Our True Confession

We must confess ... we're so "trailer." Don't know what I mean by that? Read on ...

We really do have a quite lovely home in Santa Fe that we're very happy with. We've been here two and a half years and in that time, we've managed to buy some things for our house that we really like.

We had high hopes for our TV room. We wanted it to have a "movie theatre" look and feel. We got really cool curtains and stenciled the walls and got a beautiful ceiling fan. But then something when oh-so-wrong in that room.

• Ten years ago or so, I was a young, single woman with no man, no kids and no pets. Therefore, I bought myself a beautiful ivory couch. Those of you who remember this couch will recall that you weren't allowed to sit on it until I looked at your butt to make sure it was clean enough to touch my couch (those of you who weren't around in those days might read that and think I'm kidding ... I'm not. That couch was sacred to me). Well, we got Bella and she decided it was her couch. From day one, she was sitting on it - *gasp*! Then she started chewing on it *gasp*! and finally had to accept that couch was done with its pristine days. The couch is now covered with a sheet and is chewed up in a few spots. Bella now considers the couch her personal lounging area. She jumps up onto the couch and then makes her way up to the back pillows, sits right on top of them and hangs over the arm of the couch. Bella also watches TV from there. And I'm not kidding. She is fascinated with the TV and watches it very intently. Its crazy.



• A couple of years ago, we were doing foster care and a friend of a friend gave us a glider and a matching ottoman. Its gotten a lot of use, and now the ottoman has all but fallen appart (yet, we still use it). The seat of the chair has a spring that has broken off. It makes a funny noise when we glide and the seat is starting to cave in (yet, we still use it).



• At the end of this past summer, Wal*Mart was clearancing out patio furniture. They had a white rocker that was 1/2 off and it looked like a good piece of furtniture for the baby room. We liked it at first, but soon realized its not all that comfortable. So there it sits in our TV room ... mostly abandoned, and looking like a piece of patio furniture ... because IT IS!



• We also have two office / waiting room type chairs from the 1980s. I brought them home because we had this big house and very little furniture. They are oh-so-tacky and just sit at the back of the room - completley unused.




• Then there is the row of four dining table chairs that sit in a row against the way because there is no other place to put them.



• Let us not forget the wooden TV trays that we use as side tables next to the aforementioned ivory couch and disintegrating glider


• Last, but not least, the wall that has some serious water damage from last year's roof leak. Yep, that's right ... a year later, and it has not been fixed.

We had planned to get a nice recliner and get rid of that glider before it completely falls apart. But one of us is too picky and can't find a recliner she likes (there's a hint as to who it is ...).

Are we embarassed by this room? You bet! But, I think we're more amused at ourselves than embarassed.

And if you can't laugh at yourselves ... then what's the point?

Jennifer

New Year's Eve ... Lucero Style

If you know us well, you know that we're pretty much home-bodies. Even before Christian was born, we pretty much just hung out at home. Our New Year's Eves have rarely been exciting. In recent years, we could barely even stay awake to greet the new year. Its called "getting old."

Like most nights, Jonathan, Christian and Bella are now asleep and Mommy is on the computer satisfying her internet / e-mail / blogging addiction.

2007 started after we spent pretty much all of 2006 trying to get pregnant. We had high hopes that 2007 would be our year (and lo and behold ... IT WAS!).

2007 was really a year of excitement and anticipation over the pregnancy. We always looked forward to Dr. visits and possible ultrasounds. I read pregnancy books and baby books like crazy, as I studied for what I called "the biggest test of my life: mommyhood."

I always enjoy news programs and magazines that reflect on the past year. I often keep the magazines as a reminder of that year's events. This year, I think I'll grab every magazine I can find that reflects on 2007 ... as a keepsake for Christian ... "Here is what happened the year you were born."

I watched the news tonight as they flashed all of the "famous people" who had died this year. Among them was Anna Nicole Smith. And I thought, "Was that THIS year??" Man, a lot has happened this year ... in the media, in the world, in my own life.

We are so excited to see what 2008 will bring us. The Lord certainly did bless us in 2007! We are excited to watch Christian grow and change ... and we try to savor every moment we have with him. We named him Christian for a reason, and we look forward to the day that we can start explaining to him who Jesus is. We pray that one day, he'll accept Jesus into his heart, as we have. As I tell people, "Christian is going to grow up to be a pastor." :)

If I could dedicate a song to Chrstian, it would be "My Wish" by Rascall Flatts. Surely you've heard it ... if not, it goes like this:

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.


