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 
I’m so jealous that you got to go to the roundup. I actually saw the two of you briefly on one of the videos! It’s great that you came away with so much fabulous loot. It’s a wonderful community we have.
It sounds like you have a great setup for time off when the baby is born. I’m so glad you get to do that.
I hope Nutella gets some reprieve from her discomfort. Poor girl!
How exciting! I can’t wait to see pics of cupcake. Your snack sounds perfect for crowning viewing pleasure 🙂
Don’t forget to update your registry if you no longer need things. I got the invitation to your shower yesterday. I’m looking forward to seeing you both again.
Your swap/meet up sounded like it was an awesome time – and you got some great things! It must be pretty exciting to be figuring out your leave time – it may seem like several weeks off, but before you know it, your little son will be in your arms! We hope Nutella is able to get a little relief of the fun third trimester ailments! The light is definitely visible at the end of your tunnel! Congrats!
That is good video snacks!! That swap thing sounds pretty usefull, I’m glad that you were able to get some good things out of it!
How great that you get to take time off as well!
Its wonderful that you all get together like that. I love the idea of an exchange, its a great thing to do for so many reasons.
Hooray for birthing classes and time off. Time is just going so fast for you two now!
WHOA, your wording up there startled me. For a moment I thought you had somehow gotten three months’ worth of family leave! 😛
Mel – But… I do get 3 months of family (FMLA) leave? I mean, I had to save up the leave, but I’ll pretty much have 12 weeks by the time I need it.
Wow! You are very lucky. DJ got 1 week unpaid leave — the bare minimum required by law. He could have had 2 weeks, but we couldn’t afford that. I remember being terrified that I’d have to have a c-section and then be stuck alone in the apartment with no way to take care of the baby or myself without injuring myself. I managed to do that anyway, but that’s another story.
I am really glad that y’all are able to have that time together. It’s what every family deserves.