36 Weeks

Wow, we have less than four weeks to go until we meet our sweet baby boy's face. We can't wait! Of course I have to go through that excruciating thing called labor but I know it will be worth it in the end. The baby is kicking up a storm all the time and I'm wondering just how big he really is. We get to have a growth ultrasound done on Wednesday and my doctor's office has 3D ultrasound equipment. It will be neat to see what our little guy looks like! I'm doing really well but feeling some pregnancy pains, especially at night. Someone told me today it looks like he has dropped a little bit, which is a great sign! It feels like my tummy is getting huge! One of the kids the other day said, "Wow, you ARE going to have a baby!"

Getting Better!

I'm feeling a little less overwhelmed. Here are some positive things to help me get through these few weeks...

1) The baby's clothes are washed and his bag is about packed
2) The car seat will be installed sometime in the next few days (we have his seat sitting out and the stroller is put together).

3) I left school at 4:00 today and it would have been earlier but I had to help interview for the long term sub position. We found someone to sub for me during the ten weeks I'll be gone (won't include the winter vacation)

4) My class is starting to really learn the routines and expectations. They are really cute and sweet. It will be a little hard to say goodbye to them for so long.

5) Tomorrow is Thursday~one day away from Friday

6) I'm getting some sleep at night

7) The weather has been nice so I went on a walk with my friend who lives in the neighborhood

8) I get a growth ultrasound next Wednesday. It will be fun to see what our little guy looks like since the last one was at 20 weeks.

9) I've been controlling my blood sugar with diet alone but feel full all the time. I'm eating like a football player!

10) I have a couple baby showers coming up--should be fun!

That's about it for now. Here are a few random pics-

We saw this field of sunflowers in a field close to our house. I need to play around with the camera because the flowers look dark.

Molly was scared of all the baby's stuff. Wait until we gets here. Her world will be turned upside down!

Sleep is Amazing!

It feels so good to have slept for 7 and a half hours last night. I think I have been averaging 4 1/2 to 5 hours of not real good sleep. I will say that I was completely exhausted last night. I had a very busy, long day. We finish lunch at 11:40 and I have no more breaks until 2:30 at school. Yesterday it was such a crazy, rushed day that I had no chance to go to the bathroom, sit down, or even check my blood sugar. I didn't leave school until 5:30 and even brought stuff home this weekendl. I got home after school and couldn't even walk upstairs. One of our teacher aides at school offered to come in my room at 1:00 each day for five minutes so I could go to the bathroom and check my blood sugar. I'll take that five minutes! Yesterday I did wonder why I just didn't take a year off school. It would certainly be better for my health at this point but I had to remind myself that the first few weeks of school are ALWAYS like this and things do get better. I have a great class but I can't leave them for a minute to go to the bathroom (Yet) and I don't get to sit down very much. I'm going to make myself slow down and know that I'll never get all projects finished.

It was so nice to wake up at 7:30 this morning, have breakfast, and do things around the house. I miss being at our house and feel like my job is consuming me. It will get better, it will get better, it will get better....at least I only have a month left and then I get some time off!

Tired and NO voice!

Today was our first full day back at school with the kiddos. I forgot how much little 2nd graders don't know at the beginning of the year. I'm exhausted. Yesterday I worked my tail off trying to get the room ready for meet the teacher night, which was from 5:30 to 7:30 after we had worked all day. I'm wondering why it doesn't ever get any easier (the day of back to school night). I guess it's just dealing with paperwork, copy machine breaking, and preparations for the first day. I was in survival mode today. I had 7 minutes to eat my lunch because I was trying to put labels on the kids' folders/notebooks so they wouldn't have to do it. I feel like I talked all day! They are so cute though and I think I have some great parents. I was very apprehensive about how the parents would feel about their child having a pregnant teacher but am feeling much better now. There were a few that were a little worried about the substitute but most seemed to be genuinely happy for me. Sometimes you do want to say, "Wow, I'm a person too, what did you do when you had your baby?" I do have a lot of stay at home parents but still.

I'm 34 weeks along now! We have another appointment in two weeks and will get to have a growth ultrasound. We are excited to see how big our little guy has gotten! After that I go every week to check my progress! Crazy. This weekend we are finishing the nursery (even though he won't be sleeping in there for a few months), washing clothes, packing hospital bags, and James will install his car seat! I can't believe it's so close. We are so excited but apprehensive too.

