Happy Birthday, Annika!

The past few days have been pretty wild, culminating with the birth of Annika Joyce Meyer, Chrissy (Seth's sister) and Jens's healthy little girl. Chrissy called us Wednesday morning to let us know that she was going into early labor and that she could have the baby within the next 48 hours. Jens took her to the birth center in Cambridge, and Seth and I were to watch Erik (well, actually we picked up Erik from school and took him to Sandra's house so he could play with his friend, Basco). In the evening we picked him up from Sandra's and went back to their apartment in Brighton. Chrissy's labor was progressing very slowly so they sent her home and we all spent the night at their place.

Yesterday morning she and Jens went back to the birth center (this time for certain), and we took Erik to school. He goes to a really cute private German school in Allston, so it was pretty interesting to check it out and be within close proximity to the strange world of parenting. A rather foreign aspect of life.

In the early afternoon we were informed that Annika was born and thankfully she and Chrissy were doing well. We picked up Erik and met the trio at the birth center to say hello to the little girl. Despite the long lead-up, everything went so well that by 8pm or so--after a few last check-ups--everyone was allowed to go home. Seth and I didn't realize they sent people home that soon after birth. Now for the real action to begin!

Welcome, Annika!

Annika Joyce Meyer, born 25 March, 2010

First Day of Summer!

Happy First Day of Summer! Well, actually it is the first day of Spring, but you wouldn't guess that by the 60 and 70 degree weather we have had around here this past week. What happened to the 40s, 50s, and even low 60s? Hmm... Either way, it is nice to have some sun and pleasant weather, though I hope it doesn't get too hot too soon!

On Wednesday I gave my first presentation in Italian. It was a 5min talk on Ferrara and very nerve wracking, but good to do. The next day the Hayes lab had our first outing. We went as far as the campus track to play Bocce and have some pizza (yes, we research lipids/fats, and we ordered pizza--though most of them were vegetarian, if that makes it any better).

As a testament to mass media, I probably shouldn't have been so surprised when everyone asked "what's Bocce?", only to hear "oh, it's like curling," with a reply of "oh, that will be fun!" Ok, so even at the Turin Olympics nobody knew about curling, and those who did only made fun of it. When did curling become so hip? And why has no one ever heard of Bocce?

The games didn't last much longer once the pizza arrived. It was quite a line-up!

I love how Dr. Hayes wore his lab coat.

Yulia, Tegan, and Chiaki, chowing down.

Time to get ready to go see the Boston Symphony Orchestra! Should be a great night to be out :o)

Spring

Spring make an appearance this weekend with lots of sun and temps in the mid-50s. There hasn't been a spot of snow in several weeks, so tomorrow Seth gets to trade in his torn up 'snow' shoes for a shiny new pair of Asics.

The damage running in snow can do to thin little road shoes.

Over the weekend I made stuffed mushrooms. I don't even really like mushrooms, but they were on sale and Seth loves them, so I couldn't resist trying to make something out of this food group. I combined several recipes for this one, and I think they turned out pretty good. The chapati (background) didn't really go with them.

On Sunday I got to see Bo for lunch in Harvard Sq. It's so great to be able to just hop on the Brandeis bus and visit with her, AND eat some great Tex-Mex! (The photo is misleading--neither of us had Corona with the meal).