Scholar-Mom: the story begins
I've been trying to think of ways to describe the feelings of all the mound of stuff I have to understand and wade through as we get ready for Elvis, diapers being of paramount interest at the moment. (Thanks for all the incredibly helpful input, everyone!) In order to make something unfamiliar describable, I related it to familiar terms: a university.
Thought: A baby is like a university. There's a lot of departments that one has to be familiar with. Some are not as fun as others (financial aid=poo?). Life at the university keeps you awake when you'd rather be sleeping. It's really scary and big to deal with at first, but gradually you become savvy. You know how to get x-department to give you money. You know just how to use the library and research and find what you're looking for. You know the pseudo-legal ways of copying materials to save money (I don't know how to compare that one to baby...except for the scrimping pennies at every turn sentiment).
People who have written me these past few days have achieved savvy status--deftly quoting websites, books, brands, and personal experiences, as easily as I wind my way around the big university.
I'm still as bleary as a first-year worried about parking.
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I've finished a paper and started another. I should've finished the second yesterday. Oh well. At worst, I'll get an incomplete, but I will complete this paper. It's going well. In my first paper, I analyzed a Machaut motet, which had me dealing with medieval French poetry and musical forms. I'm a little inexperienced in that category, so the paper is nothing to write home about. I'm supposed to present later in the spring, but depending on what my prof says about salvageability after I have some guidance, I think I may take it off the program. My second paper, I'm dealing with translation issues in Tinctoris's Dictionary of Musical Terms, written in Latin around 1476. I am experienced with talking about and translating Latin, so thus far it's been more fun to write.
BUT!! Being pregnant really cramps my style. I keep having to stop in order to eat or drink. I'm just sitting here and I get hungry! And it's not just Paper-Writing Munchies, it's Growling Hungry Monster. I do need to keep the water flowing, too. Then, when I'm not hungry or thirsty, I'm tired. After thinking hard for four hours straight, I need a nap! When I was an undergrad, I was insane-o. I could write for 14 hours at a time. Sure wish I had that mental stamina now.
This is the beginning of reality, though. I've got to establish myself and press on, or I'll never get any work done when Elvis comes, and he's gotta help me write my dissertation!
Comments
Oh yes, the hunger pains are great during pregnancy and for me, after pregnancy. Breastfeeding really makes you hungry. I'm not joking! But, while I was pregnant I would always make sure I had some sort of healthy snacks available at all times just for those times when hunger would strike quickly. Otherwise I would have been very friendly with the vending machines on the 10th floor of my work building.
Posted by: mrscrumley | 07.12.04 16:20
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Hey Jeannette,
I tried posting before but it didn't work. I think I commented on nutrition. You were talking about that in some previous posts. Basically I think the best advice I got while pregnant was to listen to my body. When you're hungry eat, and definitely drink tons of water. But there is good and bad nutrition. I'd reccommend the Bradley Method diet, which I can email to you sometime. They seem to be balanced. The main thing they stress is don't worry about weight gain, but instead focus on giving your baby the right kinds of foods. Well I want to write more, but Caleb is wailing!
Posted by: michellew | 07.12.04 16:21
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Michelle, I'd definitely love a copy of the diet. So far I'm just trying to think and plan and eat sensibly. I LOVE apples and oranges and broccoli right now, so they're part of all my meals and snacks. It'd be nice to at least see a plan and maybe incorporate some good ideas. I'm feeling a little more relaxed, too, now that I have my super-empowering prenatal vitamins.
Posted by: Jeannette | 07.12.04 17:19
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Hi Jeanette,
Congratulations! We are very excited for you. I tried to post a note the other day but was unable to. We couldn't be happier for you and Chris.
Jay
Posted by: Jay | 07.12.04 22:08
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Hey, I just stopped by and noticed the baby announcement. Congrats!!
Posted by: nikazu | 09.12.04 14:16
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Jeanette,
Congratulations!
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Marshall | 10.12.04 21:31
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I think I always had almonds, raisens and chocolate chips mixed together in a bag where ever I went. Even to the movies. They were my mom-in-laws almonds. I still can't afford almonds.
Posted by: katiek | 10.12.04 23:36
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I think the savvy-ness comes from the fact that kids grow the perfect way God intended them to. So the second you have one thing figured out they grow and you have to grow with them. Unlike the university, babies are waaaay more rewarding. and harder. heck, my babies are making me go back to university!!
Posted by: katiek | 10.12.04 23:39
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Jeannette!!! I'm thrilled - I was chatting with your dad, and he gave me your blog address when he told me the good news. I remember falling in love with you when you were a tiny little thing and I fed you cottage cheese and apple sauce. You're still a special girl to me and I feel like a surrogate Gramma. Eat whatever you want and take your prenatal vitamins. Breast feeding works with almost every hungry baby. Don't sweat it yet, cutie. Just love your little Elvis. Oh and the cloth diapers - go for it - they're great. I did them for Ethan, then entered the glorious modern world with the rest of the crew. For disposables, buy what's on sale or what you have a coupon for. Hope I get to see you some time this side of Jordan's stormy banks. Blessings to you and Chris. Love, Grace
Posted by: Grace! | 12.12.04 22:57