Leak update

Well, I gave it my best shot but I couldn't pull it off.
I spent a good part of Sunday and most of Monday trying to get the leak fixed - I thought I had it on Sunday, when I listened to the guy at the Home Depot when he told me that all I needed was silicone tape.
I dug up the yard, isolated the leak turned off the water to the cul de sac and put the tape on the leak. Covered the hole back up and turned the water back on - all was good until I woke up Monday morning to find that the front yard was a swamp.
So, back to the drawing board I went. Or in this case, back to the Home Depot as soon as everyone had left for the day. I dug up the yard again, and turned off the water. Went back to the Home Depot to return the water key I didn't need, and to pick up the part I thought I did.
Turned out to be too big, so back to Home Depot.
That turned out to be too big also, so back again to Home Depot.
Back again, and this time he assures me that this is it... the correct part.
I've also managed to cut a piece of the pipe in question off, to make sure I'm dealing with the right size for the pipe.
Guess what - no matter what I do, I can't get the piece to work. I'm sure it's something I'm doing wrong, so I go back again and this time get talked into buying a pricier part, but one that he assures me, will work without a hitch.
You guessed it, wrong again.
So now, I'm back at the Home Depot ready to spit nails. It's getting later and later in the day and I'm dying in the heat; not to mention that I'm working on a deadline of getting through before anyone gets home because in order to do this fix, I've had to cut the water for 12 units.
So, that'll be around 22 people coming for my head on a pole if I can't get this fixed before they get home and want dinner, showers, laundry, dishes, etc.
Little late to make this long story short, but crux of the matter is that I ended up surrendering to the inevitable (especially when the last time, I was sure I had the issue resolved except for a minor leak, tried to adjust it and the connection exploded in my face) ...I gave up. I called the Association's plumber of choice, and he came out and repaired the disaster in less than an hour.
Cost? $193.93
And came to find out that I was on the right track and could have handled the issue myself had Home Depot supplied me with the correct part in the first place.
I did learn a lesson though...there really are some things that you have to pay for instead of doing them yourself.

January 24th 16:00 Update

I got a call on the way into work from your Grandma Lisa, who said that you were on your way - your mom has dilated to 5cm, and they've given her the epidural and something to strengthen the contractions, so you'll be here any time now.
YAY!! Welcome to the world, Andrea!
I'm stuck at work and number 3 or 4 on the phone lists, but I don't care ... you couldn't wipe this smile off my face with steel wool. You're finally on your way! HOORAY!!
More in a bit.

January 23rd part 2

At last report (via Grandpa Don) your mom was still in active labor but still at home, not at the hospital delivering you. You are one stubborn little girl!
Currently, that's all the information I have, aside from a re-estimation of when the Dr is willing to induce, that originally coming from your mother as Monday/Tuesday but when Grandpa Don told me, it had been reduced to Friday.
Personally, I think you'll arrive just fine by yourself.
You're just being a Diva, and building up the anticipation factor before you make your appearance.

January 23rd - Active labor

Well, your mom's in active labor now and has been since 3 pm yesterday. Two hospital visits, and sent home both times because she's not dilated enough, although contractions are 5 minutes apart.
You really are a stubborn one, aren't you?
At least I was partially right, labor started on the 22nd.
Whether you make an appearance now or in a day or two remains to be seen, however.
More later.

January 22nd - still no word

Still nothing. Young lady, you make a Missouri mule look like a straw in the wind.
I know it's cold outside, but you can't hold out forever - and it's a little late to make your mother move to a warmer climate so you're not inconvenienced. If you don't decide to do this on your own, they're gonna come get you...and you won't be pleased.
I think you've still got a couple of days before that happens, but just take the easy way out... you just have to wait until the most inconvenient moment possible (the middle of the night is the usual choice) and then decide to make your appearance.
That's it. Easy as all get out (at least from your perspective) - your mom's going to have a completely different perspective on the process however - but the result is you finally making your appearance and making a bunch of people very very happy.

SO HURRY UP!!