Rosa Parks Sat...

...So Martin Luther could walk...so Barak Obama could run. (Jay-Z)

I'm so proud that my daughter will be born in the year we swear in our first African American President. The Future is upon us! I mourned Gore and Kerry but maybe it was all setting us up for this great moment.

Ok, I've been mostly keeping my direct political feelings out of this blog. I don't know why. It really isn't me to hold back! I guess it is because my family and friends read this. I don't know why but today something broke in me. I can't stay silent anymore. So, here goes.

If you claim to be a Democrat but you are voting for McCain you are a racist. You. Are. A. Racist. Don't get me wrong if you are a republican or you now agree with the republican platform then fine. If you believe in Regan era trickle-down economics, want to pay taxes on your healthcare, and watch troops die in Iraq for no reason, then fine - vote for McCain. But, don't tell me you are pro-choice, pro equal pay, an environmentalist, pro gay marriage, for middle class tax cuts and stopping companies for shipping jobs overseas and you are voting for McCain - actually go ahead and vote for him, but could you put on a pointy white hat - you are confusing me. Yes, I'm talking to you Mr. I-don't-like-people-from-Chicago and Mrs. He-wasn't-raised-in-America. Your lame attempts at convincing yourself it isn't because he's black are about as thin and limp as your pathetic excuse for a spine.

Now, I have friends who are Republicans (I'm working on their reform, wink, wink) and this does not apply to them. I don't agree with them but I respect their right to feel the way they do. This is different and I hope I've made that clear. I won't stay silent about it anymore. Racism is wrong and those of us who know it need to stand up and say "we won't take it anymore!" We won't stay silent.

Aellyn

Even though I *thought* I was making a name up from scratch.  There are several references to people named Aellyn.  

Here is a singer songwriter named Aellyn Vallis[

Aellyn Jandi is also a character in the Star Wars Universe.

I've read that it is a gaelic name meaning "from Ireland" and a variant of Helen from the greek meaning "ray of light"

I'm a Pretty Girl, Momma

I am just returning from speaking at a conference in NYC on Information Discovery.  It was really fun.  We stayed at the Yale Club of NYC.  Think lots of older white men being served by brown people.  It is crazy to me that there are still places in the US where this is still the norm.  I also got to see Gypsy on Broadway!  With Patti LuPone!  It was so fun.  Baby's first musical!  :)  If you are familiar with the show then my title makes sense to you.

Only 2 weeks until my baby shower.  I'm so excited about it.  DH bought pink Chuck Taylors for the event - so cute.  He also always gets me flowers when i return from travel but this time he got Aellyn a pink bunting suit.  Isn't he sweet?

Next wenesday we start our 3rd trimester!  It is just surreal to me how "routine" this pregnancy has become.  To think that a year ago we were tearfully praying about moving to donor sperm and lamenting the loss of biology for DH.  Now look at us!  I have a kicking baby girl growing inside me!  It is just amazingly humbling and beautiful.  What a blessing.

For my dad's birthday we bought him I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal.  If you haven't read this book run out and get it.  I cried my eyes out.  It was like it was written for me and my dad.  It is written by a grandpa waiting to meet his daughter's daughter when she is born and all the things he can't wait to show her and how he already loves her.

I Can't Wait...to enjoy autumn hikes

So I've been a terrible blogger lately. I'm going to blame it on this being my favorite time of the year. I love autumn. Right now we are just pre-peak - all the trees have their leaves and some are still green which makes a perfect contrast to the yellows and reds. It looks like the trees are on fire. I'm going to post pictures of our walk in Cuyahoga Falls National Park...um...soon...promise.

--edit--

Wow, was that a craptacular excuse for a blog post. Let me finish.

When I was a kid we would go hiking near our house (note to self: kids don't NEED Orlando - this was a vacation to me). Mom and Dad would have my sister and I run ahead to "scout" the trail. In hindsight this was probably their attempt to get some alone time or have that elusive marital thing called a "conversation." For us though it was great fun. We would run ahead until there was a bridge or other obstruction and then run back to Mom and Dad to warn them about it. Not only did we think what we were doing was greatly important but we were getting double the workout. I'm sure Mom and Dad loved how easily we slept after these hikes.

I still love to hike and I hope to help Aellyn love it too. Here are some pics from our hike the other day.

[caption id="attachment_188" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="CVNP - Cuyahoga River"]"][/caption]

Hello Baby!

Last night DH and I were lying in bed and Aellyn kicked me hard enough to startle me. It didn't hurt but it was just 10x harder than she normally kicks so it scared the crap out of me! I jumped and DH was like "what the heck?" I'm like "your daughter just belted me one!" LOL. I know this won't be so funny when it is in the ribs and hurts more as she gets bigger but for now it is soooo cool!

Want to laugh?  Check out this cool video originally posted by Wishing4One.

VOTE!

We interrupt this pregnancy to bring you an important announcement.



In Ohio you have until October 6th...that's next Monday. Don't wait. Do it now. Here.