Backyardigans go Mexican Polka

This just made me happy...The Backyardigans dancing to Banda Dominguera. (Just don't click on this users other videos...)

My daughter: Future peacemaker.

We were listening to the Democratic Convention recap on XM this morning when Maria said:
"John McCain wants to be president.''
"Yes, he does. And so does a man named Barack Obama.''
"Can they both be president?"
"No, Mama. Only one person can be president.''
"What if they take turns?''
"They don't really work very well together, Maria. They don't agree on many things.''
"Can they work it out?''
"How would you suggest they work it out? What could they do?''
"They could take turns being president or the girls can be with Barack Obama and the boys can be with John McCain.''

If it were that simple, no?

Today on Parenting.com...

And today on Parenting.com it's the "Thank goodness I didn't have a chancleta handy'' edition ...

"We got to the car and I dressed her down. I could hear myself lecturing and I could. not. stop. I was feeling guilty for the tirade even as the words escaped, but again, could not stop. (I subscribe to the belief no one learns from a tirade so I try not to. Try.)"

Come visit me over there...

Lessons from childhood summers

California, Summer 2008

A couple of days after I wrote about summer kicking my butt and my plan to peel out of Maria's school parking lot on her first day, I sat down to read a wonderful book a friend just loaned me -- The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.

From the dedication:

"Summer is like childhood. It passes too fast. But, if you're lucky, it gives you warm memories from which you take strength in the cold days ahead.
Summer is also like childhood, in that you may not think what you are doing matters very much while you are doing it, but later on you realize it mattered far more than you knew.
Summer is hot days, picnics, roads under repair, and the chance to swim. Summer is slower than the rest of the year, and its days are longer than any others. Summer embraces children. But, like childhood, summer also warns: Love me now; I will not last.
Like a child, summer teaches us about the best in life. Summer asks us to do what we should help our children do: play, relax, explore, and grow.''

California, Summer 2008

We did have a glorious summer. Much to be grateful for.
I needed to read that.
Did you?

Behind the Scenes at the Olympics and silkworms on a stick

Tonight is closing ceremonies and we will undoubtedly be sitting in front of The Needle -- the name we gave our TV. Maria has watched Opening Ceremonies four times. Not the whole thing every time, but the drumming and the dancing. She now dances and floats around like the muses from the opening show.

As you look toward the end, consider taking a peek at my friend, Brian's blog -- The Beijing Bulletin -- for a behind-the-scenes look at covering the Olympics.

Brian is the AP sports photo editor who hired me to go to Cuba in 1991 for the Pan American Games. I was a photo gopher, running film between venues and the Havana Hilton, where they were processed and sent via satellite back to New York. His wife was my kick-ass city editor when I worked in N.J.

Through Brian I met my husband, who also was on assignment in Havana that summer. So, Brian always will be kind of Fairy Godmother to us.

In related Beijing-ness, these photos were in my in-box this morning. A reporter I know went to the night market and figured I would enjoy waking to pictures of lamb testicles, centipedes and silkworms on a stick...Maria is going to love this...

Lamb testicles

centipedes

silkworms

Back to school, back to order...

When friends visit...

The end of summer break is upon us here in the Boonies.

La Maria returns for her second year of pre-school next week. School should be a breeze for the cookie, who insists she already knows how to drive, play guitar and pick the correct vitamin bottle from the cabinet. Um, no you don't, hermanita. Step away from the car keys and cabinet. You are 4-years-old.

To say that this summer has been long is an understatement. While we have enjoyed many days of quiet hanging out, picking books at the library, swimming and having playdates, the laundry takes an average of five days to get put away, crumbs stay under tables for about three days and Maria has spent more days than I care to admit in her pajamas. Let's not even talk about the state of her hair. The guineas, now 9 weeks, are lucky to still be alive, let me tell you.

So, while the new parents at Maria's school are having anxiety separation, I will be the one peeling out of car line. Bon Bons and deadlines and Swiffer, here I come. I will OD on Free Will and only after my house is back in the shape that would make a Cuban Abuelita proud, will I look back at this sweet summer with warmth and longing.

A little...

Summer, 2008

My aversion to "Mommy Blogger''

...and my deep love of Anna Quindlen...(who also has a daughter named Maria)...

Today at Parenting.com

Will be back over here in full muy pronto. Summer is winding down. Just catching my breath.

