There's more to the first trimester than throwing up in the parking lot of the gym. There are nap attacks. Suddenly I feel a bit sleepy, and I think to myself, "I'll just set my head down for a minute." Then I wake up from a drooling, snoring, time warp of a deep sleep. It is a kind of sleepiness that defies discipline of mind, or will power. It takes over and commands limbs to succumb to gravity.

Fortunately, the children aren't prone to wandering or starting fires, so when a spontaneous nap comes on I can more or less be assured that they are safe. They play chess or work on writing computer games. They practice drawing, make grilled cheese sandwiches, finish math homework, and read BIONICLE comics.

All their classes are going well, even karate, which is a challenging program. They're good boys, and learning good things. William and Alex and I play "Name the Baby," where we suggest the best of the worst possible choices. Our latest thoughts are Christmas themed, like: Ebeneezer, or (Tiny) Tim. A girl might be named Strawberry Shortcake, or Barbie. So far, Max's only remark about the baby regards his concern that the baby will get in to his stuff. "The baby might get in to my stuff, " he says in a heavy tone. He's right of course.

Speaking of "stuff," Geoff finally found a car for sale that meets his standards. Four wheel drive, and convertible, that seats more than five:

My precious. My Big Mac. Not only did my husband come home, but so did our shiny new iMac, with shiny new key board and honking big screen. It's lovely. Delightful. It's faster and cleaner, and best of all, it won't crash. I don't know whether this falls under the heading of Simple Pleasures, but it is a pleasure. And having Geoff home, it doesn't have to go without saying, that this is an even greater pleasure.

Last night I was propped up in bed and listening to Geoff tell about Laura and Gary's wedding, and while he shared family news I got to use our camera and scroll through all the pictures he took. More pleasure. I enjoyed hearing about Grandma's quilt and the snow that fell on Sunday. He described the good food served at the reception, and Emily's beautiful new baby, and the new baby Gabe and Betsy are expecting. I wish I had been there to hear Sophia at the piano and Kayla playing the flute, and to hear Kristen singing. And in a minute I will download the photos Phil took, as well as the music that Laura and Gary chose to share on a disc...

Not because it's interesting, but because it is at the forefront of my existance: I am throwing up a lot. And I just learned that the laundry room sink can't take what I bring up. I'll spare you the details. Just kidding...I think I should document ALL the details. A very good update came today: The baby is on target for the due date. At our last appointment things were not looking too favorable in terms of the embryo's size, and from past experience we found the news very upsetting. Now everything is looking good, and this gives me some emotional strength.

So, while I'm not in utter barf mode, I will be looking at new photos and dreaming up new iMovies...