Its incredible how much has changed since our last post. What we thought would be a remaining staff of 25 is now just 12. This week, we had to iron out exactly who was on a permanent layoff, and who would be furloughed with a reasonable return to work in sight. Then, we had to deliver the news. The week was full of last days, a time unlike any other in the world of human resources. Kiersten will remain employed, God willing, but her schedule has changed drastically; she will be back to 5 days next week, at the hotel's front desk. Several well meaning family members have questioned the safety surrounding this decision. We have seriously evaluated the CDC's information, which currently indicates that pregnant mothers are at equal risk for contracting and surviving COVID-19. Vertical transmission has not been statistically recognized. Right now, we feel that the best thing we can do to care for our child is to ensure that they come into a financially stable home.
We realized that we need to start reducing our personal expenses, since we are so uncertain of what is coming. Both of our careers lie in the gallows with Ben's interim position only "guaranteed" through June, and Kiersten's role likely to disappear with not but a moment's notice. Accordingly, we have taken up the offer to move into the Diachun house in Ypsilanti, for the next little while. On Tuesday, we packed up everything we thought was essential and made a home in the basement with our dog and rabbit. Our thermostat is set to 55 and our internet service has been cancelled. Ben is now working completely remotely, and Kiersten's commute is just 10 miles per day, down from 65. For now, the cost reduction will go towards savings, preparing for the possibility of unemployment.
In the midst of all this chaos, our baby continues to grow, without the slightest notion that life is any different than expected. On Friday, Kiersten went in for a full anatomy scan ultrasound. They measured every piece of the baby, counting each finger and toe. Unfortunately, in an abundance of caution, the medical office asked her to go alone, meaning that Ben was unable to see the baby move and wriggle in response to the technician's encouragement. We did get plenty of pictures, but you won't find any between the legs. That's right, we have decided to wait it out and experience our "reveal" when baby is born. You'll note throughout our blog and conversations that we often refer to baby as "they." This is a proper use of the singular they, not an indication that we are expecting twins.
This week, baby has started to kick! What a terribly interesting sensation. Many mothers describe it as feeling like gas in their tummy. While its clear why folks use this analogy, its hard to describe it as anything other than being thumped from the inside out - very peculiar indeed!
Kiersten has switched care providers and is now under the oversight of a team of nurse midwives. Finding a new OB was no small feat. So, it was very difficult to accept that he wouldn't be able to support us in delivering at St. Joseph in Ypsilanti. Folks may wonder why we're receiving care in the Ann Arbor area, considering the 40 minute drive. If you spend some time looking at the hospital's reputation in Adrian, you will need little explanation. The idea of delivering at the university hospital in Ann Arbor seemed far too uncomfortable, though. After visiting a dear friend following her delivery at St. Joseph last summer, we felt it was truly the best place for us. Unfortunately, the new OB could not be a part of that journey. As we have begun discussing the nature of labor and delivery we hope to have, we felt that the nurse midwifery model of care would be best suited for us. We are reassured by the idea that we will still be in a hospital setting, with close access to doctors in the event of an emergency.
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