It’s been one of those months where, with school and a myriad of other deadlines to meet, I have probably about 3 different things I can throw up here and write about, but I just get caught up in execution with seemingly little time to reflect.

You ever go tubing where you’re hanging on for dear life on a raft that’s tied to a evading speedboat?  Well, that about sums up Grad School for me right now.  I’m counting my blessings that Pam decided not to pop while I was taking my 5-hour timed mid-term final a few nights ago.  The whole new assignment thing, along with moving, is even more thrown onto my plate.

The nice thing about Thanksgiving is that it’s a time for family and reflection… to gorge yourself and think about what you’re thankful for (while watching college football).  I’m definitely thankful for my parents coming into town.

The main reason they’re out is because I go on a TDY on Tuesday for 3 days (centrifuge… yay.)  That TDY also brackets Pam’s due date for kid #2.  Unfortunately, there was no other available time I could schedule it; that date is a “do or die” date as far as me flying and taking the next long awaited step in my military career.  My parents agreed to come out and help: should Pam give birth while I’m gone, my Mom will be there as her labor coach while my Dad holds the fort down and entertains Brenden.  After all, I couldn’t have Brenden in the delivery room; that would scar the poor kid for life (at least, if he can remember back to when he was 1½).  For now, him thinking the stork brought home his sister is good enough.

The bonus was having my parents around for Thanksgiving and celebrating it as a family holiday.  Both my Mom and Dad helped out slaved in the kitchen, prepping the food to give us a good traditional smattering of Thanksgiving feast (oh yeah - Pam and I were there to help out too!).  Of course, Brenden was in there doing what he does best: pulling out all the Tupperware to ensure we could bag the rest for leftovers.

As incentive for the long drive out from Texas, my Dad and I washed the cars and after I put the last spit-n-shine on the motorcycle, I let him take it out for a while.  I’ve found for guys, motorcycles are an excellent way to feel young again!  Plus I remember my Old Man always telling stories of his college days when his only vehicle was a motorcycle… and I really don’t think he’s had one since.

So now for the real reason of my getting off my lazy ass and finally posting.  Pam woke me up at 4:30 in the morning (after I had already gotten up at 3am to see what the kid was fussing about) to tell me that she couldn’t sleep because of contractions.  I mumbled for her to go back to sleep and after another 2 hours of her tossing and turning, I couldn’t take it anymore, so I got up to start my day.  This past week, I think, has been relatively contraction-free for her.  So maybe that big feast from the other night woke up the beast the kid.  They’re not painful, just starting to become more of a regular annoyance from what I can gather.

Like before, that’s enough to raise my hairs a little and put me on mental alert, though a hospital trip is not warranted just yet.  I’m hereby skipping BirthCon 3 and going right to BirthCon 2: intelligence was obtained indicating that another addition to the family is imminent.  Appropriate measures are being implemented.