It started in January when my mom came for 3 weeks to help me at the end of my pregnancy/beginning of life as a mother. We waited around somewhat patiently for 2 weeks for James to make his debut. She did a good job of keeping my 9 month pregnant body busy and also helped A LOT with cooking/cleaning/etc.
Me 9 months pregnant hiking to a waterfall. We successfully walked James out of me because that night I went into labor!
The last week she was here my dad was able to come down as well. They were able to spend lots of time with little James and took on lots of my responsibilities as I recovered from my C-section.
My Dad paid special attention to Booper as she was jealous of the new baby we brought home.
My mom with James after she gave him a bath.
Meeting Grandpa for the first time
Grammie holding the sleeping baby
In March our 3rd visitor came...my sister Emily! We had a lot of fun just playing with James and going around to different places in Jarabacoa. We also got to take a short day trip to Santo Domingo. For me it was great just to hang out and have fun with my sister since we don't get to see each other a lot anymore.
Having fun with Auntie Em
Taking a nap
Being crazy at the ocean
Next up we had Ryan's parents. We kept them busy with a motorcycle trip, a day at each of our sites, a trip to the beach/Santo Domingo, waterfall hikes, and some other random stuff around Jarabacoa. You can read more about their trip in an older blogpost here. It was so great to visit with them and finally be able to show them our home for the past 3 years.
James with Grandma and Grandpa Holloway
At the beach in Boca Chica
My mom couldn't stand being away from little James any longer, so she came down again in June for a month. Again my Dad was able to join for a week too! We spent most of our time playing with James and going around Jarabacoa, but we also got to go to the beach and the capitol for a weekend. My mom was very willing to babysit, so Ryan and I were able to go off several times without James, which was a huge blessing!
Grammie and James at a waterfall
at the waterfall with Grandpa
Our most recent visitors were Scott, Monica, and Jessica- Ryan's uncle, aunt, and cousin. They had just a short trip, and unfortunately Scott and Monica both got sick for a couple days. But they were able to serve at both of our ministry sites and blessed several of the people we minister to through bringing them gifts and sharing encouraging words with them. We had a great time catching up and sharing our lives with them.
They brought over 200 diapers for this severely disabled boy who's mother is in one of Ryan's micro-banks.
Jessica sharing her testimony with the girls at the Social Work site.
She also made balloon animals for all the girls. It got a little crazy but the girls LOVED it!
All of us on our porch
Our last visitor is Brian Shields, who has been one of Ryan's best friends since high school. He comes in this weekend. He will be here for Ryan's vacation week, so I'm sure they will do all kinds of crazy boy things. We're really excited for him to come.
Brian most likely be our last visitor before we leave in December. It's been so fun having so many people visit, and has made being away from home for James' first year of life a little easier. Thank you to everyone who came and allowed us to share our life with you!!
1 comment:
Caroline,
Thank you for welcoming us into your home and James' life! Such precious memories with James, you and Ryan and all of your fun friends. It was also wonderful taken part in your mission and working with the ladies at the social work site. I hope none of the bracelets broke!!!! We miss you guys so much and cannot wait for December, what fun!!! We so anxious and it's only August. Hopefully the time will pass quickly and you will be at peace with leaving your ladies and girls in the hands of Daisy and your replacement (Kim?). You are a beautiful mother and have a beautiful family.
Post a Comment