Ahhhhh.......maternity leave. Or as Sean puts it "This is NOT a vacation. You should be resting and putting your feet up, not doing three million things!" Ummm.....ok. I'll see what I can do.
So far, my maternity leave hasn't been incredibly exciting, but it's been pretty damn relaxing.
Monday: Lunch with my friend Darin. Long lunch. No deadline to get back to work in under an hour. No clients or co-workers to be concerned about. Took advantage of being pregnant by having Darin run out to feed the meter for me. Three times.
Tuesday: Big fat nothing. A few minor chores around the house. Made tacos for dinner. Wow...that was pretty active and exhausting. Felt pretty fabulous about my cooking skills, even though the tacos were super easy.
Wednesday: Prenatal massage. Heavenly. Wanted to stay there all day. Met Sean for dinner at our favorite comfort food restaurant, Home. (Pot pie, mac n cheese, and bourbon banana bread pudding. I will hate myself for that when I get on the Dr's scale next week.) Loved how sweet and attentive Sean was when I showed up. He rubbed my belly and gave me a big kiss. Lots of PDA. Wow, maybe I'm not just "Frumpy Pregnant Woman" after all. Found out later that he was being hit on by the two guys next to him at the bar, and had used me to show his "straightness". Ahhhhh......I love the Castro!
Thursday: Slept in. Though it's not really considered sleeping in when you're up all night, right? Sean gave me a back massage as I was waking up. Awesome. Went to the little cafe together down the street for brunch. In the middle of the day on a THURSDAY. Now THIS is what maternity leave is all about! Felt like I could continue the activity level. Went to the mall. Found some great maternity pants with a stretchy waist. Some shirts at Forever 21 to make me feel "Spring-Y". Was feeling pretty good....and pretty active....until I spent an hour too long at the black hole that is Target. That'll completely F you up if you're 34 (35 tomorrow!) flippin' weeks pregnant! Woman in dressing room area at Target took pity on me and gave me the extra-large wheelchair accessible dressing room. When I picked up our dinner tonight from the cafe down the street, the guy gave me my lemonade for free because he felt bad that I had to wait. I guess it helps to look pregnant and ready to keel over.
Now I'm convinced that I could have the Swine Flu from being at the mall. I'll keep you posted on my diagnosis. Feeling a little stir-crazy, but still.....I'M ON MATERNITY LEAVE!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Baubee's Corner
From Kim's Mom Barbara, Max's Baubee:
Last night I attended a Grandparenting Class given by Sharp Healthcare in San Diego. Peter (aka Zaydee) couldn’t go because he was sick. So Baubee did it alone. What an experience! There were about 15 couples there – some looked old enough to be my parents, others young enough to be my kids. We were all given baby dolls to use for our infant CPR training and receiving blankets so we could learn the famous “swaddle technique.” Now those of you who know me well know that I have always hated CPR training. When I worked at the clinic we were required to complete adult CPR training every year. The clinic was staffed not only by therapists but by doctors – residents completing their training to become psychiatrists. So given that there were, at any time, about 20 docs on hand in the clinic why were the therapists having to take CPR training?? If someone keeled over in the waiting room would I really be the first one they would look for to perform CPR? Probably not. So I never paid much attention in CPR class.
But that was then. Now I’m going to be Baubee to little Max and I paid attention. Big time. I know exactly how to do it. I practiced like crazy on my cute little baby CPR mannequin – did the rescue breaths and the compressions, made sure the chest rose, checked my technique with the instructor. God forbid I ever need to use it – but if I ever do I’m ready!! And I also know how to help him if he chokes, and the importance of sleeping on his back, and how to get the police station guy to check to make sure the car seat is in right. I know how to swaddle him properly and make the “shushing” sound, and how to rock and swing him till he calms down. I know that grandparents have to be careful not to criticize, that a lot has changed since we had our kids, and that being supportive of the new mom and dad is very important. And I know from talking to other grandparents there last night that being a grandparent is just the best thing ever!!
