Spring break

8 months pregnant and hiking the primitive trail around Devil's Garden in Arches National park. I loved those spires! This was the day of the wind.
A cold day, but beautiful views in Dead Horse State Park.
All bundled up and enjoying hiking out to different view points.
Yay for kisses. We were having a really good time!
Canyon Lands- this is the view above White Rim. It would be fun to bike that trail some day! 100 miles along the rims of the canyon. Look at the way the sun keeps peeking out from the clouds, teasing us and dancing away! But, it made for some great photos!


Ryan and I just returned for an awesome spring break trip to Moab, UT. It was not the normal Moab trip, considering I cannot mountain bike right now, but it was a fun adventure nonetheless. We got to see some of the sights that you don't normally see when your main agenda is biking. We ran into mother nature of every kind. It was really quite the experience.

We got there on Saturday to find gorgeous, hot weather. Our adorable, little camper cabin had great views of the desert geological wonders and the snow-frosted La Sal mountains. There was a great dirt ATV/hiking trail that started about 200 feet from our cabin. It was an incredible location. Our cabin was very basic- some bunk beds, a little table, a mini fridge, and a heater (thankfully). We brought all of our camping gear so we could cook outside on the stove. Each morning, we grilled blueberry bagels over the stove and had hot coffee from the percolator while enjoying the fantastic views. The showers were a separate building, so it was like tent camping- only warmer. The cabin was similar to some we had on our honeymoon, so it was perfect for us. We got an Annual National Parks pass and got to enjoy Arches National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Canyonlands. We covered lots of ground. On Sunday, we went hiking around Devils garden to see 7 famous arches. Sunday was the windiest day I have ever experienced in my life. The sand was sandblasting us like crazy, but it was warm out. My face still looks red and windburned. I have never seen anything like it, especially in Moab. There were times where it was hard to see just 15 feet in front of you because of all of the dust tornadoes. But, it didn't ruin our 8 mile trek on the primitive loop around these arches. We saw some extraordinary views and enjoyed exploring through arches. And, it was in fact, the wind that created these awesome arches, so one cannot really complain.

The wind brought in some really cold air and Sunday night was frigid. We were glad to not have to cook outside- as we met up with some of Ryan's work buddies in town at the Moab Brewery! It is one of our favorite restaurants ever. We both got burritos. Yum!

Over the trip, we also got to do some good reading and playing games. It is often a blessing to have simple accommodations with no TV or Internet or other distractions. It made for lots of good conversation and cuddling. Plus, I think I finally feel rested up on sleep because of our cozy sleeping bag and the darkness of the cabin. Hiking in extreme elements wore me out, so I had no trouble sleeping.

Monday, we toured Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands. Monday was much colder than we prepared for, as we found snow up in Dead Horse. So, we layered up with as many clothes as we brought and could find in my car and went to see the sights. We did some shorter hikes out to view points and enjoyed every minute of it. Later, we went in to Moab to find some souvenirs and get a hot mocha. We got some cool Moab mugs, a fun shirt for me, and a Moab shirt for Coranelle. So cute! We made dinner on our little stove and ate inside the heated cabin. SO glad that we were not in a tent. Then we enjoyed long, hot showers and snuggling up to play games.

This morning, it was sunny and warm and we had another desert walk. All in all, a wonderful time away with Ryan and Coranelle.

Coranelle did great with all of the hiking. She was really moving around a lot during the trip! And, it doesn't feel like little rubber band snaps anymore. I can feel her almost scraping up against me as she twists and turns. If you watch my tummy, you can see lumps and protrusions from her little body. You can also watch my stomach move and it kind of looks like a monster. She is running out of room! I can often feel her foot kick me and we'll play little games. I'll push her foot back in, and she'll take it in, only to kick me somewhere else. She really likes to get that foot up under my zyphoid process and leave it there. That little bone (or whatever it is) is perpetually sore.

We are excited to someday take her on a trip to Moab so she can see all of these things and do a little hiking and exploring herself. Cora the explora' !

