BABY!

and speaking of Polish triumphs... WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!

The Wyfe and I are positively thrilled about it - absolutely over the moon. As this is the first granchild for both of our families, the grandparents-to-be are beside themselves as well. As are the terrific future uncles, Chris & Grant.

we know he / she (not going to find out) was conceived Easter weekend and we found out about him / her at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. so we've been calling the larval offspring "Li'l Gator."

due date is January 6th which of course is preceded by Twelfth Night and is, itself, The Epiphany. and the official kickoff to Mardi Gras season. Perfect. A perfect New Orleans baby... And a Polish amphibian. Amphibianski.

I was emailing with our friend Marie yesterday and I noted that given how much The Wyfe & I love costumes, I have to assume Li'l Gator will descend from the womb with a full orchestra, laser light show, several big cats, and sequined jumpsuit...

"Ladies & gentleman! Direct from the amneotic sac to you!! Zygote-ll it on the mountain! Placenta give a warm Starlight Womb welcome to.... LI'L GATOR!!!"

"Thank you, thank you... You're beautiful. Nice to be here. It's a little cold & dry, but hey, let's have some fun..."

"How are you? Where ya from? ... Never heard of it."

"And you? What's with the mask & gloves? Oh, I see. Well, glad you're here Doctor! Next time, maybe a few kind words before all the touchy-feely! Yeesh - I've seen more gentle hands at a boxing match."

"How about you, sir? Really? DAD? Hmm... Not exactly what I pictured, but thanks for coming!"

"Anyway, you guys have been great. Tip your servers. I'll be here for the next 8-10 decades depending on modern medicine & some luck!"

And got a nice note today from childhood friend Marc who pointed out...

"This is a very special time for you. Charity can't drink and thus has to act as your designated driver. Cherish these moments."

So that's nice... A special time indeed.

HOORAY!!