Here's the most recent pregnant picture... 37 weeks!

Hi! It's been forever since we've published an update, but we finally have SOME resolution on a few details... and we're excited to share:

ADAM

The big, big news is that Adam has been hired by APD, & started working there as a new recruit last week; he should start Academy within the next 2 months. In the mean time, he reports to the office and is getting familiar with a whole new way of life... that, for starters, includes a bald head and no facial hair. We have been so blessed by your prayers and support and encouragement throughout this tedious process! He will attend Academy for 6 months, 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, and then will be assigned to a precinct. Probably one that's pretty rough. And probably third shift. So that he can get "good" experience for investigating human trafficking and prostitution.

MINDY

I am employed at a private counseling practice, where I work 2 days per week, and will continue working there once the baby arrives. Building up clientele has been super, super slow... but we're trusting that the Lord has His hand in that, and maybe it's for the best (with getting settled in Atlanta and a new baby on the way, etc.). I'm also getting to volunteer with the office to combat sexual and human trafficking at The Salvation Army's Southern Territorial Headquarters, and I'm attempting to write a grant to combat exploitive child labor in Nicaragua.

BABY

The baby is due in 5 weeks (July 9th). So far, everything is "on target" and we're super excited about the arrival of this (very active) little one. We don't know if we're having a girl or a boy; and we don't have a name yet... we might just have to wait to meet him or her...

Here are a few pictures of the baby room, which is ready (more or less) for the little one's arrival. THANKS SO MUCH for all your gifts that have helped us get ready:

(My friend Meagan & I found this dresser at a garage sale for next-to-nothing... a little bit of white paint goes a LONG WAY... I was thrilled!)



Here are pictures from the suprise shower several friends (Staci Salvatori, Amanda Blackburn, & Meghan Sternberg) coordinated for us. Carlton & Taryn Beall were in town for the weekend, and we went over to the Sternbergs for a "low country boil"... that was ACTUALLY a baby shower. Y'all are so precious -- and we felt incredibly loved!

Ever see a diaper cake?...

The "Jones Sodas" coordinated with the colors on the edible cake & the diaper cake & the balloons & giftwrap... very impressive!

YAY - gifts!



Meghan (and Aden) keeping track of the gifts and the givers...

Carlton & Josiah (age 2)

Josiah & watermelon...


Josiah & watermelon...

Josiah & watermelon
Aden (age 5+) & watermelon... & Jax (age almost 2)
(without watermelon, but reeeally wanting some)

Aden & watermelon...

The boys: Aden, Carlton & Josiah, Adam, Jax & Dave

The girls: Taryn, Mindy, Meghan

The boys supervising the "low country boil."

low country boil finished product: corn, potatoes, sausage, shrimp, & seasoning... it was FINE!

The next day, the Bealls and Pierces went to a Brave's game:

Ready & waiting on the boys (on our front step)

Out to dinner for Carlton's birthday...

Please note the yellow crocs. So cute!

Please note Carlton (behind us), chasing Josiah. haha.

A week later, I went with my Mom to Nashville for Mother's Day weekend (to be with her mom), and we drove to Texas for a week at home and a baby shower... we'll post those pictures soon! And we'll try to be better about keeping current pictures posted, especially when the little one gets here!