Hey everyone,
The last few weeks have been so busy both David and I have barely had time to sleep, more or less blog post, so here it is. Baby Carpenter is still doing well. I'm officially 10 weeks away from my due date and HUGE! We go for our (probably last) ultrasound tomorrow to see if his little cyst is gone. The doctor assures us that if it still isn't, it'll be okay. We went to childbirth class this weekend and it was pretty intense. After much consideration and debate, I've decided to go ahead and have an epidural. I admire everyone who doesn't, but it's a personal choice and one that apparently 98% of patients and Woman's hospital in Baton Rouge choose. I also have a feeling this little (big?) guy is coming early as I appear to be nine months pregnant, get Braxton Hicks at least 4 times a day, and have a family history of early babies. So let's cross our fingers for 8 weeks, shall we.
David is officially done with his MFA thesis. It was a roaring success. I'm really proud of him (and us). Three years is a long time to be in school full time, but it's paid off. He is currently applying for jobs in the Baton Rouge area, and a couple look promising.
As many of you know, we are developing a long term plan to eventually move back to Little Rock. With the baby due in August and my health insurance and maternity benefits, moving this year isn't really an option. Depending on a lot of factors we will be moving as early as December and as late as May/June. This time next year, we should at least be packed and ready to go back home. We've been here awhile and really want to be closer to family.
My students finished school on Thursday, but I"m still at work for most of this week. In Louisiana, to go on past the 4th grade, you have to pass a state test called the Leap. The scores range from unsatisfactory, approaching basic, basic, mastery and advanced. You have to have at least an approaching basic and a basic in math and ELA to pass. Last year I had a self-contained special education student pass with basic ELA and basic Math. This year I had a self-contained special education student pass with Mastery ELA, Basic Math (and basic science and social studies I might add). Also, many of my students received approaching basic on the test. I couldn't be prouder of my kids. Most of them come to me at least 3 grade levels below, and for them to do so well is almost unheard of. There are days where I feel like I"m not sure if I'm making a difference, but I can legitimately say I feel proud of myself as well.
Next weekend we are packing up the truck with David's art work because he has a show in Little rock the first week of June. We are also spending memorial day weekend in Little Rock and attending a baby shower hosted by Katie, Elizabeth and Christy. I can't wait. Here are some pictures of the last few weeks.
