Hooray for Wordle!

So I was just recently turned to on a funny little web app called Wordle. Wordle takes any kind of text you give it (copy text, blog or rss feed) and breaks it down into "word clouds". These word clouds are graphic representations of word frequency. The more a word is used, the larger it appears. Common words like the, and, and the like are filtered so you can get a good view of what the text is talking about. You can also tweak the colors, fonts and layout to get the look you are going for.

I experimented a bit and came up with this word cloud for our very own blog here.

After that I fooled around a little more and thought it would be fun to compare Obama and McCain's acceptance speeches at their respective national conventions.



Interesting to see the themes popping up. Give Wordle a try and see what you get.

orthopedic appointment

Today's appointment with Dr. Banta brought mixed emotions. I'm glad to have a better idea of what is causing my pain, but frustrated because there isn't a fast fix.  My diagnosis?  L3 nerve root compression, bursitis of the hip and tendonitis.  The cure?  Since I am pregnant, there is not much we can do other than physical therapy, which I start tomorrow and am scheduled to continue twice a week for four weeks.  I am optimistic that it will bring relief.  I visit Dr. Banta for a reevaluation in four weeks and will know next steps then.

Dr. Banta did suggest swimming, but I am not comfortable being in a chlorinated pool or breathing in chlorine while I am pregnant - it isn't healthy for the baby.  According to The Complete Organic Pregnancy, it's been shown to cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders -- yikes!  Plus -- I'm a little hypersensitive to the stuff.

bum genious

I came home to the best and most unexpected surprise today! Robin and I plan to use cloth diapers for multiple reasons - they are better for the environment, don't have the toxins that disposable diapers do, and they are much less expensive in the long run. My sweet, special sister, Summer, knew of our plans and has been talking with her friends who used cloth diapers about brands, types, benefits, etc...

Summer called while I was still at work and was very eager for me to go home to see if there was a package waiting on our doorstep. My little sister sent us a box full of pink Bum Genius cloth diapers and inserts! Not only that, she claims there are two more shipments on the way.

Thank you, sweet Summer!

little bump

Just a little bump.  That's what Robin felt today when he put his hand on my belly!  Our little girl is really getting strong and for the first time today, reached out to her daddy's hand to let him know she was really there.  Robin said it felt like something lightly flicked a balloon.  And now, our little girl has gained the official nickname of "little bump."