So Kim and Sean, I promise to be the best Baubee that I can be. I can’t wait to meet your little boy. And I will help and support you two as parents in every way for as long as I live. Thank you for including me on this amazing journey.
Love,
Baubee
Last night I attended a Grandparenting Class given by Sharp Healthcare in San Diego. Peter (aka Zaydee) couldn’t go because he was sick. So Baubee did it alone. What an experience! There were about 15 couples there – some looked old enough to be my parents, others young enough to be my kids. We were all given baby dolls to use for our infant CPR training and receiving blankets so we could learn the famous “swaddle technique.” Now those of you who know me well know that I have always hated CPR training. When I worked at the clinic we were required to complete adult CPR training every year. The clinic was staffed not only by therapists but by doctors – residents completing their training to become psychiatrists. So given that there were, at any time, about 20 docs on hand in the clinic why were the therapists having to take CPR training?? If someone keeled over in the waiting room would I really be the first one they would look for to perform CPR? Probably not. So I never paid much attention in CPR class.
But that was then. Now I’m going to be Baubee to little Max and I paid attention. Big time. I know exactly how to do it. I practiced like crazy on my cute little baby CPR mannequin – did the rescue breaths and the compressions, made sure the chest rose, checked my technique with the instructor. God forbid I ever need to use it – but if I ever do I’m ready!! And I also know how to help him if he chokes, and the importance of sleeping on his back, and how to get the police station guy to check to make sure the car seat is in right. I know how to swaddle him properly and make the “shushing” sound, and how to rock and swing him till he calms down. I know that grandparents have to be careful not to criticize, that a lot has changed since we had our kids, and that being supportive of the new mom and dad is very important. And I know from talking to other grandparents there last night that being a grandparent is just the best thing ever!!
So Kim and Sean, I promise to be the best Baubee that I can be. I can’t wait to meet your little boy. And I will help and support you two as parents in every way for as long as I live. Thank you for including me on this amazing journey.
Love,
Baubee
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Susie's Shower!
There's something incredibly special about going to your best friend's baby shower, knowing that you are about to experience yet another incredible life step together. Today, Max and I attended Diego and Susie's special day, and what a beautiful celebration it was! Cathy, Laura, and Molly are such thoughtful hostesses, and had every little adorable detail planned out perfectly. We had a great lunch together, played some funny games ('guess the melted chocolate bar in the diaper' is always a winner....vile, but a winner!), heard some great stories and advice about babies, and showered Susie with lots of love and great presents! It was so great to see so many familiar faces, and to say hello to Susie and Matt's extended family and share in their joy about their newest little Weiss-Campion team member!
How stunning and "glow-y" does Susie look? Isn't she a gorgeous mama showing off her belly bump??
From Birthday Parties to Bachelorette Parties to Bridal Showers to Weddings to....Baby Showers! (Dana, Kim, Janette, Sus, and Paula)
Susie was showered with such adorable gifts! Diego is going to be one stylin' little guy...he got clothes for all seasons! Susie has so many things to add to his nursery, and he'll be eating and riding in style too....with a brand new car seat and high chair. Grandma Pam has been working hard on some adorable crib bedding....and it turned out beautifully!
How cute are these centerpieces? From the clothesline of onesies hung over the fireplace, to the rocky road party favors that we all left with.....our hostesses thought of every little detail to make Susie's day extra special!
And look at these proud Grandmas! Pam and Ann can't wait for their little guy to arrive!
I feel ridiculously blessed to be entering into this next phase of my life with Sus and her family. They are so special and dear to us....the Weiss' and Campion's are so welcoming and so warm, and we are thrilled to be included in their circle of love. Susie and Matt are going to be AMAZING parents. They will raise Diego with so much affection, love, and patience. Most of all, they will teach him how to have FUN, how to be a great friend, and what it means to throw great parties! Sus and Matt....congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your little guy! We will be right beside you for every step of this journey, and we wouldn't want it any other way! Happy Shower Day!!!!!
