I'm going to miss being pregnant.

I guess thats a pretty rare thing for someone to say one day before their due date. But, in the DR, pregnant women are treated like celebrities. There is a common phrase that everyone says..."pregnant women don't wait in line." So, I don't have to wait in line to use the bathroom, order food, pay our cell phone bill, check out my groceries, etc.....it's great! As soon as I get in line, the person in front of me will turn around and push me to the front of the line. At first, I was a little shy and would stay put, but then I realized that I better take advantage of the royal treatment while I could. Elliott has milked the "pregnancy privileges" as well. We will be out, and he will ask to do something and then throw in, "my wife is pregnant," and immediately the person will throw up their hands and say "claro, claro," (of course, of course). So, while I will not miss carrying around a watermelon, the backaches, the heartburn, and all of the other annoyances that come along with being pregnant, I will miss being a member of the pregnancy elite!!!

Please pray that little baby Drake will grace us with her presence before my dad has to go back to Orlando early Saturday morning. 

Updates...

-Sorry its been a while since we last posted. It seems like alot has been going on, but not too much to write about. Just trying to tie up loose ends before the little one enters the world. I was also on bedrest 2 weeks ago, and have been trying to slow down the pace of life since then. 

-Well, we are now a week away from Baby Drake's due date!!!! We went to the doctor today and got a great report. Over the last 3 weeks we have had some complications, and they were worried about her growth. But, today they told us that she is definitely growing, and as far as they can tell all looks healthy. Our hearts are rejoicing!!! 

-My mom and dad get here on Saturday! We can't wait! We are hoping that the little one decides to come before my dad has to leave the following Saturday. It is going to be such a blessing to have them here with us. 

-The Americanos are rolling in to kick off the summer projects. It is kinda strange knowing that we won't really be involved much this year because of having a newborn. But, it really is great to see familiar faces. In the "missionary world" we have found that it is rare for someone to be the only Americans living and working on the field like we are. Most have a team of Americans that they work with. So, for us, it is great when our "team" comes to join us...even if it is just for a week, or a month.

-Its mango season around here....and in my opinion they are better than ever this year. Mmmmm. Now we are just waiting for the avocados to ripen up and join them. 

-When the power is on we are now ALLLLOOOOTTT cooler. We got an AC unit for our bedroom, the guest room, and Baby Drake's room. I think it is the best investment we have ever made. Now if the power would just come on more often so we could actually use them :) But, I really think they are going to help us rest and relax alot more, because when it is hot and humid out (and in the house) it is a whole lot easier and more comfortable to just keep moving than to stop and rest. So hopefully they will help us not run ourselves so ragged like we have been prone to do these last 11 months. 

We love our Mommas!

One of the hardest things about living in the DR is being away from our families....especially on days like today. We have two of the greatest moms in the world! They love us and support us in countless ways. They have both done amazing jobs at loving us across the miles. We are SOO excited for them to be grandmothers in a few weeks!! We can't wait to watch them love on our little one. We are so blessed because they are both coming down to stay with us for a few weeks after she is born...Mia (Lind's mom) in June and DD (El's mom) in July. We can't wait to get to spend an extended amount of time with them both. On the verge of becoming a mother myself, I am so lucky because I have two great examples of what it means to be a loving, sacrificial, wise, encouraging, giving, and nurturing mother. Thank you God for Michelle Sterchi and Debbie Drake!! We love you SOOO much mom and wish we were there to give you a giant hug today...but we hope you feel it from afar. 

SURPRISE!!!

Last Saturday night, Zeneida and Rosario threw me a surprise Baby Shower. It was really fun to celebrate with friends and family...the Breuls came down from Jarabacoa, Sally Dulap came in from Santiago, my parents were here, and many of our Dominican friends joined the celebration!!! 

They had the top floor of the Nazaret school all decorated with baby clothes, a HUGE stork, and a 7 ft. waterfall with lights!! Bet you have never seen a waterfall at a baby shower before! We played some hilarious games....quiet the crying baby, and sing your favorite lullaby. Dominicans love being dramatic, so you can image how those games went. Then, everyone had to give Elliott and I some new parent advice. We ate some yummy food, and then we opened gifts.

Quiet the crying baby

More games

With Javier and Rosario in front of the pink waterfall!

Mia and Pops!!

The Breul Boys

I really was soooo blessed by the shower. We have had our ups and downs living here this first year, but it really made me realize how loved and supported we are. It is definitely a night I will NEVER forget. 

A few weeks ago my mom's friends threw me a Skype shower since I couldn't be there in person. It was really fun too! 

Here I am on the Big Screen!

My mom and all of the hostesses. 

We have been loved from afar in so many creative ways during my pregnancy. Love can not be bound by distance!!

Getting closer...

My mom and dad are here! My dad came down for the Men's Trip, and my mom came down to help me get things ready for the baby. We have been having a great time. Today, our friend Bob came over and painted a beautiful little mural on the wall of the nursery. I love it! I am so excited to welcome the little one into the world, into our family, and into her new little room. Tonight I went in and just sat in there, prayed for her, and rejoiced over the wonderful gift that she is going to be in our lives (and already is). I will share more pics and stories from the week later on....I just couldn't wait to share Bob's masterpiece :) 

Last Saturday, I was suprised with a Dominican Baby Shower, and the hostesses went in together and got me this rocker!