Lazy Day

Okay, I'm soft. I can't help it. Look at this little cutie. I can't stop! During Sophia's 3-week old visit to the pediatrician, the doctor mentioned that natural smiles -- as opposed to gas-induced grins -- usually start around 2 months. Well, I wish I could be there in person, but pictures and skype dates will have to suffice for now. Thank the Lord for modern communication advances. It really is amazing.

So today was a very low-key Saturday. Just what I needed, just what the doctor ordered. I did get out at one point to go to the gym. The air had a hint of September, autumn, and football season... It doesn't matter how many years pass, every end of August, I have to remind myself that the day after labor day is just that and nothing more. A student for life I guess :)

Speaking of which, I've spent a chunk of tonight reading from ex-Petraeus advisor, Australian counterinsurgency expert, David Kilcullen's book, The Accidental Guerrilla. Kilcullen effectively argues that if we are to succeed in Afghanistan and Pakistan, it will require at least a 10-15 year commitment. Having deployed both to Iraq and Afghanistan, he remarks that while Iraqi insurgents like to win, they don't necessarily like to fight, but that Afghan insurgents on the other hand love to fight. We certainly have our hands full...