How blessed we are! It has been a beautiful and BUSY time in our lives. I sometimes find myself wishing everything would slow down so that we could enjoy the scenery a little more, but then I realize that this is life, and chances are it won't slow down so we need to learn to appreciate the scenery in each moment despite the pace of life. So, here is a little update for all of our dear ones far away.
First of all, yesterday was the first day of winter. At times we just feel upside down and backwards, it is hard to adjust to the words "June" and "winter" being synonymous. I don't know if I would ever get used to such things, as my memories of June- August are filled with such beautiful summer events and childhood joy! Beautifully, though, the last two days have been gloriously sunny and I just LOVE being able to turn my face to the sun and soak up some of the rays. It has been too long since we've seen sunshine. It will be fun to tell Liliana that she was a winter baby, even though probably for the rest of her life she'll have summer birthdays.
I had a wonderful 26th Birthday. Joe and I were spoiled to be invited over for dinner on my birthday-eve by our parish priest, Fr. David. He served us a gorgeous Italian meal, complete with fresh bread, 3 courses, and gorgeous dessert. Joe even got to indulge in some home made limoncello!!! The next day, I spoiled myself with a french manicure and gorgeous fresh baked scones from the bakery. I've wanted them every time I walked past the bakery but was able to hold out until my birthday, it was such a treat! Joe stayed in with me that night and we cooked a beautiful meal, it was a blessing to just "be" with no where to go or no schedule to keep. Finally, on Friday we went bowling with our friends Leigh and Karli...and let's just say I felt like the comic relief trying to bowl around my big belly. We had to put up the bumpers, I was a lost cause. However, fun fun FUN!
Yesterday we "entertained" for the first time in our little apartment. I felt nervous all week about it, because of course I would like to be the "hostess with the mostest" and it is hard to accomplish when you make your guests eat on the floor around the coffee table due to lack of space! Joe and I cooked Mexican food, which involved a trip to the only Latino grocer I could find online. Get this, Goya black beans are priced like a delicacy here, but mmmmm they were so worth it! It's been almost a year since we've been able to eat delicious black beans. Seeing the delicious chalupa sauces and varieties of salsas almost made me feel at home. Anyhow, all worked out and no one seemed to mind too much having to sit on the floor. It was balm for the heart to be able to do something nice for people, when most often here we are the recipients of overwhelming hospitality and generosity.
Our little person is getting not-so-little and I am getting both antsy and nervous about how quickly her "guess date" is approaching! I am so in love with this little lady and find every single movement she makes soooo endearing. I've been spending lots of time trying to encourage her into the proper anterior position for birth, which means lots of time leaning forward so that she doesn't decide to flip around. I am excited about the possibility of a smooth and straightforward delivery...needless to say encouraging her to be back-to-my-belly-button has also alleviated lots of back pain. We both win!! I have found myself truly able to bond with her this pregnancy, which I feel very blessed to have. So looking forward to the first moment I can look at her little face and tell her "hi, I am your mama!!!!"
Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? Haha, oh yes, I suppose that is almost the topic of every blog so I won't nauseate you with gushy-ness this blog. Needless to say, he is still working hard and continues to grow as a hero in my eyes. 'sigh!'
Well, I will leave it there for now. We are so blessed, GOD is so GOOD, and His Providence continues to amaze and humble us. We miss you all, my heart aches for missing the beautiful spring days and time with our dear families. Know we keep close to you in thoughts and prayer,
Love always,
