Why am I still working?

I keep hearing how the USA rocks and I believe it compared to a bunch of 3rd world countries, but right now what I know is a lot of countries would pay for their big old preggo residents to stay home during their last few weeks before delivery and then pay them to stay home for some time after they have the baby. My memory is a joke, so I cant tell you which is which, but I have a dutch friend, who told me all kinds of cool things about their maternity policies, and I've heard good things about Canada and France. I will be working until this kid busts out, and then back to work within a month. I can't afford to do anything else. I will try to bring her to work with me at first and I think my bosses will be okay with that.

Today I followed up on the kidney issue - Violet has some extra fluid on one of her kidneys, not too too much, but more than they like, so today, a month after they found that, I had another ultrasound. The fluid is still there and about the same quantity. They are still optimistic and say it will likely correct itself and for now they plan on giving her an ultrasound a week after she is born and possibly some antibiotics because she will be more prone to get a UTI. Fluid on the kidneys is a Down's Syndrome marker BTW.

They checked her size again. at 37 weeks (Friday) she should be around 6.5 lbs. She measured at 9 lbs 3 oz today. HA! I'm told she could possibly gain another 3 lbs in the next 3 weeks! HA! HA! It would be nice if my OB would cut her out a little sooner than July 7th.

Lately I've been feeling a little less annoyed. I've even been feeling pretty lucky to have Mark in my life. Not that I haven't always loved him, but damn everything was so frickin irritating for a while! He is really good to me and puts up with my shit day after day. He is a good dad to Sadie and does what he can to help me now that I am pretty much disabled.

I am looking forward to being able to be active. I wonder how I'll feel about that once my pelvis heals up. I hope I have the energy and willpower to help myself feel healthier.

I have gained 30 lbs so far - well 34 last visit but I was really swollen and I'm less so now, but okay lets say 34 lbs since I'm sure it will be up there by Friday. Anyway, That's pretty average and my OB is pleased with my weight and BP and all of that.

The Dr. at the ultrasound lab today gave me my first little lecture about eating better so the kid doesn't get bigger. She asked me if I was diabetic and I said no, my family just has big babies. She proceeded to tell me to avoid refined flour/sugar and you know, basically go on a diet for the next 3 weeks. LOL!!! What is that suppose to help? She's already big and will likely gain another 2 lbs whether I diet or not. My friend gained 70 lbs and had a 8.5 lb baby. I gained 30 (all water and baby - lost it all in 2 weeks) w Sadie and she was 10 lb 12 oz - nearly 11 lbs and a week early. If you don't want me feeding her any more cherry Slurpee's by all means cut her out today. Sadie was big all around and every part of her - head/length/weight was all around the 99th percentile. She's still in the 90's for everything, and wearing 3T clothes at 25 months - and she never drinks Slurpee's.

My thinking changed a bit yesterday. I've been thinking that this pregnancy will never end since October. Yesterday I really realized that I am at the end. Even if I have to wait another 3 weeks it's gonna be over soon and it could be over tonight for all I know. Time to pack the bag!

I can't wait to hold my baby.