We hope that each of you who follows this blog can look back on 2007, and find you have more good memories than bad memories. We hope that in 2008, your dreams come true and you meet your goals. We hope you make new friends, while cherishing your old friends and your family.

Happy New Year!

Jonathan and Jennifer

College Football Season Comes to an End

Its the time of year many wives celebrate: the ending of college football season. Well, at least its over in the Lucero household with the final buzzer on Colorado's bowl game last night. As you can see, Christian was stylin' in the additions we made to his Buff's attire: jeans and a cool black long sleeved shirt (its hard to find baby clothes in black, you know ...).

Many thanks to Christian for being born during football season so that he could be his Daddy's new football buddy (relieving Mommy from that duty!).

Jennifer

Our First Christmas with Christian

Isn't that the cutest Santa you ever saw! :)


We spent the afternoon of Christmas Eve at Grandma Debba's house eating a might fine Christmas dunch / linner (kinda lunch, kinda dinner). When we visit Grandma Debba's house, Christian is always the star of the show.

Christmas day was spent at our house ... just hanging out. Check out some of our photos by scrolling down the page.

While Mommy and Daddy had no idea what to get Christian (although, we did get him his very first silver coin ... since silver keeps going up in value!), he was given lots of nice gifts from friends and family. We are so grateful to everybody who was kind of enough to add Christian to their shopping lists. If he could talk, he'd give everybody a huge "Thank you!"

Jennifer

35 and counting ...

Well, it finally happened. And there wasn't a darn thing I could do about it: today, I turned 35.

It used be that I felt anybody in their 30s (or older) was old. And now that I'm officially in my mid-30s, I guess that makes me old (yes, yes, I know ... those of you who are older than I am are now rolling your eyes).

And when it occured to me that in just five years, I'll be 40 ... well, that was shocking. Even more shocking was realizing that in 15 years, I'll be 50. Oh my.

But you know what overshadows any annoyance with being 35? My delight in being a new Mommy to the most precious baby ever (in my humble opinion!).

I pray we'll be able to have another child before all is said and done (I'd prefer Christian not be an only child). So, that is part of my anxiety about being 35 now ... how much more time do I have in my child-bearing years. I'm sure several of you are rolling your eyes as you read that. And if you are, you probalby fall into one of two categories: 1) You've already raised your children or 2) You're young enough that you have plenty of time to have your children.

I have already decided if Christian is the only child we ever have, then that is okay. We would just like to one day be blessed with having two children. And tick tock ... tick tock goes the clock.

Ah, 35 ... where did the time go?

Jennifer

The Golden Hours

As I'm sure any mother can attest to, there are times where everybody in the house is asleep, allowing her to get things done. I refer to these times as "The Golden Hours."

Its nearly 11:00pm on a Saturday night, and by all accounts, I should be doing one of two things:

1. Sleeping (like everybody else down the hall)
2. Enjoying quiet time with Jonthan (who, as aforementioned, is sleeping)

But, I am wide awake. Now is the time to clean the kitchen, do laundry, pick up around the house ... post to the blog.

I often get a "Golden Hour" or two in the early morning hours. During the week, that hour or two is usually spent in front of my computer working.

Early in our relationship, Jonathan were able to stay up into the wee hours of the night ... talking, watching movies, etc. As the years passed, and we got older (gasp!), our ability to stay up late fizzled. Call us old. Go ahead ... I dare you.

So its a good thing we're already used to unexciting evenings of staying home. And frankly, we like it that way. And now that we have Christian, nothing could make us happier than staying home and just having some good ol' family time.

Time to get back to what is left of my last Golden Hour of this day.

Jennifer

The Cutest Darn Booties Ever!

My friend's mom made these ADORABLE booties for Christian. Awwww!!


If there was ever a contest for the cutest baby booties EVER, I'd submit them ... and they'd surely win!

Our thanks to Patricia Huneke! She's quite a talented lady!

Jennifer

One Month Ago ...

One month ago today, we were blessed to receive little Christian into the world and into our lives. We just love our little guy!

So here's my one month summary:

The c-section has been far easier to recover from than I expected. I still feel some discomfort at the incision and walk a bit funny because of that discomfort. But overall, I'm back to normal.

Christian only gets up twice a night to be changed and fed and then he's back asleep. It works out nicely for all of us.

Overall, we've been adjusting really well. For me, its a bit challenging to have a newborn at home during the day and still try to get my job done. So I get as much done as I can when he's sleeping (ha! They say to "sleep when the baby sleeps" ... not in this house!). Fortunately, Jonathan works from home two days a week now. We try not to bother him during his work day at home, as I know he's busy. But just when I'm really needing another pair of hands, Jonathan appears. WHEW!

