Saying Goodbye ... for now

Have I mentioned that I'm part of an awesome playgroup.
When I think of the things I'm most sad to leave behind it's playgroup and the library.
We have random MNO's (Mom Night Outs) as playgroup people (minus children that tend to interrupt our conversations;) ) and lately I've been demanding sushi. Pretty much every time. Fortunately I have at least one other playgroup momma who is a big sushi fan too.
We went out a couple nights ago for the last MNO for me - probably ever. Sad, sad. And they surprised me by bringing a gift - supplies for sushi making no less! They explained that they were concerned that I wouldn't have yummy sushi access after the move.
So thoughtful. And I don't think we're that organized - so the fact that they organized getting a gift without me even knowing ... I'm impressed.

It kind of made the leaving more real.
More immediate.
Trying not to dwell on all that I'll miss! And reassure myself that these relationships can be maintained at least somewhat over internet/phone. AND playgroup is coming to the farm in August for a camping adventure!

Oh playgroup, it's so sad to leave you.

the world shifts

I got a call around 4am yesterday morning.
A friend said she was having contractions and maybe I should come.
In the pre-dawn hours it was magical to think of how the world shifts a little to accomodate each new person.
I kissed my husband goodbye.
He reminded me that I needed to get the kids that afternoon so he could go to a meeting.
I asked him to swap cars in front of our friend's house after he dropped the kids off in the morning at their "school".
I mentally ran through that days to-do list and knew it could all wait.
It could all shift to another day.
Today was this baby's day of birth and that was most important.
Our car was out on the road when it normally is tucked into a pile of leaves on the side of the road in front of our house.
The lights were on at my friends house when normally the house would be dark.
Their bed was made in layers to accomodate the coming baby and its fluids.
The birth boxes were waiting in the living room.
Things not in their usual spots.
Everything shifts.
Priorities change in a moment.
All for a baby.
It's magical.

The birth was incredible but it's not my story to tell. My story is just the part where I was amazed to be present. I'm often feeling haried. Racing from one commitment to the next. So refreshing to think: is this all THAT important?
No.
It can all wait.
All of it.
That's a relief!

Congratulations Momma, Daddy, Big Sister, and Baby Sister.

Chicken Pox

Let's talk about it.
No.
Ark Boy doesn't have it.
Neither does Farm Girl for that matter.
But it would be okay if they did.
They aren't getting the chicken pox vax (and several others - but we can talk about that later).
The American Academy of Pediatrics has said that the chicken pox vaccine is solely for the convenience of parents - who can afford to miss a week of work?
In addition, the vaccines effectiveness diminishes with time, as do all vaccines.
As a result all 20 year olds who have been vaccinated against chicken pox will need a booster in order to limit the chances of catching chicken pox/shingles which is much more unbearable and more likely to be deadly at this age.
However, what are 20 year olds doing?
Not many are watching the calendar and thinking: "hmm- 'bout time for that chicken pox booster"
These reasons coupled with the fact that we aren't convinced of vaccine safety we've opted not to give our children this vaccine.
As have several other parents that we are acquainted with.
But this means that it is vital that our children contract chicken pox, ideally, as early as possible.
What is a parent to do?
Enter
Chicken Pox parties.
Seriously.
You've heard of this, right?
If your child has chicken pox you announce it (typically on various forums) and invite local children to come and get infected.
Seems counterintuitive for a parent to want their child to get sick.
But it's essential.
And it's becoming increasingly difficult as more and more children receive this controversial vaccine.
It may seem ridiculous to put your child in harms way but I for one would prefer my children naturally contract the illness which gives them lifetime immunity rather that the alternative (the vaccine).
While I have thought that the vaccine was ridiculous from its inception
the parties seem equally ridiculous
But now Ark Boy is 2 and that's closer to 10 or so- when I'd feel less than comfortable with him having chicken pox.
So should we be scouring the internet for parties?
Evidently there is a yahoo group... but the group fears being shut down due to their... ummm... radical nature (I think not- a parent's got to do what a parent's got to do!).
Then again, at a recent playgroup a mom talked about having someone fedex her child's infected saliva so that she could give it to her son.
Don't think I can go that far...
then again- I never thought I'd consider bringing Ark Boy to a chicken pox party.