Celebrating the warm weather with a sunny slide at the park

Who's that baby in the mirror?

Da Happs

Well, I am still alive. I know I've been gone a while...I hoped you missed me as much as I missed you. Things are well and currently everyone is healthy. The dog has been a good girlie and has been "holding her water" reliably. We even let her spend the night in the bedroom sometimes! Annabelle is doing well and continues to progress rapidly. She just had her 18mo checkup and it was a real eye-opener to see how fast the average child develops compared with our precious girl. They are saying, on average, 6-10 words and just starting to put two words together. Annabelle knows over 100 words and is forming clear phrases. Annabelle's rate of learning is truly impressive. At the pediatrician's office, I read a sheet with detailed questions about developmental concerns that parents may have and it was reassuring to have none in common. I was saddened to think of how it would be for a parent to have any of the concerns noted. It really made me appreciate how amazingly fortunate we truly are to have our little one. Enough gushing, time for a brief update. Wifey has been cooking up a storm and I have been reaping the benefits. I am glad we like to eat, because I love to cook with my Wifey! We have been cooking more recently and it is fantastic. I can't imagine being one of those people who doesn't like to cook. I can't imagine a more completely rewarding activity than creating a delicious meal with people you care about, for people you care about. One minute it's just groceries in the fridge and the next it's a high quality entree ready to see, smell, taste, and feel. FANTASTIC! Another rewarding activity has begun paying dividends this week. My indoor soccer team snapped a five game losing streak this week by defeating our opponents 10-2. This was made even better because I managed to score my first offensive goal in the last 15 or so years. Earlier in the season I committed an own goal in a devastating match that we lost 11-3. Fortunately, I scored goal number 11 for them at the very end of the game, so I escaped culpability in the loss. This weeks strike should help equalize my prior indiscretion, although a couple teammates said I still had to score two more to be balanced out. Oh well. It felt great to finally get one in--maybe my days of strictly defensive soccer are over. The beautiful part is that I carried it from my third to their goalie and drove it in between his legs! I don't know who's expression was more incredulous, mine or his. What a rush, my heart is racing just typing that. I can't wait to play again next week! I have given some thought to playing outdoor this year, but have yet to find a team. I used to favor outdoor soccer, but I am beginning to think indoor is more exciting because of the fast pace and high scoring. Plus you get to play in climate control, which is always nice. Hopefully I'll find a way to play both this year. Time to stretch out these sore muscles, have a great evening and God Bless America!