A quick update of a whirlwind week. 2 things were happening simultaneously:
- Reading and implementing "Getting Things Done"
That started first. Then:
- A worrisome blob of blood in AS's ultrasound scan Thursday that looked like it could be a rare condition called vasa previa.
As we learned more about vasa previa and waited for a more sophisticated scan (which was set for today), we continued "Getting Things Done." It helped immensely to make time pass and keep us from fretting too much. Last night we finished gathering up every scrap of paper outside the menu, grocery list and NT's school stuff, and putting it all in manila folders, A-Z, active indiscriminately filed with inactive materials. (I even bought a $20 label maker as the author recommends, to make everything seem more official.) Everything "actionable" is either in a physical in-basket or on a Google tasks list. The next couple days I will try to clear out the closet enough to have our file cabinets easily accessible, and everything will go in there from now on.
AS is on board since she's already read "Getting Things Done" and knows what it entails. NT is very interested to learn as well; once I've practiced it for a couple weeks and can confirm that it IS do-able and DOES make for "stress-free productivity," I will show him how to get onto the system as well.
Still, even with all the exciting organization and decluttering, it was hard not to worry about the upcoming ultrasound. If it was vasa previa, a few things would change:
- We'd have to cancel our trip to Mexico (scheduled to start this Friday). AS couldn't be far from the hospital, since survivability (for the baby) absolutely depends on immediate admission upon labor, and there's always a chance of early labor in pregnancy.
- Parental leave calendars might change drastically if doctor decided that a scheduled C-section at 35 weeks was advisable.
- AS might be spending days or weeks in the hospital, before or after the birth, depending on how things progressed.
- Costs would likely skyrocket for us (a routine birth will be free under her health plan but we aren't sure about one with complications).
- Worrying would be likely to take an emotional toll on the entire household.
So, obviously, it was hard not to run through scenarios in my mind. The filing REALLY helped.
But, happily, today AS had her follow-up ultrasound, and doctors and techs confirmed that it's definitely NOT vasa previa nor anything worrisome at all. In fact, when she said we had a trip to Mexico planned, the tech said "Bon voyage!"
So, so relieved, I feel almost dizzy! But of course, there was a whole other set of to-do's that I'd put off since they might not be necessary:
- Buy swimsuit and sunblock
- Get summer clothes out of storage, and pack
- Research hospital locations near our Cancun hotel (still want to be prepared for other stuff)
- Add some missing TSA security info to our reservation online
- Give key to our friend who will be catsitting
Thanks to "Getting Things Done," I have an easily accessible list and it won't be hard to check things off and be good to go by Friday morning!
I had some random financial updates (both gripes AND good stuff) but I'll leave it for now; want to get home and celebrate the good news in person!
... And relax!
January 10th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
January 10th, 2012 at 11:25 pm 1326237939
January 11th, 2012 at 12:32 am 1326241926
I just checked out the book Getting Things Done. I look forward reading it.
January 11th, 2012 at 02:04 am 1326247499
January 11th, 2012 at 02:34 am 1326249260
January 11th, 2012 at 03:04 am 1326251072
ccf, even though the tone is directed at high-powered executives, I'm finding it quite helpful in my non-management job -- and especially in my home life, with all the little tasks that clutter up my mind. I read it through once and then flipped through a few more times, making notes about existing buckets, etc. Once you capture everything in your mind, your email, your house and your desk at work, it all seems so much more manageable.
patientsaver, meet us at the airport and I'll try to stow you in my suitcase.
NT will probably want to try snorkeling, go see some ruins, go swimming in the ocean. AS and I mostly want to laze around and read, have some fresh fruit, etc. We'll see how it shakes out; for the past week we've been convinced we'd have to cancel it, so now it feels like a last-minute trip. Which is actually kind of nice!
January 11th, 2012 at 03:22 am 1326252144
Have a great time in Mexico. I'm jealous!
January 11th, 2012 at 05:47 am 1326260863
January 11th, 2012 at 07:14 pm 1326309242
Have a great holiday!