CRAMPS are still here. They are finally getting manageable now, but last night, holy crap. It hurt to walk, to sit and to pee. Bending over was out of the question.
Soooo I didn't go in to work today. I have loads of house stuff to do today too, so I really need this day, preferably without the massive cramps, but oh well.
During the excruciating pain, I went to art class. Because I am that dedicated to my project. Funny that I don't really have ONE project, but whatever. I love drawing, and I recently drew a womens picture from a magazine, last night I decided to start a similar picture:
Magazine
1st drawing
Magazine image from last night
Drawing from last night, it's not done yet, still have to add a little detail to her and then the background of course!
Things like these are the things that will keep my sane the next two weeks. I have to keep busy and fill my schedule to the max, so I don't sit around an dwell on this waiting period.
What are some of your kill the 2 week wait tricks?
I really hope the good feeling I have isn't going to end up crushing me at the end of this!
#15 "Please respect my privacy regarding my adoption. Don't tell other people without my consent." Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew. By Sherrie Eldridge.
This book has been talking about the importance of talking about adoption with your kids, but this chapter I am SOO glad to see, because even though it is crucial we talk to our kids about adoption, it does not mean we tell the world about their adoption. Kids NEED to feel just like all the other kids. If we tell their teachers, other parents, the grocery clerks all about their adoption then they feel like they are not apart of the family. The feel too different and then start building walls up again. Sometimes it is necessary other people outside of family and close friends know, like doctors, or teachers when there is a special learning need they may have due to their life before adoption, like fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. But really there is not much need to advertise the fact that they are adopted. If a situation arises when it needs to be told, ask their permission first. This is their life we are talking about, it should be them that says if they are ok sharing the information of not.
I am grateful for this chapter, because I have heard parents introduce their adoptive child as "Oh and this is our adoptive child Mary." How painful is that? You wouldn't introduce a child of a divorce as "This is John, he is a child from divorce!"
There will be times when people make stupid and inappropriate comments and you just have to be patient and model to your child how to deal with these morons. Example: When someone from the gossip train has heard that you adopted and then runs into you and your child and asks "Oh is this the adoptive one?" You can answer "Hmm well since we are on the topic of being nosy bitches, how was that affair you were having?" Ok so maybe thats what I would want to say, and to be honest I just may lash out at these low life's, but the book says to answer like this "Hi Mrs Prudi, why do you ask?" and then change the subject after she mumbles around for a while in her empty head to come up with an answer.
My little one/s. People can be lame. I wish that these questions would never occur, but I know there will be times when people say stupid things, adults, teens and your peers. So I will TRY to model for you the best way to handle the situation, and I will teach you the best things to say when someone approaches you. I also PROMISE, cross my heart and hope to die, that I will never tell someone about your adoption without your approval. And if we have to tell someone, we will do it together and educate them on adoption, ok? Man, I just love you guys so much.
Soooo I didn't go in to work today. I have loads of house stuff to do today too, so I really need this day, preferably without the massive cramps, but oh well.
During the excruciating pain, I went to art class. Because I am that dedicated to my project. Funny that I don't really have ONE project, but whatever. I love drawing, and I recently drew a womens picture from a magazine, last night I decided to start a similar picture:
Magazine
1st drawing
Magazine image from last night
Drawing from last night, it's not done yet, still have to add a little detail to her and then the background of course!
Things like these are the things that will keep my sane the next two weeks. I have to keep busy and fill my schedule to the max, so I don't sit around an dwell on this waiting period.
What are some of your kill the 2 week wait tricks?
I really hope the good feeling I have isn't going to end up crushing me at the end of this!
#15 "Please respect my privacy regarding my adoption. Don't tell other people without my consent." Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew. By Sherrie Eldridge.
This book has been talking about the importance of talking about adoption with your kids, but this chapter I am SOO glad to see, because even though it is crucial we talk to our kids about adoption, it does not mean we tell the world about their adoption. Kids NEED to feel just like all the other kids. If we tell their teachers, other parents, the grocery clerks all about their adoption then they feel like they are not apart of the family. The feel too different and then start building walls up again. Sometimes it is necessary other people outside of family and close friends know, like doctors, or teachers when there is a special learning need they may have due to their life before adoption, like fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. But really there is not much need to advertise the fact that they are adopted. If a situation arises when it needs to be told, ask their permission first. This is their life we are talking about, it should be them that says if they are ok sharing the information of not.
I am grateful for this chapter, because I have heard parents introduce their adoptive child as "Oh and this is our adoptive child Mary." How painful is that? You wouldn't introduce a child of a divorce as "This is John, he is a child from divorce!"
