New pictures!

Here are some new pictures of the little one. Unfortunately, the u/s machine at work isn't awesome, so the pictures are a bit grainy.

Face profile, see the lips and nose?

Foot

Arm and hand

In other news, there has been a swine flu outbreak at work. Awesome. A co-worker tested positive for H1N1 after coming to work sick two days in a row. We haven't received the vaccine (not that I was planning on getting it) so I'm on prophylactic Tamiflu.

Also, I've started telling people at work. An outbreak of a potentially lethal virus seemed like a good time to warn people that I was now in a high-risk group. :) People are taking it well and being very nice about it.

I'm trying to find someone to sew very basic baby bedding. I just can't handle the horrid stuff they sell at Babies R Us. It's hideous. I want a simple but nice pattern with coordinating colors - of course I'd like to be the one to pick those patterns/colors. Does anyone know how to sew?

Finally posting...

I've been meaning to post for weeks. I've been trying to think of a cute new blog title because I couldn't figure out how to remove the automatic import setting to Facebook. Not everyone needs to see my blog in their news feed, you know? I finally figured out how to fix the problem.

Anyway, I'm sure everyone reading this already knows the big news: I'm pregnant. We're due late April/early May. I'm not a fan of due dates. It's really a due month. If you already know my actual due date and can remember this far in advance: please, please don't call me every 12 minutes on my due date and the day after to find out if the baby is here. I've seen too many women feel rushed and like a failure if their baby is "overdue" - Thanks, but no thanks. I'll announce it via blog and Facebook the moment the little darling has arrived. Until then, only call if you have a reason. Otherwise you'll get a cranky, tired preggo explaining that no, the baby isn't here yet. Thanks for asking.

If you haven't gathered, pregnancy has only heightened my own worst character features. I'm snarkier, bolder, and less patient than usual. I'm sure you can gather how much fun this is for Carl. He's overjoyed. Last night I (apparently) attempted to whollop my husband in my sleep. Unfortunately (for me, not him) I happened to be facing the bedside table and punched it instead. My hand hurts and I have a lovely white crescent on my fingernail to document the injury. I suppose it's for the best...

To answer the burning questions:

• Yes, I really am pregnant.
• Yes, I'm still going to be a doctor.
• No, I'm not crazy.

Now that those are out of the way, let's move on to the more typical pregnancy related questions:

• I'm due the end of April.
• I feel great so far. No morning sickness - just general food aversion.
  
• I have gained -5lb. I say -5 because I've lost 5lb thanks to the aforementioned food aversion.
• I'm not showing yet (see photos). Anyone who claims that I am forgets that I started 15lb fluffier than normal and my stomach is just squishy. Yay.
• We will be finding out the gender. Despite previous statements, we actually don't have a preference in gender anymore. Boys are awesome, so are girls. We'd be happy with either as long as it's happy and alive. We will know the gender sometime after Thanksgiving, as long as the little squirt cooperates.
  
• We have names. They are not up for debate. I don't care if your childhood drug-addict neighbor had that name, you'll have to get used to it. Opinions are not welcome. (See, I told you I was snarkier than usual) - I apologize to all friends that previously received my unsolicited opinion on baby names. I get it now. Please forgive me.
  

If you have any others, please feel free to ask. I'll post them up here for all to see.

So, on to the pictures.

9 weeks

14 weeks

Our Love Story from AuroraC on Vimeo.

11.5 weeks

Arm and abdomen at 12 weeks

Face at 12 weeks (see the eyeball?!)

That's it for now... I'll update with some Halloween photos soon.

My adorable husband.

He looks hot in scrubs, don't you think?



Aurora

My first day

Today was my first day at a new job. In fact, my first job since graduating (other than babysitting). It took 15 resumes and 4 weeks, but I'm employed (I was actually offered several jobs, but chose this one). I'm a Medical Assistant at a gynecology and obstetrics practice, just like before. Except I take the bus. Carl drives me to work in the morning (on his way to school) and I take the bus home. So far, so good. I enjoy my co-workers, the doctors are nice, and I've been getting lots of support with the med school thing, which is nice for a change. So many doctors try to talk me out of it. Glad I don't have to work with a bunch that hate what they do for a living.

