28 Weeks

  This post is a bit late because, as some of you may know, we ran out of internet last month. Yes, Alaska is truly the last frontier and unlimited internet is a luxury and not a guarantee. But, it's a new month and I will do my very best not to binge-watch Breaking Bad on Netflix this time!
  As you can see from the picture, I got my hair did last Saturday. John and I were up early on Saturday morning and he went in for a haircut on base. I had been wanting/desperately needing a haircut, but my hairdresser just had a (gorgeous) baby girl! So, I decided to get my hair cut at the base salon. The hairdresser was fairly young and started by asking me the standard pregnancy questions of what I was having, when am I due, etc. I answered the questions without saying anything about Denali's condition. Then, she surprised me by asking me what I was most afraid of as a parent. And so I told her that my greatest fear was that my daughter would die before I get to hold her in my arms and explained why. She surprised me again by not saying anything cliched. She simply said she was sorry and that she would keep us in her thoughts. I was really impressed. As she started cutting my hair, she told me that I had patches of gray and then told me it was understandable because I was under so much stress. I just really appreciated her straightforward handling of the situation and being able to be totally honest with a stranger. And I thought my hair looked really cute. John liked it, too!
  John started on day-shift this week! I never thought I would be happy about that as I tend to be a night owl, but I am! I think we were both getting burned out by no sunshine and the inability to get much done.  I've enjoyed being able to drop him off and do some things by myself. I signed up for the foot-washing ministry at church. Once a month a group goes to the homeless shelter to do foot care. Well, I have experience in foot care after a rotation with a podiatrist and several stints in wound clinics! Obviously I can't do much, but I can tell when someone is in serious trouble and needs further attention and I can dress a wound. It feels good to be doing something useful again! I'm also considering volunteering at the hospital in the CCU. All I would be doing is patient and family advocacy, but again, it's something useful. And I found a water aerobics class that I'd like to do. So, John and I both are happy that he's off night-shift!
  I'm actually itching to get a job. This is the longest I have been unemployed since I've been old enough to work. I count full-time school as work, but I held a job through high-school and undergrad. I should really be grateful that I'm in a position where I don't have to work, but depending on John to support me goes against my grain. I suppose this situation is a lesson in humility and allowing others to help me when I need it. The worst thing about being broke is not being able to give anyone much for Christmas. I shop for special gifts all year and it's the highlight of my year to give them on Christmas. John told me that he would help me out this year, but I quickly pictured the conversation from Christmas Vacation where Cousin Eddie tells Clark to buy himself something "real nice" with his own money. Hmmmmm....
  Denali learned a new trick this week- it's called "kick Mama's sciatic nerve"! Fortunately, she has only done it once, but thank goodness I was sitting down because I would have fallen otherwise! That hurt! And on Monday I was at the gym waiting after our workout while John changed into his uniform. I sat down on a bench and had a book perched on my belly. A young guy came and sat on the bench, but he looked uncomfortable and scrunched up against the opposite end. About that time, Denali decided that she didn't like my book  where it was and she kicked it, hard. It went flying! The guy gave me the funniest look! I laughed and laughed about that!
  This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous and John and I decided to eat our Sunday lunch outside on the deck, a rare treat in Anchorage. After lunch, I decided to doze in my chair and make some Vitamin D. To get maximum exposure, I pulled up my shirt. As soon as the sun hit me, Denali rotated around to face outwards. I can tell which way she is facing based on where she has her hands. I know that she's blind, but maybe she has some primitive light sensation? Anyway, I was excited and I hope that she could sense the light! Any interaction she has with her environment I consider a victory!
  Another new development this week is my inability to tolerate vegetables. I've been a vegetarian for almost 16 years and I try really hard to follow Michael Pollan's maxim to "[e]at food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Last week I popped a bag of steamer veggies in the microwave for supper. After I ate them I became violently ill and suffered for the rest of the night with GI cramps. I thought it was maybe a fluke, but it's happened twice since. I'm not sure what I'm going to eat if that keeps up for the remainder of the pregnancy! I have an OB appointment on Friday, so I will ask Dr. O about it then.
  Speaking of the OB appointment, we are having an ultrasound on Friday! I'm so excited! I can't wait to see Denali again and see how big she's getting! I will try to post pictures ASAP!