Self improvement

The first piece of self improvement this week, that I am particularly proud of, is that Annie and I managed to clean and tidy the spare/baby room.  Four bin bags of rubbish removed is quite an achievement for a couple of terrible hoarders.  I must admit to feeling a certain amount of "nesting" urges myself, if only it weren't so difficult.

I've also started worrying more about things I hadn't thought that much of before.  We've started buying our vegetables from a local organic supplier, meaning that veg has travelled no farther than 30 miles or so and there's not been any nasty chemicals spread about the place (They do a blog http://kentvegbox.wordpress.com/author/kentvegbox/ which is mostly about the food in the boxes but also about food standards in general).  I've also developed a slight composting obsession, although until I can afford a nice big compost bin for the garden as the small bucket is already full.  I would like to aim to only dispose of one bag of rubbish a week.  I am determined to reduce our families costs and environmental impact and it's always nice to learn some new way of helping.

Despite my best efforts to curb my slightly judgemental nature, there are just too many strong opinions that I can't get over.  I've always been firmly of the view that people, by and large, are entitled to think, speak and do whatever they please, but I can't help just feeling they're wrong.  While I'm aware that the pressures of parenthood may mean that certain ideals may be compromised, but I am fairly determined to start off on the right foot.

Talking of improvement it would appear that the Lib-Dems have finally done something of some use, which makes a nice change.  While it might be difficult for companies to deal with, at least initially, it is a step towards giving parents better options and equality.

I have worried from the start of the pregnancy that the amount of time I spend travelling to/from and at work each day might be hard for me and the baby.  However, drawing from my childhood experiences I can hope that it's not so bad for the baby.  My mum used to leave the house at 6 and get back at 8 and I know it was hard for her, so I know I can expect that, but I also know that it was good for me.  I think it is good for kids to have a parent looking after them at an early age, rather than be in a nursery at 6 months.  In my childhood experience it also helped to reinforce my relationship with my mum as time together was important and truly treasured.  Therefore I hope that with a lot of love and by making the effort to be a good dad when I am at home, it is a bond that I can replicate with my child.

The time for our next scan is moving ever closer and the tension is mounting.  I am starting to come round to Annie's point of view that it is a girl...time will tell.  Either way I am looking forward to the day when this blog is all about how excited I am that our little boy/girl did its first sneeze, yawn, giggle etc.