31 weeks

Here are some pictures of this past week. The first shows me, waiting in line at the REI grand opening sale in Westminster. Ryan and I were so excited to have an REI close, that we waited with the rest of the "die hards" for a free water bottle and gift card. The first 200 people there got a custom water bottle and a gift card from $5-100. The store opened at 10, and we got there just before 8am. We brought our Einstein's bagels, our chairs, and warm clothes. When we got there, there were about 20 people who had spent the night, in their tents, on the concrete out in front of the store. Wow! Some people are dedicated REI fans! Not my idea of a fun camping trip. But, we waited in line next to some fun and friendly people and enjoyed the experience. I love my new nalgene! And, we each got $5. So, we weren't big winners, but it was a fun experience. And, we got our Moab hiking book for the upcoming trip for free!
The next picture shows me cleaning up after dinner. Ryan found it humorous that my tummy gets in the way of me and the sink, so he had to document it. What a funny thing to have a belly in the way! It was really nice that day- hence the tank top. This weekend, we had gorgeous weather. It was so nice that we tilled some manure and peat moss into the garden and planted some snap peas and spinach. We both got a little sunburned doing it! Friday, I sadly found out that my Grandpa Lew had passed away Thursday night. Because Grandpa Lew had the coolest garden and green house that I have ever experienced, I went out and bought all of my summer vegetables and flowers in honor of all of his gardening. It will be fun to plant them this spring and harvest them throughout the summer. Hopefully, gardening and planting vegetables will be something that Coranelle will one day enjoy helping out with. And I can tell her about her great grandpa and his green thumb.
This week is 31 weeks. 9 weeks left until our baby girl comes into this world. I had my doctor's appointment on Friday and all is going well. Once again, we feel so blessed at how smoothly things have gone so far. My blood pressure is as low as ever (100/50), my urine, glucose, weight gain, etc. is all normal. The doctor measured my belly and it has grown 1 1/2 inches since my last visit (2 weeks ago). Crazy! Coranelle now weighs over 3 pounds, and is about 18 inches long. That is about the size of 4 naval oranges in my belly. How does 18 inches fit in there?
My doctor and I also talked more about labor and delivery and birthing plans. I cannot say that I really have birthing plan- except that I am going to be flexible and keep my options open. I hope to do it naturally, but- I've never done this before. I don't know what to expect. Talking about labor makes this all seem so close! Ryan and I have a birthing class in two weeks, and I am taking a breast feeding class starting next week.
I have also put in my request for an extended leave of absence for the last two weeks of school and have been working hard on my sub plans. Lots of exciting changes in the near future.
Lastly, this weekend, Ryan and I head off to Moab for a little getaway on my spring break. We are going to do some hiking and relaxing. It is supposed to be cooler over there (mid 60's), but I cannot wait to go. And, some snow around here would be really exciting and very needed. I need nature to water my new garden and the rhubard we just planted!