text:
On our way home from Momentum Youth Conference we noticed a car broken down on the side of the road; the car was on the opposite side of the road headed in a different direction. We were tired and wanted to get home as I had Sunday's message on my mind and a full weekend to get ready for.
However, God had other things in store. After being challenged with the "I am second" theme at Momentum I knew God wanted us to stop and assist the man. So I pulled off the road and wound down my window and asked if I could help him out. He shouted that he needed water, which was very obvious as steam was rolling out of his engine. We quickly scanned our vehicle and realized we didn't have water nor a container to place it in. I told him that I would be right over.
I drove up the road and did a 180 and parked behind his vehicle and approached him. I walked up and introduced myself and had some friendly conversation. He was content to sit there awhile and let his Lincoln cool down. I wished him well and sent him a blessing from God and headed to my car. He thanked me for stopping.
Now this is where the story turns... I jumped in the SUV ready to do a 180 and head home, but the Spirit prompted me to go and see if I could find water down the road. So, I prayed a simple prayer that went like this "dear God would you do something really special now and provide a way for us to get water and a container to put it in." Not ten seconds after I prayed that prayer, I looked to the side of the road and about 30 feet off the road was the one gallon container pictured above. We were just blown away, and even said "wow, God that is just awesome." I stopped my SUV and jumped out and grabbed the container which had some orange juice in it.
We then laughed and realized that God wanted to teach us something. Now we needed water, so I stopped at the first house and a man was in the garage working on a vehicle. I introduced myself and explained the situation. He walked into his kitchen and filled the container full. We were now set to help out the dude with the broken down car.
I have to admit, that I could hardly wait to get back to the broken down car and tell this dude what had just inspired and how we prayed and God dropped a jug on the side of the road; and then we would see this dude get saved!
So we headed north again, thinking that the man was destined to get saved after all this. But, as we neared the point where he should have been, he was gone. We were saddened that we couldn't help him and we really wanted to tell this miraculous story of this Dude's salvation. But, God wanted something else.
Maybe, he just wanted to show us, that he can drop jugs on the road when we pray. Maybe, he wanted to see if we were obedient and would listen to the promptings of the Spirit. Maybe, he wanted us to encourage the dude in the garage that gave us water. Maybe, we entertained an angel in disguise. Maybe, just maybe, he wanted to encourage you today by pointing out he hears your prayers and can in a second's notice provide for you. In any case, our God is alive and well and listens to the prayers of his kids!
Uncomfortably Human: Why Jesus Can Sympathize with You - [image: Uncomfortably Human] Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. When many of us read about the God-man in the Gospels, however, we see the God a...


text:
Formal And Gala
Filter by:
Style Number: SDA20VA01BL
Wear a Formal Dress from SACHA DRAKE and Stun the Crowds
We have a wide selection of formal dresses that add a daring edge to your outfit, and you can pair it with a jacket for an edgy look. Throw on a strappy pair of heels, and you're ready to walk the red carpet and turn everywhere you go into your own personal catwalk.
We have a wide variety of formal dresses available, and we're one of the premier formal dress shops in Australia. Our formal maxi dresses are fun and flowing, and they work to create a gorgeous silhouette that you can either use to enhance your curves by cinching your waist or creating drape. You can add a pair of stilettos or lace-up boots for a glamorous look that turns heads in all the right ways.
Our affordable formal dresses are perfect investment pieces. We allow you to shop for formal dresses online that we can ship straight to your door wherever you are in Australia. No matter if you want semi-formal dresses, long formal dresses or anything else for a special occasion, we have classic and vibrant patterns and well as elegant looks for this season. You'll never go out of style with SACHA DRAK. We've built a reputation for having the most on-point fashions available. Add one or two formal dresses to your own wardrobe and you'll be well prepared for all of your events this season.
Contact SACHA DRAKE Today!
If you're ready to add a formal dress to your wardrobe and you're not sure where to look, shop our boutique. We have the most glamorous styles in Australia, and we can't wait to hear from you. Reach out and contact us today.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on
the Moon with STEM resources and events from NASA!
|Get Involved in Apollo 50th Celebration With 'STEM Forward to the Moon'
Audience: All Educators and Students
Event Date: July 19 at 3 p.m. EDT
Contact: email@example.com
July 20, 1969, was "…one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Fifty years later, we're celebrating this amazing milestone and working to send the first woman and next man to the lunar surface by 2024! Fri., July 19 will feature STEM Forward to the Moon, a special broadcast where students take over an Artemis mission with STEM activities that inspire the next generation of explorers to dream big! You can get involved by hosting a watch party, posting featured activities on Facebook and Twitter using #NASASTEM, visiting a museum or breaking a world record!
|New "STEM Forward to the Moon" Educator Guide
Audience: All Educators and Parents
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Celebrate the Apollo 50th Anniversary and get excited about the future of exploration with the Moon to Mars Educators Guide. Published by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, the guide is designed to accompany the "STEM Forward to the Moon" segment of the Apollo Anniversary broadcast airing on NASA TV on July 19 at 3 p.m. EDT.NASA's plans to go forward to the Moon by the year 2024 are exemplified here through hands-on STEM activities. Students will be immersed in the ideas, concepts and experiences that make mission planning, operations, exploration and sustainability on the Moon possible.
Activities found in the guide can be used by educators in formal and informal educational settings and by families in the comfort of their homes.
|Apollo Anniversary Resources From NASA's Office of STEM Engagement
Audience: All Educators and All Students
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Celebrate the Apollo 50th anniversary and the future of Moon exploration with these educational resources! Find lesson plans, activities and printables. Get current information about contests and where to find images and original sources. Discover Apollo anniversary and "Moon to Mars" events happening near you on the searchable Map/Calendar, or plan your own event and submit it for inclusion.
|New Teachable Moment—Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NASA's Apollo Moon Landing
Audience: K-12 Educators
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
This year is the 50th anniversary of humans landing on the Moon. NASA is making plans to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. Turn this current event into a teachable moment with resources from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Use this opportunity to get students excited about Earth's natural satellite, the amazing feats accomplished 50 years ago and plans for future exploration. Visit the site for background information, videos, lesson plans and more.
|U.S. Space & Rocket Center Celebrates Apollo Anniversary With Global Launch Event
Audience: Public
Event Date: July 16
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 crew launched to begin their historic mission to the Moon. To commemorate this event, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, is asking teachers, scout leaders, families, students and rocket enthusiasts of all ages worldwide to join in a Global Rocket Launch! Visit the link for rocket ideas, then sign up and share your launch pictures on social media using #GlobalRocketLaunch.
|Celebrate the Apollo 50th Anniversary With a #VirtualMoonshot
Audience: Public
Event Date: July 18
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Join NASA and museums nationwide to help build a virtual mission to the Moon! To celebrate the Apollo 50th anniversary and the feats of engineering that made the Moon landing possible, you can help select the materials to build a lunar spacecraft. Search for #VirtualMoonshot on Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter on July 18. Vote for the household materials you think would make the best spacecraft and watch the mission launch on a #VirtualMoonshot!
|Celebrating Apollo 11: Inspiring STEM Educators for 50 Years
Audience: Educators of Grades PreK-12
Event Date: July 18 at 2 p.m. EDT
Contact: email@example.com
The Apollo 11 mission inspired the nation to achieve great things. Many classroom teachers remember the Moon landing, and many more continue to be inspired by this and other historic events designed and enacted by NASA scientists, engineers and the diverse and dedicated NASA community. Please join this webinar to increase your knowledge of Apollo-related STEM education resources, hear how Apollo 11 inspired fellow educators nationwide and learn which exciting missions to follow in the coming years. Make sure to share your own story when you register.
|Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Presents Apollo at the Park
Audience: Public
Display Dates: Summer and Fall 2019
Contact: email@example.com
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is placing 15 replica statues of Neil Armstrong's iconic spacesuit in Major League Baseball stadiums across the U.S. Visit the site and follow @airandspace on Twitter for updates on where and when you can spot a statue. Fans will be able to unlock exclusive digital content when interacting with the suit. Follow along and share your pictures using #SnapTheSuit.
|Celebrate the Apollo 11 Anniversary With New NASA eClips Video—Our World: The Moon's Impact on Earth
Audience: K-8 Educators and Students
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
The Moon impacts Earth through tides and moonlight. NASA missions to the Moon continue to help us discover more about our nearest neighbor. Learn about Moon mapping and resources in this new NASA eClips video, "Our World: The Moon's Impact on Earth." NASA eClips are short, relevant educational video segments designed to inspire and engage students, helping them see real-world connections.
|Sign Up for "Explore NASA" Newsletter
Audience: Public
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Do you want to get updates about the latest happenings at NASA? Join us as we explore and go forward to the Moon and on to Mars. Plus, discover the latest scientific updates on Earth, the solar system and beyond from NASA—all delivered right to your inbox.Subscribe to the "Explore NASA" newsletter for a weekly bit of space in your inbox: http://www.nasa.gov/subscribe.
Want to subscribe to get this message delivered to your inbox each Thursday? Sign up for the NASA EXPRESS newsletter at www.nasa.gov/stem/express.
Are you looking for NASA STEM materials to support your curriculum?
Search hundreds of resources by subject, grade level, type and keyword at http://www.nasa.gov/education/resources/.
Find NASA science resources for your classroom. NASA Wavelength is a digital collection of Earth and space science resources for educators of all levels — from elementary to college, to out-of-school programs. https://science.nasa.gov/learners/wavelength
Check out the 'Explore NASA Science' website! Science starts with questions, leading to discoveries. Visit https://science.nasa.gov. To view the site in Spanish, visit http://ciencia.nasa.gov.
Visit NASA STEM Engagement on the Web:
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement: http://www.nasa.gov/stem
For Educators: https://www.nasa.gov/stem/foreducators
For Students: https://www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents
NASA Kids' Club: http://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub


text:
Anthropology: The Human Challenge 14th Edition
Book Preface
Explore the most fascinating, creative, dangerous, and complex species alive today: you and your neighbors in the global village. With compelling photos, engaging examples, and select studies by anthropologists in far-flung places, the authors of ANTHROPOLOGY: THE HUMAN CHALLENGE provide a holistic view of anthropology to help you make sense of today's world. You'll discover the different ways humans face the challenge of existence; the connection between biology and culture in the shaping of human behavior; and the impact of globalization on peoples and cultures around the world
|Download Ebook
|Read Now
|File Type
|Upload Date
|Download here
|Read Now
|November 22, 2016
Do you like this book? Please share with your friends, let's read it !! :)How to Read and Open File Type for PC ?


