Usually, I reserve this blog for cute pictures of our baby and updates with what's going on with us, but, I wanted to forward this on to whoever may read it. This is an interesting email that I got from a friend that presents a basic run-down of Palin's policy and "experience." If nothing else, skip down to the bottom and read the quotes from people who ACTUALLY live in Alaska and are familiar with Palin. As a woman, I am insulted by this choice, and you should be too.
Yesterday was John McCain's 72nd birthday. If elected, he'd be the oldest president ever inaugurated. And after months of slamming Barack Obama for "inexperience," here's who John McCain has chosen to be one heartbeat away from the presidency: a right-wing religious conservative with no foreign policy experience, who until recently was mayor of a town of 9,000 people.
Huh?
Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:
* She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago. Her previous office was mayor of Wasilla, a small town outside Anchorage. She has no foreign policy experience.1
* Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest.2
* She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000. 3
* Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.4
* She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.5
* She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy. She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species—she was worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska.6
* How closely did John McCain vet this choice? He met Sarah Palin once at a meeting. They spoke a second time, last Sunday, when he called her about being vice-president. Then he offered her the position.7
This is information the American people need to see. Please take a moment to forward this email to your friends and family.
We also asked Alaska MoveOn members what the rest of us should know about their governor. The response was striking. Here's a sample:
She is really just a mayor from a small town outside Anchorage who has been a governor for only 1.5 years, and has ZERO national and international experience. I shudder to think that she could be the person taking that 3AM call on the White House hotline, and the one who could potentially be charged with leading the US in the volatile international scene that exists today. —Rose M., Fairbanks, AK
She is VERY, VERY conservative, and far from perfect. She's a hunter and fisherwoman, but votes against the environment again and again. She ran on ethics reform, but is currently under investigation for several charges involving hiring and firing of state officials. She has NO experience beyond Alaska. —Christine B., Denali Park, AK
As an Alaskan and a feminist, I am beyond words at this announcement. Palin is not a feminist, and she is not the reformer she claims to be. —Karen L., Anchorage, AK
Alaskans, collectively, are just as stunned as the rest of the nation. She is doing well running our State, but is totally inexperienced on the national level, and very much unequipped to run the nation, if it came to that. She is as far right as one can get, which has already been communicated on the news. In our office of thirty employees (dems, republicans, and nonpartisans), not one person feels she is ready for the V.P. position.—Sherry C., Anchorage, AK
She's vehemently anti-choice and doesn't care about protecting our natural resources, even though she has worked as a fisherman. McCain chose her to pick up the Hillary voters, but Palin is no Hillary. —Marina L., Juneau, AK
I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A Woman" in that position.—Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK
So Governor Palin is a staunch anti-choice religious conservative. She's a global warming denier who shares John McCain's commitment to Big Oil. And she's dramatically inexperienced.
In picking Sarah Palin, John McCain has made the religious right very happy. And he's made a very dangerous decision for our country.
In the next few days, many Americans will be wondering what McCain's vice-presidential choice means. Please pass this information along to your friends and family.
Thanks for all you do.
–Ilyse, Noah, Justin, Karin and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Sarah Palin," Wikipedia, Accessed August 29, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin
2. "McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate," NARAL Pro-Choice America, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17515&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=1
3. "Sarah Palin, Buchananite," The Nation, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17736&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=2
4. "'Creation science' enters the race," Anchorage Daily News, October 27, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17737&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=3
5. "Palin buys climate denial PR spin—ignores science," Huffington Post, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17517&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=4
6. "McCain VP Pick Completes Shift to Bush Energy Policy," Sierra Club, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17518&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=5
"Choice of Palin Promises Failed Energy Policies of the Past," League of Conservation Voters, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17519&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=6
"Protecting polar bears gets in way of drilling for oil, says governor," The Times of London, May 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17520&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=7
7 "McCain met Palin once before yesterday," MSNBC, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=21119&id=13661-10229154-zOASDNx&t=8
6 months old!
