32 week appointment

Just thought I would do a quick update on my pregnancy. I had a doctor's appointment last week and all went well. I gained 2 pounds and was measuring between 34 and 35 weeks instead of at 32. Dr. Meyer said he will just be expecting a baby bigger than 7lbs. 9 oz. (which is what Claire weighed)! I am still feeling pretty good for the most part, but I am getting more and more uncomfortable as this baby takes up more and more room. I only have six more weeks to go at the most and maybe less. I have been busily trying to get ready for this baby and get everything done that I need to get finished before he makes his arrival. I have a little over half of my student teaching portfolio finished (it is due July 15). That is my main goal this week, although I only have about three days to work on it. I am going for CPR and first aid training tomorrow (which is a requirement for student teaching). We are leaving Thursday for a visit to my grandparents over the holiday weekend. So, we are a very busy family and I am a very busy mother. I am hoping Claire takes some good naps so I can get it all done!!! This past weekend we went camping at Alum Creek. It was nice and relaxing once we finally made it there. We were supposed to go for two nights, but only ended up going for one because of the weather and some other unexpected events. Claire loved it. She met lots of new doggie friends! She thought we should visit all of the dogs we ran into. It was too cute. She also got to see some bunnies and squirrels. Well, I should get back to work on my portfolio. I will hopefully update again soon...

Busy, Busy, Busy

Alright, so I almost took a nap instead of updating my blog, but I decided against it since I am so far behind. We had a great time at the zoo, waterpark and the race. I have pictures from the zoo, but not the waterpark or the Michigan race. First here are some random pictures of Claire being cute as usual!

Cooling off on one of the hot days!

Playing with mommy's shaving gel is fun!!!

Hi, I feel better already!!

Claire's hair is long enough it is starting to get into her eyes, but I don't want to cut it yet. So, despite the protests, I managed to pull it up into a "pony tail." I think it is cute, daddy doesn't quite agree!

What, you lookin' at me???

Just bein' cute!

Here are the pictures of our zoo trip. Claire loved it, especially the flamingos and turtles! I think those were her two favorites. She kept trying to go back to the flamingos though!

Ready to go!!

Flamingos, flamingos, flamingos...

Daddy and Claire watching the gorilla! This chimp would smile every time you put your hand on the glass! Big Cat...we had never seen it this close before Claire with the turtles Claire and Daddy in the reptile house My personal favorite!! And actually awake! Getting sleepy and grumpy Ryan feeding the birds Last weekend, we traveled to Van Wert for a short visit with Ryan's side of the family and Leigh Ann's baby shower. Here are some of the shower pictures!

The diaper cake before adding the decorations! After the decorations Leigh Ann and Jess (trying to avoid the camera) Opening her gifts. She got a lot of great stuff!!

Leigh Ann's mom Kelly holding Macayla (Jess's daughter) and Lynette's mom Judy.

Judy, Kelly, Macayla, Julie, and Jess

Leigh Ann practicing with Macayla (you ready,mama???)

More gabbing... Lynette we missed you in this photo!! Julie, Leigh Ann, Me (Natalie), Jess, and Macayla

Then it was over, when the fat ladies sang... Julie, due Aug. 18, Leigh Ann, due July 18, and Me, due August 16 This weekend, Ryan, Claire, the dogs, and I are going camping! I am looking forward to it, although the weather forecast isn't looking good. Then the following weekend (July 4th weekend) we are going back to Indiana to visit my grandparents at the lake. Then I think we finally have an unscheduled weekend to look forward to, although it will probably end up scheduled before we know it!!

30 Week Check-up

I had my 30 week appointment this week and everything looks good. I think I lost a half a pound and I measure at 31 weeks, the same as last time. My blood pressure was good and our little one is still quite active! Only 8 weeks from today until we get to meet this little guy, maybe sooner if he decides. This weekend we are going to be very busy! Tonight I have my last night of Statistics (YEAH!!)! Tomorrow, we have Ryan's company picnic, which is being held at the Columbus zoo and they also bought us all passes to Zoombezi Bay, the new water park! Isn't that awesome! We are hoping the rain gets out of here so we can enjoy it! Then on Sunday, Father's Day, my wonderful sister, Erica is watching Claire for us so we can head on up to Michigan to watch the NASCAR race (Ryan's Father's Day gift)! I am hoping it is not too hot or I may not enjoy myself too much! Two of our friends are joining us for the race, Kristy and Scott! It should be a good time! I'll post pics and an update next week and let you know how it all turns out! Hope everyone has a great Father's Day weekend!!

Summer Break....Finally!

I know it has been awhile since I posted, but I have been super busy as I know most of you have been also! School is finally out for the summer and I have three more days of class left this semester. I have been working on my paper for that class lately. Then I have to get my student teaching portfolio finished by July 15 so I can do my student teaching in the fall. (Yes, I have to student teach again so I can get my license as an Intervention Specialist). Doesn't make much sense to me either, but anyway...

After that is all finished, I have a long list of things I want to get done around the house this summer along with getting ready for the new addition to our family. Speaking of, I had my 28 week appointment not too long ago. I only gained 4 pounds this time (thank goodness), but I was measuring two weeks larger than I am supposed to. Dr. Meyer said this probably won't be a small baby. Good thing I don't have to push him out! He is scheduled to arrive on August 8, 2008! If we make it that far. That is only 8 days before my due date and Claire decided to come 12 days early! My next doctor's appointment is next week ( I can't believe I am going every two weeks already). I'll update you again after that.

I have been feeling pretty good, getting more tired though. Claire is doing well. She now has 6 teeth!! Four on top and two on the bottom. She is always full of energy and usually good for a laugh or two! One interesting note, her hair just keeps on getting curlier by the day! Who knew? I thought she was going to be stuck with stick straight hair like me, but I guess that is not the case. The hair on top of her head is still pretty straight, but everything from around her ears and back is pretty darn curly. It is too cute!

Here are some pics to catch you up on the events these last few weeks! Enjoy...

She really didn't like wearing the do-rag!!

Alright, I guess I'll smile for the camera!

My "little" brother turned 18 at the end of April! I can't believe he is that old. I guess that just makes me even older! He went to his first prom with the guys at the beginning of May. Here are some of the pictures I took. He looks so grown up and handsome!

Who should I call today???

Hello !?!?!?

Gabbin' away!

But I wanna go outside Mommy!!!

If I can't go outside, I'll find something good to eat!

Miranda threw Leigh Ann a baby shower in May also! It was fun. Leigh Ann is looking so cute pregnant!!! Here are the pics!

One Hot Momma!!

Two Hot Mommas!!!

Erica and Leigh Ann in heated discussion!

What can I get into next??

Leigh Ann opening all her fun gifts!!

Memorial Day weekend, Ryan, Claire and I went up to Indiana to visit my grandparents. It turned out to be a fairly nice weekend and we really enjoyed relaxing and visiting! Claire enjoyed the water as you will see! All tuckered out after playing in the water!

This would have been the best picture, if Daddy hadn't stuck his big head in the way!!

One evening while Ryan and I were cleaning, Claire decided that the couch cushions were tons of fun to bounce around on. She had a blast and we got in a few giggles just watching her!