My stomach has been so hard from Braxton Hicks contractions that I should probably get a little rest. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight. Does anyone have any tips for insomnia? I haven't really ever had it before but for the past month I have hard the hardest time falling asleep and then when I get up to go to the bathroom 6 times a night I have a hard time sleeping.

That's about it for now!

It's Already That time?

We haven't posted anything exciting lately and this post won't be any different. Thanks for your votes for Baby C's name. We agree with the top three but haven't fully decided yet.. Ethan, Anderson, or Ian. Humm.. maybe we just need to meet our little guy and see. I could see us not being able to choose at the hospital though.

We finished our baby classes and are feeling not as anxious about the whole experience. We are expecting less sleep but we will make it work. I'm feeling great during the day but have insomnia at night and am a bit uncomfortable. I feel like I am surrounded by pillows at night. I am up every hour or two to go to the bathroom. Poor James, he is such a trooper. I guess he should have to go through something since he won't have to go through birth! I did find out that I didn't pass my last GD test and am now having to test my blood sugar. We discovered that I wasn't eating enough and my liver was taking over becuase it was in survival mode. I was actually limiting myself with carbs because I was scared to death of having it and now since I've been following my meal plan, things have been fine. I had a feeling that being tested this late in my pregnancy I would have it. Not fun but at least things are in control now without any insulin. Those hormones! Things should go back to normal once baby C is born so we're hoping he might want to come a week or two early. The crazy thing is, it is hard for me to eat everything on my meal plan each day because I get so full. I do feel like it's such a better balance though. I'm dealing and it's only for a few more weeks, right? I'm a little nervous about getting my snacks in at school but I guess we will just have to have snack time.

I have to be back at school on Monday for meetings and then we have meet the teacher night on Tuesday. My official first day with kids is on Wednesday. I always forget how little they know at the beginning of the year. I feel more prepared than last year and I'll even feel better when my principal finds a great substitute for me when I'm gone. I was told that I have wonderful parents and great kids. That's exciting at least.

Getting Ready!

This past weekend James' parents came to visit. We went to a Rockies/Cubs game, went to the Coors Brewery (no samples for me), and went up to Central City/Blackhawk. James' mom also took me shopping to buy baby stuff. The baby clothes are just adorable and so tiny!

We are getting things ready for our new addition and I'm also getting ready for my return to school. I'm a little sad about it but the fact that I get another summer off when the baby is born is kind of motivating!

I'm in the process of getting the bags ready for the hospital and probably need to have everything ready in the next few weeks. We are meeting with our pediatrician today and I think I have gotten everything else done this summer. We have been reading baby books and are very nervous about the sleepless nights. Maybe my insomnia is just preparation for when our little guy won't sleep. We keep telling ourselves that hopefully the worst of it will just be for the first few months. We hope to have a baby that loves to sleep. Doesn't everyone?

That's about it. Not much else knew for new. To all my teacher friends--I hope you all have a great beginning to the new school year!

Tired and 32 weeks pregnant

Thanks for voting to help us choose a name. If you haven't voted, please do so! I'm officially 32 weeks pregnant and starting to feel it. My stomach feels a little tight from getting bigger and bigger. I feel like I'm going to be a walking elephant on back to school night in two weeks! Then I will waddle down the hallway with my 24 little 2nd graders. Ahh... The last few nights I have had some insomnia. I have woken up around 3:00 a.m. and gotten up for an hour or two, and then have gone back to bed. The nice thing is that I can sleep in until 8:30 or so. Soon I will have to get up extremely early and am just not looking forward to it. At least I have a five minute drive (have timed it) compared to a 35-40 minute drive last year!

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday and my doctor wants to do another three hour glucose test since I'm farther along in my pregnancy. Yuck. I actually cried in the doctor's office but I think it was because I was tired and the reality of school had started to sink in. I keep telling myself that it is just for six weeks at the most but I just wonder how uncomfortable I'm going to be during those six weeks. I CAN'T be grumpy the first few weeks of school. The one nice thing is that I was told that I have a very good class with wonderful parents. I hope they are okay with me not returning until January. Here is a picture of my growing belly... I'm a little afraid of how BIG it will actually get!

