Another new day and no new baby:) Fortunately, I slept well last night and Luke and Quinn had another evening of Star Wars bed bonding, which meant I had the big bed to myself. Last night we headed to the park and played a little baseball and then enjoyed the swings and park features. It is interesting for me to watch coaching in action, as Luke directs or redirects Quinn's stance and whatnot for baseball. The Target anecdote about picking his bat is also pretty funny, but we'll hope Luke holds on to that memory as its not my own to share. Quinn's preschool conference was yesterday and it looks like we need to focus on sorting and groups-- and perhaps encouraging Quinn to engage in more solo, direct play. It's pretty amazing to me how quickly a parent's mind goes to defending or justifying a child's development or intellect and I have to catch myself before I go off the deep end on either end. For example, when she says she's concerned that Quinn needs to be reminded of an activities purpose or exercise, do I take that as a processing or memory issue? A focus issue? Do I seek out additional resources for him? Or, do I consider on the other hand that his learning style may not be as suited to Montessori as some kids? Ah, the balance. I want Quinn to do well in life and have achievement and happiness. His teacher says he is a very happy child, very respective and takes direction well. He has a marvy little group of friends--- who sometimes like to band together and run around the room until stopped... How much should he be doing as a three year old and how much should we be doing at home? We're trying to ratchet down tv and game time and encourage outdoor activities and legos. He does great pretend play and can play independently well. At what point to I consider the skills he is working on and those that are on hold? At what point do I hold Luke and I more responsible for this or that skill? Ah, the mind game that is accountable parenting! I don't want to fail my children or for them to fail in life, though I know that both ideas are sort of gray areas.

Anywho, I was deeply frustrated with the nurse line last night because I just want to know when everything is going to happen and then plan from there, but my daughter to be is not on a schedule that I am privy to. SO, we'll head to our prenatal appt. this morning and take the non-stress test and then see from there. I am loath to go back to work now that I've left because it makes more sense for Windy to just gain her own personal momentum instead of me jumping back in and trying to create continuity again. Additionally, there's the Public Speaking licensure issue and I'd rather just be done with that and not stir any professional fires but trying to teach something I need a variance for. It would be nice to attend the shower on Saturday too, minus a child, but gracious sakes, will the contractions just remain?? The nurse was doing her best, I am sure, to be judicious and told me I could come in if I wanted to, but the absence of terrible back pain and the inconsistent timing of the contractions meant this was probably practice. Annoying, aggravating practice, I wanted to say, but practice. Plus, my mind is really centered on my current birth plan of keep Quinn and Luke as comfortable as possible. Imagining heading to the hospital in the middle of the night and having to make arrangements for Quinn's care and an alternative morning routine were upsetting to me. Alright, must get going so we can get Quinn off to school and Luke and I to the doctor.