The darndest things.

This has been a brutal week.
I worked last Saturday and Sunday, and am now on day 11 and am feeling run down.

In cool work news, I won an evidentiary argument in court today, after the judge ruled against me.  I suggested he was wrong on the law, and he allowed me to present some authority for it, and then he agreed, and reversed.  I know, it doesn't sound like a big deal, and, truthfully, it wasn't really.  It was great to have an open-minded judge who would admit he was wrong, but honestly, for me, it was a little bit of a big deal.  The law's a tough business.  I have many cases--each different--each with a client relying upon me for something simple like a traffic ticket, or trusting me to handle his or her divorce.  Even though I'm going to be *cough* 40 this year, I often feel like when I walk in to court, everyone there has years more experience than I do, and it can be intimidating.  You second guess yourself.  "Should I have made a different argument?  Should I have settled or went to trial?"  The "what ifs" keep me up at night.  But every once in a blue moon, when I've researched, and prepared, and practiced, I feel like the smart kid.  Like the teenage Bethany who was going to conquer the world.  This was that day, for just a few moments.  Those moments where your tummy smiles and you know you're on the right path.  I'm still second guessing myself on the rest, but this was just a teeny sparkly minute.

But Dad faithful readers, you aren't here because you care about my day!

A few funnies from Dani this week:

Tori was looking at a book with pictures of animals.  She is pointing to the duck and quacking, the monkey, etc., and making all the sounds while naming the animal.  She gets to the koala, and points and says "koala", but makes no sound.  I ask her what sound the koala makes and she shrugs.  So I turn to Dani and ask her whether she know what sound a koala makes.  Dani's reply, "Koalas don't make any noise Mommy, but they do like hugs."

While wearing a pair of jeans that were a bit snug in the thighs, "Daddy, these pants hurt my legs from walking."   It's always so interesting how they choose words to describe something that they don't know.

Girls' Night Out.

We had a special outing this week.  Big Man was going to receive an award from his police department for exceptional merit.  The girls and I got dressed up (little Tommy stayed home with a sitter) and headed to Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady for the big event--which would run well into bedtime.  Tori was very excited!

 We were able to snap a quick pic before Big Man was shuffled away.

Dani and Tori anxiously waited.  We sat as high up as we could, so we'd have a row to ourselves.  I brought drinks and snacks and toys.  As soon as the ceremony started, the questions started.  "Where's my daddy?  I don't see him.  Is he down there?"  A number of people were honored that evening, and the girls were thrilled to clap for everyone, in between the running in our row and playing.

They got to see their Daddy, in dress uniform, receive an award which to them was "for putting the bad guys in jail".

I got to see my husband, the playful and nurturing daddy by day, who never talks too much about work, but who I always knew was excellent at his craft, set yet another wonderful example for our children.

Ch-ch-ch changes.

Lots of changes here on the B front!

First and foremost, I left my job to start my own law practice! Its incredibly exciting, but also terrifying...walking away from the known and comfortable, a salary and set hours...to something that is very much all mine, to create and build and hopefully grow and succeed. The undertaking has been tremendous, finding space, buying equipment, crunching numbers, making budgets and plans, but I'm up and running!

Dani and her little friend Mary, on a play date yesterday.

I'm blessed to have such an extremely supportive husband, family, friends and colleagues. Big Man has, as always, been nothing short of wonderful. From agreeing to take on even more of his already yeoman's share of things, by being the sole steady breadwinner (and probably having to work some OT), to bringing me coffee, breakfast and flowers this morning on his way home from work, he just rocks.

The new baby is starting to make her presence known--last night, Big Man could feel her kick with his hands on my belly. Dani even seems to be aware of her presence, which sounds crazy since she's so young, but I really believe she knows. I can ask her where the baby is, and she will lift my shirt, pat my belly and put her head on my belly. It's adorable--and she seems to want to always touch and pat my belly, so cute! She's really starting to communicate better, and is just so much fun.

All is well. I'll try to do better about the posting frequency (sorry Dad!). And, while I'm speaking of my most consistent reader, a big ol' happy birthday to my Dad, who turned 65 yesterday!

Busy week ahead.

Life's been rough. As you can see there's no stove in my kitchen, so I've been unable to cook and we've had to order out. :) New stove should be delivered tomorrow.As always, Dani's always smiling for Daddy! As for me:

I have to take testimony from witnesses in 3 different cases this week. All and all it should be prosecuting or defending about 8 depositions. This will involve regional travel on Monday and Friday, and lots of time and preparation. I don't have much deposition experience, and am a little nervous, particularly because I can't really get any work done until Big Man wakes up and takes over, or until Dani sleeps, which does not seem likely at the moment. But she's smiley and happy and just so darn cute!

I've been digging out all the stuff we got when she was tiny, or before she was born and it's like getting presents all over again! Here's two "new" rattles that just got unearthed! And, because mommy's in charge, crazy baby hair!

Interviewing is hard!

I have spent two days interviewing legal assistants/office managers, and damn it's tiring! Each day I have had at least 4 interviews, and by the 3rd one, I can't remember if I have already asked certain questions because they all run together. Not fun.

My friend L is temping for us until we have someone new--today was her first day. It was great to see her, and ultimately to help her family out with some extra holiday cash, and to help her begin a transition into the workforce after about 7 years as a stay at home mom.

Our friend Bill has been like baby Santa Claus this week. He sent us an awesome Pack n Play, and a CHICAGO BEARS cribmobile, which are awesome! Me and Big Man just got his thank you note in the mail, and when I get home tonight there's another big Target box waiting for us with yet more baby goodies--a vibrating baby chair and a really neat mirror! What a nice surprise, and what a generous friend. Thanks Uncle Bill!

Other than that, I'm getting huuuuuuuuuuge. Pics to follow.

Baby doc appt next week where we get the final ultrasound. As I sorted baby clothes this weekend, I remarked to BigMan that we were fu&*ed if it's a boy as we have mostly non-neutral girl clothes. Being the progressive dude he is, Big Man said that it's okay if boy babies wear pink onesies! He rocks!

We've been picking up baby stuff too. Our friends Darren and Ann gave us the dresser/changing table they used for their kids, so I went out and got all the accessories for it this weekend. I love going to Target for baby stuff but it's SO easy to spend a bundle! I picked up bottles, and a sterilizer and a whole bunch of handy stuff.

The baby's room is actually starting to come together.