On the road again

Preparing for a bus ride to Cambodia to renew your visa is relatively simple, pack your passport, a role of toilet paper and don't forget a passport sized photo and the fare. Done... I depart at 5 AM in the morning, back in Bangkok for lunch... hopefully!

Only one problem this month, it's got me thinking about the next. My first born is possibly due around this time in October. To say I'm concerned is an understatement, as there is no way I can miss an event like that. So, I've been doing the math and explored the odds of missing a milestone that has alluded me thus far.
My options are;
1. Don't go, wait and pay the 'overstay' fee (500 Baht per day and become an illegal alien).
2. Believe in and trust the internet on which I've based my calculations.
3. Pray to Buddha and hope for the best.
I'll let everyone know what I've decided in a few weeks, as time is currently still on my side. I hope these words don't become infamous... but knowing 'Murphy's Law'...

34 weeks

No surprises this time round, Wannida gained 1.3 kilos over the last two weeks, however, after dropping 0.9 kilos two weeks ago that equates to a net increase of 0.4 kilos over the last month.
Based on measurements taken during the latest ultrasound the babies weight has been estimated at 2.49 kilos, the cranium's size equates to a foetus at 35.2 weeks and the legs are that long they should already be hanging out!
Luckily the little tike's head is 'locked and loaded' in torpedo tube one, so Wannida's innards (ribcage, heart and lungs) are copping a battering, mostly when she is trying to sleep.


After the Mor (Doctor) finished showing us the next generation Henderson I was able to ask a pertinent question that every pregnant expecting mother wants to know...
The answer was a given, four weeks... further instructions needed to be written down!
Mor: "Ring me if Wannda has chest pains, can't breath or 'nam' in vagina".
Pete: "Sorry, can you repeat that last one...".
Mor: "Water, same waterfall".
Pete: " Ok..."

Say cheese

Wannida striking a pose...


It's taken months to get a staged photo op, and finally she agreed. This photo was taken on the 21st September 2008, just prior to another trek out to Sam Yan (a suburb in Bangkok) to visit a temple.

Around the traps

After all that is happening in Wannida's and my life, I need to mention some other milestones yet to come and some that have gone, namely my stepmother Claudia's 70th birthday earlier this month. Would have loved to join her down a wine or two...
Next we have Chadwick William Cable Barton (more than a mouthful and no chance our little one is going to be burdened with a name like that) who turns 40 soon.
Last but not least Bruce's (Anthony Bruce Doig) parents will be celebrating 50 years of marriage in mid October, congratulations all round.
Meanwhile I'm looking forward to a pepper steak on the 3rd Oct to mark my 40th, followed shortly after by the birth of my first child... Happy days!

Six stitches

Sometimes you pay a price walking in thongs on the streets off Bangkok. The footpaths are over crowded with street stalls and the quality of paving leaves a lot to be desired. My advice is watch where your walking and wear shoes, otherwise a 'stubbed toe' or a 'stumble' might ensue.
I payed the piper and received six stitches the other week when I failed to observe my surroundings falling over on a set of steps.
Today I removed my stitches, no problem, took about 5 minutes and didn't hurt... Could have gone to the local clinic or back to the hospital, but hey that would have just been time and money.

32 weeks

Another visit to Paolo (the hospital) and another surprise, Wannida lost a kilo. The Doctor wasn't pleased and I think we copped a spray...
I'm trying to get eggs, milk and the greens to go down, however, Wannida is struggling. Everything seems to be too bland for Oil and she prefers sleep to eating nowadays.
I've come up with Plan B... time for a bribe! She would like to go to Laos, so if she can put 2.5 kilos on in the next two weeks I'll buy her a ticket... Next year (she'll probably forget about it by then anyway).
Aside from food I caught up with a friend whom I worked with at the ASX yesterday, heard all about the Sydney weather etc which was nice to hear as I do miss a good conversation in English from time to time. Sadly he went home this morning, but hey, I've got other things to worry about so that was probably a good thing.
Just to let everyone know, you are able to post comments on this blog by clicking on 'Comments', so if you have any questions or want to know something specific let me know.

No end in sight

I must state that I never expected the Thai protesters to hold out as long as they have. It's been eleven days and the Thai PM hasn't managed to set foot back in his office yet. He has tried turning off the water supply to the premises, issued a 'State of Emergency' and offered to put forward a referendum to entice them to go home.
Not even a week of thunderstorms, rain and hail have weakened their resolve. You have to wonder how they are supporting their families and whether they will still have a job when they return back home.
There has been a lot of fighting, throwing bottles and even a few deaths by firearms (some university students were gunned down on route to parliament). So whats the PM doing about it you may ask? Considering lifting the 'State of Emergency' as nobody is taking any notice is about all.
Thank heavens the military haven't staged another coup... yet!