Sister and Soon-to-be-Aunt

My sister, Tara, came to visit this past weekend. How fun to finally have someone from my family here! She came bearing gifts for her nephew and joined us as we ran lots of last-minute baby shopping errands. Her visit was much too short but we know she'll be coming back soon!

I love you so much, sis! And I know our little guy will love you, too, just like the bib says!!

Our Church Family

We have now been part of our new church family for over 5 months. We have been thankful over and over that Shane was asked to come be part of Highview's ministry team. We have loved getting to know the other staff and the families that are part of this church.

On Sunday, the middle school youth leaders gave us a baby shower. It was so sweet to see middle schoolers (especially middle school boys!) at a shower. Several of them picked out toys themselves to give to the baby. I loved having Shane there to join in with all the shower hoopla - he hasn't really gotten to be part of that at any of the other showers. Once again, we were overwhelmed by generosity and love.

We didn't take any pictures at the shower, but I've had some of our new church that I've never posted. This is the church campus that we attend, Highview's East Campus. There are 5 other locations in the Louisville area.

The building below is East Campus' youth facility, lovingly and quite accurately called The Greenhouse as it was previously a greenhouse, left behind when Highview purchased the land. It has been completely remodeled inside and has space for both high school and middle school.

Baby Update

I had a routine, 36-week doctor's visit today. My doctor felt that I was measuring a little small so she sent us to have an ultrasound. You can imagine that we were not complaining! It was so fun to get to see our little guy at this point in the pregnancy. There was no doubt that we are having a boy and they estimate he already weighs 6 pounds, 11 oz! I don't think we'll be having a small baby by the time I deliver...

A Baby Room

Shane's mom and stepdad came to visit and help us put the baby's room together this weekend. What a blessing! Lee is quite the all-around handyman and he put the crib together much quicker than we could have. All three of them painted as I sorted through clothes and toys and did other projects around the house. We loved having them here and can't believe that the next time they come will be for a delivery!

Pekin Baby Shower!

The weekend after Wes and Brooke's reception we took a quick trip back to Pekin for a baby shower. Shane's aunts and grandmother planned an exceptionally sweet shower, complete with a cake decorated to match the bedding in our baby room. It was adorable! Shane and I continue to sit back in wonder at all the "things" we have been given for our little one. Each and every little item from blankets to clothes and bath toys to swings are reminders of how much not only we, but everyone around us is looking forward to the birth of our son. I hope and pray that he treasures these relationships over the trinkets as much as we do.





You have to appreciate a family that let our dogs come to our baby shower, too!

Congratulations, Wes and Brooke!

Shane's brother, Wes, got married this spring to Brooke in the Dominican Republic. Their wedding was gorgeous and we were sad that we didn't get to travel to be there with them. But we finally got to celebrate at their reception. We are so happy for you two!

Shane with Chuck and Susan, two of his dearest friends from growing up in Pekin. Susan, who just had twin girls and Chuck's wife, Karry, who has a little girl, had all kinds of baby tips to share with us! It was so much fun to get to see so many friends and family all at once.
Can you see the family resemblance in this picture? This is Shane's dad, Mike; sister, Tara; and brother, Wes. Thanks to Tara, we actually remembered to get a picture of them all together this time!

Our First Baby Shower

Shane and I looked forward to the past weekend for a long time. We went back to Missouri to visit friends and have our first baby shower. We stayed in Bolivar on Friday night, spending time with some of our favorite college friends. Saturday was the shower and more friend time. Then on Sunday we got to visit Second Baptist and see many friends and the students we worked with there. What a joy to see all of you again. It was far too quick a trip and we wish we could have spent much more time with everyone. We miss you!

The baby shower was fabulous. I was completely overwhelmed at all the friends who came, and everyone's generosity. It will be fun to think of so many different friends when our little guy is using all the things given to us!
Alisa Martin planned some cute games for the shower. Here she is leading the group in a game. Vince and Alisa also hosted us in their home Saturday night. Thanks for having us!
I got to open lots of fun gifts...everything is so cute!
My Aunt Sharon and cousin, Mindy, got to come to the shower. I was so glad to have family there since my Mom is far away.
This is my dear friend, Denise. She planned the shower and had us all in her home. What a treasure to have a friend like her! While we talk on the phone a lot, there's nothing like seeing a good friend face-to-face. Many thanks to you, Denise, for giving me a day to remember! And I do expect to see you on our doorstep soon...