I'm Darrell. And this is my other brother Darrell.

Does anyone remember that? It was on the Bob Newhart show a very long time ago. While all of you cool kids were watching "Dukes of Hazzard" I was apparently soaking in the gentle humor and quirky inhabitants of a Vermont bed and breakfast. Anyway, Harper has decided that the new baby should be named Harper Anne. I explained to her that we really like this name. That, in fact, we like it so very much that we gave it to her when she was born. At first she didn't really see why she and the baby couldn't share the name, then she conceded that it might get a tad confusing. Her solution? She will give 'Harper Anne' to the baby and she herself will take on a new name. And that name will be LIGHTNING. Lightning has also decided that she is going to be a mother. My mom had picked her up and commented that she felt heavier than last time. "It's because I have a puppy in my tummy," she replied casually. "And in a little while he is going to POP right out." She also shared her happy news with a complete stranger a few minutes later as we petted his little dog, whom, I think it's safe to assume, did not pop out of the tummy of a 3 year old named Lightning.

The kids and I have been at my parents' house for a week and it was so relaxing right up until a stomach virus set its course through, in order: my dad, my mom, Hudson, and me. The virulent little bug had already wreaked its havoc on my brother and his entire family the week before. Lightning remains unscathed. Here's a duck that really looks more like a penguin that she drew on the patio while she was waiting patiently for everyone to stop throwing up:
I tried to convince her that it was really more of a penguin but she was adamant that it was a duck. Yes, she is wearing mismatched pj's. Yes, she wore them for the entire day. No, I do not know how to interpret the hieroglyphic just under the penguinduck's beak.

It's funny because I really thought I wasn't going to get the virus. Because I had been fine all week. Then around 4 hours before the husband was due to show up and take me to my 20 year high school reunion, I had that little funny feeling of imminent reverse peristalsis. Not one to let a little vomit stand in my way of a fantastic party, we still went. My sweet friend Shelley, who has been my sweet friend since we were around 4, sat next to me most of the night to keep me company, even though her husband Mitchell treated me as though I had active TB. He kept the husband well entertained at a safe distance. The husband kept himself entertained by telling everyone within earshot that he was 12 when we graduated. He also told at least one person that we had met when I had been his babysitter. Every time I stood up for more than a few seconds I'd feel the need to swoon, but it was still a really good time. Even if I do go down as the Typhoid Mary of the PN-G Class of 1988 Reunion, it was so worth it. Here we are. You'll notice I'm a little peaked around the eyes. You'll also notice that I'm a little more pregnant. Almost 7 months worth.