Seven quick takes

1.  Being a relatively new parent is exhausting and fun -- N. has kept us busy these past seven months, but he is a joy and so fun to share with family and friends.  It's hard to believe it's been so long already, but then I've seen so much growth and change in him in those seven months that it's really incredible.  We have not been shy about putting N's photos on facebook, but I'm a little leery of publishing his life on the Internet generally.  He's going to have to interact with this new digital world pretty soon, anyway, but I'm hopeful we can protect him from the worst aspects of digital life.

2.  I can't believe the Patriots won on Sunday night -- I saw the score was 24-0 before the half and thought for sure the game was over.  Shows you what I know.  A muffed punt is a horrible way to lose for the Broncos, but I didn't see the whole game so I can't say for sure that's what really lost it for them -- how did the Patriots come back from so far down?  Anyway, sounds like I missed a great game.

3.  The news on Obamacare is focusing on the negative, and probably rightly so, but I thought people knew what they were getting into with these insurance reforms.  Apparently not, and the insurance companies aren't making it any easier on anybody.  They are blaming Obamacare for outrageous price increases and canceled policies, and what is the justification?  Because they are getting millions more new customers, so they have to start charging everyone else more?  Just goes to show how much power these companies really have to control what we pay for every medical procedure.  They're laughing all the way to the bank.

4.  The news on Iran is interesting -- I didn't expect there to be any kind of opening diplomatically between the U.S. and that country, despite the new (figurehead) president of Iran. I think the agreement is tentative at best and has very little chance of actually causing change in the region, but the idea that there is the chance for some pragmatic reforms in a highly ideological place is appealing.

5.  Things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week -- a roof over our head, food in the pantry, the blessing of family and friends, a steady job, a mortgage that is "doable," and the fact that we can "make it" on reduced income.

6.  More things to be thankful for -- N's overall health (some reflux continues and a brief bout with an upper respiratory infection are it so far), losing some weight as M. discovers gluten-free cooking, and good medical care for M's parents and family.

7.   Looking forward to turkey and a few family members joining us at our house for Thanksgiving this week.  Should be fun!