How about a February Chat Thread :) - Page 2

[Spinnerette]

I must have some seriously bad karma, guys. I'm getting laid off at the end of the month because my store is closing.

AUUUUGH.

[MaryElizabeth]

whhhaaaaaa?? nooooooo! I'm so sorry!

[Mommy2Austin]

Originally Posted by Spinnerette 

I must have some seriously bad karma, guys. I'm getting laid off at the end of the month because my store is closing.

AUUUUGH.

So sorry hun!!! Hopefully it turns out for the best!!!!

Ultrasound appt. on Thursday morning. Since this is #4 and final child we are skipping the uber hectic anatomy scan (that only proves to scare the bejeezes out of me with no reason) and just going for a fun gender determination/3d scan that will be on DVD :) I'm really excited. Plus everyone at work is dying to know what the baby is. 

[homestyle]

  Spinnerette, I hope find some silver linings soon. 

[tracymom1]

Oh Spinnerette, that just blows. I am so sorry, mama. Forgive me for my ignorance, but does Canada have unemployment benefits? Can you get assistance (if needed) while you are out of work? Sending you lots of stay positive vibes I know how hard it can be - especially with financial stuff. I don't talk about it too much on here, but we are one close step away from total financial ruin over here and it is the most stressful thing ever. I have been trying desperately to remain some type of composure and peace.

Our ultrasound yesterday went well - everything is right on and we found out (actually I could see it) that the baby is a boy!! I kind of new this in my heart already so it wasn't much of a surprise. My placenta is anterior which is probably why I haven't been feeling much movement, but he really is squirming around in there so I am not worried anymore. Phew!

[Spinnerette]

Yes, we have EI. As soon as business opens today, I'm going to see if I can apply for it, and go on it for the next three months. I've never used it before, so I'm kind of flying blind. It'll help, and keep us afloat at least.

If I can't do EI, or if going on EI negatively affects my maternity benefits, I'm going to apply for my maternity benefits early (it's done through the EI people in Canada). In Alberta, where I live, I can start collecting benefits up to twelve weeks before my due date, which is the second week in March. I'm still very much eligible because I put in my 700 hours in the last year.

We're not in dire straits, but I'm wondering how we're going to get baby necessities now that our modest budget for that is cut in half. What my husband makes pays the mortgage, food and most bills. The rest was hanging on what I made. There's not going to be much left over unfortunately - I was working retail, just above minimum wage.

I'm just trying to count my blessings and keep my head on straight. I had my hysterical moment last night. My husband still has a job, I'm lucky to live in Canada where extended maternity benefits exist, my husband can (and is willing) to pick up the odd Saturday of overtime to help. We're going to be okay. I'm just.. spun.

[tracymom1]

Annabelle, is your closing tomorrow? If so, lots of good thoughts coming your way! Where in Wisconsin is it? I have family in northern Dane county. It is so wonderful up there.

We are having another cold snap here. It has been in the negative for the last couple of days but I think this weekend it might get up to 30!! A heat wave!!!

[Mamatoabunch]

Originally Posted by tracymom1 

Annabelle, is your closing tomorrow? If so, lots of good thoughts coming your way! Where in Wisconsin is it? I have family in northern Dane county. It is so wonderful up there.

We are having another cold snap here. It has been in the negative for the last couple of days but I think this weekend it might get up to 30!! A heat wave!!!

It was very cold the last two days, -24, but it is supposed to get warmer this weekend. 

Thank you for asking! Our closing has been extended, so frustrating. The appraisal hadn't been ordered, but it now has for next week. I think we are looking at 3 more weeks. I am trying to not worry about it and let it be.

[painefaria]

oooh annabelle I was just coming to wish you a quick and painless closing. I am sorry about the wait

[junebug2011]

Originally Posted by Spinnerette 

I'm just trying to count my blessings and keep my head on straight. I had my hysterical moment last night. My husband still has a job, I'm lucky to live in Canada where extended maternity benefits exist, my husband can (and is willing) to pick up the odd Saturday of overtime to help. We're going to be okay. I'm just.. spun.

So sorry you're going through this! I totally relate. I want to tell you my story because I think it will help you feel better :)

When dh and I got pregnant, surprise pregnancy, I was working nights as a travel nurse, living half of the time in a motel, dh traveling 320 days out of the year for work. Horrible morning sickness, working four nights a week (7pm to 7am) in a rural hospital. Second trimester gave up my travel position, starting interviewing for full time positions. A whole lot of stress, dh's small company he works for nearing bankruptcy, me not working anymore, paying for a wedding, student loans and car payments and me so sick I could barely go to interviews. There were so many moments when I just sat in the bathtub crying. One day looking for reassurance I asked dh "what's the worst thing that could happen?" And he was joking but he said, "homeless, state takes our baby away." But it just made me feel worse lol I did not see the humor.

I never thought anyone would hire me at five months pregnant, especially for a job that is so physical, and here I am a few months later with two great job offers, both with maternity leave and me able to pump and one of them making enough money that dh can stay home with the baby. We were really desperate for a while, thinking we would have to move back with our parents (not the end of the world at all by the way). I wanted to give up every day but my mantra just stayed, I will never give up.

