Week Thirty One (and Six Days)

Dear Friends,

Happy Monday to you!  This last week marked the end of the school year.  We celebrated the year's accomplishments by having kindergarten graduation and a school-wide picnic. 

Here are a few photos of my adorable kiddos on the last day:

Here's "Mr. Jacobs" waiting with one of my students for the school bus to arrive:

and here's the belly this week:

I just had an appointment today with my midwife and babycakes is still doing well.  He's measuring right on track and has a healthy heartbeat.  He was also "head down" (at least he is for the time being).  I have a one week vacation until I start up again with summer school.  I am currently planning my rainforest unit while eating a lime fruit bar :).  Have a lovely week!

Much Love,

Jen 

oh what a thrill

Today, at this very moment I would probably be dancing the "first dance" with my new husband.  We danced to an old country song we both grew up listening to...ever heard of "Oh What a Thrill"?  I can still picture the way he looked at me and I still remember thinking how blessed I was to be the wife of such an amazing man.  That feeling is still there today, just stronger.  Once in awhile, if I wake up before Josh in the morning and see him lying peacefully beside me, I can't help but tell God "thanks" for giving me such a wonderful husband.  These past five years have been a thrill and I look forward to many more! 

I love you Joshua!  Happy Anniversary!

Jemimah on a Jet Plane

Meet Jemimah.  She is seventeen years old and far from typical.  She's a lover of Disney movies and hot Cheetos, of make-up tutorials and MAMA noodles, of hugs, candies and Korean dramas.  She is a lover of Jesus.  Jemimah has been living with us for the past two years.  Her parents are missionaries in Thailand.  She is here studying in the U.S. and we have had the privilege to be a part of her life here in America.  Josh and I are kind of "pseudo parents" if you will.  We have loved sharing life with her these past two years.  She really has become a part of our family (she even calls our parents "granny" and "grandpa" :) ).  This summer Jemimah has the opportunity to go back to Thailand to visit her family.  She hasn't been able to see them for two years!  We are very excited for her to be able to spend time with her mom, dad, and eight siblings.  We will miss her though this summer!  Our house will seem so quiet; I won't hear her singing Disney songs in the laundry room or jamming out to her i-pod upstairs.  I won't smell her interesting noodle concoctions simmering in the kitchen.  But most of all, I will miss seeing her sit across from me at the dinner table and sharing meals and conversations with her.  When she comes back in August we will have added another new addition to our family!  So many changes this summer...all good things from God.

Jemimah, we will miss you! 

Enjoy your time in Thailand!  We will be praying for you and your family!  See you in August!

Much Love,

Jen (and Josh)

Week Thirty

Well Friends, here we are at week thirty;
I can't believe it! 

Here's a look back at how far we've come:

It all began the morning before Thanksgiving:

4 weeks pregnant

8 weeks

10 weeks

 12 weeks

13 weeks

14 weeks

15 weeks

16 weeks

17 weeks

18 weeks

 19 weeks

 20 weeks

21 weeks

22 weeks

 23 weeks

24 weeks

25 weeks

26 weeks

 27 weeks

28 weeks

 29 weeks

I am thankful to God for all of the ways he has walked with us up to week 30 and looking forward to trusting Him for grace in the weeks to come!  Blessings to you all this week!

Much Love,

Jen



Showered

My dear friends Katie, Meg, and Justine (also sister) planned a baby shower for me a few weekends ago.  I was so incredibly blessed by this gathering.  The room full of friends, the beautiful decor, the delicious food, and the gifts for our little guy brought me to tears. 

Here are a few photos from the shower:

*most photos taken by Justine

Bunting made by Meg!  We are going to hang it in our nursery!

Shower Games

 Meg also made me this nursing cover...I love the fabric!

I am so thankful for friends like these! 

I love you girls!

Baby Nolan

A few weeks ago my friend Margaret and I headed to the park for a photo session with her sweet 7 month old Nolan.  I met Margaret while in the education program at the U of M.  It was great to catch up with her on such a sunny day! Nolan was such a good baby!  I'm looking forward to play dates with Margo in the near future :).

Hope these photos sent some smiles your way!