I’m really excited about the Christmas season this year, although I know it is still over Josie’s head. Holidays are more fun when seen through the eyes of a baby. There are already wrapped gifts in the house, and Josie has taken to pointing at them and saying one of her few real words- "wow!" It’s pretty cool to see Christmas again this way. Wow!

The transition of having a new partner has been rather hard on me. I suppose this last year I have been doing what I always do, survive until an event I have determined will make things better. And like every previous time I have done this the transition has been rough. Things are still busy and tiring, and aren’t magically perfect- and why this surprises me I have no idea. I’m a dork. It will get better, it will just take time. My work angst may also be related to the fact that I am yet again passing a kidney stone. The shot of anti-inflammatory pain medicine that enables me to continue to see patients is large enough that it has to be given in the butt- so for you keeping track at home, that is now four needles that have been inserted into my posterior in the past week. Between this, and the months I spent using a breast pump in the semi-privacy of an office without a locking door, I don’t think there is anyone I work with who has not seen me in a state of undress.