Baby, Baby, Baby

This is my first post in a long time, so let me just start off by saying that I'm just as excited (if not more so) than Janessa is that we're having a baby.  The whole "Dad" thing hasn't really sunk in yet, but every once in a while I get freaked out at the whole idea.  I've also realized that Carter's already brought a whole new level of stress into my life that's never, ever going to go away (from what I've heard it'll likely just get worse).  I've had all sorts of nightmares about the awful, crazy things that could accidentally happen to him - getting kidnapped, me stepping on him, etc.  Still, I couldn't be happier.  Feeling him kick/somersault/punch Janessa is one of the coolest things ever.  It'll be tough, but I really can't wait until he gets here.

In other Carter-related news, it's crazy how much more real things get when you buy a crib and changing table.  Only 107 more days to go until J's due date...

So a couple of weeks ago I finished my externship with the City of Phoenix, took a week off, and then started with a Family Court judge in East Mesa.  It's been interesting so far, but it's something I don't think I could do full-time.  Why wouldn't I want to practice family law you ask?  Well, here's why: too many issues with custody battles, calculating spousal maintenance (a.k.a. alimony) is too boring, and clients seem to get super-irrational.  Even with all that, it has been a positive experience so far.  Talking with the judge, seeing how attorneys actually work in the courtroom, and reading over their briefs has shown me some things I'll try to do & some I'll try to avoid.  I think both of my externship experiences have been positive this summer, so I look forward to putting these skills to practice a few years from now.

Other than that, nothing much is going on.  J's still chugging along at her job, though she is starting to plan how things are going to work post-Carter.  Tomorrow's another ultrasound, so hopefully Carter cooperates and actually turns his face towards the camera.  Tuesday morning I get to go downtown for a photo-op with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, but then it's back to work.  

Don't worry - if we get pictures tomorrow, we'll be sure to post them.