How stunning and "glow-y" does Susie look? Isn't she a gorgeous mama showing off her belly bump??
From Birthday Parties to Bachelorette Parties to Bridal Showers to Weddings to....Baby Showers! (Dana, Kim, Janette, Sus, and Paula)
Susie was showered with such adorable gifts! Diego is going to be one stylin' little guy...he got clothes for all seasons! Susie has so many things to add to his nursery, and he'll be eating and riding in style too....with a brand new car seat and high chair. Grandma Pam has been working hard on some adorable crib bedding....and it turned out beautifully!
How cute are these centerpieces? From the clothesline of onesies hung over the fireplace, to the rocky road party favors that we all left with.....our hostesses thought of every little detail to make Susie's day extra special!
And look at these proud Grandmas! Pam and Ann can't wait for their little guy to arrive!
I feel ridiculously blessed to be entering into this next phase of my life with Sus and her family. They are so special and dear to us....the Weiss' and Campion's are so welcoming and so warm, and we are thrilled to be included in their circle of love. Susie and Matt are going to be AMAZING parents. They will raise Diego with so much affection, love, and patience. Most of all, they will teach him how to have FUN, how to be a great friend, and what it means to throw great parties! Sus and Matt....congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your little guy! We will be right beside you for every step of this journey, and we wouldn't want it any other way! Happy Shower Day!!!!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Cravings
I've been asked by many people if I've had weird pregnancy cravings, and Sean is quick to remind me that I really haven't. Of course I've had a propensity for anything fried (jalapeno poppers, french fries, onion rings, calamari)....but really, who doesn't??
The only odd thing is that I've really wanted soda. Before I was pregnant, you would never hear me ordering a soda if we were out for dinner. I'm just not a sit-down-and-have-a-coke-with-dinner kind of girl. Lemonade perhaps. But never a 7Up or a Dr. Pepper. Until now. I've been craving root beer (caffeine free, of course). And even though I'm not an ice cream kind of gal, I've probably had more ice cream during my pregnancy than I've had in the last few years.
So what does this mean? It means that last night I HAD TO HAVE A ROOT BEER FLOAT. And my wonderful husband didn't mind taking me to Mitchell's Famous Ice Cream parlor where the line snaked outside and we had to wait for 15 minutes. There I was, in my sweat pants and fleece hoodie, with my 8 and a half month belly entering the ice cream parlor before I did. People stared. I was a walking cliche. I was THAT pregnant woman.
And the kid behind the counter got a good laugh out of my order. The jokes on him though. I've been drinking root beer floats with mint chocolate chip ice cream since I was 7 years old. That's no pregnancy craving mister, that's nothing but normal!
The only odd thing is that I've really wanted soda. Before I was pregnant, you would never hear me ordering a soda if we were out for dinner. I'm just not a sit-down-and-have-a-coke-with-dinner kind of girl. Lemonade perhaps. But never a 7Up or a Dr. Pepper. Until now. I've been craving root beer (caffeine free, of course). And even though I'm not an ice cream kind of gal, I've probably had more ice cream during my pregnancy than I've had in the last few years.
So what does this mean? It means that last night I HAD TO HAVE A ROOT BEER FLOAT. And my wonderful husband didn't mind taking me to Mitchell's Famous Ice Cream parlor where the line snaked outside and we had to wait for 15 minutes. There I was, in my sweat pants and fleece hoodie, with my 8 and a half month belly entering the ice cream parlor before I did. People stared. I was a walking cliche. I was THAT pregnant woman.
And the kid behind the counter got a good laugh out of my order. The jokes on him though. I've been drinking root beer floats with mint chocolate chip ice cream since I was 7 years old. That's no pregnancy craving mister, that's nothing but normal!
Your-A-Pee-In
Disclaimer: This blog is about pee. Do not read if you are not interested in random musings about urine samples. This is my blog people. I will write about cute nursery furniture and tiny onesies and adorable receiving blankets. But I will also write about pee.
