The Time Has Come, The Walrus Said…

 

So it’s official. I’m on bedrest.  My doctor called me out in a spectacular way, saying that if I didn’t slow down I’d spend the rest of my pregnancy in the ER.  Ever the “Don’t tell me what to do” type, I eyed him.

“Slow down how much?” I asked.

“Full stop.”

“Impossible.  How about if I lay down for two more hours a day?”

“This isn’t a negotiation, Mercedes.”

Then we negotiated.  It was awesome.  End result is basically that I’m screwed and can’t do hardly anything.  Zero stress.  Six contractions in an hour and I’m in the ER.  Which means that I’m in bed all. of. the. frickin’. time.  I realize that I have the most boring ceiling in the universe.  We’re sticking plastic stars on it this weekend.

I checked my Writing To-Do List and realized there were 15 projects lined up on it.  Some are fairly small (flash fic contests, for example) and some (revise Demon novel by the end of the month, completely write, revise, and polish second novel by October) are gigantic.  At a time when my stress is naturally sky-high, I’m doing everything I can do reduce it.  I’m going to let some of the smaller projects go.   And my blog posts will drop from three times a week to once a week.

“Yay!  Hooray!” you shriek. “Less posts to read in my reader!”

I know, I know, dear friend. Change is difficult.  But this is really for the best–

“My networking load has drastically diminished!” you say, dancing wildly.

–and it isn’t like I’ll be gone forever. Or even much. Besides, I’m all over Facebook and Twitter, and I doubt that will change because, let’s face it, I need the social aspect or I’ll go insane–

“I AM SO HAPPY!” you wail.

–and I’ve been a lousy blogging friend, anyway.  I hardly ever comment.  I just lurk.  Really, I’ve become downright creepy. I hope that you understand.

So! Anybody interested in sending in your Writers in Masks pictures, I’d love to collect them! I just won’t be running them until later in the year. The babelets are due this summer, so we’ll see what happens then.  Anyway, enjoy! Run free, my loves. 🙂

17 Comments on “The Time Has Come, The Walrus Said…”

  1. Mercedes, I am sorry you have had to go to full bed rest but you want to do what is best for the babies. I know this is difficult for you. You are such a dynamic human being. Just keep reminding yourself that it is temporary and that in the end you will have your babies.

    I hope you have someone to help you with the children. That will be the hardest part of all.

    I will miss seeing you and hope that in the end you rejoice over the time spent in bed. You need the energy for all that is to come.

    Much love,

    Ardee-ann

  2. Hope the bed rest doesn’t drive you bonkers. 🙂 But hey, maybe the bed rest means writing? Maybe? Hmmm, maybe not.

    Stay well.

  3. Mercedes – what a challenge! The bright side – everyone will come to see all those miniscule things you do every day to keep things running. Best wishes and prayers to you and the babies.

  4. Ken, you did NOT just say that! Technically I’m due in the first of August, but there’s no way I’ll make it that long. Babies are generally born at 38-40 weeks. Right now I’m shooting for 28 so they have a better chance at life. Then we’ll take it day by day. It’ll be c-section, so I’ll have a chance to check in and let you know when you’ll be one staffer short.

    Cate, RIGHT! Writing keeps me sane! (er).

    Ardee-ann, you’re so sweet! I have a friend who pops by about three times a week for a couple of hours. When the kids are out of school, it’ll be a different story completely.

    Ha, Aaron! The Network invades my dreams.

    Thanks, Linda! My friend said, “You’re not one to take bedrest LYING DOWN.” Ba da bump!

    Thanks, Tony. I think it’ll drive me stark raving mad.

    Thank you, Elise! Maybe you’re right, and this is the road to appreciation. 😉

  5. Well, I’m due about 2 weeks after you, with one baby, and I’ve been in the hospital on bedrest for 2 1/2 weeks. It sucks….but it’s not bad for getting writing done 🙂

    Good luck!

  6. And I can’t help myself . . . all I can think of is the grace, every step of the way, with which you’ve handled the circumstances as they’ve changed, joy to sorrow, back to joy, even if tempered. Laptops may have been originally designed for the business person on-the-go, but I picture yours now, resting on your lap, in bed, taking on a life of its own. Giving as much as it gets. I’ll be visiting regularly.

  7. Oh man, I would get so bored. At least you can catch up on reading! You know, in a joyful, non-stressful way : )

  8. Love your sense of humor! Sending good vibes your way — I hope you find ways to stay sane and that your babies are fine. Wish I were there to help out with your kids — I would love to see them! We just put glow-in-the-dark stars on our kids’ ceiling. They were thrilled — favorite birthday present (other than the bike). Get some — if they don’t entertain you, at least they’ll entertain your kids. 🙂

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