A sound that's sweeter than a new Tragically Hip album

I went with Ali to the doctor's office today.
As she got comfortable on the table, the doctor squeezed some cold ultrasound gel on, and then it began.....

My first experience of our baby's heartbeat. I counted the beats per minute in my head, as the doctor checked the baby's rhythm, and compared it to Ali's. It sounded good. I'm not just saying that because it's OUR baby, it really sounded good. I made eye contact with Ali, and it honestly took everything I had not to start to bawl like a little girl. I had an image to maintain after all.;)

Lately, I've been watching TLC shows like Bringing Home Baby, and A Baby Story. I'll call Ali at work with updates. I know Ali will be a good mom, and she's pretty tough, so I think she'll handle everything pretty well.

We both had to get some blood work today. As we were standing in the waiting area, a four year old boy was getting impatient waiting there with his mom. He started demanding that they go for a drink NOW, and started peeling off his jacket, followed by his sweatshirt. He was running around the room wildly, in nothing but his little Levi's jeans, and a white muscle shirt. He had very light blond hair, which was buzzed right down to trailer trash length. You'd understand if you saw this poor kid. His mom had no control over him, and he even ran into the lab itself a few times. The mom stood by the door, and demanded that the boy get back to his seat. At one point, a lab technician actually had to walk the boy back to his seat. When the mom told him that he was "pissing her off", he cocked back his little arm, and threatened to give her a hay maker.
I laughed at first, mainly because I was shocked, but mostly at the mom's reaction. She crouched down to his eye level, looked him straight in the eye, and said "go ahead, I dare you."

After three or four of these threats, he took her up on the dare.

I guess he was paid back in the end though, it was him that needed blood work.

Five more sleeps.

They did it. Reggie's favorite CFL team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made it to the Grey Cup.
They will be playing the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who are probably our biggest rival.

The best thing about this year's Grey Cup is that it includes the league's most passionate fans. Toronto will never be the same after this week.....

I'm able to meet Jeff (my friend from Nassau) tonight. He's flying back tomorrow, but we'll go out for a few drinks later. Here's hoping that I can talk him into coming back this way for Christmas.

Today also marks week 15 of Butterbean watch 2008. I get more a more excited everyday, just imagining every situation of everyday life, then adding a baby to the mix. I get particularly excited thinking about me carrying him or her in the baby carrier, you know, the kind that goes on like a reverse backpack, and the baby hangs freely in front? Yeah, that's the one. I need both hands free to clap and cheer at next year's Bomber games, after all.

My only other dilemma is, do I buy the little blue jersey, or the little pink jersey?

I'm thinking of starting a baby pool. $10 to enter. You pick the gender, and date/time. Whoever gets the closest splits the pot 50/50. What do you think?
If you don't want to lose any money, just pick for fun. ;)

Go Butterbean!!

Go Bombers!!

It's gonna be a good year.

Do I still have any readers???

Man, I really gotta keep kicking myself in the butt to do this blog again.
I've been busy with work, football and taking care of my (family) that I haven't put much thought into this blog.

I'm sure by now I've lost a few readers, but I'll make a strong effort to blog at least once per week from now on.....

My Blue Bombers did it again this week. A last second field goal won us the game, so it's off to Canada's butt hole A.K.A Toronto for the Eastern finals on Sunday. I'll watch the game with my dad and my brother in law. I'm looking forward to calling him uncle and my dad "grandpa".

I've officially retired my Cavalier last week, and am currently driving my dad's car. I tell you, it's hard to give up command start and heated seats, but I have to. The weather is only going to get colder.

I've volunteered to work this Christmas, with the assumption that I'll get next year off. All of my co-workers thought I was crazy for offering, but that was before they found out the news.
It makes me feels so happy to hear all of the ladies congratulating me, and giving me a hug. I know they are all genuinely happy for us.

My friend Jeff is coming home this week. He is the Bahama Mama's boyfriend, and a real good friend of mine. He moved to Nassau just after our wedding, and I haven't seen much of him since. I told him to give me a call when he's down, and if I have to, I'll call in sick to see him.
It should be a good time.

Aside from that, I'm just working, and trying to fix up my back, which is slowly starting to feel better.

Until next week, (promise!)

Chris

A time to remember.....and playoff football.

This weekend marks Remembrance day. Both of my grandfathers were in the Military, along with me and my mother.

With all of the stuff going on these days, it's hard for people to remember the older vets. I think I have shown my displeasure in the past when people only consider these newer soldiers "heros."
I think of the bad situations the old vets faces, the second rate equipment, the sub par food and shelters these guy had to endure.
I don't doubt that today's soldiers have rough conditions, but they also have better equipment as well. Not to mention the better support they get when they finish their tour. I only wish they would get more counselling, as a lot of these guys/gals suffer some serious post traumatic stress disorders.

On a lighter note, this weekend also marks the start of the CFL playoffs. My Blue Bombers are facing the Montreal Alouettes in the Eastern division semi-final. Ali will be escorting me on that day, so I forewarned her that I will be vocal. This is the best time of the year for football.

My back is slowly getting better. I'm going to physiotherapy twice a week, and it's helping, but I suffered a setback yesterday. My physiotherapist was checking my hip strength, and aggravated the Sciatic nerve in my left leg. I was in a lot of pain for the rest of the night, and was kind of pouting a little bit. It just gets frustrating sometimes when you can't seem to find a comfortable position. I'm proud to say though, I haven't missed a day of work because of this.
That also makes me a little bitter, when I have some co-workers who call in sick because they have a sore back or a sore shoulder. I say free massage therapy for all health care workers.
Feel free to sign my petition.....

So, remember to pause on Sunday at 11:11 a.m. and remember to give thanks to the brave men and women who are out doing our dirty work, and helping those who need it most.