So I'm still watching. I don't get to do anything yet, there's nothing I can do to help. Pregnancy for men, most men, is a spectator sport. I say most men, because we watched a very funny episode of Frasier last night about a pregnant couple whose husband was having all manner of sympathy pains, cravings, moodiness, you name it, he had it too.

Not funny like "HA HA," but funny like "that's weird..."

Call it luck. Not only haven't I found myself with sympathy aches and craving pickles on my own, but either has Kim. She's managed to kick quite a few of the pregnancy stereotypes from all of the books right in the teeth. From the morning sickness (that certainly around in the afternoon and early evening) that was supposed to be gone during the second trimester (sorry, still here), to the up and down mood swings that never seemed to have surfaced.

TV's good like that. They can come up with just about any scenario in life, pair it up either with a good laugh-track, or some heavy background music, and you'd believe it was normal. You see this guy sitting at a table in a coffee shop with his very pregnant wife with a sudden insatiable need for pickles... seems normal that he is the one who needs the pickles - so normal that it's funny (like "HA HA" this time).

But then we're back to the things that I can't do anything about. At least if we needed mashed potatoes and watermelon at 3am, I think I could get that taken care of. On the other hand, there are plenty of things I have no control over whatsoever... the mean guy who crossed 3 lanes of traffic to get to the red light first, the heartburn that my son seems to be oh so good at creating already... things like that.

I want to be able to help, but I've succumbed to the fact that if my assistance is necessary or warranted, I'll know. Not because of any command given or ultimatum enforced... I'll just know.

So far, so good.

Falling out of touch is a weird thing. You get to be such good, close friends with people, but they continually come into and flow out of your life. So often so, that sometimes you don't quite realize that they have drifted away until something brings the relationship, or lack thereof, to your attention.

I found out the other day that one of my closest friends from high school lost his father to Cancer this past weekend. I immediately tried to remember the last time I had seen Bryan, and then the last time I had seen his Dad. It took me a bit, but I came up with something like 6 years.

Now this is a guy who I used to see and talk to every day. I went on a few vacations with him and his family. I stayed at his house when my parents were out of town. We used to do all kinds of things together. We both left town for college, he to Penn State, and I to university of Maryland. We got together a few times here and there, but my sister probably saw him more than I did, when she began attending PSU.

The last time we got together was kind of happenstance. Kim and I were meeting another high school friend of mine at a bar where Bryan happened to show up. We made some small talk, but that was about it.

So then yesterday, I get the news from my Dad that Bryan's dad Bill has passed away. He read me the obituary, and that there was a service that was to be held tonight. I was unable to make the trip, and my Dad offered to make an appearance on my behalf.

As difficult I think it would have been for me to be there, not having much to say right off other than to offer my deepest condolences, I honestly can't imagine what was going through Magoo's mind while he was there. Bill was 56... younger than my Dad.

I remember when my Dad's father died. I was in eighth grade at the time, and it was my first funeral. That's the first time I can remember my Dad really being upset. I don't think I really understood it all at that point. After all, we only got to see my grandparents a few times a year. But looking back, I can definitely remember making a clear connection with the late Jim Sr. on our last visit.

Back in his day, he was the sheriff of New London County CT. At the time of this conversation, I had been intrigued by the history of the 1920s Prohibition gangsters. I had memorized the 1920-1930 This Fabulous Century section on Prohibition, and I got to ask him about what it was like to be a lawman in that time. He told me this wonderful story about having his armed men spread out, one a block ahead, one a block behind, and one across the street, whenever they had to move a safe like the big huge one I had seen in the Uncasville basement. To say that I was enthralled would be an understatement.

They say hindsight is 20/20. Times like these really make me hate that. I wish I had spent more time listening to Grandpa. I wish I had asked him more questions.

I have so many things that I'd love to talk about with people I can't talk to anymore.

It's also these times that make me glad that I've been able to reconnect with my Dad lately. We talk a lot more than we did when I was a kid. We don't always get into deep subjects, lately conversations have been dominated by how ridiculous my NCAA tournament picks have been. But we still shoot the breeze when we have time.