Baby Names

We have had a very difficult time picking out a name for our little guy. He has to live with our decision for the rest of his life. It's so much pressure. So, if you want to help, we added a poll with some of the current front runners on the left. Feel free to leave other suggestions as comments. The current front runner for most middle names is James. (For Lance we like Christopher) Thanks for your input!

Disclaimer: No warranties are expressed or implied. We reserve the right to ignore all suggestions and pick another name at any time. Furthermore, not all names on the list should be considered serious as some may be a joke. No feelings should be hurt by any of the poll participants. If you find your feelings are hurt in anyway you need to relax, take a break, go for a walk, have a drink and remember there are other more important things in your life. Name selection could be influenced by monetary donations. Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.

Time to slow down...

We spent some time with our friends Joe and Laura in Breckenridge. We had a great time but I'm soooo tired. At 31 weeks pregnant (almost) I am still active but have found that I definitely tire more easily. Laura and I shopped while James and Joe hiked a fourtneener and mountain biked. I did manage to do one hike that was supposed to be easy. The picture at the end says it all though! I'm ready for a vacation from the past few days. We have a couple more busy weekends planned and then it is time to slow down for awhile.

James hiking Quandary Peak.

The beautiful view

Wildlife

Black Powderpass Hike

This says it all...

Anniversary Weekend

This weekend James took off Friday and we headed to Central City/Blackhawk for a little slot machine feeding and a yummy dinner. We enjoyed the afternoon hanging out with the "seasoned gamblers." On Saturday we did yard work almost all day. It was nice to have some time at home getting some things done! On Sunday we went for a hike called the Three Mile Trail in the Mount Evans wilderness area. It was longer than three miles and gorgeous! We had fun playing with the camera and James helped me cross the streams. When we came to the last crossing one of the logs was broken and since my balance isn't the best we decided to head back. We had never been to this area in Colorado and the scenery was beautiful. We took lots of pictures of wildflowers. After we got back James grilled salmon and veggies on our new grill given to us by his parents for our anniversary. Grilltastic!

Pregnancy Brain

My test went okay yesterday and really wasn't as bad as I initially thought. I will find out the results tomorrow.

***Update..my doctor just called and said I'm negative for gestational diabetes! Yay! She did say that one out of the four was just a bit high so I may have to repeat the screening in 4 to 6 weeks. I feel so relieved!

Today Molly and I had an adventurous day. We set out on an hour long walk this morning because it was beautiful and cool. I brought my cell phone but didn't bring my keys because I thought I would go in through the garage. Towards the end of my walk a friend called and after talking to her for a few minutes my cell phone battery died. I got home, opened the garage door, and couldn't get in the house because the actual door to the house was locked. So, my cell phone was dead and I had no way to get in the house. Before going to our new neighbors' houses and begging to use the phone to call James's cell phone (which would be long distance), I decided to try to demolish the doorknob on the door leading to the house. After all, I had numerous tools at my disposal. I also knew that James had bought new locks for the house and he would replace it anyway. That didn't work. Molly and I decided to walk to my friend Kathleen's house, which is about another 10 minute walk. She wasn't there. We headed back to the house and hung out in the back yard for a little while. I was starving and tired from the long hour long walk. Neither of our immediate neighbors were home. The people across the street were home but I'm not sure if they know english. After about an hour I left Molly on our deck and waddled (truly) to my friend Kathleen's house again, hoping that she would be home this time. She was. We drove back to my house and rescued Molly. I was able to call James to tell him what happened as he was trying to submit some major plans. He was able to take off work early and finally come and get me.

Lesson learned...Always have a spare key handy. I'm going to blame this all on being 29 weeks pregnant.

28 weeks and then some...