Tomorrow brings the first of two breast feeding classes. I also have a doctor's appointment Friday and Ryan and I have a childbirth class all day on Saturday. So, lots of baby preparation this week.

blizzard

So, I got to start my Spring break two days early. Two snow days in a row were totally unexpected, but wonderful. Yesterday, I got up and got fully ready for school. I had checked the website, and my school district didn't say it was closed. It had only just started snowing and the roads weren't bad, yet. But, we knew that lots of snow was expected. Thankfully, Ryan checked the website once more, just as I was leaving, and they had canceled school. Wohoo! I have never had a snow day since I started teaching. Ryan decided to stay home too, and we had a fun day off together. The snow kept coming down. We ended up shoveling wet, heavy snow twice. Actually, I only did about half of the driveway the first time, and then Ryan wouldn't let me lift the heavy snow the second time. Nice, protective husband! But, I'll get to do it today, since it is just an inch- instead of about 7 inches. I think Broomfield got 16 inches. It is hard to tell because where there are snow drifts from the wind, it is over two feet deep. But, all the wet snow was such an answer to prayer. It will be fun to see it melt and have the grass and trees turn green!
I got to enjoy getting some chores done, making some yummy strawberry, orange muffins and relaxing. We went snowshoeing in the midst of the blizzard (the first photo). Man, what a good workout when you are blazing through over a foot of wet snow. We just explored through our neighborhood and over to Josh and Claire's, but it wore us out. We got to watch Oceans 13. Last night, we ordered pizza with Josh and Claire, and Ryan built a fire. So cozy. And, Ryan and I have NEVER ordered pizza before, so that was really fun.
Today- not sure what is on the agenda. Ryan is at work and it is about 0 degrees out. Not sure if snowshoeing in that temperature is good for me or Coranelle. But, it was nice to have some rest. I am sad that I don't get to say good-bye to my students before Spring break. That feels strange. I don't think that Spring break is the same, exciting time for them as it was for most of us. I think they spend a lot of time home alone, or watching their younger siblings. This past week was emotionally very draining. I have quite a few students with horrible home lives and I was trying to do what I could to help. I don't feel like we have the resources or professionals that we need in order to help these kids out. I have students who I believe are victims of physical and possible sexual abuse. I have others with fathers in jail and under restraining orders. These students are not growing academically and I don't even have to wonder why. With their lives constantly in a state of crisis, I don't blame them for not caring about assessments. It is so sad and I often feel so helpless. Hopefully, they get to do something enjoyable over break and at least are not being tested.
I'm off to bundle up and shovel. Horay for snow and Spring break! It will be fun to have Coranelle during the next big blizzard!

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!

