This story starts back in Paris, if the truth be known. You can look back at that and other photo essays to set the current one in context.

After the second prenatal scan, today, we feel a bit better about going public. We both found ourselves relieved when we saw the heartbeat flicker, and then astounded when the technician adjusted the ultrasound probe to reveal all four chambers of the little heart, pumping away.

Six of thirty photos in this essay are of the person we refer to as "Little E." The rest testify to the delightfully mild fall we've had in Fife this year, and to the fortune we've had in relocating to a new flat (with room for a tiny nursery, of course). There are a few belly shots, too, mostly at SJD's request.

I should let the essay speak for itself. Those who want to know the gender will have to read to the end.

Update (6 Nov): Thanks especially to the many medical professionals among my relatives for not correcting my Latin. I'm obliged to leave the link as it was, having circulated it already to friends and family. In that case, let the term word be German.

Tags: Personal

We finally got around to selecting a few (59) photos from our month in Paris. I've linked them on the photos page, but have decided on using Picasa as our free host. Older photos may be posted again in due course.

Tags: Personal

are finally online. Take a look…

While I'm at it, here's the bunkhouse where we stayed, and here's a map with links to places on the island.

Tags: Personal

Adriel and I took advantage of a long weekend (for her work) and drove to the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Hebrides. We had beautiful weather on the drive out, but the island was storm-beaten for our one full day there. We still ventured out, and got very wet and muddy. Even so, it was clear to us that the island offers dramatic scenery and is ideal for hiking excursions, even perhaps in strong wind and rain if one has the proper gear (we didn't quite).

As a result of the inclement weather, we spent longer than usual reading in the hostel. I read up on the Hebrides, and I now have it in my head that I want to visit the uninhabited Island of St Kilda. Anybody want to come?

Photos of the trip—though probably few and overcast—are soon to come.

Tags: Personal