I have been a busy little lady these past few weeks:

Thanksgiving

Delicious! Of course, due to the growing size of my uterus and thus non-expansive stomach, I was forced to graze for most of the day. But I managed all of the fine, traditional eats of the holiday…and a little extra pie for a late night snack J We spent the day with Jake’s family, which consisted of some entertaining cat tricks from the vet uncle and quality questioning and advice giving from the aunts. There was a small, non-traditional baby shower given after dinner. Jake opened presents while I took inventory for thank you cards. It was enjoyable to watch him be center of attention. Aunt Cindy had suggested to everyone that rather than cards (which I truly loathe) to give a favorite child’s book. What a fantastic idea!

Quality Girlfriend Time

Once there lived a beautiful social butterfly. She would venture out into the big world surrounded by friends, laughing and frolicking wherever the wind took them. Then one day all of her frivolous adventures came to a halt when reality smacked her in the face with its two pink lines. Bitter and terrified, she cowered in the security of her bedroom for months, only entering the outside world for food and work. As time passed, the thought of becoming a mother became appealing; excitement, joy and love filled her heart. To her surprise, the friends she once frolicked with and thought would not show compassion for her new lifestyle, were waiting with open arms. They had arranged a gathering. Everyone brought food and presents and stories to fill the house with. Laughter once again filled her spirit and she has been on top of her game, making certain to catch up with all her dear friends.

I had forgotten how fulfilling friendships are…good thing I have such wonderful friends to remind me J

Doctors / Vaccines / Hospitals… Oh My

Jake and I took the OB tour at the hospital we’ll be delivering at. It is a large building and certainly can be confusing to new patients/visitors, and I’d hate to deliver by the fountain because I didn’t know where to go – hehehe. Plus, I needed to familiarize myself with all the hoses, beeping and white jackets that will be surrounding me while on the L&D floor. I guess it’s a comfort thing.

We still have not decided on vaccinations for the baby. I have done some research online – through this website and nvic.org mostly – and read a book (How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of your Doctor). The last stage of my research will take me to my Aunt Debi, who has been an MD for over twenty years, working in family practice, ER and currently teaching in New Hartford, NY. She has four children, all born with a midwife in her home. She is an absolutely brilliant woman and I trust that she can give me the extra knowledge I need for this big decision. If anyone has strong opinions either way, please feel free to privately comment on my page.

The act of finding a family physician is mentally draining. I’m stuck in an absurd circle of ridiculousness. So, because I haven’t been at my job for 12 months yet, I don’t qualify for FMLA; however, I do qualify for Short Term Disability. Because I haven’t been at my job for 12 months yet and thus don’t qualify for FMLA (which would by law hold my job), I get terminated the day I call in to start my short term disability. Because I get terminated, the first day of the following month I get dropped from my insurance. To me, it’s starting to seem like a waste of time to hunt for the “right” physician, when I’ll be dropped from insurance anyway. For those of you saying to yourself, why don’t you cover Baby under Jake? Well, here in Michigan, the landscaping business is seasonal and once the snow starts flying and the plows come out, it is normal for these businesses to put their crews on unemployment for the winter. Unfortunately, there is no coverage for unemployment (unless you want to pay an arm and a leg and then some). I have spoken to my employer and she assured me that my job will be available to me when I’m ready to return. By returning, I will then need to re-file for insurance, and coverage won’t start until the first of the following month. So, realistically, I’m looking at about two / three months with no coverage. In the mean time, I’m still searching for a family physician. Any suggestions on important questions to ask a doctor before choosing?

Prepared Childbirth Classes

Jake and I spent two days, for a total of ten hours with fourteen unfamiliar people. The instructor packed us with so much information that we were exhausted and slept like my Uncle Dave after Thanksgiving dinner. Because you ladies are so wonderful and this site has been my vice for months, I carried more confidence than I would have going into the class. My hope is that Jake AKA Captain took really good mental notes on comforting techniques for the different stages of labor. I did find it difficult to pretend to be in labor when we were practicing our breathing and pushing techniques. Overall, I hope that it put Jake and me on the same page. This is starting to become more real.

Over the River and Through the Woods

To Grandmother’s house we go….oh, how I’m jealous of the women who tell me that they have family who daycares for them when they return to work. Jake’s mom cares for her father, who is in a home for Alzheimer’s and my mom works part time Monday – Thursday. How in the world do you leave a seven week old baby with someone you barely know? Has anyone else been struggling with this? I haven’t even delivered Baby yet and already I’m feeling anxiety about this. I know, it’ll all work out.

My mom did call me yesterday and told me that she got some hand-me-down toys from family to keep at her house. She was so energized “and I got a pack-n-play, and an old Fisher Price rotary phone, and some building blocks, a bouncer…” I could hear the excitement in her voice, this made my heart smile.

Packing My Bag & Checking it Twice

The nursery is finished – well, I have one last picture to hang, but I’m waiting for it to be framed. Baby’s clothes, bedding, furniture have all been washed. Because we are clueless as to the sex, there are many lions, alligators, giraffes, monkeys and elephants. It seems that when you wait to find out, you have either an “under the sea” theme or “safari” theme to choose from. It’s really cute though J Random thought: One of my girlfriends did find this beautiful silver/grey color from the Children’s Palace. The set came with a matching blanket, onesie and bib with an embroidered teddy bear. I thought it was so clever – not green or yellow – it is oh-la-la classy. And, last night I finished the master list of items to go into my hospital bag. There are a few things I need to grab from the store; like a pair of slippers...but other than that, I’m ready! Any unique suggestions for labor comfort? Or anything that you “couldn’t have done without” during your hospital stay?

Phew

Thanks for all your blogs, questions, comments, updates and polls. These are the little things that keep me going throughout the day. Smiles and hugs to everyone and their little ones. Stay warm & take care!