text:
MEMSIC, Inc. designs and manufactures CMOS Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems products that have on-chip mixed signal processing. MEMSIC is the first company to integrate a MEMS inertial sensor with mixed signal processing circuitry onto a single chip using a standard CMOS IC process. This combination of technology has successfully yielded products at substantially lower cost and higher system performance and functionality than competitive products in the market for sophisticated accelerometers. In addition, this technological approach allows the Company to easily integrate additional functions, or create new sensors, using a standard CMOS IC process to expand into other MEMS application areas beyond accelerometers. The Company's accelerometers, sometimes called inertial sensors, are used to measure tilt, inclination, shock, vibration or inertial acceleration.
The types of products manufactured by Memsic include CMOS Sensor ICs.
Search for datasheets by Memsic part number
Cross reference military-grade Memsic part numbers by National Stock Number.
Cross reference military-grade Memsic products by QML or QPL qualification.
Cross reference military-grade Memsic products by SMD or MIL-M-38510 part number or specification.
Click HERE to browse our Product Catalog or to search our live, realtime inventory database for the Memsic products you need.


text:
Tap to Read ➤
Trust Issues in a Relationship
Geeta Dhavale
Oct 30, 2018
Trust is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. This information shares some insights on trust issues in a relationship and how to solve them.
Everyone goes through relationship problems at some point in their lives. One of the primary reasons for relationship problems is lack of trust. Trust is one of the most precious things in the world that can be rebuilt once broken but will never be the same again. But, with constant efforts, faith, and committed love, it is possible to restore the trust.
Trust issues in a relationship are most discussed in terms of marital problems. It is very important for a couple to trust each other completely so that they can love each other selflessly. Even an iota of doubt can ruin the relationship.
There are so many couples who have got separated after many years of marriage because of small misunderstandings that were never resolved. They could have saved their relationship only if they'd given one last chance to rectify their mistakes.
Fixing Trust Issues
► There are no defined ways to resolve relationship issues. It depends on the understanding of the partners, the amount of love and respect they have for each other, and the severity of the problem. If the partners really love each other and cannot live without each other, then they might strive hard to resolve the trust issues and lead a happy life again.
► But, if the problem is very severe and the trust of either of the partners is completely violated, then it is quite difficult to restore it. The definition of trust usually varies from person to person. In some cases, if the husband lies about smoking or drinking, it is considered right.
► And, in other cases, the same lie is enough to break the trust and damage the relationship. So, trust issues are very subjective and depend on the mutual understanding of the couple. When you trust someone, you believe that they won't take advantage of your vulnerabilities and you would expect the same honesty from them.
► As they say, relationships are built on the grounds of love, respect, and trust. One can live without love and respect for a while but not without trust. So, it is important that trust issues are resolved and fixed as soon as possible.
How to Rebuild Trust in a Relationship
► Communication is the best and the only way to rebind the relationship. Talk out the problems openly. If you have made a mistake, accept it. Denying it only makes the situation worst. Say sorry from the bottom of your heart and mean it.
► Do whatever it takes to make your partner understand that you are really guilty of what you did and desperately want a second chance to improve upon. It is also important for the two partners to be mentally prepared to solve the problems.
► If not, then there is no point in a one-sided discussion where the other partner wants to walk out of the relationship. Once both the partners decide to make their relationship work, it is possible to forget the past and start afresh.
► But it is not as easy as it sounds. Like Rome, trust cannot be built overnight. You need to be very sincere and put a lot of efforts in rebuilding the lost trust. When you are starting afresh, let go of the grievances and forgive each other.
► Always be honest and truthful to your partner, and do not keep any space for doubts and misunderstandings between the two of you. Fulfill all the promises and commitments and let bygones be bygones. It will help you establish a healthy and happy relationship.
One can never find true love and joy without trusting others. So, you must learn to trust others and trust your own self. Building trust takes time, but you must have faith in your trust and things will be fine again.
Follow Us:
Become a Contributor
Become a Contributor
Controlling Behavior in Relationships
How to Deal with Stonewalling in a Relationship
Unhealthy Relationships Signs
When and How to End a Controlling or Manipulative Relationship
Can Inferiority Complex affect Relationships Negatively?
Unhappy Relationship Signs


text:
MPG Sport
Mila Down-Filled Bomber Jacket (Black)
This fashion forward down bomber offers a clean seaming, quilted design with retro inspired detailing like a jacquard elastic bottom band for a subtle hit of sporty style.
- Why We Love It:
- Versatile on trend slightly-cropped bomber perfect for post-workout and daytime activities
- 2 internal pockets to safely store essentials on the go
- Camouflaged side pockets add function to a cozy look without the bulk
- Designed For: Cold weather workouts and daytime activities.
- Fabric(s): Main Body: 75% Nylon, 25% Spandex. Down Fill: 90% Duck Down / 10% Feather (650 Fill Power)
- Care: Dry clean only
- Fit: Relaxed
- Main Image Model: Wearing size M
Select 'Yes please send me coordinating items' to work with one of our stylists and receive coordinating additional items in your shipment. This is a complimentary Game Set service. Free shipping and No styling fees.
How it works:
1. After checkout, we will send you our personal style quiz via email to learn more about your activities and styles.
2. Complete the style quiz with your activity, style, and item preferences.
3. We curate your looks and ship your order with a prepaid return label. You have 3 days to select what to keep and what to send back.


text:
McKnight's Senior Living has won three 2017 Awards for Publication Excellence recognizing its online and print efforts.
The competition's sponsor, Communication Concepts, announced the winners on Tuesday. The contest recognizes outstanding editorial content, graphic design and overall communications.
Senior Editor Lois A. Bowers and Editorial Director John O'Connor received an Award of Excellence for the brand's website, McKnightsSeniorLiving.com. Additionally, Bowers was honored for the editor's column that appears in every print issue. McKnight's Senior Living also shared an Award of Excellence with sister media brand McKnight's Long-Term Care News for a technology-related print supplement. Named on that award were O'Connor and freelance writers John Hall and John Andrews.
McKnight's Long-Term Care News team members collectively won four more awards in this year's competition, which had almost 1,400 entries across 100 subcategories in 11 categories.
The APEX Awards bring the honors tally to 14 so far this year for McKnight's Senior Living team members. In 2017, the media brand also was named as having the best healthcare website by the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors and was recognized with four regional and two national awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors as well as two awards from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. Additionally, Bowers won two journalism awards in the 2017 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism competition coordinated by the Press Club of Cleveland.


text:
Total items:
View basket and checkout
Continue Shopping
It is a sweet from unleavened dough cutted into long strias. It was very popular at the South of Russia in XVIII century, it was borrowed from Greece cookery. From XVII century it was also spread to the Ukraine under the name "Verguni". How to cook:Carefully mix eggs, sour cream, salt and flour. Then to roll out dough thin, cut into long strias and make bows from it. After it to put it into the Fryer and cook till it gone gold. Afterwards put it on the paper towel (for the oil to flow down), then put it on another towel and strew it with the sugar powder
Sign up for our list to receive special offers, competitions, news and events.
Your confirmation was successfully processed, and you will now receive updates and promotions from De' Longhi.
Select your language:


