Pregnancy Update

I went into my OB doctor appointment today for my 34 week follow-up! After waiting 1 hour and 15 minutes past my appointment time (don't you love the unpredictability of OB's?)---we were finally seen. Everything is looking good...baby is still measuring a little big, and my doctor honestly thinks we will have this baby before the end of October. Of course, we are just taking things one-day-at-a-time around here! I am carrying this baby low and have been experiencing horrible back pains and aches; but other than that, I am feeling great! I am still exercising, especially with the cooler weather we have been having---going for walks in the evening have been really nice! My next appointment is in 2 weeks, and my doctor will begin to check me for any signs of labor progression. I will keep you updated! We are definitely getting excited about the arrival of "Logan Rees Hood"!!

Aftermath of Hurricane Ike...

My sister Kara and her husband Paul, were finally able to make the trip to Galveston to see their home and the damage sustained by Hurricane Ike. Upon first arrival, their home truly looked like it survived without major damages. However, upon inspection, it was quickly noted that their home did take a direct hit from the storm, and they did have significant damage to a lot of personal property. They endured approximately 6 feet of water in their garage (entire 1st floor of their home) from the surge of the storm; lost a lot of personal property in the garage (lawn mower, weed eater, bikes, barbeque/smoker, hot water heater, etc...and a lot more!); lost all landscaping, trees, grass, etc. They spent all day Saturday throwing ruined personal belongings out to the street, and attempting to clean what was left. They still have no electricity, gas, or potable water---or jobs in Galveston for that matter! So after a long day of work, they headed back inland. Paul has been relocated to San Antonio to continue his residency training in anethesia until UTMB opens back up. Here are some pictures of their home... Paul and Kara have been able to find a little humor in this tragedy...
Can clearly see the water level line on this wall...approximately 6 feet! Ruined personal property...
Notice all the toxic mud and debris on the floor...this was everywhere...on everything!
Paul sweeping out some of the toxic mud.
Kara, taking a break...notice the flood boots...and mask they had to wear!

Upon first arival...looks pretty good. The second story of their home, the living quarters, was clean and had no damage. And without heavy inspection, the roof looked good too.
Dead landscape.
More ruined personal property...scattered everywhere.
Ruined bathroom...
Two huge fallen trees...somehow missed falling on their gazebo.

Kara and Paul were very lucky, compared to some of the damages their neighbors endured. Kara and Paul's home is only one of 3 on their block that had elevated living quarters. The water came within inches of their 2nd story living floors. They commented that the island truly looked like a "war zone". We are all so thankful that they evacuated safely, because no matter what they lost of personal property, their lives are the most important!

Sick Again...

Most of you know that Ben has an immune disorder, and that he gets treated for it about every 6-8 weeks in the hospital. For the past year, he has been doing so good---no illnesses! However, this past week, what started out to be allergies (they are bad right now with ragweed starting up)---has turned into an ear infection and sinus infection. Ugh. So he is back on antibiotics for the next 10 days. And you know this had to happen while I am playing "single mom" this week; Randy is Portland, Oregon for the entire week for new accounting software training. Hopefully the antibiotic the doctor prescribed will work and he will begin to feel better very soon!

Summer 2008: Playing with Jack and Becca!

Ben had the chance to play with Jack and Becca a couple of times this summer. These pictures are from a visit when Jack and Becca came down to San Antonio for a night, before they headed to Port O' Connor with Mimi and Gran. The 3 kiddos had a great time: played at a park, made cookies with Mimi, went swimming, and had a "camp out" for bedtime! They all play together really well...The 3 Amigos after swimming!
Becca, Mimi, Jack, Ben, Randy and Gran---having fun in the pool!

Ben and Gran swimming!

Jack poses for his pictures!

Becca and Mimi having fun in the sun!

And here's the tent for their "camp out"at the end of the day...3 very tired Amigos!

Summer 2008: Galveston Beach

We took a trip to Galveston to visit Ben's "Aunt Kara" and "Uncle Paul". Obviously we played on the beach a lot and hung out at their cute, historic home on the island! It was hard to get Ben off the beach for lunch, let alone for nap time! He still asks to go back to "Aunt Kara's beach"---unfortunately, due to Hurricane Ike, that won't happen for a long time... Here's Ben and Randy starting to build their first sand castle!
Collecting shells to decorate the sand castle.

Aunt Kara getting ready to fly this HUGE kite!

More sand castle building---this was Ben's favorite thing---surprisingly, he enjoyed the sand more than the water! Ben is our little "fish"; he loves to swim---but he actually had to be coaxed into the surf to play in the waves!

Summer 2008: Fishing at POC

One of Ben's favorite things to do is to go fishing with Daddy and Gran. He had a lot of opportunities to fish this summer at Port O' Connor... and Ben caught his 1st fish! It was a 14 inch Redfish---on a "Lightning McQueen" Zebco rod and reel! I don't know who was more proud...Ben or Daddy!Here's Ben blowing a kiss to his fishy.
Ben saying "hi fishy" after the Big Catch!

Summer 2008: Sea World

Our summer mainly consisted of hanging out with friends and family---whether it was at Sea World with the Crippen family, at Port O'Connor with Mimi and Gran, or playing at the beach with the Fords---the Hood family had an overall great summer!

Here are some pictures highlighting our adventures! Randy and Ben at the Shamu show---Ben really loved Shamu!

Ben Hood, Jordan and Christian Crippen---at Sea World!