Hehehe, good to see you're hooked!!
As for general pointers...not really any other than in BG1: search every area thoroughly in order not to miss out on as few quests as possible; and try to keep a good overview of the general situation, BG2 is SO huge that you're sometimes in danger of losing perspective.
You can import your char into BG2 yupz. Depending on your class you can optionally choose a "kit": specialists traits which will each have some advantages and some disadvantages. You'll see what i mean when you're importing your char.
All there's left to say is: start playing and enjoy!!
I won't say anything more in order not to spoil any of the (great) storyline.
P.S. you should really try and get Throne of Bhaal (the BG2 expansion) asap, it will add some nifty features and a much higher lvl cap and high-lvl abilities. Apart from a continuation of the bhaalspawn saga ofcourse.
P.S. 2 how old are your kids? Just trying to imagine them nagging at their mum hehe
(don't have any) sounds really cool, apart from the fighting over the pc 
), try to do at least the first level of Watchers Keep (towards the bottom of the map)
hehe...damn straight, reminds me of our little uhm...encounter with the cowled wizards in the temple district 