Pledge to Turn-off

As a family, we are trying to be greener and more self-sufficient. It began with reusable grocery bags, then switching to an electricity company that uses all renewable energy sources (Green Mountain Energy), and starting to recycle. Aaron takes the bus to work and we are always looking for ways to conserve (including money). So, we are planning to be a part of this year's Earth Hour: one hour when the whole world plans on turning everything off, especially lights. I heard that for this year's Earth Hour even Broadway and the Las Vegas strip are planning to go dark. The city of Houston is also planning to be a part of this. I think this is an awesome idea, a great way to do something for the planet and to show where we stand. Learn more from the website: www.earthhourus.org and check out the funny videos at www.earthhourus.org/psa. I used the web site's email generator to email all of my elected officials. Most of them replied with a generic email thanking me for the concern and letting me know their position on the environment. I was very upset with one particular senator that told me that she was not yet convinced that human behavior was having an effect on the environment and climate. Are you kidding me?!!! It is our responsibility to care for the Earth. Do you think it's natural to have dying species and smog-filled cities. I don't think so. Sorry, I'll step down off my soapbox now...Come join us for Earth Hour!

It's a GIRL!

We went to the doctor today to find out the sex of the baby. I thought for sure that we were probably having another boy, for a number of reasons: Josh is extremely whiny and clingy, the pregnancy has been fairly similar to the others (except for being more tired), the baby is carrying kind of low, plus I just felt like it was another boy. However, everyone else was determined that it was little girl. Well, Aaron and the boys came with me to the appointment to find out. The ultrasound must have taken at least 20 minutes. The tech pushed this way and that. I rolled over this way and that, and we weren't sure we would be able to find out (the baby had her legs crossed and folded). After turning and holding my breath just so, we were able to get some evidence of a ...GIRL. The tech pointed out some body parts and declared it to be a girl. She wasn't 100% sure because we couldn't get a good clear view, but there was definitely no evidence of boy parts. So, we're having a girl!
We went immediately to Wal-Mart and bought some cute baby girl clothes. I wish the digital camera was working so that I could post the pictures. We each picked one outfit. Aaron picked a pink onesie that says "Daddy is my hero." Josh picked a pink camo onesie that says "Major Cutie." Seth picked a white onesie with a pink/white striped jumper dress with black and white polka dot trim and accents. Totally cute. Finally, I picked a cute hot pink dress with white ribbon trim and bow and white embroidered flowers all over. If you can't tell we are excited. Earlier this morning, Joshua was looking at a book and was pointing out the people. It went something like this, "boy, boy, sister, boy, sister, sister, boy..." and so on. I thought it was so cute that he was saying that all the girls were "sisters." I think the boys will really enjoy finally having a little sister.