Stephanie, my husband was great during the first L&D. We both had some qualms about how he'd react, and he in particular was not sure he could see me in pain. But in the end, he was terrific, and very involved in the whole process.

I guess what I'm saying is that you and your husband should both give him the opportunity to surprise you.

We didn't have a doula. Or a birth plan, other than "have a healthy birth," and I guess the last minute addition of "since I made it this far, I'd like to avoid the cesearian, if possible."

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The BBC have just bemoaned how sad it was that she 'wasn't able to attend' the registry office ceremony. Is that why she didn't go? Was she busy? She wasn't busy picking out those gloves, I tell you that much.

She's the titular head of the Anglican church, so apparently that's why she couldn't go to the registry. (I'm confused about that too.)

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We didn't have a doula. Or a birth plan, other than "have a healthy birth," and I guess the last minute addition of "since I made it this far, I'd like to avoid the cesearian, if possible."

We have no doula (by choice, as I'm really the kind of person who'd crawl off into the woods if I could for delivery, and I know myself well enough to know a doula would annoy me), and I'm going to ask my OB on Monday if I should even bother with a written birth plan, as my only goal is for us to all come out okay.

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We have no doula (by choice, as I'm really the kind of person who'd crawl off into the woods if I could for delivery, and I know myself well enough to know a doula would annoy me), and I'm going to ask my OB on Monday if I should even bother with a written birth plan, as my only goal is for us to all come out okay.

We had no written birth plan. We had some definite ideas of what we wanted, but decided that flexiblity, in light of the fact that we had never done this before, was the most important thing going into childbirth. I honestly think a written plan is more of a control tool for some people. And control is the first thing you lose going in. And I didn't want to have such a defined idea of the experience that I'd be disappointed if things didn't go according to my plan.

Nobody I know who's given birth actually wrote out a plan.

PLEASE tell my dad this. He calls me almost every day. He has nothing to say, really, but manages to tell me about the minutiae of his day. I think he got in the habit of calling me every day right after I had surgery, and he never got out of the habit.

I'm lucky. My dad HATES the phone. Just doesn't like to talk to people unless he's face to face. So this is something I don't have to worry about. Even Mom doesn't remember to call regularly sometimes. She's the type that knows I'll call her if something important comes up.

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Timelies!

Today we put up the last Roman shade and hang some misc stuff in the living room. I'm so excited! I'm also going to try to get it all organized and cleaned up. I think Emily will be so surprised when she gets home.

I talk to my parents frequently...not necessarily daily, but frequently. Part of that, I think, is because they live so close...so we work out when we're going to see each other next, ect. I try to call more right now, especially my mom, 'cause she's so discouraged about the job thing. So, I try to call during the day and give her something to smile about.

Now, my brothers I talk to less, and I'm actually trying to change that. I got pretty frustrated when I found out about a big trip my brother and SIL's octet was taking from the group's website. So, we're trying to e-mail more frequently and be more involved in each other's lives.

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vw, I forgot to mention earlier that I'm sorry about your mom not getting the job. That really sucks.

I am basically waiting by the phone for my buyer's agent calls me back. And this isn't even waiting for the offer to be accepted! This is waiting for my agent to call me back so we can get together and write the offer to submit! I am terrified that we will have missed the opportunity to get this house.

I'm sorry to bring up the boring house stuff, but I am trying to be all calm and strong and stable for Tom, because he is Freaking Out, and I don't really want to talk about it with my friends or family yet, in case it doesn't work out, and I just needed a little vent for my nervous energy. Breasthing now. Inhale pink, exhale blue. If it's meant to be, it will be. If it's not, there are plenty of other houses in the sea.

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Oh, Nora, I can imagine. And it's not boring house stuff! It's very exciting! I'm so excited for you guys. I have friends who are all grown up! It gives me hope that one day I'll be all grown up too :)

I'd totally be on pins and needles too. I wish you guys much good luck. It would really be a wonderful house...and I'd get to see it and everything!

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Poptarts:

Hmmmm...I think Not!Emily ate some of my ice cream last night. Is it wrong that all that happened when I noticed this was that I thought, "Hmmmm...is it too early for ice cream?"

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Amusingly enough, even my dad thinks calling every day is ridiculous, but he still advocates every two or three days. My mom still seems to want the daily call, some sort of hi hello on my way to class, because I'm far away, she feels like she's losing me, and she knows that makes her "possessive," but that's what she's going to be. I told her that wasn't good for us, I need some room, and she asked how much more room could I get? I told her other people often go entire weeks without calling home, but we're Indian, so family's more important. Oh, and they're going to Europe for two weeks in July, and could I take a short vacation in the first month or so of my very first job to come along?

Also, vw, I know your tag is sarcastic, but I see it and think, "What? vw's not a bitch. I want to give her a hug."

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Also, vw, I know your tag is sarcastic, but I see it and think, "What? vw's not a bitch. I want to give her a hug."

Having this tag makes me wish we had picture icons like we did at WX so I could put this [link] picture next to that tag. I just think I look all sweet and innocent in that picture, and it would be funny next to that tag.

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