First and foremost, I am thankful for my family, who has helped me out so much during the past six weeks. My mom has come over countless times to help clean my house, do laundry, play with Nathaniel, put together his birthday party, and many other things. I honestly don't know how I would make it through this time without her. My husband has had to really step up to the plate to take on responsibilities that I would normally do. He has been preparing dinner, cleaning up, bathing Nathaniel, and taking him to preschool two days a week. My Dad and brother Jeff have come to visit me several times, always providing much-needed entertainment and relief from otherwise long days.
I am thankful for all of the people who have taken time to visit, or call, or even just send an e-mail or text message. One of the challenges of bed rest is feeling isolated from the rest of the world. With the exception of going to the doctor, I have very little interaction with other people (other than Isaias and Nathaniel). This is quite a change from being a high school teacher and literally interacting with about 100 people a day!
I am thankful for my job, which has been very accommodating and understanding through this whole process. While U.S. laws in regard to maternity leave are by no means progressive, I have had no problems working with Baltimore County Public Schools to complete the necessary paperwork for my bed rest and maternity leave. I feel safe in knowing that my position will still be available upon my return, and my financial resources are not in jeopardy during the meantime. My department chair has done a wonderful job of finding a good replacement for me during my time out, and my department members keep in touch with me. Not that I don't deserve this...I just began my 11th year at Owings Mills High School, but it's still pretty ideal for a person in my position.
Of course, I am thankful to still have my baby girl right inside me where she belongs! While it is still way too early for her to come (29 weeks today), every day is a victory and brings a little reassurance. I am thankful for all of the doctors, nurses, and ultrasound technicians who have taken care of me.
On a lighter note, I am thankful for the Internet, and all of the resources, support, friendship, and shopping that have made bed rest that much easier.
Perhaps most significantly, I am thankful for Nathaniel, who was born on November 28th four years ago. He will turn 4 tomorrow (on Thanksgiving), and I could not be more thankful for all of the wonderful moments I have shared with him. He has taught me so much about love and life. Every day he touches my life in a new way, and I try to savor each moment. During his birthday party Sunday, he came over to the sofa, gave me a hug, and kissed my belly, saying, "I love you baby." I know that he is going to make an amazing big brother. And every time I look at him, I know that I managed to give birth to one healthy, wonderful, full-term baby, and it gives me hope for this time. So here is to reminiscing (4 years ago!):
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| 11/27/09: Ready to have a baby! |
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| 11/28/09: Nathaniel was born at 12:19 am 6 lbs. 4 oz and alert! |
Hope you're doing well. We miss you here but you're in the right place. I still think Nathaniel is definitely one of the most adorable little boys I have ever seen. I hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving!
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