Waiting for the Mango

You’ve been tagged!

2008-06-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that happened after Little Mango Owen was born was that all three of us (CG, Owen and Myself) were given a matching set of numbered bracelets, as a security measure.

When driving home from the hospital one night I couldn’t help but look at it and think “Hey look! I’ve been tagged by the Wildlife society of Parents!!``

In a funny way, that little bracelet really kind of set it home that I was a father now. And I had the Bling to prove it. It may be plastic, but its still bling!

Here he is!

2008-05-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

So after all this time, here is the Mango Himself. Let me introduce Owen Mango to the Cyberworld.

I am too happy and proud to write anything at this time. More to follow when I can!

Bassinets and Cats

2008-05-25T18:45:00.001-07:00

CG had her Baby Shower today. I think it is official. There is now more baby stuff in the house than grown-up stuff.

This evening we assembled a bassinet (did you know babies don’t use a crib for months…I didn’t!). The battle over keeping the cats out of it promises to be long and difficult. Our old cat (Ayla) has been trying to claim it. The younger one named Dharma (affectionately known as “Dum Dum”… because she is) sniffed around but ran away in fear. Apparently bassinets are scary.

Of due dates and men...

2008-05-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Baby due dates are a strange thing.

There are doctors who have devoted their lives to the practice of delivering babies and yet, they can’t give you a reliable arrival date.

Our little mango was originally dated for May 25th. Along the lines we have heard June 2nd as well as June 10th. Now, par tof my job involves planning delivery dates and if I ever came up with a range like that, well, lets just say that I would have TONS of spare time on my hands.

Anyway, this weekend brings our first potential delivery date. Welcome to the Home stretch!

I hope to be able to blog here a bit more in the coming days (assuming CG isn’t in labour of course) now that the house has been “baby-fied” its coming down to the waiting game.

Anytime Mango. Daddy’s ready.

MUCH Assembly Required

2008-05-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Who knew that babies required so much assembly?

Now of course, most of the organization of bones and cells is going on in CG’s womb seems to be pretty much an automated process. I am basing this on assumptions. I haven’t come across CG sitting in deep concentration and muttering, “Fingers go here”… so I will say that it is a pretty safe assumption.

The assembly part comes with the baby Paraphernalia. Between all the furniture, new closet doors, a ceiling fan, baby seats, baby toys and strollers I’ve started to feel like a kinder toy tester. Today I hope to accomplish the Car seat / stroller system, the basinet, installing a new closet shelf and making room for the arrival of the crib.

Then, comes the problem of what to do with all that cardboard…

Still Waiting...

2008-05-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted. Currently we are still waiting For the Mango. A lot has been going on. I will summarise and try to follow up on some of these in later posts… when I’m not so tired. So here is a point form summation of the past few Months

I have rearranged the house. Basement has become office space. 2 office have been turned into the Mango Grove (“Baby’s Room”) and real guest room. When you have a guest AND Baby room there is no denying it… Its time to grow up! Pics of the new rooms may follow.

CG’s belly has grown. Its AWESOME to have a nice baby belly in the house. I will miss it

The mango kicks. A lot. Not only do we see kicks, but we can also see the movement of limbs! It’s like Alien… but not as freaky and without Sigourney Weaver (CG is WAAAY hotter anyway!)

We have cut our CD collection down to the bare minimum. We had somewhere approaching 2000, I think. After sorting through and realizing that many of them were really unnecessary CG and I made a trip to the used record store. It was cathartic.

The funny part was how many CD;s CG and I each assumed belonged to the other partner. I don’t know where many of those discs came from. The only thing I can think of is CD hanky Panky while CG and I were sleeping. I don’t know how to tell the boys from the girls, but I’ve got my eyes on the Miscreants now!

I have assembled the Mango’s furniture. I never want to assemble Ikea furniture again.

