A little "Erbse-imposed" glitch with work

Last week Monday, we got the blood tests results back from the doctor.  Everything looked great, except for immunity to Cytomegalovirus (CMV.)  I have no immunity.
I guess the amazing part is that in the past week, I have finally learned to spell Cytomegalovirus due to lots and lots of Google searches.  It turns out that up to 80% of the population in the US has had exposure to CMV.  Amazingly, not me.  It is a virus that stays in your body for quite a long time and is passed through ALL bodily fluids.  It tends to be particularly easily passed around among kids under the age of 3.  If a pregnant woman contracts the virus and she is not immune, there is a small chance that the virus can have devistating effects on the baby. 
Under German law, if you test negative, like me, and work with children under the age of 3, your workplace must find a new position for you during your pregnancy.  When we spoke with the doctor about the test results, she offered that I needed to speak with my boss because every workplace has a procedure in place for this.  I knew my workplace did not have such procedure.
On Wednesday, I met with my principal.  He was very congratulatory, and admitted that he also was uncertain of our next step.  On Thursday, I met with the HR lady at work.  She was surprisingly kind, and said simply, "you cannot avoid contact with bodily fluids with little kids."   Our final decision, which is still tentative, is that I will complete the school year in our classroom- after all, there are only a few weeks left.  But, next year, I will be given another position, no kids contact, for the three months before November 22, which is when my maternity leave is scheduled to begin. 
When I left the meeting, we agreed that both she and I would brainstorm potential jobs within the school.  Yesterday, I spoke with the school librarian, who offered me a potential position- cataloging home reading books in English and German.  She warned me that it was a huge job, but that she needed assistance, and also agreed it would be perfect, as I could do the job from the staff room without coming into much contact with kids.
It makes me very sad to have to go to work and have no cuddles, no hugs, and no gigantic laughs from the kids.  Three months in the staff room seems relatively lonely.  But then again, if it helps keep the little Erbse safe, then there is no question.  I will continue cementing this position next week, and write another update.

Dear Little Erbse

Well Little Erbse,
Today, I am 7 weeks pregnant, which means that you, dear Little Erbse are 5 weeks old!  We have been together over on month.  Your daddy and I love you so.  We have discussed changing your name this week, because you're no longer the size of a pea, but more like a blueberry.  But, you are our our sweet little pea.

Thank you Little Erbse.  So far, I haven't been very sick.  Just a little queasiness, but nothing too big.  You seem to love orange juice though, because surprisingly, it helps to settle my stomach.  With all the vitamin C I am drinking, you're certain to have a sunny personality!

We're doing well so far Little Erbse.  I did get my test results back though that say that I am not immune to a virus called CMV.  This means that I need to be extra careful at work, with all of our little cutie-pies, so that you don't get sick.  Believe me, Little Erbse, I will do everything in my power to keep you healthy.

Well Little Erbse, here is to the next few weeks, then the next few months, to when we meet.  We're on the downward slide now in the first trimester, only a few more weeks to go now, and we'll be out of one big danger zone.

Stay strong Little Erbse, we love you,
Your Mommy and Daddy

Our latest, and greatest, news!

Sometime's its better to let pictures do the talking:

And yes, the post card is in the background for added impact:  we were in Hong Kong when we found out! 

Our little Erbse (or pea in English,) is due on January 3, 2012.  Joern and I could not be more excited!  Just look:

Obviously, we were quite cautious this time around in our excitement though, considering our last pregnancy was ectopic.  But, we did tell Joern's parents in Hong Kong, on the sidewalk, somewhere between our hotel and 7Eleven.  Of course, we toasted to the Erbse at the White Stag!

Once we returned from Hong Kong, we called the doctor straight away to set up an appointment.  She saw us on Wednesday, the 11th of May.  First thing, it was time for the ultrasound, just to make sure that the Erbse was okay. 

Gestational age:  6w1d

We were so relieved when the doctor said that everything looked good.  The Erbse is the right size and in the right place.  We even got to see the heartbeat, which may have been the most incredible thing I have ever seen!

After the hoorays and tears calmed down, it was time to discuss a few things.  First were the "No's". No drinking, no smoking, no raw meat, no unpasteurized milk products.  We also discussed tests that were covered by the compulsory government health insurance, and those that were an additional cost.  She gave me a list of tests and their cost.  The blood test for thyroid was covered, but the tests for CMV and rubella were not covered, they were 15 Euro each.  Since I work with little kids, we felt that the additional tests were very important.  So, after I finshed chatting with the doctor, I had a blood test, for my hormone levels, thyroid, CMV and rubella immunity.  We're waiting to hear back on the results.

I called my dad on Wednesday night to tell him the good news.  He also had very good news to share that his foot is healing nicely.  Then, I shared my news.  I think my dad is very excited with the idea that he is going to be a grandpa.  He'll be a super grandpa, I know that already!