One of the biggest things I've experienced in the past month is the vast amount, and variety, of advice out there. Baby book authors have their differing opinions, my own Dr. and his nurse have differing opinions and parents I talk to all have differeing opinions about feedings, pacifiers, how long to let a baby fuss / cry for, etc.

I was talking to my Grandpa the other day who warned me not to spoil the baby. I said, "Oh, the current thought is that you can't spoil a baby." His reply, "OH YES YOU CAN!" I told him that perhaps each generation has their own views on child rearing. Its currently thought that the first three months of a child's life is considered the "fourth trimester" and that you can't hold, cuddle or otherwise tend to a baby too much in the first three months of life.

Speaking of which, Christian is now fussing. I've let him do so for a bit and now its time to step in and reassure him that Mommy is here for him.

Jennifer

25 Years Ago ...

I heard on the news today that its the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's infamous "Thriller" video. Wow!

There are a few key ingredients to making a person feel old: 1) When your little sister turns 31, 2) When you are on the verge of turning 35 and 3) When your realize its been 25 years since Thriller came out.

I was obsessed with Michael Jackson as a kiddo. I used to claim I could tell when a Michael Jackson song was playing on the radio. I'd turn the radio on and sure enough, there was a Michael Jackson song on. Of course, back then, there was always a Michael Jackson song on the radio somewhere.

I'd cut out his pictures from magazines and put them on the wall in my bedroom. I'd put my tape recorder to the TV speaker or radio when a MJ video or song played. I even had silver socks (ahh, I miss those cool socks!).

25 years later, Michael Jackson has pretty much become a freak ... physically, in personality and lifestyle.

Who would have ever guessed? Certainly not me ... his biggest fan back in the day. When Christian gets old enough, he'll surely laugh that at one time, his mommy thought Michael Jackson was the coolest guy ever.

Jennifer

Bella and Christian

One question we get asked a lot is, "How's Bella adjusting to the baby?"

We are thrilled to report that Bella seems to be doing great!!!

She was very hyper with her curiosity when we first brought Christian home over three weeks ago. When we'd carry him around, she'd jump up on us to see what all the fuss was about.

After a couple of days, she calmed down but was still very curious. And she was hanging close to us - especially on the bed at night - as if to show us she's still here and still deserving of our attention.

If Bella is in another part of the house and Christian starts crying, she often comes running to see him. Its very cute!

Overall, she seems to have simply accepted Christian as part of the pack. She has never shown an ounce of hostility towards him. And for that, we are very grateful!

Jennifer

Daddy Buff and His Baby Buff

Christian experienced his inaugural college football game this weekend. Colorado played their biggest rival, Nebraska, and WON!

Ah, my men are so cute! :)

Jennifer

Our First Thanksgiving

Check out Christian!

Here he is! Live and in person!

A Weekend of Firsts

We had several "firsts" this weekend:

• Christian's umbilical cord finally fell off, revealing his belly button for the first time (and to be tasteful, we've masked his "bits and pieces").

• He got his first bath at home since getting one on his birthday. Poor kid ... he was none-too-happy. In an attempt to make sure the water wasn't too hot, I think I made the water a bit too cold for him. I'd be unhappy, too ...

We also went to Albuquerque for the first time as a new family and braved a shopping excursion at Wal*Mart. Thankfully, he slept through the entire time we spent at Wal*Mart!

Jennifer

Gaining Weight!

We took Christian in for another weight check today. On Monday, after having gained five ounces, he was at 7 pounds 13 ounces. Today, just three days later, he was at 8 pounds 7 ounces.

YAY!!

The nurse who wasn't satisfied with Christian's weight gain wasn't in today. So, it was "that guy Tiffany" who weighed him.

And we now know he's considered a "she."

I told the receptionist we were there to get Christian weighed, and she said, "We only have one nurse today, and I'll let her know there is a baby that needs weighing."

She called out, "Danielle ... you have a baby to weigh ..." And from around the corner, "Tiffany" appeared.

So Tiffany is Danielle. I think we'll still call him / her Tiffany. :)

But back to the point: Christian is gaining lots of weight and we're just delighted!

Jennifer

"That Guy Tiffany"

Santa Fe proudly calls itself "The City Different." An afternoon spent walking around Santa Fe's historic downtown Plaza shows many reasons why the city has that nickname.