It's been a long time since I've posted. Since last time (a year ago), I learned to crochet and graduated from UC Davis. Exciting stuff, I know. The point is, now I'm back to work and crocheting, so you'll probably hear more from me. You know, if anyone actually reads this thing. Probably not.

Ok, Laura. Now I'm wasting my time, too.

1. What time is it? 10:19AM

2. Name as it appears on your birth certificate: Aurora Seaton

3. Nicknames: Then: Rory, MollyMoo, Mcgillicuddy, Red, Babycakes (Carl's nickname for me. Not sure why I let him call me that)

4. Parent's names: Pandora and Kent

5. Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? Figuratively, 21.

6. Date that you regularly blow them out: Late October

7. Pets: 2 greyhounds, a chihuahua and a husband. ;)

8. Height: 5'6"

9. Eye color: Blue

10. Hair Color: Strawberry Blonde/Red

11. Piercings: Ears only. I don't want to look like a pincushion

12. Tattoos: I'm thinking about one, but Carl nixed it.

13. Place of Work: Someone's home. I'm a nanny.

14. Birthplace: Southern Cal.

15. Hometown: Lakeport, California

16. Current Residence: Sausalito, California

17. Had the drink Calypso Breeze?: No.

18. Been in love before?: Of course.

19. Been to Africa?: Yes I have! Uganda, East Africa

20. Been toilet-papering (rolling)?: No. That's lame. Plus, I hate cleaning stuff like that up. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time! :)

21. Been drunk?: Very tipsy.

22. Been toilet-papered (rolled)? No. I'd like to have seen them try.

23. Loved somebody so much it made you cry? Yes, both romantically and not. Family is definitely worth crying over.

24. Been in a car crash?: Yes, three.

25. Croutons or Bacon Bits: Bacon bits (if they're not real) are GROSS. Croutons are kinda stale... I guess I'll go with croutons.

26. 2 doors or 4 (on a car): 4. I really can't stand 2 doors.

27. Sprite or 7 Up: Sprite.

28. Coffee or Coffee Ice cream: I can't decide. I'll echo Laura and say espresso over gelato.

29. Blanket or Stuffed Animal: Neither. I don't form attachments to inanimate objects.

30. Dumper or Dumpee : I've been both. Turned out okay, we're married now.

31. Salad Dressing: Parmesan Ranch from Trader Joe's. My classic favorite is Italian.

32. Color of socks: White.

33. Number: 7 is a good one.

34. Why?: I don't know. When I was a kid I assigned personalities to the numbers 0-9 and decided 7 was the most practical and interesting.

35. Place to be kissed?: Back of my neck.

36. Movie: Too many to decide from. Maybe "Twelve Angry Men" - the original with Henry Fonda.

37. Quote from a movie: Probably, "God help us; we're in the hands of engineers. " Dr. Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park.

38. Favorite Holiday: Christmas. I hope to be able to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas morning again through the eyes of my children.

39. Foods: Indian. Japanese. Pastries.

40. Day of the week: Right now I have no idea what day of the week it is. Most commonly I'd say my favorite day is Wednesday, though. After Wednesday, the week is almost over!

41. Song at the moment: Right now, "Far Away;" by Ingrid Michaelson

42. TV show: Grey's Anatomy and I Love Lucy. House is sneaking into my favorites, too.

44. Word or Phrase: "Oh, Dear!"

46. Toothpaste: Whatever Carl buys. I usually hate it for 2 weeks and then get used to it right as the tube is almost empty.

47. Restaurant: Lotus Indian Cuisine in San Rafael

48. Flower: Peonies, roses, daffodils. Lots of flowers.

49. Least Favorite Subject In school: Geography.

50. Alcoholic Drink: Piná Colada

51. Sport to Watch: Professional Cycling. It's the one Carl watches that I hate the least.

52. Type of Ice Cream: Häagen-Dazs chocolate or Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey

53. Zoo Exhibit: Tigers. They are so powerful. Inversely, penguins, because they seem to have little defense.

54. Sesame Street Character: I want Elmo to die. I like Bert and Ernie, though.

56. Fast Food Restaurant: In-N-Out, hands down.

57. Least favorite nickname: I don't allow people to call me stupid names.

58. Greatest memory: Watching Carl cry his eyes out when I walked down the aisle. That and my whole trip in Kauai. I think my proudest moment so far was overcoming fear and claustrophobia in the irrigation tunnels.

