Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Schwine wine

In my quest to return back to work I have spoken with my Obstetrician, whom I very much like. I will be so sad to have to tell him goodbye if we end up having to leave Germany in the next couple of months. I had planned on him seeing me through my pregnancy and his wife, a midwife, delivering our baby. Come what may.

I called regarding the Schwine Grippe which in the last two weeks has shown up at our school. I don't think I have the swine flu, but after having two rounds of a cold and still dealing with a sore throat and somewhat swollen tonsils, I am a little concerned. The other nurse I work with thought perhaps I could be tested for swine flu and see if I have antibodies against it and if not receive the vaccine. Which I have been waiting for, thinking that once I was vaccinated I could return to my position in the Nurses' office with less hesitation of some sick kid breathing on me. Yet, this all just went out the window after speaking with Dr.Aurnhammer. He said that swine flu is actually less dangerous than the normal flu, usually consisting of a cough that lasts three days. To my confusion, he also stated that the vaccine they have here is not recommend for pregnant women due to all the extra additives and possible allergic reactions. He said he would never give it to a pregnant woman. You have to understand that the vaccine we have here in Germany is different than the US. At this moment, I should not return back to work because "it is better to not get the virus than get the virus." On a positive note, he added that I should assess the situation and if it is getting better than I could return back to work, but not at this moment. aah!
"Lord, beer me strength."

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Bring on the Pickles!


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Originally uploaded by LeighAnn2009
I thank the Lord that Bo bought bread yesterday. As I write this I am enjoying my pepperoni and pickle sandwich! Often times I think of my dad as I make sandwiches because it reminds me of a childhood snack we would have - he would spread miracle whip on club crackers and top them off with ... well, it escapes me at this moment. Regardless, I love sandwiches and even though it's now too late to be lunch and still too early to be dinner, I'm having a sandwich for a snack! Yesterday, I had macaroni & cheese for a snack. I know, its not the healthiest, but we still have two whole blocks of heaven (Velveeta) so I don't feel bad about eating it whenever I want.
Yesterday was also the first day I've actually gone somewhere significant (other than the grocery store) in two weeks! You see, I've been quarantined. That is to say, even though I'm not sick, there are still sick kids floating around out there and I can't afford to come down with the Swine Flu. So, I've been doing some work from home and mostly just enjoying the last week with Bo home too. But, back to yesterday - we had been looking forward to our church's Christmas Bazaar ever since we helped out last year. It's like a craft show meets a flea market. There are lots of British Christmas things that I know nothing about - Christmas pudding that comes in a box? And beautiful paper crackers that you pop open on Christmas day? Plus they sell used ENGLISH books and DVDs! And that, for us Americans, is the best part about the Anglican Christmas Bazaar! Last week, while rummaging through all our support papers, I came across a sealed envelope from our mission with a US twenty dollar bill. Pretty much useless to us here unless we schedule another Ramstein visit. But, still, I was surprised and giddy - I had found money in the midst of our financial crisis! I told Bo that since we didn't have any extra money this month, he could use this twenty dollar bill at the bazaar as his spending money on books. We figured they would take it with their collection of Euros and Swiss Francs- no problem. And they did! Bo and I together bought about sixteen used paperbacks! So much fun for us (mainly him). We also enjoyed these German men dancing!
All in all, whether its pickle sandwiches, finding cash, or getting in the Christmas spirit, I am enjoying my pregnancy.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Mutterpass Metaphor

I feel well taken care of here in Germany. I have stepped into the Deutsch world of health care via my monthly prenatal appointments. And so far, I feel that they are really on top of their stuff. The only problem is my lack of German vocabulary.

No, it has been great! And the most impressive thing is how efficient and organized things are. On my second prenatal visit I was given an important booklet, slightly larger than my passport and protected in a clear, laminated cover. My doctor gave me what all German doctors give their pregnant patients - a Mutterpass. Just the name of it enthralled me. I felt I had been given, in a way, my pass to motherhood. It was like a right of passage. I am to carry this booklet with me at all times, always having it on my person. It is my badge of honor, my secret good luck token, and at the same time it serves as my reason for countless excuses. I am pregnant!

Clearly, I have viewed my Mutterpass more on a metaphorical level, and this gives me great joy. However, it does also carry a slight medical role over the next six months. This Mutterpass contains all my prenatal info, including my blood type (O neg), all ultrasound measurements, my own weight, vitals, and so on. To my amazement, it even keeps a record of my STDs (or lack thereof!) It will be quite helpful if I'm traveling and have an emergency, or if I ever simply need to prove my current condition, say, perhaps, to the bakery I frequent for my latest obsession, a Salami Brotchen. As you can tell, I am thrilled to bits about my Mutterpass. If only it wasn't all in German. ;)