we're going to be thankful, darnit.

It is the Friday after Thanksgiving and we are spending a precious day of vacation time learning what it means to take care of an apparently sick baby. Ally has a slight fever, runny nose, and an unpleasant mood... she won't even crack a smile for her favorite tune, The Hoppity Song. She is also teething, of course, with her first two teeth slowly rising from her bottom gums. We aren't quite sure what to do with her, though as long as we are standing and holding her she is moderately content, and some baby tylenol seems to have sent her to dreamland for now. Thus far we have consoled ourselves with slices of amazing cake from Caroline's Cakes in Annapolis. Ah, I should also mention that we are the proud owners of a new hot water heater. I could do one of those American Express thingys (e.g. plumber's visit, $29, hot water heater, $449, first hot shower in a few days: priceless) but they're a bit overdone, don't you think? Nevertheless she was as jolly as can be yesterday for her first Thanksgiving, so we should take a moment to remember things for which we are thankful this year. Here are Rob's top five: 1. Beth (yea! I'm number one!), 2. Ally, of course, 3. our healthy family (current snottiness overlooked), 4. good friends, and 5. a nice home with a new water heater. And here are my top five: 1. A strong, happy marriage to my rockin' husband, 2. a healthy and generally happy baby girl, 3. family and friends who help us through the rough patches and celebrate the smooth ones, 4. a profession and job I enjoy, and 5. cannolis. Or maybe tiramisu.