Pregnancy Update #11 - Ultrasound pics

Bad news first: I was not offered the university job. Boo hiss to them.

I think it was because of my references, and, of course, I'm kicking myself now for not vetting them further. My first reference gave a good impression of me, I think, but may have focused on accomplishments less relevant to this job, such as the performance-based talent show I organized and directed for our student drama club. The second reference may have been unreachable. I had spoken with him within the last couple of years, but when I tried to reach him (after sending the references), he didn't even come up in a search of the college website, nor did he respond to me on LinkedIn. He either retired or possibly even passed away, I suppose. If they were unable to reach him, this reflects badly on me for not making sure my references are available, but also, he was the one reference I had on my list from the college at which I worked the longest. I could have easily provided other colleague references.

So, that sucks, though I don't know for sure that is the reason. After hearing their decision, I exchanged emails with the Director, and he did mention references and "other information" gained during the hiring process, so who knows. Maybe they even somehow found out I was pregnant?

They encouraged me to apply for other positions, but honestly, I don't have it in me. I'm done for now. I thought the odds were with me this time, and I still don't seem to have quite what they're looking for - in addition to the references, maybe my lack of 4-year university experience, maybe my background being weighted more heavily towards career counseling vs. academic advising? The Director told me the applicant pool was very deep at 400+ people, but they were hiring for *24* positions. Come on. If I can't get hired with those numbers, it doesn't bode well.

I'm also done with the community college - part-time at crap pay (I can make that salary with two new career counseling clients a month), and I did not feel good about it when I went in to meet people and review paperwork. Chaotic, draining, and depressing environment, in a nutshell. I felt a strong, inner "NO," and chose to honor that.

Plus, I'm about to enter the 3rd trimester, so it's not a good time. I'm going to focus on my business networking group, making local connections, and gaining new career counseling clients, plus getting ready for baby. RC is working, so that helps, though it does put our hopes of buying into cohousing further on the back burner for now.

On to the good news...24 week ultrasound went swimmingly! Ellie heart is developing well, and she was measuring 14 inches, weighing in at 1lb. 14oz. Almost two pounds, amazing! Her head measured on the bigger side, in the 90th percentile or something, and everything else was above 50%, mostly in 70-80% range. She was moving around a lot during the ultrasound. I've been feeling her kicks and jabs a lot lately, which makes me so happy. They said she was in a breech position, which I've read is normal at this point. Oh, and I passed my Glucose Challenge test, so I don't have to do the follow-up, which involves fasting. Yay! Here's a couple pictures of our little Ellie, as well as a recent bump pic.

Fourth of July was lots of fun, spent with my Aunt, Uncle, cousin and her family out in a nearby small town that prides itself on its Fourth of July festivities. We saw a morning parade with lots of firetrucks and veterans and old-timey clubs, then went to lunch and visited. RC joined us after work, and we barbequed lots of yummy food, with blueberry cheesecake for dessert. We left before the big fireworks because RC's bedtime is now 8:30pm, due to his shift starting at 4am (!). He's leaving for a 3-week training in Chicago this Sunday but will come back for quick weekends, Friday night to Sunday morning. Should be interesting being apart like that when I'm pregnant! Hope I don't get too lonely.