School Year Wrap-Up

The last few weeks have been filled with several "lasts" and end-of-the-year events for both Mika's preschool and Ramona's elementary school.

My last preschool music lesson at Mika's preschool:

Singing B-I-N-G-O

Playing in a rock band

Preschool field trip to the local fire station:

Ramona's first-grade space project:

She made the planet and one of its moons out of paper mache

Ramona ready to take her completed project to school

All the space projects were put on display at the annual Bethke Spring Showcase. Paca, Teresa, Dutch, and Bill were all in town that night and were able to come. First, they showered the girls with lots of attention and gifts.

We had just ordered some new furniture and were thankful to have Paca to help with some heavy lifting. The kids (and Teresa) had fun playing with the giant boxes . . .

. . . and styrofoam packaging.

Finally at the Spring Showcase:

Ramona with her project:

In the hallway we found a bulletin board with pictures from the Integrity assembly. Ramona's photo is right next to the blue paw print:

"Moms and Muffins" at Mika's preschool:

Mika had made me a Mother's Day card out of muffin liners and a hot pad with her hand print.

She also showed me the butterfly net in their classroom. Her classmates had watched them change from caterpillar to chrysalis to their final state.

The kids got to let the butterflies go free a few days later.

Field Day picnic at Bethke:

Ramona with her beloved Mrs. Haselby:

First Grade Writer's Picnic:

A pile of Ramona's first-grade writing

Ramona before her last ballet class of the year:

In costume before her ballet recital:

 

 

 At the recital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramona seemed to really enjoy being a little ballerina and we had fun watching her dance. 

 

Now if baby Wylie stays in for a few more days, I may just make it to Mika's Preschool Graduation Program!

Final S-T-R-E-T-C-H

I've avoided the camera for much of this pregnancy. Dry, peeling lips and frequent acne explosions left me feeling less than presentable for several weeks, and until I had a distinctive baby bump I just felt unattractively thick in my midsection. With third trimester I now look unquestionably pregnant, much more hydrated, and the acne has cleared. I have enough energy and enough appetite most days. Plus, something about all the hormonal changes always makes my leg hair fall out toward the end of my pregnancies, (which is convenient) so I try to not to complain about this final prenatal stretch. Look, I'm even smiling for the camera:

25 weeks

31 weeks

35 weeks

Here are some 3D images from ultrasound #3 at 29 weeks:

It was around this time that we finally came up with his name, Wylie Kent. Wylie has been a family name on my paternal grandfather's side for several generations, and Kent is my dad's middle name. Ramona, Mika, and Paula have all been calling the baby by his name as they cuddle and coo at my belly each day, and Jii and Baachan have been referring to him as "Ken-chan." He is already so loved!

We even got a baby shower a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of this little boy. I felt a little odd receiving extra attention and gifts for my fourth baby, but my kind friends insisted that a celebration was in order and organized a lovely evening full of yummy food and baby boy advice.

Chelsey was the wonderful hostess and Erin was the amazing party planner

As I continue along this last stretch, I feel so grateful to be surrounded by supportive friends and family. And just as I did in previous pregnancies, I also feel like my life is about to change forever.