Our New JAG: Raising a baby in America

Have you ever been to Babies R Us?! Well I hadn't until today! Walking inside of that store was a huge realization that I raised my baby in another country. Granted there were a few similar stores in the Dominican Republic but not as big and more expensive. I'm so excited to go and buy toys for my child now here in Minnesota. This is one of the downfalls of America and their desire to spend spend spend but what can I say? Commercialism has sucked me in too. The reason I am so excited about this store and the ability to buy toys is how little Joaquin has grown up with in his short 18 months of life. We knew our stay in the Dominican Republic was temporary and shipping between countries is not affordable so we didn't buy much besides some house furnishings and the bare essentials for Joaquin. It showed me how little a baby really does need! Hopefully I can remember that when I have another one because walking into Babies R Us makes you think a baby needs everything which is what most new parents get...everything! In reality Joaquin was fine with diapers, wipes, milk, clothes, a bed and a few toys...can you believe it?! We really brought very little with us when we moved and lived off of that just fine. Well, what am I going to do now...guess I'll be talking to my husband about a budget for our son, ha!

I just wanted to share a quick update of how well we have settled back home. We are blessed to have my mom's home with two empty rooms that we have now habituated. My mom and I still have rocky moments in our communication (before you judge, imagine yourself moving back home.) but it has gotten better and that is hopeful and another great blessing. Joaquin has also gotten to spend a fair amount of time with his new baby cousin, Richard. Jesus loves his job and is less stressed. Not having my own car is still rough but I take Jesus to work about once a week, since it's not too close, and I usually go on some kind of playdate with Joaquin to make sure I am socializing the kid! I am grateful for the friends that we have gotten back in touch with since leaving and all the things we have gotten to go out and do!

Life is different wherever we go it seems! Before we left the country we had a close knit group of friends that we spent every weekend with even with lots of pregnancies and new babies! Then in the Dominican Republic, we didn't have as tight a group of friends but there was one other family that became our best friends who we spent a lot of time with. Then lots of our time was spent serving in the church and working with the youth there. We even had pretty regular Friday date nights with Jesus' aunt graciously babysitting. Now since being back I think we have spent much more time together as a family than with a group of friends. We have spent lots of time with my brother, his wife and new baby as well as with my mom and even some date nights on our own now that mom can help babysit. Life feels different and I feel less social in a way...but not personality wise. My personality feels just as social but we are still trying to find that groove and balance between work, family and friends. I think I feel more like a mom here while I stay at home, take my son to playdates and discover new stores like Babies R Us. It's a good feeling...feeling like a mom. We are still finding our niche in the ward at church, especially while Joaquin is still crying for us during nursery, but I'm sure once we get callings and meet more people, that will help. I don't know if my ranting is making sense but the point is we are comfortable and doing really well here in Minnesota. We still have lofty goals and look forward to the day of buying a big new house with a yard (as opposed to the town home, without much of a yard, we own) but for now we are comfortable and I am grateful that it has happened quicker than I imagined! Can I get an Amen?!

Here are some photos of my new life in Minnesota so far...it's only getting' better.