We have been preparing for our baby boy. We painted his room but haven't totally finished it yet. I had my 28 week appointment on Tuesday and I commented to my doctor about how relatively easy things have been. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. I had to have my blood taken after drinking a glucose drink for the 28 week gestational diabetes screening. I for sure thought I would pass the test considering the fact that I walk every day, eat healthy (for the most part), and feel good. My doctor called and told me I didn't pass and now I have to take the dreaded three hour test. I have to follow a special diet on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Then I have to fast Monday evening and go in on Tuesday morning. I will have a blood draw, then drink more of the same stuff, and then have three more blood draws. That means I will be at the doctor's office for three + hours. Yuck!! I did go online and read that many women take the first test and don't pass but then they pass the three hour. For the original one hour glucose screening I read that some doctors have their patients fast and some don't. I didn't fast and now am thinking about everything I had to eat and wonder if it had something to do with it. Please think happy thoughts for me and I should know something next week. Here are some pics so the post doesn't sound too depressing.

28 weeks plus a few days

Before James painted the nursery

Molly is waiting patiently for Baby C.

We played a name game with her and she

helped us choose his name..

She chose the same name four out of five times! (And then ate the paper)

4th of July weekend

We had a wonderful time in the mountains over the 4th of July. We rented a townhome with two other couples and their one year old babies. We got a taste of what our lives will be like in a year! The townhome was one of the nicest we have ever stayed in with gorgeous views. The boys did some mountain biking, the girls and babies did some hiking, and we enjoyed good food and beautiful fireworks over Grand Lake.

View from the deck of the townhome.
It was so serene and beautiful.

Ready for smores.

Roasting marshmellows over the grill.

We were cold on the 4th of July.

Beautiful fireworks.

Camping

Let's see.. camping was fun for one night but also a lot of work for one night. It will be the only time we actually go camping this summer because I'm only going to get bigger and bigger! We had a good time but I didn't sleep well even though we had an aero bed. Maybe I'm still a little afraid of bears and mountain lions. The boys were told at the ranger station that because of the rain they have had there isn't as plentiful of a supply of berries as usual so to be careful and be on the lookout for bears. They neglected to tell us this until the next morning. Of course I still kept thinking of bear attack stories and the movie The Grizzly Man. I know, I know, there aren't Grizzlies in CO but still.

We didn't cook the best food but the views were amazing. It is sad looking at all the tree kill from the bark beetles. Poor trees.

Over the 4th we are staying in a condo with four of our friends. Maybe that is my kind of camping (at least until I'm not pregnant anymore).

James and his oreos.

Poor trees...

Burnt sausages anyone?

James's idea of roasting an oreo wasn't a

great one..

So peaceful..

Tired doggy.

Baby stuff

I can't believe I have been out of school for almost a month! Wow, where has the time gone? I feel so thankful to have the summer to unpack, do housing projects, get ready for baby, etc; however, it seems like we have overbooked ourselves a little bit. We looked at our calendar and realized we only have one free weekend until I go back to school. We have a lot of fun stuff planned but we need to make some time during the week to do the housing projects I guess.

I'm 26 weeks now and can't believe it. We are going to start childbirth classes soon and to be honest, the whole thing just scares me to death. I'm sure I'll shed a few tears just thinking about it. We are super excited about our little fellow but I'm not overly excited about the whole birthing experience.

We are busy planning for our little guy. We found a preschool for him and was really impressed when we took a tour. He won't start until January of 2010 because I'm taking three months off of school. I'm going to try it and see how it is when I go back. I'm really nervous about going back to work but it will give me some time to decide if I want to take the next year off or not. It's hard to know how I'm going to feel but I'll give it a try. Anyway, it felt so strange to fill out the papework at the preschool because we haven't even chosen a name, pediatrician, etc. We are having a hard time with names. We know we want James as a middle name but sometimes with boys it's hard to find names that you can imagine calling them when they are young and older. We have a list of about 6 names but we just haven't found one we love. I'm sure we will by September though.

Biking Studs

This past weekend James's friend Brady visited from St. Louis to ride a century with James in the mountains. They started in Keystone and rode for 100 miles, although Brady rode about 111 miles. It was cold and rained hard for the last 50 miles but at least they survived with no hypothermia. Brady decided to do the last little bit and climb another mountain (after 100 miles). He made it to the top but James rescued him on his way down. He was shivering and ready to jump in the warm car.
Molly and I relaxed at home for part of the weekend. I don't think I'll every do a century! Yikes. Let's just say that when the guys returned to Denver on Saturday night they were exhausted. James had a relaxing Father's day and is feeling much better. Way to go guys!