Just 3 Days

In just three days, we've had lots of new experiences.

On Friday, October 21, Sam started Karate classes.


He did great, but who knew you have to be flexible for Karate?

On Saturday, October 22, Ruth's nanny (and my right-hand woman) had a bridal shower…or bachelorette party…or a combination of the two, I'm not too sure. Ruth and I attended and had a blast. The party was really like nothing I have ever seen. It was this interesting mix of proper bridal shower etiquette mixed with really risqué bachelorette party-style games.


I mean, just check out abuela with the carrot between her legs. And this was only one of about seven games that made you laugh and feel uncomfortable for abuela all at the same time.


Yes, that's the "Banana Game." You can let your mind go there, because these ladies certainly did!


Ruth was a big help. :)

On Sunday, October 23, Sam had his official graduation from Guatemalan pre-kinder class. The two hour (two hour!!) ceremony included the handing out of diplomas and medals, video presentations, special class presentations, and singing.



My favorite part is that the students all sang songs in English. We've been hearing Sam practice his songs for weeks now and he always sings the English songs with a strong Spanish accent. "Meester sun, Meester sun, Meester Golen Sun…pease shine don on meee." Too funny!!

AND, this afternoon, my neighbors and several other women from the neighborhood surprised me with a baby shower! I felt so loved!



It's OK. You can say it (think it). I'm huge.


Ruth wanted to see how many squares of toilet paper her belly measured, too.


Here's some advice next time you're in Guatemala, pregnant, and having a baby shower: when Guatemalans tell you that it's tradition to take a bite out of the cake before they cut it, don't be as gullible as I was. This is just their way of saying, "Get your head really close to the cake so we can shove your face into it." Stephen thought I saw it coming, but I honestly was just that gullible. So much cake went up my nose my sinuses still feel funny.

What a fun weekend! I feel loved and blessed. And huge. And ready to have this baby. :)

I'll close with one of our favorite songs lately. Enjoy. We cut it short, so you can get the idea in less than 40 seconds.

October Happenings...So Far

The Baby

October ushered in my last full month of this pregnancy. I fluctuate between being so anxious for Georgia to be born and wanting to simply enjoy the last weeks before she arrives. The first weekend in October, we had a friend take some family portraits and belly shots to mark my final month of pregnancy – ever.





The Baby Shower

On October 8th I was given a shower hosted by friends at our church. Never would I have expected such generosity for baby #3! I was showered with both prayers and gifts.

Unfortunately, about a week before the event our camera stopped working. Fortunately, my friend snapped a few pictures with her i-phone.





The Atteberrys

From October 11 – 14th, my college roommate, Stephanie, and her family came to visit. I was so excited to see her and have our families hang out together.

Sam and Steph's daughter, Kaila, are a match made in Heaven. They played so well together the entire week – Sam mostly as Aladdin (despite the fact he didn't really know what that meant) and Kaila as Jasmine. They even got to bunk together in the living room at night on big palates. Kaila only got scared on the first night. After Sam reassured her that there was a night-light and he would take care of her, she did great!



Ruth and Steph's son, Stephen, are still working on their relationship. Stephen is super sweet and affectionate and for some reason Ruth didn't take too well to his hugs and attention. Ruth's most popular line from the week was, "That baby's touching me," said in a whiny voice. Oh, Ruth, one day she'll be sad she didn't get more of those sweet Stephen kisses!



Even though it rained nearly every minute they were here, we still were able to do a few fun, touristy things together – including a coffee tour, a trip to the market, a morning at McDonalds (trust me, this is a tourist attraction here), a traditional dance and tortilla making event with Guatemalan children, a nice dinner out, and lots of nice dinners in.



We were also able to capture these moments on camera because Steph and Kyle brought down our brand new Nikon DSLR we ordered off Amazon.

Thanks again, Steph, Kyle, Kaila, and Stephen for coming. We love you!

The Rain

It not only rained the entire time the Atteberrys visited but it hasn't stopped raining since. Guatemala basically has two seasons – dry and rainy – and each are about six months long. Compared to last year, this rainy season has been remarkably mild. For the past five months, we've been able to enjoy sunny mornings and only stay inside during a light afternoon or evening rain. The rainy season usually ends at the end of October and this year it has decided to go out with a bang. In the past ten days, there have been major flooding, road closures, and over 30 deaths in Guatemala.



Halloween?

While Guatemala celebrates their own version of Day of the Dead (with lots of gigantic kites as you may remember this from last year) - there really is no trick or treating or costume wearing. This year, however, we may have to have our own Dove celebration right here at home because Samuel somehow knows Halloween is in the air. Maybe Jasmine and Aladdin talked about it? ;) Either way, come October 31st Sam desperately wants to be Spiderman.