I'm sending out a great big THANK YOU to the members of the South Dakota State House of Representatives today.
For the first time since homebirth midwives were first prosecuted in this state (back in the 1990s), a bill which would regulate the practice of direct-entry midwifery has passed through a full chamber of the state legislature.
The passage of this bill would allow Certified Professional Midwives the ability to practice in South Dakota. That means no more mothers would be forced to have an unassisted home birth or cross state lines to seek care from a midwife trained in an out-of-hospital setting like I did. Midwives who left the state under threat of prosecution could return to practice legally once again.
I suppose it goes without saying that those of us who have followed midwifery legislation in South Dakota for months and years now are very excited!
Showing posts with label South Dakota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Dakota. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 9
Friday, January 14
And Speaking of Birth ...
The new South Dakota State Legislative session opened this week. I've been getting a lot more involved lately with a group of local families lobbying for legal recognition of Certified Professional Midwives. Currently, licensure is available only to Certified Nurse Midwives and the state actively prosecutes non-nurse midwives for practicing without a license.
Lobbyists from the state medical association and three regional hospital groups sent a letter to state legislators last week warning them against our efforts. Of course, the medical organizations told them homebirth isn't safe, basing their claims on the controversial "Wax Paper" published last summer. Using only 5% of their sample data, this strongly and repeatedly crticized meta-analysis of previous studies suggests that homebirth triples the risk of neonatal death (babies dying in the first 28 days of life). The study is so deeply flawed that fellow researchers have called for it to be retracted in both the British Medical Journal and the Lancet.
All of this hoopla brings me to a question I read recently. One I found startlingly, deceptively simple:
Doctors say it's for safety, as though they are saving women from themselves. Yet clearly the research demonstrates not only that homebirth with a Certified Professional Midwife is as safe as hospital birth for most women, but women and their midwives are quite capable of appropriately transferring care when the risk of homebirth outweighs its benefits.
Most homebirth activists will suggest it's really a money issue: Doctors don't want to give up the additional income they get for overmanaged hospital births. But I'm not so sure this is the case either. Homebirth represents less than 1% of all births in the US. Even if that number doubled overnight, that would be less than a 2% decrease in the average OB's caseload--and that 2% would be the moms who most want to avoid the monitors, medications, and surgical procedures that make childbirth most profitable.
So, if it's not about safety, and it's not about money, what is the real cause?
I've begun to wonder whether the real issue is that, despite the vast number of studies showing homebirth is just as safe as hospital birth for low-risk women (and the flaws of the few studies that found otherwise), most doctors have simply been trained to view pregnancy and birth as inherently a high-risk enterprise. No matter what evidence they may read in their journals, they just can't accept that natural, physiologically normal birth requires only rare interventions.
In other words, I think doctors may be having trouble accepting the fact that, most of the time, they are not needed.
What do you think?
Lobbyists from the state medical association and three regional hospital groups sent a letter to state legislators last week warning them against our efforts. Of course, the medical organizations told them homebirth isn't safe, basing their claims on the controversial "Wax Paper" published last summer. Using only 5% of their sample data, this strongly and repeatedly crticized meta-analysis of previous studies suggests that homebirth triples the risk of neonatal death (babies dying in the first 28 days of life). The study is so deeply flawed that fellow researchers have called for it to be retracted in both the British Medical Journal and the Lancet.
All of this hoopla brings me to a question I read recently. One I found startlingly, deceptively simple:
Why are US doctors so opposed to homebirth?
Doctors say it's for safety, as though they are saving women from themselves. Yet clearly the research demonstrates not only that homebirth with a Certified Professional Midwife is as safe as hospital birth for most women, but women and their midwives are quite capable of appropriately transferring care when the risk of homebirth outweighs its benefits.
Most homebirth activists will suggest it's really a money issue: Doctors don't want to give up the additional income they get for overmanaged hospital births. But I'm not so sure this is the case either. Homebirth represents less than 1% of all births in the US. Even if that number doubled overnight, that would be less than a 2% decrease in the average OB's caseload--and that 2% would be the moms who most want to avoid the monitors, medications, and surgical procedures that make childbirth most profitable.
So, if it's not about safety, and it's not about money, what is the real cause?
I've begun to wonder whether the real issue is that, despite the vast number of studies showing homebirth is just as safe as hospital birth for low-risk women (and the flaws of the few studies that found otherwise), most doctors have simply been trained to view pregnancy and birth as inherently a high-risk enterprise. No matter what evidence they may read in their journals, they just can't accept that natural, physiologically normal birth requires only rare interventions.