text:
To be eligible for recommendation by the Certification Office, students completing a Bachelor's degree, post baccalaureate certification or a Master of Science in Special Education degree must graduate and have their degree posted to their WGU transcript. Students who are pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching degree must have marks of "passed" on their Degree Plan for all teacher preparation assessments to include any program required Praxis exams and all state required exams.
Note: If you completed the BAISK8 or BAELED program, please click here for application instructions.
WGU Indiana students will apply as out-of-state applicants for licensure. The Indiana Department of Education evaluates WGU Indiana applicants on the basis that they completed a program that is state-approved by WGU's home-state of Utah. Follow the process below to prepare your application for an initial teaching license in Indiana.
Step 1: Read Indiana's instructions for applicants who have completed an out-of-state program.
Step 2: Apply for your license online through the LVIS Portal. WGU Indiana graduates must select "Utah" as the state in which they completed their program and manually write in "Western Governors University - Indiana" in the corresponding field. Please note that failure to designate WGU as your recommending institution may result in delays in the licensure process. You will be able to upload exam scores and pay the application fee through the LVIS portal.
Step 3: Read the information on the requirement for CPR-Heimlich Maneuver Certification. You will need to complete such training provided by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association and provide verification of certification to the IN DOE. As of July 1, 2012, all applicants for both initial licensure and renewal must show proof of valid CPR/AED/Heimlich certification.
Step 4: All individuals applying for an initial teaching license will be required to show evidence of successfully completing education and training on the prevention of child suicide and the recognition of signs that a student may be considering suicide. More information about this requirement is available on the Indiana Department of Education web site here. For a list of suicide prevention intervention training programs, visit the Indiana State Suicide Prevention website here.
Step 5: Upload copies of official transcripts from every college/university you have attended and email them to firstname.lastname@example.com. Once your graduation application has been processed by the WGU Records Office you will receive a notification with information on how to order two complimentary copies of your official WGU transcript from the National Student Clearinghouse. You will have the option of selecting electronic or mail delivery. If you would like to order additional transcripts, see the WGU Transcript FAQ article. Do not request a transcript until you have received notice of graduation, so that your graduation date will appear on your transcript. MAT students may request a transcript after completing the teacher preparation portion of their MAT program.
Step 6: If you are applying for an administrative license, then you must obtain a letter on official letterhead signed by the authorized administrator in the school district where you are employed verifying that you have at least two years of full-time certified teaching experience. The letter must indicate your dates of employment, the grade level(s) and subject area(s) you taught, and the accreditation status of the school(s) in which you taught.
Step 7: Upload verification of CPR-Heimlich Maneuver Certification and letter verifying your teaching experience (for administrative license applicants) to your LVIS application. For initial teacher licensure candidates, when asked to upload a "photocopy of valid out of state teaching license" and "verification of experience in content area", you may upload Word documents in each respective field stating that you do not possess such documentation.
Step 8: Once you have submitted your online application, email firstname.lastname@example.com and request that a certification officer review it. Once licensure has reviewed your application and verified that all required documentation has been submitted, your application will be sent to and processed by the Indiana Department of Education.
Article Number: 19609, 1309


text:
Absolutely gorgeous! Spacious, bright, modern, elegant Brand new hardwood, updated bathroom, stainless steel appliances Central air Perfect for professional couple Available - May 1 3BR bungalow (main floor), parking, great patio and large, private yard Quiet street in green neighbourhood (Bel-Air Park) Easy access to Queensway; Westboro Village, Carlingwood Shopping Centre, and Canal skating Walk to Algonquin College Convenient shopping at College Square Dishwasher, wine fridge Laundry on site Air conditioning Spacious parking included $1650/mo includes utilities References and credit report required 1st and last months rent Lease to be signed Non-smoking only Available MAY 1st 224-4536
268 Emerson St. Student housing | Good prices
119 Broadway Ave Co-ed Student House
Basement Apt. Victoria Park and Danforth
Severn Court Student Rez
Prime Location * Large Home * Large Rooms
Other countries/regions: United States - England - Scotland - Wales - Northern Ireland - India
© 2014 Meant4Rent Inc. All
rights reserved. By using this website, as a Guest or signed in to your account, you agree to the Terms and Conditions outlined in the link above.


text:
An eggcellent learning opportunity
Hang on for a minute...we're trying to find some more stories you might like.
Email This Story
Students in Early Child Education have been handed an assignment in which they are tasked with the burden of caring for an egg, carrying it around with them everywhere. They have to care for this egg like a parent would care for their child. These eggs have also been given official names, which cannot be changed.
The "parents" of these eggs have to be assiduously careful with their eggs as they carry them around school for eight hours. While at school, they have to deal with the "eggscapades" and antics of their peers who insist that they should be allowed to hold the egg for just a second or a little while. Immediately upon arriving home, the eggs are punctually rested in the refrigerator so that they can be preserved.
Students have to face a daunting task that all parents must face which is keeping their baby safe because if these eggs are broken the students have to provide photographic evidence of their "uneggceptable" mishap. They even have to write up an obituary for their egg if it is cracked beyond repair. There are some people who have had to creatively stop the "bleeding" of their eggs because they dropped them.
The students can not just replace their broken egg with a new egg because each egg was signed by Mrs. Bovè, so she would know if the egg was broken and then replaced by a different egg.
"The project was not that hard. There were some people who would try to mess with my egg, Enzo, but I did not let them. They would make jokes like, 'Oh, I bet I could pitch with that egg'" said Emma Kleinhans, sophomore.
The main purpose of this project, just like any other project, is to educate. This project is supposed to help with teaching students just how challenging it is to keep up with a baby.
Many of the students who participated in this project have since returned their eggs safe and sound to Mrs. Bovè. This project has not just given these students a good project grade, but it has also given them an "eggcellent" learning opportunity.


text:
Your shopping cart is empty!
Release Date - May 20th
Chicago's Weekend Nachos go out in a storm of hatred with the release of their final album Apology. Recorded by the band's own Andy Nelson at Bricktop Studios (Lord Mantis, Like Rats, Harms Way), Apology is a veritable tornado of grindcore/powerviolence/hardcore savagery.
Apology is thirteen tracks of utter punishment that has Weekend Nachos sounding more dangerous and urgent than ever before. Features guest vocal appearances from Dylan Walker of Full of Hell.
Track Listing:
1. 2015
2. Dust
3. Fake Political Song
4. All
5. Judged
6. Dog Shit Slave
7. Writhe
10. World Genocide
11. Eulogy
12. Night Plans
13. Apology


text:
1 – An Unfortunate Phone Call
This was where our story started. The small domino that was pushed over, causing a series of events that were to unfold, that would utterly destroy the good people of Black Star Canyon. That one, little, seemingly insignificant event, would create a ripple effect so large, so uncontrollable, that nothing would be able to stop it. The townspeople of Black Star Canyon would try to think back on what it was that solidified their doom, but the problem was, no one would actually know about this one, little, seemingly insignificant event; no one but one person. That one person, made a choice just minutes before that event. It didn't take the person long to do. They sat. They thought. Then…
The living room in the home was nice. Nice in a way that everything in the room would have been top of the line when it was purchased, but that was obviously a very long time ago. Sitting there in a chair; a nice comfy chair, though full of dust embedded into the fabric, was an old man. The old man was wearing long pants, layered socks, and thick slippers. The top half of the old man was layered with different shirts and topped with a thick, knitted, sweater whose sleeves were a bit too long, so the old man had them rolled up into giant puffs around his wrists. He sat there, like he did every evening, reading the newspaper. He would slowly go over each article, word by word, squinting his eyes every so often, then tilting his head back to look down his nose through his bifocals to make sure he was reading what he was reading. He would mouth things like, "What the…" and, "Oh, Hell…" without making a sound as he was either horrified by the state of the world or just disgusted with where it was going.
The phone that sat next to him on the small table and then screamed at him. "RIIIIIIINGGGGGGG!" said the phone.
The old man sighed. He tried to wet his mouth and his lips by licking them with his dry tongue. The more he tried, the more saliva built up in his mouth.
"RIIIIINGGGGGGGGG!" The phone said again echoing through the hollow home.
The old man seemed frustrated. He looked over at the phone as if giving it the "stink eye" would shut it up. He licked his lips again.
"RIIIIIIIINNGGGGGGGG!" The phone seemed to be getting angry.
The old man slowly moved his woolen wrist over to the telephone. He picked it up in mid-ring. "Hello?" He said it so quietly, that almost he, himself, didn't hear it. He pulled the phone away from his head. He licked his lips again, moistening his mouth. In a very normal tone he spoke, "It's for you." There was silence. The crinkling of his newspaper broke the quiet. Again he tried, "It's for you."
A voice from upstairs that was filled with glee yelled back, "Is that for me?" followed by what sounded like a stampede coming down the hard wood staircase.
"Yes. It's for you," the old man said quietly as he held the phone up and she grabbed it out of his hand.
The girl, I should say woman; she looked to be in that gray area, had shoulder length, blonde hair, tiny little shorts and a pink t-shirt that was cut off to expose her tight stomach. When she grabbed the phone from him and ran around the corner into the kitchen, the spiral phone cord stretched around it after her. Each loop along the corner made a loud "CLACK" sound. The "CLACK" repeated in quick succession until she felt comfortable with where she was in relation to the old man, due to the privacy of the call and the ability of the old man's hearing.
"Hello?" she said. She smiled a huge smile, bit her thumb nail, and turned red as an apple. "No. No one can hear."
And that was true. No one outside of that call could hear what went on during the short conversation. The problem was, was that the only people who would benefit from knowing who was on the other end of that call, the good people of Black Star Canyon, would never, ever, find out who that was.


