I’ve had some pretty good birthdays. Even this year, I had one that I really enjoyed. But, already, Sam has topped me. Just yesterday, 3 more packages came for Sam from such unlikely sources as the parents of my best friend from mid-late youth, and an administrative assistant that we rarely deal with any more from the campus. The outpouring has been amazing. Thank you. If you’re still thinking to join in on the give Sam stuff parade, I have just one request — no more “Goodnight Moon.” I think that the 3 copies that she has will suffice! Not that it’s an amazing feat, but at just three weeks old, Sam has a better wardrobe than I do.
Already we’re developing opinions on various baby items which I’ll post here. I feel like we were guided pretty well by the Baby Bargains book, but I’d still want to chip in a few opinions of my own. I’ll do so here in a different category later.
All this amazing outpouring for Sam, has brought up provider issues for me. I guess one is never really done with therapy. When I worked for Kesmai and then EA, I made a comfortable living. Deciding to accept being laid off instead of moving from Virginia to Texas was a difficult decision, but one that I thought I’d made my peace with. For the most part, I have. It was the right decision. Things with Carolyn (and Sam) wouldn’t have been what they are now had I decided otherwise. Were I working some 9-to-5er now, I wouldn’t have been able to be there in the supportive role that I was for the pregnancy and birthing process. I wouldn’t be there now for the family support that made my mom say recently that she wishes she could grow up in my family. For now, at least, my daughter can poop on fine French linen diapers, and wear stylish (if a little overly pink) attire from Bloomingdale’s. But only through the generosity of friends and family. Not because I can provide these things to her. As it is already becoming manifestly apparent, I can only hope that the decision that I’m making (in this case, to continue to be a home-body) is the best one for Sam. It’s a tough one for me.
I recently saw a help wanted ad come across a mailing list I subscribe to that seemed like a pretty good match for me — and it’s back in Charlottesville, a place Carolyn and I very much enjoyed our time in. There are plenty of reasons not to pursue it. We’ve made a decision and that decision involves Carolyn pursuing her career here, in Altoona. It involves friends already made in Altoona. A house already purchased in Altoona. But a strong itch arose to be able to make the kind of money I used to make in order to provide a more stable financial support structure for my daughter. (OK, and to buy myself more numerous and better toys.)