hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and (few) words about the last week
Or, this week, lots of words.
Woke to a dusting of snow this morning after a long night…my inaugural experience with a sick, puking kid all night. All is well now after kisses, hydration and a pancake.
My body is changing in a familiar way. Every time some sensation occurs, I’m all, oh yeah. I remember this. The low cramping, unreal tightening of my uterus every 15 minutes all night, when the kid grabs her ice pick or chop stick or other utensil and stabs down on my cervix. It’s happening.
We are at the one-midwife-appointment per week stage and last week, 37 weeks or AT TERM bitches so no pre-term hospital fear anymore, I was one centimeter dilated, 50% effaced. And I am feeling really exposed emotionally, trying to understand that my life is about to change forever and, at the same time, knowing there is no way to understand it and that is the pure beauty of this whole procreating shtick.
At work, I find myself thinking this is my last patron event at the museum, this is my last First Friday, this is my last auction committee meeting, etc and every time I get tight-chested and excited with my little reflection among my co-workers and museum supporters that are a huge part of my life. I am going to have to write more about leaving my MAMily in a non-nugget post.
nuggets.
:: At our last appointment with Jeanne, she was all OK so you are at term now and you have all of your birth supplies and a car seat and such? To which we replied, huh. So, this last weekend we had hot dates at Target and Walgreens, delivery of a friend’s car seat and we now have a stripedy bag sitting in bug’s closet full of everything we will need to successfully get this kid born. I can’t wait to sit in a tub in our living room. I can’t wait to be surrounded by candles and friendly faces in our bedroom. I can’t wait to lean on our perfect-height kitchen counter during contractions. I can’t wait to meet our girl.
‘sister’s car seat’, Margot says
:: Having a baby is like getting married or buying my first house: once it happened to me, I realized what a big effing deal it was and that the enthusiasm and generosity and help of friends were invaluable. Then, it was my turn to be that big help in friend’s lives, to make up for my not knowing all those years. I don’t know if I can possibly keep up with the love exhibited by my friends but I’ll die trying.
And, it’s no different with baby number two. This arrived in the post last week:
From my dear friend who enjoys the small things. We’ve never actually met but we know each other well and have plans to lock eyeballs this next spring. Can’t wait to rest my little g on this so-soft blanket. Until then, Sam and Margot are working to break it in.
:: The new issue of mamalode is here and will be distributed today all around Missoula. I have an essay on page 40-43 called In Pursuit of Life. My first magazine publication woot! Mamalode is full of great writing. Read it.
:: Update on my midwife, Jeanne Hebl, and her unfair ban from Community Medical Center (click here and here to catch up): she had a meeting last Thursday and it went well! In fact, it seems there was a bit of tail-between-the-legs-cause-we-got-nothin’-on-you action. Dr. Weisul admitted to making a decision based on a few people’s accounts without proof and without consulting Jeanne for her side. He presented her with a policy of what birth support (all midwives and doulas) cannot do at CMC and lo, she was cool with all of it. It is interesting that the CMC admin squirmed their way around the targeted accusations on Jeanne and are now making blanket statements about ‘birth support’.
So, huh, the best thing is to move forward with seeking ob gyn support of the policy but one cannot help but think that this was blatantly discriminatory and could be pursued as such. But that’s not Jeanne’s style. She just wants what’s best for her patients. So, come on with me and think good thoughts on November 20, the date the ob gyns will be voting on the new policy. I can’t imagine they would vote it down because if they did, it would affect all midwifes, doulas, friends, spouses etc. and that would be about as successful as my trying to run a half marathon with ankle weights on right now. It won’t be pretty and won’t fly.
Who knows what tipped the senior management to seek a fair compromise but I like to think that the letter writing campaign and my meeting had an impact. We, the people. There’s something to that. Thanks for all of your support and participation!
:: We have this to-do list to complete before Margot’s sister arrives. Essential and non-essential but the distinction is moot. I find myself all chore-oriented first thing in the morning, wanting to get shit done. Thinking, if the baby comes today I don’t want to worry that the chickens don’t have fresh water.
:: Of course, one essential non-essential is hunting through the garage to hunt through boxes of baby clothes. We totally scored on having a kid of the same gender at the same time of year as bug. We don’t really have to buy a thing. All of our newborn stuff is super warm, ready for a Montana winter. Although, most all were hand-me-downs and many were returned. But, hey, I do love thrifting for and making tiny clothes so I don’t mind.
:: And, the itty room that they will share. Margot has been in her big girl bed for a while but the crib had remained as she left it. I washed and readied the place our babe will sleep. In a few months, that is. I look forward to her sleeping on Andy and me for those first, floppy months.
I remember sitting in the rocking chair in this room two years ago dreaming about what it would all be like. And I find myself doing the same now with some additional visual stimulation that wasn’t there before…
:: My beautiful bracelet, made from beads my friends chose for me. I look at it all day and feel so much love and support for my upcoming birth. It is a fabulous gift.
:: Loving reading about what I was feeling at this time two years ago. My anxiety about not knowing when (if) it was going to happen. My total, overwhelming excitement of the day I’d meet her. Reliving the moment my waters broke. And, of course, the actual birth and subsequent falling in Love.
23 Comments
OH I can’t wait either!….I have such a great visual of the tub, candles and love at this upcoming event, I wish I was there. Won’t be long now. I am still hoping for November 22nd…your Grammy’s B-Day.
It is so crazy that nearly 2 years have passed since your birth Margot…AND now you are the big sister! I know you will be the best! I get excited just thinking about the two of you together! I love the photo of you an Sam too!