text:
The economics of Identity Theft. When prices fall you have to make it up in volume.
I'll Take 2 MasterCards and a Visa, Please
September 22, 2010 by admin
Brian Krebs writes:
When you're shopping for stolen credit and debit cards online, there are so many choices these days. A glut of stolen data — combined with cutthroat competition and innovation among vendors — is conspiring to keep prices for stolen account numbers exceedingly low. Even so, many readers probably have no idea that their credit card information is worth only about $1.50 on the black market.
Read more on KrebsOnSecurity.com
Will we see mandatory encryption standards?
FTC Testifies on Data Security Legislation
September 22, 2010 by Dissent
The Federal Trade Commission today told a Senate Subcommittee that it supports proposed legislation that would require many companies to use reasonable data security policies and procedures and require those companies to notify consumers when there is a security breach.
In testimony before the Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance, Maneesha Mithal, Associate Director for Privacy and Identity Protection at the FTC told the Subcommittee that problems with data security and breaches affect a wide array of both businesses and nonprofit organizations. "Requiring reasonable security policies and procedures of this broad array of entities is a goal that the Commission strongly supports."
"The Commission believes that notification in appropriate circumstances can be beneficial," the testimony notes. Many states have passed notification laws that have increased public awareness of the harm breaches can cause. "Breach notification at the federal level would extend notification nationwide and accomplish similar goals."
The testimony states that the agency suggests three additional measures that could be included in the proposed legislation to protect consumers. First, the provision that requires that companies notify consumers in the event of an information security breach should not be limited to entities that possess data in electronic form; second, the proposed requirements should be extended so that they apply to telephone companies; and third, the Commission suggests that the bill grant the agency rulemaking authority to determine circumstances under which providing free credit reports or credit monitoring may not be warranted.
Source: FTC (full press release here)
Related: Text of the Commission Testimony
(Related) Update. Either argument is scary...
T-Mobile Claims Right to Censor Text Messages
T-Mobile told a federal judge Wednesday it may pick and choose which text messages to deliver on its network in a case weighing whether wireless carriers have the same "must carry" obligations as wire-line telephone providers.
The Bellevue, Washington-based wireless service is being sued by a texting service claiming T-Mobile stopped servicing its "short code" clients after it signed up a California medical marijuana dispensary. In a court filing, T-Mobile said it had the right to pre-approve EZ Texting's clientele, which it said the New York-based texting service failed to submit for approval.
Security failures have long term implications.
Victims of ChoicePoint Data Breach to Receive Redress Checks
September 22, 2010 by admin
An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission is mailing checks to 14,023 consumers who were victims of ChoicePoint's alleged failure to implement a comprehensive information security program to protect consumers' personal information, as required by a previous court order. As a result, in the spring of 2008, an unauthorized person accessed its database and conducted unauthorized searches.
In January 2006, ChoicePoint settled FTC charges that its security and record-handling procedures violated consumers' privacy rights and federal law, an action relating to a 2005 data breach. As part of that settlement, ChoicePoint agreed to maintain procedures to ensure that sensitive consumer reports were provided only to legitimate businesses for lawful purposes, to maintain a comprehensive data security program, and to obtain independent assessments of its data security program every other year until 2026.
In October 2009, the company settled charges that it violated the 2006 settlement order and agreed to a modified court order that expanded its data security assessment and reporting duties and required the company to compensate affected consumers for the time they may have spent monitoring their credit or taking other steps in response.
Checks for $18.17 are being sent to consumers.
These consumer redress checks can be cashed directly by the recipients of the checks. The FTC never requires the payment of money up-front, or the provision of additional information, before consumers cash redress checks issued to them.
Source: FTC
Would it be closer to the mark to say you don't want entities who have your personal data to do things (including sharing that data) that you didn't agree to in the first place?
Privacy is about control, not anonymity
September 22, 2010 by Dissent
Dave Fleet writes:
Seth Godin says you don't really care about privacy:
"If you cared about privacy you wouldn't have a credit card, because, after all, they know everything you spend money on. And you wouldn't use the phone, because somewhere, there's a computer scanning what you say.
What most of us care about is being surprised. You don't want the credit card company to track where you're staying and whether you're buying flowers for someone you're not even married to–and then send you a free coupon for STD testing…"
I think Seth missed the mark with this one.
Read more on DaveFleet.com
Solove's Post Regarding the Role of Harm in Privacy Litigation
Posted on September 22, 2010 by Andy Serwin
Dan Solove has written extensively on privacy theory as well as harm in the data breach context and recently posted on harm in the data breach context. Solove's post discusses the issues plaintiff's face in privacy litigation and offers alternative theories on harm. Solove raises some interesting points, including regarding the efficacy of litigation in protecting consumers rights, and one of his points raises interesting issues about the role of insurance. Solve notes the following regarding harm:
This is a problem. Danielle Citron's thoughtful paper, Reservoirs of Danger, argued that those keeping data should be treated similarly to those engaging in hazardous activities. I agree. If you're going to profit by using people's data, you should at least be held responsible for compensating people when you fail to keep it secure.
No s@#t! They like do that c#@p 'cause it like makes them like seem like they are like f*&^%$#@#@ smart!
Today's Children Are Officially Potty Mouths
Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday September 22, @10:32AM
"When the Sociolinguistics Symposium met earlier this month swearing scholar Timothy Jay revealed that an increase in child swearing is directly related to an increase in adult swearing. It seems that vulgarity is increasing as pop culture continues to popularize vulgarities. The blame lies with media, public figures, politicians, but mostly ourselves. From the article: 'Children as young as two are now dropping f-bombs, with researchers reporting that more kids are using profanity — and at earlier ages — than has been recorded in at least three decades.'"
With schools securing their networks beyond reason, a portable device allows me to demonstrate tools and techniques I can't install on the classroom computers. NOTE: This is not simple or quick.
How To Create Groups Of Portable Applications Using Cameyo [Windows]
It would be nice if we could pack everything up in one portable app, so those apps will always be available whenever we need them – in any possible scenario. Mac users don't have any problem with this particular issue because basically all Mac apps are portable. But things work differently in the Windows world. Luckily, there's a portable applications creator called Cameyo.


text:
This author's biography has not yet been added to our database.
In the face of tradition and prejudice, Yandro has fought his way to a high position in the government, but can he continue to fight his growing attraction for the ambassador he serves? Especially since Ambassador Jareth Hadrana is determined to overcome his resistance and take their relationship from professional to personal. In Fine Form takes you back to the kingdom of Ylandre, a world of intrigue and deceit where an affair with an enigmatic diplomat may not be worth the risk.
Guile is an asset in foreign relations, but an affliction when it comes to affairs of the heart.
A bastard of unknown parentage, Yandro Vaidon was born saddled with a huge disadvantage. The nigh rigid class structure of the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre relegated him to the bottom rungs of the social ladder and promised a dim future. Worse, the endeavor to win respectability was arduous—most claimed it was impossible. But by dint of hard work, perseverance, and instances of plain good luck, Yandro rises higher than even he had hoped. However, he quickly learns there are hurdles to overcome even at these heights. Not least is his inconvenient attraction to a colleague deemed way beyond his reach.
Scion of House Essendri, the reigning dynasty of Ylandre, Jareth Hadrana is gifted with more than his fair share of beauty and wit. The kingdom's preeminent ambassador, he has surpassed what is usually expected of a fief-lord's second son. But while his high birth and family wealth opened doors for him, Jareth's success stemmed from his own efforts to make something of himself other than the idle fop or swaggering rakehell that was the lot of many younger sons.
A coincidence of interest drew Jareth and Yandro to the same profession, but a king's intervention throws them together in an association that soon turns into mutual desire. However, prejudices have largely kept the aristocratic True Bloods and lower-caste Half Bloods on opposite sides of the social and romantic divide. In addition, reticence born of distrust and a secret like no other hamper their attempts to span the chasm between them. It will take more than their shared passion to convince them to lower their protective walls and risk their hearts in full.
Content Notes: Hot, Anal Play, Anal Intercourse, GLBT, M/M, Fantasy
One is looking for love. One finds it hard to express his emotions. Both are straddling the thin line between heartache and happiness. Will lust lead to love? Find out in Book 5 of Eresse's hot, fantasy series, Chronicles of Ylandre.
With love, the line between happiness and heartache is all too easy to cross.
One of Ylandre's most prominent nobles, Keosqe Deilen may have had it all in terms of wealth, power, and social rank. But in matters of the heart, he was impoverished. Such was the consequence of falling in unrequited love. Though he hides that love and his sorrow well, a few inevitably see through his masquerade.
Young Tristen Marante is quick to discern Keosqe's pain. His blunt sympathy is a balm to Keosqe's wounded heart as much as his beauty is an effective distraction from the noble's hopeless yearning. But Tristen is a skittish would-be lover, whose reluctance to express his affection is as much an impediment as the lack of reciprocation from Keosqe's first love had been. Whereas Keosqe seeks intimacy, Tristen shies from it, suspicious of the motives behind his pursuit and unwilling to yield his heart so easily or soon.
With such different perspectives toward lust and love, is it any wonder their path to a common goal is strewn with stumbling blocks and paved with false impressions?
Content Notes: Hot, Anal Play, Anal Intercourse, Fantasy, GLBT, MM
When all else comes to naught, a steadfast heart is the only thing that stands between hope and despair.
Scions of the most powerful House in Ylandre, Ashrian Mithani and Eiren Sarvan were more than just cousins. Lovers of long standing, theirs was a bond that would have been the envy of all were it not for one glaring flaw—Ashrian's inability to commit himself wholeheartedly to Eiren. Despite the dismay of some and the derision of others, Eiren bore his inconstancy; displaying a loyalty Ashrian seemed incapable of returning. That is, until Ashrian crossed a line and the transgression proved one Eiren could not forgive.
In the wake of grief and remorse, Ashrian seeks to make amends and win Eiren back. But something stands in his way. Or rather someone. And the irony of it all is that Ashrian can neither hate nor help befriending the Deir who is his rival for the heart of Ylandre's most beloved physician.
Contains: m/m love scenes, anal sex, touching, petting. 240 pages
A chance meeting heralds the convergence of two heretofore wildly divergent fates.
From the moment he laid eyes on the handsome Lord of Ilmaren, Naeth Orosse fell head over heels in infatuation with him. And after that first meeting in the middle of a tavern brawl in the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre, Reijir Arthanna did not forget the orphaned youth who came to his aid unasked. When fate brings them together anew, Reijir becomes Naeth's guardian, which proves both blessing and bane when their mutual attraction is guilelessly nursed by one and distrustfully downplayed by the other.
Between attempting to ignore Naeth's artless overtures and suppressing feelings he had long disavowed, Reijir has his hands full. But more than a title and duty were forced on this enigmatic cousin of Ylandre's king. A less than benevolent past has left its imprint on Reijir who is as known for his cynical outlook on life as he is for his exotic features and proficiency between the sheets. Convincing him to risk his heart in love is a battle more experienced Deira than Naeth have waged and invariably lost.
Time and circumstances may force true lovers apart but the tie that binds them can never be fully severed.
When Dylen Teris and Riodan Leyhar meet one harsh winter in the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre, neither expects the encounter to lead to a fast friendship and abiding love. For a chasm of vastly dissimilar social stations lies between them, and not all Deira could imagine, let alone accept, such a relationship.
Circumstances eventually separate them for what seems forever only to conspire to bring them together once more in the most unlikely of places—at the court of Rohyr Essendri, Ylandre's powerful monarch. Complicating their situation is the attraction that still lingers between them, waiting to flare once more into love. But when one is unwilling to venture his heart again or wholly forgive its breaker, it may take a king's interference to reunite these star-crossed lovers for good.
Contains: hermaphrodism and explicit homoerotic sexual encounters.
M/M Fantasy
Book Length: Plus Novel
In the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre, the great divide between the high-born True Bloods and the lower-ranked Half Bloods is deemed impassable by most. Rohyr Essendri dared to cross it when he took young Lassen Idana from his provincial town and made him his paramour. Lassen perforce learned how to navigate the intricate byways of life at court. What he never expected, however, was to fall in love with Rohyr, a most inadvisable and impractical thing to do when one's lover is sovereign ruler of the land. But anything worth having is worth fighting for, both figuratively and, as Lassen discovers, literally speaking.


