Long day, but breathing

What a day! Your mama, in an effort to keep your environment as pristine as possible, stopped taking her allergy and asthma medication in January. It's been happening slowly over the past 5 years, but by January '08, mama was on very few meds and doing just fine. And then August, '08 hit, capping off "Summer of the Seriously Ugly Ragweed."

Baby B, we had to go to acute care today so mama could breathe again. I don't like these weird medicines any more than you (leuko-tryings, inhaled powders, STEROIDS? no way), so I'm taking it one minor-med at a time, but we need the oxygen, you and me.

So far, the azmacort and rhinocort are all we need, and I am using those with the lightest possible hand. I don't think I will need even 1/2 as much medicine as they predicted. We are staying indoors as much as possible, to avoid exposure. What a rotten deal--I hope when breastfeeding, there is SOMETHING of use passed onto you, other than killer badminton skills and a disdain for lists. I promise, if you have allergies, we will figure something out so you don't have to take all these meds, too.

On the flip-side of things, mama has already gained 7 pounds, and its only week 8 with you, Baby B! Can you add Vietnamese food to your list of "ways to add girth?" Thanks a bunch.

Feeling guilty about the breathing-thing,
Mama

Telling the parents

Dear Baby B,

We told the grandparents and several other people we know. Here are some reactions, guess who:

1. "Oh my god, you are not kidding me! You are not kidding me! Are you kidding me? How did it happen? You are not kidding me!" (Lola)
2. Cue deep inhalation of breath (A. Megan)
3. "I am tickled, but not pink! (Grandma)
4. Claps hands over mouth while chewing granola bar. (Dana)
5. Lots of jumping up and down. (Gennie)
6. Me: Guess what!
   Sharon: You're pregnant?
   (Baby, A. Sharon is psychic--don't mess with her!)
7. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (A. Gail, who loves vowels)
8. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (Melissa, who might love vowels, but actually referred to it as a peal of excitement)

Baby B, you are much loved already!