Patience

I have updates - SO many updates.  But they have to wait just a few days more. In the meantime, here are some things to read to keep your mind off the stagnation of my upcoming news:

• The Tyranny of Monolingualism
• Katniss v. Bella
• If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon
• The three fairy godmothers: Health Care, Day Care and Education

Familia

This past week was surreal.

Sadly a number of our extended family members had really serious health crises - to the point where every phone call became more shocking than the next.  It's not my place to say much more, but any general prayers for healing that you want to throw out there into the universe would be welcomed.

And then in amazingly good news, we learned about another family member's looooong awaited pregnancy, and new job opportunities for number of members of the fam presented themselves.  Plus, in the midst of all of this my parents and sister arrived for Mateo's birthday celebration weekend.

If ever there were a string of events to remind me: the strength of family (writ large) is our ability to celebrate, struggle, love and grieve together.

On Two! Two on Two! Two Much?

Beloved baby boy,

I can still call you my baby, right? Even though you are so totally not a baby? Today you turn two years old, which on one hand is mind-bending, but on the other hand feels like old news. Aren't you supposed to be four by now? Yes, that's right, I want you to be our baby four year old. I'm your mother, it's my prerogative to be nonsensical.

Last year on your birthday, I wrote about your birth day. It was a surreal and magical experience, and it is so special to remember all, (well okay, most,) of the details. I know that every parent sees beauty in the face of their newborn, but seriously kid, you were tan bello.  Lo mas bello del mundo.

When you turned one, we couldn't resist giving you a Dr. Seuss themed party, since you were both born on March 2nd.  You have always been a hat kid, so it was only surprising to those who don't see you regularly that you kept the Cat in the Hat hat for the duration of your birthday party.  (You will notice from the background of the picture below that the adults are drinking vino.  Because that's what one-year-old birthday parties are for: dressing the kid up, while the grown ups get down.)

This year we're basically doing a week long celebration.  Last night Papa and Abuela kicked off the festivities with cupcakes and candles, tonight we'll go out for pizza and fro-yo, and tomorrow you get to have a birthday Skype session with Scott in South Africa.  (Titi Deborah's boyfriend and your man crush.)  

But wait!  That's not all!

At the end of the week Grandma and Grandpa arrive, and then on Saturday the cousins will converge.  Non-stop partying awaits my friend.  Good thing you're loading up on sugar now to make it through!

Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you.

I love you,

Mama