My maternity leave

I didn't think it'd come so soon...but my last day at Disney was June 16th, about 4 weeks before my expected due date. I spent the few weeks leading up to the day finishing up all of my projects, and packing up the office in case there's a move during my time off.

It was weird limiting myself from starting new projects and letting everyone know that I'll be out of the office. For about 8 years with the company, I've never been away from my "second family" for longer than 2 weeks. So when everything was put away in boxes, and I was writing an email to everyone about my last day, I couldn't hold back the tears. Even though my reason to be out is a happy one, I was still feeling emotional. Especially when everyone has been so supportive and loving, and so happy for me.

It was by coincidence that Octavia had planned a doula client luncheon on the same day. I thought it would be a good time to leave the office at lunch time instead of the end of the day, so I can go from work to have lunch with a group of women who are about to have their babies too. It helped me make the switch to focus on what's ahead.

There were 2 ladies there who had recently had their babies and shared their experiences with the rest of us. I don't think they were very successful at making us feel more calm about giving birth since they both had pretty rough deliveries. The good news was they both were rewarded with beautiful healthy babies that made them forget all the pain they went through.


All the July moms.


Octavia, our doula holding a baby from one of her clients.

The weekend wasn't too bad since Chris was home and I didn't feel different from any other weekend. Then Monday came around and I didn't have to go into work made the day feel extra long. I focused on going to the stores to get my hospital bag stuff ready and did loads of laundry of Oliver's clothes and sheets. I counted that we received over 100 pieces of clothing from the 2 showers! At one point I started crying while folding the onesies thinking about how soon I will be putting those on Ollie. From day to day I'd go from excitement and confidence to feeling scared and nervous. I'm sure that will continue until the day he comes.

Being the busy body that I have been in the last 32 years, I've learned in the past 8 months to take it easy. And taking the time off was a way to force myself to get my mind to focus on the baby. I've been taking naps and continue to eat healthy, and following Octavia, my doula's advice in taking warm baths, sitting on my birthing ball, and taking a homeopathic pills to get my body ready for the delivery. I know I'll never have a chance to relax like this ever again.

3 more weeks before July 10th...I can't wait.