59. Future pet: A baby. ;)

60. What you wanted, but didn't get for Christmas: I didn't pine over anything, so I wasn't disappointed. Maybe a couch? But I got that later anyway.

61. If you had 48 hours to live, starting now, what would you do?: Hah. Cancel my MCAT test and go to Mendocino with Carl. It's sad, but I guess I don't have anything else to live for. I'd pray a lot and spend time writing to the world. Maybe I could write a best-selling book (like The Last Lecture) and leave Carl some money.

62. Favorite things: Kauai, Jazzy (my chihuahua), laughing with Carl, Pumpkin Pie.

63. Best aspect of your life: Being a Christian wife, a student.

64. Do you have anything you cling to from your childhood? The love of chickens.

65. Favorite jewelry: My rings.

66. Favorite word: preposterous!

67. Least favorite thing: Lack of communication.

68. If you could change something in the world: I'm with Laura on this one. Spiritual revival. I think many of our problems and superstitions (can anyone say Global Warming?) arise from a need for God.

69. Dark or light(your first reaction): Light.

70. Favorite CD of all time: I love all my CD's equally. ;)

71. Best dream: Flying

72. Favorite physical trait: My lips.

73. One thing you would change about yourself: My body shape. I wish I were slimmer and more streamlined.

74. Define, in your own words "time": A measure of the progression of life.

75. What book are you reading right now: The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat (It's about Penicillin) and Buried Alive.

76. What's on your mousepad: It's not even a mousepad. It's a piece of paper.

77. What's your fave board game: Does Taboo! count as a board game?

78. Favorite Magazine: Real Simple

79. Favorite Smell: Ripe Mango, clean ocean, fresh sheets, baking.

80. Favorite Sound: I actually like chimes quite a bit.

81. Worst feeling in the world: Guilt.

82. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Why am I so tired?!

83. Favorite roller coaster: There was a pretty cool one at Knott's Berry Farm. I can't remember what it's called.

84. How long does the phone ring before you get to it: however long it takes. \

85. Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate

86. Do you like to drive fast: No. I'm a relatively safe driver.

87. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: If Jazzy counts, then yes, whenever Carl will let me.

88. Storms--Cool or Scary: SO COOL!

89. What was your first type of car: 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible.

90. If you meet that one person, dead or alive, who would it be: Jesus

91. What would you ask him/her?: I'd just want to be held.

92. Favorite color: PURPLE

93. What is your zodiac sign: Libra, but what does that even mean?

94. If you could have any job you wanted, what would it be: Doctor!

95. If you could dye your hair any color: Redder.

96. Half empty or half full: I like to think half-full.

97. Lefty or Righty: Righty

98. Full Name: Aurora Cruz

99. Family stats: Married, no kids, too many dogs.

100. First job: child labor for my mom's business. I never actually got to cash my check!

101. Currently in CD player: CD's are so yesterday.

102. Most annoying habit: Nail biting.

103. What was in your bag the last time you left Target: I wish I went to Targét more often. It's been so long that I can't remember.

104. Best gross out story: Hiking for 10 miles in mud and pig manure then throwing up when I got home.

105. First album you remember buying: I don't remember. I remember my first favorite CD. It was a Jukebox mix of classics from the 50's. It was awesome.

106. Goofiest thing you believed as a child: That people couldn't see me if I couldn't see them.

107. Thing you can't do to save your life: clean my desk.

108. Best advice you've ever given: You'd have to ask someone else. I don't keep a notebook of my best sayings.

109. Worst trouble you got into as a child or teen: I got caught cheating on a 1st grade spelling test. That straightened me out.

110. Most incredible date: Oh jeez. I don't know.

111. Best way to make you laugh: I don't know this one, either.

112. If a movie were made of your life, who should play you? Lindsay Lohan. LOL. I'm kidding.

113. Best dish you can prepare? Dessert or Main course? Dessert. Probably my ginger-lemon cheesecake. I don't know. I love baking.

