Maternity Leave Anxiety

Today was definitely one of those "everything sucks" days. 

 I found out my maternity leave is 6 "calendar weeks" off, not 6 "work weeks" --therefore, unless little man is born 2 weeks early, my district's winter break is part of the 6 weeks instead of being additional time off. I don't qualify for any of the FMLA law or district benefits as a new employee. I'm not sure why FMLA and district policy think that just because you are new in a workplace that you don't need to be home with your newborn.  

This just kind of set the mood for the whole day...the hormones flowed and continue to flow freely. 

For right now, I think it is time for me to write my "I am thankful" list again, two months before Thanksgiving, to remind myself of how fortunate I am, instead of focusing on all of the things I wish could happen (like maybe having a winning lottery ticket!?). 

Let's hope Parker comes (safely) a few weeks early so I can soak up more time with him over the holidays!

My Little Acrobat

This is one active little boy...he has been really trying out the Karate moves lately :)  

Sleep...or Not!

It is 4:28 am....on a "school night" and sleep totally evades me.  I can't decide if it is physical symptoms keeping me awake, or mental ones....probably a combination of both.  If it isn't the acid reflux, shortness of breath, my bladder, or sciatic pain that is keeping me awake, then it is surely the anxiety...new job, impending childbirth and new baby, etc.  The most ironic part is that whenever I do fall asleep, by the time my alarm goes off, I will be cursing it --ready to be sleeping peacefully instead of getting up for work.  

This is definitely good preparation for newborn care :)  With a little less than 10 weeks to go, every spare hour will be used to prepare for this little guy that will depend on us so much!  As for this weekend....project nursery!  Goodnight...zzz.

Milestone

29.5 weeks down....10.5 to go.  I have held this week in my head as a major milestone...as it was how far along Nona was when she had me.  I guess I have felt that if 26 years ago a baby could be be born and survive at 29 weeks, then surely mine would now.  

My mom is one of the bravest people I know...and she had so many hard decisions to make at that time.  I can't imagine how hard it was for her and my dad to go through!  She has taught me to always be prepared...and to pay the extra $$ or do the extra research to make sure insurance, technology and facilities that are the best are within reach.  I am so thankful for that!  So as anxious as I am to meet my little man, here's to the next 10.5 weeks of growing that he has to do on the inside. 

A Taste of Miami

It is hard to truly appreciate college until you are working full time and responsible for real life...so it is safe to say that we both miss Miami desperately.  So we jumped on the chance yesterday to visit the Chicago chapter of one of our favorite Miami staples...Bagel & Deli, or in this case, Chicago Bagel Authority.  Even though it isn't quite the same...it is still nice to have a small glimpse of college days away from Oxford.  Yum!

 

The Boss!

Mama (Nona) and Aunt Renee just left after a great (short, wet, and cold) visit!  They got to go see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley field--who played for almost 4 hours despite the rain.  Even though it was a quick, less than 24 hours visit it was still so much fun to see them!  It is hard to be so far way --and it will be harder once Parker is born, but I am thankful that it is a doable drive for weekend visits.

Welcome to the world!

We are so so so excited that our nephew is finally here!  Finnean Hunter, "Finn," was born yesterday, and he is adorable.  The happiness in the room as we all came to meet him was indescribable.  I am sure that just like his big sister, he has already captured everyone's hearts.  We can't wait until Parker is here...getting to watch them grow up together will be so much fun!

Out on the Town

The biggest difference between our time in Kentucky and our time so far in Chicago is the multitude of things to do!  Kentucky has a sense of peace and relaxation to it, but Chicago is all busy, with thousands of restaurants and activities that are changing every day.  It could be 3:00pm or 1:00am....the streets are always busy and full of people.  

Last night, we got to go out with two great friends, Joe and George, who were visiting from Cincinnati.  We ate at the Bridge House Tavern right on the river with perfect weather and great food.  As everyone always says, there is nothing like this city in the summer.

After that, we went to a pub (Goose Island to satisfy Matt's need for good beer --and who has great rootbeer floats! :) ) --which was fun, but definitely interesting.  The atmosphere of the whole block took me right back to college, which is great, but kind of awkward while pregnant.  I got the up and down look from the bartenders....the look that says "I dare you to try and order a drink" and funky looks from all of the drunk partiers for being in a bar.  Part of me wants to hold up a sign to defend myself that says "DON'T WORRY I am not drinking, I am just out with friends having fun."    

In short, life is changing.  In 3 months, my life will be completely different...more so than it already has changed by being pregnant, moving, and changing jobs.  I so look forward to it, and look back fondly at my college days. 

Stethoscope Update

I love this cheap $15 fetal stethoscope so much I had to mention it again.  

First of all, in those inevitable moments of irrational panic, it is so nice to hear baby's heartbeat and feel instantly comforted. 

Secondly, I am in love with exploring with the stethoscope.  Today, Parker was in a position where I could instantly and loudly hear his heart beating.  I could also hear him rolling and thumping around.  I was fascinated with how the volume of his heartbeat changed whenever he woulda move.

I know it is so corny and nerdy, but it is such a nice way to brighten up a rainy afternoon.  

I can't wait until Nona and Grandma Preis come so they can hear it too.   

Amazon $15 fetal Stethoscope

27.5 weeks

As the 3rd trimester approaches (or begins, depending on who you ask), our excitement continues to multiply.  I can't wait to meet and see our little one...to the point where I want to go buy an ultrasound package to see his face in 3-D and know he is growing and okay.  Part of me can't believe we are already this far along, and then another part of me feels like time is dragging!  

For now, we are debating on who we trust the most to take care of Parker while we are at work, and where to put all of our extra "stuff" to make way for his nursery.  I am trying so hard to not buy all of the cute little boy things out there that I see, and learn all of the ins and outs of childbirth and bringing a newborn home.  And for now...feeling him kick and roll around and listening to his heartbeat will have to suffice until hubby and I can hold him and protect him.

3 more months to go!