So, Patty & I put together our baby stroller last night.  So much swearing…so many tourniquets.  OK, it wasn’t really that difficult.  Since this wasn’t a plumbing project, I decided to actually follow the non-French instructions and not rely so much on towels, wide-eyed horror and blind rage.  Believe it or not, the stroller looks great and is sturdy as All Get-Out.  (“All Get-Out” is the name of that ladder I built last year out of popsicle sticks and bungee cords.) 

(Patty suggested I actually include something informative in this post, so I will tell you that the stroller we bought is a Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel system.  We found it on Amazon for a reasonable price and it has received great reviews.  I can only assume that it’s Brangelina-Approved.)

Patty & I also felt the baby move for the first time.  Unbelievable.  Now, if I were a great writer, I would tell you what a profoundly life-changing experience that was and how I have never felt so fortunate to be married to such an amazing woman.  I would also mention that I am humbled and excited by what the future will bring.  Alas, I’m not a great writer, so I’ll simply tell you that it was “really swell.”  Patty said it felt like butterflies, but I thought it felt more like Jiffy-Pop popcorn;  I’m not allowed to say stuff anymore.  Patty also seems to be enjoying herself more now that the morning sickness has passed.  Seriously, the first trimester was little rough for her, what with all the non-Jagermeister-related vomiting, and all. 

In other Calendarical news, today is the last day of the year (and possibly the decade, depending on how you look at it.)  I can’t lie, but 2009 has been one of those years that I’m not sorry to see go.  Too many things went wrong for me to fondly look back on it without some serious muttering and creative hand gestures.  OK, Vegas was cool, but that was it!  With a baby on the way, 2010 will see a lot of big changes for me and Patty, but honestly, I can’t wait.

Happy New Year!