Chicharito...

Am alternative title for this post might have been, 'The Indulgence of Women.'

'Chicharito' translates from Spanish as 'Little Pea.' It happens to be the nickname of Manchester United's wunderkind striker, Javier Hernandez. Hernandez is only 22 years old. He signed for Man U at the beginning of last year, and before doing so, he was barely known outside his home town. He's obviously carried the nickname since he was a baby...

Chicharito has made an enormous impact at Man U - I saw him score in his first game, in Houston last year, and most recently, against Everton when I was home in Manchester and took my Mum to a game. There are several notable things about Javier Hernandez, outside of his phenomenal goal rate, but first and foremost, for me anyway, is the joy with which he plays the game.  He's that rare sportsman - humble, modest and clearly in love with the game itself, rather than with the fame and material rewards it brings.

How does this tie-in the photograph above? Because my dear, sweet, indulgent wife, began referring to the baby growing in her belly as 'Chicharito' almost as soon we learned she was pregnant. And make no mistake, I know it's an indulgence! Hernandez had only played a few games for United at the time. His reputation has grown in direct relation to the size of her belly, it would seem. But I'm drawn to consider the way men, if they're lucky, as I am, are indulged in the simplest yet most meaningful of ways by their partner...

(No sleeping pregnant women were compromised in the making of this photo)