Record Setting Sled Run

We decided to try out our other hill for sledding today, with surprising results. The snow was just the right consistency for getting long sled runs with the saucer. Jeff was able to sled all the way down the hill and then continue on down into the drainage basin. He usually ended up in the actual concrete drainage ditch at the bottom, but in this recording, he biffed it before he got there.

I even went down the hill a couple of times myself. Have you ever seen a 9+ months pregnant lady sledding before? I'm sure it's hilarious. Jeff was a little concerned that I was doing this in my "delicate condition", but really, what's the worst that could have happened? I could have gone into labor?

This is the Recipe for a Long Life?

Region's oldest person, 110, dies

• Don't drink
• Don't eat chocolate
• Don't eat hamburgers
• Don't have kids
• Work until you're 70
• Live 50 years as a widow after your husband dies
  

This sure doesn't sound like a fun way to spend 110 years. No drinking and no chocolate? You've got to be kidding! I'd rather have 60 years full of martinis and Current's triple chocolate cake than 110 years without it. (I guess it's possible the old lady didn't necessarily like chocolate or alcohol, but then that just wouldn't make any sense.)

I can see working until you're 70 if you really enjoy your job. But come on, who enjoys working THAT much? Jeff and I are already planning ahead to when we can stop working for good someday.

And then, thinking about spending 50 years of my life without Jeff (or any other male companionship), and my whole life without Rowan (and soon, Tiberia)? Well, that's just downright depressing.

With my attitude, I guess I won't live to see 100, much less 110. But I'll have a lot more fun doing it.

Baby on the Loose

Rowan's recently had a nasty bout of diaper rash, so we've been having twice-daily sessions of "Naked Baby on the Loose" to try to help combat it. We always played this game after bathtime, but now it's gained even greater popularity, since it usually happens after every poopy diaper change. It is by far one of Rowan's favorite activities of the day, and he asks to do it often during the day, saying "Baby?", then gets upset when we say no.

In addition helping dry out the diaper-rash affected area, the benefits include non-stop fun for Rowan, exercise for Rowan, exercise for Mommy, and utilization of the downstairs floorplan as a racetrack.

I insisted that he keep his socks on, by the way, so his feet wouldn't get cold. Sometimes we're able to convince him to keep his t-shirt on, too, but not on the day this was recorded.

40 Weeks Old

Despite initial indications of an early birth, we've made it all the way to Tiberia's official due date. I'm happy with this for several reasons: there's been more time to mentally prepare for the arrival, Tiberia's had more time to develop into a healthy baby, and Rowan's had more time to make fart noises on Angela's belly. Angela on the other hand wants Tiberia out NOW! It appears that the expectation of the early arrival has made it seem like we've been waiting on her for a long time. It won't be long now though, the birth will be sometime this week, even if she needs to be induced. We'll find out at Monday's appointment what the date might be.

Testies Audio File of the Week

I like to think I'm somewhat of an audio snob when it comes to music. In general, my appreciation for music is inversely proportional to how well known they are. So, here's a song that maybe you guys will like, that mixes the eclectic with the common.

Christmas Kitty

Here is Colonel Longstockings, he of the big kitty eyes, looking suitably festive on a December evening.

Kitties Take Over the Brown Household

Here are a couple of photos of my kitty cat uncles from Friday. While I was working, they decided to come up and keep me company in my office, and also get a birds' eye view of the cul de sac from the window. They look a lot like me during the work day, keeping a watchful eye on my neighbors and looking out for gossip.