I think about you a bazillion times a day Nici. When I hear “your” ring on my cell my heart skips a beat….knowing sometime soon I will answer and you will say, “this is it.”.
xoxo, Mom/Gram
ps….I look forward to reading the new Mamalode
pss….A huge score for Jeanne…yes I believe your effort plus all the letters and support opened up doors and eyes.
Your cheerleading squad is all ready to go, over here in California.
We are doing backflips daily because we are so excited.
I loved reading The Journal this week and seeing reading all your prebaby thoughts, before a baby was even a consideration.
You are an amazing mom to one dog, two cats, 6 chickens, one bug and soon to the new bug too.
Still every now and then I am shaken into the reality that you are pregnant let alone that you are days away from the actual coming of the babe. Funny how all these things (chores) seem to pile up so suddenly. Chores? I don’t have alot of love for that word.
So when you are in the tub surrounded by candles can we all come and look in the window? Maybe the mailman will get to have a peek.
I am excited to come for Andy’s opening. Not to worry honey, if you are in labour we shall steer clear and there will be no peeking on our part, just anxious waiting by the phone. I do hope you are able to be there, I would love to see you one more time in all your pregnant glory.
All this big sister talk of Margot’s will soon be a reality and I wonder how she will react to the real thing. Margot, what a love.
Let me know if you need anything from me, ANYTHING
We are all playing the waiting game now, Not good at the game. XOXO
Yay Nici! Have yet to snag the new issue of Mamalode, but will as soon as I see it. And I’m so happy about Jeanne. It’s a huge relief.
Best of luck in your labor!
cried all the way through this post. i just love you…and loved seeing ‘our’ blanket in your home in so many pics all ready to love. so, so proud of you and that big beautiful spread of an article. i can’t wait to read it. can i order that magazine to be sent to my house from their site??? i would love to get it regularly. and i am dying to see your work and pictures in print…IN MY HANDS. and i guess i am just feeling all that you are feeling…far more behind with what i have to do, of course, (damn…i haven’t watered my chickens!)…but all that stuff…those feelings…that rocking chair…just rocks me to the core and i’m sitting here, teary, going…yes, yes, yes. that’s it. heart is swelling with anticipation for you. chip away, sweet babe. you take that ice pick and chisel because you have no idea what you about to be welcomed to. xoxo
oooh! thinking about you so much right now! all emotional right now, imagining you here already. the two car seats. shared room. woah.
els and i head to cali for a quick trip this afternoon. see you so soon!
love you.
that waiting for your daughter’s sister is so … edge of the cliff feeling. knowing you are gonna jump soon … but not quite sure when.
believe me. it’s amazing the 2nd time around. you see more. i think because there isn’t the trepidation of what is happening. it’s more the excitement because you know what is coming.
we just moved our girls into the same room too. i love to see them cuddled together, sound asleep. they start the night on opposite sides of the bed, and always end up together. raising sisters is beautiful.
thinking of you …
After last Friday’s FB comment, I’m glad to see you here, updating all of us loyal followers! I kept thinking about your family this weekend, and wil continue to send good vibes for the next life to join your pack. 😀
so much to respond to in this post.
first of all, beautiful photos. the first one of the snow-covered leaves, the sweet shots of your girls’ room . . . it just looks cozy and happy in there.
and margot in the carseat reminded me of my friend’s toddler who was obsessed with infant seats for awhile.
isn’t cool how the blessing beads all seem to match (always!) though it isn’t planned that way? because the people who make the bracelet know you so well and represent all slightly different parts of you. very touching and very beautiful.
here’s to an amazing home birth. sending you lots of love and strength.
wonder which will come first, andy’s show or your new baby??
xo
Good luck Nici! I’m sure she’ll be as beautiful as Margot. How could she not?
Nici, thinking of you everyday now and so excited for this new adventure just around the corner. Sending you lots of love and energy for a healthy home birth. xoxo
p.s. Love the blanket from Kelle… so gorgeous and can’t wait to read your article!
I am so happy to hear things may be smoothing out for your midwife! Hope the birth of your little darling goes wonderfully. I love the blanket that Kelle made; it looks soft and divine. Kitty cats know the good stuff to snuggle up on. 🙂 Your bracelet is beautiful. The beads will sparkle in the candlelight and remind you of your lovely friends.
I am thinking of you. We are one, two or three weeks behind you – depending whether our baby girl comes as predicted or not. Reading your blog is very interesting for me right now and sounds familiar. I wish we were closer in distance and I could visit you, go for walks and chat about everything. It is all very exciting and scary at the same time.
Wishing you all only the best
love from London.
Nici, Is there not a link to your article online? Lame if so… but I understand… it’s all about the sales, and ultimately about paying its writers which I totally support. Anyhoo, I am sure it was a rad article. xoxo
So excited waiting for the new babe! Hope everything goes smoothly and you are holding that sweet thing very soon!
Hi, sweets. I’m excited for you and Andy and Margot. What a world, what a world. I love you.
Good Morning,
I leave for a while and return to you in early labor! Oh, my. You have a friend so excited for you here in the Flathead.
Sage: The magazine will be available as a digital edition on the website next week! I’ll post it when it’s available.
I can’t wait to read your article – congrats on the pub love!
So, now that you’re a Twitterer – any chance Andy will be updating your feed with baby progress? That may sound super lame, but I have a friend stuck in another state giving birth to her first babe and it’s so great to know how she’s doing and TAH DAH when the baby gets here!
Just a thought – from a Silicon Valley dork.
Thinking of you often**
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