Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What can I Say?
Benedict was born 3 weeks ago today and he has certainly taken over Luna's life and to a large extent mine, although I am at work a lot of the time. No doubt my time will come. Benedict's a great child, really quite settled and not too noisy. In addition Luna is a great mother and patiently nurses Benedict 24/7; you could say Benedict is very well plugged in. Luna does get a little respite. Boo is a great help and I am quite a dab hand at nappy changing and Benedict and I have regular chats about the munificence and glory of God.
The good news is we are all well, in particular Luna and Benedict. Of course life completely revolves around Benedict, most certainly for Luna. The highlight of our week is Sunday mass. We take Benedict even though he sleeps through it. The alternative would be for one of us not to get to mass. We will review that if Benedict starts being disruptive. But in church Benedict is an angel, well so far. Luna and I have just been shopping tonight and I think it is the first time Luna has been out of the house in the evening since Benedict was born. Let me stress Benedict is great fun, and really is totally absorbing.
Work is tough. I have a long day. Usually I am awake by 0500h and up by 0600h and out at about 0645h. If I do extra teaching and finish around 1800h I am not usually home until 1830h. I enjoy the teaching, I am surprised to say I really like teaching Mathematics, because at school I was rubbish at it. I am currently teaching G 6 basic algebra and I am really getting into it and I think my students are learning too. However it is hard. There is a lot of pressure coming down from on high. Back in London the driving game was so attractive because you got in your car and worked hard and usually earned a lot of money.This is different though I must say it is intellectually stimulating and a far greater challenge in most respects.
I have been out looking at birds fairly regularily, snatching a few hours here and there. Wood sandpipers locally so the migration of shorebirds is now under way. Elsewhere west of Ratchaburi I observed 5 small pratincoles at the reservoir and there were about 10 other new species in the surrounding plantations but I couldn't get the glasses on them for long enough to make a definite identification. I will be back there.
So life is good. I am busy and the stuff that is going on in my life around fatherhood is too profound for me to understand so I'll let you know when I do make sense of it. Benedict is getting baptised this Sunday. Welcome onboard, Benedict. I will post pictures of the event.
Finally we have been flooded with messages of congratulations and presents for Benedict. Many thanks to you all for your kindness. Benedict must be the best dressed baby in Thailand and he is now assembling some fine toys!
The good news is we are all well, in particular Luna and Benedict. Of course life completely revolves around Benedict, most certainly for Luna. The highlight of our week is Sunday mass. We take Benedict even though he sleeps through it. The alternative would be for one of us not to get to mass. We will review that if Benedict starts being disruptive. But in church Benedict is an angel, well so far. Luna and I have just been shopping tonight and I think it is the first time Luna has been out of the house in the evening since Benedict was born. Let me stress Benedict is great fun, and really is totally absorbing.
Work is tough. I have a long day. Usually I am awake by 0500h and up by 0600h and out at about 0645h. If I do extra teaching and finish around 1800h I am not usually home until 1830h. I enjoy the teaching, I am surprised to say I really like teaching Mathematics, because at school I was rubbish at it. I am currently teaching G 6 basic algebra and I am really getting into it and I think my students are learning too. However it is hard. There is a lot of pressure coming down from on high. Back in London the driving game was so attractive because you got in your car and worked hard and usually earned a lot of money.This is different though I must say it is intellectually stimulating and a far greater challenge in most respects.
I have been out looking at birds fairly regularily, snatching a few hours here and there. Wood sandpipers locally so the migration of shorebirds is now under way. Elsewhere west of Ratchaburi I observed 5 small pratincoles at the reservoir and there were about 10 other new species in the surrounding plantations but I couldn't get the glasses on them for long enough to make a definite identification. I will be back there.
So life is good. I am busy and the stuff that is going on in my life around fatherhood is too profound for me to understand so I'll let you know when I do make sense of it. Benedict is getting baptised this Sunday. Welcome onboard, Benedict. I will post pictures of the event.
Finally we have been flooded with messages of congratulations and presents for Benedict. Many thanks to you all for your kindness. Benedict must be the best dressed baby in Thailand and he is now assembling some fine toys!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday
It is approaching 7:00 pm Thai time as I write this and I am sat in front of the TV with The Open coming in live from Turnberry, Scotland. The main contenders are teeing off now so I think it is going to be quite an evening. The breeze and the possibility of rain probably mean there is not going to be low scoring; of course some one will hit a low score, (John Daly?!) but there are are also going to be disasters. Tom Watson has a one stroke lead and I reckon he's going to do it because he has the game and appears to have the temperament to win. However strange things happen.
I am in the process of preparing mid-term tests for my students. So far it has been a good day. We took Benedict to mass again today and he behaved himself; I think the singing soothes him. Spent most of the afternoon working on these tests and expect to do so most of this evening.
Some four hours later Turnberry and The Open has me and countless millions on absolute tenterhooks. Stewart Cink, USA, has just birdied the last to share the lead in the clubhouse with Tom Watson. Lee Westwood has an outstanding eagle putt opportunity at the seventeenth;that would take him into a one stroke lead. Watson, currently co-leader, has just driven at the seventeenth and appears to be left with a decent shot to the green. Westwood misses eagle by the narrowest of margins but birdies it and now we have three co-leaders. However surely Watson at 59 is the story regardless of who wins and if he actually does win it then basically this must be one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time.
Watson plays a peach of a fairway wood that just goes through the green but is about 15 yards from the hole; he must have a chance of holing it from there and surely must be fancied to get down in two and make birdie to take him into a one stroke lead with one to play. Westwood appears to have played his drive at 18 into a tough bunker. Watson is striding up the 17th with a relaxed smile on his face. I remember the amazement and astonishment when Jack Nicklaus won a major aged 46. Watson plays a simple putt and scores birdie to take him into a one stroke lead with one hole to play. A decent drive at 18 should do the trick and hopefully avoid the trouble Westwood is in. Westwood plays an amazing stroke which has the BBC commentary team in awe. He is on the green with an outside chance of a birdie. Watson has left his drive in a very safe place and Westwood is now struggling for a par as he has hit his birdie putt well past. Yup Westwood has bogeyed. Unlucky I like Lee Westwood, genuine, honest golfer.
So a par wins it for Watson. Here we go. The BBC has shown a clip of Watson winning in 1977, guess what, he has the same sponsor, Adams Golf. I guess that says something about the guy. Watson has played and his ball has run through the green. Not the most difficult shot in the world but he is in the fringe. I bet he would prefer a simple putt! Anyhow he has opted to putt. If he gets down in two he wins it, three he is in a play off with Cink. Oh dear, Watson has left himself a ten foot putt to win the championship. I have a feeling we are headed for a play-off. Poor Watson he fluffed it. We call it the bastard game.
The rest is now history. I feel gutted for poor Tom Watson, he had it and then he lost it. I guess that is golf for you. A cruel, humbling game with the potential to take you to incredible highs. I guess its likes will never be seen again. Well done, Tom, you done brilliant!
I have drafted four exams during the excitement. What a relief! Glad to get that done.
Oh and Benedict is just a joy, but seems mainly interested in his mum right now!!!
I am in the process of preparing mid-term tests for my students. So far it has been a good day. We took Benedict to mass again today and he behaved himself; I think the singing soothes him. Spent most of the afternoon working on these tests and expect to do so most of this evening.
Some four hours later Turnberry and The Open has me and countless millions on absolute tenterhooks. Stewart Cink, USA, has just birdied the last to share the lead in the clubhouse with Tom Watson. Lee Westwood has an outstanding eagle putt opportunity at the seventeenth;that would take him into a one stroke lead. Watson, currently co-leader, has just driven at the seventeenth and appears to be left with a decent shot to the green. Westwood misses eagle by the narrowest of margins but birdies it and now we have three co-leaders. However surely Watson at 59 is the story regardless of who wins and if he actually does win it then basically this must be one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time.
Watson plays a peach of a fairway wood that just goes through the green but is about 15 yards from the hole; he must have a chance of holing it from there and surely must be fancied to get down in two and make birdie to take him into a one stroke lead with one to play. Westwood appears to have played his drive at 18 into a tough bunker. Watson is striding up the 17th with a relaxed smile on his face. I remember the amazement and astonishment when Jack Nicklaus won a major aged 46. Watson plays a simple putt and scores birdie to take him into a one stroke lead with one hole to play. A decent drive at 18 should do the trick and hopefully avoid the trouble Westwood is in. Westwood plays an amazing stroke which has the BBC commentary team in awe. He is on the green with an outside chance of a birdie. Watson has left his drive in a very safe place and Westwood is now struggling for a par as he has hit his birdie putt well past. Yup Westwood has bogeyed. Unlucky I like Lee Westwood, genuine, honest golfer.
So a par wins it for Watson. Here we go. The BBC has shown a clip of Watson winning in 1977, guess what, he has the same sponsor, Adams Golf. I guess that says something about the guy. Watson has played and his ball has run through the green. Not the most difficult shot in the world but he is in the fringe. I bet he would prefer a simple putt! Anyhow he has opted to putt. If he gets down in two he wins it, three he is in a play off with Cink. Oh dear, Watson has left himself a ten foot putt to win the championship. I have a feeling we are headed for a play-off. Poor Watson he fluffed it. We call it the bastard game.
The rest is now history. I feel gutted for poor Tom Watson, he had it and then he lost it. I guess that is golf for you. A cruel, humbling game with the potential to take you to incredible highs. I guess its likes will never be seen again. Well done, Tom, you done brilliant!
I have drafted four exams during the excitement. What a relief! Glad to get that done.
Oh and Benedict is just a joy, but seems mainly interested in his mum right now!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
At Home for One Week
I have to say Luna has done outstanding work in getting our little boy settled in at home. Moreover Luna hasn't had it easy as we had a bit of a panic about Benedict's feeding. This has been resolved and if you saw what I can see you would say that mother and child had perfectly bonded.
As I write, Saturday early afternoon, I am watching the British Open Golf from Turnberry,Scotland, about a 40 minute drive form where I grew up. They are showing a recording of Day 2's highlights and I just heard one of the commentators say it was about 61℃. Ouch! Anyhow the golf is coming in live so I am looking forward to the final two days, minus Tiger Woods. Scotland tames the Tiger!
It's really an amazing tournament with Tom Watson, the 1977 winner at the same course, a few days shy of his 60th birthday, sharing the lead at the cut. I remember Watson's dual with The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, at the same golf course back in 1977. I would be very happy if Tom prevailed again and this is indeed no forlorn hope; I am glad to see that Wild Thang himself, John Daly, is five off the lead and is also a genuine contender.
It was a tough week. I went back to work Monday and I didn't get a lot of sleep until last night, Friday. It's not that Benedict has been particularily difficult, just I haven't had a lot of sleep. I have been up in the middle of night doing my bit of nappy changing and trying to be helpful. Luna is doing sterling work. She really has Benedict settled and it is a joy to be privy to their interaction. I have never seen Luna so animated and the little boy just looks on lovingly.
Benedict strikes me as being pretty sharp and aware and he also impresses me as being very powerful. He has already grasped how to use his legs as levers so in time he'll explore the house by crawling. Benedict's eyes have fully opened to reveal a fine set of blue eyes. The stump from his umbiical cord scab fell off his belly button during the week and caused him a very sleepless night.
Luna is mending very well. She had her stitiches removed Tuesday.
Both Benedict and Luna are sound asleep as I write so I think I will cuddle up to both of them. All is very well I am glad to say.
As I write, Saturday early afternoon, I am watching the British Open Golf from Turnberry,Scotland, about a 40 minute drive form where I grew up. They are showing a recording of Day 2's highlights and I just heard one of the commentators say it was about 61℃. Ouch! Anyhow the golf is coming in live so I am looking forward to the final two days, minus Tiger Woods. Scotland tames the Tiger!
It's really an amazing tournament with Tom Watson, the 1977 winner at the same course, a few days shy of his 60th birthday, sharing the lead at the cut. I remember Watson's dual with The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, at the same golf course back in 1977. I would be very happy if Tom prevailed again and this is indeed no forlorn hope; I am glad to see that Wild Thang himself, John Daly, is five off the lead and is also a genuine contender.
It was a tough week. I went back to work Monday and I didn't get a lot of sleep until last night, Friday. It's not that Benedict has been particularily difficult, just I haven't had a lot of sleep. I have been up in the middle of night doing my bit of nappy changing and trying to be helpful. Luna is doing sterling work. She really has Benedict settled and it is a joy to be privy to their interaction. I have never seen Luna so animated and the little boy just looks on lovingly.
Benedict strikes me as being pretty sharp and aware and he also impresses me as being very powerful. He has already grasped how to use his legs as levers so in time he'll explore the house by crawling. Benedict's eyes have fully opened to reveal a fine set of blue eyes. The stump from his umbiical cord scab fell off his belly button during the week and caused him a very sleepless night.
Luna is mending very well. She had her stitiches removed Tuesday.
Both Benedict and Luna are sound asleep as I write so I think I will cuddle up to both of them. All is very well I am glad to say.
Monday, July 13, 2009
On Fatherhood
Monday morning Benedict fed and changed before 06:00h. Luna was up during the night to feed Ben but no real disturbance and I slept through it all. As I have said before Benedict is a gentle, calm boy and in real terms is a dream child for our first effort......well so far.My friend, the Captain, told me he had two sons, one came out quiet and gentle and one came out fighting and kicking and both are the same now they are in their twenties!
We took Benedict to mass yesterday and some say he slept his way through it, I would say, of course, he was praying for his mother and father! Looks like his baptism will be on the first Sunday of August....I wonder if he will still be an angelic, peaceful little boy!!! But it was good that we were both able to get to mass and that Benedict behaved himself.
Boo, our assistant, came back yesterday from a few days leave so it is nice to have her back and she will help us keep the pandaemonium and mess down as well as feed us. I bought some more furniture yesterday to store all Benedict's bits and pieces and to give us some additional space in the kitchen. People have been so kind. He was given some very expensive French cotton nappies, you know designer nappies! Very comfortable indeed. I reckon Benedict will be one of the best dressed kids in Thailand.
I even managed to get out and look at the birds for a few hours late yesterday. I didn't blog this earlier but on Monday last week, on the eve of Benedict's birth day, I took a drive down to a reservoir about 30 kms from here and there espied 4 river lapwings which I thought were uncommon. This was confirmed when I reported them to Nick Upton, the main man, from Thai Birding. They are strikingly beautiful birds. They were still there yesterday. I have also added barred buttonquail,fairly ubiquitous as far as Thailand is concerned, and long-tailed shrike, to my list in recent weeks.
Now I better get showered and dressed, have breakfast and go to work! What a busy life!
We took Benedict to mass yesterday and some say he slept his way through it, I would say, of course, he was praying for his mother and father! Looks like his baptism will be on the first Sunday of August....I wonder if he will still be an angelic, peaceful little boy!!! But it was good that we were both able to get to mass and that Benedict behaved himself.
Boo, our assistant, came back yesterday from a few days leave so it is nice to have her back and she will help us keep the pandaemonium and mess down as well as feed us. I bought some more furniture yesterday to store all Benedict's bits and pieces and to give us some additional space in the kitchen. People have been so kind. He was given some very expensive French cotton nappies, you know designer nappies! Very comfortable indeed. I reckon Benedict will be one of the best dressed kids in Thailand.
I even managed to get out and look at the birds for a few hours late yesterday. I didn't blog this earlier but on Monday last week, on the eve of Benedict's birth day, I took a drive down to a reservoir about 30 kms from here and there espied 4 river lapwings which I thought were uncommon. This was confirmed when I reported them to Nick Upton, the main man, from Thai Birding. They are strikingly beautiful birds. They were still there yesterday. I have also added barred buttonquail,fairly ubiquitous as far as Thailand is concerned, and long-tailed shrike, to my list in recent weeks.
Now I better get showered and dressed, have breakfast and go to work! What a busy life!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Swaddling Benedict
bath01
Originally uploaded by gerryb-inthailand
Father & Son aka Beauty and The Beast
Even though Benedict is 5 days old I really sense we have established a strong bond. He lies with me and even sleeps in my arms and lets me feed, change and wash him. Apart from feeding Benedict through the night, we had no disturbance or disruption from him at all which bodes well. This was particularily welcome as it was Benedict's first night at home. I was a little concerned because Benedict had spent most of Saturday asleep in his bouncer and I was fearful he was going to be up all night playing karate as we call it..... you know when he lies on his back and motions his arms around in all directions with a fair amount of kicking! Both Luna and I managed to get a good night's sleep. And Luna is drooling over Benedict this morning, looking at her little miracle. We are going to take Benedict to mass this morning which might be an interesting experience as I was always extremely pissed off by noisy weans!
Mother & Child
I am so happy to say that both Benedict and Luna are a picture of health and well being as you can see from the pic.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Back Home
We brought Benedict home today, Saturday, at lunchtime. Our grateful thanks to Dr Piyanuch and the nursing staff at Prompet Hospital, Ratchaburi for safely bringing Benedict into the world, for patching up Luna and then for looking after us for the last few days. Dr Piyanuch told us she was pleased Luna elected for a caesarian section as Benedict’s umbilical cord had wrapped itself around his neck. I have to say every aspect of the clinical and after birth treatment was excellent. Luna is in very good form and showing no adverse reaction to anything.
Benedict has just had a good feed and is settled into a bouncer chair we bought in Mothercare, Bangkok. No reaction to his first ride in a car and a very good reaction to coming home, sleeping away. He is very sensitive to noise and of course I have just moved my chair and the noise made him jump.
I think I speak for Luna here as well as for myself but he is as good as perfect. He has an excellent set of tonsils, his bladder and bowels are in excellent order and he cannot get enough of his mother’s milk; and of course he knows how to use his tonsils to get said milk.
I have wiped my first bum and changed my first nappy and I am trying to get as involved as I possibly can. I am really loving it all and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the joy I felt when my son pee’d over me yesterday. I am delighted to be able to report everything is so well.
Benedict has just had a good feed and is settled into a bouncer chair we bought in Mothercare, Bangkok. No reaction to his first ride in a car and a very good reaction to coming home, sleeping away. He is very sensitive to noise and of course I have just moved my chair and the noise made him jump.
I think I speak for Luna here as well as for myself but he is as good as perfect. He has an excellent set of tonsils, his bladder and bowels are in excellent order and he cannot get enough of his mother’s milk; and of course he knows how to use his tonsils to get said milk.
I have wiped my first bum and changed my first nappy and I am trying to get as involved as I possibly can. I am really loving it all and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the joy I felt when my son pee’d over me yesterday. I am delighted to be able to report everything is so well.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Birthday Boy
The joys of parenthood! Happy to say all is well and we are looking forward to bringing Benedict home tomorrow. Luna is rapidly recovering too, she is back on her feet again and she is coping with everything brilliantly, even her daft husband's notions that he could go out and play golf this morning. I think we are starting to realise a little about what we have let ourselves in for. Throughout most of yesterday Benedict howled when I went near him and then later in the evening he lay in my arms for almost two hours. I feel for Luna cos she has the breasts and they're what Benedict wants!
I am 51 today. A few years back didn't look as though I would make it even to 50. I can only say I have experienced an astonishing transformation. Perhaps this will help you understand why I might appear to be a little religious! Of course I would say that I am not religious at all. Sure I am a practising Catholic but I would say that what has brought all this together is a spiritual conversion triggered by my decision to stop gambling and then to get sober and to have been able to maintain this state for a little while now. This came from a process of fellowship, human fellowship, not from sitting in church pews. As my life was given back to me I started to understand and to accept that what was at work was a power much greater than I will ever be. Progressively I have developed a relationship with that higher power that I now choose to call God and if you like developed a spiritual life. Along the way I felt increasingly comfortable about formalising that into a conventional religious format. So I went back to what I knew best, the Catholic Church, and was welcomed back with open arms.
First and foremost our son is called Benedict because he is a real blessing. I doubt we would have called him Benedict if the current Pope was not so called as well. His second name, Panya, is after the Bishop of Ratchaburi who married us. Panya means wisdom in the ancient language of Pali, which is to Buddhism what Latin is to Catholicism. We believe Luna conceived on her wedding night or very soon after and we attribute that to Bishop Panya's blessing. We have solid reasons for this belief other than it making a nice, romantic story.
So today with Benedict Panya and my wife Luna I am having a perfect birthday. God bless you all.
I am 51 today. A few years back didn't look as though I would make it even to 50. I can only say I have experienced an astonishing transformation. Perhaps this will help you understand why I might appear to be a little religious! Of course I would say that I am not religious at all. Sure I am a practising Catholic but I would say that what has brought all this together is a spiritual conversion triggered by my decision to stop gambling and then to get sober and to have been able to maintain this state for a little while now. This came from a process of fellowship, human fellowship, not from sitting in church pews. As my life was given back to me I started to understand and to accept that what was at work was a power much greater than I will ever be. Progressively I have developed a relationship with that higher power that I now choose to call God and if you like developed a spiritual life. Along the way I felt increasingly comfortable about formalising that into a conventional religious format. So I went back to what I knew best, the Catholic Church, and was welcomed back with open arms.
First and foremost our son is called Benedict because he is a real blessing. I doubt we would have called him Benedict if the current Pope was not so called as well. His second name, Panya, is after the Bishop of Ratchaburi who married us. Panya means wisdom in the ancient language of Pali, which is to Buddhism what Latin is to Catholicism. We believe Luna conceived on her wedding night or very soon after and we attribute that to Bishop Panya's blessing. We have solid reasons for this belief other than it making a nice, romantic story.
So today with Benedict Panya and my wife Luna I am having a perfect birthday. God bless you all.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Benedict just for a change!
Benedict's first 24 hours were very civilised indeed. No catastrophes and Benedict served notice that his bowels are working. The nurses call him Daeng, which in Thai means red, and he is pretty red right now as he has inherited his father's skin pigmentation.Everyone in Thailand has a nick name so perhaps Benedict's might be Daeng.
Luna is making a splendid recovery and the doctor reckons she and Benedict can come home on Saturday. Benedict is breast feeding too and he is learning fast!
What a day I have had. I had my son all to myself for about two hours this afternoon while Luna rested. He lay against my chest and snoozed away, absolutely priceless. He seems quite calm, understandably a wee bit grumpy, but no major traumas to report. I am loving being a father and I can hardly say I am excited about the prospects of work tomorrow. But what an unbelievable experience so far.
There's a column running in thaivisa.com where I asked for some advice for a first time father over 50. It has triggered a beautiful outpouring of messages. Thanks guys. Been getting lots of emails and have been on the phone to Scotland, Philippines, London, and Australia. Thanks all for your messages and prayers. This is truly one of the defining moments of my life.
Here are some more photos.
Luna is making a splendid recovery and the doctor reckons she and Benedict can come home on Saturday. Benedict is breast feeding too and he is learning fast!
What a day I have had. I had my son all to myself for about two hours this afternoon while Luna rested. He lay against my chest and snoozed away, absolutely priceless. He seems quite calm, understandably a wee bit grumpy, but no major traumas to report. I am loving being a father and I can hardly say I am excited about the prospects of work tomorrow. But what an unbelievable experience so far.
There's a column running in thaivisa.com where I asked for some advice for a first time father over 50. It has triggered a beautiful outpouring of messages. Thanks guys. Been getting lots of emails and have been on the phone to Scotland, Philippines, London, and Australia. Thanks all for your messages and prayers. This is truly one of the defining moments of my life.
Here are some more photos.
Simply Benedict
I am so happy I cannot sleep and it is 05:40h in Thailand. Fortunately yesterday and today are public holidays here to mark the commencement of Buddhist lent. I must say I am going to find it difficult to get excited about teaching Thursday! What a beautiful bundle of joy little Benedict is, and his mother is not bad either!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Benedictus est Natus! Gaudete! Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
Benedict Panya Baradero Brett duly came into this world at 14:41h this afternoon at Prompet Hospital, Ratchaburi. He weighed in at 2.75 kg, just over 6 lbs, so in fact quite a small baby. However both Benedict and Luna are well and that is all that counts. When they took Luna off to theatre I was told to come back in about 2 hours so went and had some nice coffee.
On return about an hour later the nurse asked me if I would like to see my son and there he was roaring his little head off, 15 minutes old, as a series of tests were being carried out on him. All I can say is he is beautiful, the ultimate gift and because Luna was in the recovery room I had Benedict all to myself for a few hours. Once Luna came too I was flitting between the two wards to look after my cares. I had a good greet as we say in Glasgow, but soon realised that was not going to help either my wife or son and I think the Thai nurses were confused to see me walking up and down with my new boy in my arms. What an ecstatic moment. I just left Luna with some of her buddies and I am happy to tell you Benedict was firmly attached to his mother's breast. Here are some pics.
On return about an hour later the nurse asked me if I would like to see my son and there he was roaring his little head off, 15 minutes old, as a series of tests were being carried out on him. All I can say is he is beautiful, the ultimate gift and because Luna was in the recovery room I had Benedict all to myself for a few hours. Once Luna came too I was flitting between the two wards to look after my cares. I had a good greet as we say in Glasgow, but soon realised that was not going to help either my wife or son and I think the Thai nurses were confused to see me walking up and down with my new boy in my arms. What an ecstatic moment. I just left Luna with some of her buddies and I am happy to tell you Benedict was firmly attached to his mother's breast. Here are some pics.
Today's Gonna be the Day.....
Luna is booked in to hospital for 11:00am this morning and Benedict is due out shortly after 2:00pm. Once more our lives will change dramatically. I can't believe this is happening and poor Luna doesn't know whether she is coming or going. She is actually calmer this morning. Doctor decided last night to deliver Benedict today. I hope and pray that mother and son come through this safely and equally I hope and pray I can bring you very good news later today.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sub 100 at Golf and the Rainy Season is here
I finally posted a sub-100 round at Royal Ratchaburi, hitting 97 this morning, and I think there is considerable scope for improvement. I am not sure however when I am going to find the time thanks to a combination of parenthood and work. The key to this improvement has been to slow down my swing. I almost blew it today as I played especially well on the outward nine until an eight brought me back to reality at the 8th. I then lost my concentration and struggled to retain my composure as I played some indifferent golf. There is a sub-90 round in me but I must concentrate on playing to sub-100 consistently.
These last few weeks the rainy season has begun. Yesterday,Sunday, was very wet for most of the day. Right now it is battering down. Normally it rains middle of the afternoon until middle of the evening. It is very noisy but the good thing is it means everything is lush and it means the golf courses are in fantastic condition. You really wouldn't want to get caught in the downpour as you would be soaked to the skin in seconds. We have this weather now for the next few months and gradually this leads into the cool season. And don't worry it is still boiling hot!
Luna is getting ready, a waiting game really. All pretty staggering from my perspective. Luna has been an absolute soldier these last nine months, a joy to be with and I can sense a little bit of impatience. I perfectly understand Luna wanting this to be over. I am very happy with our helper, Boo; she is a real bonus and asset already and I think we both are very happy at the prospect of her looking after Benedict. So watch this space for news!
These last few weeks the rainy season has begun. Yesterday,Sunday, was very wet for most of the day. Right now it is battering down. Normally it rains middle of the afternoon until middle of the evening. It is very noisy but the good thing is it means everything is lush and it means the golf courses are in fantastic condition. You really wouldn't want to get caught in the downpour as you would be soaked to the skin in seconds. We have this weather now for the next few months and gradually this leads into the cool season. And don't worry it is still boiling hot!
Luna is getting ready, a waiting game really. All pretty staggering from my perspective. Luna has been an absolute soldier these last nine months, a joy to be with and I can sense a little bit of impatience. I perfectly understand Luna wanting this to be over. I am very happy with our helper, Boo; she is a real bonus and asset already and I think we both are very happy at the prospect of her looking after Benedict. So watch this space for news!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Golf & Durian
Just fantastic to play golf today even though I was rubbish. Played some decent shots but no consistency.....two great wood shots to get to 60 yards on a par 5, thereafter a pitch into a bunker, play through the green and three putt! What a joy to be out on my local course, Royal Ratchaburi with Lars Olav from Sweden, Skip from WA, USA and Derek from Manchester, England three fit and active retirees. I enjoyed it so much I am going to play Monday morning as I have another day off. We have some great golf locally and it is as cheap as chips. Fantastic to be out there enjoying it.
