Baby MAC and Santa

Here's Baby MAC's first official photograph with Santa Claus.

Santa appears to need a bit more padding in his belly. Maybe I'll let him borrow Baby MAC's fluffy sweater.

Happy Holidays!

Boys Gone Mild

As I write this, the boys in my house are all resting comfortably. The sun has set and the fresh evening air is filtering through our home. A. is asleep on the couch. Jake is sprawled out on the floor in front of the couch. And, our sweet baby boy is taking an evening nap too.

Hopefully, your evening is just as peaceful.

Where you been?

Wow, an entire month has passed with no news from us. In a nutshell, our home was broken into, we finally finished our flooring project and baby Alex has joined the family. We'll try to keep you up-to-date on a more regular basis, but we're sleep deprived so this may be an empty promise.

What Not to Say

The fabulously stylish show "What Not to Wear" provides a great service to many people stuck in the fashion past, or in a dumpster.

I'd like to suggest a similar show. I'll call it, "What Not to Say." People could see video footage of themselves speaking with reckless abandon. And, they could stand in front of a 360-degree mirror and look at the dismayed faces surrounding them.

As I've shared in previous posts, being pregnant has made me susceptible to people who speak before they think. People who do not have filters. People who should wear muzzles.

Here's a short list of what people continue to say to me, but should never say to any pregnant woman:

1. Man, you're getting big!
2. You're not wobblin' or nothin'.
3. Man, girl how much longer you got?
4. Why did you wait so long? You're over 30, right?
5. Was this planned?

Please go forward and educate. You can help others help themselves.

Sympathy Story

When you're pregnant it's nice when others gain sympathy weight right along with you. I'd also like to share my heartburn and swelling, if anyone would like to step forward and be a willing participant.

So, the other night I'm laying in bed feeling my unborn son move in my belly when I realize he has the hiccups. It's a funny feeling, and he's had hiccups plenty. Then, I realize our dog Jake, who's on the floor next to the bed, also has the hiccups. I thanked Jake for his support.

Heartburn and swelling are still up for grabs. Come one, come all.

I'm over 30. Alert the media.

The random comments and questions about my pregnancy continue. Just this week, two more people touched my belly. And no, they didn't ask first. And no, they weren't close friends or family.

Also this week, a lady at work walked up and asked if I was pregnant. Please understand I work with several hundred people and since I don't see all of them everyday, some are still learning about my pregnancy. Anyway, at first I blamed the pizza in our cafeteria, but then I fessed up. We chatted briefly about my estimated due date and if I knew the sex of my unborn child. Then, she asked how many kids this would make for me. Fair question. I told her it would be our first child. There was a pause, followed by more light banter, a smile and we parted ways...but, not for long.

I turned and she was by my side again. Her next question made me pause. She asked why I waited so long to have children..followed by, "You're over 30 right?"

Okay, fair question time is over at this point and so is fair answer time. She proceeded to tell me that other women my age have teenagers. At this point, I was trying to channel the Starship Enterprise. I'm not a trekkie, but I really just wanted to beam out of there. Yes, I realize women my age have teenagers. As a matter of fact, I know some of these women personally. Several of my friends have teenagers or preteens. And, I live in a section of the country where teenage moms are quite prevalent. I, however, chose to wait. I was busy in high school and college with friends, sports, traveling, and of course studying. When I completed my academic pursuits I wanted to see more of our great country. I didn't go too far, but still I had plans.

Now, some people decided for themselves that my academic and career paths meant I didn't want to have children. Not so. I just didn't want to have children before now. Besides, I didn't marry until I was in my 30's either. Oh, the scandal. I think if I were living on either of the coasts I wouldn't be such an oddity to some. Women in Hollywood are having children well into their 40's and beyond.

So yes, I'm 35 and having my first child. And, maybe I'll have more children when I'm even older! Since Larry King hasn't called to book an interview, I think I'm safe from more scrutiny.

Paco Eats A Taco

It's a wild and wacky world we live in. Humorous. Scary. And, sometimes just strange. The following story was recently reported by the Associated Press.


Judge: Girl's name, Talula Does The Hula, won't do

A family court judge in New Zealand has had enough with parents giving their children bizarre names here, and did something about it.

Just ask Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. He had her renamed.

Judge Rob Murfitt made the 9-year-old girl a ward of the court so that her name could be changed, he said in a ruling made public Thursday. The girl was involved in a custody battle, he said.

The new name was not made public to protect the girl's privacy.

"The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which this child's parents have shown in choosing this name," he wrote. "It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily."

The girl had been so embarrassed at the name that she had never told her closest friends what it was. She told people to call her "K" instead, the girl's lawyer, Colleen MacLeod, told the court.

