whew.......

Christmas is flying on in like a plane on the runway landing...wooohooo..
I have things to do today.....maybe that is why I got up at 4 this morning..and my thoughts are pinging here, there and everywhere.....
I have a few lists to make or I am not going to get a thing done......

Yesterday was a good day in labor and delivery...nurses were moving and docs were behaving.....the latter was nice since that has not been the case lately.........of course I have to tell you about this latest birth.......mostly....I want to tell you about the 2 that started it all......
They are probably not special in the world's eyes....2 very ordinary people living in this state in this town......coming to our hospital....
Nurses have the privilege of knowing people quickly......we become their line of communication .....between husbands, children, the doctors, for the hunger, the emotion, the pain........sometimes we ARE the family.....Little do they know....that most nurses have a very strong desire to care for others and to be needed....it motivates us more than most will admit.......doctors, therapists, all caretakers.........I have rambled but I will return to those 2 that I began this note about...
The mother came from the clinic.......with a report that she was in labor and needed to be delivered......Her labor was somewhat slow and not too efficient so we did what we do to make things move......I have to take an assessment....gather the info that we will use for her and baby until her discharge......in the process I learn of her religion.....something I have already guessed because of her appearance.....long skirt..(to the ankles), long hair...no makeup......it is obvious to me......she has a 10th grade education......but she is intelligent and she knows about her body....she is 24 yrs old......she is a little nervous but not abnormally so......she calls her family...and we prepare for delivery.....sometime between 10 and 6.....is my guess..........................................
We go about the process as all do.....and she begins hard labor faster than I thought......I give her pain meds....and she relaxes a little and begins breathing with her contractions......Her husband shows up...he has been working and getting his other child settled before coming ....it is unclear if he is the same religion that she is....but there is a gentleness for her that is apparent.....and totally unexpected by the appearance...he has the standard baggy pants that my boys like to wear...not toooo much but more than I like.....and large shirt and shoes...he is a nice sized man of around 26 or so.......and I expect him to be immature but he is not....they are both quiet and speak in hushed tones........she is focused on this job that she has today....to get this child here......she does it with intent.......her family arrives...plain simple people........all concerned........and loving .......she pushes this baby into the world at 1528.....army time...lol.....(3:28pm)
I am going about the business of nursing.......Dad is caring for his wife in the best way he knows.....they depend on each other......it is obvious.....theirs is not a sappy fake affection...it is obvious they are an extension of the other.....a comfort whether talking or being quiet.....most of the time there were not many words......Their baby was 6 lbs, 6 oz......and he screamed his little head off as soon as he made it to the docs hands.......as usual all of that is amazing....but mostly.....I am telling this because it was a pleasure and a privilege to see mature intelligent adults having a baby that I know will be loved and cared for like all babies should be........it seemed so 'good'..... I left last night...later than I planned but happy that I can be a part of something so much bigger than myself.......

I have missed my music.....and my run....it is not happening right now....next week.....both of my boys have their own time with the hospital... I will be the 'family' ....and they will be the patients.....it is a secret dread that I try not to allow them to see.....I know they will be fine....but it is hard to give up control of those that you love....and reminds me of the importance of communicating with the families that I come into contact with everyday...........I try not show my anxiety to them....it does no good and I want them to feel confident ......I have found with children and patients.....with people....that confidence is important......if you are ok....then they are......because they believe....
I am not sure if that is a medical thing...or not...but it works for me...

this is long and rambling.......hope it has not been tooo boring.....
I have a car to be worked on...and presents to buy....and a house to get in order...AND a party to go to tonight...as well as sushi to eat!!...
WOOOHOOOO!

good friday to all....
Patti