Pandemic Pregnancy All pregnancies come with challenges. Heidi's has been extra tricky. There's the pandemic thing. There's the fact that Heidi and Jamie moved from TX to OR, far away from family and friends. And there's the local move, (5 days ago) from temp housing to new house. Baby comes in a couple weeks! It Takes a Village... or a Few Villages Even though Heidi said a baby shower was impossible, family and friends pitched in. We can't do a Zoom Shower. We're not in a home. There's nowhere to mail gifts. But Sis-in-law-Chali, organized. She sent invites and coordinated with others. Aunt Jane mailed decorations and gift wrap, from NY. Aunt Kate and Aunt Jenni offered their address in OR, for mailed packages... and then wrapped as gifts arrived! Don and I made pandemic-safe stops, on our way from TX to OR, to collect. Confusing, but fun! Shower Yesterday Yesterday, was the shower. Heidi and I took this photo with the camera timer, about 30 minutes before the Zoom gathering. Don and Jamie were off on a secret errand and I had a little alone time with Heidi. It was a nice moment, after days of scrambling to help them move in. Zoom Ready Jamie and Don completed their curbside pickup! They arrived with a sweet cake, that Chali pre-ordered from a Portland bakery. So many helpers! The house was still full of boxes and Heidi's swollen feet were in slippers, but no worries. We were ready for the virtual party, with its limited visuals! Let the Zoom Begin With a laptop resting on a wrapped box, the Family Zoom began. What a treat to have a party, without cleaning a whole house or preparing food. It was fun to see the faces of Heidi's family on the computer screen. Close family and dear family friends, in NY, LA, ID, TX, IL, OK and CA, smiled from their couches... except for one, who chose to Zoom from her peaceful car. (tip for future mother) Thanks Pandemic For a moment I thanked this ugly pandemic for allowing us to all be together. I'm not sure if there was such a thing as a Zoom Shower, before 2020. Without technology, there is no way all these people could have been together to support Heidi. I felt lucky to be there in person, as I handed gifts and listened to the sweet voices. I jumped next to Heidi at the end, when we all shared a few words of wisdom... "Accept help... Keep your humor... Sing to the baby..." Gifts & Support What a treat to suddenly see clothes and essential for this little baby. Heidi and Jamie have purchased little, while anticipating their move. They've been in limbo with housing, since this pregnancy began. The gifts were wonderful, but the support was also needed. I can't imagine 9 months of isolated pregnancy. I remember the fun I had when I was pregnant with Heidi. Lunch and advice with friends. Shopping with my mom and even grandmother. So simple and old fashioned, in 1986. Friends Following the Family Zoom, Heidi had a second hour, Zooming with old friends. As I handed packages to Heidi, I listened to enthused friends, offering their own advice. I loved seeing the gifts that young friends and mothers had to offer. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls! I love it! I think all babies born during a pandemic will be born with a little extra spunk and resiliance! Practical and Fun As I dashed back and forth with gifts, I snapped a few pics and I listened. I heard oo-ing and awwing, over the cute stuff. I heard helpful tips, for using the important stuff. Then, everyone wanted to see the tummy. Heidi showed her tummy. Jamie showed off the cake... which sadly couldn't be shared virtually. (It was yummy later) Baby 1 There were also requests to see Josie, the furry character who has been the baby since long before these two were married. One friend suggested using Josie to practice "swaddling". I wouldn't wish a pandemic on anyone's pregnancy. It's been extra stressful. Jamie won't meet the doctor until the birth. Heidi will have to wear a mask throughout her labor. I can't imagine.
But, after nearly a year of dealing with a pandemic, we have all learned to adapt. Covid-19 has taught people to find creative ways to be together. This sweet shower was one example. Thanks so much to Chali and Jane, Jennifer and Kate... and all those sweet Zoom Faces! XOXO
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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