random bits

Since I've tried to keep a good record of Arthur's columns where he mentions the baby, here are the latest entries...

December 24, 2008
This Christmas will be a very different one from any of the others I’ve experienced.
As I write this, I’m living in a home that’s not some rental, destined to be abandoned as quickly as the next step up the career ladder becomes available.
I’m not alone either. I’ll wake up for the first Christmas morning with a wife by my side.
Next year will be different yet again as we share our first Christmas with our child. He or she won’t quite be old enough to grasp all that’s embodied in the season, yet that won’t stop it from taking on an entirely new meaning for us. And that new dimension will continue to grow and change over the years as our family makes its way through time and space.
The bittersweetness of a holiday has probably touched us all at some point. As we prepare for the coming of a new life into our world, others experience the pain of loved ones leaving us.
Who hasn’t had to deal with losing a loved one near the holidays? And even if those close to us haven’t passed away around this time, surely our thoughts have turned to them as we reconnect with family and friends, celebrating joys while at the same time feeling the absence of those close to us.
Just the other day Bridgett remarked how it seemed like so many die during the holidays. Is it true? I don’t know. But from our perceptions, it can easily seem that way. They certainly have more impact at this time of year.
Looking ahead
Given my introspective nature, it can be easy for me to get caught up in the bittersweet undertones of this time of year. But this year is one more filled with hopeful anticipation as we look forward to a most special kind of gift arriving in a couple of months.

January 8, 2009
As the due date draws near for baby McLean to make his or her entrance to the world, we got a little bad news this week. Bridgett has gestational diabetes. It crops up in some pregnant women and usually goes way after the birth.
So now my wife, who hates needles and nearly faints at the sight of blood will have to prick her finger four times a day and give herself insulin shots.
Luckily, she’ll only have to do it for just under 8 weeks, but neither one of us is looking forward to it. It’ll be a tough time for her.
One other thing this could mean. Women with gestational diabetes often, but not always, but often have bigger babies. So who knows, we could be giving birth to a linebacker come early March. I’ll keep you informed.


(Someone pointed out that Arthur must be expecting it to be a boy if he thinks we'll come out with a linebacker! I don't know of too many female linebackers!)

I'm surviving the diabetes so far. The finger sticks haven't been that bad and my sugar has definitely remained in the normal range now that I'm on insulin. I still get woozy every time I stick a needle in my leg each morning to inject insulin but the needle isn't that big so it hasn't been as bad as I expected. I'm drinking more milk and eating more yogurt than I would ever care to with my diet plan and I definitely miss my larger portions of meat at dinnertime. I think I eat more food now but I'm definitely not consuming as many calories and have already lost 2 pounds in 4 days.

It seems like last week was the week for people to start mentioning showers. The family shower got moved to Friday night, Jan 23 since the two aunts hosting it have to work Sat the 24th. Grove Hill Methodist is planning a co-ed event at 1 pm on Sunday, Feb 8. Kristi asked about hosting one for the friends of ASCC but we haven't figured out a date yet (but those of you who attended the bridal shower know how much fun we had last time, so you better make plans to attend this one!).

I ordered a chest of drawers/changing table last week (that matches the crib)and hope that it will be arriving this wknd. I figure I had better finish getting things ready in case we have an early arrival now. I go see Dr. G Fri so we'll see what he says about it, but I really do anticipate an early induction now. Arthur keeps hoping for a Thurs delivery to coordinate with the paper's schedule, but Dr. G usually isn't in the office on Thursdays. So, we're crossing our fingers for a Friday induction as early as Feb 20. Mom joked that if we have it on Feb 21 that will be 9 months to the day of our wedding anniversary! hah But again, it may just be wishful thinking on my part that I can have it early to avoid the hassle of diabetes for any longer period than necessary. We'll see how things progress in the next month! But I feel like the countdown is beginning.

We'll see if we can't get a new belly shot in the next few days to get posted. Arthur and I were talking yesterday that we need to get our last maternity shoot scheduled before time gets away from us. And as soon as we get the nursery to what feels like a completed state, I'll make sure to get you shots of it posted as well.