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... And relax!

January 10th, 2012 at 11:16 pm

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!

8 Responses to “... And relax!”

  1. CCraw Says:
    1326237939

    I'm glad all is well with AS and baby. Have a great trip!

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    1326241926

    Glad to hear that today resulting fantastic news!

    I just checked out the book Getting Things Done. I look forward reading it.

  3. patientsaver Says:
    1326247499

    Where in mexico are you going? are you staying at a resort? what will you do? can i come?

  4. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1326249260

    I'm so glad it turned out to be nothing worrisome with AS!

  5. ceejay74 Says:
    1326251072

    Thanks everyone!

    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. Smile We're going to a resort -- not all-inclusive because we want choices in our dining, but looks like a pretty luxurious hotel. Last time we went, we stayed in downtown away from the tourist zone, and we really liked that, but given AS's pregnancy and AA's toddlerhood, we thought it would be a good idea to take it easy this time.

    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!

  6. Looking Forward Says:
    1326252144

    What a relief!
    Have a great time in Mexico. I'm jealous! Big Grin

  7. My English Castle Says:
    1326260863

    Have a great time! Glad you were able to put the book's tips into action!

  8. scottish girl Says:
    1326309242

    I'm so glad it wasn't vasa previa. I know a woman who has vasa previa and she's booked in for a scan every few weeks until the baby's born (due in April). I read about it when she told me she has it.
    Have a great holiday! Smile

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