Ode to my husband

So, today marks 30 weeks. And since Ryan always excitedly reminds me on Tuesday what week I'm at, today's blog is dedicated to him. During pregnancy, it seems everything is about the "soon to be" momma. Often the "soon to be dad" gets left out of the spotlight. No one is really asking them how they are feeling, or touching their bellies, or buying them cute baby gifts.
Might I remind you, it takes two to tango. But, in our case, the soon to be dad is really important. And he is not just important because he was necessary for the conception part. No, he is crucial, really- for the WHOLE journey. I need him from conception until birth, until the first day of kindergarten until sweet 16, graduation, first job, walking her down the aisle, being a grandparent, until forever. I couldn't do this with a smile if it weren't for Ryan and his support. And sure, you all think I am biased. But, let me tell you why Ryan has been so amazing so far.
Even before conception, Ryan stopped drinking alcohol and coffee for three months so that we could both be as healthy as possible before trying. That's dedication! My first three months weren't the greatest of my life. I was just trying to get by- feeling pretty nauseous most of the time. Ryan was patient with me and was willing to eat Ramon noodles, chicken noodle soup, and grilled cheese for numerous evenings. And, when I couldn't stomach cooking, he cooked. He never complained. He had me lie down while he took care of the cooking and cleaning. He went to Sam's and bought me Super sized boxes of goldfish and wheat thins, since those actually sounded good to me. When I couldn't eat cereal for breakfast, he daily got up to make me smoothies. When I craved cheese burgers or frosties, he went out and got them.
Ryan has been excited to be involved every step of the way. He has come to doctors appointments and lit up at the sound of his baby's heartbeat. And, let me tell you, when your spouse is excited to be a parent, it is so much more fun to go through this process. Ryan wanted to help plan and decorate a nursery. He spent two days putting up new ceiling fans so that our baby has a lower risk of SIDS. Then, he helped me to pick out paint, paint, and decorate. He put together bookshelves and helped me to register. He helped me to pick out a glider, went with me to buy it, and set it up in the nursery. (Sometimes you will find him in the nursery, sitting in the glider with a silly expectant grin on his face. Very sweet really) He has also cleaned out closets and helped me to rearrange and "nest" so that we can best make our house ready for a baby.
Ryan is thrilled every time that he gets to feel his baby move and will stay up late (or wake up in the middle of the night) for a chance to feel her move around.
When we go for walks, Ryan slows down so that my stomach doesn't tighten up too much. When he got offers to go mountain bike riding with buddies in Moab over spring break, he turned them down. He loves mountain bike riding, especially in Moab. But, he turned them down so he could go to Moab with me. And we won't even take our bikes- because I cannot ride.
We have traveled to Minnesota, Georgia, and Arizona 2X since I got pregnant. Each time, Ryan carries my bags through the airports so that I don't have to lift anything.
Recently, when I couldn't sleep because I kept ending up on my back, he took our huge Lazy boy up two flights of stairs and rearranged our bedroom. Now, if I cannot sleep, I can move to the cozy chair without having to sleep flat on my back.
And the backrubs.... oh my. I think Ryan has given me a backrub or played with my hair (or both) every day since I became pregnant. Many nights, he rubs my back until he is so exhausted he falls asleep. And, he got me a professional, prenatal massage!
Ryan has also taken me out shopping a few times so that I can feel confident and comfortable as my belly grows. He always compliments me and tells me how much he likes my belly. He even defends me when people call me "huge". He gets protective of me if he thinks I might be in any kind of danger. He never lets me walk on the street side of the sidewalk and he'll go slower with me at anything active we are doing. He comes to the Rec Center with me every Wednesday so that I can take prenatal yoga.
Ryan's excitement to have a baby is not common for men his age. I think most men don't take half as much interest in pregnancy and babies as Ryan. He has read many of my parenting magazines and even a parenting book. He is even willing to change cloth diapers. Wow! That says a lot. It makes me thrilled at the opportunity to be a parent with him. He is going to love his daughter so much and be the best possible dad he can be. I cannot wait to watch him play, craddle and interact with his daughter. I think I could go on and on about how awesome Ryan is. I am one lucky wife and mother to have his support and care. And his daughter is going to be equally as spoiled and happy to have her daddy in her life.

Coranelle Grace Mork

I recently asked my aunt Betsy to dig up some information about my Grandma Corky(Coranelle). I have my memories of my Grandma, but wanted to know a bit more about her past and childhood. It will be good to know in order to tell Coranelle someday. I find the information really interesting and I appreiciate Betsy writing to me about her mom and dad. I thought that some of Grandma Corky's children, grandchildren, and friends might find this information interesting too. So, here is some of the information that Betsy found and remembered and shared with me:

The early part:

Coranelle born in Iowa, July 22, 1920, to Archibald "Tud" and Pearl. Her father had graduated from CU with a degree in Engineering and went to work in 1915 in Casapalca, Peru, at a copper mine as a mining engineer. (In travelling back and forth to the US at one point he met Pearl on board ship. She was travelling to Peru as a Methodist missionary. I'm not sure exactly what year they met.) Later, James "Jimmy", mom's brother was born in July 19, 1923 in La Arroya, Peru. They later moved to Portrerillos, Chile, 1926. The main company Tud worked for was called Anaconda Copper. When Mom became High school age, (1936 ?), she was sent by her parents to Boulder to live with her aunt, Tud's sister, Elizabeth, ("Aunt Tit"), in order to attend Boulder High School. Jimmy was also sent back to Boulder for high school. Coranelle was in the first graduating class of Boulder High School, 1938.