We've only shared the news with a few people so far, and everyone is so very happy.  I told my long time friend Erica last week over the phone, and we squealed like we were eleven again.  I shared the news with my friend Mandy, and she was so very happy.  Yesterday, we shared the news with two other friends, Heidi and Julie.  I was hoping to do it in a more dramatic way, but instead, Joern simply announced, "You know that Allison is pregnant, right?"  Obviously, lots of clapping and congraulations.  I also told my friend Iris, who also offered many hoorays and congratulations, as well as two other friends at work.  I know that outing yourself so early at work isn't always desiriable, but I needed to let a few people know for a variety of reasons. 

Otherwise, things are going well.  I feel well, have slight nausea, a little tenderness and pains, but overall, just excited.  With every day that goes by, my sigh of relief grows a bit.  I have started looking into nursery furniture, and figuring out how on earth to properly set up that gigantic bedroom that will become the Erbse's nursery.  I am hoping to buy the furniture at home, and to ship it in a partial container back.  Fingers crossed that I can figure out how to do it!  I am so looking forward to taking my aunt baby shopping when I am home this summer.  I am sure it will be an exciting time for the both of us!

I haven't quite figured out how I will do baby posts from now on.  Not sure if I will write letters to the baby, keep this as a personal diary, or what.  No worries, I'll continue to post.  Can't wait to see what the next 9 months bring!

So close, I can taste it

Summer break begins exactly one week from today.  This year especially, I am itching to get out!
Its gearing up to be a busy summer here at Casa del Roesner.  My cousin and her friend Carla are due in any day, the last stop on their whirlwind 7 weeks in Europe.  Of course, it would be more wonderful if I were not working all next week, and didn't have a "goodbye" dinner on Tuesday night and a end of year after school party on Wednesday, but no way out of that stuff.  The good news though is that we'll be able to spend evenings together, they'll have their freedom, and we can look forward to exciting German traveling the first week of July. 
My cousin leaves on the 10th of July, and I am trying to convince dear Joern that I cannot live without spending a few days in Italy, lounging on the beach, and taking a few dips in the Adriatic.  We'll see how this works out.
I also am in the process of booking my ticket home for the summer.  I really wish Joern could come with me, but we're not in the greatest position to travel right now, you know, witt the house being built and all.  But, I am probably going to be home for about 4 weeks.  I am so looking forward to hanging out with my dad, my sister, my aunt, and my cousin (the one who will be here very soon.)  I have lots of shopping to do too! 
I can imagine that following my trip home, my final summer weeks in Germany will be spent packing, and wracking my brains about final decisions on the house. 
Fill the in-betweens with some doctor's appointments, and hopefully, quite a few books, and I have just completed my eight week summer vacation.  It goes so quick!

Rounding out the first trimester

Today is an exciting day!  Tomorrow, I'm 12 weeks!  This means I am thisclose to the end of the first trimester- already! 

So far, I have been pretty okay.  I noticed that I am more tired over the past few weeks, and am looking forward to my second trimester energy boost!  I have recently also been having some cramps.  I talked with my aunt, and did some reading, and cramping is kind of normal at 12 weeks.  It turns out that everything is really growing, and pulling on everything inside my body. 

As far as food goes, I've been eating watermelon like its going out of style.  Oh and peaches, I am so happy that peaches are starting to come into season.  I figure you can't really go wrong with peaches and watermelon though!

I'm starting to realize that I'm growing a little baby bump!  My stomach has never been the flatest to begin with, but over the past few days, it is getting much rounder, and although I still don't look pregnant, I definately look different!

We are going to the doctor next week Wednesday for our NT scan.  This was an optional test, and we decided to do it, not out of concern over Down Syndrome, but because it provides a really early look at the spine and the organs, so that we know if there is a problem.  I had blood work already at our last appointment for the NT scan, so now, we're just waiting until next week for the results.

Oh, something exciting happened today:  I got to work and checked my email, and my maternity leave cover was advertised internally today.  Wow!  I never knew what an exciting feeling it would be to see your own job advertised, because it is such an exciting thought to be on maternity leave!  I spoke with my principal today, and he would like me to come to the staff meeting on Wednesday and make an announcement (kind of like closing the stall door after the horse escapes, as the whole staff read the email today, and it listed my position and the location- which would leave only my friend Iris, or myself, as the pregnant one.)  Oh well!  And then I asked him about letting the parents know.  He said that I should tell the parents myself.  So, I talked about it with my colleagues, and we decided that I would announce at the beginning of our end of year party on Wednesday.  So, Wednesday is a day of big announcements at work!

Party Planning

I haven't really spoken about the Richtfest in a while.  Most probably because we moved the date, and then, I kind of stopped thinking about it.  But no avoiding the Richtfest anymore.  Because it is almost here.  A week from Saturday, yup, in eleven days, Joern and I will host the largest party I have ever hosted.  I think what is so difficult in the planning is that we don't have any idea how many people are coming.  I know the list of invited is over 100, but we currently only have about 15 definites.  It is not easy to figure out how much you need for between 15 and 115 guests.  Oy!  The problem is that the invitation process has been quite open.  Joern will bump into someone he hasn't seen in years, and say, "hey our Richtfest is on June 11, you should come by."