Cuba confusion

Today:
"Mami, I really, really want to go to Cuba."
"One day, Maria.''
"No, now. I really want to go.''
"Maria, it is not too easy to travel to Cuba. We need permission.''
"But, I've already been there hundreds of times.''
"Maria, do you mean Miami?"
"Yes, Miami. I really want to go there. I want to play on the beach.''
"Me too, Mama. Me too.''

Twitter, Twittiando, Tweet

Inspired by a business story in USA Today, I logged into Twitter a few weeks ago.
My husband always has said that I have no unspoken thought, so this constant vomitation of the inane and ridiculous would be perfect for me. And, if it sells a few t-shirts, well there you go.

I felt, and still do in a way, like the wallflower at the dance. While some people have 15,000 followers, I struggled to figure out how to follow. I eventually found some friendly business people, mega-smart bloggers and friends to follow. The network expands as followers of followers become your followers and you theirs. It is a little like high school.

In blogging I attempt to be relevant, or at the very least, amusing. But on Twitter, simply making noise seems to be OK. I've attempted to hold back from the impulse to hablar too much mierda. Sometimes though you can't help it. The thing asks you "What are you doing?'' every time you log in. I always want to say: "Aqui, comiendo mierda, wasting time. Y tu?''

Here are some examples of things I didn't post:
"My father just taught Maria the word Sacamoco.''
"I have lost control: Animal cracker under my kitchen table for three days.''
"Why exactly am I following Guy Kawasaki?''

I hate to admit it, but overall, I am enjoying the blasted Twittiando. I've met some cool people and reconnected with old friends. I think I am going to like it better when I do a little unfollowing though.

Twitter has its critics. And they're mostly right.
But, if you've got a little start-up, are looking to expand your circle of influence, or looking for a quick way to stay connected with friends and meet new ones, Twitter has possibilities. Just make sure you know how to edit.

I am @LosPollitos by the way.

Latin Baby Book Club launches

Happy Lunes, everybody...

You know how I often write about the Spanish and bilingual books and music Maria and I enjoy?

Well, now it's a regular gig.

Monica from Latin Baby USA, a competitor and friend, (yes, that is possible) has launched the Latin Baby Book Club.

Five of us, all lovers of words, will be reviewing and recommending bilingual and Spanish books.

Monica explains it all.

The children have moved out

The guineas were transported to their coop Friday morning. Notice my kid still in her pajamas for the big event.

They're only a few yards from the house in the coop my husband built. My father secured the pen with about 7 miles of chicken wire and hardware cloth, along with about 17 million 10-inch galvanized nails.

"Ahi, no entra nada!'' he said. "Si un raccoon se mete ahi, bueno, es Super Man.''

Mas Spanish t-shirts and gifts at Los Pollitos

Los Pollitos Dicen this week added to the flock: hats, bibs, tank tops and embroidered onesies.

The tank tops, in Candela (spitfire) and Pachanga (par-TAY!) go up to size 6, our first in a size bigger than 4T.

The embroidered design is for infants up to 15 pounds. The Spanish design says "Los Pollitos Dicen Pio Pio Pio."

Tell me these aren't the most cute babies in the cutest new baby shirts ever?

Remember us next time you're headed to a baby shower or birthday fiesta.

Use the code PACHANGA to receive 20% off on our site.

Today on Parenting.com...

Cubans: I call you hairy.
See post here.

I apologize for the quiet around here. My brainpower is elsewhere and summer break is kicking my ass.

Will be back in a few days.

Cuidate!

Of parties and special gifts

Maria was quite upset Friday. She wanted to know why no one came to my birthday party. I told her that sometimes grown-ups don't have birthday parties. She was none too pleased to learn this.

The best present was this note from my mom:

"Hija, no importa los años que cumples, yo revivo el dia que nacistes. Bendito Dios que me dio el precioso regalo de tu vida.

Asi como tu sientes por Maria, yo llevo 41 años sintiendolo.

Salud para que puedas disfrutar de una plena y larga vida.

Te quiero.
Mami"

Roughly translated:

"My daughter, it doesn't matter how many birthdays you celebrate, I relive the day you were born. Thanks to God who gave me the precious gift of your life.

The same way you feel about Maria, I have felt about you for 41 years.

May you have health so you may enjoy a long life.

I love you,
Mom.''

There's not much more a girl needs.