From the obituary:

Coranellle "Corky" age 81, a longtime Estes Park resident, died at Longmont United Hospital on Tuesday, April 2, 2002.

She graduated from Boulder High School in 1938 and from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

She married Holger "Muns" on July 16, 1944 in Boulder. She and her husband lived in many places while raising their children. They lived in Okinawa, 1952-1953, Kodiak, Alaska from 1954 to 56, London, England from 1956 to 1962, Charleston, SC from 1962 - 1970; and Norfolk, VA from 1970 to 1976.

In 1976 the couple moved to Estes Park following Muns' retirement. Muns died in 1996.

While in Estes Park, Corky Munson was a member of the PEO Chapter AV, and a member of the Friends of the Library. She worked at the YMCA of the Rockies from 1977 to 1982. She was a Red Cross volunteer and a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority at the University of Colorado. She was also a member of St. Bartholome'ws Episcopal Church in Estes Park.

In 1999 she moved to Merrill Gardens Retirement Center in Loveland where she lived until her death.

A Highlight: When Mom and Dad met during the war in Denver, approx April 1944, Mom was still living at Aunt Tit's (Elizabeth Peebles). Her parents were still in Chile. Mom and Dad fell in love and planned to get married in July. Mom wrote to tell her parents about it and they sent a telegram back to her telling her to wait. They didn't receive the telegram until after they had been married!

Ryan's birthday

Yesterday, we celebrated Ryan's 24th birthday. My mom and Steve, Rebecca, Josh, Claire and Heido and Bruce all got to have a little party together. We made homemade pizzas and had fruit salad, green salad and delicious drinks and money bread. It was fun to have everyone get together and celebrate Ryan. He got some Burts Baby Bees stuff to prepare him to be a dad, as well as the sweet bib he is wearing. I know he is getting really excited to be a dad. He also got a nice new drill- which every dad and homeowner needs. My parents got him Consumer Reports so that he can stay educated on all of the latest products, toys, cars, electronics, etc. And I got him some new speakers for his car. We enjoyed getting together and laughing and enjoying some good food. Ryan made one pizza with 4 kinds of meat and jalepenos. I think he was pleased with his choice in toppings!
Yesterday was a gorgeous day and we went on a long (12 mile) bikeride around Broomfield with Josh and Claire and Scott and Natalie. I have done this ride many times, but not with a big belly. It is funny how hard pedaling is when your stomach gets in the way. But, it was excellent company and a beautiful day. My back was sore yesterday afterwards and I paid for it last night. It's funny how the things that seemed so easy before you were pregnant can be so difficult as your body changes and your center of gravity shifts! I could NOT get comfortable to sleep and woke up thousands of times. No fun! But, I know it will all be worth it. So, I have no complaints!
We also went in to see Grandpa Lew yesterday. It is sad to see him- such a resiliant man and so previously "self reliant"- having such a hard time with the basic necesities of life. On Friday night, he got out of bed to go to the bathroom and he slipped and fell in the middle of the night. His medication is making him dizzy and disoriented. Anyhow, he managed to crawl back into bed, but no one found him until 9am. By then, his elbow had completely split open and bled all over his bed. It breaks my heart. But, he didn't complain and seems to be a good natured and easy patient. I hope that he doesn't have any more falls. It is horrible to see him in pain. Keep him and the Mullen family in your prayers as all of the people he is close to are struggling with this situation in their own ways.
We are hoping to see little Coranelle in about 10 weeks. It seems like it will go by quickly. I have just 7 weeks of teaching left before my friend takes over for me. She is going to step in and do the last 2 weeks of school for me so that I don't have to be commuting and standing all day during the last few weeks. I have enough annual leave stored up that I decided it would be worth it. That way, I won't go into labor in Longmont and have to get to Avista in Louisville, while Ryan is coming from Westminster. That just doesn't sound fun! But, it will be nice to have a little time at home to clean and organize and get ready before she arrives. Wow! I think our lives are going to drastically change in 10 weeks. But, we are so excited for this change and the chance to be parents. And now that Ryan is 24, he is officially at the perfect age to be a first time parent. ;-)

