When Emil had a second doctor's appointment in Kelvington for his ears -- which are still plugged after more than a month -- we picked Grandma up at the lodge and took her with us to visit my niece and her little sweetie.

The little guy is at that age -- about four months -- when they are overwhelmingly adorable. I can't help kissing and hugging him. I can't stop! He's delicious.

My niece -- beautiful as she is now, and I'm not kidding you -- probably doesn't recall that I doted upon her the same way some 20 years ago. It's heartwarming to see her so happy with her baby. She's such a sweetheart and a competent and proud mother that to see them together is a snapshot of perfection: this is the way it's supposed to be.

Kade likes Grandma, my niece commented, and I said that's because she's near his size! In the photo Emil is saying goodbye to Kade.

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We're getting company tonight so I'm about to hop into the tub and get beautified. Supper was a cauliflower and pasta casserole, and buttered spaghetti squash, served with white wine, so I will probably stick to the grape tonight. Never had much faith in being able to mix drinks without getting sick.

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I have the BEST news ... which I must sit on for a while ... but I can hardly wait to tell. Ooh, baby!