text:
IQU Teenage Dream
Published Nov 01, 2000IQU (formally ICU, until the threat of legal action) can't exactly be called techno or electronica or any other convenient category, because they splice together whatever style they choose and add elements from so many other types of music. Teenage Dream is one of those EP's that features one song remixed to death - six times, in fact - by numerous different folks, plus the original. And if that doesn't offer you enough value for money, there are also two bonus remixes of a song from their previous album (by KO and Sonic Boom). The original track is a glorious eight-minute marriage of buzzing guitar and an eerie sample of children singing a driving beat, which isn't a million miles from the classic "Voodoo Ray'" by A Guy Called Gerald. When it comes to the remixes, Looper's stays closest to the original while Lexaunculpt and Concentrick take it furthest away with a true cut and paste job. Team 714 and Dub ID are more conventional dance-type mixes that are fine for what they are but the best mix comes from Take One and Red Clay, who slow it down into a wonderfully mellow hip-hop trip. The problem with any EP like this is that you have to really love a song to hear it seven times. In its defence, the various versions are different enough so that it doesn't feel like you are just hearing the same song again and again. But at the end of the day, the original version is still the best and there isn't a huge incentive to listen to all the other attempts. Still, it does bode well for the full-length album, which is just around the corner. (K)


text:
Extortion Emails Threaten DDOS Attacks
on May 12, 2017 | by Troy Gill | DDoS, Digital Degenerate, email threat, Ransomware, Security Risks, Tech News
Attackers are currently sending personalized emails attempting to extort money from website owners across the net. The sender promises to commit a distributed denial of service - DDOS - attack, to the tune of 1Tbps, against the recipients website unless they make a one-time payment of .1 Bitcoins. T ... read more


text: Hey guys, Maschine arrived at the most unfortunate time possible, just a few days before my final exams. I actually only toyed around with it for about an hour then gave it to a friend until sunday to make sure I actually study lol. This is my first experience with a groovebox and while initially it was confusing, I had a really good understanding of it within the hour. I'm excited to get more time with it I can already tell with enough time put into it I'll really be able to move on the fly. For anyone else that is intimidated by Ableton (like I was) this may be the best place to start and then migrate over to Ableton or just stick with Maschine.


text:
Polaris Partnership Peer reviews
All Polaris Teaching School Alliance schools participate in a yearly peer review. Each school is visited by two Head Teachers to observe teaching and learning and leadership, with a focus established by the visited head.
The Concept
- Three Head Teachers visit each other's schools over a two-year period to ensure that change is embedded and there is a long-term impact.
- There are visits each term, with a specific focus:
- Autumn – Outcomes for Pupils
- Spring – Teaching and Learning
- Summer – Leadership and Management
- As these visits are more focused, they could be completed over a morning, rather than a full day.
- The Head Teachers continue to visit each other's schools over the two-year period.
In the Partnership Reviews, Head Teachers work on specific areas of focus:
- Attainment and Progress
- Teaching and Learning
- Leadership and Management
There is specific time as part of the visits to review the impact and the progress that has been made within these areas. The visits have as much a focus on support as they do challenge, as it is expected that the three Head Teachers work together to develop the action plans that will see an improvement within the school. These visits are built upon trust and a shared desire to see a continued raising of achievement across all school in the Polaris Teaching School Alliance. The reviews enhance collaboration and are a positive and professionally worthwhile experience for all parties involved.


text:
GVA LaunchGurus Fund 1 announces its second investment.
GVA LaunchGurus Fund 1 announces that it took part in Apps4All's convertible debt financing round of $250,000 that was completed at the beginning of September 2015.
Apps4All creates an ecosystem which allows members of the mobile technology market to communicate worldwide. Apps4All connects mobile developers, facilitates social networking, promotion campaigns and events, and delivers value to mobile developers and corporations. Recent milestones for Apps4All include acquiring 3,500 developer companies/30,000 individual members; accomplishing 100 successful projects; deploying the Apps4All platform in 5 countries.
Apps4All has embarked on an ambitious programme to grow its business on a global scale. Apps4All has begun its rollout in the US, which will include a localization of its platform and a number of PR events to connect thousands of US-based developers. Apps4All will host DroidCon San Francisco 2015, the largest Android event in the world.
«This new capital injection is of great help to us. It will help fuel our US expansion. We plan to use the proceeds of this round to grow our US staff and developer base. », said Alexander Vasiliev, CEO and co-founder of Apps4All. «This investment matches perfectly with the strategy of our fund. Apps4All has a disruptive and scalable business model, a dedicated team, revenue streams as well as a proven ability to scale internationally.», said Vadim Balashov, Investment Advisor for GVA LaunchGurus Fund 1 L.P.
About GVA LaunchGurus Fund 1
GVA LaunchGurus Fund 1, L.P. aims to realize capital appreciation by investing in early stage companies. The Fund invests in companies that demonstrate a proven technology, a strong team and growing sales revenue. Please visit us at gvalaunchgurus.vc, or email us at email@example.com
About Apps4All
Please visit us at apps4all.agency or contact us at email@example.com.


text:
Office location
- Boise State University
- 777 Main street RM 246
- Boise, ID 83725
Contact Info
- Office phone: (208) 426-3317
- CS Department phone: (208) 426-5766
- Email: shanepanter (at) boisestate (dot) edu
Course Information
I am the course coordinator and point of contact for the following courses.
CS 117 C++ FOR ENGINEERS (3-0-3)(F,S). An introductory course in computer programming using C++. Topics include: scalar types; aggregate types; pointers and reference types; statements; expressions; functions; libraries; and a brief introduction to classes, objects, and overloading. Emphasis is on: development, compilation, debugging, and execution of complete programs implementing given algorithms for numerical, scientific, and engineering applications. PREREQ: MATH 170.
CS-HU 250 Introduction to Version Control (1-0-1)(F,S). Introduction to the central ideas, practices, and day to day usage of software version control. Brief history with practical examples using Git, Mercurial, or Subversion. Basic client side usage such as committing, branching, merging, pull-request as well as more advanced usage. Server side operations such as commit hooks and toolchain integrations will be explored. A Hatchery Unit (HU) course is a short course to develop specific professional skills for computer science. PREREQ: CS-HU 153.
CS 481 SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT (0-6-3)(F,S)(FF). Capstone experience designing, implementing, and testing an assigned open source software artifact. Students report progress via documentation, meetings and demos. Class concludes with a presentation and demonstration of the completed product to students, faculty and project sponsors. Topics include teamwork, communication, ethics, project management, tools, design, verification and validation. PREREQ: CS 471.


text:
The Truth about Teacher Pay
One of the most common beliefs about American education is that teaching is an underpaid profession. Think tanks purport to calculate the "teacher pay gap." The media run stories about teachers taking second and third jobs to pay the bills. Politicians call for across-the-board raises. They all see raising teacher pay as a matter of simple fairness, as well as a way to attract better teachers and improve educational outcomes. But the much-touted pay gap does not actually exist. It is the product of a simplistic methodology that confuses our debates and blinds us to the real challenges in education policy.