I like that.

I certainly don't mean to take anything away from any of the friendships that I have now, but every now and then I get to thinking about the people whom I've drifted away from. The internet is kind of helpful in that, and I'll be the first to admit I've spent plenty a lunch hour throwing names from the UHS class of '91 into Google to see what I can come up with. It's interesting to see who comes up right away, and who seems like they just don't want to be found. Of course not everyone I've been able to contact thinks this is such a clever way to go about finding them. Some think it's downright strange.

I want my son to know everything about everyone. I want him to appreciate all of the history and perspective that everyone who cares about him will be able to offer. I want so much for him - already.

I hope I can live up to my end of the bargain.

Just got back from watching a buddy of mine play the semi-finals of the AA league in the MVAHL, a division higher than the level I currently play. It was, unfortunately, a bit of a rout. However, I do think that in a few more seasons, I might be able to hold my own up there.

Gotta have goals.

Ironic that tonight's discussion is about goals, as brought upon by watching hockey, where in my position, my entire point of being on the ice is specifically to STOP goals.

Anyway... so here I am, not even an actual father yet, and I'm already wondering about my son's goals. I want to know what it is that he wants to do in life? What does he want to accomplish? What mark does he want to leave, and who will be the person most affected by his life? Who will he look to? Will he want to be like me? Like Magoo? Like someone I've never met? Things to ponder...

OK... maybe I should just make sure I don't forget anything on the way to the hospital.

Lazy Sunday.

Well not really.

Spent the better part of the day digging out the remnants of this huge nasty bush that had overgrown the front of the house when moved in this time last year. Borrowed some tools from our neighbor Dan, and cut it out last fall. Made a big difference, but still had a big nasty stump. So today's project was to dig it out. Little did I know that it'd turn into digging, chopping, hacking mess. More tool-borrowing from Dan... but in the end I won.

Also installed a carseat base in Kim's car, so no matter what vehicle we're in, we're ready to go. More importantly, we're ready to come home. Apparently the hospital won't let you off their grounds if you don't have a carseat installed.

Kinda funny that we struggled through "Terms of Endearment" the other night, and were totoally making fun of the little kid in the carseat we remember riding in. Of course, he only had it installed in the front seat. when he was in the back, he was welcome to sit on his Mom's lap. Nice.

To reassure everyone that Bailey is obviously still in charge, she got her fourth bed in the house today. We figure that as much time as we'll be spending in Harry's room, that she'll need her own place in there to keep her out of trouble.

Our dog definitely rules our house.

Well, the Voyagers went down tonight in the semi's. Good game, but we lost 4-3 to the regular season champs. Maybe we'll get our name on the Southsides plaque next season.

If one more person asks if Kim's "nesting" yet, I think we'll both go nuts. Sure, she's got things to do, but nesting? That's what Bailey does when she's tired... she wraps herself up in the blanket, and makes herself into the tightest ball that she can and squeezes her eyes shut.

I haven't seen Kim do that yet, and somehow I don't expect to.

However, her bag is finally packed in anticipation of needing to use it soon. I guess I'll have to put mine together soon as well.

Something I certainly remember about looking back on my Dad's influential moments, was the time I was handed a copy of the USCGA text Service Etiquette. I was a freshman in High School, and thought I was some kind of stud, because I was playing on the JV soccer team, and my girlfreind at the time, had stayed after school to watch the game. So after the game, which if I remember correctly we lost, here I am walking from the field back to the locker room, with the ballbag over one shoulder, and hand-in-hand with my girlfriend.

PDA's. Not Palm-Pilots or iPaq's or ipods, Public Displays of Affection. That didn't go over so well. And looking back, it's no surprise. When I see kids at concerts groping and heavy petting on the councourses and in dark corners, it makes me want to puke.

So now I feel the need to make absolutely certain that my son is a perfect gentleman. Did some reading this afternoon, and came up with a nice list of pointers that seen to make perfect sense for the current era.

I have indeed become my father's son.