When you are in the doctor's office every month, then every two weeks, then ultimately every week....for NINE PLUS MONTHS....you have certain things that you do to amuse yourself. For instance, Sean likes to help himself to the suckers on the receptionist's desk whenever we leave. Me however, I am HIGHLY amused by the process of leaving a urine sample.
First off, when you're pregnant, you get to go through the office door and into the bathroom when you first get there. No waiting in the waiting room with ladies getting their annual exams. No reading Good Housekeeping or Parents or staring at the wall.
For some reason, my doctor's office does not have the whole "clean catch" system set up in the bathroom. Perhaps the "cool handi-wipe" bin is hidden somewhere I haven't found? Perhaps this is no longer done and I just don't know about it because it's been a long while since I've had to be drug tested? KIDDING. They also don't have the lab-style collection cups. Instead, they use regular plastic drinking cups. Like the kind you use at a party when there aren't enough wine glasses. I kid you not. Except for one random week, when they did have labeled hospital-grade collection cups. Every other time before then (and since then), it's been punch cups. And a sharpie. I AM FASCINATED BY THIS. Now does one write their full name? First initial and last name? A note to the nurse? "Hi Gina. This is Kim S. Is this enough pee?"
So there you are, holding your party cup (except it's not for Pam's famous party punch with sherbet in it, it's for pee) and trying to aim correctly so that you can at least fill it up enough for whatever important tests the nurses do with it. Now all women know that this is a difficult task to accomplish.....when you're NOT pregnant. At my appointment yesterday I realized that as of Max's 34th week in utero I COULD NO LONGER SEE THE CUP. My belly is too big. I can not do the "bend down and check while I'm peeing" position. So how on earth am I supposed to aim? Or know when I've filled it enough? This must be a cruel joke that doctors play on pregnant women. But me...I'm laughing. Laughing at the fact that there is no ledge or shelf to put the pee cup on as you're writing your name, so you have to put it carefully on the floor, which means that it's only a matter of time before I get up and kick one of those damn cups over. Laughing at the "Lazy Susan" contraption that you put your cup in and spin it around so that it's on the outside of the bathroom wall. Laughing at the fact that I can no longer see the cup I'm holding when I pee, which means that the holding skirt up/holding cup/not peeing on your hand/not dropping your skirt in the toilet process is only that much harder.
OK. I'm done. Just needed to share.
When you are in the doctor's office every month, then every two weeks, then ultimately every week....for NINE PLUS MONTHS....you have certain things that you do to amuse yourself. For instance, Sean likes to help himself to the suckers on the receptionist's desk whenever we leave. Me however, I am HIGHLY amused by the process of leaving a urine sample.
First off, when you're pregnant, you get to go through the office door and into the bathroom when you first get there. No waiting in the waiting room with ladies getting their annual exams. No reading Good Housekeeping or Parents or staring at the wall.
For some reason, my doctor's office does not have the whole "clean catch" system set up in the bathroom. Perhaps the "cool handi-wipe" bin is hidden somewhere I haven't found? Perhaps this is no longer done and I just don't know about it because it's been a long while since I've had to be drug tested? KIDDING. They also don't have the lab-style collection cups. Instead, they use regular plastic drinking cups. Like the kind you use at a party when there aren't enough wine glasses. I kid you not. Except for one random week, when they did have labeled hospital-grade collection cups. Every other time before then (and since then), it's been punch cups. And a sharpie. I AM FASCINATED BY THIS. Now does one write their full name? First initial and last name? A note to the nurse? "Hi Gina. This is Kim S. Is this enough pee?"