114. Pet peeves: When I'm being ignored.

115. Food you refuse to eat: Anything that smells rotten or fishy.

116. Most memorable concert experience: U2

117. Most prized possession: Jazzy.

118. Best gift received: Hmmm. Most practical: my Kitchen Aid. I love my engagement ring.

119. If you were an animal, what would you be? Tiger, for sure. I'd love to be queen of the jungle.

120. You've been made president of the United States for the day, what are you going to do? Drill for oil (good one, Laura), cap all malpractice settlements, stop overspending on stupid things, re-introduce prayer into schools.

121. Dream car: I'm happy with my cars.

122. If you could swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be? Some awesome surgeon.

123. Future plans: Baby, Graduation, apply to medical school, lose some weight.

124. Collections: I don't have time to collect anything.

125. Last video rented: I have no idea.

125. Movies that make you cry: The Notebook, The Passion of The Christ, Bambi

126. Best practical joke played on you: April Fool's Day 1998. My whole class (including my teacher) played an awful joke on me. They told me I was a disturbance to the class, was moved to the broken desk next to the teacher's desk, and got an F on my paper. I cried. I still have nightmares about it.

127. Vacation spot: Mendocino, Kauai, Downieville.

128. Bible character: Esther

129. Scripture: Books: I like a lot

130. Pizza: Endless Summer from Pizza Orgasmica

131. Hymn: Amazing Grace

132. Favorite City: SF

133. Breakfast cereal: Cheerios

134. Favorite drink? Perrier

135. What color is your bedroom's carpet?: light beige

136. What was the name of your childhood blanket? Again, I don't form attachments to inanimate objects.

137. How many times did you fail your Permit and/or Drivers License Test? None. I don't fail. ;)

138. What do you think of Ouija boards? Dangerous. I don't want Satanic forces moving my hands, thank you very much. Have you seen the Exorcist?

139. Where do you see yourself in 10 yrs? A few kids, finishing residency, wherever God leads me.

140. Who is the last person that you got mail from before this one? N/A

141. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No.

142. Which single store would you choose to max your credit card? Bad idea in this economy. If I got a FREE shopping spree at any store, I'd have to say CostCo. At least we'd have toilet paper for years...

143. What do you do most often when you are bored? Go online

144. What words or phrases do you overuse? I don't know!

145. Name the person that you are friends with that lives the farthest away? Chris and Angie in London

146. Most annoying thing is: Bad drivers.

147. Best thing: Hawaiian mangoes

148. Bedtime: around 10 or 11

WHAT KIND OF ___ DO YOU USE---
149. Deodorant: Secret something

150. Shampoo: Organic Chamomile Honey
151. Conditioner: same as above
152. Soap: Dr. Bronner's Peppermint

153. Shaving Cream: I don't have space for shaving cream in my shower.

154. Toothpaste: repeat.

155. Floss: Whatever Carl uses

156. Toilet paper: whatever is on sale.

157. Who will respond to this fastest? I have no idea

158. Who is the person you sent this to that is least likely to respond? ??

159. Who will definitely NOT respond: me

160. What time is it now? 11:56am

God Bless America!!

So, we had a fun Fourth! We enjoyed a BBQ with our church friends (Thanks to the Gillmers for hosting!) and I started a new tradition! The Flag Cake! I love it, it's so classic. It's an Ina Garten recipe, so of course it calls for 2 lbs of butter!! But it was amazing. I'm quite proud of the result.



Carl also had a blast with the kids.

After the BBQ, we went to the Sausalito Fireworks. The fireworks were lovely, but some as...*clears throat* gentleman in the crowd screamed a political endorsement during the show, and I almost lost it. I H-A-T-E election year. Four years ago I nearly lunged at a float in the Sausalito Fourth of July Parade because I beleive what they were saying could be considered treason. Carl had to grab me by the collar so I didn't give those rude, unpatriotic hippies a serious beat-down. I TOTALLY respect different opinions, I just believe that a "Marines are Baby-Killers" sign is wholly inappropriate at a parade celebrating our country's birth. Note the lack of "McCain 08" written on my cake above. Honestly, if a Reagan were running, I might be tempted. Alas, I choose the lesser liberal this election year rather than the consevative candidate. Where are you Fred?

Ziplining and Rope Swings

Some video from today. Visit http://picasaweb.google.com/CallMeDrCruz/Hawaii for pics. I update it daily.