changes

I am now at 29 weeks. It is so crazy and exciting that we get to meet Coranelle in 11 weeks or so. I went to the doctor on Friday. The results of my blood work came back and my glucose levels are good and my blood pressure and everything else seems healthy. I feel so blessed! We have heard about some friends who have had their babies really early and premature, and that makes me want to keep Coranelle baking and growing inside for as long as possible. We are not quite ready for her to enter the world, yet.
As my tummy grows bigger, it is interesting to hear peoples' responses. I have learned to ignore the "You're getting HUGE" comments, or when people tell me that I am looking like a snowman. How funny is it that when a woman is pregnant, all of a sudden, commenting about her body in whatever manner you feel like- seems appropriate. I mean, come on here people, no woman is so confident with her body, that even after she puts on almost 20 pounds, she feels totally self confident. But, I have had many lovely people tell me how cute, or glowing I look- and that is so nice to hear. So- thanks to you guys out there who have been supportive.
The other new things in life... I learned on Sunday that I cannot play soccer the way I used to. (And I was bad before!). Ryan and I went out to enjoy the gorgeous sunny weather and were running around kicking the ball. Nothing competitive. But, the running- I must have looked ridiculous! And something about the way my hips are stretching and shifting- I still feel a bit sore from my kicking attempts. How crazy is pregnancy! Your body changes so much and what you used to do effortlessly seems really hard! But, I think little Cora will be a soccer player. Everytime we are around soccer balls and players, she gets really active!
Sleeping has become a bit more difficult and my body finally "feels" pregnant. I am getting some backaches and hip soreness. But, Ryan got me the prenatal massage for Valentines Day and I got to use it on Saturday. It felt amazing! What a wonderful and thoughtful husband I have.
The only other news I have is a bit sad. In the last few weeks, my Grandpa Lew- who lives in Boulder, has become very ill. He has advanced pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and a skin disease and all of this is taking its toll on him. Despite the sad circumstances, it has allowed for us to visit with my Uncle Tom, Aunt Pam and have my dad come out more frequently. Sad how we all get together under such hard circumstances, yet it has been a treat to see the Mullen family. But, I really hoped Coranelle could meet her great-grandpa- as he is the only "blood" grandparent left on my side. But, the odds of that are looking slim and that makes me sad. Grandpa Lew is one character that everyone should have a chance to meet in their lifetime. His view on life- although often a bit strange- is one that Stefan and I have come to know and love. So, keep Grandpa in your prayers. Hospice says he only has a few days left.
My students are in the middle of taking the dreaded CSAP tests, so life is full of stress and ridiculous expectations at school. They are working so hard, but the task at hand is so crucial and yet so impossible for these kiddos who have only been learning in english for the last 7 months. Hopefully, our class scores come out okay. Coranelle is getting accustomed to pacing the room with me as my students test.
That's all for now. I am going to go make some treats for my students as a little token of motivation for them tomorrow as they tackle another day of testing!

28 weeks

Here is a picture of 28 weeks. Not much new to report. I just got home from my prenatal yoga class. We are working on lots of breathing and labor techniques. That makes everything very real! Coranelle has been moving and flopping around lots lately. It feels kinda crazy! 

  Whenever things get stressful or depressing with school or CSAPs, I take a little refuge in the nursery. I keep taking out all of the baby clothes and folding and organizing them. I have collected lots of great picture books from my classroom and added them to the nursery. Thinking about Coranelle and becoming a mom is always a little sunshine during my day!