By Staff
Chuck Bodiford
I hope most of you read Arthur's column on Sunday. If not, you missed a true treat. In his column, he talked about a couple of things that happened here around the office about a week or two ago. As you might be able to imagine, and might have experienced, a small staff usually tends to be more relaxed with one another; kind of like family.
Well, we are currently expecting a baby. Recently joining our staff, we have Lisa McCall, who immediately told us that her cousin was expecting a baby at any time. So, everyday we try to get an update on the cousin and her soon to be born child. Everyday we talk about the weight and when the baby will arrive. Well, Monday afternoon, we found out.
About 1:30 or 2:00 that afternoon, Lisa received the call. A little baby boy was born. It was a fast call leaving us only knowing very few details. I had walked in from having lunch and found Lisa, Tammy Kendrick and Blair Nassar chatting in the office.
As I walked closer I noticed that everyone was wearing their biggest smiles possible. That's when I heard the news. Since we didn't know the actual weight or length of the baby we started the pool. From Lisa we knew the doctor was saying around 12 pounds, so we went in a circle throwing out possible weights. I think my guess was something like 10 lbs. 6 oz.
We did our best to help Lisa finish her work duties so she could be with the newest member of her extended family.
After taking care of my own duties in the office, I went to check on Lisa's progress only to see a facial expression that screamed, "Don't mess with me." As Lisa hung up the phone, we learned that the baby had not been born, it was a joke from the to-be-father.
So today I think to myself, I sure am glad I wasn't that guy. The birth of a child is something that you just don't joke about. Each and every birth is a miracle. I myself have at times have been guilty of: one, opening my mouth and two, inserting my foot. I guess what I am trying to say is be careful of what you say depending on who you're with and the circumstances.
We all left the office yesterday having had a brief taste of the happiness that only a baby can bring with them.
Tuesday morning, we were able to savor that taste of happiness as we learned that the baby boy was actually born Tuesday morning about 1:30 a.m. By the time everything happened, the father had escaped the wrath of Lisa and, as far as my weight guesstimate, I was off by about three pounds. The little guy only weighed a little under seven pounds.
Chuck Bodiford is an Atmore native and publisher of the Advance. He may be reached by calling 368-2123 or by email at chuck.bodiford@atmoreadvance.com