Or ... a visit to our pediatrician's office.

I first saw "Tiffany" within moments of arriving at our first Dr. appt. I was with the receptionist when Tiffany walked by. I smiled at Tiffany and thought, "Whoa ..." I returned to Jonathan and quietly told him, "There is somebody back there that will freak you out! It's a woman that's a man!"

Within minutes, Tiffany appeared from behind the door and called us back. He/she weighed Christian, took his other measurements, etc.

I just wasn't sure if Tiffany was a man or woman for a few minutes. He/she has 80's hair with the high bangs (to be fair, I had the same hair 20 years ago ...), a full face of nicely-done makeup and a voice that is only slightly feminine. But it was when Tiffany took Christian from me that I noticed his hands. Yep, definitely a man.

So I turned to Jonathan and mouthed, "Its a MAN!" Jonathan silently mouthed "Shhhh!" to me.

I mean really ... who does Tiffany think he's fooling? Certainly not us.

No, his name isn't Tiffany (or is it ... ?). We don't know what his name is ... but we call him Tiffany because after the appointment, Jonathan and I were discussing what had happened and Jonathan casually said, "------- that guy Tiffany ..." And we busted up laughing long and hard.

"That guy Tiffany ..."

I guess you had to be there.

Jennifer

A Quick Update

Despite the fact that Christian is a very easy baby so far, I'm finding it difficult to find time to post new entries on our blog and to get new pictures up. If I sit down at the computer, its pretty much just to check e-mail and to do a fast thing here and there for work.

I promise that any day now, we'll have new pictures up for all to see.

Christian is doing great! We've now got the breastfeeding thing down, which is a huge relief. We took him to the Dr. last Thursday and he was wanting Christian to gain more weight. He was hoping for three ounces by today and he had gained FIVE ounces. However, the nurse we saw wasn't satisfied with the FIVE ounces and wants more (huh??), so we've been instructed to feed Christian every two hours now. So we're confused ... the Dr. told us to feed on demand so that Christian was extra hungry when he woke up.

My c-section recovery is going far better than I could have ever hoped for. I'm even walking somewhat normally now. And I'm actually wearing a pre-pregnancy outfit today (okay, to be fair, I was able to wear this outfit up until about the seventh month ...). And since Christian was born, I've lost 20 pounds (well, including Christian and all his "stuff" that came out with him) ... YAY! Having a baby is the best diet ever - ha ha!

As for Jonathan ... sadly, he must return to work tomorrow. He's not ready to leave the baby and me (and frankly, we're not ready for him to go, either ... we love having him home with us) and actually planned to take tomorrow as a vacation day.

However, I can't drive for three weeks after the surgery and Christian needs to be weighed again on Thursday. So ... I need Jonathan home on Thursday.

Jonathan is just the cutest dad EVER! He's so caring and delicate with the baby ... its a sight to behold. He talks to him and sings songs to him. He and Christian like to nap together ... with Christian on his Daddy's chest.

I know Jonathan and I each want Christian to ourselves all the time, but we've been very good about sharing the snuggle time. I keep in mind that I get the one-on-one breastfeeding time with Christian and so Jonathan needs his time, too.

This is one very loved baby!!!!

Look for pictures very soon!

Jennifer

Christian Lee Lucero

Christian Lee Lucero was born on Friday, November 2, 2007 at 4:08pm via delayed C-section. He was 19 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces. We just returned home from the hospital a few hours ago and are all going to bed (whew, we are TIRED). Please check back soon for additional info and photos.

Jennifer and Jonathan

Tomorrow, tomorrow ... I love ya tomorrow ... You're only a day away ...

And so tomorrow at 12:30pm is the big day. Baby Lucero will make his way into this world without the trauma of contractions pushing him down the birth canal. And his mommy won't have the trauma of squeezing out a 10+ baby. Ah, I love modern medicine!

Liz is on her way in from Phoenix as I type this post, and Jonathan and I are both trying to work (he at his office, me at home), but are finding the pending events tomorrow are incredibly distracting.

As I sit here by myself in a calm and quiet house, its hard to believe this day will be the last one like it ... for years!

It will obviously be a few days before I can get online and post an update.

The next time you hear from us, we'll be "Mommy and Daddy" ... WOW!

Jennifer

The Internet Addicted Baby

The baby tends to be very active when I sit at my computer. My stomach is usually slightly up against the desk as I type away and so its very obvious when he starts to move because he pushes his way into the desk ... right where my keyboard is.