There will be times when people make stupid and inappropriate comments and you just have to be patient and model to your child how to deal with these morons. Example: When someone from the gossip train has heard that you adopted and then runs into you and your child and asks "Oh is this the adoptive one?" You can answer "Hmm well since we are on the topic of being nosy bitches, how was that affair you were having?" Ok so maybe thats what I would want to say, and to be honest I just may lash out at these low life's, but the book says to answer like this "Hi Mrs Prudi, why do you ask?" and then change the subject after she mumbles around for a while in her empty head to come up with an answer.
My little one/s. People can be lame. I wish that these questions would never occur, but I know there will be times when people say stupid things, adults, teens and your peers. So I will TRY to model for you the best way to handle the situation, and I will teach you the best things to say when someone approaches you. I also PROMISE, cross my heart and hope to die, that I will never tell someone about your adoption without your approval. And if we have to tell someone, we will do it together and educate them on adoption, ok? Man, I just love you guys so much.
Got nothing, other than, wow, great pictures. You are really talented.
Posted by: Mrs. Spit | May 30, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Those are cool photos and your rendering of them is wonderful! What a great talent, my friend.
I don't have much advice on the 2WW. I will say that I LOVE to buy DVDs of TV show seasons and watch them all in the course of a week or so. That always keeps me entertained!
Either way, the wait sucks so much, I will pray yours passes swiftly!
Posted by: Mel | May 30, 2008 at 11:36 AM
You'd think after more than a year of 2WWs, I'd have a strategy by now...but I don't...I just pretty much spend the whole time going crazy. I really need to come up with a plan though.
You are very talented. : )
Posted by: SAHW | May 30, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Gorgeous hun! Simply GORGEOUS!
As for the 2ww, TRY not to count down. It's really hard though. And I think I read a lot and play video games. Anything that occupies brain time!
Posted by: Jaime | May 30, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I never came up with a great way to pass the time on the 2ww's ... some passed painlessly, some were excruciating. I got nothin'. Five years of 2ww's and I got absolutely nothin'. I'm thinking good thoughts for you though!
Posted by: Karen | May 30, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Argh! I am so sorry about the cramps. That really sucks, Alicia.
My 2ww strategy is to keep really busy and indulge in guilty pleasures. In the past, the Muppet Show and Ursula Le Guin novels have been in the mix. Any good books or authors or movies you love that you haven't seen in a while? Any tv show you remember fondly and wouldn't mind revisiting? Go there, no matter how stupid or silly, and watch or read them.
Posted by: Shinejil | May 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I am amazed by your artistic skills. Awesome. Maybe you should draw to pass your two week wait. And eat ice cream, apparently the fat content in it is supposed to be good for fertility.
Posted by: Jen | May 30, 2008 at 05:13 PM
What talent you have!
I read that book when my daughter was a baby, and I think I should re-read it. Stuff that was just theory then is reality now.
Good luck in your 2ww.
Posted by: Lori | May 30, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Strategy for the 2ww? Good night - I just tried to have things planned - just nothing involving other peoples' babies. A book or two. Your drawings?
Thanks for the comment on my blog.
Posted by: Larisa | May 30, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I always cramped after IUI -- my uterus angers easily!!! so what is your connection to adoption? just curious---- I love the points your brought up about sharing the story of your child - my daughter was adopted and I have come pretty much stopped telling people for those reasons. thanks for stopping by my blog!
Posted by: chrissy | May 30, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Alicia, I have to say this again - YOU ARE SO SO TALENTED!!! they're beautiful!
I don't have any tricks... I just go insaneeeeeeeeeee
Here's toasting to your 2ww and let this be the one!
Posted by: Brandygirl | May 31, 2008 at 04:16 AM
Hi, here from NaComLeavMo. Glad that the cramping is dying down and I hope that everything goes well. The art looks just beautiful!
Posted by: Jendeis | May 31, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Your drawings are beautiful.
I don't have much to offer regarding the 2ww. I just tried to keep super busy so that I wouldn't have time to think about it -- sometimes it worked.
NCLM
Posted by: Mya | May 31, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Here via NCLM.
Those drawings are magnificent! The first reminds me of a Modigliani. Lovely.
Posted by: MsPrufrock | May 31, 2008 at 04:02 PM
I love your drawings!
My hubby and I are in the early stages of adoption, while still clinging to our infertility treatments. I found your blog through NCLM and am digging it! Good luck with your 2WW!!! :)
Posted by: DC | May 31, 2008 at 04:41 PM
I'm here via nacomleavemo.
I love those pics and your drawings are great.
On my last 2WW i did NOTHING. Seriously - lay in bed or on the sofa for most of the time and ate and drank healthily.
Good luck.
Posted by: Portia P | June 01, 2008 at 05:03 AM