Well, we have officially moved in, and JJ has been officially installed as vicar. At right is the picture from JJ's installation (and you can see my baby-bump!). With all the help we received from our new congregation, we were moved in quite speedily, and I unpacked the last box this week! JJ has had a nice, smooth transition into working. The college students aren't back from summer break yet, so he's had lots of time to organize his office and shadow his supervisor. Once school starts after Labor Day, he will be much more busy.
Our first two weeks here have been wonderful. Everyone here has been so kind and generous. The church threw us a paper-goods shower for items and food we would need. We've already been to two barbecues and gotten fresh veggies and desserts. We are definitely going to like it here! In fact, it already feels like home. Our "little" house is so nice, and we feel so comfortable and at home. We have walked around the neighborhood and love the area. The campus is just to our north, and the chimes play on the hour for us to hear. There's a dairy bar on campus in the ag. tech. building, which is only a very short walk from our house. They serve ice cream that they make from their dairy cows on campus, and it's some of the best ice cream I've ever had! JJ and my goal for the year is to try every flavor! We've also walked to the movie store, to the park, and to the library (getting my library card was near the top of my to-do list!). Everything is within walking distance! And the weather is so nice that walks any time of day are delightful. It's in the mid eighties with a nice breeze.
We have an appointment with our new midwife for next week. I'm excited and nervous. It's hard changing doctor's mid-stream, as you might say. Before the appointment, we will be touring the women's center at the hospital. I looked at it online before we left St. Louis, and it looks very (very, very) nice. We've gotten a few books at the library about birthing, so we can at least be a little educated before the time comes (when everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you just have to fly by the seat of your pants...). I had wanted to take some birthing classes, but with JJ's schedule, we'll have to see. Babykins is doing well anyway. We had an ultrasound right before we left St. Louis, and baby had all his/her vital organs and requisite number of appendages. We've decided to wait till the baby's born to find out the sex and be surprised. My bump is growing, and Babykins seems to be more active everyday. It feels kind of like popcorn is being popped in my belly right now! JJ is feeling the baby kick and even starting to see my belly bounce with Babykins' movements! We are really enjoying it. JJ set up the crib in the baby's room, but other than that, I'm waiting until my mom comes to visit, so she and I can set up the nursery together. I am currently in the last week of my second trimester, so we're getting closer!
It should definitely be an exciting summer and fall. We have much to be thankful for and excited about. We have a new house, a new congregation, a new job, and a new baby! Thanks be to God! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We are so blessed and encouraged by your support.