Well that was 2007 - almost. I started the year at the Fireballs in Stonehaven, and will end it in the same place.
In between, myself and MTB have managed to create Bubs, currently a 21 week old kicking thing that's about 10 and a half inches long (from crown to foot - no longer do we measure to the rump), nearly 1lb in weight and with ickle fingernails all of its own, and who can hear all our conversations - even if (s)he can't understand them all yet.
That said, it has been alleged that I don't fully always comprehend what MTB is trying to tell me - first time anyway!
Our next milestone is 7 January, when we are back for a scan to check heart chambers and valves - but no pistons though apparently. MTB says she feels Bubs moving about quite a lot now, although I haven't felt anything yet externally.
MTB is also full of the cold just now, whnich is a real shame seeing as she's allowed A paracetomol only, and nothing stronger. If this carries on much longer, I can see her first words after giving birth not being "Hello little one" or something equally poignant, but rather "Gimme a dose of Night Nurse - NOW!", seeing as the poor thing just can't sleep at all very well.
I think our dog is also suffering too. She seems to have a runny nose, and is flatulating (is that a word?) her way around the house just now. I know from May there will be lots of gutteral smells, but please, not before.
As for New Year's resolutions, I am going to be the best hubbie and dad I can be, and I'm going to shift some weight, and pass my exams at work.
Have a great Hogmanay, or whatever you call it from wherever you're reading this from. Come midnight, I'll be cold, wet, stone cold sober and yet really looking forward to our best year ever. Vive 2008!
Monday 31 December 2007
Friday 21 December 2007
It's definitely a boy or a girl - official
Well the 19 week 2 day scan went pretty well by all accounts -you can see the photos here. And the wee one waved to us too!
Due to the Christmas pressure, we were booked in slightly before the 20 week optimum time, and so we're going back in the New Year to check a couple of additional heart veins that Bubs wasn't forthcoming with at the time - but we're doing so on the back of being told that all appears well - which is a huge relief.
The Sonographer was very careful to adhere to Grampian's policy of not looking for the sex of the baby. She did so by lifting her scanner up at all the moments when we could have got some sort of a clue.
MTB did think she saw 3 lines though at one stage, which apparently is indicative of a girl. I must have missed that one. I know 2 lines means pregnant, but I have a feling that's not the same thing, is it?
MTB is convinced I will be disappointed if it's a girl, so, for the record, I am here, on National TV (nearly) to declare that I will be as esctatic to have a baby girl as I would be to have a boy. There, it's official!
So now, it's onwards to our last Christmas as two, as Bubs merrily tinkers with his cord and does mad somersaults for the next 4 1/2 months before being launched into this scarey, big world.
Due to the Christmas pressure, we were booked in slightly before the 20 week optimum time, and so we're going back in the New Year to check a couple of additional heart veins that Bubs wasn't forthcoming with at the time - but we're doing so on the back of being told that all appears well - which is a huge relief.
The Sonographer was very careful to adhere to Grampian's policy of not looking for the sex of the baby. She did so by lifting her scanner up at all the moments when we could have got some sort of a clue.
MTB did think she saw 3 lines though at one stage, which apparently is indicative of a girl. I must have missed that one. I know 2 lines means pregnant, but I have a feling that's not the same thing, is it?
MTB is convinced I will be disappointed if it's a girl, so, for the record, I am here, on National TV (nearly) to declare that I will be as esctatic to have a baby girl as I would be to have a boy. There, it's official!
So now, it's onwards to our last Christmas as two, as Bubs merrily tinkers with his cord and does mad somersaults for the next 4 1/2 months before being launched into this scarey, big world.
Thursday 13 December 2007
Role reversal
It's a cliche, but it doesn't matter whether our baby is a boy or a girl, so long as it's healthy. Let's get this one out of the eay stright away - I am completely in agreement.
However, that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to know. Or at least, I did want to know, desperately. Mum To Be didn't want to know at all - she was completely ambivalent, even though she is unswerving in her belief we're having a girl.
But as time progresses, I find myself becoming less and less bothered about the baby's gender. I know that our local health authority won't tell us, as a matter of policy - something to do with being sued if they get it wrong and other cultures having elective abotions as soon as they find out it's not a boy - and I'm not worried. I'll have a peek at the next scan, and if anything obvious sticks out (or maybe just as to the point, doesn't), then hey ho, I'll know.
Mum To Be though now desperately does want to know. She would like to have more of an idea about the little creature she speaks to on a daily basis, and also has an unnerving panic and paranoia about the little one spending it's first six months in beige, beige and more beige.
