For those of you who know me well, October 15th is the last and biggest tax deadline of the year. By this date, I have been working in 5th gear since around July (if not earlier). This year, with the new High Intensity Baby Program added to the mix, I started the fall tax season before she was even born (and thank goodness for that). I would like to say that it’s time to raise a glass of champagne to celebrate the completion of this auspicious deadline, but frankly… my arm’s too tired to lift the glass. Whoever said that babies are the great equalizers are SO RIGHT. Even a distinctly non-passive, hyper-productive person like myself needs sleep and a good book. And a facial. I am frankly wiped out.

On the upside, this deadline was achieved without sacrificing that all-precious time with Sophie. I managed to jam in high-velocity tax work while she was a) sleeping, b) on a 3+ hour walk with Brigitte, or c) out with Soenke doing house stuff. It worked marvelously for her - she has been entertained and stimulated with a high degree of diversity; but perhaps after all that I myself could use a vacation. After the last FedEx package went out on Thursday, I ventured out to the mall ALONE for a few fall wardrobe items and the gals at Starbucks looked at me surprised, saying “Was denn? ohne Baby, ohne Mann?!” (What? No baby, no husband?!). With bleary eyes, I simply replied “2 hours of freedom. Need caramal macchiato. Fast.”

So much for weekend jaunts to Budapest. Now, I just beg Soenke for a nap and a shoulder rub.

The good news is, who needs a jaunt to Budapest when you can jaunt right on over to HAWAII !!!!!!!!! And so, after we move into our new digs on October 22nd (oh no, I really have to PACK?!), 2 weeks later we take to the friendly skies again en route to LA for a few weeks of smoothies, fish tacos, family and sunshine. November 19th we soar onward to the island of Kauai, where on November 25th we will Tie The Knot. This whole experience will involve luaus, macademia nut pancakes, fruity drinks by the pool, hidden waterfalls, and perhaps a rented minivan to lug all of Sophie’s stuff around. Happily, we will be surrounded by 18 of our beloved friends and family who are willing to make the daunting trek to the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a trip of a lifetime and I look forward to every aloha minute.

In the meantime, here is the latest riveting home video of the Sophster. If you’re not her grandma, then you probably won’t be too blown away, but this is all I got at the moment…