As I write this, Erin is done working. She’s on vacation until Jan 1, then on Maternity leave for three months, then Parental leave for nine more. It’s going to be an adjustment for both of us, but we’ve got almost two months until the baby arrives to get settled in a little bit.

Our plans for the holidays are pretty simple this year - tonight, Erin and I are going to spend a quiet night at home, just the two of us (well, I guess the baby will be there too, but he/she isn’t likely to say much :-)) then tomorrow morning, we’re going to my parent’s place to make banana pancakes and lemon sauce. I suspect we’ll be over there on Boxing day as well. Friday, I have to work, and Erin’s Dad is coming into town. Saturday we’re having a bunch of Erin’s family (and their family) over for Christmas dinner.

The hope is that we’ll have a relatively stress free holiday, and be recharged for next year, and all the challenges that await us.

Simpson’s quote of the day: “Dear Santa, if you bring me lots of good stuff, I promise not to do anything bad between now and when I wake up. Amen.” - Bart