This is one of the thousand or so pictures that Joel has had this past eight days. It has been a good time, though it has been tiring and odd. Anne's family was here with us last week (her mom all week and her dad and brother some of the week). It was good to have them here, though it feels nice to be a little on our own now. Anne has really taken to the role of mother well. She and Joel are bonding like crazy. I really like this Dad thing too. I cannot say what it feels like or anything like that...but coming home feels really different than it used to. Joel is doing well. He is doing a lot of looking around. We even found an activity that makes him smile (extend arms up while holding Joel, retract arms down (yes, while still holding Joel)). Anne was a bit sick today, but we are otherwise good.

Stuff has been happening really quickly this week. We have been worn out. We have had a lot of visitors. We love the visits and I wouldn't ever say anything else, but there have been a lot. We have gotten gifts upon gifts of clothes and blankets. The dishwasher broke. The RAID 1 array on my computer keeps breaking even though both disks check out well using several good (and OEM) programs. We have a huge church fundraiser to do soon (though Anne is officially on leave, we cannot do it without her). I got a good new computer desk for the basement for $5.26. The kitchen is painted well. I took the tape off on the night Anne went into labor. We are rid of most of the wallpaper. We need to sleep, but Joel is really agitated now (for no reason we can figure out). I guess it is time to turn in anyways. I really miss everyone. I hope you can come by and see Joel! Don't be afraid (though calling first is appreciated)!