WELL...our little bug is 6 months old now! She is a whopping 16 lbs. 6 ounces and almost 27 inches long! She's growing and changing every day; more and more it seems lately. She is "singing," zirberting, and making word noises...any day now she'll be giving us all our marching orders! She is dying to crawl and is no longer dragging her tummy on the floor. She has this move that we call "the polar bear" where she gets on all fours on my/j's chest and then pounces us (like polar bears do when they try to break the ice). It's pretty much the funniest thing ever. She is enjoying her books and settling into a night time routine, tho we wish we could get past the one time she wakes up in the night.
A cute story for ya: when we were at the doctor's office for her check up, the doctor had given her an exam and was about to leave the room. He shook J's hand, and then mine and then Scout (mocking our behavior) stuck her right hand up for the doctor to shake. He was floored, and we all burst out laughing. He shook her hand and she thought it was hilarious. So watch what you do....because SHE is! :D
Scooty's 3 month picture preview.
So you all remember about four months ago when Scout had her first pictures taken by Britt Oliver, right? Well, here's the sneak preview of photos from her 3 month session. Man, am I glad we booked these photo sessions!
Britt did exactly what I've wanted for this photo session, and I didn't even have to tell her! As a mom...you do all these "everyday" things that are really the best moments you have with your lil' one....and you want to hold on to that...these pics have really captured that feeling... especially in the details....I mean...you have no idea the amount of HOURS we spend just looking at her eyelashes, her mouth, her ears, her hair, her fingers and toes.
It's like she said, we are so in love with our little girl and everything she does! She really captured our hearts with these pics. So without further ado, check out the preview here:
http://blouisephotography.wordpress.com/
Britt did exactly what I've wanted for this photo session, and I didn't even have to tell her! As a mom...you do all these "everyday" things that are really the best moments you have with your lil' one....and you want to hold on to that...these pics have really captured that feeling... especially in the details....I mean...you have no idea the amount of HOURS we spend just looking at her eyelashes, her mouth, her ears, her hair, her fingers and toes.
It's like she said, we are so in love with our little girl and everything she does! She really captured our hearts with these pics. So without further ado, check out the preview here:
http://blouisephotography.wordpress.com/
We welcome a Potter to the family...in Amish Country!
We welcomed our new sister-in-law officially into the family this past weekend. Amanda and Dustin are finally married (out loud)! It was a beautiful weekend and a beautiful wedding! Everything was absolutely perfect, from the weather to the dress, to the cakes and the party! Not to mention the food...oh goodness! We will definitely be visiting our new family in the future!
Here's a few pics all loaded up on Picasa.
Here's a few pics all loaded up on Picasa.
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| From potter/laycoc... |
Entering her 12th week...
Scout has had a tremendous second month! She's advancing at an ever-increasing speed! We can't believe how big she is getting already...it's so amazing to see the little ways in which she grows and changes. It may seem small to others, but to us...it's an amazing fete when she reaches for her reflection in the mirror, coos at us in the early morning, and laughs at us during playtime. Here are a few new pics: We celebrated our first Mother's Day with an afternoon of gardening and napping. It was the most special day I've experienced yet as a new mom. Also, there's a picture of our little Scout in her first aTm memorabilia. :D Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2030! Whoop!
She's growing!
What she's been up to lately:
1. Tummy time
2. Holding her head up nicely
3. shedding hair (looking like she's developed some male pattern baldness!!)
4. Successfully endured her first round of shots
5. going on walks in her stroller, enjoying the outdoors!
6. went to her 1st restaurant
7. smiling, cooing and "talking"
8. staying awake a lot more during the day
9. developing a schedule...sleeping 5 hrs at night
10. growing! 10 lbs 10 oz, 22.5 inches long
Beautiful Baby Girl!
So, a good friend of mine from college (Mrs. Brittani Oliver) is beginning a new hobby/career (?) of infant portraiture and I begged her to come and take pictures of our little one. Here are the GORGEOUS results from a very fun newborn photo shoot. The pics were taken on 3-1-08 and Scout was a mere ten days old! If you are interested in booking Britt for your own photos, you'd better act fast! I have a feeling this girl is going to be VERY busy in the very near future! Congrats Brittani on this exciting venture and THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! These pictures will be cherished for a lifetime!
http://www.coreyoliver.com/blouise/scoutnewborn/
Enjoy!
http://www.coreyoliver.com/blouise/scoutnewborn/
Enjoy!