In his ruling, Murfitt cited a list of the unfortunate names.

Registration officials blocked some names, including Fish and Chips, Yeah Detroit, Keenan Got Lucy and Sex Fruit, he said. But others were allowed, including Number 16 Bus Shelter "and tragically, Violence," he said.

New Zealand law does not allow names that would cause offense to a reasonable person, among other conditions, said Brian Clarke, the registrar general of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Clarke said officials usually talked to parents who proposed unusual names to convince them about the potential for embarrassment.

Lucky for us we don't live in New Zealand because we're now considering the name "Paco Eats A Taco" for our soon-to-be-born son. It has a nice ring don't you think?

And, thanks to my sister-in-law Glo for suggesting this unique spelling, "Paco Itza Taco." It will be a great cultural reference for our son's heritage.

By the way, for our New Zealand friend now living in Texas (because you know we can't just have friends from Mayberry), is Bill really your first name?

Birthday Boy

It's A.'s birthday! Everybody sing!



From Dzibilchaltun to Havana and beyond. I'm looking forward to celebrating your next 40 years. Happy Birthday! I love you!

Check him out

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's my brother Doug on two wheels!

Hard to tell in this photo, but there are flames on the tank. These flames will help him go reeeeaaaal fast. Have fun, Doug!

Cuervo Clicks ~ Tarahumara

Our trek through Mexico's Copper Canyon in 2005 gave us many opportunities to see the indigenous Tarahumara.








And of course, the native livestock owned by the Tarahumara.

Back Away from the Belly

Since this is my first pregnancy, I'm learning a lot about mankind. For example, people are very interested in how I'm feeling. This is generally the top concern in many conversations. Very thoughtful. Thank you for caring.

At work, instead of the usual "How are you?" while passing someone in the hall, I'm now asked, "How are you feeling today?" Again, thank you for asking.

I'm also learning that there are brazen belly touchers in this world. This is a demographic I wish to avoid. Unfortunately, as determined as I am to steer clear of unwanted touching, I was taken by surprise just the other day. Apparently, when you become pregnant some people view you as public property. When did this happen? And, why?

I happened to be talking with someone at work, that's right I was at work! She asked me how I was feeling. Oh, how I like that benign caring question. Then, she says to me, "I think you're having a boy because you're carrying high." (Here comes the unwanted touch) "Oh yeah, I can see it (touching, touching!) right here."

I was so stunned that I just stood there and stared at her. The conversation came to a quick, and I'm sure unnatural end, but I didn't care. I just wanted to get away fast. I walked back to my office wondering why people feel the need to touch other people. No one has ever wanted to rub my belly before. I'm not a magic lantern.

If someone asks permission, then I'm more inclined to say yes. But, this sacred right is reserved for special family and friends. Strangers and acquaintances, however, are more than likely out of luck. I may just start telling them to back away from the belly. Or, maybe I'll return the belly rub.

Cuervo Clicks ~ Sibs

The Kennedy clan recently came to visit us...that's A.'s sister Gloria, her husband Daryl and cool kids Neil and Megan. The kids have really grown since we last saw them almost two years ago.

Meet Stella

Check out Mama J's sweet new ride! It's a Stella scooter. And, it gets 90 mpg...that's some welcome relief given gas prices lately.

Mama J's motorcycle days may be over, but you can't keep this woman off of two wheels!

Cuervo Clicks ~ Copper Canyon

Riding into the Copper Canyon.

Chihuahua, Mexico. 2005

We arrived to a hot meal at the train station. And if you've never eaten from the top of a barrel, you should give it a try. Delicious!

Remodeling Our Nest

I read and hear stories of pregnant women "nesting." You know, organizing and thoroughly cleaning everything in eager anticipation of the homecoming for the little bundle of joy that will soon be joining the family. Well, we're not quite there yet.

We're busy with a couple of long overdue home remodeling projects. New flooring and new sliding glass doors are in store for our humble home. And, once these projects are finished it's going to feel like a new home.

It was easy choosing flooring and glass doors. Have you seen all the choices in cribs, changing tables and other nursery furniture? It's mind numbing. And, the expense of the styles we like...body numbing. I like to think of our current remodeling projects as a welcome distraction to nesting. But, as soon as the projects are complete then it's back to determining the pros and cons of a convertible crib. A. hears the word convertible and instantly starts shopping for cars on-line. Ah, the innocence.

Today's Post Brought to You by the Number Eleven

For a few months now, the number eleven has been a constant in my life. More often than not, when I look at the time it's 11 minutes past the hour...any hour. That's the most consistent occurrence. But other things like starting a new book only to realize when I picked it up again, I had left off on page 11 (sure, I didn't get too far into the book...I was tired).

