Blood Pressure, Conspiracy and Rollovers

It's been a great couple of weeks since I sat down to post, and a lot has happened here at our house. Starting with school; I just took my first test in lower-extremity prosthetics, and I think I did ok. I found it nearly impossible to study, because I couldn't concentrate. No worries, cause I was eventually able to beat the information into my brain. I have been riding my bike everywhere lately... actually, I don't think I shared my health "news", and I think you all need background information before I get into biking. About a month ago, I had to go to student health to obtain a prescription for a new pair of AFOs (Ankle-foot orthoses... they are the braces I wear on my legs). While at student health, the doctor decided to check on my blood pressure. It was determined that my BP was "elevated"... 140/96 sounds like "high" to me, but she said it was only "elevated". Cue health/diet/exercise counsel from the doctor. I listened and decided to do something about it. For a week or two I scoured Craigslist until I found a bike for $40 (that was the predetermined limit). It is nearly brand new because it was bought for a 15 year old who didn't think bikes were "cool". I used to ride my bike everywhere when I was younger, then I got a drivers licence. Though the first few days were rough, I kept at it. I re-discovered my love for biking, and in a few weeks I was able to bring my BP down to 124/82. I ride to school a few days a week (about 7 miles each way), and I have started to lose weight.
I had an awesome break from school last weekend. Due to my not having clinic hours this semester, and our prosthetics instructor taking a few days off, I was off from Wednesday at noon until tomorrow morning. It was fantastic. Saturday was the Smithsonian Magazine free museum day, so we went to the 6th floor museum. For those who don't know what that is, across from the grassy knoll, The 6th Floor Museum is on the floor from which Lee Harvey Oswald (allegedly) shot President Kennedy. I have to say allegedly because I have my doubts... its all a conspiracy man, there's a 3rd shooter and a magic bullet (supposed to be read in the voice of a drugged-out hippy). I am just kidding. Anyhoo, it was really interesting to learn so much about Kennedy, and I recommend it. Though free to us, it would have been worth paying the $13.
Today Himaya made another growth landmark. A few months ago, she rolled over from her front to her back, and we even caught it on video. She now is a front-to-back ninja, but has never been able to roll from her back to her front. Lately we have noticed that she was coming closer and closer to rolling back-to-front and today she finally pulled it off. What's more, Emily caught it on video. so without further ado, I give you the rollover. Thanks for reading! -Branch

Adios y Buenos Suerte

It's been a decent week here with the Hunsakers. We survived Ike... just in case you were concerned. We actually only ended up getting a few hours worth of rain and some breezes that don't compare the wind we are used to in Wyoming. We did make sure to fill both our cars with gas, cause it has gotten more expensive here again. Though we were ready for some serious weather, we weren't hardly affected.
The good pictures this week come from our hour and a half at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport last Thursday. My little (but bigger than me) brother finally got his visa, and was on his way to Mexico. He happened to have a 3 hour layover in Dallas, so we decided to see him off. He is really excited for the opportunity to serve as a missionary, and he didn't seem too nervous at all. I have fond memories of my time as a missionary in the Philippines, and I am jealous of him in some ways. I also can't get over how lucky he is to have the chance to learn to speak Spanish... it is a much more useful language than Ilonggo after the mission work is completed. It will come in handy in his future. I am glad we were able to see him, but I am also really happy he was able to meet Himaya for the first time. Good luck Regan, we are praying for you.
Speaking of Himaya, we have finally been attempting to sleep-train her. It was difficult because she had such bad colic. Until a little ove a month ago, she would cry for hours at night (while we held, rocked, carrried and cradled her); so by the time she finally fell asleep, she was so exhausted that she wouldn't wake up when we put her in her crib. Now, she wakes up when we put her in bed, and we knew it was time for her to learn that night time is for sleeping and that her crib is a place for her to be asleep. We researched different methods, and have been consistant. Now she is getting better, and she has been falling asleep faster and not just laying there and crying. Last night, she started laying there and cooing... just talking to herself. It is super cute, so we decided to try to get a vidoe of it. We had to sneak up to the crib, and cover the red light on the camera to get the video. You can't see anything, but if you mute the music player on my blog, and turn up your speakers, you can hear her.....super cute! Thanks for stopping by.
Branch

There's No Crying in Baseball

It's been a great week. I have been back in school, and it is looking like it is going to be a great semester. Last night, we had a lot of fun with some friends from church. We enjoyed a perk to living in a bigger city, and went to a baseball game. We got to see the Red Sox play the Rangers. It was a really fun night, especially since I come from a family of huge Sox fans. Our plan was to show up when the gates open, and watch batting practice. This was in the hopes that I could get some of the players to sign the baseballs I brought to the game. So I stood right at the 3rd base dugout along the rail for about an hour and a half. It ended with me and the HUNDREDS of other fans wanting an autograph walking to our seats in disapointment. Honestly... without fans, the teams couldn't pay the players' salary. In 90 some-odd minutes of waiting, one player (J.D. Drew) signed 2 baseballs and tossed them into the crowd. I am pretty much over it now though... I still had a great time. Emily feels that it should be in the contract of every player that they should spend 5 minutes before the game signing autographs. If all those players signed for a few minutes, they would have gotten to about every fan that wanted something.

Ok... enough about that, lets move on to today. Emily and I had decided that 5 months was a good time to stat Himaya on some real food. She has been fascinated every time she sees us eat or drink something. Emily has been warming her up to it, by giving her a little milk on a spoon, and letting her play with the spoon a bit. We went to the store and got her a high chair, and a walker (I swear... she almost has more furniture than we do). She has spent some time playing in her high chair to get used to being there. So tonight for dinner, she had some rice cereal. Of course, I woudln't keep the video to myself (and it shouldn't be too shaky, as I balanced the camera on a stool). Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by.

Branch