T-minus 7 days!
Well...we've almost made it! Our due date is pending and I don't think we could be more anxious! It's pretty ridiculous. We've been having some sleepless nights, contractions (both painful and non), and are officially dilated 2.5 cm (Too much info?)! It is amazing to feel such a calmness and easiness about everything. Everyone keeps asking "are you scared? are you nervous?" and I'm really not. I think it's because I know that we have a FABULOUS, TREMENDOUS, AWESOME support system. Starting with J, I know he is going to be the greatest labor partner and parent EVER. Then, of course, our amazing family and friends...some of whom might beat us to the hospital! haha. We are so glad that this pregnancy is coming to an end and that our new family is about to get its start...and feel so blessed that everyone around us is just as excited as we are! We love you all, and can't wait to introduce our littel one to you guys!
Baby showers!
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| From Pregnant! |
We had a shower this past weekend here in Austin for Baby H. There were fun times had by all, great food, cute cupcakes and awesome memories made! Here are a few pics...I wish we'd taken more pics with guests. We are to have another shower next week with the lovely people from Expert Village. I can't wait to see people I haven't seen in a LONG time and meet a few of Jay's coworkers that I haven't met yet! I'll post cute pics of her room once it's allllll set up!
4 weeks and counting!
WELL...we went to the doctor this week for our bi-weekly check up. Baby is doing well...she's growing and right on schedule. She's measuring at 34 weeks and her heartbeat is at 140bpm. We'd lost a pound, but have no fear...I'm sure we'll find it somewhere! Haha! The past two weeks/month have been committed to organizing, cleaning and getting ready for our little one. Mom came into town right after Christmas and helped us a lot with the nursery. We've painted her room "princess pink" with a soft green vine painted all around the top of the room. Shortly after that, her furniture was delivered and set up. It's adorable and very sturdy! We are sure to have this stuff for years and years. Then! Our baby shower is going to be tomorrow! We've had gifts already delivered to the house (the car seat and stroller, etc) and can't wait to see her room after it's all set up. Here's a pic!
The thing that's amazing to me is the outpouring from friends and family all around! The amount of clothes this child ALREADY has! You just wouldn't believe it!! I have made the comment that we are going to have to change her clothes every hour on the hour for the first 9 months of life! So, I just wanted to say thank you to all the friends/family who've handed down their hand-me-downs, heirloom items and brand new stuff too!
Now I know what those professional boxers feel like...
I made it to my next weight class! I gained five pounds! Wahoo!
We had our 2 wk check-up today and everything looks great. The nurse actually did a double take and then had to check our file to make sure I was the right person. haha! She couldn't believe how pregnant I look all of a sudden! Haha! I tried to tell these people that I've been eating...but the proof was in the pudding today!
Baby H threw everyone for a loop today...she showed her first signs of stubbornness. While the doctor was trying to get a clear listen to Baby H's heartbeat, our little princess decided it was recess time! She wouldn't hold still and was too excited about something! The doctor did get a "muffled" listen to her heartbeat (but only after putting her hand on the top of my tummy to attempt to hold that little monkey still! And her heartbeat's at 140 bpm, which is great!
That's it for the "update." We go to the doctor again in two weeks...the day after Christmas!
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Baby H...the Third Trimester!
Hi everyone!
We are in our 29th week of pregnancy! Wahoo third trimester! We had a big baby week this week...two doctor's appointments...one with Dr. Sheppard (the sonogram specialist) and one with Dr. Briskey, our OB.
First off: Sonogram was great...our baby girl had quite a growth spurt since our last sonogram! Her size now is in the 44th percentile, making her completely average! :D But we all know she's much more than that! She's weighing 2 lbs 10 ounces and her amnio fluid is perfecto! Everything looked great, even though she didn't exactly love having her picture taken! haha! She was in the breech position...but we have nearly 3 months to turn that around...and in fact, today, our OB said that she was laying head down. As many somersaults as this child does....I was not surprised! We have pictures to post...but I forgot to scan them, so I'll do that when I get back from my mother/daughter trip next week.