So there you are, holding your party cup (except it's not for Pam's famous party punch with sherbet in it, it's for pee) and trying to aim correctly so that you can at least fill it up enough for whatever important tests the nurses do with it. Now all women know that this is a difficult task to accomplish.....when you're NOT pregnant. At my appointment yesterday I realized that as of Max's 34th week in utero I COULD NO LONGER SEE THE CUP. My belly is too big. I can not do the "bend down and check while I'm peeing" position. So how on earth am I supposed to aim? Or know when I've filled it enough? This must be a cruel joke that doctors play on pregnant women. But me...I'm laughing. Laughing at the fact that there is no ledge or shelf to put the pee cup on as you're writing your name, so you have to put it carefully on the floor, which means that it's only a matter of time before I get up and kick one of those damn cups over. Laughing at the "Lazy Susan" contraption that you put your cup in and spin it around so that it's on the outside of the bathroom wall. Laughing at the fact that I can no longer see the cup I'm holding when I pee, which means that the holding skirt up/holding cup/not peeing on your hand/not dropping your skirt in the toilet process is only that much harder.
OK. I'm done. Just needed to share.
Friday, April 24, 2009
34 Weeks!
Today I cheated on my doctor. It was like cheating on my hairstylist, but worse.
Even though my regular OB is very smart, and very qualified, and perfectly nice.....his bedside manner is not exactly spectacular. Those of you who are regular blog readers will recall that he has rolled his eyes at me, and at times acts like he's simply tolerating my questions. While many women hope and pray that their doctor happens to be the one on call when the big moment comes, I secretly wish that Dr. N would be on a nice long vacation in Hawaii when I deliver.
He was on a nice long vacation somewhere today, because I saw Dr. P instead. And I LOVED him. Loved him like I love root beer floats. Loved him like I love my favorite comfy socks. First off, he's in the same practice as Dr. N and you walk in the same door, but he has his very own SECRET SPECIAL WAITING ROOM. It's like the hidden kitchen at Thanh Long that has the secret special roasted crab and garlic noodles recipes. Only problem was I didn't know this ahead of time, so I left a urine sample in the wrong office bathroom. Whatever though. Then....in comes Dr. P. He measured my belly so accurately that it almost hurt when he pushed in to find my uterus (I'm measuring 33 by the way). Then he listened to Max's heartbeat for a nice long while (not the 5 seconds that we usually get) and explained the range of beats per minute to us. He felt my legs and ankles to check for swelling, without me even having to ask if I should be worried about it. Then he felt Max's BODY through my belly, and announced that Max was "head down, with his back against your left side and his butt up top" Sean and I were shocked that he could feel all that, and Dr. P explained that "heads are hard and butts are soft". To which Sean replied "My butt is hard". Dr. P also explained that the "kicking" I was feeling really low was actually "punching", and that Max probably (hopefully!) wouldn't change positions too much before delivery because there's not much room left to move around in. This is good news! Max is already playing by the rules and getting his little self into the very important "head down" position! I was so impressed by how seriously Dr. P took all of this measuring/monitoring/feeling around stuff. He even walked us through how Max was curled up in my belly, making sure we understood.
As if that wasn't helpful enough, Dr. P then shared all sorts of valuable info with us! Birth plans, hospital tours, jacuzzi tubs in Labor & Delivery, avoiding episiotomies if at all possible, why IV's would be needed, why I can't eat solid foods once I'm in labor, how to communicate my wishes to nurses, what would happen at our next appointment, and on and on. "I'm sure Dr. N has discussed this with you too" he said. Ummm....yeah. Not so much doc. Any ideas on how I can gracefully let Dr. N know that I am breaking up with him so that I can be YOURS? Dr. P took so much time with us, that I started asking him random questions that I didn't even know I had! He made us feel like he had all the time in the world, and when he left, he PATTED MY KNEE. Oh my god people....it's......a nice bedside manner!!!!!!! Who knew????? With my luck though, I'd switch to Dr. P, and HE'D be in Hawaii when Max came....and Dr. N would end up delivering me.....pissed off and with his feelings hurt that I ditched him for Dr. P and his swanky private waiting room. Damn. That would be bad.
