Hi Guys!
I'm so honored to be asked. And I'm so happy to file a good report for the second straight week. Thank you all for your continued support. It continues to boggle my mind not just the amount, but quality of friends I've made here. As I hope my mood will reflect, we're starting to believe the best, get psyched, and prepare.
The Bad and Ugly: The privia is still there and the delivery is still going to be tricky.
But we already knew that, and it's the only bad news this week.
After a very painful two week separation from Amy, I went to Danville Friday morning. I hope to have no more such separations, four days is long enough. We proceeded immediately to our Doctor's appointment. The doctor's only comment: keep doing what you're doing, because it's working.
Amy's finally resumed gaining weight, and has now gained 20# total during her pregnancy. At 14# at the end of 7 months, they were a bit concerned, but a steady diet of greasy pasta salads and ice cream (the only things served at the home she can stand) appear to be raising her weight and pleasing her doctors. Her blood pressure continues to be "marathon-runner-like," and Kimberly is kicking. And kicking. And kicking. We no longer spend hours with me holding Amy's stomach to feel Kimberly. It's much more fun to stand back and watch feet and hands trying to beat their way out. So healthwise, all is good.
Friday night and all day Saturday, we took "parenting" classes. What a hoot. Most of it we couldn't use (like we need to learn how to breath during labor), but they did show us the caesarian room and some films on c-section birth. We were quite calmed by the films. The incision, quite frankly, was less horrifying that the look of a fresh baby (which looks kind of like a block of SPAM fresh out of the can). Of course, the incision heals, and the baby starts looking like a baby shortly after birth. But we were both refreshed by several things, noteably that the mother in each film was quite conscious and able to interact with the baby moments after birth. Also, we were told by our doctor and had confirmed by the teacher that if all goes well, Amy will be discharged three days later. We know there's a lot of "ifs" in there. But if all goes well, I'll be able to post a picture of Kimberly in her crib by midnight on August 30th! And boy, will I be doing some bragging then.
The best moment of the class came during the films of natural labor. After all of our surgeries and treatments during the infertility phase, there's very little that phases us anymore. Still, Amy leaned over at one point and said "caesarian, what a great idea!" It was good just to hear her crack a joke. The funny part, though, was the faces of those around us. I'd say most couples were in their early to mid-20's (accept for the pair of 12 year old's in the corner, what's up with that?). As the first filmed birth took place, fourteen guys grimaced, and fourteen wives began screaming and beating on their husbands going "I want the drugs, I want the drugs." Cracked me up.
Most of the weekend, however, was built around eating, thanks to Amy's renewed appetite, the doctor's desire for her to gain, and her disdain for both the food and the surrounding in what she's calling "my cell." Saturday morning she went to town at Perkins. She ordered two plates of pancakes and pretty much killed them all. The waitress asked "where does that little girl put it?" Answer, she's storing up for a week. Saturday night we watched a video in her room (Catch me if you Can, a great film). Sunday was another highlight. Amy's cousin Maureen came up for the day with her little girl Mary Christine. Mo is Amy's closest relative (her Maid of Honor) and her little girl is so cute. And it was therapeutic. We had such fun with Mary Christine.
So I went back to my empty house Sunday, to face Spike's wrath for again leaving him alone for the weekend. He finally forgave me and helped me do laundry (he meows, I wash, it's a fair deal). The house seems cavernous without her. And I hear things going bump in the night more than I used to. But it's a small price to pay. Amy's working so hard, and being so brave. It was, as expected, tough to leave. She wouldn't walk me to the car, so she didn't have to watch me drive away. I keep waiting for the constant driving back and forth from Danville to get tiring, but I just don't find anything I'm doing now near as hard as what she's doing, so it seems easy.
And business is going well. Each and every client has adjusted without problems to my not being on call Fridays. I'm programming until 1 AM most nights to keep up. I don't sleep much, but heck, I figure that's good practice. Most important, I'm almost finished the nursery. I've got to find some bookshelves that meet my approval (gotta put all those teddy bears and Disney book someplace safe), but after that, it's complete. Most of the ideas for this nursery came from a post from me requesting ideas. There's a little of each of you in our "Pooh-land." Only problem: the more we look at it, it looks like a boys room. But when we bought the house, there was way too much pink. So here's hoping Kimberly doesn't mind sky blue and Pooh yellow.
I'll give a shout next Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday is Amy's birthday. I wanted to go up for the night, but she won't let me (she's right, it's a long drive for a two hour visit). But Friday, I'll be taking her up presents and a Boston Cream Pie (family tradition). Don't know what we'll do, but we'll do whatever she wants, as long as it's within 20 minutes of the hospital.
PS: you'll all be glad to know I emptied my house of all remaining tequila.
Thanks all! Over and out.
Pat
PS: I'm attaching a picture taken this weekend, in Amy's "cell." The dress was sent by her brother and sister-in-law. They're hosting Christmas this year and bought this outfit for Kimberly to wear at her first family dinner. She'll be my little angel.
Before you know it she will be asking Daddy to turn her room into Princess Pink and drive her 2 hours to Ballet class! I am still praying for you all.
She looks great! Please wish her a happy birthday from me. Just think, next year Kimberly will be there to help her mommy celebrate! Continued prayers for things to keep going smoothly.
LOL LOL