Kim made it to the doctor today... all's well. Harry's flipped himself back over and is head-down as he should be. No such luck at scheduling delivery. Guess he'll show up when he's good and ready. Of course, it's only 2 1/2 weeks until he's due, so no need to panic yet. Apparently the Full Moon also arrives on the 19th, so he'll HAVE to be here by then.

So of course, my main focus at this point is where am I going to be when I get a call that I need to get her to the hospital. Thanks to all of you who have already offered to drive me home to drive Kim to the hospital... I can't say for sure that I won't be taking one of you up on it! Apparently we need to pack our bags this weekend... just in case.

Kim spent the better part of this evening sterilizing everything she could fit into a boiling pot of water, whether it was supposed to be boiled or not. Needless to say, there were a few items who couldn't stand the heat.

Today was the first time in months that we were able to sit out in the backyard and enjoy the afternoon. Special thanks to Dick Patrick for closing the office early, and also to Kris Wagner for donating the Adirondack chairs a few years back.

For those who didn't know, it was Kris' birthday on the 24th. This is his new pup Casey.

The Voyagers play tomorrow night at 8:45 in the semi-finals of the MVAHL Winter Season. Hopefully we'll come out on top, and we'll have a good update tomorrow.

So Kim's friend Lisa had her baby yesterday. She was supposed to be due on the 1st of April, so Kim's excited. Hopefully Harry will begin taking cues, and show up sometime soon.

Big congrats to Greg & Lisa!!! Apparently the new arrival doesn't have a name yet, but we'd like to send him our best as well.

Had an interesting conversation today about "cravings" during pregnancy. I'd have to say that luckily, Kim hasn't had anything like that... yet.

Of course, when any discussion of "Luck" and pregnancy, there's the lucky aspect of being male.

I get to watch.

I get to watch the ridiculous amount of extreme discomfort that Kim gets to go through for 10 months (we've all been told forever that it's only 9... no such luck). I get to watch her not be able to breathe because my son has decided to position himself on her diaphragm. I get to watch her squirm all night long because there's not 1 single position that's the least bit comfortable, much less one she can sleep in. I get to listen to her burp more than I ever have, because heartburn has been rampant for what seems like forever.

I'm going to get to watch her go through labor and everything that comes along with that. The pain of contractions, the pushing, the crazy breathing stuff (where's Kris's Cosby impersonation when I need it???), et cetera, et cetera.

I know we're in the homestretch, and I hate to be one to complain, but this is one part of this whole part that really sucks. There's nothing she can do to feel more comfortable, and there's certainly not much I can do but everything she asks for.

In my best Brian Regan voice "...it's the least I can do."

There's obviously the big picture to think of, what we get at the end of all of this, but geez. This part sucks.

So Kim's friend Lisa had her baby yesterday. She was supposed to be due on the 1st of April, so Kim's excited. Hopefully Harry will begin taking cues, and show up sometime soon.

Big congrats to Greg & Lisa!!! Apparently the new arrival doesn't have a name yet, but we'd like to send him our best as well.

Had an interesting conversation today about "cravings" during pregnancy. I'd have to say that luckily, Kim hasn't had anything like that... yet.

Of course, when any discussion of "Luck" and pregnancy, there's the lucky aspect of being male.

I get to watch.

I get to watch the ridiculous amount of extreme discomfort that Kim gets to go through for 10 months (we've all been told forever that it's only 9... no such luck). I get to watch her not be able to breathe because my son has decided to position himself on her diaphragm. I get to watch her squirm all night long because there's not 1 single position that's the least bit comfortable, much less one she can sleep in. I get to listen to her burp more than I ever have, because heartburn has been rampant for what seems like forever.

I'm going to get to watch her go through labor and everything that comes along with that. The pain of contractions, the pushing, the crazy breathing stuff (where's Kris's Cosby impersonation when I need it???), et cetera, et cetera.

I know we're in the homestretch, and I hate to be one to complain, but this is one part of this whole part that really sucks. There's nothing she can do to feel more comfortable, and there's certainly not much I can do but everything she asks for.

In my best Brian Regan voice "...it's the least I can do."

There's obviously the big picture to think of, what we get at the end of all of this, but geez. This part sucks.

