No baby yet, although there was a false alarm last night. The past week has been slow and steady, full and simple, very refreshing to my mind and spirit. The kids are great, and I have plenty of time for reading... this morning, we lay on the big bed in front of the air-conditioner, listening to Beatrix Potter audio books. A tiny stuffed animal dog ran all over my head and arms. Then we sat at the kitchen table and I drew homemade Rosie Flo pages for the kids to color.

We mostly stay inside the apartment--the weather is hot! (Did I mention that before?) But we did play on the playground one day, and go to church on Sunday, returning home sticky messes. We also spent an afternoon at an air-conditioned mall, window shopping and sighing contentedly as we stood beside an indoor ice rink.

Pray that the baby comes soon--my return ticket is purchased for 2 September. Less than three weeks and I'll leave Europe for the first time in five months. Surreal.