text:
this has already been posted on my tumblr, but i feel like posting here, too. review etc dedicated to rachel!
Rachel calls him at work, and like, he doesn't mind or anything, but interrupting a class – even when it's a class of kindergarteners cutting paper – is totally against the rules. But whatever, these days she only calls if it's an emergency and though he and Rachel have had to go over what constitutes as an emergency like a dozen times, she's been pretty good lately.
He takes the call and sits at the front of the room and makes sure all the scissors are down while he answers.
"I'm sick," she says, and her voice is all pathetic and throaty, "so I've locked myself in the bedroom."
This isn't really an emergency. "Babe, I'm at work."
"I just wanted you to know I might be dead when you get home." Okay, Rachel doesn't really get sick, like, ever. So it is kinda an emergency, if she's like puking and has a sore throat and stuff.
"Call Kurt," he tells her, and he thinks she would huff and roll her eyes if she weren't so sick.
"I've tried that, Finn. You're my last choice."
"Kinda like when you married me, huh?" He can't really resist teasing her, and she laughs a little that leads into this horrible sounding coughing and his heart kinda squeezes, 'cause she's really, really sick.
"Don't make me laugh," she groans, voice all soft and rough.
"Baby, there are like, two hours left 'til school's out for the weekend – can you make it?"
There's no answer, and he's pretty sure he hears her vomiting and, okay, he's never missed school or left early so he calls down to the main office if there's any way he can go home for the afternoon and the secretary just laughs at him and tells him she'll keep an eye on the class 'cause it's just arts and crafts for the afternoon and did he know she used to be the art teacher around here? And he just smiles and pats her on the shoulder and grabs his stuff and goes on home.
Rachel's curled on the floor of the bathroom, asleep or maybe passed out or something, but he shakes her awake and her eyes flood with tears as soon as they open. He picks her up and she presses her forehead against his shoulder and he rubs her back up and down as she likes and tucks her into bed.
"I need to brush my teeth," she mumbles, a little incoherently, and he kisses her on her (clammy) forehead.
"I'm gonna sit in the living room while you rest, okay? Just, like – just sleep."
He feels bad keeping her quarantined, but they can't both afford to be sick at the same time or anything so he just sits on the couch with the television on low and worries for, like, hours, until she hesitantly tiptoes into the room and sits beside him on the couch.
"How do you feel, sweetheart?" He asks when she leans into him a little. She's so, so warm – she always is – but he presses his fingers against her forehead, and she feels really hot.
"Bad," she murmurs. "Worse."
"How can I help you?"
She nuzzles a little into his arm, and he knows what she wants is him and it's only, like nine o'clock and they're only twenty-six and they're already going to bed and it takes hours for him to fall asleep, completely unused to the overheated body that lays on top of him. Her chest rises and falls shallowly and her breath wheezes and she whimpers a little in her sleep and god, he wants her to get better so fast.
A few days later she's fine, all better, and she's not working now so she's kinda bored at home or at least she seems like she is and he doesn't want her to be bored but is it bad that he likes having her there when he gets home from work?
He doesn't think it is, not really, because it's not like she'll never go back on Broadway. She's just been working so hard for all her life and she'd had this, like, major breakdown last spring and he'd told her maybe she should take a break or something, slow down just a little. And she's mid-break and seems so much mellower and he supposes it might be from all the yoga and sleep and, well, sex, but he can tell she's itching to be back on stage.
They've got a picture of Kurt and Blaine's baby on their fridge and Rachel's always begging Kurt to bring the baby over but he doesn't really all that often and that makes her kinda sad and he hates seeing her sad. And, like, he knows she wants a baby (she hasn't asked him to pick up her birth control prescription at CVS in months) and he really wants one, too, and they don't use condoms or anything just – it's taking a while.
The door opens and he hears rustling and then Rachel's cheerful greeting. He looks at the clock, and she's late, but he doesn't really mind, you know? Like, he misses her and he wants her around and stuff but if she wants to spend a little more time with her best friend, he isn't going to whine and moan about it. Plus, one of his jobs in the chore chart is cooking, so he isn't waiting on her for dinner or anything.
"Hi," he says when he meets her in the kitchen. "Did you have a good time with Kurt?"
He's running his hands up and down her sides and she turns and leans into him, not quite hugging, but just sort of leaning. He really loves feeling her pressed against him. "Yeah," she answers, "I'm tired, though."
She looks tired, so he kisses her on the forehead. "Did you guys eat?"
Her nose wrinkles really cutely and he can't really resist just putting his mouth there for a quick second. "I couldn't."
"Couldn't what?"
"Eat. I mean, I ate a little at dinner and brought the rest home. It's in the fridge, if you want it." She's already pulling a mug out of the cabinet and he grabs her tea off the top shelf for her.
"I think I'm still a little under the weather." She shrugs and the kettle starts and she turns and bites her lip. "I'm going to get into bed. Will you bring me my tea when it's done?"
He nods and she smiles and kisses him on the cheek.
When the tea finishes brewing he brings it into their bedroom and she's already all curled up on the bed and she's got ESPN on for him and a book spread over her lap and when he walks in she looks up and smiles.
"Come here," she says and pats the bed beside her and he hasn't brushed his teeth yet or changed, but he slips off his jeans and his sweater and slides into bed beside her. "I put the game on for you."
It's not really the right game, since he wanted to watch the Browns game replay since they were busy on Sunday afternoon, and what's playing is some woman's basketball team but she looks really proud so he thanks her and kisses her cheek.
She's wearing this tank top that pushes up her boobs and just sort of hangs and she wears them every night with matching pants and he doesn't really pay too much attention to what she wears but he likes her pajamas because they're always so soft (and easy to take off).
Except tonight he can't really look away from her boobs, like, they look way bigger than they did last night and maybe it's the color of the pajamas (white with little pink polka dots) in comparison to last night's (black with lace at the edges), but he can't tear his eyes off her cleavage.
"Baby," he says, all slow and carefully. She's reading some book and she looks up and smiles at hm. "Are you wearing a bra tonight?"
She furrows her brow. "I don't remember taking one off," she answers, and he reaches out to feel for himself (he can do this now that they're married).
"You aren't," he tells her and she's smiling like she's holding back laughs at him.
"Was that an excuse to feel me up?" She teases, scooting close to him. "Because you can do that whenever you want."
"No." He shakes his head really fast and then realizes what that probably sounds like. "Not that I didn't enjoy it. You know I love the girls. But, uh…they look bigger."
"Excuse me?"
"Yeah," he continues, and pushes out this breath and like, cups them again and he thinks of himself when he was in high school and how often he'd wanted to do this exact motion, and he laughs a little 'cause he does this kinda stuff like everyday, "definitely feel bigger, too."
"I've been dehydrated lately. Must be all the water weight."
He doesn't really know anything about women's health and breasts or anything other than he really likes his wife's, so he nods. "Probably."
"Let me finish this chapter, okay?" She puts her hand there and he groans a little and waits for her to close her book before he scoots close to her and kisses her and tugs her shirt off.
When his alarm goes off the next morning, the bed is empty and the smell of bacon wafts into the bedroom and that really inspires him to get dressed and brush his teeth except when he gets into the kitchen to greet Rachel she's sitting at the kitchen table with her head resting on her forearms and her shoulders are shaking.
"Rachel?" He puts his hand on her back and sneaks a bit of the bacon from the plate in front of her. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I ate a piece of bacon," she hisses, and is it bad that he's, like, completely relieved by the admission?
"Don't you understand?" He blinks. "I've just ruined both my kosher and vegetarian lifestyles! God, Finn!"
And then she's storming off into the bathroom. Honestly, though, Rachel isn't a very good vegetarian to begin with. Like when they go out to dinner with their friends and he orders a steak he'll catch her stealing occasional bites but when he accuses her she just rolls her eyes and says he doesn't accept her lifestyle.
That, of course, ensures that Quinn and Tina and Mercedes all start berating him about not accepting Rachel while Santana just pats him on the shoulder in support.
Rachel still hasn't come out of the bathroom when he finishes breakfast and cleans up so he knocks on the door. "Babe, you okay?"
"Go away."
"C'mon, Rachel. I have to go to work soon and I wanna tell you something important before I leave."
"Yeah. Like, super, life-changing important."
"If it's something trite I'm never talking to you again."
"Good luck with that."
"Okay, okay. Understood."
She emerges and she's still wearing her pajamas and her boobs still look really good and her eyes are all red-rimmed and her hair is all messy. "What is it?"
"Come here." She takes a step and slips both of her hands into his. "Okay. I have to go to work, and I wanted to tell you…"
He pauses for a minute, and he has to hide his smile when she impatiently stomps her fit. "Finn, I swear, I'll – "
"I love you." There's silence and she pinches his arm hard and turns towards the bathroom. "Hey! Don't act like that isn't life changing. It changed your life, once upon a time. Besides, what if I, like, die or something today and you never got to know how much I love you?"
He's actually really shocked when her eyes start to fill with tears 'cause Rachel doesn't cry that easily. "Why would you say something like that?"
"I didn't – I didn't mean it." He wraps his arms around her and holds her in a tight hug and after a second she squeaks slightly.
"Finn, Finn, ow!"
"What?" He jerks away quickly, keeps his hands on her shoulders. "Did I step on your foot?"
"No, you just – you crushed my chest." She runs her hand over her boobs and he tries not to get too distracted by it since he has to leave, like, now so he kisses her quickly.