Even though my regular OB is very smart, and very qualified, and perfectly nice.....his bedside manner is not exactly spectacular. Those of you who are regular blog readers will recall that he has rolled his eyes at me, and at times acts like he's simply tolerating my questions. While many women hope and pray that their doctor happens to be the one on call when the big moment comes, I secretly wish that Dr. N would be on a nice long vacation in Hawaii when I deliver.
He was on a nice long vacation somewhere today, because I saw Dr. P instead. And I LOVED him. Loved him like I love root beer floats. Loved him like I love my favorite comfy socks. First off, he's in the same practice as Dr. N and you walk in the same door, but he has his very own SECRET SPECIAL WAITING ROOM. It's like the hidden kitchen at Thanh Long that has the secret special roasted crab and garlic noodles recipes. Only problem was I didn't know this ahead of time, so I left a urine sample in the wrong office bathroom. Whatever though. Then....in comes Dr. P. He measured my belly so accurately that it almost hurt when he pushed in to find my uterus (I'm measuring 33 by the way). Then he listened to Max's heartbeat for a nice long while (not the 5 seconds that we usually get) and explained the range of beats per minute to us. He felt my legs and ankles to check for swelling, without me even having to ask if I should be worried about it. Then he felt Max's BODY through my belly, and announced that Max was "head down, with his back against your left side and his butt up top" Sean and I were shocked that he could feel all that, and Dr. P explained that "heads are hard and butts are soft". To which Sean replied "My butt is hard". Dr. P also explained that the "kicking" I was feeling really low was actually "punching", and that Max probably (hopefully!) wouldn't change positions too much before delivery because there's not much room left to move around in. This is good news! Max is already playing by the rules and getting his little self into the very important "head down" position! I was so impressed by how seriously Dr. P took all of this measuring/monitoring/feeling around stuff. He even walked us through how Max was curled up in my belly, making sure we understood.
As if that wasn't helpful enough, Dr. P then shared all sorts of valuable info with us! Birth plans, hospital tours, jacuzzi tubs in Labor & Delivery, avoiding episiotomies if at all possible, why IV's would be needed, why I can't eat solid foods once I'm in labor, how to communicate my wishes to nurses, what would happen at our next appointment, and on and on. "I'm sure Dr. N has discussed this with you too" he said. Ummm....yeah. Not so much doc. Any ideas on how I can gracefully let Dr. N know that I am breaking up with him so that I can be YOURS? Dr. P took so much time with us, that I started asking him random questions that I didn't even know I had! He made us feel like he had all the time in the world, and when he left, he PATTED MY KNEE. Oh my god people....it's......a nice bedside manner!!!!!!! Who knew????? With my luck though, I'd switch to Dr. P, and HE'D be in Hawaii when Max came....and Dr. N would end up delivering me.....pissed off and with his feelings hurt that I ditched him for Dr. P and his swanky private waiting room. Damn. That would be bad.
Is There A Doctor In The House?
Apparently, part of this whole "parenting gig" involves choosing a pediatrician for Max. No biggie, right? It just means that we have to make a decision that will directly affect the health and well-being of our son for the next 18 YEARS. This is only the person who will help us to navigate EVERYTHING that will keep Max safe, the person who will respond to my crazy frantic "Is this normal?" phone calls at 3 am (well, at least their advice nurse will). The person who needs to have the same philosophies as we do on important things like circumcision (yep...in CA some peds REFUSE to do it!!!), shots and the autism link (we're going to give Max his shots, but I'd like to at least space them out), and more.
I decided I'd tackle this enormous decision one small step at a time.
1. Went online to see what peds in our area took our health insurance.
2. Two bigger ped groups in two different parts of town. One is right by our house and in the same building as my doctor. The other was by the mall. Mall docs were ruled out.
3. Looked at listing of docs in the practice I liked. Read some reviews online. Decided that "nice looking middle aged man" fit my paradigm of what a ped should be. Two to choose from. Went with the one who had a Jewish last name and attended U of M (because my mom and dad went there). Dr. F is our guy.