Ever notice the guy in the Ikea assembly instructions looks like the old National Film Board short films of the French line drawing man who would walk across the screen after the Polka Dot Door? That one is for the Canadians who may stumble across this. Peace. Represent.

We have started and completed our Lamaze course. Some of the films we watched made me feel like Alex in a Clockwork Orange undergoing the Ludovico Treatments. One video had at least 6 childbirths…. And I thought Grade 10 health was bad!

All in all the past while has treated me very well indeed. We are very close to the Mango’s arrival. We have been given due dates that range from May 25th to June 2nd. We have been quoting the 2nd, but either way we are in the home stretch. It has been a great ride so far!

The All-in-one Family

2008-03-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

I was struck by a thought recently.

I have come to the realization that right now, at this time, my whole family comes in one convenient package, with Mango residing in CG's belly. This will only last a bit longer, after which, moving my family around WILL require much more effort on my part, as CG is doing most (OK, ALL) of the work on that front. Nonetheless, a portable all-in-one family unit is a nice thing to have for nine months.

By request...

2008-03-03T19:01:00.001-08:00

his post is a request for CG. So here you go Kiddo...

Baby brains.

Most mothers I know talk about the condition known as Baby Brains, whereupon pregnancy makes one prone to bouts of forgetfulness.

CG had her first REAL instance of “Baby Brains” on Sunday, while pursuing the time honoured tradition of weekend pancake making. It must be said that CG is so good at making pancakes, that she could do them blindfolded and they would still be awesome. Little Mango is in for a treat when CG whips up his/her first pancake breakfast.... after the teeth come in of course because it is hard to get pancakes into a baby bottle. But, I digress.

So there is CG making pancakes while I am in my office (soon to be Mango lair) reading the news. From below me in the Kitchen I began to hear CG laugh. I hardly paid attention to laughter wafting in from different rooms, because, when you live with CG you get used to hearing spontaneous laughter. Apparently she had mixed up the batch and was already cooking them before she realized she had forgotten to add eggs. Now, I am nowhere near the pancake aficionado that CG is, but, I DO know that eggs are a key ingredient, so needless to say this was not the batch we ate that morning. She described them as “kinda like weird flat muffins”. Don't know about you, but that actually sounds good to me.

So there you are. The first real “CG described“ instance of “Baby Brains”.

Hi-Ya!

2008-02-25T18:36:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-02-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

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”

2008-02-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-06T18:51:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-02-04T18:19:00.001-08:00

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....

How cool would this be?

2008-01-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

As we were driving home from our last ultrasound, I said to CG,
“Ya know, it would be cool to have a machine of our own, so that I could just take a look whenever I felt like it.”

In the way that only CG can, she rolled her eyes and replied,
“yes Dear”.
I didn't have to take my eyes off the road to know that she rolled her eyes, as I have been on the receiving end of more than my fair share of “Yes Dear”'s in the time that CG & I have been together.

The next day however, CG sent me this link

Machine For Sale

The fact that she took the time and looked it up, is confirmation enough to me that she thought it was a good idea, DESPITE the rolling of the eyes. It seems like a good Idea top me, but then again, it would be CG's belly and not mine that would be covered in the strange blue goop that they use. What is that stuff anyway!

Of course, I wasn't serious about buying my own ultrasound machine. Well.. not for longer than 10 minutes anyway :) Proof that you can find anything on eBay...

Oh the Power of the Mango!

2008-01-28T17:21:00.000-08:00

I have come to realize that having a Baby Ultrasound in your cubicle at work is a GREAT way to break tension.

Most of the people I work with are female, I guess that is the nature of Clothing / Home wares retailing. Since last year I have been proudly displaying the grainy ultrasound shots of the little mango in my Cubicle. Its nice to walk in and see the shots every time I return to my desk, and it makes me happy, if somewhat distracted sometimes. Over the past weeks, I've begun to notice that the little Mango has the strangest effect on visitors. It would seem that no-one can remain in a bad mood once they notice the picture. Even in the midst of the most serious of conversations, it seems that he mango has the ability to melt hearts and make just about everyone smile. (with the exception of the “Ice Queen” who seems to turn her nose up at the mention anything remotely human, so I'm not offended)

If I had realized this while still at my previous employer (heretofore known as “Hell Ltd”), I would have faked having a kid. Yeah, I know that in nine months I would have to fake being a dad, but, I could always just start the ruse over!