"I'm sorry, honey. I love you so much, and I'll see you tonight! We're eating at Kurt and Blaine's, remember!"
"Love you, too," she yells back and blows him a kiss as he hurries out of the apartment.
He comes home earlier than usual 'cause he has to shower and stuff before going to Kurt's tonight. Rachel isn't in the living room or the office (which is really a desk, a computer, and a ton of books with his drum set in the corner) and he passes the closet on his way into their bathroom when he catches sight of her feet.
"Uh, Rachel?" He hears a muffled little sigh. "Are you in the – the closet?"
"You wanna come out?"
"No. You come in. I can never be in daylight ever again."
He steps inside the closet and sits beside her against the wall. They're pretty lucky they have this awesome of an apartment in New York, with two bathrooms and a walk in closet. The rent is really expensive, though, but he and Rachel can afford it.
She isn't wearing pants. "Babe?"
He puts his hand on her bare thigh, trails his fingers up and down the skin. "You're not wearing pants."
She set her jar. "No," she agrees slowly, "I am not."
"Well, why not?"
Her bottom lip pushes out. "They don't fit," she whispers, and he kind of wants to laugh because he thought there was something more serious about the whole sitting in the dark thing, but he knows this is important to her so he just bites his lip and reigns it in.
"Wear a dress, then." She looks at him and puts her hand on his neck so he'll kiss her. "I've gotta shower, then we'll go, okay?"
She's standing in the bathroom in this pretty black dress when he steps out of the shower, running a brush through her hair. It's so long, these days, pretty, too, and he pats her butt as he passes her, towel slung 'round his waist, dripping wet. She kinda hates when he walks out of the shower all dripping and stuff 'cause he gets water all over the carpet, but she doesn't say anything and just smiles at him.
When he goes back in the bathroom to shave, she's staring at herself in the mirror. She's pulled her hair back into a ponytail and has her makeup done and there's this odd expression on her face.
"You okay?"
After another moment of peering at herself, she nods. "Yes, I'm fine. Hurry up, or we'll be late!"
They like to walk most places, since they don't want to waste their gas or lose their parking space and Kurt and Blaine really only live ten or so blocks away and it's not too cold out, yet. Except Rachel makes him wear gloves and a hat and she pulls mittens on and one of those warm headband things and he doesn't think she could be cuter if she tried.
She takes his hand and swings it between them as they walk, and she chatters on and on about something, and sometimes he still finds it a little hard to keep up with how fast her brain works.
They get to Kurt's and Blaine opens the door and smiles all brightly and hugs them and they hang up their coats and Rachel ventures off to find Kurt and the baby, little Emily, and Blaine grabs him a beer and they just sit and watch the game and wait.
Rachel comes out with Emily in her arms and she looks so proud of herself as she sits next to Finn on the sofa and he starts making faces, garnering this pretty little smile from the baby. Rachel giggles, too.
"Pay attention to me," Kurt whines from the recliner, and Finn turns to lift both his brows, 'cause seriously? Emily is seriously cute, and he and Rachel don't have one of their own to fawn over (yet), so.
"No," Rachel says, and she's smiling and bouncing the baby who just keeps laughing and laughing and he looks at her, and yeah, he's wanted one for awhile, but – he really wants one, now.
When they get home he can't help but press her against the door and fuck her right there, and again in their bed, and afterwards, he cuddles her against his chest, toys with the long hair that splays out everywhere, and she turns her head and stares at him for a moment.
"I really need a haircut," she frowns, watching as he wraps a section of hair around his finger.
She only hums and wiggles around for a bit until she's comfortable and puts her mouth, like, right on his cheek and rests there and her eyes are closed and her breathing is even and he lets that simple motion – her chest rising and falling – soothe him to sleep.
He's eating breakfast in the kitchen, reading some article about fish oil when Rachel starts yelling for him. He thinks: spider, intruder, curling iron burn, and lumbers into their bedroom.
"You okay?"
She's just, like, sitting up in bed not even dressed or anything and she's got a hand on her chest and she's beaming, so he guesses whatever it is, it's something good.
"Yes," she ascertains and crooks her finger for him to come close. He's got about thirty minutes 'til he has to leave for work so when Rachel wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him he isn't, like, hurried or anything like that.
"What's up, then?"
She just kind of looks at him, like she really loves him ad obviously she does, but it's just – seeing that look always makes him feel so good. "I think," she begins slowly, "that I may or may not be pregnant."
"Um – what?"
She nods. "Yes. The probability is very great. Think about it, Finn."
He can't really do anything but stare and feel his heart bang against his chest, so. "I – I can't."
She puts her hands on his shoulders again. "Come on, honey. Just think for a second. I've been so tired."
"Yeah," he grunts, finally finding his voice, "and sick, too. And, fuck, your boobs."
She laughs and her eyes are all wet and shiny with tears and he can't stop himself from kissing her. "We're having a baby," she tells him, and god she sounds so happy and he puts his hand on her stomach, feels that spot where a life's gonna blossom in time and he just can't wait.
"I love you so much," he tells her, and fuck, he's going to be late but this is just so awesome. "And we'll – we'll celebrate tonight when I get home, 'kay?"
She kisses him again and sort of, like, clings to him and okay, that's really cute and all but when they're kissing again by the door he tells her as her mouth presses against his jaw that he really has to go.
Her lips push out in this pout when he pulls away, and it's so hard to leave her, what with the baby and her being Rachel and all, but he has to go to work.
It sort of, like, hits him midway through the day. They're having a kid. A real life, breathing, miniature version of them and like the kid could be some sociopath or something and kill him and Rachel if the don't give it video games and he almost nearly dials Rachel's cell phone, but stops himself, 'cause that's totally crazy and he doesn't need to freak out Rachel even more or anything.
He comes home early again, but grading workbooks can wait, you know? These kids are too young to worry about their grades yet so he thinks they'll understand when he tells them he's having a baby.
She's sitting at the kitchen table, wearing one of his shirts, and there are all these papers in front of her and she looks up and smiles at him. He puts one hand on the base of her neck and kisses her temple.
"What're you doing?"
"Looking over our finances," she explains, and pushes the calculator and stack of papers away. "I just finished, actually. We're in good shape for this baby, but I really think we should get rid of our Internet. Or our cable. Your choice."
"Baby, I don't think so."
"Plenty of people do it, Finn. Come on. It'll be romantic. We can read poetry and classic novels and think about our baby."
"This isn't 1922, Rachel." He kisses her on the forehead. "Good try, though. Maybe you can cancel your subscription to Broadway World."
"I don't think so, Finn Hudson!"
They go to the doctor and Rachel's six weeks along, so by the end of this summer they'll have a baby. He can't even imagine. He's so excited, and Rachel is too, except the doctor tells her she's "severely underweight".
"And what does that even mean?" Rachel cries as she storms into the apartment. She stomp straight into the kitchen and jerks open the fridge. "I haven't eaten meat since I was twelve, Finn, and now he's asking me to give up my principles?!"
"He just – "
"Fourteen years, Finn!" She's glaring at the contents of the refrigerator and slams it shut. "I won't do it. I refuse."
"Rachel, come on. It's like – if you don't eat right or enough the baby'll be too small and it could die or something before we even get to meet it and what if I lose you, too?"
Her expression softens and she puts her hand on his cheek. "You're not going to lose me," she murmurs, running her thumb all over his face. He covers her wrist with his own hand. "Promise."
He shouldn't nod, 'cause how can she keep that promise? But Rachel's really good at keeping promises, back when they were juniors in high school she swore she'd never break up with him and she hadn't, which in his book is pretty cool, so he just nods and presses his mouth against hers.
"So, steak for dinner?"
She shifts uncomfortably for ten minutes before he says anything. "Baby, do you need some help?"
"These seats," she groans, "are not suited for pregnant women."
He looks at her and honestly, she doesn't even look pregnant. He's just this expert on Rachel's body so he's probably the only one who even notices the slight swell of her stomach, but he doesn't really know what it feels like, you know? Carrying all that extra weight and the responsibility, so if she wants to complain, she can complain.
So he just pats her hand and lets her put her head on his shoulder as they take off and eventually she falls asleep, just resting against him like that.
His mom is waiting for them at baggage claim and she and Rachel totally freak out over one another for ten minutes. He just rolls his eyes when his mom finally turns to him and hugs him tight.
"So, what made you two decide to come out for the entire holiday?" Usually, they come just for a weekend or their parents go to New York, but this year, everything's different.
He meets Rachel's gaze and smiles at her. "I don't know, really," he says slowly. He's totally lying. "Guess we just missed Lima."
Rachel squeezes his hand like he did a good job and he smiles at her and kisses her. "Yes," Rachel continues, "we truly missed Lima."
"Well, there's no denying that. Come, fast! Burt's got the car out front and I don't know if he can hold his spot much longer!"
Kurt and Blaine fly in the next afternoon and they're waiting one more day to tell everyone, and the only problem is Rachel's craving meat. Like extremely craving it. She almost cries watching him eat a piece of chicken at dinner.
So he sneaks her a sandwich in the middle of the night and she cries again, but in gratitude this time, and yeah, it's a little freaky how quickly her moods can change but he also thinks it's really fucking cute.
"You two are way more sickly than usual," Kurt comments, walking in on Finn and Rachel curled together on the couch in the living room, watching Say Yes to the Dress.
"Don't be jealous," Rachel teases and Kurt just huffs and sits beside them. With a soft sigh, Finn removes his hand from where it's been pressed on Rachel's stomach, and she presses her mouth to his cheek.
"Please," Kurt groans, "get a room."
