The one thing that I've always been sure of was that I wanted to have children. When I was single, I had promised myself that if I wasn't married by a certain age, I would find a way to have a child on my own, because it was just that important to me. Since Luis and I had such a whirlwind romance, and got married after only knowing each other for a few months; we agreed that we would be married for a few years before we started a family, so that we would have a strong foundation to build upon.
I didn't necessarily want to be an older mom, but between relocating, and the early detection of some pre-cancerous cells; we wound up waiting four years before we attempted to have a baby. We were very fortunate, because as soon as we made the decision to try and conceive, I got pregnant right away. Luis and I were thrilled to find out that we were expecting and despite having morning sickness round the clock for twelve weeks; I was ecstatic.
Early on, I believed that I was having a boy and the ultrasound proved me right. I wanted to name my son after my maternal grandfather Nathan, and since Luis assured me that his family would not pronounce the name Noah properly, we opted for Nicolas. I would talk to Nicky every day and refer to him by name. Even after getting sick, I would rub my stomach and tell him "That's OK Nicky, we're going to be alright;" and I felt a love like none that I'd ever known before.
I remember talking myself through my contractions and saying "just a little while longer and I'm going to see Nicky. Just a little while longer and I'm going to hold Nicky." I was not concerned about the pain or discomfort, because I was so excited about getting to meet my son. And when the nurse placed him in my arms, I cried tears of joy, and I rocked him and said "My Nicky, MY Nicky." And I felt blessed. I felt grateful. I was utterly blissful; as I basked in the warmth of an overwhelming love. What a precious gift from God.
It seems like just yesterday that I gave birth to my beautiful, baby boy; and yet it's now been twelve years. For twelve years I've been privileged to raise the most exceptional boy. A boy that any mom would be so proud to call her own. A boy who is thoughtful and compassionate, sensitive, trustworthy, intelligent, hard working, cooperative, kind, insightful, funny, mature and loving. A boy who is a great big brother, and a wonderful son.
As always, Nicky didn't ask for much for his birthday. He wanted to take a treat to school to share with his class, so I bought him cookies at Sam's Club. He asked to go to PoPo's Fiesta Del Sol for dinner and he requested Red velvet cheesecake (from The Cheesecake Factory), for dessert. And we were more than happy to comply.
Twelve years ago today, I began to fulfill my destiny. From the moment that Nicky was placed in my arms, I knew that I had been right all along and that I was meant to be a mom. Holding Nicky I felt complete for the first time in my life. Oh how Nicky was well worth the wait.
On this his twelfth birthday, I wish Nicky a lifetime of love and happiness. A life filled with joy and fulfillment. I hope that he becomes everything that he wants to be and that he has the courage to follow his every dream. I hope that Nicky will find his passion and lives his life with intention and purpose. I hope that Nicky will be true to himself and respectful of others. I wish Nicky the happiest twelfth birthday ever; and I look forward to watching him grow and develop into the person that he is meant to be.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Over the summer my friend Kailene had mentioned Popo's restaurant to me. It's not on our side of town; but something that she thought was worth going out of your way for. I heard of the restaurant a second time, from my friend Brooke; who was of the same opinion; and thought that it was well worth the drive. Well although I never acted on the recommendation; I never forgot it. So imagine my surprise when I was driving down 59th avenue last week and there I saw Popo's Fiesta Del Sol, where Garcia's used to be. I excitedly told Luis that I'd heard good things about Popo's and that we had to make plans to go there, SOON.
The kids got out of school at 11 this past Friday, and since Luis and I had a number of errands to run and a house to clean, I told him that I didn't want to cook dinner that night; and I suggested that we go to Popo's. I texted Kailene and asked what she usually ate at Popo's and what their prices were like; but when I didn't hear back from her after awhile, I looked them up online. I found a menu (which you can check out through the link I provided; now that I'm Queen of PROVIDING LINKS,) but the menu didn't include prices. We decided to take our chances, since the food was supposed to be so good; and we headed out to Popo's.
The parking lot was packed when we arrived, so the kids and I went in while Luis parked. We were told that there would be a 20-25 minute wait; and we sat down and perused the menu. I had read some reviews online, and in additon to the advisement that on Tuesdays and Saturdays they offer .99 Margaritas; they raved about everything from the queso dips, to the tamales, the carne asada, the fajitas; and even the rice; so I had a feeling that I couldn't go wrong with anything that I'd choose. As we were waiting for our table, in walked my friend Kailene. I told her that I'd texted her about Popo's earlier and she explained that she'd been having a lot of problems with her phone. She told me that they'd come out for her husband's birthday, and I asked what she usually orders. Kailene recommended the Machaca (shredded beef) enchiladas with rice and beans; and said that no one in her family had ever had anything that they didn't enjoy.
I had to excuse myself from Kailene as our table was ready. We were immediately brought warm chips and salsa. Lyndzi ordered a quesadilla from the kid's menu, because she also wanted rice and beans. Nicky had the appetizer size Quesadilla, which was enough for a dinner for one person. Kelsie had the kid's chicken strips with rice instead of french fries and the portion was very generous. Not so much so on Lyndzi's quesadilla, ironically enough. Luis had a steak fajita burrito with a side of beans; and I had the VERY dietetic, chimichanga with guacamole and jalapeno cream cheese. I DIDN'T eat the whole thing though; so there's that; AND, it was well worth EVERY calorie that I didn't need.
Before we got up from the table, we all agreed that we would definitely go back to Popo's again; and Luis and I added it to our list of lunch date restaurants. And then tonight when we were trying to decide what to do for dinner (in between, YES, more errands;) Luis asked if we could go back to Popo's. YUP; it was just THAT YUMMY!!!
What more need I say? I would highly recommend Popo's and I would love to hear from you if you give it a try. If you're not in the Phoenix area, but plan to visit; I would definitely add it to your list of restaurants to check out.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