Okay... I know I've already posted for today, but this is kinda fun. There's nothing like the instant gratification of the web to get the creative juices flowing.

So I've already been called out on the journal... "is this going to be a daily thing?" I will say that this is the intention. As I was discussing earlier this evening, I had every intention of keeping a journal of this entire progression from the day we decided that we were indeed pregnant. However, for any multitude of reasons I'm certain I could come up with to explain why I didn't, let's just point back to the instant gratification idea of the web. Writing in a book seems nice in theory, but also a bit selfish. No one can really read that... well they could, but this just feels better.

So why has this now begun in earnest? Since we're laying everything on the line here, credit where credit's due.

2 places:

1) Kim really wanted a site for pictures that she could share with everyone. I know lots of people do the Ofoto thing, but seems like something that'd be more fun to do on our own... especially now that we've got a fancy-schmancy new digital camera!! (Big Fat Thanks to Becky & Allen!)

2) Saw a really cool site that friends have put together for their upcoming wedding. Julie and Frank did a really great job. I liked theirs and thought it'd be cool to come up with something like that.

As well, now that the NHL season is winding down, and no one seems quite sure where the expiration of the CBA will be taking us, my nights seem to be getting quieter for the time being.

We'll see how long that lasts.

So keep checking back in with us, I'm sure if today is any indication, there will be PLENTY of updates to the site. As well, please feel free to drop either of us a line by signing the guestbook/comment page, or clicking the appropriate email link.

one last thing, please do not feel offended if you think you've been quoted.

At least I was paying attention

Day 2 of the Harry's World story.

Kim's in Philly today on what she claims is her last trip before Harry's arrival. My question was, what happens if he shows up while she's on the road? The poor kid would have to live with being born in Philly, or worse JERSEY!?!?!?!

... I can say that. I was born there, as was Kim. Not that you'd really notice though.

Regardless, I feel weird for wanting to rush this part, because everyone's so into "...make sure you do all of the things you want to do now, because you'll never get to again." I think maybe they're just jealous that they haven't done some of the things they have wanted to do. Why? who knows why, but for whatever reason, they just didn't. Now, rather than come up with a good reason, they blame their kids for it.

I don't agree with that perspective. I know plenty of people who did and continue to do LOTS of things with their kids. We plan to do that. We plan to expose them to as much as we can. Isn't that one of the great reasons to have kids? To show them what's out there, what you were shown, and maybe even some things you weren't?

Sounds like a plan to me.

Of course that's another thing that we can apparently kiss good-bye... plans.

"Don't plan on doing anything, because everything can and will change on a moment's notice." Um... we're kinda like that now. I'm really good at feeling like like absolute crap right before we're supposed to head out the door to a party (ask Kim, I'm sure she can think of at LEAST 5 right off the top of her head). Bailey's known for that, she's even passed along a few tricks to her friends (ask Festus Williams about the fake "my leg really hurts" thing).

I'm not trying to sound like I think I know how everything's going to work out, I know I don't. I haven't been able to figure out how anything's going to progress in life for the last 31 years, what would make me think I've had this great epiphany that's going to make it all crystal clear in the coming weeks? That being said, I'm looking forward to this adventure, and seeing where we end up.

Regardless of how it all plays out.

So here we are. Not exactly a month out, but close enough.

Kim's really ready to not be pregnant anymore, as it hasn't been the most comforting experience for her (most of you know this already).

Bailey's really ready for whomever it is that's going to be playing with all of the toys that she's not allowed to touch, to at the very least, have the courtesy to show up and claim them.

I'm really ready... well I'm ready to be a Dad.

Over the last few months, I've had just about everyone I know tell me how much it is that my life's going to change... that it's never going to be the same again... that it's going to be this, or that... but most of all that it's nothing like you'd expect it to be.

But that they wouldn't trade it in for the world.

They also all keep telling us to savor this time that we have left by ourselves... I think we're both ready for the little stinker to show up. I know Kim is. Anything to be able to feel better & sleep on her stomach again!

Will try to keep up on this, and keep you all in the loop.