4. Called ped office. They no longer do 1:1 interviews because they get so many word of mouth referrals, BUT the receptionist was really nice and said we could stop by the office and check it out. Yes, they have an advice line, and contract with Children's Hospital for after hours advice. Usually doctor will call you back directly. Saturday hours. Doctor will come to hospital when baby is born.
5. Asked Susie to ask some friends in town about who they recommend. Heard back from Susie that her good family friend (who is a hospital nurse AND who has two kids, one of whom was born early and needed some extra TLC) goes to..............Dr. F!!!! And she loves him! Now Dr. F is really our guy.
6. Went to Dr. F's office. They have two separate waiting rooms, one for sick kids and one for well kids. 3 points. The receptionist was awesome. Explained that the doctor will come right over when I deliver, and be there to check on the baby every day we're in the hospital. When we asked about circumcision, it turns out that Dr. F and Dr. G are JEWISH, attend the synagogue that we were looking into joining, and will perform the circumcision WITH the necessary prayers. 10 points. Then they gave us our forms to fill out, and a book that Dr. G himself had written about all kinds of medical things that new parents should know.
7. Read through the "Circumcision Pamphlet" on the way home. Sean was 4 beers in after dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Had a major "Holy Shit" moment that we were making OH MY GOD...PARENTING DECISIONS. Sean pointed out that just walking IN to the peds office was a big step. I pointed out that seeing the registration forms that said "Mom's name" and "Dad's name" and "Child's birthday" was a total mind f--k. Because they didn't mean OUR Mom and Dad's names...they meant US.
All in all, what a wonderful twist of fate that we found Dr. F and his practice. Little Max, you will surely be in good hands! Now let's just hope they have good stickers!
I decided I'd tackle this enormous decision one small step at a time.
1. Went online to see what peds in our area took our health insurance.
2. Two bigger ped groups in two different parts of town. One is right by our house and in the same building as my doctor. The other was by the mall. Mall docs were ruled out.
3. Looked at listing of docs in the practice I liked. Read some reviews online. Decided that "nice looking middle aged man" fit my paradigm of what a ped should be. Two to choose from. Went with the one who had a Jewish last name and attended U of M (because my mom and dad went there). Dr. F is our guy.
4. Called ped office. They no longer do 1:1 interviews because they get so many word of mouth referrals, BUT the receptionist was really nice and said we could stop by the office and check it out. Yes, they have an advice line, and contract with Children's Hospital for after hours advice. Usually doctor will call you back directly. Saturday hours. Doctor will come to hospital when baby is born.
5. Asked Susie to ask some friends in town about who they recommend. Heard back from Susie that her good family friend (who is a hospital nurse AND who has two kids, one of whom was born early and needed some extra TLC) goes to..............Dr. F!!!! And she loves him! Now Dr. F is really our guy.
6. Went to Dr. F's office. They have two separate waiting rooms, one for sick kids and one for well kids. 3 points. The receptionist was awesome. Explained that the doctor will come right over when I deliver, and be there to check on the baby every day we're in the hospital. When we asked about circumcision, it turns out that Dr. F and Dr. G are JEWISH, attend the synagogue that we were looking into joining, and will perform the circumcision WITH the necessary prayers. 10 points. Then they gave us our forms to fill out, and a book that Dr. G himself had written about all kinds of medical things that new parents should know.
7. Read through the "Circumcision Pamphlet" on the way home. Sean was 4 beers in after dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Had a major "Holy Shit" moment that we were making OH MY GOD...PARENTING DECISIONS. Sean pointed out that just walking IN to the peds office was a big step. I pointed out that seeing the registration forms that said "Mom's name" and "Dad's name" and "Child's birthday" was a total mind f--k. Because they didn't mean OUR Mom and Dad's names...they meant US.
All in all, what a wonderful twist of fate that we found Dr. F and his practice. Little Max, you will surely be in good hands! Now let's just hope they have good stickers!
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