Barson Family News

As most of you already know, we are expecting another baby in January '07. Yep, Sophia will be a big sister. I am approximately 20 weeks pregnant (out of 40 weeks). I guess we have kept a little quiet since I was also hired to be the full-time, tenure track Geology instructor at Spokane Falls Community College last month. I taught for them temporarily last Spring, went through the difficult hiring process, and was offered the position last month. John and I found out we were pregnant after I turned in my application but, before I interviewed. Many stressful discussions later, we still opted to continue trying for the job. Many things concerning the job are currently up in the air. I just told my boss at school and we are trying to work something out regarding the next year (especially winter quarter). The only certainty is that we are having a baby sometime around 1/6/07. Although somewhat stressful, we are excited about both bits of news.
I went in for an early ultrasound just after 16 weeks and took some photos. This photo shows a side profile of the baby. The head is on the right, the red/pink line follows the spine, and the green line follows the length of the legs with the knees bent.


This next photo is really neat because it shows a clear look at the face. You can see where the baby has brought a hand up to the right eye. The red/pink line shows 2 of the 4 chambers developing into the heart (we could see it beating). The green line shows the stomach already filled with fluid.

I have finally started to feel better. I've had fairly severe morning sickness from about 6 weeks to 17 weeks. Much longer than I experienced with Sophia. I have finally starting putting on weight (good for the baby, bad for my bum). Sophia still isn't too sure why we say there is a baby in my belly. When asked "where is the baby?" she replies by raising her hands and saying "ta-da!" (like it's her). I have felt the baby moving for a few weeks now, and just yesterday felt a kick from the outside. I really popped out early with this one. The baby measured a little bigger than Sophia did at 16 weeks. Should be interesting.

I will continue to keep you posted on the baby, house, and the new job. Theres so much going on its hard to manage the blog at times. Thanks to those of you who call me to check in...even though I haven't called you. It's not that I am ignoring you, there just needs to be a few more hours in the day.

House Update 2

Here is the progress on our house as of 8/6/06. Still two months out from completion. This is going to drive me crazy...the waiting...

Sophia and Travis

We traveled to Ephrata last weekend to visit friends. This is a photo of Sophia and her friend Travis. He is 19-20 months old (and has an older brother, Kyle). Sophia had a great time playing, and John and I enjoyed some adult conversation with Ross and Molly. Here Sophia and Travis were sharing dinner. They were really cute together.

Clifford and Cat in the Hat

The area just opened the first Babies R Us last weekend. Sophia and I met Gamma to do a little shopping. I buy a certain brand of shoes there because they make them wider (for Sophia's "Barson" feet ;)). We saw Clifford and Cat in the Hat, and she was really excited to talk to them. So, we waited, and waited to see them. Of course when we reached the characters Sophia was not at all interested in taking a picture with them. As you can see I picked her up and stood with her...as she cried. The second we walked away she was waving and talking to the characters as if they were friends. Too funny! I don't anticipate the visit with Santa to go well this year.

New Home

We are pleased to announce that we are in the long, detailed process of buying a house. The house is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in mid-October. The house is a split-level with 5 bedrooms (2 unfinished on the ground floor), 3 bathrooms, family room, and all the other usual stuff. We are pretty excited and visit the site at least once per week. It is located in a small developement with a lot of potential. There is a great park just .25 miles away and the area is opening a new elementary school in 2008. We'll keep you posted on the progress.
John and Sophia standing in front of the foundation on 7/27.

Just two days later on 7/29, we have walls...

Silverwood Idaho

It was 'Pepsi Day' at the Silverwood Amusement Park in northern Idaho (mid July). We got in for free and could drink all the Pepsi we wanted! We all had a great time. Silverwood is half an amusement park and half a water park. Sophia much preferred the water park. Me too since I wasn't allowed to ride any amusement rides.

Here is John and Sophia riding the antique cars. She wasn't too sure about it.

Now this is more like it. She loves playing in the water. We played here for the first part of the morning/afternoon.

Ahhhhh! It was over 100 degrees that day and the water felt great.

Here is a picture of Sophia and I with the giant kids play-area behind us. It was a little too wet and crazy for her. She mostly enjoyed the fountain and running in the shallows. I was slightly annoyed with several misbehaving hooligans who would drench me with the high-powered water cannons atop the 'water treehouse'. Needless to say that dirty looks from me only made them try harder!

We tried to plan wrapping up the waterpark right around the time she needed a nap. Amazingly, it worked perfect. John and I walked around sipping free, ice-cold Pepsi (Mug rootbeer for me) while Sophia napped.
After her nap we snacked, watched a magic show, and rode the carousel. She wore her 'puppy' (aka harness/leash), and did very well. We are walking back to the car here and of course she finds a mole hill to mess about in. Leave it to Sophia to find the dirt.

Parting shot of Sophia and puppy after a very busy, fun day at Silverwood. Thanks Pepsi! ;)

Tired Girl

A few weeks ago Sophia had been playing at Gamma's house pretty hard before she came in for some lunch. I was in the kitchen making her something when I got the "it's too quiet feeling," and came around the corner into the living room to see her passed out on her blankies. John and my mom were shopping at Home Depot so, I had to take a picture or else they would have never believed me. (Sophia rarely falls asleep without a good fuss)