The Mango Moves!!!

2008-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first time that I could actually feel the little mango moving in CG's Belly!

How cool was that!?

Pretty daw-gone cool I have to say. I felt a little kick while my hand was resting on her belly. In all honesty, it could have been a really big gas bubble. Not to say that my darling wife is capable of such intestinal air pockets, but, that's kinda what it felt like. CG has felt the little mango moving around for a while now, so it was nice to be able to share that experience a bit. Its amazing how everyday there is another outward sign that there is indeed a baby on the way. And each of these outward signs in another reminder that I am just another day closer to giving up my home office to turn it into a baby room... I will miss my lair.

I've currently nursing a minor cold. It feels like it has the potential to turn into a more major one though and my concern is about getting CG sick. Even the common cold has become a source of worry about the mango for me. I am SO becoming my father!!

Thumb... or Nose?

2008-01-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is is the latest view of the Mango.

Yes, I know, to anyone else besides the genetic donors, these things are incomprehensible. My Mother-in-law's boyfriend said that baby ultrasounds always remind him of those old 3-D collage pictures that you have to stare at to see the boat, or something like that, come out of. He just doesn't see it.

Of course he's right. And of course i realize that when I take these pictures around to show people they are just humouring me by saying stuff like “awww how cute”. But, part of me still wants to show off the grainy picture. Lets face it, baby ultrasounds are not ideal pictures. They are barely better than the supposed pictures we see of the Loch Ness Monster. Yet, here I am, proudly showing these grainy two tone shots off to anyone that will give me the time.

After we had the ultrasound and got the pictures, CG and I drove 20 minutes out of our way to show them off to my sister. CG REALLY wanted to show them off and my sister was kind of near to the clinic, so over we went with our fresh views of the little mango. Ah well. I guess that all parents go through this.

In the ultrasound above, they Mango had moved an arm close to his/her face. Of course, the nice lady operating the machine said “oh, look at the little babe sucking the thumb”. While I said, "...either that or picking the nose". Its a tough call.

Whaddya think... Thumb or nose?
Can you even see a kid there?

That's one Heck of an Owner's Manual!

2008-01-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

It seems that Baby books become an important part of expecting a child. CG has already built an impressive collection of books relating to not only her pregnancy, but also to child rearing. I am ashamed to say that aside from a few cursory glances over CG's shoulder, I have yet to dig into any of them. If I were married to any other woman, I know that by now I would have been subjected to a discussion (read Tongue-Lashing) about how my lack of interest in the books really constitutes a lack of commitment from me. For her part, CG knows that my commitment should never be in question (who's the one that started the Baby Blog after all!). Instead, she chooses to educate me on the more important facts she has picked up. I call it the “In the Car and Kitchen Child Rearing Lecture series”.

The most invaluable tome that Heather has picked up so far is called “What to Expect when You're Expecting”. I've looked at some of the pictures to compare Belly sizes and that kind of thing, and from what CG tells me, this is a very helpful resource. But, at 624 pages, so far has scared me off. And besides, Its not called “What to expect when I'm Expecting”!! (To any of the ladies out there, that WAS just a joke!)

What scared me the other day was while we were in a bookstore, I happened upon a book called “What to Expect the First Year”. This book weighs in at a whopping 832 pages and 1.1 KG!! Now, these two standard resources make a total of 1456 pages! No one told me that the owner's manual that covers JUST the first year and nine months was going to be that big! Why, that's even bigger than the repair manual for a Honda!! That averages out to 2.3 pages PER DAY of the the 1 year and nine month old! I've got my work cut out for me once the Mango gets here!!

