Painting for You

Dear Chicken Nugget,

Tonight my good friend Bob helped me to paint your room.  I sent your mom away to stay with friends for the evening so that she didn't have to breathe in the fumes that come from paint.  So, two good friends got to work and painted the room.

It becomes more real every day that you are on your way.  With just ten weeks left until your estimated time of arrival, I'm getting more and more excited.

Today at work, my colleagues threw a surprise Wedding Shower x 2 for weddings coming up amongst our staff and a Baby Shower x 2 for the babies that are joining us soon.  It was great to hear well wishes for you and we even got some books that your mom and I will read to you when you get here, Nugget.

As Bob and I painted the walls I thought about how this was a task for the "boys" - a good bonding experience where a friend helps a friend get ready for his first child.  But, it also hit me how wonderfully unbelievable it is that I'm getting a room ready for you.  I'm getting your room ready.  How awesome is that?

Well, Chicky, I hope you like it.  I know you probably won't care much for the colors your mom and I picked; at least, not until you develop your own sense of color scheme and likes.  But, I do hope that the room we're putting together for you serves you well.  I hope you will have fun in that room.  I hope that you'll sleep well in that room.  It's yours when you're ready for it.

Getting ready for you,

Your papa

Sometimes God laughs at our soccer prayers

Dear Chicken Nugget,

There's a famous film director named Woody Allen who once said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."

I've come to believe that God also laughs at prayers during sports events.  Look around the stadium during the last at bat in the bottom of the 9th inning when the home team needs a run for a tie or a win.  There are thousands of fans praying.  Or watch the people in the stands during a penalty kick in the 90th minute when the home team desperately needs a goal.  There are thousands of fans praying.

My personal belief is that God doesn't involve himself in sports events, there are bigger fish to fry in the universe.  But, I sometimes imagine God sending a gust of wind one way or the other just to have a good laugh at fans' reactions during these nail-biting moments. 

One day I'll have to tell you about the World Cup 2010, the first one ever held on the African continent.  Especially the part about how the United States had a very dramatic First Round (which at the time of this entry isn't over). 

Just a few days ago I posted a prayer on the official NY Red Bulls fan blog at NJ.com (yes, your dad is officially a blogger for NJ.com).  I prayed:

Dear Lord, Give our boys the strength, speed, and focus to kick Slovenia back to Europe where they belong.  Amen.

You know what God did?  He laughed.  Slovenia went up 2-0 in the first half and the U.S. came back in dramatic fashion to tie the game - but no win.  So much for sending Slovenia back to Europe.

The point, Chicky, is that God has a great sense of humor; especially in sports.  If you ever need proof, become a Mets fan like me.


Te quiero siempre,

Tu papa

the Baby Jesus is coming!

Dear Chicken Nugget,

I'm not sure how long we'll live in Astoria or even in the apartment where we hope to be when you join us, but I have to tell you one of the reasons we love this place: right across the street is a wonderful restaurant called Vesta.

It's an Italian restaurant, locally owned, where they use local ingredients and free-range antibiotic-free stuff.  But, more importantly, it's delicious.

My favorite dessert ever, EVER, is something they call the Baby Jesus cake.  The name was chosen when they were first taste-testing the cake and the first comment about it was, "Baby Jesus, that's good!"  The name stuck.

So last night, your mom and I are having dinner and our server walks over and says, "The Baby Jesus is coming."

We were caught off guard, first, because we hadn't ordered one.  The owner, knowing us very well, ordered one for us.  And, second, because the phrasing was great.  "The Baby Jesus is coming."

Your mom looked at each other and laughed. 

One day when you're old enough we hope to bring you to Vesta so you can enjoy some Baby Jesus cake. Maybe the Baby Jesus will be there too...

Love always,
Tu papa

Week 27 in the belly

Dear Chicken Nugget,

Today you have been cooking for 27 weeks in your momma's belly.  This is the last week of the second trimester.

You are now about 2lbs heavy and about 14 inches long.  You are probably sucking on your thumb and fingers and kicking a lot too.

One thing we learned today is that you're probably opening and closing your eyes, responding to light through the belly, and actually sleeping and waking up at regular intervals.

Your mom has definitely been feeling your active times and noticing your less active times.  We're so glad you're probably developing better sleep habits than your dad. 


We love you, even when you're kicking mom,

Your papa