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 One boy (Eduardo) had withdrawn and the YW leadership withdrew the YW from the hike.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.

Fire maze

Birthday boy had a fire maze waiting for him when he got home from soccer practice. The genius creator created herself into a corner, failing to remember that a big belly is difficult to maneuver through beams of shooting flames.

Elijah = 9 (tomorrow)

It has taken me 9 years to allow one of my kids to have a birthday party with school friends: it's a personal defect of mine. In the name of love for my kids, I have finally relented. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but one thing made it a lot worse. The day before, another party started setting up in the common area of our apartment buildings. First they brought in 2 tents filled with beautifully decorated tables and chairs, then an electronic carrousel, jumping castle, fair booths, a theater stage with actors, catering and men in suits to serve the food, huge balloon banners....Slightly ridiculous, but nothing quite like that party next to us to make me feel like an underachiever. And then there's me...that morning I had been pulling stuff out of our trashcan to create games--the coke bottle was quite a few layers down. I washed it, promise. Ok, maybe it was more like a rinse.
We picked up 7 of Elijah's friends from school (all boys--the one girl he invited declined) and headed to the video arcade at the mall across the street. Then home to play soccer and more soccer. Some of those boys didn't eat anything, they were so focused on soccer: that's Elijah's crowd. We were only able to squeeze in 1 non-soccer game:

 The cake was definitely not the star of the show. I decorated it with 2 gummy-bear soccer teams.

Most of the other games I prepared were played the next day with my 3 and one with a few kids who spent the night (our long-time friends from church). This one is "find the gummy bear in whipped cream."

Interview with Elijah:
Favorite Song: "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
When I grow up I will be a: soccer coach
Favorite color: don't care
How many kids I will have when I grow up: 0
Favorite thing to do: play soccer
Best friends: Rodrigo and Eugenio
What I like best about church: learning and meeting other people
Favorite thing about school: recess
Favorite book: Percy Jackson
Favorite movie: Percy Jackson
Favorite chore: dishes
Where I will live when I grow up: In a mansion. Mansion will be in USA, hopefully not with a wife.
Tell me more about your future: I'll live and then I'll die
Pets: dog, cat, hamster, fish, bear, elephant, horse, tiger, shark, bird
What I'm good at: Fastest runner in my class and the only one who has run a race. Also really good at swimming, skating, ice skating, biking, skate boarding.

Magnolia Bakery

A taste of New York City in Mexico City.
We went to Magnolia Bakery in NYC a few times when we lived there and waited in long, long lines. First of all, I usually don't do well with anything that has a hype surrounding it because expectations are just too high. And then, I was told that the bread pudding was to die for. Telling that to a Southern girl just isn't a good idea.
A new branch has just opened in Mexico--it was good. I'm just glad we didn't wait in a line to get in. No hype = no anticipation.

Welcoming Lent with Engorging

HELLO ZAPPS!!!!

Never thought I'd run into these bad boys so far from home.
It was a splendid breakfast.
A 34-week pregnant woman shares with nobody unless the food makes her sick.
The kids nibbled on crumbs.