Less room for me...

2008-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

CG has been having trouble sleeping as of late. She has always slept on her stomach and needless to say she is having trouble with that now. For the past week she has been trying ever more creative ways to arrange pillows and still be able to sleep belly side down. This has caused me some consternation as I have bad thoughts of the poor little mango being squished! So yesterday we bought a long body pillow which she is using for back support. She seemed to sleep better as a result so THAT makes me happy. The problem is that the pillow ends up down the middle of the bed. The thing is so wide and takes up so much of our queen sized bed that it leaves very little room for humans in it. So, it seems that for the next few months I will be relegated to a narrow sleeping corridor. I sleep on my back, so last night I found that it works best if i just slide half my body under the big honking pillow. Obviously this made for a bit of a warm sleep last night.

Whatever makes the Mango Momma happy is good by me though!

CG claims that this is in retaliation for years of bed-hogging on my part. For my part I have never purposefully tried to steal sleeping real estate, but, apparently `Bed-Hoggery` is a subjective thing.

What's with the name??

2008-01-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Since my wife and I are expecting our first child in June of this year, I thought it would be fun to keep a journal of our experiences and maybe even have something to show our child later in life.

So, the obvious question… What’s with the title?

I have a pet peeve when it comes to unborn babies. I HATE it when people refer to babies as “IT”. It sounds so cold and impersonal. So I have been searching for other names to call the child. I experimented with “peanut”, “ the zygote”, just “the baby” among others but nothing really stuck. Then about 2 weeks ago, my wife, CG, mentioned that at 20 weeks the baby is the size of a Mango… Hmmm… Mango you say?? Well it has kind of stuck. Of course, I try to keep my naming scheme to people in the know. Being out in public, pointing at my wife’s belly and saying Mango will probably get me a few stares and perhaps a trip in the nice white van, wearing a nice white jacket. But then, the people that know me think that is imminent anyway.

I fear that even after the baby is born, if things keep going this way Mango will now remain a nickname. If that is the case, I apologise unreservedly.

So that is how a blog by a guy who’s wife is expecting their first kid came to be called “Waiting for the Mango”.

The cast of characters;

Mango – See above
CG – my wife. Incubator of the mango
JP – Narrator/Blogger

I hope that this blog ends up being an honest, no nonsense and, hopefully, fun look into our day to day. With any luck, I’ll be able to steer clear of this being a daytime talk show style schmaltz fest about having a kid. Yes it’s a Miracle. Yes it’s the greatest love… but if you wane hear about that stuff watch Oprah. I’m here to have some fun and document things from the dad’s perspective.

Is my Mango a boy?

2008-01-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

CG has her second ultrasound scheduled for one week from now. This brings us to yet another of the interesting decisions we need to make. Do we want to know the sex of the child? There are some family members (not pointing any fingers DAD!!) who want to leave it as a “surprise”. There are some who want us to find out so that they can purchase the appropriately coloured clothes.

Now, CG and I both tend to like to think of ourselves as rational people, who like to think things through. I work as a Planner, so for me, looking ahead and coming up with solutions is just my day to day. Knowing the sex of the child in advance would help us to figure out names, and that kind of stuff. I’m not too concerned about the colours, however, if we have a boy, there is NO WAY I want my son is wearing pink! Call it old fashioned, sexist, narrow minded or whatever you will. I don’t care.

For her part, CG just doesn’t do “waiting” very well, especially around Christmas when the sight of wrapped presents sends her into fits of anticipation. What’s funny is that her excitement comes from keeping the secret of the gifts she is giving. She doesn’t keep secrets very well at all. So, if CG learns the sex than everyone will. CG is leaning towards finding the sex, and I guess I am as well.

In the end, we will find out anyway, but I think we are both just a bit too curious to leave it until after the labour, when the person taking the pictures knows.

In other news, I am listening to Serena Ryder. Came highly recommended from a former co-worker. I like.