My nephew is still the cutest!

But he's getting a new name. Long story short -- my SIL had a very horribly difficult pregancy follwed by a horribly difficult labor (she was overdue, fell going to the doctor, was admitted to be induced, that didn't work and finally had a C section that wasn't easy either nearly 72 hours later, she couldn't eat during that, then a nurse was all pushy about fillingout the birth certificate)... um...maybe that's not such a short story.

Anyway, there was a rushed feeling and now he's name will be changed. Nothing drastic, he's going to be Evander. Which I like, others in the family aren't so sure about. But as mom said "He's the sweetest, most precious being to ever walk this-- breath this air, and whatever we call him doesn't change that."

What was his name before? Poor SIL - what a horrid story.

Hi everyone! I just caught up on 200+ posts. Frisco is asleep, Ellie is playing games on her computer, and Joe is at a work-thing. My brother and family were supposed to arrive tonight but there was some kind of small explosion with smoke and insulation on their plane so they had to make an emergency landing a few minutes after take-off. They are all fine and my brother negotiated first class seats down here and back so it's all good.

So, uh, yo. 'Sup?

Hi Steph. It's been a busy week for us. Wallybee's parents left on Tuesday. It's been good having them around. Wallybee's missing them, of course. We went to my office Christmas party last night. Traffic was demented, we were an hour late, but the restaurant was so slow with dinner that it didn't really matter. I'm generally antisocial enough to dislike the Christmas parties, but this time around I was seated with the rest of my team, so it went better. Work's been busy this week, changes in my reporting structure mean I'm trying to get more active say in some things, but I'm getting some results. Oh, and we had another ultrasound (it's a boy! Wallybee is not yet convinced, she thought it'd be a girl).

I'm sorry your back's causing you trouble again. I hope it resolves itself soon.

Have you checked out a platypus lately?

They're fair game for a comedy skit, but they're actually extremely well adapted to their environment. (My favourite touch is the electroreceptors in their extremely sensitive bill. Echidnas have ém too, they need to keep their nose snotty and wet to get the benefit.) There's a semi-aqatic marsupial in South America (the yapok) with an airtight pouch, but there's not a one in Australia, because the platypus is already outperforming in that niche.

I consider them the ultimate DIS-proof (is that a word?) of "Intelligent Design." Intelligent, my ass.

Check. Backs, evidence against ID. Asses, evidence for.

Yikes, Stephanie. I'm glad everyone is fine.

{{{Kristin, ND, and Zoe}}} So much ~ma.

Good thing: I went to my cousin's today and hung out with her twin baby boys (8 weeks old). They are so cute! I took a picture of them all cocooned and in their carseats. Will upload from phone and show you the cuteness!

ETA: Photographic evidence of twin cuteness! [link]

Stephanie -- it's Evan. Which I think we'll still call him, although Mom is thinking of calling him Van.

Twin cuteness, indeed. Just adorable, and both asleep at the same time. Yes, that is a precious thing too. Something about car seats. When mine were bitty I wanted to create a fake car that vibrated with windows and car seats to trick mine into sleeping.

I don't know what mistake would lead to this effect, but whenever a big rainfall is on the way, my brother's IRELAND tattoo actually *raises up* slightly, like a topographical map.

Holy crap, Tep - how awesome is that? It's like a superpower! ...I mean, grsnted, it's not the kind of superpower that would get you into a big crimefighting gang with your own cape, but still - impressively weird.

Kristin & Drew - wishing you and Zoe all the good vibes I can. I'm so sorry this has happened. Strength-ma to you guys.

And ditto Maria - sorry about the asshats.

On a mememe note, I have now opened my various Christmas pressies from the kids (or rather, their parents, really) - and I'm really touched, and indeed rather humbled. Must be a good teacher! Must merit this generosity!

Well?? What'd ya get? Share the joy! I think the crew could use some.

Blech. I suck at this whole being religious thing. Tonight, I wanted to go to synagogue, but late this afternoon was the only time my advisor could meet with me, so I thought about it and realized that I really needed to meet with him, so I could skip tonight's services and go Saturday morning. Well, advisor didn't meet with me, so that was a bunch of wasted time. And now, I just had to take Flexeril, because I know I won't be able to get to sleep without it, but it'll also knock me out until really late tomorrow morning.

I know that I can get to synagogue if I make it a priority. I'm just not so good at that right now.