So it's a bit of a role reversal now in terms of who wants to know. I don't think we're going private to find out, and weve been told by those-in-the-know that it'll be the best surprise ever, and I quite like the thought of that now.
Shouldn't have been surprised really. Every Christmas we've spent together, MTB has not been able to wait until the day itself before opening presents, whereas I've been happy to stay in suspense.
As they say, it'll all come out in the wash.
However, that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to know. Or at least, I did want to know, desperately. Mum To Be didn't want to know at all - she was completely ambivalent, even though she is unswerving in her belief we're having a girl.
But as time progresses, I find myself becoming less and less bothered about the baby's gender. I know that our local health authority won't tell us, as a matter of policy - something to do with being sued if they get it wrong and other cultures having elective abotions as soon as they find out it's not a boy - and I'm not worried. I'll have a peek at the next scan, and if anything obvious sticks out (or maybe just as to the point, doesn't), then hey ho, I'll know.
Mum To Be though now desperately does want to know. She would like to have more of an idea about the little creature she speaks to on a daily basis, and also has an unnerving panic and paranoia about the little one spending it's first six months in beige, beige and more beige.
So it's a bit of a role reversal now in terms of who wants to know. I don't think we're going private to find out, and weve been told by those-in-the-know that it'll be the best surprise ever, and I quite like the thought of that now.
Shouldn't have been surprised really. Every Christmas we've spent together, MTB has not been able to wait until the day itself before opening presents, whereas I've been happy to stay in suspense.
As they say, it'll all come out in the wash.
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Play fair...
It's been a wee while since I posted, due to work etc. Mum to be is getting bigger, and the wee one is now a stonking 6 inches long from crown to rump. We're 18 weeks and 2 days now, and have our next scan a week today, which is just totally exciting.
On the work front, we've had our pay deal ratified by the SNP who didn't miss the open goal they were presented with. The Federation are meeting today in London to ballot members potentially as to whether they wish the right to strike.
Reading some of the comments on the BBC News website, I see a lot of disparaging remarks made about the Police. I and my colleagues could go on for hours in answer to such views, but all I would say it that you should walk a mile in another man's shoes before judging him. Police Officers are normal members of the public doing a difficult, challenging job. We deal on a daily basis with the most horrendous circumstances, often under the greatest of provocation. Every job we go to could turn sour at any moment. Ask DC Stephen Oake and countless others. All we want is to be treated fairly.
Anyway, before getting overly political, Kent Police have a natty range of kids wear theyve just launched. Start 'em early seems to be the motive here!
On the work front, we've had our pay deal ratified by the SNP who didn't miss the open goal they were presented with. The Federation are meeting today in London to ballot members potentially as to whether they wish the right to strike.
Reading some of the comments on the BBC News website, I see a lot of disparaging remarks made about the Police. I and my colleagues could go on for hours in answer to such views, but all I would say it that you should walk a mile in another man's shoes before judging him. Police Officers are normal members of the public doing a difficult, challenging job. We deal on a daily basis with the most horrendous circumstances, often under the greatest of provocation. Every job we go to could turn sour at any moment. Ask DC Stephen Oake and countless others. All we want is to be treated fairly.
Anyway, before getting overly political, Kent Police have a natty range of kids wear theyve just launched. Start 'em early seems to be the motive here!
Thursday 6 December 2007
The gloves might be coming off
Mum to be's bump is really starting to show now, as Junior continues to grow and grow - it'll be 2 weeks now until we get the next scan, which I can't wait for.
On the work front, we've been offered - and told we're getting - a 2.5% pay rise this year after negotiations. It's a small victory - the Government wanted to give us 2.35%. 0.15% is a wee bit extra.
At least we're getting our pay rise back dated to September 1st, when it was due. The SNP have at least got that right. Meanwhile, Jacqui Smith - the right Honourable Home Secretary has said that in England and Wales the pay award is not being backdated. This effectively gives cops south of the border a 1.9% pay rise - in real terms, a pay cut.
I think she's sealed her fate with that one. All the talk now is how this might be the straw that breaks the camels back, and how the Fed want the right to strike. Powerful words, but in reality, taking a pay cut, then losing pay through striking is not something we can all afford to do, no matter how noble the cause. I have mouths to feed, first and foremost.
Maybe it won't come to strikes - maybe it'll be working to rule. Who knows.
I know people don't always like the Police in this country, but the alternative is martial law, provided most likely by a motley crew of PSCOs and squaddies.
Would you like a light for your pipe?
On the work front, we've been offered - and told we're getting - a 2.5% pay rise this year after negotiations. It's a small victory - the Government wanted to give us 2.35%. 0.15% is a wee bit extra.
