This weekend we spent a lot of time with a whole bunch of lovely women from an online blogging forum we’re a part of. Though it is true that we didn’t need much hand-holding from them while going through our TTC process, we did and still do find them an invaluable resource and a great place to meet friends. Apart from the brunches, one of the weekend’s events was a “swap,” and since there were a lot of toddlers present, that meant there was a Whole Lot of baby clothes available, from newborn onwards. We cleaned house, and still barely made a dent. I think we took over 30 things, from onesies to overalls to socks to a winter carseat cover. As for us, we contributed a stack of leftover OPKs, HPTs, and beloved but never used disposable speculums.
Nutella is already feeling the brunt of the 3rd trimester. Most days she is feeling uncomfortable, having trouble sleeping, sometimes dealing with swollen ankles, and has really slowed down. I do my best to be sweet to her and keep her focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, though it’s still a ways away. Though we both know there’s an active baby inside the growing belly, we’re looking forward to seeing his face again in a week at the ultrasound.
In the mean time, I’m getting more prepared at work for my time off. I have my initial paperwork for 3 months of FMLA filled out, although I won’t be able to hand it in until we have something preliminary from the lawyer regarding the second-parent adoption. We’re finalizing and signing those documents this Friday. I also have paperwork to request advanced sick leave, that way if I don’t have enough time saved up for FMLA and the 3 weeks I want to take when the baby is born, I can use my “future” sick leave a little bit at a time and not have to forgo paychecks. Currently I have 11 weeks of leave saved up, so things are looking good.
Second birth class is Wednesday. We’re responsible for this week’s snack (carb, fruit/veggie, sweet) and went with Kashi cheese crackers, baby carrot sticks, and dark chocolate Hershey kisses. Hopefully a good assortment to watch a crowning.
1 In Vermillion 