Rachel's mouth turns down and fuck he hopes she doesn't cry or something 'cause Kurt isn't being that mean or anything, but instead, she scoots closer to Finn. "No."
"What is this, fifth grade?"
"Stop being mean to us and find Blaine to annoy."
"Rachel," Finn says quietly, and yeah, that's a pretty good one and all but Kurt will seriously throw a fit in a few seconds. "Really, Kurt, did you need something?"
"Blaine's napping with Emily," he whines. "I thought you two might entertain me."
"We're just watching TV." He glances at Rachel, all curled up on his lap. "Rach might fall asleep in a bit, though."
"I will not." But she yawns and her eyelids droop heavily. "Okay, I might."
And yeah, she's out fifteen minutes later and he grabs a blanket and drapes it over her. Kurt's staring at Rachel cuddled against him, her legs stretched over the couch and her arm around his neck.
"She's really so clingy."
"S'cute, right?"
"Is she always like this?"
"Nah. Usually I'm the one clinging." He leans his head back and blinks a few times. He can already smell the turkey roasting in the kitchen and Rachel's dads will be here in a few hours and he really can't wait to tell them about the baby.
"That doesn't surprise me."
Finn knows Kurt's envious of how he and Rachel are – they've talked about it a hundred times – and he knows he's not imagining that jealous glint as he stares at Rachel snuggling against him.
Since Rachel's been pregnant, she sleeps, like, forever and it isn't until dinner's done that she wakes up. She's disoriented, at first, and he laughs watching her. He's long since slipped out from beneath her and just left her to nap on the couch.
"Nice nap?"
Blinking, she lifts her arms and yawns a little. Her hair is all messy, and her cheek's got a crease in it. "Are my dads here?"
"No, but you've got ten minutes before they're due to arrive, so…"
"You look nice," she tells him, pressing her hand against his sweater. "So handsome."
Like a lost puppy, he follows her upstairs and watches her slip on this really pretty maroon dress.
"You look pretty, babe," he tells her, slipping his hand into hers, "you ready to tell 'em?"
She kisses him on the neck. "So ready."
Her papa, Hiram, he actually squeals when they reveal the news. His mom bursts into tears, Burt and Leroy clap him on the back, Kurt hugs him enthusiastically and Blaine shakes his hand. Rachel's crying, too, and won't stop hugging his mom.
Everyone's so happy and he's kinda mad he waited so long to like, impregnate Rachel or whatever but he's bound to do it again, and probably unplanned but he just likes how happy Rachel always is, and he totally gets what they mean when they call pregnant women glowing.
"Starshine," Leroy says, aghast, "did you just eat a piece of chicken?"
"The doctor recommended she change her diet," Finn supplies, and Rachel nods.
"Have you had very bad morning sickness?" Blaine asks. "Karen really had some terrible experiences with it all through her first trimester."
Karen's their surrogate and she was pretty cool and stuff, except the whole thing made Finn feel like he was in science fiction movie.
"Not particularly. I'm sure it's coming, though."
"Oh, I had some terrible morning sickness with Finn," his mom says, like he isn't right there. "And he was so big."
"H-how big?"
"Eight and a half pounds!"
Rachel turns to Finn and narrows her eyes at him. "If our baby's that big, I swear to god, I will castrate you."
"Okay, Rachel," he says all calmly but inside all these alarms are going off and fuck, would she really?
"I'm sure with your stunted genes the baby won't be too big."
"Finn, are my – are my genes stunted?" Her eyes are all big and brown and, fuck, shiny and Kurt must've struck a chord (they're all too easy to strike these days) so he just shakes his head.
"Nah. Your genes are perfect. Mine are the mutant ones – sorry, Mom."
Rachel manages to relax by the end of dinner and everyone convenes in the living room beside the Christmas tree and she puts her feet in his lap and she doesn't even need to ask before he's giving her a little massage.
"Thanks, Finn," she murmurs all sleepily and he thinks she'll probably fall asleep before her dads even leave. "I'm not gonna fall asleep, I promise. Daddy, could you please make me some tea?"
"The teapot's already full," Burt says. "Just heat it up in the microwave if it's cold."
By the time Rachel's tea is warmed, she's already passed out.
He wakes up one day at the end of February and Rachel's showing. It's like Baby Hudson just decided overnight to make his or her grand appearance or something, and Rachel narrows her eyes at him when he presses his fingers against her stomach, rousing her from her sleep.
"Your goddamn giant genes," she murmurs, pulling the blankets up around her shoulders. "Already showing at four months."
He doesn't wanna make her angry or anything by saying it to her, but she's been doing a pretty good job of getting out of that scary underweight category. They have an appointment this morning to find out if she's healthy or not, and it's been kinda nerve-wracking, thinking about her being classified as unhealthy.
"Rach, we've got an appointment to get to," he tells her, kissing her on the cheek.
She wrinkles her nose. "How about you make like a seahorse and carry this thing? And then you can go to the appointment and I'll stay here and catch up on that sleep you stole from me last night."
He decides against telling her that she instigated rounds two and three last night and just kisses her again, on the mouth this time.
"Finn," she whines. "Stop."
"We kinda have to go."
It takes much cajoling, but finally, she slips out of bed, muttering all the while about his damn genes.
It's poker night a few weeks later and he's a little more than antsy about leaving Rachel. "Are you sure you don't need me here?"
She's propped up on the couch reading yet another pregnancy book. Without looking at him, "yes, Finn, I'll be fine. Kurt's coming over and we're going to watch A Baby Story."
Rachel is a little obsessed with TLC these days. "Okay, babe." He frowns. "But if you need anything, call me, okay?"
She kisses him. "Go on, Finn, I'll see you later."
He tells her he loves her and makes his way to Puck's, where poker night is being held tonight. It's totally awesome that Puck lives in New York with Quinn, now, and they're not married yet but Finn thinks they'll be married soon enough.
"Finn!" Puck exclaims once he's opened the door. "How's the little woman?"
"She's great," he says, and like always when he's talking about Rachel, he can't help but smile.
"Super hormonal or what?" Finn slaps a high five against Blaine's hand when he sees him, and then nods at the other guys they've befriended in New York. "She drivin' you crazy yet?"
"Nah," he shakes his head. "Just cravings, really."
"Yeah?" Puck shares a glance with Blaine and lifts his brow. "Seems so."
"What do you mean by that?" He begins dealing the cards.
"It's just that – " Blaine breaks off suddenly, pressing his lips together and furrowing his brow. "Just that we've all noticed that you're going through…sympathy pains."
The guys all glance at each other and Finn looks at himself. He doesn't feel any different, but upon looking back he has been eating as Rachel eats and, fuck, he's having a sympathetic pregnancy.
"S'okay, dude," his friend from college, "I gained, like, twenty pounds when Kelly was pregnant with Jamie. It happens to the best of us."
God, but he's embarrassed. And, okay, looking back, he's been sort of moody lately, and could he be any weirder?
"Let's just get to the game," he mutters and he can feel his cheeks burning and he's glad the guys drop it 'cause he's so embarrassed he'll probably wear a bag for the rest of his life.
Rachel is still up when he gets in, hours past midnight, and she's reading that book, but in their bed.
"Hey," he greets, and he doesn't mean to be short or anything and he heads into the bathroom.
"Finn?" He hears the rustling of sheets and the blanket and her soft steps as she waddles into the kitchen. She actually waddles these days, all belly, as his mom says. "Are you okay?"
He's never been good at lying to her, not since they were juniors in high school, especially. "No."
"What happened?" She's running her hands up and down his arms and presses close to him. "Did Puck say something?"
"Yes." She wraps her arms around him as best she can, what with her stomach between them, and he just puts his hands right on her shoulders.
"Let's go to bed," she says and steps away from him, but she puts her hand in his and when they get into bed she lets him put his arms around her and cuddle her from behind, which is really the only way she likes to lie these days, her back on his chest, his feet tangled with hers.
He thinks that later on when the baby's bigger, more humanlike and stuff he'll be able to feel it kick while she sleeps, and that's pretty cool.
She's still reading and he's trying to rest – he's gotten really good at sleeping with the lights on – but he can't look away from the words on the page. Couvade syndrome. "I think I have that," he tells her all quietly, right against her ear.
"What, this?"
She opens her mouth real wide, and he thinks that's delight dancing in her eyes. "You do?!"
"Uh-huh." He curls his lip in distaste. "Pretty sure I've matched you pound for pound, baby."
She rolls them so she's straddling him, balancing herself with her hands on his stomach, and she's actually, like, crying a little.
"You love me so much."
"Yeah," he agrees roughly, and fuck, he's trying not to cry, too, and damn their fucking tether. He thought that only applied to, like, love and stuff. Although he supposes that him impregnating her is sort of like the ultimate form of love. Whatever. He never thought he'd suffer like this. "I really do love you."
She kisses him, softly at first, and then a little harder, her fingers squeezing the fabric of his tee shirt and then their mouths are insistent, and Rachel's been, like, ravenous for him lately, not that he's felt any different, and it's so late and he's so tired and emotionally drained but he can't deny a pregnant woman, can he?
It's like one day the baby's kicking and the next it's a little girl, and really it's just hours later that Rachel's screaming and crying in a hospital room and then they're holding their baby, little Sophie Elizabeth Hudson.
"She's the prettiest baby in the entire world," Rachel declares as the baby wraps her little fist around Rachel's index finger. She's got this head of dark hair and pretty skin that's all pink, and now that she's all clean and dressed and stuff she smells so good, and fuck, can he and Rachel make a good baby.
"Definitely," Finn agrees from beside her. He kisses Rachel on her cheek, and Sophie on hers. "I've got the prettiest wife and the prettiest baby. I feel like a bit of a peasant."
Rachel laughs and grabs his chin and kisses him on the mouth. Quickly, 'cause the nurse is in the room and their kid is, like, right there. But it's enough, you know? Like he loves her so much and it's so lame but he's probably never gonna stop.
And he must have super sperm or something 'cause one year later, Rachel's pregnant again.