Memory Box: Week 30: Panic Attack and the Generosity of Others

I am officially 30 weeks prego! The big 3-0!

Here is what babycenter.com says about Ev's development.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

I had a mini-panic attack last week when I realized that you are technically considered full term at 37 weeks. THIRTY-SEVEN WEEKS!!!!!

Why the hysteria?

I am a teacher, and planning for maternity leave as a teacher just plain STINKS. Okay, here is my little rant about my maternity leave.

Well, with the realization that he could come as early as 37 weeks (of course I know he can come even earlier) made me realize that I have 3 more weeks to plan for beside the 8 weeks I will have to plan for if he comes on time.

Also, I am planning not only for one subject but for two. Plus, I have to plan for all the differing needs of my students. Special needs, spanish speaking only, behavior issues, etc. Sigh... So yes, I feel like I am planning for seven maternity leaves instead of one.

And the cherry on top of it all, I teach a state tested subject. Am I going to worry about our test scores? Yes. Am I going to worry about my student's behavior? Yes. Am I going to fear for my sub's sanity? Depending on the sub...Yes. Do I regret being pregnant right now? ABSOLUTELY NOT! :)

I totally understand why some teachers plan their family additions around the summer, but not every teacher has that luxury of just "deciding" when to be pregnant. For most families it takes time.

Beside all the above, I am totally fine with him entering the world anytime during or after 37 weeks. Did you hear that Evan? NOT any sooner!!!

In fact, if I block my job out of my mind, I would actually be thrilled to meet him that early if he was healthy and ready. I am just stressing at the moment...once I get everything planned, I will feel like Mt. Saint Helens has been lifted off my shoulders.

During my maternity leave, I am promising myself and my family to only occasionally check my school email (just in case the sub has an issue), and look over final 1st semester grades my sub submits right before the student's Christmas break.

Okay, I'm done. I will leave my school related panic attacks at school from now on.

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On a positive note, I have be blown away by the generosity of a my family, friends and a complete stranger. We have received gifts from family members that will help us more then they could know, friends have asked to host showers for us that I was not expecting at all, and a lady I use to teach with called me up and said that a person she knew wanted to give us some hand-me-downs. Get a load of this!