Congrats to Our New Graduate!

Jared has been hard at work for the last two years pursuing his Master's degree in Genetics of Down syndrome from Purdue University. All he has left is his thesis, which he will defend by the end of July. Today Jared was able to participate in graduation at the Convention Center downtown. It was so neat for him to be hooded by his PI Dr. Roper.

Jared and Dr. Roper after all of the pomp and circumstance!

Jared looks so good with his hood!!!

Thanks Aunt Paula, Uncle Jim, and AJ for coming to support Jared. We love you guys so much!!

My Almost First Mother's Day

For not even being a Mom yet, I was totally spoiled today. Jared made me breakfast in bed - and my very favorite French toast. It was so yummy. Then I got to wear my new Mother's day dress to church. Thanks so much Mom and Dad Allen! Don't you just love my new dress, Jared did an incredible job picking it out for me!!!
And to top everything off Jared surprised me with the most beautiful corsage! I was definitely spoiled.

And since we were taking pictures, here are my week 23 belly shots to keep you all updated:Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there - especially to our wonderful Mothers! Thank you for all that you sacrificed and did to love and raise us - and all that you continue to do. We will be eternally grateful!!! Love you both tons and tons!!!

Rachelapalooza

My 29th birthday was last week (April 28th) and it was such a great day! I had cupcakes at work, BLTs for dinner - thanks for making dinner Jared, and I got to use our traditional Allen Very Special Red Plate. But the best part was the gift that Jared made for me. He created a book documenting our proposal story, complete with pictures and all of the scrolls. Douglas added his talents to create an awesome front and back cover and some neat pages inside. I was so surprised and can't wait to read 'our story' to Tori!!!
Jared planned the main event for my birthday for tonight. In his usual fashion, I knew we were celebrating my birthday, and that people were invited, but that is about it. After work, Jared and I went to eat at Noodle and Co. I kept waiting for people to jump out or show up. But no, we had a lovely dinner just for two. Then Jared let it slip that I would be able to sit for the entire activity we would be attending and that it was a sporting event. Hooray, we went to an Indianapolis Indians game - they are our minor league baseball team! And to jazz things up a little, all attending had team jerseys! Douglas and Jared put together a logo and came up with this fabulous gem!!!We were joined with some of our very best friends here in Indy - Amanda, Amber, Emily, Ben and Sam. Thanks so much for joining us guys! And to make things even better, the Indians won! It was such a great night, thanks so much for planning all of the fun details Jared. I love you oh so much!!!