boy oh boy...it's been awhile [Archive]

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Wandering Man

10-24-2006, 03:01 PM

Hello fellow Rudies!!

It's been awhile since I last logged in...let alone posted anything. But I can't hold back any longer...

We're having our first child in January...a boy!!

Last time I saw Janis, my wife thanked her for inviting me to join her tour for those few evenings and then jokingly mentioned that although we wouldn't give her our firstborn, we'd consider naming it after her. "Janis" for a girl. "Ian" for a boy. So Ian has been in the running. (It's always been a favorite name of mine), but I think Cole is winning out...sorry Janis :o

I can't believe it really. I feel like a deer in headlights :eek: When you've had the past 36 years to become selfish and self-absorbed (especially as we musicians can often be), it's to be expected. But I am a very happy deer! :D

So, Whitney and I have been running around trying to get our ducks in a row before the big day. That has included traveling: last month we went on a "last hurrah" trip to the UK, Baltics, and Scandinavia as foot-loose-and-fancy-free parents. Then we came back only to begin transforming our former "office" into a nursery and stocking it with clothes for the little man. (We've put some pics up on my website of our nursery and some of the cute clothes: http://www.markaustinguitar.com/Gallery/index.php) Last month, my "day job" boss gave me a raise...WHEW!!! And now we're hitting the season of baby showers! They weren't kidding when they told me my life would change (and my music...I'm trying to finish up a lullaby or two before the big day :)

So, anyway, big changes coming my way. Thanks for indulging me...and please feel free to offer some advice to this rookie dad-in-training!!

Mark

Eva

10-24-2006, 03:14 PM

I am very happy for you and your wife / girlfriend (?)

Advice: Ehm... I don't know. I don't have children. However, I was the 'coach' of my one of my best friends when she was pregnant. We shared a lot then and we were always saying to people that I was the father.

So advice... Only that Whitney won't have any attention for you untill about the 9th month. All she can hear, see and talk about is little Cole. It is hard sometimes. But it is a good thing. I guess it is nature's way to ensure the chances of survival for human babies.

Then again... I am sure you have already seen a lot of weird things happening to Whitney during her pregnancy... :D

Eva

marjan

10-24-2006, 03:26 PM

Congratulations Mark!
I don't have a clue to advice you on the kids part, as I have none. But from noticing around with family, friends and colleges that have a first baby I'll figure you will be doing fine.
I'm sorry though that you couldn't find a venue in the Netherlands to perform while you were touring the EU :(

hoops

10-24-2006, 05:32 PM

mark great news! good to see you around.
peace
hoops

Wandering Man

10-24-2006, 09:22 PM

I'm sorry though that you couldn't find a venue in the Netherlands to perform while you were touring the EU :(

Yeah...I would have loved to play a few cities during this vacation (which it was...no gigging, just playing tourist this time). But this time my guitar didn't even get to fit into my luggage. It was the first time in a long time she stayed home :(

I'll get over there sometime...I hope sooner rather than later.

Agnes

10-24-2006, 10:14 PM

Congratulations, Mark! Be prepared for a universe of which your son will be the centre :D

DaveM

10-24-2006, 10:39 PM

Some years ago, I ran across a list of "100 Things You Must Never Say To A Pregnant Woman". Can't remember most of them, but among the most essential were:

"Hey, it's freezing in here! Who turned the heat all the way down?"

"Oh, come on--a seven pound baby cannot possibly add sixty pounds of weight!"

"You're huge! It's got to be twins at least!"

"Peaches again? Will you please let me know what you're going to want next so I can get it without having to make another trip?"

and #1:

"Oh, you wouldn't have the guts to pull that trigger!"

RedjackRyan

10-25-2006, 02:12 AM

aabram

10-25-2006, 08:19 AM

Cogratulations... ANOTHER of my nephews (the one in NZ) had a little boy Nov 8th last year and called him Cole. Sweet little chap, but not met him yet... :)

Dee

10-25-2006, 09:01 AM

So, Whitney and I have been running around trying to get our ducks in a row before the big day.

Hi Mark,

Good to hear from you, and congrats to you and Whitney on the pending bundle of boy! (Yes, pun intended.) ;)

I really like the atmosphere of the nursery - the bright prints on the wall and all. Don't worry about the armrests on the rocking chair. You're a pro so I know you'll manage it somehow.

If at all possible, I'd be interested in hearing those forthcoming lullabies as well. I've written a few of my own in the past, for friends' kids.

ponytail

10-25-2006, 11:26 AM

Congratulations! Don't know a thing about raising kids...but maybe you could keep Ian as a middle name?:D

david uk

10-25-2006, 11:58 AM

Hi Mark

welcome back and congratulations! :)

Eva

10-25-2006, 02:09 PM

Don't give children chocolate before they are about 10 years old. Otherwise it will end up on your shirt every time they cry...

Eva

Wandering Man

10-25-2006, 07:51 PM

Don't give children chocolate before they are about 10 years old. Otherwise it will end up on your shirt every time they cry...

Eva

I'm afraid this advice is probably too late. Because if this boy is indeed mine, there is already a pint of chocolate coursing through is veins and a chocoholic 'code' embedded in his DNA! :D

Wandering Man

10-25-2006, 07:53 PM

Thats fantastic news, Mark! Congratulations! No advice here other than i wouldn't advise feeding the rugrat anything blue (don't ask.. just trust me on this) Yes there is blue kiddie food, and no it should not interact with young-uns.

I think the best advice yet is a toss-up between you RedJackRyan and DaveM!

thanks!!

I forgot how much fun this discussion board is. :)

corolla girl

10-25-2006, 10:33 PM

Wandering Man

11-01-2006, 03:43 PM

Congratulations Mark, what great news!!!!
I just wanted to also, let you know I saw you perform when you were
touring with Janis in March at the Kussmaul Theater in Frederick MD.
I really enjoyed your music. Hope you will be able to come back to
Maryland in the future......Congratulations again.....corolla girl.....

Thanks CorollaGirl! I'll be sure to keep you posted. I've actually been up in Maryland quite a bit lately...now I'm in VA for a bit. But I'll get back up there soon enough :-)