Maternal-Fetal Specialist: Oh My!

After my ultrasound last Wednesday, the doctors informed me the baby wasn't "cooperating" so they weren't able to get a full look at her heart. She basically was a little wiggle worm, but wouldn't roll the way they wanted her to. SO - now I'm headed off to the Maternal-Fetal Specialist this afternoon for another ultrasound. They assured me nothing was wrong or of concern, but the name "Specialist" sounds really scary! Keep me in your prayers that everything will be ok today - I'll update later tonight.

Crocs Rock!

I have to admit, I never was able to jump on the original Croc bandwagon. The big, bulky clogs on my Size 10 feet weren't pretty. So when my sister suggested I try a pair of Crocs for my aching, swollen feet, I had little hope to say the least. But once I saw hers -- cute sandals vs. bulky clogs, my heart fluttered a bit. Could it be? Comfortable shoes that could pass as dress shoes in a more casual setting? My rhinestone flip flops weren't cutting it in my business-casual workplace. So I went online, picked two different styles with two different color combos, and waited patiently for them to arrive.

I've had them for about a week now, and I have to say -- they are FABULOUS!!! At first they were a little snug, but they stretch out to fit your foot (and hopefully continue to stretch as my foot does?). I got two styles: The "Cleo" in brown and the "Patricia" in black. I would by no means say they are "dressy", but they work with sun dresses, crop pants, jeans -- basically, the much more casual side of "business casual". The price was ok -- $29.99 for the Cleo and $39.99 for the Patricia, but I figure I will wear them for a while. At least another 4 months!

Mama Bears Never Take a Break!

As mamas, I think the safety and security of our family is always top of mind. Found this interesting list from Reader's Digest: The 21 Things Burlars Won't Tell You. Check it out! Kind of scary, yet good to know!

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at  faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.

17. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

21. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.  

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs  crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.