I realized that the food for this event could not equal the impressiveness of our Thanksgiving feast.  Instead of pureed celery root and apple, it will be potato salad.   The secret is to keep it simple and make a lot.
So far, this is the menu:
   Appetizers
     Chips & salsa (and maybe a layered dip.)
     Chicken wings
   Meats
      Würstchen (akinA as hot dogs)
      Hamburgers, and yes, we are still in the great hamburger tryout phase
      Pork steaks
   Sides (here's where I'm a little weak, and have admitted to needing help,)
      Couscous salad with feta and dried cranberries
      Potato salad
      Possibly baked ziti, if Joern will ever agree to it.
  Desserts
      Cookies
      Texas Brownies

Today's job was to buy some, scarily not all, but some, drinks.  We bought more beer than I imagined.  And of course, now I'm left wondering if we might need more.  But I must admit, I have never been in possession of 20 cases of beer!

All 20 cases loaded, a very proud Joern!

                                                    Very proud of his Gallo wine too!

Frightening to think how quickly this will go!

Obviously, there is quite a bit more work to do.  Fortunately, this weekend is a four-day weekend.  I am planning on baking cookies on Thursday.  Friday will be errands day, including purchasing the meat, the final paper products, and my Richtfest outfit!  Saturday will be decoration day, setting out all the decorations, and printing photos and such. 
Next week, busy week.  It looks like our 10th anniversary will be spent up to our elbows in potato salad and couscous salad.  And Thursday will be busy brownie baking night. 

Although I am looking forward to the Richtfest, I am more looking forward to putting this behind us, and to moving on with the house!

Our last full day in Hong Kong

Saturday was a bittersweet day for me, because I fell in love with Hong Kong, and I only had one last day to soak it all in.
On Saturday morning, we returned to the fair one last time.  On the last day of fairs, many of the exhibtors are looking to offload their product samples so that they have less to lug back home.  And others, are willing to give samples to serious buyers on the last day of the fair.  Before we went into the convention center, we set out our plan of attack.  We had about 4 halls to visit, and at least 20 exhibitors to find, and pick up the samples that we had earlier requested. 
While Joern and his parents planned their route, I snapped some more pictures of the way to the convention center from the hotel. 

Inside the convention center

In total, we needed about 3 hours to get to everyone we needed to get to.  We had an especially enjoyable conversation with the head of a company from which Joern's family purchases poker items.  He was extrordinarily knowlegable about many, many markets.  He also explained to us a lot about the US market, which seems to run a bit differently than German. 

Afterwards, we split up with Joern's parents, and decided to meet later for dinner.  Joern and I decided to take the Star Ferry back over to Tsim Sha Tsui, because they had a great souvenir shop, and there was a lot more there to check out. 

I was also happy because the weather was a bit clearer, so I was finally able to get some better pictures:

Gloucester Road

The old exhibtion center

Again, I was happy and thankful for the clearning, in order to take some clearer pictures from the ferry.



Once we landed, we headed first to into the Ocean Terminal Shopping Center.  It is a mall located extremely close to the ferry terminal.  Oh my gosh, the mall took my breath away!  Joern really wanted to go into the Toys R'Us inside the mall, so this was our first destination. The Toys R'Us was almost cooler than their flagship Times Square location.  It was so well planned out and there were so many interesting little sections!

From Toys R'Us, we headed up to the balcony overlooking the harbor.  There was a fab restaurant there, that would have been perfect for enjoying a cocktail, but we were a little pressed for time.

Sadly, we didn't have enough time to explore the entire mall.  Of course, I'm sure Joern would not have said there was anything sad about not being dragged all over the mall :)  From the mall, we headed back up towards all those crazy huge designer stores, and found a beautiful building, and decided to check out the area.

It turns out that the area is now named, 1881 Heritage.  The very obviously British influenced building that serves as the backdrop was the headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine police from the 1800s until the handover of Hong Kong to China.  It is a beautiful area now with luxury stores, a hotel and restaurants. 

We then realized it was time to head back to the ferry, as we planned to meet Joern's parents for dinner.  I had to run to my favorite little souvenir shop first to do some last minute gift shopping. 

Once we made it to the ferry terminal, we realized that we were just in time to have missed the last ferry, and while we were waiting, we got to witness the Symphony of Lights, the nightly light show along the waterfront.  The show actually takes place on both sides of the harbor, but since we were on the Kowloon side, we could only watch the Hong Kong Island side, but it was impressive!

I would love to go up to the Peak  next time and watch the light show from there!

It was another busy day, and we weren't really very hungry for dinner.  After dinner, we took a little walk, but we were both exhausted.  We were only sad because it was almost time to leave the city that quickly grew in my heart.