36 weeks

Well I was trying to write an update every two weeks but the last few weeks have been crazy busy and I'm sure life will only get busier as April 12th approaches. Fair warning, this is a longer post since it covers 4 weeks instead of 2.

Our 32 week appointment went well, we are measuring ahead of what is expected and I got some tips on how to avoid these killer cramps I get in my right leg in the middle of the night. My rice bag, made by a coworker, is my new best friend.

We had our first shower hosted by my coworkers on February 20th. It was a Peruvian brunch and the food was delicious! We had asked for this to be a diaper shower and we ended up with close to 800 diapers! With 10-12 per day that should at least get us to month 3 of Baby La Rosa's life, and I am excited about that :)






Here is a group photo of most everyone that was there:

After the shower we went to pick out paint for the nursery. I have decided I like when other people make all the decisions and then I just get to execute the plan. Picking out a color was not a good time but the actual painting part was something where I could see progress being made. I'm excited to bring the baby home and show him his new space! I hope he likes it as much as Alberto and I do :)







The following weekend we were off to Chicagoland for our second shower. It was also conveniently the same weekend my niece had a softball tournament in Rosemont and my sister's children were having a fundraiser dinner & a show in Bloomingdale. So glad that we were able to make all of these events!

Here are a few photos from the shower:

The food!

Mom to be and Dad to be!

The hostesses! (minus my sister and Mandolin)

Soon to be grandmas again :)

Our Chicagoland shower was wonderful and we had a great time catching up with everyone!

Then after the shower Alberto and I went to catch up with the University of Iowa girls and it was very nice to have a chill night with them :)

And here's a shot of my 34 week belly:

We got a crib from one of Alberto's professors and decided to put it together and it sure made us feel even more ready to bring home baby La Rosa! It's all coming together now :)

Then we headed to Iowa on Friday for our next baby shower. I had not been to Southwest Iowa for 6 months so I was definitely excited to get back and see people again!

Here are photos from the Iowa Baby Shower:

The food set up at Elliott UMC!

My mom and me! 

6 of the Magnificent Seven back together again! 

The hostesses! 

The whole group (minus a few people who had to leave early)!

Reunited with seminary friends too!

Another plus is sharing this wonderful time with my niece who is due 6 weeks after us :) 

Again so glad and appreciative of everyone that helped us celebrate the coming of the baby. We feel so loved!

After the shower we went out to eat to celebrate my mom's 71st and my dad's 72nd birthdays. Casa de Oro was delicious as always and then we headed home to play Heads Up with my nieces. It was quite a successful weekend!

This past weekend Jess M came to visit and it was so nice to have some one-on-one time to catch up and do some baby stuff sorting and prepping. We had a fun time prepping meals and eating together :)

We received some pretty great news from two PhD programs during these past 4 weeks and now we are in a time of discernment. Prayers for this to be a smooth process would be much appreciated. 

Pregnancy update: I am feeling very uncomfortable most days. Hard to sleep well and my back has a lot of pressure. I hear this is normal but this is definitely one of those times where I wish Eve hadn't eaten the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3 reference). Also, I could not imagine doing this alone. Alberto is so supportive and patient and does so much to help me out (even knowing what words I'm looking for when pregnancy brain kicks in). Words cannot even describe how happy/blessed/fortunate I am that we are in this together. And we both agree that you can come any time, baby La Rosa! 

I start weekly appointments this week and my 36 week appointment is tomorrow. Here is my 36 week belly: