Welcome to the Bloody Show

Be aware that I will now refer to you as my readers. Or my subscribers. Nevertheless, I want all of my followers to know that the censorship has already begun. The "creativity shackles" are firmly fastened to my typing fingers. I have tried to explain to the "Czar of all things baby" that my people need to hear my unfiltered thoughts. They need total access to my "song of fatherhood," if you will. I want this blog to be a genuine account of the Grave's plunge into parenthood. Apparently, Fuhrer Mindy wants this blog to be a rag of propaganda. She desires to fill this forum with Pollyanna-like half truths. I will not stand by idly and allow this to happen. Disciples, know that you have my word: I will speak nothing but truth.

Allow me to elaborate on my cry for freedom. Mindy has been steadfast in denying the use of "TheBloodyShow" as our blog domain name. She finds the words vulgar and believe they stir up graphic and unnecessary visual images. I find the title catchy, memorable and humorous. I believe it has a bold flare and encapsulates the journey on which we now depart. Indeed, what more is life than one big bloody show?

So, having heard the debate, it is time for you to weigh in. If you feel that "The bloody show" is a good domain name please reply with the words, "I love the bloody show." If you are against the domain name, please reply with one of the following phrases: "I am uptight and possess a limited sense of humor," "I am against free speech and all things America," or "I am on Mindy's side in all issues pertaining to the Grave's marriage." These are your only options, because they are the only possible reasons to not be pro the bloody show.

Well, my minions, that concludes my virgin foray into blogging. This is the point where I have to come up with a good "sign out" tag line. And since "stay classy planet earth" has already been taken, it may take me a few posts to settle on one. I think I will start by experimenting with timeless parental phrases until I find one that makes sense and just rolls off my tongue. Goodbye for now.

I'll give you something to cry about,
Father

More to Love

Yesterday marked a momentous first occasion in my pregnancy: yesterday was the first time I had to leave the top button of my pants unbuttoned! In the last two weeks, I have definitely noticed that my clothes are starting to feel a little more snug around the middle. Maternity clothes and belly bands may be in the near future for me!

Sweet Reilly Boy

Many of you have expressed concern about Reilly's previous post. I am writing to allay all of your fears - last weekend, Reilly was introduced to 2-week-old Baby Jack and 4-month-old Baby Haley, and I'm pleased to report that all went well. Not to say that he wasn't extremely curious about these miniature people - every time either of them made a noise, he stared at them with a quizzical look. Mike and I think he was trying to figure out exactly what they were - definitely not a dog, and yet too small to be a human? But don't worry, no psychological Jihad ensued. However, germ warfare is another story...as evidenced by him trying to put his snout in Jack and Haley's faces multiple times. In all seriousness, Reilly was very gentle and I'm not too worried about him with G-Baby. In fact, we babysat Haley one night last week, and Reilly kept going into our room to check on her as she slept. But you didn't hear that from me...I'm sure he won't like to hear how I'm ruining his tough dog image.

It's a ruff life

I must speak. It is time for the airing of grievances.

Nobody asked me if I wanted a baby around the house. I bet they're not going to make it stay outside when they go to work (or whatever it is Mike does). I promise you that the Graves' don't taunt the new child with promises of walks that never happen or treats that never appear. I grow tired of existing at the mercy of these humans. Now I have to fight for affection with one of their own kind. I want my owners to be fully aware that I do not support there decision to pro-create. I stand firm in my opposition to Mike ever being responsible for another living organism. Let it be known that I officially declare war against the new human beast. Indeed, "neither can live while the other survives."

Don't worry Richard Graves, I'm not going to eat the thing. (That's right I'm calling you out sir. Don't think I don't hear you when you disparage my reputation in public). The truth is I am far too lazy and cowardly to engage in physical violence. But the baby better be ready for the psychological Jihad I'm about to perpetrate. I am going to unleash a fury of passive aggressive tactics that will leave it crying for mercy. Plus, let's be real for a moment, we all know that I am going to be much cuter than the infant. Judging from those sonogram photos we don't have a real looker on our paws here. I'm going to hit this household with a storm of cuteness and pouting the likes of which this family has never seen. It is on people.

Reilly Dog Out!

G-Baby is a Video Star

For those of you who are REALLY interested (read: parents), here is an 8-minute video of our ultrasound. It's pretty neat when the baby moves!

I'm new with this whole blogging thing, so I'm still trying to figure out how to post video. For now, to view the video, just click on the title above, "G-Baby is a Video Star."

As a great songwriter once said: "B-A-B-Y M-A-M-A"

On this day seven years ago, Mike and I got married. A lot has happened in these last seven years – we moved to Austin, we bought a house, we adopted a dog, we sold the non-air conditioned Escort…and we now have one more milestone to add to the list: we are going to have a baby! (Some of you may have noticed the logical procession towards parenthood.) Our baby, whom we will affectionately refer to as G-Baby, is due February 4, 2010, so the countdown to parenthood is on!

We first found that I am pregnant a few weeks before we went on our Mexico vay-cay, and so, as some of you Nancy Drews out there noticed, I was never photographed with an adult beverage in my hand. We actually met a lot of nice people on our trip, and we ended up blabbing the news to them. It was a little strange that so many complete strangers knew before some of our closest friends!

Mike and I went to my first doctor appointment last week. During the ultrasound, the technician had a hard time finding the baby at first, which caused some major anxiety for a few moments. She finally found the baby, and Mike and I got our first look at G-Baby. It was surreal to finally see our little baby (an already an active baby at that!) and we also got to hear the heartbeat! Here are some pics from the ultrasound. Mike and I personally think G-Baby looks like Lord Voldemort in this picture:

Here's a good one of G-Baby's profile:

G-Baby's tiny feet:

All in all, the doctor told us all is well and G-Baby is healthy. I’m 11 weeks, so we’ve only got 3 more to go until we’re out of the first trimester. I’m hoping that once I’m in the second trimester, the uber-sensitivity to motion sickness and propensity to fatigue will go away!