Tidbits

Sharing: Brazilians are not germ-a-phobes. Without hesitation, they share drinks, food utensils and, presumably, germs. After I counted seven people share the same cup, using the same straw(!), I had to avert my eyes so as not to freak out. Once, someone brought a cake and a fork to class, which were passed down the row for everyone to have a bite. Well, almost everyone.

Diminutive: In portuguese, it's possible to change the ending of a noun to indicate its size. For example, in english, we say "a small cup of coffee," but in portuguese "cafe" is changed to "cafezinho" to mean a small cup of coffee. However, Brazilians use the diminutive form for anything and everything, regardless of size. It dives me crazy for two reasons: this was two sets of new words to learn, but more so, I find it ridiculous to speak this way. For example, whenever someone asks Eri how old she is, it's the equivalent of saying, "How many little years do you have?" As her mother, I can attest her years are 365 days, just like everyone else's. "Tchau" is "tchauzinho" (a little goodbye), "mao" is "maozinho" (a little hand) ... Nothing is little, yet everything is.

Being Experts on the U.S.: We are often looked at to answer all things related to the United States. I am very careful with my answers, especially at the university, because I am more than likely the only American perspective that my classmates will encounter. The questions really run the gamut. I was recently asked, nearly back-to-back, 1. what the benefits to the U.S. were for the use of private security forces abroad versus the use of military forces, and 2. why Kim Kardashian gained so much weight during her pregnancy. Although I can speculate on both, I don't know for sure, so I just say I don't know.

A few recent pictures: including Nana's arrival, to be followed shortly by our Brazilian-American baby's arrival ...

We're in the middle of winter here, but it hasn't been so bad.

Eri and her teacher practicing the breast stroke at swim lessons.

Nana's arrival!
Eri ran through the security area as soon as she saw her.

The shirt says it all ...

... and then some!

Family of almost 4!
One of Eri's friends at preschool said (translated):
"Man, that baby still hasn't been born yet?"
The new semester at the university just started, and my classmates said the same thing.
I guess this is the one instance where the diminutive doesn't apply in this country.

Dia dos Pais / Father's Day

Today is Father's Day in Brazil, which is always in August here rather than June like the states. 

Feliz Dia do Pais, Geoff!

At preschool, Eri filled a mug of candy for
Geoff (which was eaten by her pregnant mother)
 and decorated a generic dad to look like hers.

An uncanny resemblance and so handsome.

All dads were invited to preschool to do an activity with their child's class.
Geoff choose to read a story in portuguese with an american accent. It went over well,
and Eri was very proud to have him there. 

Knowing her dad isn't a sit-on-the-couch-and-watch-TV guy,
Eri presented him with a smoothie blender to fuel his kayaking,
rock climbing, biking, running, etc. 

Cha de bebe / Baby Shower

Our friends from the university recently threw us a surprise baby shower for our soon-to-be Brazilian-American. Here, it's called a "cha de bebe," or "baby tea" -- tea isn't usually served, but there were lots of delicious treats. It was a co-ed event (though all the guys stayed on one side of the room while I opened gifts), as Geoff and I know pretty much all the same people from school. Not only was it incredibly thoughtful and very sweet, many of the gifts have portuguese writing on them -- we'll keep them always!

Festa Junina

Our most recent culture experience was the annual Festa Junina. This celebration is a big deal here; here's the gist (I think): Festa Junina has religious roots from Portugal, but now is more about dressing up for a big party with traditional food, drinks, music and dancing. And the theme is rural life. So everyone wears mismatched plaid, with pigtails, straw hats, freckles, blackened out teeth, i.e., country bumpkins. (I asked if this was politically incorrect and was assured no one from the agricultural community would be offended.)

Eri's school had a huge Festa Junina, which was a lot of fun. Here are the highlights:

Looking the part and wearing it well. (It was the cutest ugly dress I could find.)

Eri's friend Teo. Pretty good facial hair for a 2-year-old.

Playing with the gang.

Each class performed a little dance.

Then it was a free-for-all. Dancin' queen.

Fishing for prizes like she was raised on a farm.

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.)