We've had many adventures since I last posted, including many trips to lovely parks with Heather's dad. 

Heather & me in Potsdam:

Claire riding her bike at Britzer Garten:

The three kids scrambling together:

Grandpa & his granddaughters:

And then yesterday we had a birthday celebration. Besides cards, gifts, and phone calls from home (starting at 6:00AM!), Heather also worked hard to make it a special day for me. She asked me earlier about my favorite foods and e-mailed Heidi to ask for a recipe for Dutch Babies, which we had for breakfast with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and blueberries. The pan was licked clean! Heather's dad sweetly volunteered to watch the kids so Heather and I could have a day downtown. We rode the S-Bahn and went to church at the Berliner Dom (beautiful church building, not such an inspirational service). Then we walked to a nearby flea market and examined the wares: jewelry, art, handmade things, touristy trinkets. It reminded me a little of the stalls at Pike Place. Then we had lunch at a little cafe off of Gendarmenmarkt, a beautiful square in the city.

We rode the train home, and had a couple of quiet afternoon hours. Heather made Asian grilled chicken with peanut sauce, served with orzo salad and veggies.

Then Heather brought out the cake (which the girls had been long awaiting), and after singing and blowing out candles, we all enjoyed a slice or two. I opened gifts I'd been storing up in my room as they came in the mail.

Heather gave me an orchid for my room and a ticket to a concert next Sunday evening. She and I are going with a friend of hers and another girl; her dad will still be here to watch the kids. I felt exceedingly blessed by all those who went out of their way to make it a special day!

And, to close, two stories from my friends Claire and Lilah:
Claire and I were counting the candles on my birthday cake. There were seven, and I said, "Do you know how many people are in my family?" She started pointing around the table at her sister, brother, and mommy and counting. She also told me recently, "You didn't use to have kids, but you have kids now!" 

"What are we having for dinner?" asked Lilah this afternoon. "Proby mac 'n' cheese, I fink so." Of course, Lilah, just like whenever you ask what time it is, you always correct us and say, "It's firty-eight-nine-o'clock."