Natalia: It’s been a year now since you finally convinced me that we should merge our blogs, and what a good move that was.

Luis: I hate to tell you I told you so… but… well… I told you so.

Natalia: …Anyway, Happy Blogiversary!

Luis: To kick off Blogiversary Week, we’re unveiling the fruits of our (my) hard labor in updating the look of the blog and the new Mr. & Mrs. Mertinso characters (above).

Natalia: He’s been spending lots of time in the computer room, working his little fingers to the bone.

Luis: I imagine most will miss the old overtly cartoony faces (heck, I do), but over time, you all will grow to like the new drawings. I’ve used the old face since 2004, and figured it’s time for a major overhaul.

Natalia: I think it’s cute how you made sure highlight my button nose.

Luis: How could I not?! It’s adorable! Throughout the week we (I) will be implementing other minor updates and functionality changes.

Natalia: Is your head really that much bigger than mine?

Luis: Actually, I think I was quite generous in making my head SMALLER than it is in real life. Thanks for drawing attention to it…