Secrets

I love the fact that sometimes as a midwife, I find out there is a new baby on the way long before anyone else knows about it. Moms call me for advice, then caution me not to tell anyone yet about their surprise, at least until they can make the news public. I even had a mom call me once and tell me her news and she hadn't even told her husband yet! So sweet though to be able to say "Congratulations and I'm so happy for you" and be the first to do so.

Lately though it has been touched with a little sadness too. They really wanted a homebirth with me in attendance and I won't be here. So we talk about their other options, some things I'm hoping will fall into place and other possibilities. I won't get to be here when those babies make their entrance.

So, I'm still waiting on the last baby to be born down here and then I can head to Atlanta for good. This mommy always delivers early, but of course this time she is a full 40 weeks today and we are still waiting. Dad and mom have both been down with the flu so I can only imagine that God is timing things in His usual perfect way. I know He remembers the fact that I have a momma in Atlanta due soon too.

The big news for me is I mailed off my application for my certification as a CPM this past Friday. I literally could have cried with happiness and relief. It was an inch thick 3 ring binder full to overflowing with the documentation they require and it took me almost two years to get it all filled out. I felt there should have been a marching band and confetti at the post office when I took it there to be mailed. What? Did others not understand the significance of this momentous occasion? Once received, the NARM will take a look at it and make sure every "I" is dotted and every "T" is crossed (to the tune of $700) and there is always the possibility of an audit of any of my records and files. This would slow down the process of course. If accepted, they will send a clinical skills exam to the preceptor of my choice and if I pass that, I will be allowed to sit for the 8 hour written exam, most likely in August of this year (another $700). If I pass that I will receive my certification. Not an easy process but one that could not even begin until I mailed that documentation. I think you see why it was so important to me.

In other more mundane news, this house I am staying in in Quitman has some features I would like to take with me to Atlanta. There is a nice magnifying mirror placed on the outside trim of the bathroom window. It allows you to put on your makeup in natural light and it makes the BEST mirror ever to put on eye makeup or to pluck eyebrows. How ingenious! I can even see in it without my reading glasses. I want one.

Off to shower and start my busy day. Chiropractor visit this morning and a postpartum visit with mother/baby this afternoon. Maybe a baby soon?