35 weeks

We've had a lot going on lately, especially within the last few days.  Here's the update from the Warren Family:

1. Oreo is officially enrolled in puppy classes.  We had our first of six sessions last night.  Before the class, I would have told everyone he is a very well-behaved dog and knows lots of things....BUT.....we learned last night he has a long way to go. :-)  At last night's lesson we focused on the commands "watch me" and "sit." We also learned how to train using a clicker.  We walked around the store--so there were distractions--and practiced the commands. I would say he listened well about half the time.  Our homework is to practice for a little while each night.  Our trainer did tell us that these next 6 months of the puppy phase will be the most challenging.  So....tonight we took Oreo for a walk and for those of you who haven't heard us say it yet--Oreo does NOT like to go for walks.  I think he is the only dog we have ever seen who doesn't like to walk.  He gets so stubborn and fights the collar and will sit and face the opposite direction. We did not give in tonight and pick him up like we usually do.  After about 10-15 minutes we finally got him walking.  He did ok for the first few blocks, but then I think he wore himself out and just gave in to the walk.  The second half of the walk was really good.  Hopefully our training will teach us how to improve our walks. 

2. Pregnancy is still going well.  I am starting to get a little more tired and uncomfortable.  Last week I was sitting on the couch and I felt a kick in my ribs for the first time.  She squirms around a lot, too.  I find that I cannot sit in one place as long as I could before.  Last week at my 34 week appointment my doctor said she will not let me go past my due date because of the gestational diabetes (The doctor said we'd know more after the next couple of weeks).  This was only a day or so after I just put up the voting--so some of you may want to change your vote. :-)  My brother is really pushing for September 24th since that is his birthday.  I had my 35 week appointment yesterday.  I gained TWO POUNDS!!  Woo-hoo!  Baby's heart rate was good.  My belly, though, is measuring 2 weeks behind so instead of having an ultrasound at 37 weeks, I am scheduled to have one next week instead so they can check on baby.  I hope to get the pictures on a CD so we can upload them to the blog--it's been a while since ultrasound pictures.  It's crazy that we may be down to a month or less!!!

3. Sunday we had maternity pictures.  Our friend from high school is a very talented photographer and has a studio in Indianola.  We spent a few hours snapping pictures in town and at the park. We had a blast!!!  I don't know how she did it, but she even got Oreo to pose for some pictures, which is very difficult.  If you haven't already seen the pictures, 7 have been uploaded to Facebook.  You can check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/mlphotography.iowa.  Once the rest of the pictures are available, we will be able to log into the proofing site.  If any of you are wanting the password, let me know and I will send it to you once they are available. 

4. TJ is employed!!  Last week he was contacted about a temporary position within the Department of Residence as an assistant residence life coordinator.  He accepted the position, which will be approximately 20 hours a week, and started on Monday.  This is huge news and we are so excited and grateful for this opportunity. 

I think that is the update for now.  More pictures to come later this week or next.  Furniture is scheduled for delivery on Friday so we will have pictures of that as well as hopefully ultrasound pics next week.