His Life. My Life. Our Life. It's Hecho en Mexico.: 2007

Monday, December 10, 2007

The Face of Martinrea Mexico

He decided to go as a Vaquero. I laughed because I thought it would be a neat idea. Well, what was meant to be ‘just for laughs’ turned out to be deeper than I thought.

Vince decided he was going to spend the money and buy it all. And so he did. He bought the expensive belt buckle, the Wrangler shirt, Wrangler jeans, black Stetson hat and of course, his cowboy boots. Now, most of you who know Vince also know he would NEVER be caught dead in cowboy boots, well, Saturday he did, and it was a colossal hit.

Martinrea Mexico had it’s annual Posada (Christmas party) at the Expo Forum – something all employees look forward to throughout the year. When Vince walked in all decked out, I must admit, rather than laugh, a part of me nearly choked up with such pride. NOT ONLY because he looked ADORABLE in his Wrangler jeans and cowboy hat (arrgghhh!) but the looks on his employees faces made me see how enamored they are with this person who is considered their boss. He was greeted with hugs and handshakes all around.…

The best part was, when one of his employees came to me and said, “Maryann, your husband is incredible, he truly is a leader, and by coming dressed the way he has, he is showing respect to his employees and letting them know he is just like them – a real team player – a true leader.” (Gracias Carlos Lopez)

I have to say, I got really emotional at this comment and couldn’t help but get teary eyed.

When Vince came home Saturday morning with his purchases I laughed and said HOW MUCH DID THAT COST??? But now I realize, it doesn’t matter what he spent, and who cares if it was only for one night….that Stetson hat and those cowboy boots will always hold a much stronger meaning for us, every time we look at them…..they will represent our beautiful journey in Mexico and the people who helped make the magic happen!

So proud of you…..my Stetson man!!

Friday, November 09, 2007

My Mia Mimi Meems!

She’s almost 8 months old. I can’t believe how fast time is flying and how big she’s getting. My Mia! She’s truly the sweetest baby ever and I’m so grateful and blessed for having her in my life.

So far, in her 8 months of life, she has already taught me the importance of remaining happy, calm and strong at all times. For example, she has already developed a system to fend for herself against her superbly energetic, excessively loving yet overly powerful brother. Her approach is a bit complicated but it seems to work. Here it goes…

She SCREAMS. Any time C goes near her. She SCREAMS. Loud. Not cries. But….SCREAMS. In other words, I translate it as “Get the F@&K away from me!”

And it works. Yesterday, they were sitting on the floor playing. (Mia started sitting completely on her own as of month 7) And C was helping M build a tower with his blocks.

As usual, C decided to pull away the ONE BLOCK Mia was holding in her teeny weeny little hands. What did the teeny weeny little person do? Rather than sit back and let her brother dictate her actions…she put her little fingers on his face and scratched him. Ok. I know what you’re thinking. Not nice. But folks, this little lady has got the fire in her and is using it to her advantage. At barely eight months old, she is already showing her bro he’s not the only boss in this relationship. She too wears the training pants and is putting him in his place!

There’s a power struggle happening people!

They love each other. Everytime C walks into the room, she smiles. And now, I even hear her giggle….I look over and Cristian’s playing peek-a-boo. It’s a sight worth seeing. Two little people connecting in such a way that no one else matters, they’re the only ones who exist. There’s definitely a beautiful connection between them.

MIA'S STATSSo far, Mia weighs about 16 lbs. She started rolling over on her own the day she turned 3 months old. She’s been sitting since 7 months old and has been babbling to us since 6 months old. She started holding her bottle on her own at 6 ½ months old and has been sleeping on her own (without the rocking or the sshh-sshhing) since she was 4 months old, through the night! She’s speedy in her walker now and is able to maneuver herself around the house without a problem. She’s as sweet as pie.

I started feeding her fruit at 6 months. She loves mangoes, apples and pears. She recently started with her veggies and so far she favors zucchini! I’m going to start her morning cereal next. She’s been drinking 6 oz bottles for a while now, and it still seems to satisfy her.

All in all, it’s been amazing. I do have my moments, of course, where I just want to pull my hair out and scream. But, I’ve managed to gain control over the situation and cope with having two kids so close in age. I have to admit, I’ve become an expert! Now, I’m able to carry Mia in one arm, chase after Cristian with the other arm, while having a conversation on the phone and have dinner ready by the time V gets home from work! Witching hour no more! My afternoons are getting easier as I’m able to control the situation better and talk myself through the chaos! It’s not because I’m this mother who is permanently calm and controlled. It’s because I have no other choice. If I don’t take charge of the circumstances, then we would have one disorganized, chaotic, jumbled world in the Perri household!

Do I consider myself Supermom? Umm, yahaa!!

For the time being, that’s what helps me get through my days!