Here we go:
I am very proud of my husband. He just started his fourth trimester at Palmer yesterday- and for me, time here in Iowa is flying. (He says it's not going quite as fast for him, but he IS studying all the time, so it's quite understandable.) So, the big news for him is that he was chosen to be in a rather prestigious group on campus- The Guides. I'd explain more, but it's kind of top secret. Not really, but I'm struggling with how to explain what they do. Basically, you will see them at every campus event in matching suit and tie whispering into wrist walkie-talkies. (Minus the walkie-talkie detail. That was my own imagination.) The point is, my husband is wonderful and I'm proud of him.
I love my job. The word love being defined as "I'm thankful for the income and since I have to work, I'm glad for the job I have." Perhaps I will do some comparisons to help you understand why I went to OB and why I am glad I did.
When my patient sees me, she: (ICU) Drools and I use a suction catheter to remove the drainage from her mouth and throat. (OB) Smiles, albeit tiredly, and discussion about her newborn baby commences.
When my patient needs to use the restroom, she: (ICU) Poops in the bed or the bedpan, which I will later rinse out. (OB) Walks to the restroom and uses it.
When I have free time at work, I: (ICU) Rarely have free time, but perhaps will eat some Lorna Doones. (OB) Again, rarely have free time, but will sit in the rocking chairs holding babies in the nursery.
I think the most difficult part of the transition to OB is the lost ICU prestige. ICU nurses get that special nod from doctors or other nurses- they know a lot, handle emergencies, deal with life and death decisions everyday. Now, at the hospital skills fair, I am met with a snotty look and frequently hear, "Oh, you're fifth floor? You will never do this, you don't need to know about it." My response? Don't ever bring your laboring wife to my floor. (This is said very menacingly of course.) Oh well, I am thankful for my job and the help I provide to new mothers on a daily basis. Prestige or whatever else is just gravy.
The big life change we are anticipating right now is moving. Later this month we will be moving to a new residence- a cheaper, larger, closer, wondeful-er duplex. We can't wait to have a basement where Josh can set up his chiro table, a dining room separate from the kitchen, a yard, a one car garage etc etc. The move and new abode will be a separate blog in the future, obviously. Also, when we move? We get Roxie back. Our poor pooch has been traveling around the country from home to home, waiting for us to move into a rental that allows her to join. Word on facebook chat is that she got herself a husband by the name of Prancer. (Apparently, he has yet to figure out she's an it. We'll see how long it lasts once Roxie comes clean.) We are excited to get our dog/rat back.
Also, Christmas is coming! I have been ready since July, so I'm getting pretty pumped now. Today I bought candy canes to sneak into Josh's lunch tomorrow. To let HIM know that Christmas is coming. (To be honest, he knows Christmas is coming and he's a pretty swell guy for letting me be as Christmas crazy as I am. I already dragged him out Christmas shopping, made him watch Elf, danced around him in the kitchen singing carols in my best Etta James voice, and purchased a tin of Christmas popcorn. He says as soon as we move I can put up the Christmas tree, but to not let our mothers know because they will think we are ridiculous.)
I am so psyched to be alive right now.
