Uh Oh. Happened?!

Since last time...

Lisa has officially carried this baby girl longer than she carried E, though there are signs of the birth coming early (including her doc telling her that this week). But you never know and since we've mentally prepared for this baby to come soon, it'll likely be after the due date just to keep us on our toes.

We sure had a "wow, nice," time with Nana and Papa, though we had to say, "Bye. See ya," (as E now blurts out all of the time) to them early last week.  They won't be gone for long, seeing as they have their bags packed and are ready to come back here the instant their new grandkiddo arrives. A far cry from last time, when they were caught as unaware as we were...and were in the Bahamas when E was born. I didn't even have a phone number to track them down! This time they are ready.

This past weekend we had a wonderful time packed full of family get togethers--even more than usual for us). On Friday, we celebrated a late...a very, very late...Xmas dinner with Anutie Janis. The food was great and the conversation even better. Saturday morning was spent doing stuff around the house (made waffles!) and yard (watered and weeded). That evening we had a huge dinner over at Oma & Opa's house to celebrate the arrival of Cousin Graham for his business trip. Sunday morning we all got together for a late breakfast after church, then had snacks/wine up at Picchetti Winery while droves of kids--some in our group, most not--ran around the beautiful lawn on the beautiful day. Then for an early dinner at Aunt Dasha / Uncle Mark's...see what I mean about constant eating?

While Lisa and I worked on Monday, Opa, Cousin Graham, Uncle Mark, and cousin Haley went to the Monterey Bay Aqurium (or, "fish museum," as E calls it) and from the pics, had a fantastic time. I was so jealous. It made Monday all that much harder. The rest of the week has been business as usual, though there's that edge of when will the baby come?! at all times.

As for new things that E's doing, my favorites are tied. First, he's gotten very good at saying, "Dee Doo, Da-Dee," (translation: Thank you, Daddy) when I hand him something. Melts my heart with pride every time. The second thing I don't know exactly where he picked up, but it makes me laugh. If he drops something or hears someone drop something in the next room, he'll say, "Uh oh. Happened?!"

Until next we speak next...

(and will that be to--possibly, maybe--announce The New Ballou 2.0 has come to the world??!)