Hello Family!
I hope everyone is doing well! I never call, because I'm terrible, so I thought I should at the very least give a quick...well kinda long... update on life down in Wichita.
We are celebrating 26 weeks (the last of the 2nd trimester). For those that may have missed this update earlier, 4.1 is spending lots of time packing on the fat that will help him/her regulate his/her body temperature. 4.1 's eyes, which have been sealed for months now, are finally starting to open, so he/she will be more responsive to light, and will kick up a storm when he/she detects some.
She/He is also gearing up her/his immune system for birth by borrowing some of your antibodies. One theory about the development of 4.1 's immune system is that because of this ‘share and share alike' attitude of hers/his, the immune system after birth will be the best suited to the environments you're adapted to. This means that she/he could be adapted to live best in your home. (Sorry mommy!)
Most of 4.1 's bodily systems and functions are now intact, and most of the rest of development purely revolves around putting on height and weight. 4.1 is now over fourteen inches tall,and weighs about two pounds, the size of a butternut squash! Our next meeting with our OB/GYN in September 8, so hopefully we will have more pleasant news from that experience.
The only sad thing about sharing antibodies is that this has resulted in Ashley adopting some unpleasant sinus congestion. However, the return of hundreds of students as well as managing dozens of campus events, programs and orientations are also adding some stresses to the body. Thankfully, most of the worst has passed and the Week of Welcome is coming to a close. We are both looking forward to getting some well earned rest and jumping back into a nice recovery!
Also, there continues to be big shakeups at Friends' as Ashley's direct supervisor, has accepted a new position at another University and her last day was last Friday, August 26th. With the Director of Campus Life gone, it remains to be seen how they will reorganize. Ideally and logically, a long over due and well earned promotion would take place and they would hire a new coordinator... but sometimes this University is not always known for being a place of logic. Still, all of Ashley's peers have come to recognize her competence, resourcefulness and passion for student development. Whatever happens next, we continue to express gratitude for our jobs and the free apartment. We'll keep you posted on how everything continues to play out.
For my end, work is going well. Nearly a year into my position at Habitat has provided me many opportunities to learn, grow and exercise new levels of patience and people management. I am incredibly grateful and enjoying the fun and diverse challenges this work has brought me. We are getting ready for many special events, including our annual fundraiser on September 17th as well as welcoming on some new staff while sending well wishes to those transitioning out. If nothing else, I continue to learn the importance of flexibility! Currently, we have three active build sites and will be breaking ground on the fourth and final house of the year next Friday, September 9th. However, I won't be present for that.
Ashley and I will be joined by Jessica (Ashley's sister) on a wonderful college visit/baby moon/birthday present/last hurrah adventure to NYC! Jessica is brilliant and received a letter of invitation to apply for admission at Yale University. So we used that as an excuse to go to New York and to take a college tour in New Haven, Connecticut from September 8 to 11. We are all looking forward to a lovely time, wonderful food and a relaxing retreat before we jump into the final trimester, the new semester and the last collection of builds for 2016.
Okay. That was a lot. Whew! I think that is all the big stuff going on and going forward. We love you all and hope that you enter into September (the best month of the year) with hearts filled with gratitude and joy!
All the Best
Ashley, Jonathan & Rivers 4.1
