Boy or Girl?

We are now in the window of opportunity where people start asking if we know whether we are having a boy or girl... Had our scan last week and our official answer is "Baby was not co-operative, we can't be sure yet!"

I took this chance to ask our parents and friends and the decision is rather split:

My mom: Boy will be nice

My dad: Boy or girl is fine (but he prefers a girl says mom)

Wifey's mom: Girl

Wifey's dad: We shall call him Keith...

Truth be told, Dr. S said he was 80% sure of the gender. He even wrote a note on the ultrasound pointing to the genitalia and labeling the sex of the baby.

We are not telling yet... The final answer will be out next month during our 'detailed scan'. Wifey is already planning to go to town with the baby clothes this weekend! Don't care, just buy!

A Wife's prerogative

Today, I had a minor argument with wifey. The issue was whether I felt that she was wasting away her time when she should instead be "productive" and do something "intellectually stimulating". I then further contradict myself by telling her that because she is pregnant (and carrying my flesh and blood), she should take this time to enjoy herself and for once in her adult life not have to worry about working since it's probably gonna get rather busy once the little tike is born.

Truth be told, I actually bet (with myself) when wifey was starting her no-pay leave that she wouldn't last a month in Bangkok without work to occupy her. I mean... she hasn't not-work a single day (well almost...) since she graduate from Uni! I was confidently thinking up of all the many tasks that she could/would do once she came begging for something to kill her boredom. Perhaps she could run my company for me... or get a part-time job, or perhaps even want to start a new business... More than a month has passed and suffice to say, I lost the bet.

In between yoga classes and lunch with pregnant friends (it so happened that 2 of her good friends in Bangkok are pregnant at around the same time, they say pregnancy is contagious) there's also the game called memorizing the floor plans of all major shopping malls in Bangkok. When she's home, there are loads of DVDs and movies to keep her more than occupied.

Perhaps I'm jealous of her freedom? But have I forgotten that in the past 3 years, she was the one that "brought home the bacon" while I happily assumed the position of "spouse on post"? Besides putting up with office politics and a bitchy female boss, she had to deal with a natural disaster (tsunami), protests at the Embassy (one was a few thousand strong), elections, a military (bloodless) coup to name a few... I think I have been a selfish pig. This time of pregnancy should be her own to do whatever she wishes. My job is to support her to ensure that she stays happy everyday and perhaps baby will be happy too. Yes I think I can do that...

A husband's purpose during pregnancy

Got this from Helium.com. Very useful article to new father's asking what the heck they are supposed to do during their wive's pregnancy! I certainly found myself wondering that a few days ago... I mean, I think I did okay during the first trimester, supporting wifey when she felt pukey, letting her order 5 types of food knowing full well she wasn't going to be able to finish it (hence me the vacuum...) etc. She's enjoying herself much more now, shopping, eating and meeting friends. Suddenly, I don't feel so useful anymore? Read the article below... it seems we are quite important afterall... phew!

We Need You Daddy - from Helium.com
To most wives pregnancy is exciting and beautiful. We can't wait to tell family and friends. We plan our baby shower. We even pick out baby names before we know the sex of our baby. Becoming a mother makes you feel like a real woman more than anything else you experience.

Men see pregnancy different. They think of the expenses, the weight gain of their wives, insecurity of being a good provider, and will the sex be the same. Husbands and wives think about different things when it comes to pregnancy.

A wife wants her husband to be apart of every event that occurs during the pregnancy. After all he did make the baby. It is important that the husband listen to his wife when she talks about the pregnancy. When their is good communication, the wife won't become stressed. Yes, women will have days when their hormones are out of control. Husbands be patient. She's carrying your child. A hug, kiss, or back rub will get everything under control. Women love to be touched and held during pregnancy. Tell your wife she is beautiful. Most women have a special glow. We feel good about ourselves when you tell us we look good.

Having your partners support makes nine months of pregnancy a lot easier. Support in the delivery room is especially important. A lot of moms are scared because they don't know what to expect. We look at our husbands as our protectors and supporters. With our husbands assisting us in the delivery room we can be calm and not afraid.

Husbands we need you.