My little probie

After 5 months of long hours, grueling physical labor, and intense study, N8 graduated last Thursday from the Denver Fire Academy!  The day was beautiful, and a number of family members were able to make it out to celebrate.  So N8 now makes the transition from recruit to Probie (on probation).  For the next 9 months, he’ll rotate through 4 different stations and continue to work his butt off (but at least he’ll do it in shifts instead of 5 am – 4pm daily).  After that, he’ll test and become an official Firefighter, at which time he’ll get assigned to a permanent station.

Then he gets to become  a Rookie.  He’ll still be the one in the station doing the dishes, cleaning the bathrooms, and organizing the medical cabinets, but it’ll still be a step up from a Probie.   It’s so funny how this all works.

Anyway, the last 4 days have been so nice having him around.  Although he had been physically present on the weekends during the Academy, he was so tired that it made him a lot more mellow.  Over the past few days, it seems like he’s slowly waking up.   It was nice to hang out with my joking, funny, *awake* husband again.

Here are a few snapshots, but you can check out more on my flickr site.

N8 and me on graduation day

N8, me, our parents, and "buddy" (see him pushing his way into the picture?)

N8 and his graduation gift: a 100-lb training weight vest (at his request!)

Just a few updates for you:

The Firefighter union passed the proposal allowing for concessions over the next couple of years (and thus allowing N8 and 31 other firefighters to keep their jobs)!  Thank you Denver FD Union!!   It passed by something like 94% which really speaks to the brotherhood that firefighters seem to have.  They not only train to protect strangers, but they look out for each other as well.

This week I’m 29 weeks pregnant, and I’ve begun going to the doctor every 2 weeks now.  The newest “pain” of pregnancy?  Heartburn!  Ohmygoodness! I had read about this before but I had no idea how wretched it could be.  I’ve had to change my whole approach to eating:  no tomatoe-based sauces; eat *very* small portions; don’t eat less than 3 hours before going to bed; fall asleep in N8’s recliner before going to bed.  (All that and a Costco-size container of Tums seem to do the trick.)

Last, but certainly not least. . . I finally ordered the bridesmaid dress.  (Yes, I know you were all worried about that one.)  I ordered this one from Special Occasion Maternity, and it’s beautiful.    I still feel like a tub, but it’s ok;  the big day is not about me!  My friend’s wedding is only 3 1/2 weeks away, and I’m sure it’ll be a fun and beautiful event.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print for now.  Time to get to work.  Oh look. . .I’m here!