So there's a little non-archaeological news from Sam and me. We're having a baby too! For those of y'all who know us, believe me, nobody was more surprised than us! But I figure, heck, if -Andy- could do it... ;) The blessed event is due in April, and we're -very- excited.

The most exciting thing? We did the math backwards, and it appears it's a Northumbrian baby. I always knew Tynedale had some good air.

Still haven't worked out the details of making an overseas trip as the father of a newborn next summer. But we'll cross that bridge as we come to it. At least I now have Andy as my guide into the frightening & fabulous world of fatherhood!

- Harry

Harry!

Fabulous news...Congratulations! Give my love to Sam...I'm sure you'll make great parents! :D

Fiona

Well Done Harry!

Looks like all of that practice finally paid off for you. :D

Andy

Probably something in the local water (or not enough water with it!)

Congrats

Duncan

CONGRATULATIONS Harry!!!
Kate.

FANTASTIC NEWS! Congratulations to yourself and Sam, Harry. I'm thrilled for the both of you. I'm sure you will make great parents.

The secret is out now though, we now know why you look so tired on the dig. It's more to do with the nocturnal work than the shovelling eh! ;)

btw: One good test to see how much Northumbrian is in there comes with the first words. If they are 'Howay the Lads' its a sure sign of authentic Northumbrianism!

Congratulations

Justin

Nocturnal? No, it was the rolling in the hay during tea break that did us in! :lol:

Thanks all for the good wishes. Already got my "New Geordie Dictionary" at the ready so I can educate the little one on his/her roots. (I know, I know, Geordie ain't Tynedale; but I can't find a Tynedale dictionary online. So I must culturally dilute a bit.)

- Harry

It is with extreme pride that I'm happy to announce the birth of Ruby Millicent Johnson! She arrived Wednesday at 1:34 PM, weighing 8 lb 10 oz, and 21 inches long. She's alert, strong, expressive, interested, cuddly. And she smells amazing.

Mom, Dad, & Ruby are doing well. Ruby's fighting a touch of jaundice, but is otherwise perfect! (Unbiased, I know.) She should be coming home in the next day. Mom had a C-section and 3 days later is back in street clothes, off medications, and home. If Ruby's got half of her constitution, she's going to do just fine in this world.

I was debating putting this posting under the "Your Coolest Find" forum, but thought better of it.

Thanks to all for your thoughts & wishes over the months. We still have no idea what we've gotten into, but we know it's good!

-- Harry

;) Congratulations to you all Harry. Welcome to the world Ruby. I am very pleased for you. Ruby looks fantastic! Life will never be the same again - but it will be much much better!!!
Kate.
P.S. Lets have a photo of the three of you together next. I think we were digging on the same week last July. I was there first week of July?

Congratulations Hary and Sam. No doubt you will be getting her a trowell instead of a rattle.
Hope to see you in July
luv

Sandy

Thanks Kate & Sandy! Kate, yep, you and Kathy were right next to Sandy & me. I think you guys were looking for the turning of the old Stone Fort I wall right?

And yes, hopefully Ruby's first words will be "WHS please". She's already got the grip for it!

Here's a little family pic.

TTYS,
Harry

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Get that baby diggin' in the dirt ASAP--a sandbox would be a good introduction....

Well done Harry!

Great effort that, go and lay down for a couple of weeks to recover :-) ! Many cngratualtions to both you and Sam. Looking forward to meeting the new edition at some point in the future,

Andy

Congratulations Harry, she looks very cute.

Trudi

Congratulations! :D

Harry, please send my love to Sam and Ruby! I hope you are all doing well...

See you soon!

Fiona

Heard it on the grapevine... Congratulations to you both! Fantastic news

Soph x

Thanks to everyone! Yeah, Sam and I think she's a keeper. Of course we're sleep-deprived enough that we might be living in a hallucinogenic web of lies. But we're OK with that. :)

It's incredible when they first look at you; it's disturbing when you realize you're now totally unfazed by the grossest of bodily movements; and it's really disturbing when you're contemplating saving the umbilical cord stump that just fell off because it's a "milestone."

- H

:D CONGRATULATIONS folksl!!! Wonderful news, I'm thrilled for you all. When Dad is so hot on zapping the spammers I fear for the chances of prospective boyfriends in a few years time :P Well done guys she's a little beauty!
Justin

OK. I've resisted flooding the site with "proud papa" pictures of little Ruby for a few months, but have lost the battle. Apologies to those who grimace at "cute kid" pics; I do feel your pain. :lol:

This was a month ago, back when she was a little tyke of 8 weeks.

I call this "Mom and Dad went to the pub."

At long last it she finally becomes aware of who her dad is.