Lord Nelson after the Battle of Trafalgar. It has tons of fountains and sculptures, which is always neat for me to see.
The next day we made a trip out to see the Wimbledon. We got off at the wrong tube stop and had to take the long way around the park. However, it was beautiful and almost smelled like you were walking through a garden because of all the flowers blooming along side the road. We were hoping to get in and take a look at the museum which is generally open to the public. However, since they were running their main event, it was closed :( Kinda a bummer after the long tube ride and walk we had. Luckily, they were selling souvieners outside and I was able to purchase a neat tennis shirt for Denise.
We hoped back on the tube and went to the Marble Arch. This is inspired by the great arches in other cities, such as Rome and Paris. When you look through the pictures, this is where the pigeon proofing one was taken. Speaking of pigeons, London has more than you could ever need/want in one location. When Mary Poppins sang about feeding the birds, she had no idea what a horrid idea that would be. Next, we headed into Hyde Park. We stopped and had lunch from one of the booth vendors that have control of the park.
Next we headed up to Piccadilly Circus. This area is in the center of their theather district. It is done up very similarly to Time Square. I wonder which was completed first?
We ended up our day seeing Trafalgar Square. This area was created for Lord Nelson after the Battle of Trafalgar. It has tons of fountains and sculptures, which is always neat for me to see.
Rome--Day 4
Our final day in Rome, we just took it pretty easy. We met for breakfast at 9:30 and then checked out. We left our bags with the hotel and we went out exploring. I had spotted a "Every thing's a Euro" store and we went down to see what type of things that they would have in their dollar store. Unfortunately they didn't open until 16:00. By the way, everything in Europe is noted with military time.
We then walked up to Villa Borghese. On the way up the steps, I noticed an exhibition to see Da Vinci's inventions in motion. Villa Borghese is a huge park area. From the top of the steps, there was another breath taking view of the city. There were several kiddy rides and places to have fun with the entire family. We decide we would walk to the Borguesse home. We had some good debates on the way there. But of course, that happens when you put three intelligent, opinionated people together :) When we finally arrived at the home, we saw you had to pay an admission fee. We decided we would much rather see the Da Vinci expo instead.
On my way back down the steps, which was soft and worn with age, I learned the valuable lesson that one should not talk and have heated discussion. To into my point, I missed the step and fell down three or four of them. Luckily, not much was hurt besides a few scrapes and my pride. I checked for signs of distress to my little one and have did not notice anything.
Inside the expo was wonderful. He was such a great thinker. It was amazing to see how many of his ideas are still put into use today. It was obvious that Leonardo was passionate about flying.
We spent our remain time, eating some yummy gelato (I got pineapple this time. I think there were even fresh chunks in it), taking pictures of the side streets, and just hanging out. Our ride back was speedy, but not as nearly dangerous as the first. We were waiting for our plane to board and it ended up boarding about 30 minutes late. Then our plane turned its engines off because "Brussels" was giving British Airways a hard time about air space restrictions. Finally, an hour after boarding the plane, we took off. We took the Gatwick Express home. That isn't going to be a fun trip, but it will be worth the cost savings. Luckily, Andrea will get me half way there.
Well that's it from Rome. Look for more on my exciting London trip!
We then walked up to Villa Borghese. On the way up the steps, I noticed an exhibition to see Da Vinci's inventions in motion. Villa Borghese is a huge park area. From the top of the steps, there was another breath taking view of the city. There were several kiddy rides and places to have fun with the entire family. We decide we would walk to the Borguesse home. We had some good debates on the way there. But of course, that happens when you put three intelligent, opinionated people together :) When we finally arrived at the home, we saw you had to pay an admission fee. We decided we would much rather see the Da Vinci expo instead.
On my way back down the steps, which was soft and worn with age, I learned the valuable lesson that one should not talk and have heated discussion. To into my point, I missed the step and fell down three or four of them. Luckily, not much was hurt besides a few scrapes and my pride. I checked for signs of distress to my little one and have did not notice anything.
Inside the expo was wonderful. He was such a great thinker. It was amazing to see how many of his ideas are still put into use today. It was obvious that Leonardo was passionate about flying.
We spent our remain time, eating some yummy gelato (I got pineapple this time. I think there were even fresh chunks in it), taking pictures of the side streets, and just hanging out. Our ride back was speedy, but not as nearly dangerous as the first. We were waiting for our plane to board and it ended up boarding about 30 minutes late. Then our plane turned its engines off because "Brussels" was giving British Airways a hard time about air space restrictions. Finally, an hour after boarding the plane, we took off. We took the Gatwick Express home. That isn't going to be a fun trip, but it will be worth the cost savings. Luckily, Andrea will get me half way there.
Well that's it from Rome. Look for more on my exciting London trip!
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
View Web Albums
When you see a picture above a blog I've written, it means that you can click on it and see a wide variety of photos that Andrea has posted for your viewing enjoyment. I did add some above Rome--Day 1. I will be posting more pics tomorrow as well, above Rome--Day 2.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)