In other words, I think doctors may be having trouble accepting the fact that, most of the time, they are not needed.
What do you think?
Friday, April 16
Back on the Face of the Earth
I know a few of you must have thought I'd fallen off. Not yet. Life has just been a bit busier than I was expecting. Therefore, instead of getting the series of real posts you deserve, you get this lovely bulleted list with highlights from the past month.
- Georgie, my beloved 14-year-old Saturn, broke her steering wheel for the second time since the fall. Given her age, Blue Book value, and the estimated cost of the repair, we felt it was in our best interest to buy a new-to-us car. After three days of test driving, comparing options, and recalculating our budget, we bought Jim, an 8-year-old Saturn with a few additional features Georgie never had, like power windows, cruise control, and a CD player.
- We took Jim on our first road trip since we moved here to Sioux Falls. Over Easter Weekend, we drove to Kenosha, Wisconsin to visit some old friends and have our son baptized. We loved participating in the Easter Vigil service at Light of Christ. Rosi and I went to the Easter morning service as well, but Adam stayed back at our hotel with the baby who was so tuckered out he slept the whole time!
- We are officially church hunting again. We actually were going to check out a new church this past Sunday, but three of the four of us were sick, so we stayed home and slept in instead. Thankfully, we're all recovered now and looking forward to visiting a local Lutheran church this weekend.
- I cut my hair! Well, okay, technically, Adam cut my hair. I was getting frustrated with the time and energy it took to maintain my long hair--not to mention how much conditioner it took to keep the tangles down. My hair is now very short in the back and about down to my cheekbones on top. In my opinion, it looks kind of '80s, but the '80s are hip and retro now, right? I've never been the stylish one on the block. I like it short anyway; the time it saves in the shower is amazing, and I'm convinced my conditioner will now last forever because the tiniest bit conditions my entire head!
- This next week, my dad is coming up for a visit. He was here last year about this time, but he'd flown in to the airport at Omaha, which is about a three-hour drive from us. We only had to drive down once for his return flight, since my brother picked him up when he arrived. This time, he found a flight directly to Sioux Falls, which will make for a much nicer drive to and from the airport. We're hoping to visit the zoo while he's here. We were planning to go with Adam's parents when they were here last fall, but the last several days of their visit were cold and rainy, so none of us felt much like walking around looking at empty animal enclosures.
Monday, March 15
Spring
I'd always thought of spring as being heralded by birds in song and flowers in bloom. If that's true, we're not quite seeing signs of spring here in South Dakota Maybe there's a precursor to spring ... a season after winter has ended, but before spring has, um, sprung.
What to call it? Wing? Sprinter? Whatever its name, it is muddy and foggy and, honestly, not warm enough for the shorts and t-shirts I keep seeing folks walking around in.
Crazy people.
I do admit to going out without a coat today, though. It was 40° after all.
What to call it? Wing? Sprinter? Whatever its name, it is muddy and foggy and, honestly, not warm enough for the shorts and t-shirts I keep seeing folks walking around in.
Crazy people.
I do admit to going out without a coat today, though. It was 40° after all.
Saturday, January 30
Birth Story
I've been meaning to post my son's birth story on this blog for quite a while. Since I never seemed to get to it, I thought I'd just direct everyone over to a write-up I did on the Mothering discussion forum.
Anyone can read the site, but you have to registered as a member to comment. Or you could just come back here and leave a comment below. Your choice.
Anyone can read the site, but you have to registered as a member to comment. Or you could just come back here and leave a comment below. Your choice.
Friday, January 8
What Does It Mean ...
What does it mean when the dew point is -19°F?
Isn't that an oxymoron?
I mean, by definition, dew point is the temperature to which the air must be cooled for the humidity to condense into water. Except when we're talking about -19, water would be ice.
So, I wonder, if the temperature were to drop a few degrees, would the humidity in the air turn into ice crystals? Would snow just spontaneously form all around us?
That would be awesome.
Meanwhile, Adam's really glad for the hat and muff I made him last year. The temperature as he'll be leaving for work is -9 with a wind chill of -26.
Excuse me. I suddenly feel the need to go put on a sweater and another pair of socks.
Isn't that an oxymoron?
I mean, by definition, dew point is the temperature to which the air must be cooled for the humidity to condense into water. Except when we're talking about -19, water would be ice.
So, I wonder, if the temperature were to drop a few degrees, would the humidity in the air turn into ice crystals? Would snow just spontaneously form all around us?
That would be awesome.