At least we're getting our pay rise back dated to September 1st, when it was due. The SNP have at least got that right. Meanwhile, Jacqui Smith - the right Honourable Home Secretary has said that in England and Wales the pay award is not being backdated. This effectively gives cops south of the border a 1.9% pay rise - in real terms, a pay cut.
I think she's sealed her fate with that one. All the talk now is how this might be the straw that breaks the camels back, and how the Fed want the right to strike. Powerful words, but in reality, taking a pay cut, then losing pay through striking is not something we can all afford to do, no matter how noble the cause. I have mouths to feed, first and foremost.
Maybe it won't come to strikes - maybe it'll be working to rule. Who knows.
I know people don't always like the Police in this country, but the alternative is martial law, provided most likely by a motley crew of PSCOs and squaddies.
Would you like a light for your pipe?
Monday 3 December 2007
What would you do?
Mum to be and I received this on an email. I thought it would be another of those chain letter types, but I read it nonetheless. I am so glad I did.
I know lots of people may say this is schmalzy, or it isn't true and point me to a website that proves it isn't. I don't care, because there is a genuine human sentiment behind this story, and being in the position I am in just now, I can only hope one of two things.
That if my child is Shay, he meets the other kids.
That if my child ever meets Shay, he too does the right thing.
What would you do? . . . . you make the choice . Don't look for a punch
line, there isn't one . Read it anyway .
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled
children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended . After extolling the school and
its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with
by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection .
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do . He cannot
understand things as other children do . Where is the natural order of
things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued . 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child ... '
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew
were playing baseball ... Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on
their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed
to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some
confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps .
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not
expecting much) if Shay could play . The boy looked around for guidance
and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth
inning.
I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the
ninth inning . '
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on
a team shirt . His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth
in his heart . The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted .
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was
still behind by three . In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a
glove and played in the right field . Even though no hits came his way,
he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field,
grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands . In the
bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again . Now, with two outs and
the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was
scheduled to be next at bat .
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to
win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat Everyone knew that a hit
was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the
bat properly, much less connect with the ball .
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that
the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's
life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least
make contact . The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed . The
pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards
Shay . As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow
ground ball right back to the pitcher .
The game would now be over The pitcher picked up the soft grounder
and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman . Shay would
have been out and that would have been the end of the game .
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's
head, out of reach of all team mates Everyone from the stands and both teams
started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life
had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base . He scampered
down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled .
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath,
Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the
base . By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder
had the ball . . . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first
chance to be the hero for his team . He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for t he tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions
so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the
third-baseman's head . Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the
runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home .
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him
by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators,
were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home ! Run home!' Shay ran to home,
stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand
slam and won the game for his team .
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his
face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and
humanity into this world' ...
Shay didn't make it to another summer . He died that winter, having
never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming
home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day.
I know lots of people may say this is schmalzy, or it isn't true and point me to a website that proves it isn't. I don't care, because there is a genuine human sentiment behind this story, and being in the position I am in just now, I can only hope one of two things.
That if my child is Shay, he meets the other kids.
That if my child ever meets Shay, he too does the right thing.
What would you do? . . . . you make the choice . Don't look for a punch
line, there isn't one . Read it anyway .
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled
children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended . After extolling the school and
its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with
by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection .
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do . He cannot
understand things as other children do . Where is the natural order of
things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued . 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child ... '
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew
were playing baseball ... Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on
their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed
to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some
confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps .
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not
expecting much) if Shay could play . The boy looked around for guidance
and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth
inning.
I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the
ninth inning . '
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on
a team shirt . His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth
in his heart . The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted .
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was
still behind by three . In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a
glove and played in the right field . Even though no hits came his way,
he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field,
grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands . In the
bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again . Now, with two outs and
the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was
scheduled to be next at bat .
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to
win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat Everyone knew that a hit
was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the
bat properly, much less connect with the ball .
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that
the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's
life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least
make contact . The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed . The
pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards
Shay . As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow
ground ball right back to the pitcher .
The game would now be over The pitcher picked up the soft grounder
and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman . Shay would
have been out and that would have been the end of the game .
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's
head, out of reach of all team mates Everyone from the stands and both teams
started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life
had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base . He scampered
down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled .
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath,
Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the
base . By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder
had the ball . . . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first
chance to be the hero for his team . He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for t he tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions
so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the
third-baseman's head . Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the
runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home .
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him
by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators,
were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home ! Run home!' Shay ran to home,
stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand
slam and won the game for his team .
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his
face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and
humanity into this world' ...
Shay didn't make it to another summer . He died that winter, having
never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming
home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day.
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