10-Year Anniversary

Another milestone marks our time in Brazil: Our 10-year wedding anniversary!

What a decade (and then some) it's been:

We met: 1997 (age 18!)
Engaged: Aug. 4, 2002
Married: June 28, 2003
1.5 children: one adorable little girl, Eri (3), and one already active little boy, Leo (ETA +/- 8 weeks)
3 states lived in: Texas, Missouri, California
2 countries lived in: U.S., Brazil
13 countries visited together: Canada, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand (and counting ...)

Geoff, This has worked out well. Thanks! ... But what I really want to say is, you have made all my dreams come true. I love and am amazed by you a little more each day. I cannot wait for the rest of our life and all that will come, Brye

Feliz Dia dos Namorados / Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day (Dia dos Namorados) in Brazil is apparently June 12. I had no idea and if Eri knew, she didn't mention it. Geoff, being practically Brazilian now, knew and took his girls out for dinner with a view and chocolate fondue dessert -- a first for Eri, who loved every second of it. 

The day is obviously marketed way less here than in the states. No valentine exchange at preschool, no candy hearts with little messages in portuguese, no red roses. I asked why this American-born, Hallmark holiday is in June here rather than February. I was told if it was celebrated in February, it would compete with Carnival. So, I guess the commercialism isn't completely lost.

Our Baby in Brazil

Adding to our already incredible experience here will be the arrival of our son. I am a little nervous about giving birth in another country, but we've heard babies are born here almost daily, so it should be OK.

The most exciting part the second time around is the sibling aspect. Eri loves going with me to see "x-rays" of her little brother. At a recent appointment, she asked the doctor if: 1. He was crying in there, 2. If he was wearing any clothes, 3. If we could see his wiener. That last one she asked in english and the doctor didn't understand, but I confirmed for her that he's still a boy. As a journalist by trade, I was quite impressed with her line of questioning.

We're entering into the home stretch now and can't wait for the baby's arrival. Geoff's cousin Karen is also pregnant and we've decided to have our babies on the same day. I think with the time change between here and Colorado, it's do-able. So, check back for big news on the agreed date of August 16.

Yep, definitely a boy!

Just when I thought I wouldn't tear up
through another ultrasound: a 4-D image of our little guy.

Kisses! Eri is very excited to be a big sister.
She likes to shake my hump and say,
"Wake up Leo, wake up, sleepy head."
(We've talked about not doing that after he arrives.)