Mi casa es su casa

Thanks to everyone for your prayers during our housing search!

A day after my return to Kansas City, we saw a house and put in an offer. The seller accepted and we just had it inspected this morning. The inspection went well, and Lord willing, we are closing on June 25!

While we are not surprised that God continues to be faithful and an amazing provider, we are SO THANKFUL for His grace and abundant blessings!

VACANCY: Summer is our favorite time in Kansas City--its beautiful outside, the city market is open, and there are lots of great activities going on! We currently have two open guest bedrooms and would love to host visiting friends and family! If you visit before the end of June, we live right by the pool! If you visit after June 25, you can be part of the moving chaos!

Week 27

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on.

Information provided by babycenter.com

Baby Shower: Tri-Cities

Our second shower was May 16, in the Tri-Cities. Eric and I were honored to receive so much attention and love that day because it also would have been my brother Jacob's 21st birthday! Grandma Sophie and Aunt Marissa were careful not to overlook a single detail for the party, everything was just fantastic! Each of my aunts helped put together an amazing dinner, Cakes Be We customized the cake to match the invitations, and the Escalera's put extra care into their home to make sure it was picture perfect for the evening. Thank you to everyone who was able to make the drive out to celebrate with us--it was so nice to have you all with us as we prepare for our baby girl! Don't forget to check back soon--I know Grandma Sophia is excited to update us all on the Ronald McDonald House donation and how it will be used!

Baby shower: Spokane

Our first shower was Thursday, May 15, in Spokane. Pictures will be posted soon!!

Grandma Christy, Aunt Carli, and Aunt Kristen really went out of their way to make this event special. The fellowship was priceless, the dessert was made with love, and the games were so much fun! Grandma Irmina and Aunt Jo were able to come in from the Seattle area to celebrate with us, along with all the women in Spokane who love us! I am so grateful for all the wisdom on motherhood and all the blessings for our baby girl that were shared! I know I will always have the support and prayers of some incredible women, even if we live miles away!

Our trip home

I just returned from a wonderful, relaxing two weeks back home in Washington and have lots to write about! Eric's sister Carli announced she and her husband Landen are expecting their second child! Their son, Caleb, is such a sweet little guy; we can't wait to find out if he's getting a little brother or sister! Congratulations, Grant family (if you would like to keep updated on their good news, you can visit their blog through the link on our page)!

In our three years of traveling back home, this trip was one of my favorites! Being able to leave for two weeks and not have to worry about all the "work" that was piling up on my "desk" was amazing! I felt like I was finally able to fully enjoy each moment with family and friends and truly be on "vacation"! The hardest part was being away from Eric for so long, but he was able to come out for a four day weekend to be with us. We both agreed that things are better when we’re together!

While at home we were BLESSED to have two baby showers for our little girl! We would like to thank everyone who attended to support us during this precious time! Your encouragement, prayers, and generosity are such a blessing to us. We feel humbled by your thoughtfulness and grateful for your love!

If my stomach wasn't noticeable before, it's definitely making an appearance! It feels like I’ve doubled in size in a very short period of time. I am still at a point where I don't feel "huge" yet, but I am noticing the changes--I keep bumping my stomach on the car door and on chairs, if I try to walk behind someone at a dinner table. The down side of this all is that now I really have to look for new clothes...the up side is that everyone was extremely helpful at the airport today!

Eric and I are currently in the process of house hunting and we are so excited to see what God has in our future! We will be busy the next few weeks touring potential homes. Please keep us in your prayers as we make this very important decision!

I want to send a special Thank You to my wonderful husband for my "Mom to be" Mother's day delivery! You're the best husband I've ever had!!

Week 26

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

Information provided by babycenter.com

Week 25

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight--a pound and a half--isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for a more rounded one. As your baby gains weight, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more like a mini newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now in color and texture, although both may change after he's born.

Information provided by babycenter.com

Week 24

Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes for a pretty lean figure, but her body's filling out proportionally. Your baby's brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds may be working now. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily. Your baby can hear more now, and you may even notice her startle at loud, sudden noises. But she's probably getting used to the regular noises she hears around the house, such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner.

Information provided by babycenter.com