Better in theory than reality

My little sissy, SAW, is pregnant and in September, was put on bed rest.  For the first few weeks, she relished a life of leisure with lots of DVDs, books, her iPod and her puppies to occupy her time.  But after a while, the immobility and constant surroundings got to her.  In October I managed to sneak her out a few times, including a trip to see The Social Network and to pick out nursery furniture.

Earlier this month she texted me to say she was craving fried ice cream from Chevy's.  Um, I can think of many more delicious things to eat but she was adamant.  While our mother was out shopping, I snuck SAW out of the house so she could eat as much fried ice cream as her little heart desired.  

With her tummy full of her icy treat, SAW promised this would be her last trip out of the house.  Not so fast.  The next morning, I woke up to three texts from her.  During the night, SAW's water broke (at 30 weeks) and she'd be in the hospital until the little person decided to arrive.

She handled the first few days at the hospital like a champ, but the unfamiliar place, fear of the unknown and constant stream of doctors and nurses got to her.

In a moment of genius, Mother arranged with SAW's doctor to have 15 minutes outside on a warmer than usual November day.  Mother was 'running late' and called to tell us that she'd meet us outside in the hospital courtyard.  I wheeled SAW downstairs and when we turned the corner to the courtyard, I saw Mother 'hiding' behind a shrub with SAW's Boston Terriers, Rocco and Ruby.  To say SAW was happy would be an understatement.  

The visit was just what SAW needed to lift her spirits.  And being with her canine family also calmed SAW down, which is just what the little person needed as she cooked a little longer in my little sissy's tummy.

All three of us have newfound respect for any mother-to-be who is on bed rest.  It sounds easy and glamourous but as SAW can attest, it's anything but.

SAW and our mother

{The reason the trips outside the house were done under a veil of secrecy is that SAW is temporarily living with our mother.  In June, three months pregnant, SAW's fiance called off their wedding and she moved out of their house in Annapolis and in with Mother.  It's not an ideal arrangement, but she has a lot of space at Mother's house and Mother is way more attentive to her than her fiance ever was.  And Mother definitely takes her role as the bed rest sheriff very seriously.}