It's true. I'm going to be a dad - again. I couldn't be any happier, but man oh man, talk about just throwing caution to the wind! I'm leaving corporate america (way overdue), I'm selling my house, I'm moving to a whole new country, I'm getting married, and - now - I'm going to be a father! Whew! Someone pass the heart pills! I wanted a change (as I listen to Blind Melon's Change on my iPod), but wow - this is just - out there.

A little back story for you. Some of you may think, "hmm, guess Ali's dad got the shotgun out on this one" - well, it was close, but I beat him to it. I had the ring all picked out and paid for, and I arranged for Alison to come to Chicago for the weekend. As it turned out, about a week before she was to arrive, she called to say, "Uh, how do you feel about being a dad again?". Shocker!!

I was thrilled. She was thrilled. She flew to Chicago in the snow storm. I asked her to marry me. We drank apple juice and celebrated! Crazy, huh?

I am excited. It was a little strange telling my eldest the other night while she was at my house - but - she just said, "cool, dad - I want a brother". Kids.

Things are just plain coming around for me. It's a bit much if I stop and think about it all, but I'm ecstatic. There's so much to do. So many miles to travel, and who knows what life will bring along the way. The good thing is - after forty-some years - I've learned to take it all in stride. Thank God.

So there you have it. Baby Traces is on her/his way. I'm on my way north. Who knows what will happen from there. You'll be second to find out. Thanks for tuning in!

I have always loved these lyrics. Each time I listen to them, I think of my own daughters - while I was on the road - away from them for much too long. I'll be much closer this time around.

Annabella's Song

I See you roll your eyes
You know it makes me smile
You are like the sun to me
Bright as liquid fire
I feel so powerless
Hold you up above the world
You are quite a lot of trouble
Such a pretty little girl
... such a pretty little girl

I know I'm never home
I'm always miles and miles away
I feel I'm runnin' out of time
Say the things I need to say
Call you on the phone
You will not talk to me
Yeah you just don't understand
You are my everything

Anna, Anna
Tell me what you want
Tell me what you need
Anna, Anna
You are never alone...
You are never alone.

yeah, yeah, yeah
yeah, yeah, yeah
yeah, yeah, yeah

I like to watch you play
When you don't know I'm there
See you in your sleep at night
Reach out and touch your hair
I wanna make this world
Be just how you want it to be
Yeah you just don't understand
You are everything to me -Everclear

Listening to: Annabella's Song - Everclear

Favorite Ultrasound