It's crazy because during pregnancy you are at your most vulnerable. But you know the secret? You are also at your most strong. I just want you to open your mind and your heart and realize that the universe works, it gives us gifts that we could never anticipate. You're a great mom and I know this setback will open the door to opportunities you couldn't have hoped for in your wildest dreams :)

[Spinnerette]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement.

Thank you, everyone.

[imogenlily]

Spinnerette, I'm going to PM you shortly about EI. I'm in a similarish situation, and juuust got through the process, after the many hoops they make you jump through.

Also, oh my gosh! The November 2011 DDC is up! Somehow when every new DDC goes up, I feel like baby is getting closer and everything is getting more real.

[BHappy]

I just found out that my employer (a non-profit school) won't be paying any maternity leave benefits for me after all. All along I had been told that I am under contract through July and would continue to be paid, even if out having my baby. Now I will have to hope for some disability insurance to help pay the bills. I haven't even told dh yet. I'm just dreading that conversation. He is already stressed about finances in general (he's like that).

My school is in dire financial straits, and I can understand the reasoning behind not paying for my leave (ie, having to pay me + my sub), but the surprise of the switch is really getting to me. I just wish I had known and expected nothing all along.

Just had to vent. Thanks if you read it. Please keep good thoughts coming this way that it will all work out.

xo

[painefaria]

Originally Posted by imogenlily 

Also, oh my gosh! The November 2011 DDC is up! Somehow when every new DDC goes up, I feel like baby is getting closer and everything is getting more real.

Wow!

[jshannyn519]

Totally random... my kids and I were looking through their boxes of baby clothes & stuff (I saved one box for each kiddo) and my son randomly says, "Wouldn't it be cool if there was a onesie that says 'Got Breastmilk?' " I told him that I'm sure there are onesies like that somewhere. Now I'll have to find one, or make one!

I think it's so super fabulous wonderful awesome that my 12 year old son is already a lactivist! Love that kid!

[nikie23]

I love it!  Your son definitely rocks.  :)

[tracymom1]

Originally Posted by jshannyn519 

Totally random... my kids and I were looking through their boxes of baby clothes & stuff (I saved one box for each kiddo) and my son randomly says, "Wouldn't it be cool if there was a onesie that says 'Got Breastmilk?' " I told him that I'm sure there are onesies like that somewhere. Now I'll have to find one, or make one!

I think it's so super fabulous wonderful awesome that my 12 year old son is already a lactivist! Love that kid!

This store sells them! When I was pregnant with my first, I discovered they were right around the corner from me and I was elated that there was actually a store that promoted breastfeeding (they have HUGE signs in their window that say things like 'babies were born to breastfeed") and sold things like cloth diapers. I can't find the shirt on their website, but I was there a few days ago and know they have them. Also, CafePress has a big selection of pro-breastfeeding shirts and what-not. I might order the "Normalize Breastfeeding: Nurse in Public" bumpersticker someday! I really like that one.

http://www.bebybaby.com/meet_us.cfm

Tough week over here. We had to divest because of our financial situation, so we sold all my jewelry including my engagement ring. I am not a materialistic person, but I was definitely attached to my things. Especially all the stuff tied to the wedding - the ring, the diamond earrings I wore, my watch (that was my wedding present)... oh well. I would rather pay the mortgage. I have been finding out the hard way just how bad things can really get in this financial climate.

[Mamatoabunch]

Originally Posted by tracymom1 



Tough week over here. We had to divest because of our financial situation, so we sold all my jewelry including my engagement ring. I am not a materialistic person, but I was definitely attached to my things. Especially all the stuff tied to the wedding - the ring, the diamond earrings I wore, my watch (that was my wedding present)... oh well. I would rather pay the mortgage. I have been finding out the hard way just how bad things can really get in this financial climate.
 

I am so sorry. I have actually BTDT. I pray your situation improves.
 

[MaryElizabeth]

Originally Posted by tracymom1 





Tough week over here. We had to divest because of our financial situation, so we sold all my jewelry including my engagement ring. I am not a materialistic person, but I was definitely attached to my things. Especially all the stuff tied to the wedding - the ring, the diamond earrings I wore, my watch (that was my wedding present)... oh well. I would rather pay the mortgage. I have been finding out the hard way just how bad things can really get in this financial climate.
 

I'm so sorry :( Things will always get worse before they get better!... I wish I had something better to say:(

[tracymom1]

Thanks for the support, mamas. I am looking forward to DH finding a stable job. He has been searching every day and has not even gotten any interviews yet. It is so sad when someone with his education and experience cannot find employment of any kind. Sadly, this is what our economy has become.

So I am 22-ish weeks and I am feeling the aches and pains of someone who is well into their 3rd trimester already! I am having a hard time getting up from a sitting position, I am already doing the 'pregnant lady waddle' and finding myself short of breath when I reach the top of the stairs. What the heck??!! If this is how I feel now, what is going to happen in the next few months??!! I am getting a little scared...