Last Day
So it looks like today is my last day in the office before leave starts. We go to the doctor today, where we will make a final decision about inducing labor. We were a little apprehensive when it was first suggested, but after a second medical opinion, I think we are leaning toward this option. I, of course, defer to my wife on this since she, well, has the uterus. We’ll know more in a couple of hours.
I have to tell you, from a strictly professional point of view, I feel a little strange starting leave the week before Christmas. Everyone here has been really affirming of this parental leave policy, so I am going, but like a true Lutheran, will feel tinges of guilt over it.
Then there is the personal side of me. I got my first job at 13, and don’t remember a time before work. Since I was 13, I have never gone a month without working. So here I am, 20 years later, feeling a little scared about not working every day. I know I will have my hands full with other things, and that I should relish this chance to be at home with my family, but not coming into the office does create a certain sense of anxiety. I was just meeting with one of my confirmation teachers, and he kept telling me not to worry, that everything was handled and that I needed to relax and enjoy the time. I wonder what this says about me, about what my work fulfills in me. I guess this is a reflection for another time.
As for now, I need to get back to work.
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Repeat after me: Adjustments take energy. This saying/knowledge had helped me prepare for many adjustments/changes no matter how welcome, no matter how happy or difficult. You know that having a new baby will be tiring, but you will also have the adjustment you wrote about.
Yes God loves you without WORKS. So don’t go to work!
Many blessings! I’ve been checking in on you every day, waiting.
Enjoy your family leave LP. Enjoy the experience of parenthood!
Funny you should say that PS, but one of my mentors has suggested that part of my need for work stems from a “works righteousness” impulse that I have, as if I can prove my worth to God/my church/my family/my friends by working a lot.
Thanks to you both, though. I am sure the first time I look at my daughter all this will pass away.
ENJOY THE TIME! Relax a bit and fuss over the Mrs. and baby instead.
Good luck to you all…
Art - I still can’t comment on your blog…this sucks!
Woohoo! Give us a call when you need some help.
Enjoy your time off, you deserve it. Pamper the baby and most especially, Mrs. L.P. Side note, both my children were induced and everything was fine, first labor was 7 hrs and second lasted 4hrs. No problems…takes away the stress and worry about being away from home when labor starts. Best wishes for a safe delivery!
Babies 2, 3, and 4 were induced with us. Baby 2 because the doctor was concerned she wasn’t growing enough inside and figured she’d do better on breast milk so she was induced (8 days early). Baby 3 because my wife’s blood pressure started to rise slightly toward the end of the pregnancy so he wanted to get it done. And baby 4, get this, was due just around the time of our Synod Assembly and my ordination at same and the doctor said I ought to be there for the birth so he made sure we’d have him on time. Baby was 8 days old when I was ordained and they made the 5 hour drive (which took longer with feeding and diaper changing stops) so they could be there. During the service my wife started leaking through her blouse so she had to run across the street to the hotel to change, but she was there for my ordination.