Show and Tell sonogram review

So as I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm pregnant with baby #3. I had the normal 2D ultrasound done with my doctor at the beginning of my pregnancy, but with those… Well, let’s be honest. Can you tell what you are looking at? I sure can’t. Everything looks weird and blurry and I mostly just tune out the doctor talking to herself and listen to the heartbeat. Since I’m planning to make this my last baby, I really wanted to see it. Not some black and white blob picture that doesn’t make sense to me. I went online and started searching for places around San Antonio that offered 4D sonograms. May I just say… wow! They are really expensive. Most places charge $200-$900 depending on the package you choose. I finally found one that offered a simple package including 2 2D pictures, 2 4D pictures, and everything on a CD - all for $110.00. Show and Tell, located on 16607 Blanco Road, Suite 801 San Antonio, Texas 78232 not only had the best prices, their staff is extremely friendly and patient. I brought my 2 young sons along and even though they ran around the room and kept talking, the sonogram tech just laughed. I had drank water all week exclusively until I felt like a bloated cow in an attempt to make the picture as clear as possible. I was really, really hoping that this one was going to be a baby girl. And sure enough, as soon as we got started her legs were open and that’s the first thing we saw. After that, the tech did everything she could to ensure we got the best pictures we could of the baby. She had me roll over, walk around, use the bathroom… and in the end I got some amazing shots of my beautiful daughter. That package that I chose was called the Peek a Boo Special. In the end. I paid only $100 because I booked right before the price changes went into effect. And instead of just 4 pictures - I got 4 color 4D pictures and I think 6 black and white 2D pictures. Truly a value.

So, if you live in San Antonio, happen to be pregnant and want a 2, 3 or 4D sonogram for reasonable prices I strongly suggest Show and Tell. If you don't get a clear picture they do everything they can to try to make it better and even have options for going back and trying later at a free or discounted rate. I also liked that they had the option of being able to Skype the session with a family member who is too far away to be there. And you can bring the whole family (up to 11 people I think).

http://www.showandtellultrasoundsa.com/

Illegal Immigration in the United States - where did we go wrong?

I'm fed up. I'm tired of people putting their hands out because they feel entitled to the better life or because they just don't want to do their share. America was once the greatest nation in the world. We were refugees seeking freedom  to believe what we felt deep down was true. We wanted to bear arms without someone accusing us of being "dangerous" or some other nonsense. Once we travelled the seas and made it to the New Land, we were cautious with who was let in. Before 1890 each state was responsible for regulating their own immigration issues. Then we had a huge influx of immigrants coming from mostly European nations. The Federal government stepped in to help by building Ellis Island to screen those coming in seeking hope, happiness, and a better life. Everyone was put under a health screening and if necessary was quarantined for so many days before given the approval to step onto American soil. They were also questioned and had to be cleared on a legal basis to ensure that our government would not later have to take them on as wards in any way. Those who passed had to work from the lowest part of the totem pole and share a home with those who were from their homeland until they could make it on their own. They didn't get hand outs. They WORKED HARD. They were happy to do it because to them, it was way better than being back in their home country suffering in poverty or disease or hunger. Or perhaps just from an oppressive government running their everyday lives. To them, life in America was hard but it was worth it. They were grateful.
They became Americans. None of this African-American, Asian-American, Chinese-American crap. You want to live in America and reap the benefits of this nation? Drop the homeland title. Become an American. Not all black people come from Africa you know? What about the blacks from Haiti? The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago (which are still under British rule), and even south America. They can't be referred to ask "African-American". That might be an insult to them. However, American society has deemed "black" or "negro" as offensive. So why not just call them Americans?
Since when should an illegal alien come to America and live the American dream while American-born citizens pay for it? Why should I pay for them to have handouts or free medical benefits while my family lives paycheck to paycheck, can't afford to see a doctor, and isn't always certain how we will make it tomorrow? I'm all for those wanting to have a better life. Just do it legally. Follow our laws, abide by our rules... or don't be surprised if we send your butt home when we are tired of seeing your begging hand stuck out. Look at Spain, they getting strict about letting illegals in. Especially from Africa. Heaven forbid their noble land be ruined like America.
These are just a few things I think deserve a little more consideration by the American people. Our economy is failing. Our people are struggling. How much longer will our government continue to ignore these issues? Helping others is great, so as long as you help those who are paying for it first and so long as you have taken care of the major problems at hand.
On a side note - During Obama's term in office so far immigration authorities have deported the most illegal immigrants than every other United States President in history thus far. And all the while he talks to the public about accepting the illegals (mostly Mexicans) and about wanting to halt ICE and other border authorities. But if you take a look... he hasn't. A police officer here in San Antonio informed me recently that ICE personally goes through the San Antonio jails looking for law-breaking illegals to deport DAILY. Brava!
http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ellis_island_history.asp
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/may-28-2009/spain-revisiting-immigration-policies.html
http://www.ice.gov/news/fact-fiction/

Need technical support here in San Antonio?

I had to get data pulled from my scrambled hard drive. My new Sony Vaio laptop had some defective parts and before I sent back the broken hard drive, I wanted to try to recover whatever I could (if anything at all). After calling several places and getting high dollar quotes, I found James on Google maps in my phone. He's the Affordable Computer Expert. Not only did he have the cheapest quote, he was the most informative and polite person I spoke to. He worked hard to get as much as possible from my hard drive, even more than I had hoped. He answered all my questions and kept me informed about every step of the process. I refer him to all my San Antonio friends and will only trust him to handle any future system/hardware issues I have. If you need anything computer-wise or even if you have questions, I highly suggest you use his services. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. He works from his home office, but also makes some business calls.
James the Affordable Computer Expert
510 Saint Xavier, San Antonio, TX78232
(210) 222-2277
affordablecomputerexpert.com

While you were sleeping....

Cups to make,diapers to change,
little boys wanting to strip and run naked...
While you were sleeping.
Dishes to wash,
laundry to finish,
things to organize and move...
While you were sleeping.
Floors will be cleaned,
counters will sparkle,
toys moved out of the way...
While you were sleeping.
I'll feed the boys,
prepare them for bed,
after I finish their schooling...
While you were sleeping.
Check the mail,
take out the trash,
and finally have your meal ready...
While you were sleeping.
Does it end there?
No.
Your lunch will be sitting, ready to grab and go.
All the things you need for work, will I set out...
While you were sleeping.
And if I have time,
I'll lay out your work clothes...
While you were sleeping.

An original poem written by Emily S. Vinyard on August 30, 2011