Home again

I am back in Arkansas. God graciously said yes to all my prayers for travel and my time in California. He provided peace the whole time prior to flying. I even slept soundly the night before, that has never happened before. The flights from Little Rock to San Jose were very smooth. I did get a little lost in the DFW airport only because I misunderstood where my next gate was. Let me tell you there is no Gate C34 at DFW :) I had plenty of time to get to the correct gate, grab a cup of coffee and call my mom and Richard to let them know I was in Dallas. From DFW to San Jose, I had prayed for a good seatmate. I sat next to a sweet girl (well, young woman) who was on her way back to CA. She had just moved there 2 weeks before and had been home to visit family and "walk the platform" to get her Master's degree in physical therapy. We literally talked for 3 hours. She comes from a christian background (a preacher's daughter) Some things happened in their family that left a really bad taste in her mouth for all things christian. We talked about the sovereignty of God and how he is in control of the bad things and they happen for a reason. Another great thing about sitting next to her was God used her not only to help me concentrate on something other than myself and flying but He also used her to prepare me for Dawn's reaction to my new self. I haven't blogged about it but I have lost alot of weight since January. B (my seatmate) told me that her dad had lost a lot of weight from one time she saw him to the next. She thought he was sick and she was concerned for him. Dawn knew I was losing weight but she was still overwhelmed. She cried. She said she wouldn't have recognized me...I have changed alot and she hasn't seen me like this in over 19 years.

My time in California was precious to me. Getting to know Judah, playing with him was all sweet times for me. I haven't laughed so much in I don't know how long. Matt is very funny and makes it easy to laugh and we seem to think the same things are funny. I am so grateful to the Lord for allowing me the time to be with them and giving me a husband who was/is willing to sacrifice for his family that way. Twelve days is a long time for a couple to be apart. (Autumn knows all about that, multiplied!)

My flights home were just as smooth at the ones out. I know most people aren't liking the really hot weather but it does make for smooth flying :) I got to see a lady lose it at the Dallas airport and security had to be called...interesting but sad.

I miss Judah and Elijah (Dawn and Matt too). For some reason though, I can't figure out why, I just cry when I think of Elijah's sweet face, smell, and the feel of his head when I kiss him. I absolutely fell in love with that tiny guy. I'm sure glad I don't have to wait to long to see them all again. We are helping them move into their new apartment in MD in September. How many days, Matt??? I leave you with this, enjoy :)

And this :) I couldn't resist. Big brother/Little brother

The Esparza Grands

I am in California helping Dawn and Matt. Sweet baby Elijah arrived Tuesday, July 31 at 9:38 am. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz and was 20 inches long. Dawn is doing really well. She and Elijah will come home tomorrow. I should say Matt is doing well too as is Judah. Judah did seem to have somewhat of a melt down late this afternoon but he is teething and did have a bit of a fever on top of all that is going on in his life. Here are a few pics. Some are different than Dawn's blog some are not. Enjoy :)

Just a few hours old

Sweet family time


My happy Judah-man

Not the most flattering picture but his eyes are open :)

Elijah is so sweet. He has such a kissable head. His little mouth is just so tiny and well...sweet. You just want to kiss him. I will say though when it is time to eat you wonder how anything so small could scream the way he does. He has very strong lungs :D Today Judah touched Elijah without prompting for the first time. Elijah's toes were sticking out the blanket and I showed Judah. He very carefully touched E's little toe with his finger. It was very cute and would have made a great black and white photo...if a Nini had had her camera ready. I hope you all enjoy the pics. I know there will be more to come.