Shocked to see a football reference on a Mommy blog? Well, hell has frozen over, you see, and the SAINTS ARE IN THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!

In case you need to identify a Saints fan this coming Sunday, here are some tips (stolen from a great article in the Times Picayune):

1. Beer. We love our beer and in case you’re planning a Super Bowl party I have one piece of advice. More beer. New Orleans folks are beer drinkers and have just discovered that beer tastes even better when you’re winning! Or losing. So, you see, you’ll need more beer. Lots.

2. It’s Mardi Gras time in New Orleans so even if you’re not in New Orleans this Sunday you might get pelted with some beads. Don’t take offense. It’s just our way of saying “hi!” Best to play along.

3. Ear protection. Saints fans are loud. REALLY LOUD. By our very nature we’re loud because, well, we’re drunk. So imagine how loud we’ll be when we’re winning (see #1).

4. Hugs and tears. You might get a big ole bear hug…because, well, you see, we’re a winning team and we’re (most likely, I hope) going to win the Super Bowl and remember what I said about winning? It all leads to beer. So, get ready for the hugs. And then the tears. Tears if we win, tears if we lose. It’s all the same.

Just a short primer on this Sunday and a key to understanding your Saints fan friends from a native New Orleans girl who was there when we were the “Aints” and there when we got a shot at the big time. (Though, to be honest I’ve been a fair weather fan in between). Not now! Now I’m part of the WHO DAT NATION!!!!!

Ok, enough football – time to change a diaper.