Yes, I have been MIA.
Yes, I have what I consider a pretty good excuse.
Meet Miss Vivian McRae Engel, formerly known as The Bengel, or Little Ball of Mate as my sports editor Joe Garza likes to call her. She was born April 1, 2009, weighing in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces and 19.5 inches long.
So I am taking a little time off (me and The Stars, right?) to enjoy my little baby and learn how to deal with permanent sleep deprivation (any tips?). I may be checking in here from time to time to fire off a sports take that I feels absolutely needs to be voiced, or to post Vivi pics or updates, or just to try to keep The Star-Teleboys in line when they get absolutely ga-ga about a 3-0 Rangers start when cooler heads were obviously needed.
Talk soon,
Jengel
ps. I so appreciate all of the emails and congrats and kind words and advice.
pps. Giving credit where credit is due, the pic of Vivian is from good friend and uberly talented former S-T photog Sharon Ellman. Catch her work @ www.ellmanphotography.com.
We now resume regularly scheduled programming.
Congrats. We do you hope you call into GAC and verbally slap Randy occasionally.
Posted by: David | April 16, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Congratulations on the beautiful baby girl. Spend as much time as you can enjoying her, it passes too quickly and you can't get it back when it's gone. Regarding the sleep thing.... good luck. I used to watch replays of the games and the news... and spend the days in a haze, walking into a room and wondering what it was I was looking for. At least you have a good excuse....
Posted by: Phillymike | April 21, 2009 at 09:44 AM
Great picture and I know beaming parents!
Posted by: Matthew in Fort Worth | April 21, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Missing your comlumns but good reason. Keep some of those left over shirts for Mr Randy's bet repayment on the "cutting of the rat" win!!
Congrats
Posted by: Terry Nixon--Georgia | April 26, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Congrats on your new bundle of joy! I'm glad both of you are doing well. I remember when I had my two little bundles (actually it was my Wife who did all the hard work! All I had to do was pass out in the delivery room!)--one in Aug. 2000 and the other in March 2002. Both girls like your little Miss Hate Jr.--Vivian. I wouldn't trade my 2 girls for anything on Earth! They have me wrapped around their little fingers--getting toys, ice cream, 6-Flags visits, horse-back rides, etc...whenever they flash those big baby blues at me! Anyway, take care and enjoy this newborn time--nothing else like it, nothing as touching, nothing as endearing, nothing as special...
Posted by: JohnArlington | April 26, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Thanks for posting the pic. She's beautiful. I know mom & dad fell in love instantly. I've been wondering how itchy you've been with the mavericks & draft & all the other sports going on & you not right on the scene. Sorry. No tips on the sleep deprivation other than get her on a schedule as quickly as possible if you haven't already. We will eagerly await your return to print.
Posted by: Matt | April 27, 2009 at 12:29 PM
She's beautiful Jennifer! Congratulations and welcome to parenthood. Sleep will always be optional now for Mac & You, no matter her age. But there is nothing better in this world than your own bundle of joy. I look forward to your return to hear about your take on the Cowboy's draft.
Posted by: Brian Elliott | April 28, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Congratulations, Jennifer! She is beautiful!
Posted by: larry giusti | April 28, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Wahoo! Congratulations! Miss your columns, but enjoy the time off.
Posted by: Rooster | April 30, 2009 at 07:38 PM
What you couldn't breast feed and type at the same time!...jk. What a beautiful child!..you're both blessed and luck...congrats.
and yes you have been missed....alot!
Posted by: Kent | June 03, 2009 at 04:31 PM