School Picnic

Harding Academy invited all the Early Childhood parents to attend their family picnic outing. So, we went to have lunch with Amelia out on the school lawn. The weather was a little warmer than what we anticipated, but overall we enjoyed eating our sandwiches and cool drinks together.

Yellow School Bus

Amelia is learning so much in her Early Childhood class. She is practicing reciting the alphabet. She can count to ten and knows her basic colors & shapes. This week Amelia's class was able to discover and explore the "School Bus". All aboard!

Latest Update on Isabelle

I had a doctor's appointment today. This makes the 36th week; which means we are in the 9th month. How exciting! I am 1 cm dilated. I will be going to the doctor every week now until D-Day.

Little by little we are getting ready -- packing our hospital bags, getting the baby carrier in place, batteries for the camera, etc. The girls are also anxious and continue to ask when will Isabelle be here. Not much longer now.

Jacob's First Sunday at TPC

Baby Shower for Isabelle

Kim Webb and Janet Sykes hosted a Baby Shower for Isabelle this past weekend. What fun! Many close friends were there to celebrate with our family. We received lots of wonderful gifts and shared in great food. We are down to the last month of preparations.

Kim, Me, Becky, Jacob, and Janet

A beautiful crocheted blanket given by Marie Allen

2nd Day of School

The girls both attended class today at Harding Academy.

1st Day of Kindergarten

Ellie started her first day of Kindergarten -- or Sr. Kindergarten as Harding Academy refers to it. She was nervous, but excited to see what it was all about. She did great. We walked down the hall snickering over me being silly & into her new classroom together. The teacher quickly greeted us with a smile and a big hug. Ellie then started to put things away in her own locker and sit down at her assigned desk. Hard to believe our little girl is officially in Kindergarten!

School is starting

This week we had "Meet the Teacher" at Harding Academy for both Ellie and Amelia. They were excited to see their new classrooms and all their teachers from last year. Ellie has her own real desk. The girls are anxious to start a new school year. They will have Phase-In Days (Monday & Wednesday) and then start their first official day on Thursday, August 14th.

Update on Isabelle

I had another doctor's appointment today --- now in my 34th week! We are counting down the weeks. Everything checked out normal. I had an ultrasound and again was able to get a sneak peek of Isabelle. She is weighting 5 lbs. 7 oz.

Jacob came over to play

Jason, Becky, and baby Jacob came over to play Saturday at our house. Uncle Vernon & Aunt Gayla were also in town for a visit. Amelia just adores Jacob and always wants to be around him. Jacob is over 2 weeks old now.

Baby Shower at Youth Villages

I was surprised yesterday with a Baby Shower from work. Several unnamed individuals snuck into my office and decorated it with balloons and tons of gift cards --- over $670 worth! I was shocked over the generosity of my co-workers at Youth Villages. Afterwards we had cake and ice cream in the break room celebrating the anticipated birth of Isabelle. What fun! Now we can go shopping!!

Over 80 balloons in my office!



Cake made by co-worker, Nhung Hurst

A beautiful blanket made by co-Director, Sarah Hurley.

Four of us pregnant at Youth Villages (Liesl, Jan, me, Leslie)

My Information Technology staff

(Brian, Mike, Scott, Silas, Rehman, Jason - missing Forrest)

Jacob at the Hospital

We went on our 2nd hospital visit to see Jacob and introduce the girls to their new cousin. They both were anxious to "see and touch" him. He is beautiful! Ellie seemed consumed with questions regarding how Jacob arrived and Amelia just eagerly wanted to hold him. It was amazing to watch their reactions to Jacob, who was content to sleep while being made over.

Jason, Becky, and Jacob are home now. They are doing very well adjusting to their new life.