A quick visit

It is so nice to live within driving distance of family. This past weekend, mom and dad came to visit and help us get our apartment organized. It was one of the quickest 24 hour visits we've had, only because we were going non-stop.

Dad went right to work setting up the changing table and putting up new coat hooks in our front closet. Then he and Julio put together the crib and moved some other furniture around to make sure there was room for the baby stuff. They worked very quickly and before we knew it, the crib was up and ready to go! How exciting!

What a team!

Look at what a nice job they did!

While they were hard at work, mom and I did some shopping, got our hair done, and then got busy organizing the closets, pantry, and baby things. Again, with such a small space, we have to be very strategic in where we put things. Don't worry, we didn't put them to work the whole time! We did get to enjoy a nice meal at Cheesecake factory and the boys went out to dinner and to a movie, while mom and I went to a baby shower.

My awesome friends, threw a wonderful baby shower at a cute little coffee shop. They had quite the spread of food and drinks, and made the place nice and cozy with candles and flowers. It was so great to spend time with everyone who came. It was great to spend time with friends from college, church, work, South America - what a diverse group!

The lovely hostesses

Some of the guests enjoying the yummy treats!

Everyone was so generous in their gifts and I was so surprised to see the packages of diapers that everyone brought. What a fun evening and what a blessing to have such great friends. Julio and I have felt such amazing love and support from everyone. Here are some pictures to document the baby shower!

Yeah for diapers!!!

A reunion of friends from North Park!!

Thanks for helping me celebrate, ladies!

Julio the Spanish Teacher

I am so incredibly proud of my husband! Ever since we moved to the States, Julio has been working, studying, and engaging in this new culture in such a way that puts me to shame. He has such determination and is not scared off by big challenges or new situations.

For the past year, he has been working as a Spanish teacher with Berlitz language institute. He has thoroughly enjoyed working with students from all different backgrounds and learning more about language acquisition and teaching methods. During the past month, he has been asked to teach in two very different settings, both of which provide their own challenges and rewards.

Julio is now teaching Spanish to children in grades 3-5, during an after school program in a northern suburb, once a week. He has seven students who keep him busy and thinking of creative ways to teach the Spanish language. As well as working with these elementary school kids, Julio is working with another group of students, graduate students at Northwestern University. From children...to graduate students, what an experience! Both require such different teaching styles and strategies. He is thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with both!

As I've said before, I am in awe of all that my husband does and the attitude with which he does it. I am so blessed!

33 Weeks!

We can't believe how fast time seems to be going! I'm already going into my 34th week of pregnancy. Only 7 more weeks to go! As the time is getting closer for the baby to be born, we are acutely aware of the preparations that still need to be made and the dramatic changes that will be taking place.

We had our first prepared childbirth class, and if we weren't overwhelmed before, we are now. We had no sooner gotten into the room and had the instructor introduce herself, before we were watching birth videos. Seriously, Julio and I just looked at each other and thought, "they're not going to ease us into this??" Still, pretty miraculous to watch and think, "that's going to be us pretty soon...we're going to have a baby."

So, we pray for continued health for the baby, wisdom for us as soon-to-be parents, and for strength and rest during these next couple weeks.