James and Claire

We were awoken this morning at 5:00 AM by Karen (Christy's mom) who knocked on the door and informed us that she was going to use the bathroom. While we are pleased that she felt comfortable enough to avoid going to the lobby for this activity, we are wondering what thought pattern led to her announcing this news to three sleeping people. We are hopeful that my sister Lauren, who arrives tomorrow night, will be the first guest to handle the whole night-time bathroom situation correctly.

Karen redeemed herself when Nicholas woke up at 7:30...she brought him out to the living room and fed him breakfast while we slept in a bit.

We told Karen how low-maintenance and entertaining my mother was as a guest. This brought out the competitive side in her. She started riding the elevators just hoping something would happen. She tried to go along with everything. At one point, I looked over and saw her sitting happily on the couch, with sweat pouring out of her. I offered to lower the temperature, but she insisted that our comfort was of paramount importance and she, after all, was just a guest. But ultimately, like any good mother-in-law, her true opinions began to surface.

When we woke up, she criticized our choice of breakfast cereals. I guess we got we a little reckless the night before when we picked out Cheerios, which apparently are too sugary for her taste. And the temperature in the suite was too hot after all. And there was a pen in her mattress...a pen obviously planted by my mother (it was a pen from a particular dentist's office). And where was the Diet Coke? And why did you leave the kitchen light on when you went to bed last night? (So you did not trip on your way to waking us up at 5:00)...

Is there any wonder where my wife, son, and dogs get their 'low-maintenance' tendencies? I can only hope that the two new babies are more like me.

Christy, Karen, and Nicholas headed out to Zilker Park in the morning while I stayed behind to get some work done. Zilker Park is a park built around a natural hot spring and is home to the Zilker Zephyr, which is a tiny train that rides along the shores of the river. They have a huge playground and all sorts of kid activities. There is photographic evidence of the fun that was had by all, but I cannot speak to it as I was not there.

At 11:45, they dropped Nicholas off with me while they went to the hospital. I fed Nicholas lunch and then put him down for his nap. I got another two solid hours of work in while he slept. As he woke up, I got a call from Christy and Karen, who were enjoying a late lunch at the Upper Crust. Once they returned, I continued working and they played with Mr. Potato Head.

Once I was done for the day, we started the most important discussion of the day...what's for dinner. We decided to go healthy(er) tonight. The Fish City Grille. I had a fish, which I am told I need to start eating more of. Nicholas ate well once we convinced him that quesadillas were pizza with crust on both sides.

I can't tell you how nice it is to have Nicholas back with us again. He just makes everything more fun. He is enjoying his Texas vacation and can't wait to meet his brother and sister.

Christy and I went to the hospital for the evening visit. James was as wide awake and alert as we have seen him. I am not sure how this sounds, but tonight was the first time he looked like a real baby to me. Little Claire is still working out some breathing issues. She is coming along a little slower than James is.

When we got back to the hotel, Christy and I realized that we had forgotten the room key. So we knocked gently at the door. At first, there was nothing. But just as Christy raised her hand to knock again...I heard what can only be described as 'grunting'. I grabbed Christy's hand and said 'Wait, I heard a grunt. I think she's moving.' A few seconds later, a tired Mamaw answered the door. When asked about the grunting, a denial was issued.

I want everyone to know that my wife is here with me as I am writing tonight. It is with her permission (and urging) that I am slandering my dear mother-in-law. We are picking on her because today was pretty boring (from a blog perspective). We love her to death and are glad she is here.