17 December 2002

Well, after a whole day of not hearing anything, I finally called Dad around 8 last night to find out how Mom was doing.

And it turns out the reason he hadn't called is that there was nothing to tell. She's still in the hospital, they're still doing tests, and they still don't know what caused her heart failure on Saturday.

The good news, from my perspective, is that since she's still in the hospital, they definitely won't be going to Texas this week. Not to deny my grandmother the company she needs, now that my grandfather is gone, but I really didn't think Mom was going to be strong enough to travel.

And the airline told Dad that since he'd cancelled 24 hours before the flight (and since the tickets were bought with frequent-flyer miles) that they'd still be good for up to a year from when he bought them, so he's talking about using them in January or February instead. (I'm beginning to think that perhaps a certain level of parental guilt might have been applied to my father, here.)

But I think it's a good solution. Mom does not need to travel after spending most of a week in ICU. Grandmom is coming here for Christmas, anyway, so it's not like she'll be spending the holiday alone. And then my parents can go out to see her in six weeks or a month, when she's starting to get lonely again.

Of course, she hasn't written me any e-mail since she asked what the novel was about and I told her. I figure she's either vastly offended that it includes bisexuals and group marriages, or else she's just trying to come up with a polite way of telling me that maybe she won't read it, after all.

Speaking of which! I keep forgetting to mention this - but K.T. and I have the rough draft of the novel up and posted. If you're interested in helping us edit, please send me or her an e-mail to request the URL.

Please don't ask for it if you're just curious and want to read it - there are weaknesses and glaring errors and plenty of more subtle errors, and what we really need right now are people willing to offer corrections and constructive criticism. And those of you who have it already - please don't give it out to your friends. We'd like to keep track of who has access.

(And, as I mentioned previously, be advised that it includes bisexual relationships and group marriages. Homophobes need not apply.)

Now, if I could just get organized enough to plan Christmas dinner...

I didn't even see a doctor yesterday at my OB confirmation appointment. They took a urine sample to verify that I was pregnant and check for indicators for kidney problems and gestational diabetes. And they took about four vials of blood for other tests. (I have a gorgeous bruise on my arm today.) And I got a "goodie bag" - which is to say a sampling of pregnancy and parenting magazines, about three weeks' worth of prenatal vitamins, and a pregnancy journal which includes information about growth and nutrition and exercise, plus specific phone numbers and names for the doctors and the hospital and the person who organizes the classes on Lamaze and breastfeeding and the like.

They set my estimated delivery date at August 7th, but I think that's a little early, because they were using the method that counts from the first day of the last period, and since my period is three days longer than the average, I think the due date will be closer to the 10th. And of course, all due dates are pretty approximate, so I think we'll just say "the second week of August" and leave it at that.

I've got an appointment to see the doctor for the first time on the 30th, and my first ultrasound is already scheduled for January 22nd. That will be exciting.

Daddy milestones: Matt talked directly into my stomach for the first time this morning.

--Liz