When it rains it pours...

It's been a while since I've updated last and all things baby are going great! All things non baby...not so good.

I'll start with the bad stuff. It's official, I got my "pink" slip at work. No it's not actually pink. My last day of work will be Dec 31. 38 social workers out of the 48 or so in my office also got laid off. I have mixed feelings about this. Obviously not having a paycheck is going to be a big issue. But being left behind to do the work of all the people who leave will be horrible. There is also a rumor going around that there will be another round of layoffs in February. So I'm glad I know where I stand and won't be anxiously waiting to find out my fate. I don't plan on looking for work much. Being pregnant and competing with so many of my well qualified colleagues for the limited number of jobs will be next to impossible. So, my plan is to sit home and collect unemployment, enjoy my pregnancy and get ready for baby. Leaving behind my work will be difficult. I've worked hard to be where I am; in a career that I planned to continue indefinitely. I've met wonderful friends and hope to remain in contact with them.

So, you'd think that would be the sum of the bad stuff? Nope. Let's see..in the last few weeks I've learned of several family and friend who are having health issues, a close family pet passed away after 16 years of life, learning a friend is getting divorced and sleeping through the night has been difficult which only compounds all the above listed issues.

On a much lighter and more positive note, the pregnancy is going very well. We had our 20 week ultrasound last week and everything looks good. The doctor said things like "beautiful brain" and "strong heart". At 20 weeks and 2 days the baby weighed in at 12 oz; slightly above what some of the books say about average weight. Guess I'll be having a big baby! Heartbeat was a strong 142.

Now, onto the good stuff that comes out from the 20 week ultrasound. Also known as the "big ultrasound". The sex. We decided not to find out, yet. With all the bad stuff going on we decided to have the doctor write down the sex and put it in an envelope to open on Christmas day. So they wrapped up some of the "crotch shots" in an envelope to be opened on Christmas day in the presence of family. I can't wait!

I'm 19 weeks pregnant today. Spent the day doing my normal Saturday stuff...reading up, grocery shopping and chores. I also got to visit with one of my friends who is 13 weeks pregnant. It was fun to compare our experience so far and it was also interesting to learn how we each get told different things by our doctors. Guess there is no such thing as a perfect science. It's crazy to think that not only in just a little over a week we will find out the sex of the baby but that also I will be half way done. It sure has gone by fast and I suppose it is evident of how fast life goes.

On another note, I'm feeling a little more hopeful about the job situation. I am counting on getting laid off and I'm okay with that. I know that at some point I will get rehired and in the mean time, I am just going to enjoy my time off and being pregnant. I will probably pick up some part time work and will enjoy the break from the fast paced life of child welfare.

the good with the bad

Well it's been over three months since my last post and I guess it's time I get back to it. I'm not loving the new format options and I was at a loss of a new title..so I'll call it my blog in progress.

Anyway, I've got good news and crappy news. I'll start with the crap because I prefer to end things on a positive note.

I very well might be losing my job. To make a long story short...the county sucks ass at budgeting and have relied on money from other counties to pay their bills and now the money isn't there. They are predicting that there will be around 70 layoffs and I think that might still be a conservative figure. In any case, I got my official warning of layoff notice today. All that means is that I might get laid off come December 17. Which I didn't need a letter telling me that, but whatever. There is still a possibility I won't get laid off but the not knowing is the hardest part.

And on to the good news, which most of you know already, is that I'm pregnant! I should have probably been writing about my experience up until now, but well, what can I say? I procrastinate. So right now I'm 18 1/2 weeks along and due on May 2. We find out the sex on December 15, which we are both very excited about. I've been feeling good overall. The first trimester I did have some trouble eating but never got sick. Fatigue is what was my biggest problem, so I can't really complain about having to take extra naps! The past few weeks I've been eating better and having more energy which is good. I first felt the baby move on week 17 exactly. It was like 3 little thumps from the inside...weird!

Now here's where I'm conflicted...I'm very excited to be pregnant, but what I'm not excited about it being pregnant and being laid off trying to look for work. Oh well...I do have faith that something will work out. Until next time...