Today is my first "official" day of maternity leave. This is the day reflected on all the paperwork. And you know what? I feel really guilty. I feel like I need to be at school and in control, making sure the students are doing what they're supposed to, making sure that the sub isn't just giving out answers. But you know what? This is my first act of giving up control. I know that I need the practice, anyway.
I haven't talked about this before, but I think it fits nicely here. We're planning an unmedicated childbirth. I've had lots of people ask me why, especially since drugs are available, and the best answer I can come up with is because I've run two marathons! Seems like a non sequitur, I know, but here's how the two are connected. When I started running, I honestly didn't think I'd be able to run a half-marathon, let alone a full. But you know what? I ran a full marathon. Twice! I understimated what my body could do, and boy was I surprised! It was an amazing feeling to cross the finish line and know that I DID THAT! ME! Just a regular girl who one day woke up and decided, hey, I think I want to run a marathon. So, I'm not going to underestimate myself or my body again.
But, the crux is this: I'm going to have to give up control and let my body do what it was made to do, and I think, being the control freak that I am, that that's going to be my biggest mental block. I've already told Eli that he's going to have to remind me frequently to "let go and let God," as it were. Naysayers and drug advocates be darned--I CAN DO IT!
Enough of that. I have two more things to share that are on my mind:
1. Yesterday, we cleaned out the glove compartment in the Saturn. For the first time since we've been married, at least. Geez! We put a lot of "important" paperwork in there without sifting through it again. I mean, there were insurance cards from every year since 2002--before we were even married! Eli swears he's gone through and thrown some of them away, but I suspect that he did that in the Subaru and not the Saturn. Lots of receipts for batteries and tires long since replaced and for oil changes at Saturn of Waco--four years ago! And how many maps do we really need? There's one for the city of Louisville, which we haven't been to since July 2003, still in the glove compartment (because I put it back--never know when we'll be back there).
2. I got my certificates for 2 free 20 oz. Cokes in the mail this week from redeeming MyCokeRewards points. Yesterday, I opened the Walgreens sales flyer, and when you purchase a Coke, you get a free Hershey bar. So, Eli and I took our coupons to Walgreens (while out running other errands), and voila! We each got a Coke and a candy bar for 10 cents. Indeed, it was a sweet deal (pun intended).
Okay, that's enough randomness for now. I have to finish inputting grades, and I'll be done with school for the year...officially.
4 comments:
Yea! Congrats for even considering it. I was scared into induction with my first, and although I had a great experience, and beautiful baby girl, the aftermath was painful! Micah's birth was unmedicated and joyous! The recovery was NOTHING, which was exactly what I needed with a 2 year old at home needing me too. I'm proud of you! :)
Childbirth is such a wonderful and amazing experience. I never have regreted my choice to go natural. Ok, so there may have been a few moments during the "ring of fire" when I questioned my decision. (If they haven't introduced this term to you, you'll find out what I'm talking about soon enough.) Being able to fully experience EVERY aspect of Dominic's birth made me better appreciate the beauty of the moment. Go for it!
I'll be praying for your birthing experience...I am going natural, too, and am researching Bradley Method classes right now. I know you can do it!!!
In other news, I am leaving you a note to pack your hospital bags :-) Don't put it off! All the websites I go to for hints remind me to pack a hairbrush and chap stick. ha ha! So there you go, start with packing one of your rarely-used hairbrushes and chap stick tubes in the bottom of your bathroom drawer. The rest should come easily, 'cause apparently smooth hair and lips seemed important.
Now get going!
Once the baby comes you won't be in control of anything anymore, Erin!!!!!
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