Thrice in this pregnancy, I have gotten a terrible, screaming headache within 15-20 minutes of waking up. I've never gotten migraines, but hopefully this is the closest I'll get. When I get these raging pains, I am especially sensitive to light, so I just get in bed for awhile and close my eyes (usually fall asleep) and an hour or so later I am all better. I can't figure out what it's due to, exactly, except perhaps an extreme case of dehydration. I've noticed that I'm usually pretty dehydrated in the mornings, no matter how much water I drink the previous day. My very well researched medical solution is just to chug the water, rest my eyes, and feel better shortly afterwards. At least thus far it has worked.
This morning's episode, however, was unfortunate, as I had class from 9-12 and then the same class again from 12.30 to 4.00. I woke up at 7.20 and was back in bed by 8.00 -- I normally have to leave the house at 8.15. But there was no way I could sit on a hard wooden bench in a bright yellow room in that state. I said, "You know what, kid? You're pregnant. Stay home when you don't feel good." So I did. I have a hard time allowing myself to do this, but it seemed like the right decision at the time.
I woke up at 10.00 a new woman. As I had skipped the first class, I couldn't exactly go to the second, so suddenly I had hours and hours stretched out before me. For a moment, the thought of all that free time terrified me. What am I going to do with six extra hours? And then I started dreaming up ideas (go to the movies? find out about cell phones for my upcoming visitors? web design?) when I remembered that the Salon du b�b� was taking place this weekend.
So I went and I am glad I did. First off, there was no speedy way to get there from my house, but I opted for a two-bus combo. Imagine my suprise when I found out the second bus no longer exists. In the weird, completely nonchalant way I feel like I have handled 75% of obstacles that have come my way since getting pregnant, I said to myself, "Well, I'll just ride this bus until the end and then see what I should do," as it was going in the general direction of my destination, anyway. I just trusted it would get me somewhere half-decent, and then I would just figure it out from there.
And in an awesome turn of events, it turns out the bus ends right where the tramway starts, and the tramway took me to the front door of the place where the Salon du b�b� was taking place. I had never ridden the tramway before (it's brand new), so the whole thing felt quite adventurous and fun. The sun was shining and I enjoyed the ride -- it's so much more interesting to travel above ground than below. Plus, the trams are really smooth and clean and peaceful, or at least the two trams I took today were. I had one of those blissed-out moments while on the tram, where I thought, "You know, this feels good. All of it." Quite a turnaround from my opinion on things at 7.55 this morning.
The trams only run along the outside edges of Paris, a land which has been rather unfamiliar to me in the over seven years I have lived here. Now that I have moved to one of the portes, I find myself sort of enamoured with the gritty urban-ness of the outside ring surrounding the city. It was interesting to travel through the neighborhoods that define where Paris starts and suburbs begin, and to watch the people as they got on and off the tram.
The Salon itself was just perfect -- not too big, not too small, not too crowded, and only slightly overwhelming. Everybody there either had a baby in a stroller or a sling, and a good percentage of us had a baby in a belly. I was a little shocked when I was pulled aside and asked if I would be interested in getting a 3-D ultrasound. I guess the woman could tell there was something growing in there, which is only the second time that has happened to me to date. And I'm bordering on seven months! Although, all things considered, the weather has kept me covered until recently, so maybe that has something to do with it. But, still.
I bought a few things and managed to remain wise about my purchases, but I am happy I got to compare products and services all in one place. I also attended a worthwhile "class" on baby first aid, where they taught us how to check for breathing, do CPR, and dislodge items that the baby may be choking on. They asked us to stay after and practice on the dolls they had brought along for the demonstration, but after the presentation, I had to pee so badly that I could not even consider hanging around for hands-on practice.
Also, this week has been awesome because I received a sling and other goods from the lovely and talented Riana as well as a whole box full of used stuff I bought off Ebay last week. Receiving both has really made this whole adventure seem more real to me somehow, now that I am arranging space in the house to keep Romulus' stuff. While I checked out the clothes I had gotten, I started talking to him about the different things he would be wearing without even realizing it -- I was alone in the house but I really felt like I was having a conversation with someone. It seems sort of crazy in retrospect, but it was totally natural at the time. I am so pleased with the Ebay purchase because the clothes are all in such great condition -- you never know when you buy used stuff. But I really got a great deal and I couldn't be happier with it. Now I have a decent base of clothes to work with, and I am not going to buy anymore until after he is born, as you never know what you'll get for gifts and so forth. Plus, they grow so fast that I don't know how much of everything I'll need. But it does feel good to have at least a few things ready.
Anyway, it was a tough week -- much of which I didn't get into here -- but it really ended in style. I've taken care of a lot of chores, administrative tasks, etc, as well as come to terms with a whole load of personal things. I've also rested, and given myself a break, and even took some time out to knit the other day. I think it's all a question of balancing, and today it feels as if I finally managed to get it all right for a moment.
From what you share with us here, Lee, it sounds like you get it all right quite often -- you are so well balanced, it's impressive! And I'm so glad things are coming along well for you. I know I'm writing across the waves of the Internet, but somehow I feel like I've been really gradually getting to know you. And I really enjoy reading your stories.
The tram sounds great, and the baby show too... Have an excellent weekend!
First babies and usually boys hardly show until the end of the pregnancy. I can tell you from experience that no one at work could tell I was pregnant until month 5 and a half (which is good because that was the end of my "period d'essai").
Cheers.