Sorry I missed this post. Congrats on the impending fatherhood Bobo :
As for the beer, I'd echo Parva's sentiments. Don't know what gear you've got yet but you'll need a man-size mash tun to do a big beer - I wouldn't push the equipment to the limit on your very first brew. You'll have enough to fret about without wondering if it's all going to fit into your tun/boiler etc. The other option would be to do a recipe with some syrup added to bolster the sugar points rather than overloading the gear with malt.
Anyone want to add anything more to this before I decide, i've taken everyones advice into account and at the minute i'll be going for Wez's Fledglings Pride, as I know a few people have brewed it to good effect.