A Shower and A Visit

Every morning at work, my department gathers for coffee for about 10 minutes. Depending on how much I have to do, if I am in the middle of something or not, etc, I may or may not join them. On Friday, I joined them and when I got down to the end of the hall where we gather, I was surprised - with a baby shower! Since it it summer, many people are on holiday so it was just a small group. There was a pile of gifts though and berry cake and home made Filipino rice cakes (which I thought were very sweet). We have added to our collection of clothes and also received a few toys and practical things. It is unusual here to have a baby shower and if there is one, it is usually held after the birth of the baby. I think the Filipino in my department organized this - such a before-birth custom is common for her as well - and I also think she is pretty excited about this baby, too! I only wish Stephen could have been there as he is more concerned that we are missing out on all of these types of things by living so far from 'home.'

On Saturday, we went to the clinic where we plan to have the baby for a visit of the maternity facilities. We had chosen this clinic without checking out such things, but thought for my piece of mind, especially, it would be good to go and have a first look. They have three delivery rooms that all seemed well equipped though only one has the jacuzzi in it. The baby would be measured, etc. in the same room and only leave the room if it had to be put in an incubator. The operating room for emergency c-sections is right down the hall. The baby can stay in my room with me all the time if I want. They have bassinets on high stands so it would be level with me in the bed. And the area to change and bathe the baby isn't far away. I'm feeling all excited and more comfortable about this now - but Stephen left feeling a little more nervous, I think!