The town crier blogger has been taking it easy this week, well, mostly in the amount of time spent at the computer. No news is indeed good news, though, as Anya and mother continue their recovery from the birthing process.

My Dad flew into town last Tuesday evening and Grandpa Don quickly became the most popular adult in the house. Many games have been played, books read, and children snuggled since his arrival.

We went to a Phoenix Mercury game Friday night, our first time watching professional basketball in person. The Mercury beat the Houston Comets 111-85, setting a franchise record for highest scoring game. It was exciting to see the players in action, especially those we interacted with at the field trip on Monday. Kelly Schumacher taught one of the clinics and Cappie Pondexter picked up Elena for the group photo and danced with her afterwards. (Pictures of our time at USAirways Center will be in the next album)

Another memorable occasion happened on a trip to Tucson this weekend–we visited the final earthly resting place of my Great-Grandfather Joseph Allen at St. Philip’s of the Hills. There are two areas of the Columbarium–an outdoor garden with niches in the walls and an interior vault. His urn was located inside the church’s sanctuary in a vault behind the altar, and the rector & altar guild were kind enough to let us go in between their services without having a prior appointment. It was nice to have the chance on Memorial Day weekend. (I blogged about my Great Grandfather last November)

Anya’s hospital pictures are finally up–thank you customer service!

I’ll be sorting through the pictures and compiling an album the next time I sit at the computer for more than a few minutes.

Oh what a story we have to tell, filled with stress and joy.

For now, we will let some pictures do the talking…

It’s nearly show time. 

Anya Kiara

17 May 2007

6lbs 12oz

 A delightful smile maker

 A father’s love

Teamwork…

We made it to my mini-goal of staying pregnant beyond ISU finals week–yay! 

Before a weekend of some intense contrax, I was dilated 3cm. If history repeats I won’t progress past a 5/6 until an amniotomy happens (Richard says I make sacs of steel). I haven’t maintained that pattern of 5 minutes for an hour that would suggest we go to the hospital yet…

Because the next few days are quite busy for Richard, his desire is that the baby waits until later in the week to step up her escape plan. Thankfully they are all busy days here in the valley, as other colleagues are stepping in for out of town assignments this month.

Our week at a glance: 

Today’s a normal day of housework, homework, and maybe an errand or two.

Tuesday evening we have Brownie scouts. 

I return to the OB on Wednesday morning. Wednesday evening is cub scouts.

Thursday is our end of the year party for the homeschool group at Makutu’s Island.

Friday is our end of the year swim party/Heritage Day for the LDS homeschool group.

Hey baby, maybe we can pencil you in on Friday night?

Berkeley Breathed was on the Diane Rehm show this week. Listen to the interview here, talking about his new book as well as his career as an author and cartoonist.

This week she lost her first baby tooth!

The one to the right is going to fall out any day now. The adult teeth are on their way in on the bottom.

The whole tooth and nothing but the tooth….

Ephraim has added a singular “die” to use for “hi” and has started calling Duncan “Duhduh”.  Gotta love the small steps!