Secondly: Our OB appointment was fine. We got our blood sugar results back and everything is normal...no gestational diabetes (hooray)! I don't know how it's possible, but I've lost a pound instead of gaining two (+) in the last two weeks...so, more, more, more protein (and desserts!)! Our doc gave me the green light for Christmas dinners and holiday pounds! Check the blog in a couple of days for some pics from our Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii and mine and mom's trip to NYC!
Hope you are all doing well and had a GREAT Thanksgiving!
Love,
The Hs
We are in our 29th week of pregnancy! Wahoo third trimester! We had a big baby week this week...two doctor's appointments...one with Dr. Sheppard (the sonogram specialist) and one with Dr. Briskey, our OB.
First off: Sonogram was great...our baby girl had quite a growth spurt since our last sonogram! Her size now is in the 44th percentile, making her completely average! :D But we all know she's much more than that! She's weighing 2 lbs 10 ounces and her amnio fluid is perfecto! Everything looked great, even though she didn't exactly love having her picture taken! haha! She was in the breech position...but we have nearly 3 months to turn that around...and in fact, today, our OB said that she was laying head down. As many somersaults as this child does....I was not surprised! We have pictures to post...but I forgot to scan them, so I'll do that when I get back from my mother/daughter trip next week.
Secondly: Our OB appointment was fine. We got our blood sugar results back and everything is normal...no gestational diabetes (hooray)! I don't know how it's possible, but I've lost a pound instead of gaining two (+) in the last two weeks...so, more, more, more protein (and desserts!)! Our doc gave me the green light for Christmas dinners and holiday pounds! Check the blog in a couple of days for some pics from our Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii and mine and mom's trip to NYC!
Hope you are all doing well and had a GREAT Thanksgiving!
Love,
The Hs
Dreams are funny when you’re pregnant....
Current mood: sleepy
SO...I've been having some strange dreams lately. And the one I had lastnight just makes me laugh....so I thought I'd share it with you all.
So, my parents, my brother, his fiance (Amanda) and I were driving down I35...headed towards downtown Austin. I don't know why J wasn't there. And, naturally, we had to share the road with commercial jets...b/c that's what happens in dreams. So, this plane in front of us speeds up and takes off...but instead of gradually climbing...it makes a 90 degree upward inclination and goes straight up in the air like a rocket after reaching maximum speed on the ground. Shortly after reaching 10,000 feet or so, it starts doing some animated back flips...it looked like it was going to crash. Amanda kept saying "I've never seen a plane take off like that before...that can't be good."
So then, the plane crashes...but it doesn't just crash, it flops over on it's back and "splashes" into some buildings like Shamu...three times before coming to it's final resting place. No one really gets hurt. Or if they do, it wasn't a focal point on my dream. EXCEPT....
We decided that it would be safer to pull over and go into a store...so we go into a Hastings that is (in my dream) at the floor level of a sky scraper. For some reason, people thought that I worked there and they keep trying to make me work, and I refuse. So we leave. Just as we leave, the building collapses.
As soon as we come out, there's this hotel called the Windsor...and it's on fire b/c it got hit by the plane. And who's at the top, but (naturally)....the Spice Girls. Amanda get's ridiculous and starts crying out "oh NO! They're going to die! Anybody but the Spice Girls!" (haha!!) Just like in the scene from Dumbo when the clowns are trying to rescue "the baby (Dumbo)" from the top of whatever was on fire...that's what it was like. But with the Spice Girls. Quite comical.
I think the lived. Or not. Who's to say?
So then we take off down this alley, trying to escape the pandalerium that is going on...and what do you know...we end up in The Labyrinth. The one with David Bowie (yikes). This is where I get a little frightened. So this random chick turns to me and says "hey, it must be really hard for a pregnant person to climb these stairs, huh?" To which I respond: "I'm not pregnant...I had the baby yesterday." Apparantly, the whole point to this is that we were trying to get home to the baby in time for a feeding...(I think that Babywise is getting to my head)...and J's on his way home to be with the baby. BUT...the baby is outside on my parent's back porch and can't get in until Jay gets home. And I'm all mad because mom and dad put the baby outside and think it's totally normal..."Don't worry, J will know what to do. blah blah blah..."
I'm telling you...my dreams have been very strange lately. But I loved this one just because of Amanda's desparation to save the Spice Girls! hehe!
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