Hi-Ya!

Tonight was the first time that I was able to not only feel the little mango kicking, but I could SEE CG’s belly flexing!

Go little Bruce Lee Mango!!!!!!!

It really is amazing how much things change day to day. Apparently, the Mango is now well over 12 inches long. At that size, the Kung Fu moves are sure to get stronger day by day! I wonder if I will ever be able to see the outline of a foot?

This wonderful image came courtesy of a Friend of CG's known as “Jammies”. It was sent as a birthday card for CG. I think its hilarious!!

Of the many things I find interesting is the Mango Known as “R2 E2”. At first I thought that this was a Star Wars in-joke. After some research though, it turns out this is an Australian variety so named for the orchard row where it originally was grown. Mango just seems like an even more appropriate nick-name now.

So whaddya think CG? Since we are still kicking names around could add R2 E2 to the list. Its a Mango, or it could be R2 D2's little brother! What's not to like!!!!!

Summer Movies and the Mango

The trailer for the new Indiana Jones Film came out the other day. I have gone form being blase about this film, to giggling in school boy anticipation. This summer should be a good time for those of us who enjoy BIG movies. We get, the New Indy, Batman WITH THE JOKER!!!!, The Incredible Hulk and other films that look interesting like Hellboy II (Say what you want, but Guillermo del Toro can make anything interesting, check out Pan's Labyrinth). All in all, a promising summer film line up. Most years we just get Big and Dumb. Not that any of these films are introspective works by any means, but, previous instalments, and key players have a proven track record.

While on lunch break at Estrogen Inc. The other day, me and two of the few other males that inhabit tme building were eating Lunch in a cubicle. We don't dare gio into the Lunch room as that is scarier than High School ever was. In discussing the upcoming slate with 2 fellow film geeks, I came to the realization that after Indy, the Mango will be here before the release date of The Dark Knight. Uh-oh.

Now, in no way does this mean that I am not giddy with anticipation to meet the little Mango. But, over the past years so much of my entertainment has been films. And, CG is also always more than happy to accompany me. I realized that now, we will need a sitter for nights like those and it will require planning and accommodation. I like going to see Big movies on opening weekends, just as much as I enjoy watching DVD's at home, but, a new BATMAN film (in my books) needs to be seen on the big screen. I saw Begins at least 3 times in the theatres. Hey, anyone who knows me knows I'm a geek. Anyway, I know that I will be able to get out to see the movie in the theatres. My co-workers recommended a “Sick” day. Of course... I could always use his opportunity to introduce the little Mango to Batman... (Kidding of course) But that does get me to the point of this post. It will be fun to share my love of movies with the Mango in the years that come. I look forward to introducing the little one (at the appropriate ages of course!!) to the Indiana Jones Films, Star Wars, E.T. and Superhero films. In the past when I have shared films that I love with my sisters' kids I enjoy seeing their excitement in the discovery. I remember the way that I felt watching them for the first time.

Now if only the Mango was old enough for Batman this year.

The “Bat-Catcher”

Today was our appointment with the OB-GYN. We were referred by CG's family doctor who has been her physician since she was born. He was adamant that this should be our doctor as she also delivered his Grandchildren and he says that she is the best at what she does. The only thing was that she would not be available until this month so as it happens, our first meeting for with her was later than it would have normally been, so the Family doc filled in. She seems awesome so I am glad we waited.

“I have been calling her the Bat catcher”. I think this is funny and CG does as well. Some people think its insensitive, but, i just imagine her at the “Magic” moment crouched down and looking in waiting for the “Pitch”. I wonder if I'll be able to see the signals.....

The difference a year makes

Readers of CG's Blog may be familiar with this story. If so, I apologize, but I think its relevant.

One year ago, on my wife's Birthday, we had dinner with My Father in Law and Heather's Step mom.
In the restaurant we were in they gave her her gifts. Included int he gifts, and presented in a nice gift box was a bottle of Folic Acid supplements. The vitamin that women trying to conceive are recommended to take in order to help ensure healthy development. Of course, this was the Step mom's not so subtle way of saying hurry and get the “grandkids cooking already!” She said that too, but I guess the bottle was to be some sort of tangible, daily reminder.

I like telling this story when I'm in a room with a few women. The office I work in is mainly populated by women (Clothing retailer), so I get ample opportunity to tell this one to a receptive audience.
I remember an occasion at work when we were out at lunch for a co-workers going away party and I told that story to a table of about 12 women. The outcry was astounding! People from all around the place turned and looked to see what was causing the ruckus! Thee were ladies covering their mouth in horror, hiding their eyes and roaring in laughter. Then one said that we should give HER (the step mom) calcium supplements for osteoporosis.  Even more of an uproar ensued. I felt like I was caught on an episode of "The View". I thought we were going to get kicked out of the place.

Now here we are one year later and Stepmom gets what she wants, so, maybe her ploy worked?

Of Mangoes and Cats...

Sometimes weird thoughts pop into my head about the future with the Mango.

CG and I share our house with two cats. Of course, from their point of view, it is our presense that is tolerated, and if not for the fact that I give them treats when I make coffee, I would be of little use. But I digress..

As CG and I were watching a movie tonight I looked around our living room and noticed that Sitting in our arm chair was the younger of our two cats. The older cat was splayed across one half of the couch and efforts to move here resulted in much loud and aggravated meowing. As a result, CG is forced to sit in the middle of the couch, with one cheek on each cushion. I know from my own “cat sitting avoidance” experiences that this is not the most comfortable place on our sofa, yet, rather than move the cat, CG would rather sit there and make sure that her cat can also get her space.

Anyway... this got me thinking about what will happen when the Mango gets here. I've had this thought quite often lately. I mean, as it is, the cats have free reign to call what ever they like a cat bed... even if its a Human bed! What will happen to the Mango's crib? Car seat? Changing table? Bassinet? All these seem to me as though they would be highly coveted cat turf.

I don't look forward to the clash of the wills that will ensue.

Listen up Mango!

For such a music fan as myself, I found myself thinking in the car on the way home from work that I have been doing a rather poor job at introducing Mango to music. Granted, most of the time when I listen to music, I am in the car, or in my home Office (Which I like to call “The Batcave”). I will play some tunes when I am cooking on my own, or doing some work in the house. At these times, mango is usually not around, owing to the fact that the little one is still living in CG's belly.

I've asked CG about whether we should put some headphones on the belly and play Mozart as this is supposed to be good for the development of children. CG studied human development while in university, so she just looked at me and said,

“There is no evidence that works. The head[phones aren't necessary as the Kid will hear, and studies have shown that any music has the same effect."

So, I will try to keep the music playing for Mango whenever I can. I'd like the kid to have an appreciation for Charles Mingus, Jimi Hendrix, Beethoven, and all the stuff that helps keep my brain cells active. At least when the kid is still in the womb I can keep the little Mango safe from the horrors of the likes of Hannah Montana. I know I can't protect the kid forever....