I actually started to write this post the other day when the baby widget showed I had 111 days left until giving birth. Then I got distracted (pregnancy quickly affects the mind) and soon decided to call it a night and go to bed.

Just yesterday, on the 11th, A. felt our little unborn child kick for the first time. This is very exciting news! Now, he has felt proof that the little guy is moving around. And, did you catch that this momentous milestone happened on the 11th?

These are just a few examples, but trust me the number 11 presents itself to me daily. And, often multiple times a day. I have no idea what this could mean, but now we're considering it as a first name. That's right. It works for rapper 50 Cent. So, why not us? We may just call him 11 Cuervo.

Great Expectations

Yes, A. and I are expecting our first baby! I'm due at the end of September, and we're very excited. I've been feeling pretty well for most of my pregnancy (keeping my fingers crossed for the remaining months). I just started wearing a mix of maternity clothes with my "regular" clothes. For a girl that struggles with her weight, buying larger clothes (even if they are to celebrate a wonderful pregnancy) is a bit depressing (sigh).

So, what's up with the strange comments people make when you tell them you're pregnant?

• "Was this planned, or...?" First, what compelled you to ask this personal question? Second, I'm 35 years old and married. Of course, it was planned. And third, if it wasn't planned, what business is it of yours?
• "You're not going to find out what it is are you?" Um, I just told you we're having a boy. You've already stopped listening to my exciting pregnancy news?!
• "Well, if you're happy, we're happy." No comment.

Stay up-to-date watching H. and A.'s baby widget.

Looking Good

Seeing Ian all dressed up reminded me of another special guy in a suit. A. still looks fashionable to this day.

We're godparents

We're privileged to be godparents to this little guy. Meet Ian.

A.'s youngest sister, Juli, and her husband Glenn were kind enough to ask us to fulfill this honor. And, we graciously accepted.

Natural Beauty

I love it when nature springs up in our yard. These beautiful blooms adorned our front yard.

Then, there's the back yard...

It cracks me up when Jake decides to grab a snack out back. Maybe he's part goat and is just trying to help us maintain the yard.

Time flies when you're having fun

We've been traveling a bit lately, so we'll have pictures to share soon. Plus, exciting things are happening around the house.

Brrrr...

April showers may bring May flowers, but a mid-April freeze warning means chili in our house. I don't usually make this belly-warming dish this time of year, but the cold and windy weather called for it. Yummmmy!

People Watching

I like to people watch. Who doesn't? Airports, restaurants, grocery stores, churches...really any public venue provides ample opportunity to see a wide spectrum of people we share the planet with.

Today, as I waited for my car to get a tune-up, I sat in a nearby restaurant and enjoyed its free Wi-Fi. So, when I saw a 20-something young lady walk in wearing a light spring dress on her way to a table to meet a young man...why did she proceed to tug at her underwear? Hello, just because your hand wanders behind your back doesn't mean the rest of the world can't see you. Shouldn't that habit have remained in elementary school when social graces were still being honed?

Recently in church, we sat two pews behind a mother, father and teenage son. The dad was wearing jeans and a track suit jacket. The mom wore tight leggings and a top that showed her mid-section every time she stood up. She rarely bothered to pull it down. And, the teenage son looked as though he just rolled out of bed. His hair looked as though the tail feathers of a rooster were sticking out.

Okay, I hear you. Yes, this family took the time to come to church, so why should it matter what they wear? Then again, shouldn't it matter? Forget about Dad wearing jeans. Lots of people seem to find jeans acceptable for church these days. And, forget about Mom wearing ill-fitting clothes. I don't know their personal situation. But, the son is old enough to run a comb through his hair. At least put forth some effort before entering a place of worship.

A deacon at our church says to dress with respect as if you were appearing before God. A teenage girl, wearing a tie dye t-shirt and jeans, once said that Jesus knows her heart so her clothes shouldn't matter. All true, I guess. Clothing styles aside, shouldn't you respect yourself enough to run a comb through your hair. What does that take...30 seconds?

Sleep Tight

The wind and rain keep coming. We've had several days of continuous wind, rain, hail and tornado sirens. We're wishing now for a peaceful night of sleep. This week alone we awoke to tornado sirens at 2:30 a.m., a barrage of hail stones pouring down on our home, and thunder so loud it seems to have hovered only above our house in the neighborhood. The thunder rattles every window on the house and the dining room chandelier rattles as well. It truly jolts you from sleep.

