18 weeks

18 weeks almost 19 and I don't know where to start.  Thanks to my co-worker, friend and MSP confidant Kristen Addington who inspired this with her own blog chronicling the days leading up to the birth of her second child Declan.  Luciana and I as well honor Irish roots (and Brazilian!) with our precious daughter Emilia Clare-Emilia from her dear mother and Clare from County Clare Ireland, soils of the O'Mara's and the family's ancestry.  Luciana returns from Brazil this week after over four weeks away.  So many friends shaking their heads when told less than a week after our wedding we'd separate for over a month.  Time drug on like hangover...not that I was drinking heavily causing a muck.  Well darlin I've saved enough for the delivery as long as it is natural without anesthesia and we leave the hospital within 3 hours after the birth halleluiah!   Vamos a ver estimados.  Emilia Clare is about the size of a bell pepper, or as Luciana mentioned a chicken breast.  I prefer the veghead imagery..our little bell pepper!.. and the next appointment is on Jan 12.  Luciana is feeling great after a difficult first trimester.  Not accustomed to being sick or uneasy, survival hinged on ice cream and popsicles.  I believe the Brazilian Sun helped bring the good life back, although we both anticipate her return in just a few short days.  The original wedding plan included beach wedding in June, Paris in August and Emilia Clare in 2016 and somewhere along the way our paths got crossed.  Oh well as one may say, I don't think it could be any more perfect.  Luciana however continues to remind me I owe her Paris so please post if you're available to babysit for 2+ weeks in exchange for some extravagant souvenirs summer 2017.  It's an amazing feeling being married, making a promise to someone and living that promise each moment of each day.  I feel like the luckiest man, my beautiful wife Luciana and coming soon....Emilia Clare Sanders. or Emilia Clare Prestes Sanders. or perhaps just little E.  Happy New Year all!