The durian season is in full swing right now and I have to confess that I have developed a real taste for it. I had always steered away from it thinking it couldn't be so good if you are banned from bringing it into hotels or onto public transport. I had heard it was high in cholesterol. So I had not taken much interest in it until this year. Wow it is absolutely fantastic and I checked it out and it is indeed wonder food with no cholesterol and bursting with all manner of natural goodness. Hit this link for more information on durian.
We were at a little house warming party tonight and the conversation moved to durian. My interlocutors were a couple of lovely filipina nuns and it seems our mutual friend Bishop Panya buys the holy sister durian from time to time. So having established that the sisters liked durian I went out to get them some. The couple selling it were able to speak good English. Sadly they lost their jobs working in hotels in Samui and are back home in Ratchaburi trying to make ends meet by selling durian. So I bought a whole one and my man chopped it up for me wearing his protective gloves and a large machete. The Carmel Sisters were far from restrained, I'll need to have a word with their Superior!
Fruit is one of the highlights of Thailand....I eat a lot of pineapple, jack fruit, pomelo, and water melon, some mango, papaya, mangosteens, bananas and grapes and now durian. It is really inexpensive plus it is all seasonal. There is lots more available. We are so lucky living in a place where there is so much good healthy food available so cheaply. So lucky in so many ways really! Boo is going to the market to do a little shopping so we asked her to get some banana and sweet potato fritters and some durian! As I say very lucky.
The durian season is in full swing right now and I have to confess that I have developed a real taste for it. I had always steered away from it thinking it couldn't be so good if you are banned from bringing it into hotels or onto public transport. I had heard it was high in cholesterol. So I had not taken much interest in it until this year. Wow it is absolutely fantastic and I checked it out and it is indeed wonder food with no cholesterol and bursting with all manner of natural goodness. Hit this link for more information on durian.
We were at a little house warming party tonight and the conversation moved to durian. My interlocutors were a couple of lovely filipina nuns and it seems our mutual friend Bishop Panya buys the holy sister durian from time to time. So having established that the sisters liked durian I went out to get them some. The couple selling it were able to speak good English. Sadly they lost their jobs working in hotels in Samui and are back home in Ratchaburi trying to make ends meet by selling durian. So I bought a whole one and my man chopped it up for me wearing his protective gloves and a large machete. The Carmel Sisters were far from restrained, I'll need to have a word with their Superior!
Fruit is one of the highlights of Thailand....I eat a lot of pineapple, jack fruit, pomelo, and water melon, some mango, papaya, mangosteens, bananas and grapes and now durian. It is really inexpensive plus it is all seasonal. There is lots more available. We are so lucky living in a place where there is so much good healthy food available so cheaply. So lucky in so many ways really! Boo is going to the market to do a little shopping so we asked her to get some banana and sweet potato fritters and some durian! As I say very lucky.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
News Update!
Luna is likely to have a Caesarian section and it looks as if Benedict will come forth into this world next Thursday, 9th July. Poor Luna, she wants to have a natural birth but the doctor has applied major pressure and she is coming round to her doctor's way of thinking. Easy for me to be critical but the same doctor at the time of the last scan, a week or so ago, told Luna the baby was going to be small, yesterday she told Luna the baby is going to be big. Now there is no doubt a Caesarian would be a lot more convenient for the doctor in terms of scheduling her golf......
Talking of which I am playing tomorrow morning at 06:30h and expect to take a serious caning as it has been about two months since I swung a golf club!
I took the car to Mitsubishi for a check today and all is well. They have the chassis number on their system and they changed the oil! Phew! We did all right, we got a deal. I am a happy camper.
Finally we are now three here. Boo moved in today and she is going to assist us with Benedict and the house. She seems a nice girl and I am sure she will make life considerably easier for all of us.
That's all for now folks. Better get to bed!
Talking of which I am playing tomorrow morning at 06:30h and expect to take a serious caning as it has been about two months since I swung a golf club!
I took the car to Mitsubishi for a check today and all is well. They have the chassis number on their system and they changed the oil! Phew! We did all right, we got a deal. I am a happy camper.
Finally we are now three here. Boo moved in today and she is going to assist us with Benedict and the house. She seems a nice girl and I am sure she will make life considerably easier for all of us.
That's all for now folks. Better get to bed!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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