Jennifer

The Big Day: Friday, November 2

The full moon has come and gone ... and there was no sign of labor. So much for the "full moon theory."

However, on Friday, we learned that it was a good thing.

Friday's ultrasound showed a big baby: he's currently at 10 pounds. A few weeks ago, it was suggested that at his current rate of growth, he'd be 10 pounds at 40 weeks. However, he's 10 pounds at 38 weeks. There is a big ol' fancy term for him ... he's officially a "macrosomic baby."

Here's a nice medical explanation:

"Macrosomic babies may not pass easily through the birth canal, causing difficult deliveries, complications such as shoulder damage during delivery (shoulder dystocia), nerve damage, or even a fractured bone. If your health provider suspects you are going to have a macrosomic baby, she will probably recommend you have a cesarean section."

And so ... drum roll please ...

I am scheduled for a C-section on Friday, November 2 at 12:30 p.m.

C-sections are common procedures these days ... but, its still considred "major surgery." And, well, that's pretty scary. Its nothing compared to the only other "surgery" I've ever had: getting my wisdom teeth pulled.

I do feel better, however, knowing that my niece just had her second baby by C-section ... and her first was vaginally. She tells us she preferred the C-section method.

And ... since my procedure is planned, as opposed to an emergency C-section, it won't be all rushed and crazy (like what we sometimes see on TV).

The Dr. seems to think its unlikely I'll go into labor prior to the C-section. He's not "engaged" in my pelvis and she thinks he's too big to get engaged. I do get "contractions," though not the painful kind. So she told me to take it easy and not walk around too much.

Should anything happen between now and Friday, we'll try to post updates.

Jennifer

The Full Moon is Fast Approaching ... Within HOURS

As previously discussed on our blog, it seems to be a fact that more babies are born on a full moon than non-full-moon times. It has just occured to us that the full moon hits tonight just before 11:00pm (after doing some research and time conversions).

Now, who knows what the odds are that I'll actually go into labor. Frankly, I'd rather not think about it.

Bottom line: Baby Lucero might be ready to come out, but I'd like him to stay in a bit longer.

Furthermore, the labor and delivery unit at our hospital in Santa Fe is rather small. I don't want to be one of 23 women in labor. And that also keeps the beloved epidural man busy. Perhaps too busy to administer an epidural when I need one the most.

If you're the praying kind (and we all should be), then please join us in prayer that tonight is not the night.

In the meantime, I've got a house to finish cleaning!!! :)

Jennifer

The Baby at 38 Weeks

Week 38: Approaching the Runway

Only two more weeks (or plus two more, max) before your baby makes his or her appearance. And what an adorable appearance that will be! Your little one isn't so little anymore — weighing in at close to seven pounds and hitting the height charts at the 21-inch mark (or less).

As you prepare (best you can) for baby's ETA, he or she is also getting ready, big time. Vernix and lanugo continue to shed from your baby's body into the amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows that amniotic fluid (yum yum?) and some of it winds up in his or her intestines where it — along with other shed cells, bile, and other waste products (triple yum) — will turn into your baby's first bowel movement (meconium) and perhaps your first diaper change.

Your baby's lungs continue to mature as more and more surfactant is secreted (remember — it helps prevent the lungs from sticking to each other when your baby begins to breathe…definitely a good thing). All systems, almost go!

18 Days til D-Day

We technically have 18 days til our due date. However, only 4-5% of babies are actually born ON their due date. So really ... the due date is any day now.

Traditionally, maternity wards get very busy during a full mooon with expectant mothers going into labor. Sounds hokey, I know ... but I've looked into it and it appears to be true.

When is the next full mooon, you may ask? THIS FRIDAY!

I'm still waiting for that famouse "nesting instinct" to kick in. I've read some amazing stories about the kinds of nesting women do (i.e. fertalizing their lawn on a steep hill in the middle of the night, removing all doorknobs in the house to clean behind them, etc.).

So I either don't have a really intense nesting instinct, or labor is still too far off for it to kick in with any rigor.

Although, I do get antsy if too much laundry has built up ... or there are too many dishes in the sink. I know we'll be having visitors after the baby is born and I won't have time to clean the house after he comes. So, I'd better get a move on. I can't have visitors in a less than spotless house.

We have another ultrasound on Friday, so we hope to get some good pictures of the baby. I keep thinking, "I hope he doesn't come before we get the ultrasound done." And then I laugh at myself and and realize that if he does come before then, I'll get to look at the baby himself and not just some fuzzy ultrasound photo. :)

Jennifer