When the sirens sounded this week, A. rolled over and asked if they pertained to us. My poor sleep deprived husband. For anyone new to the sound of tornado sirens, if you hear sirens they pertain to you. A public service message brought to you by the letters "A" and "H."

But in my dear husband's defense, he never experienced a tornado, or tornado sirens, growing up in Mexico. I, on the other hand, can remember tornado drills in elementary school.

We're very lucky that our home has not sustained any damage, and we have a dry place to sleep. Many in our community have not been as fortunate.

Sleep tight.

Snapshot Sunday ~ Puerto Rico

Photo by A. Cuervo-I.

Coffee beans.

Bottled, Sparkling or Garden Hose?

The doorbell rang recently on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. At the door were three young kids that live in the neighborhood. We're familiar with two of them, 8-year-old Caitlyn and 6-year-old Cameron. They're siblings. These two kids are frequently in our yard, hiding from each other (or their mom) in our private courtyard, stealing pieces of our landscaping and sneaking in the backyard to terrorize, or play, with our dog. They've apparently recruited another youngster named Erica.

When I answered the door, Caitlyn asked if they could have three bottles of water for free. My first thought was not suitable to say aloud to children, so I merely reminded Caitlyn that she lives just two doors away and could easily get water at her house. We live in a neighborhood in the city after all. It's not like they were five miles from home and suffering from dehydration. Caitlyn then informed me that her family had gone through all of their bottles of water, so they couldn't go home because there was nothing to drink. Hmm...

The next line of questioning was pointless, but still I proceeded. "You have running water, right"? "You have a sink, right"? "You have cups to drink from, right"? My common-sense approach was lost on this 8-year-old.

As they walked away from the front door, I could hear them talking about asking another neighbor. But, Caitlyn quickly pointed out that particular neighbor is never home. Guess I'll have to learn that trick.

So, whatever happened to the days of running through the kitchen to grab a quick drink? And, if you were told to stop running in and out, what happened to just drinking from the outside faucet? Are kids today really so sheltered that all they know is bottled water?

Snapshot Sunday ~ Sisters

Our nieces and nephews grow taller, talk faster and giggle longer each time we see them. Today, we had a fun time when Sarah and Becca came to visit.

Photos by A. Cuervo-I.

Sisters.

New Kicks with Flower Power

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas...despite what you hear.

Evidence: my new kicks!

A. just returned from his annual photography convention and trade show in Las Vegas, and he brought me these very cool, very comfy slip-on shoes. It's nice to have a husband who likes to shop since I generally loathe the practice. I'm really glad these shoes didn't stay in Vegas.

Check out the soles on these babies. They have some serious no-slip traction which comes in handy when I'm scaling skyscrapers.

Last Call for Alcohol

Cuervo is our family name. Yes, really. And, no not that Cuervo family.

For anyone who has ever bellied up to the bar for a shot of tequila, we're often greeted with a large smile and a chuckle when people learn our name...followed by a sly look out the corner of the eye and slight elbow-pumping jabs in our direction as they ask about our cousin Jose. Original. If they've suffered a hangover recently, then we're told Jose Cuervo is no friend of theirs. I doubt Shelly West would be their friend either after dissing her lyrics.

Others don't even come close with pronunciations like: Servo, Shareevo and Kwayvo (all phonetically speaking, of course). We've been greeted with these pronunciations at jury duty, the airport and Sam's (because cashiers have to thank you by name). Sam's is always entertaining.

Any ideas where the Ssss sound comes from when reading the letters c-u...? I'm stumped. And, somewhat hungry now. Anyone up for a late night run to IHOP? Drinking makes me hungry.

Snapshot Sunday ~ Cuba

Havana.

We love to travel. We love photography. International laundry always captivates me.

Tis' the Season

Okay, so “the Season” actually ended a couple of months ago. Who’s counting?!

Our Christmas tree recently came down, but its memory can live on here with you.

We went artsy this year. Mama J. gave us this metal tree sculpture for the yard, and we gave it new life in the living room. Again, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Photo by H.K.H. de Cuervo

Baby Bovines

At the J&V Ranch in the Lone Star State new cows abound. I'm sure a true cattle connoisseur might correct me in calling them all cows...I believe there's a baby bull in this group...but I live in the city, and these cows are cute! Congrats on all the new arrivals.

Time Warp

It's been nearly a month since our last (and first) post. Obviously. There's been a lot going on, and we'll try to fill you in more often.

In this young new year, A. has traveled to Texas and Mexico to visit family. He even ate udder. Wish there were photos to share with you, but alas none. I think I hear a sigh of relief from some.

More fun adventures to come!

El perro de la familia Cuervo

Jake.