Wow, we’re down to the last 10 weeks. Just went in this week for our 30 week check-up and all is well. Baby is very active and growing on schedule. We passed our glucose tolerance test with flying colors. Considering I had to take it twice in one week due to an insurance mix-up, I don’t think I would have been very happy about a third go-around. I was hoping for a late ultrasound so we could get a peek at our girl, but they don’t routinely do them unless there is a medical necessity. And we would rather wait and see her than deal with a medial necessity. Since the last update, a lot has happened! Dallas and I spent Memorial Day weekend painting the nursery. I spent a good part of an afternoon at Home Depot looking a paint samples from grays to greens and everything in between. I think I brought two dozen samples home. I’ve never been very good at spontaneous decision-making. I was definitely leaning more towards a light gray, Dallas towards a green. We are really good at compromise and finding a happy middle ground. But this time, there wasn’t a middle ground. The gray won out. Initially, we were going to paint the main wall, which is almost 14′ high by 14′ long. That’s a good accent wall. Then we bumped the other walls while painting. It’s all gray now. But seriously, I painted the lower half of the room and the trim while he did the upper half grunt work. We make an awesome team. But we were really sore the next couple of days. Here are some before and after shots – the gray is REALLY subtle, especially in natural lighting. But that’s what we were going for. Nursery Before: Nursery After: Our decorating progress hasn’t moved much past this point yet. I’m not freaking about the state of the room, which honestly surprises me a bit. We have a Pack N Play that Granddad sent us – we’re planning on using that for at least the first several weeks in our own room, so she has a place to sleep. We have been graciously blessed with a stroller, a car seat, a swing and a bouncy chair, so there is no lack of things to keep her moving when our arms get tired. I keep reminding myself that she won’t even appreciate the nursery when we bring her home, so that takes some of the pressure off. We also have the crib bedding, which was sent from my aunt and uncle in Florida – a wonderful surprise! This the Liberty of London line that Target is carrying for the summer. Looking back, I can’t believe I considered making my own crib skirt and bedding. I could have done it, no doubt. But I am SO grateful this came back in – it’s perfect for us. Along with all the fun happenings, we have had an emotional month. My grandfather was diagnosed with renal failure, which wasn’t completely unexpected, but I hoped would never happen. My sister, brother, and I met up here in Chicago and flew to be with him and the rest of the family. He is in good spirits, considering. We were blessed beyond measure from good friends (who are practically family) who got us some majorly discounted airline tickets so we could say our goodbyes. My grandfather doesn’t want a funeral and all that fuss, which I understand. And I can’t emphasize the stubborn willpower of that side of our family. Granddad is home right now and still holding up. I don’t think I have ever met anyone with his level of fight and determination. I love him to pieces. We still appreciate all your prayers and support. The next few weeks will see us through our Prepared Childbirth Class (which I’m certain Dallas is dreading) and a baby shower, which my sister is planning. Anything party she plans and throws turns out to be incredible and perfect. I can’t wait. I want to be better about updating more frequently, but it is what it is. You think this is bad, you should see my journal. One journal, started when I left for college in ’99, has yet to be filled. Yeah, I’m a work in progress. »
