Tasks Completed

Ok. Here are some updates on things I have been finishing up:

Here is the completed baby blanket I was working on crocheting. I feel so accomplished that I did it and would never of believed I could do it:

Here are the baby curtains I had made for only $12. That was to buy the material and to sew it together like this. I can't wait to put them up.

This week was my last week at work and, unknown to me, my students...all of them from JK-5th grade, so about 80 students, surprised me with a goodbye party in our indoor gym. Jr. Kindy and Kindy used my name to make an acronym of all these super sweet things about me. 1st grade made up their own words of appreciation to the Veggie Tales' Thanksgiving Song, 3rd made cards, 4th wrote letters, and 5th made cards too. I was so surprised, granted there were a few gestures and comments that kept me wondering but with our crazy schedule this week I didn't think there would be any way that they could pull it off if they were planning anything. These kids went 2 weeks, so I'm told, without telling me anything. I love these guys and will miss them so much. Oh, and 2nd grade made the signs that you see on the wall. So, here are the kids getting ready to perform for me in the indoor gym:

Part of our tradition at SYIS is for our principal, this super tall Australian, to give us a pillowcase when we leave so that when we lay our heads down at night we can dream about SYIS and never forget it. He also always makes a joke, when women are going on maternity leave, about putting the baby in the pillowcase to carry around. He has always made this joke in our staff parties and not many people laugh but when he did it in front of all of elementary they thought it was hilarious!

Here are the flowers one of my 5th grader and 1st grader mom's gave to me. They are huge and SUPER beautiful! They were almost bigger than the boy who gave them to me. The mom is due about one month after me so it was great to see her there at the party and for her to bring these for me. At Christmas I received flowers but couldn't keep them because I had to head back to America so quickly but I get to keep these for at least 2 weeks. YAY!

So I have 2 weeks at home and then we head to Beijing on May 8th where I will live until our little girl comes. Family begins arriving on May 14th. I am so excited and just over this past week I feel like my little girl has gotten bigger and heavier. I feel like there is a rock inside of me half the time. It gets a little uncomfortable at times but no complaints here because I know the end is coming and I will meet my little girl very soon. 5 more weeks to go...