personal update

I have a lot of catching up to do. I've not been able to blog regularly these last couple of months, and I've missed it.
I read a heated debate regarding the Christmas tradition on Q's 'other' blog, Ragged Glory. Q has closed the discussion to further comments, but I want to add seven words: "A Festivus for the Rest of Us!"
Life has not been without its pressures lately. The few of you who read regularly know that Michelle and I, and our daughters Simcha and Havilah, are living with Michelle's parents since late-October. I was unemployed until a week ago, and I have had strong feelings of guilt and shame for not being able to contribute to household expenses since we've moved.
The house seemed huge when we first arrived. Michelle's sister and neice also live in the house though, so there has not been a lot of room. Everyone has been great, but we have all gotten on each others' nerves at times. Sometimes we have felt like invaders in the house. My in-laws are not accustomed to living with small children, and I don't think they knew what they were in for when they agreed to let us stay. It makes me wonder how they managed when Michelle and her siblings were growing up. We have made frequent trips to visit my parents, to give everyone a break. The sooner I get a good-paying job and we can move into our own place, the better.
The job I started Monday is terrific. I feel that I'm learning quickly. I have met a lot of people, and they're all friendly, patient, respectful and professional. No one is distant or unfriendly. I think the average age of my co-workers is around 55, excluding one student intern who is around twenty. Several people have told me that it's a great place to work. I stay busy, time passes quickly, and I do not feel completely drained when it's time to go home. My only regret is that they cannot pay me enough. I will have to keep looking.
And now for the biggest news of all: Michelle is pregnant again. She's about two months along. She told me Wednesday night. I have experienced a wide range of feelings. With embarrasment, I must report that foremost among these has been fear and anger. Why should this happen now? I thought we were being careful! This birth control method SUCKS!!
I'm over all that now, and I'm feeling more and more happy and excited. I really love children. I hope it's a boy this time. We have two names picked out already:
David Adrian - if it's a boy, and
Saadiah Kathleen - if it's a girl.
Either way, I'm getting a vasectomy!!!!