It wasn’t that long ago, on a bastardly day in February, that I lost my job. The heartsick, stomach upsetting panic I felt nearly broke my spirit. Fear of losing our house and our livelihood clouded my thoughts on a daily basis.
Thankfully, over the past several months, things began looking up. We’re still behind on some bills (mostly my student loan, but I’m getting there), but the fear that my husband could lose his job haunts me now that I know how easily tragedy can strike.
I can’t tell you how much I want to reach out and hug these amazing people. I want to hug them so tightly and squeeze the bad news from their lives. If only it were that simple.
I wish that I had the bank account of Bill Gates, because if I did, I’d start my own version of The Big Give and save the world by providing all the things so many people need but go without.
And so, the beautiful woman known as Motherhood Uncensored has started a little blog action plan. Blog the Recession. I encourage you to join us. Each time you visit a blogger, click an ad or two. You don’t have to send money, just take the time to show how much you care. That click, as small as it may seem, can generate a little ad revenue for those who so desperately need it. (Part of me wishes these advertisers would push a little monetary support in the direction of those who need it! Maybe they will after the see the tour de force we’ve got going on right here.)
Won’t you join us? Visit Motherhood Uncensored to grab a button!
Beware, he gets a little loud at the end. I think he’s actually happy to see me go, considering he stayed overnight at my parents’ house this last weekend and refused to come home yesterday. Don’t be surprised if he decides to move in with Nana & Papa.
(I’d show you a picture, but it would scare you silly.)
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Stop over to the Imperfect Parent if you haven’t already (as in yesterday, when I should have linked my post. What can I say? Life is getting the better of me these days), where I talk about ways to ask your boss for a raise. I’ve never asked for more money, but many ladies I know are considering it. I’d love to hear your advice!
Have you seen this video yet? New Kids on the Block - Summertime (I can’t figure out how to embed it, so click over if you dare!) It’s quite good, but it also shows me that maybe somethings haven’t changed. Still babe magnets, 20 years later.
Hello, Baby? I’d Like You Out of My Uterus, Please!
Sam at Temporarily Me is 7 days overdue, and since most of us know how anxious we were to deliver the babies that took up residence in our wombs for nine months, we’re having a Bloggy Baby Shower to let Sam know we’re crossing our fingers and hoping her little bundle of joy makes an entrance in this big bad world sooner or….SOONER!
I can’t say I know how it feels to be pregnant longer than 40 weeks. Dawson was induced two weeks early because of my pre-eclampsia.
However, my mother remembers all too well being overdue with my brother. He was due June 20th but he decided he didn’t want to stick to any stupid due date. Nathan arrived on June 30th, ten days late. Which, really, is kind of fitting because my brother likes to take his time with everything in his life. He insists on making certain all his ducks are in a row before he makes any type of decision, big or small.
Since I have no advice for Sam that will make her feel comfortable during the waiting, I went on a hunt for ten ways to naturally induce labor:
1. Acupuncture - They say various points can start contractions. Personally, I think getting poked with needles is a little insane, but if it works, I say go for it.
2. Nipple Stimulation/Breast Pump - This uses the mother’s oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Right, because the first thing a tired, swollen, cranky mama wants is her nipples stimulated. Men, beware, if you try this you may get killed.
3. Walking/Changing Positions Frequently - this is supposed to stimulate action in the uterus. But honestly, if a pregnant woman is already overdue by more than a day, she’s probably already pacing the floor in frustration.
4. Castor Oil - Mixed with juice or food it stimulates prostaglandins to contract the uterus. All I can say is ick. Ick!
5. Herbs - Common herbs used are black and blue cohosh, they are supposed to induce labor. For some reason I keep visualizing an open bottle of ground basil and a cup of hot tea. Another ick.
6. Spicy Food - It’s supposed to stimulate digestion and increase prostaglandin production. I see a bout of heart burn coming on. Probably not a good idea if labor is imminent.
7. Massage - Now this is one technique that may do nothing but distract the mama-to-be from those stupid false contractions. If anything, it will relax Mom enough to help labor start more easily.
8. Orgasm - Uh huh. We know it’s supposed to induce contractions, but when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, sex was the LAST thing on my mind.
9. Pineapple - I heard an old wive’s tale that pineapple is a labor inducing food. I have no research to support this, but I love pineapple. I might remember that one for next time.
10. Glass of Wine - Again, no evidence that it stimulates contractions, but it might help an anxious mom relax. Obviously doctors would advise against this, but if I were overdue, I’d probably take a tiny swig just to take the edge off.
Good luck, Sam! That’s all the assvice I have for you. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the little one arrives soon!
