Brandon’s mom came to visit for two whole weeks! And after a week, his dad came to join in the fun. But it was pretty special to have his mom all to myself. The nice part was we planned it perfectly because Brandon had a super busy week with work, and we knew he would be gone all day every day. The thought of taking care of a little baby all on my own for a whole week seemed like a bit much, so she offered to come a week early to help me and keep me company. It was perfect. Brandon was gone most days from 7am-7pm, and so me and Marva hung out and had a blast together!

Some days we didn’t do much, simply hung out at the house and played with Eliana. She was just beginning to smile on her own, and that was enough fun for the both of us! I was finally feeling adventurous and ready to leave the house and so we got out a few times just the three of us. We ventured out to this oh so cute local coffee shop a few times, went to the grocery store, to the beach, out to dinner, and of course the outdoor market The sad part was we woke up super early one day to get the freshest fruits and veggies, mom was all excited to see the local market. Well, I took her to a different one than I normally go to, since it was one we could drive the car to. Well, we show up at 6:30,and it wasn’t open! I couldn’t believe it! All the stores downtown don’t open till 8 or 8:30-yes even the coffee shops!-but the other outdoor market opens early so I just assumed this one would too. Thankfully, there were two booths open, so we got a few things. But what a bummer!

 

 

 

More photos to come from the week after, when Brandon’s dad came to join in on the fun!!

 

 

 

The first week of Grammy’s visit went by so fast, as did the second! At least by the second, I was feeling a little more up for venturing outside of these four walls, and we were able to take her out and show her a little of Leon. We went out to eat a few times, grocery shopping, made it to church (only to have to stand outside with her because the music was so loud!), and even ventured out downtown so she could see the main square and some really old churches.

There was one day, that stands out more than the others. It was one of the first days we went out, out. Without Brandon out. Just me and mom. We went to the grocery store. Sounds easy enough right? We left home and got to the store pretty quickly, and made good time at the grocery store getting everything we needed.We headed to the check out, and waited in the long lines. We get to the front and loaded up the groceries, and I started digging through my bag for my wallet. No wallet. I clearly remembered grabbing money and putting it in my wallet, so that seemed impossible. I sent my mom out to the truck to check there, but she couldn’t get the alarm to unlock! I went out, found no wallet and came back frazzled. I let a few more people go ahead of us, racking my brain trying to think of a way I could get take these groceries home with me now… Would they let me pay later? Could I send my mom back for my wallet? Haha! I was delusional, and couldn’t swallow the fact that we had gotten over this big hurdle to get out and now it was all for nothing. Oh man. So, we slipped out of there, and I was so sad to come back home empty handed! After getting home, and feeding Eliana, I didn’t have enough energy left to go back. So we had to do it all over again the next day!! The funniest part? On the way out the door, my mom asked me about three times if I had the keys for the gate. I was annoyed by the third time, acting all sassy like ‘hello, I’ve got it mom!” and wouldn’t ya know it, I didn’t! At least I didn’t lock us out of the house!

 

 

 

 

 

Another funny story? I knew I wanted to use a sling/wrap with Eliana, for many reasons. But I kind of forgot the main one. It’s pretty much impossible to use a stroller anywhere. I thought the stroller would be great, since it was such a hot day and we could walk around a lot with her in that. But, I quickly forgot how bad the road and “sidewalks” are, and it was a joke watching me trying to push this thing around! I think I ended up more hot and sweaty trying to maneuver my way through holes, people, dogs, cars and the craziness! I think I’ll be sticking to that oh so handy sling-and saving the stroller for neighborhood strolls!

 

 

Of course it was so hard to say goodbye. There is nothing more wonderful my having your mom come and visit-to love and spoil our sweet Eliana-but we also enjoyed having the help! She cooked for us almost every day, cleaned for us, helped me with laundry, dishes, everything. What a treat it was, we are so thankful she was able to come!

There’s something extra fun and special about having your mom come and visit when you have a new baby. I know we are in love with this baby girl, but these grandparents I would have to say are right up there too, overflowing with love and excitement to match our own!

Of course we wanted to take her out and show her Nicaragua. But two weeks out I wasn’t feeling up to the task of actually leaving the house, and I have to admit the thought of taking our infant daughter anywhere really was terrifying. People here love babies (well, I guess that is everywhere) but they also love to touch them too! The social do’s and don’ts are different here, so I figured keeping her inside for a while was the best thing. So Grammy’s first few days were spent inside our house with us, which she of course didn’t mind since the whole reason she was there was to love on her grand-baby!

Here are some highlights from the first week we had together. We did get out some…Eliana’s first big outing was actually going to the beach. I thought that was appropriate considering! Brandon was actually judging a surf contest that a friend, Stu, had put on with a few other local guys. He did such a great job, and his purpose wasn’t just to have a surf contest-but to have an event for both locals and visitors, and he also wanted to use the opportunity to share the gospel. It was so great! Here we were as they were setting up,and before they started Stu prayed over the contest. Then he had someone come up and share a few minutes the sweet Gospel of Jesus! I loved it! It was just a few minutes, but if you ask me it sent a powerful message. And it let people see, in action, the love of Christ through the guys that put on this contest. Good stuff.