Skype!

So I got to actually talk with our friends in the Ukraine today. It was cool. We used a service called Skype that provides free long distance calls, both domestic and international. Even the software is free to download! Now it's obviously not something I'd use on an every day basis to call people, but it's free for international calls, which saves you a lot of money if you know someone over there. All you need is a microphone and speakers.

I wanted to mention it on here for those of you who are like us and your parents are living far enough away that you can't see them every day. Not only can you talk to each other for free, but if you have a webcam you can also see each other during the conversation. I have friends that use this method to communicate with their parents weekly so that they can see their grandkids. It's not the same as being able to hold them and play with them, but it does give them the opportunity to see them. We plan on using it with my parents when M is born. Granted, we'll have to get my mom a computer that isn't from the Dark Ages....

The only problem I had was that I was getting serious echo and delay on my voice. Staci was coming through nice and clear and probably simultaneous with her actual speaking, but for some reason, there was a 10-20 second delay whenever I would speak. It was weird. And I could hear myself in the speakers. She said I sounded fine on her end, but I kept inadvertently interrupting her talking because of the delay. It was slightly annoying. We're definitely going to have to try to work out the kinks before baby.

Speaking of Staci, they finally found their little boy! Hooray! They still have to go through a court process and then a waiting period, which could mean several more weeks in the Ukraine, but hopefully the process goes smoothly and quickly. It was so nice to actually hear the happiness in her voice. They've waited so long for this day to come and I can't wait until they make it home to Dayton and we get to meet their new son.