Sybil Maria de los Angeles

We just got home from the hospital, and after a nap I'm ready to do a picture dump. I know there are some anxious grandparents waiting.

Name:
Sybil: my paternal grandmother. She was the ladiest lady I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
Maria de los Angeles: David's paternal grandmother who almost shares the same birthday with her namesake. She is one of the most caring and selfless women whom we love dearly.

Stats:
weight: 3.21kg
length: 49 cm

Proof of Religious Destiny (3 of the following were a coincidence):
OB who delivered her: Jesus
Pediatrician: Zion
Name: Maria
Birthday: shared with Jesus and the church

That's Jesus handing her to me for the first time. She truly is a gift from God.

 It's a Mexican tradition that the new baby brings presents for the siblings. An interesting conversation ensued about a store in my uterus and where she learned how to write.
Elijah took Sybil's request very seriously. I am kinda surprised, considering how disinterested he was when I was pregnant, at how extremely interested and memorized E is by his new sister. Iris and Claire are too, of course, but I expected that.

 

 Home at last!

This is how I found the kids. Just staring at her. I gave them 10 minutes of staring time before bed. They wanted more and then fought about who got to sleep in her room.

This child is popular.

40 weeks

40 weeks pregnant =
going on hikes and runs to force the child down and out.
But the child won't be forced.
My mom flew out a week early bc of the doc's warnings. We should have known better. Compliance doesn't run in this child's blood.

Also, installment #2 of Embarazada = Embarassing (there could have been many more instalments, but I'll spare you):
Being seated at a restaurant but the belly not fitting into a booth so having to be re-seated.
I am officially ripe and overdue in 2.5 hours.

A first and last

This is the first and last pregnancy selfie I will ever take.

EVER.

39.9 weeks

 

I've been told that Iris gets her character from Abuelo Hector's mother (which isn't exactly a compliment). Although Iris loves my mother fiercely, for the past 2 days, she has made my mom maintain her distance and pretend she doesn't know her when going out in public. Did I ever mention that we had Iris in piano lessons, but I couldn't force them on her for more than a few weeks because she detested the teacher's beard. I'm glad she's already taken a liking to the unborn child, although that really guarantees nothing for their future relationship.



I'm an April Fool

Not sure if it counts as a successful April Fools if those pranked actually like the "nasty" prank. Who knew toothpaste-filled Oreos would be such a hit.

The girl's got...something

David opines that this is her angry face.
I'm between pure attitude or pouting.

The doc thinks she's coming early, but I don't trust doctors...or babies.

36 DOWN, 4 TO GO, or 5 with my luck

I've been done with pregnancy for about 8 months now. I became really done when every morning when I get dressed I can't help singing "Fat Guy in a Little Coat" (Thanks Chris Farley. I remember exactly where I was when I learned he had died-driving down St Charles in front of Audobon Park. I must admit, I shed a few tears. He was one of my teenage idols.). Definitely not good for my self esteem. But it's true! Growing out of the pregnancy clothing is just another step in the journey.

At least Iris likes my style. She called the ball in her shirt her "bebe de mentirita." She is the most excited of the 3 kids, always hugging my stomach and whispering to her little sister.

Ajusco

Background: David is the Young Men’s president and I’m in the Young Women’s presidency. Yesterday, both groups were supposed to climb a mountain called Ajusco. There was initial debate among the YW leaders whether it was wise for the group to go since that mountain has a bad reputation for robberies and other such nonsense. David invited a friend from the military who denied the rumors and additionally did the research, finding that the incidents had only happened to groups of 1 or 2 and on other parts of the mountain. Nevertheless, 12 hours before the hike, the YW backed out. I was told that I didn’t understand because of cultural differences. I agree wholeheartedly. Fear isn’t in my blood (except when cockroaches are present). Some of the YM also backed out, but the brave summited.
David and then Elijah reiterated several times that he was the first to make it to the top and bottom (most of the YM had never hiked before).

the man, the myth, the legend

Claire got a nasty scrape on sliding rocks. She also claimed she slid down the hill on a cactus. She has become the biggest Tall-Tailer lately, although the 3 kids take turns with that title. David surprisingly confirmed Claire's story, but he's the biggest Tall-Tailer in the history of humankind and alienkind.

David's account of the hike:
Saturday I hiked the highest (I think) peak in the Ajusco National Park with a group including Elijah (9 years old), Claire (6 years old), Jaime (26 years old), Fernando (28 years old), Jesus (15), Uriel (16), and Kevin (12). One boy (Eduardo) had withdrawn and the YW leadership withdrew the YW from the hike.
Many people tried to discourage us from doing the hike, but that just made me want to do it more. I had done the research of the area and felt that despite a number of robberies in the last few years, the common theme was that the victims were alone or with one other person. Given that we were (i) going in a group, (ii) at a non-peak time, and (iii) in a hiking area rather than a wilderness area, we would be safe. Right after mutual ended we started heading out and some of the members were still trying to discourage one or two of the boys from going. Nevertheless, the three YM and us headed out for our hike.
When we got to the path Elijah and Kevin led the way (with Fernando staying close by them), the next group was Jaime with Uriel and then Claire, Jesus, and me. Jesus struggled (he is a fairly overweight and out of shape boy) the entire hike but he finished the hike, at times he was pretty far (never out of sight) behind us.
I was very proud of everyone for different reasons:
1) Claire because despite some falls, cuts, and scratches she pushed through the hike and was an awesome companion for me.
2) Elijah not just because he was the first up and down, but also because he hung out with Kevin the entire time and didn’t complain at all.
3) Jesus because despite it being his first hike he finished it and didn’t complain or ask to turn back.
4) Uriel just because.
5) Jaime and Fernando were really good at staying with the kids and making sure they were never alone. They also were the two drivers and are cool guys.
6) Me because I was likely the sexiest person hiking that day (anywhere in the world) and was an inspiration for all.
Overall, it was a great trip and made me think about the challenges we have in this life. Once we finish or get to the top, we will enjoy a wonderful view and some relaxation.