Bella Roma

Well, I finally got around to uploading some of our pictures from Europe. Because there are so many, I'm going to have to do them one city at a time. I love this picture of Andy from Rome. (see selected pictures from Rome) Granted, he looks a bit rough, but it just reminds me that this was our first day in Europe and we were completely jet-lagged! It's also a fitting picture because he is, of course, dawning his Woody hat...which brings me to Topic #2 for the day...less than 72 hours left in the countdown for College Football!!!

I'm more than a bit nervous of the preseason rankings...No. 1 is a big number to live up to over the next 4 months. I do have every confidence that the team will not let the ranking to to their head (as did a certain orange team a few years ago). With such a great coaching staff, the Buckeyes are sure to come out of the gates strong and confident, yet humble. I've already been impressed with Smith's interview responses to all of the Heisman buzz.

Though I mentioned how my orange team has let us down in the past, I should also mention my excitement for the UT opener against California. I also plan on watching them poach some Bears on Saturday! Though last season left everyone speechless (well, that's not completely true--we were never short on words blasting Sanders--good riddance!), I do have every confidence that they can start picking up the pieces of this team and have a winning season and am excited to see what they are able to do on Saturday.

Well, I fully intended to write an excerpt on the beauty and wonder of Rome...but, as you can see, my mind will be on a single track over the next few months...college football is even helping to alleviate the fears I have over my doctor's appointment this Friday!

Joanie Loves Keith

Today's post is devoted to my friends, Joanie and Keith, who are now flying to Vegas where they will be joined in Holy matrimony tomorrow...by Elvis! Congratulations and Good Luck Joanie and Keith. I hate that I'll miss the retro wedding in a 50's style diner, but plan on tuning in via the internet. Following their Vegas weekend (in luxury at the Wynn), Keith will then wisk Joanie off to Mexico for a honeymoon at a posh resort...ahhhh new love!

While one couple begins their life together, another ends . . .

So, it looks like Kate and Chris are splitsville. I can't say I'm surprised...in fact this relationship has always baffled me! Not sure anyone out there did not see this coming. Poor Kate!

4-H v. Girl Scouts. 4-H Wins!

One the first things I see on the local news this morning is a story about nearly 1000 girl scouts being recommended to get rabies’ shots because bats were found in one of the cabins at their camp. Okay, there are just so many things wrong with this story. Let me outline them for you:
1. The bats were found in only one cabin, yet nearly 1000 girls (all at the camp, I presume?) are recommended to get shots?
That must have been one hell of a big cabin to house all of the girls. Come on! A few girls stay in a cabin with bats and now everyone may have rabies?
2. They had no proof that anyone had been bitten, but are taking precautionary measures. The story on the news even said that girls may not have known if they were bitten in their sleep.
If a bat bites me in my sleep, I’m gonna wake up…period. Give me a break.
3. About 12 years at Tar Hollow 4-H camp as either a camper or counselor and I probably slept among bats on at least half a dozen occasions. Did I get rabies shots?
NO! Either the counselors and/or Dan would get a broom and kindly escort the bats out of the cabin. The End! I can only wonder how the girl scouts would treat mice, bugs, or raccoons, oh my!

Circle of Life

So happy to report that today is a good day. Okay, not so much good as AMAZING!!! I know it's much too early to get too excited and be shouting to the world, but I cannot help myself. World, meet Baby Rice:) I have obviously been on pins and needles with this pregnancy and I do understand that we are not out of the woods yet, but my doctor has no reason to believe that this will not be a HEALTHY pregnancy!

I've read about first hearing the baby's heartbeat and knew that we should hear a heartbeat today...but nothing can prepare you for actually hearing it! I think Andy and I also had tears of joy in our eyes, since we never had the opportunity to hear the last baby's heartbeat. Our next goal is to make it past 9 weeks. Although I am breathing a bit easier today, I will feel much more relief if we make it through our next visit on September 1st with a good report (at which time the chance of miscarriage--still hate that word--will drop to only 4%).

Kim and I had a very short discussion today...we can't help but think that this baby is meant to make it. It would somehow make sense that God is giving me this life to help make up for our loss of Zane this week. Yes, I guess I am back on speaking terms with God...at least I am now that I had such a good report today.

Have I mentioned that I heard a HEARTBEAT???!!! I haven't been this happy in awhile and I am truly thankful.