My first grade class surprised me with a baby shower!  We ate cake, opened presents, and had a blast!  I received many wonderful things for Mia.  My students and their families are so generous and supportive.  I sure will miss them while I am on maternity leave.

My first graders helped me open my presents.  I received cute clothes, fun toys, and an amazing Britax car seat for Mia.  It was so much fun!  Thank-you to the best first grade class ever!

The first baby shower for Mia was held in Minnesota.  My dear friend, Cari, and my mom hosted a wonderful Asian themed party.  My mother-in-law and aunt Shelly were a big help. Many of my friends and family members were there to celebrate... it was special.  I packed two suitcases to the maximum allowed weight in order to get all of the amazing gifts home to Florida.   Thank-you everyone!

My second shower was a surprise!  The kindergarten and first grade teachers planned a Chinese baby shower in our school media center.  I  walked in to what I thought was a media committee meeting and surprise-- it was a baby shower for me!  It was so much fun to celebrate Mia's adoption with my teaching friends.

My colleagues contributed to a Chinese "money tree" below.   Jon and I spent an hour untying the bills- the tree had over $300 on it!  I also received some nice gifts for Mia, including a Chinese ABC book, clothes, toys, and an engraved gold ID bracelet.  The teachers wrote bits of wisdom in a Chinese journal.  It was all so thoughtful and very much appreciated.

Above:  My Mother-in-law, Me, My Sister-in-law (she should be having her baby at the same time we are bringing Mia home!) Above:  The beautiful quilt that my mother made for Mia.

Above:  My cousins and I celebrating. Below: Friends!