I'm training up substitutes to prepare for my maternity leave. You might see more of Maia (surprisingly easy to train despite the lack of opposable thumbs and a setting other than "ridiculously enthusiastic"), Ryan, and Daniel on the end of articles to set up the forums.

We hit a bump in the road (not the bump in my belly) with the banners this week. Oops! Code is tricky to teach to a Labrador retriever.

I hope to finish strong and take a significant break when wee bebe arrives, but I've got a good month yet. You can't get rid of me that easily! I'll just be more behind the scenes.

Thanks for the concern all!
Addie

Well I'm glad you'll still be around Addie. I know Maia is awesome but I like that "human touch" when I deal with BPL:) And the little touches of humor you add to "Staff Picks" and other things.

Whenever I've submitted an article to BPL Addie has been amazing to work with.

Looking forward to some cute baby pics when the time comes! I pray that all goes well for you! Enjoy that maternity leave for as long as you can!

I can see that communication with Maia via the telephone might have its shortcomings! Nothing but "woof" from the BPL end!

Oh no! Addie's gone missing! See if you can find her! (I knew I shouldn't have had that second scotch....)

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I just couldn't help it....

I bow to your superior photoshopping skills! I am not worthy! I am not worthy! ;-) (fricking hee-larious!)

You guys are awesome.

But the belly isn't nearly big enough. I've become rather roly-poly-oly!

So... I've been taking my maternity leave very seriously, and this is my first time back on BPL, but it's about time I made my announcement (other than a Twitpic posted by @bigskyry, I don't know if anything else has been said here):

It's a girl!

Vesper Eileen made her grand entrance on 6/15 at 5:52 pm. She looks just like her dad, but with darker, wavier hair. We're all firmly wrapped around her finger, even when she hits 9:00 pm and her witching hour, where nothing seems to soothe her... though Blake tries mightily until I shoo him off to bed. I have never heard his voice hit those pitches before, but he's absolutely enamored with his baby sister, going in for either Eskimo kisses or ruffling her hair like some Little Leaguer.

And, for proof:

Edited by addiebedford on 07/08/2012 00:23:36 MDT.

Congratulations Addie,she is beautiful!!

Great photos, Addie. Congrats!

AAAAAAAWWWWWWWW! Easy to see how y'all are smitten. Best wishes.

Mom's smile says it all.... :)

Couldn't be happier for all of you!

Fantastic news Addie! Beautiful photos.

Simply Beautiful and Precious!

Congratulations

Your are blessed

Party On,

Newton

Congratulations to you all! She's beautiful. An what a delightful smile she has in that second photo!

Congratulations!

Very nice Addie

Happy Birthday, Vesper!

With your Daddy's hair, your Mommy's smile and the love of your older brother, you seem to have made a great start in life!
My best wishes to everyone.
Steven M.

What a beautiful baby! I'm so happy for you, Addie, and I'm glad that everything went well. I wish the 4 of you the very best.

Congratulations! I hope mommy & baby get plenty of sleep.
Tom

Welcome to the world, little Vesper! She's gorgeous!

Congratulations Addie and daddy. She is beautiful!

Congratulations Addie! What a cute face!