Meanwhile, Adam's really glad for the hat and muff I made him last year. The temperature as he'll be leaving for work is -9 with a wind chill of -26.
Excuse me. I suddenly feel the need to go put on a sweater and another pair of socks.
Friday, December 25
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like the Ice Planet Hoth
Greetings from the Rebel Base!
We've been under winter weather warnings for the past two days and there's now a blizzard warning in effect through noon tomorrow. Interstates 29 and 90 have been closed through most of the state since 7:00 last night. Snow accumulations are predicted to be up to 20 inches, with drifts up to 6 feet. When they start measuring the snow in feet, I'm on the lookout for AT-ATs.
**This officially ends all the Star Wars references. I don't want to have to look anything else up on Wookieepedia**
Because of the heavy snow, we canceled our Christmas Eve plans to drive through town munching on caramel corn and looking at the holiday lights. Rosi was very disappointed.
We are still planning a Christmas Day carol sing around the piano. She's been learning a number of songs lately--mostly from me, but a few of unknown origin (somebody taught her Jingle Bells, but it wasn't me). Her latest favorite is "Arthur Harold Angels Sing" or as she calls it, "Glowy to the Newborn King."
Meanwhile, we're getting our traditional Christmas chicken ready along with garlic mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. The baby is asleep and Rosie is munching on oranges that arrived yesterday by FedEx, fresh from my sister's tree in Phoenix.
Merry Christmas to all!
We've been under winter weather warnings for the past two days and there's now a blizzard warning in effect through noon tomorrow. Interstates 29 and 90 have been closed through most of the state since 7:00 last night. Snow accumulations are predicted to be up to 20 inches, with drifts up to 6 feet. When they start measuring the snow in feet, I'm on the lookout for AT-ATs.
**This officially ends all the Star Wars references. I don't want to have to look anything else up on Wookieepedia**
Because of the heavy snow, we canceled our Christmas Eve plans to drive through town munching on caramel corn and looking at the holiday lights. Rosi was very disappointed.
We are still planning a Christmas Day carol sing around the piano. She's been learning a number of songs lately--mostly from me, but a few of unknown origin (somebody taught her Jingle Bells, but it wasn't me). Her latest favorite is "Arthur Harold Angels Sing" or as she calls it, "Glowy to the Newborn King."
Meanwhile, we're getting our traditional Christmas chicken ready along with garlic mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. The baby is asleep and Rosie is munching on oranges that arrived yesterday by FedEx, fresh from my sister's tree in Phoenix.
Merry Christmas to all!
Friday, November 6
Why Drive to a Homebirth?
Once you've looked at the research, you know that out-of-hospital births have similar outcomes to births in hospitals. So, without the comfort factors of being in my own home and not having to drive while in labor, why am I still planning a homebirth away from home?
As you may recall, if you've been a long-time reader of this blog, attending a homebirth as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is illegal in South Dakota. However, CPMs are the only certified professionals in this country who are trained to attend natural births outside a hospital setting. Obstetricians, Certified Nurse Midwives, and other certified birth attendants are all trained in the medical model of birth. Medically-managed births are all about monitoring and procedures which are intended to reduce the risk of mothers and babies dying or being injured during birth. Sadly, studies show that in most cases, medical management does little to reduce these risks, and in some cases, it actually increases them.
There's really more to it than that, though. Most hospital-based practitioners have never seen a truly natural birth. They are so used to their standard procedures and interventions, they don't know what really natural birth looks like. Compare that to a CPM, who sees unmedicated, unhindered births almost exclusively.
Let me share a quote with you from a book I've been reading the last couple of days. It's written by Judy Kay Jones, a local CPM and former RN who spent time in jail for attending homebirths within the state of South Dakota.
Why would I want to trust my birth to attendants who'd primarily, or ONLY, seen counterfeits of natural birth? I did that once before and was unsatisfied with my care. This time, I chose to seek out a professional who specializes in natural births. And, in a few more days or weeks, I hope to come back and be able to share firsthand how different it is.
As you may recall, if you've been a long-time reader of this blog, attending a homebirth as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is illegal in South Dakota. However, CPMs are the only certified professionals in this country who are trained to attend natural births outside a hospital setting. Obstetricians, Certified Nurse Midwives, and other certified birth attendants are all trained in the medical model of birth. Medically-managed births are all about monitoring and procedures which are intended to reduce the risk of mothers and babies dying or being injured during birth. Sadly, studies show that in most cases, medical management does little to reduce these risks, and in some cases, it actually increases them.
There's really more to it than that, though. Most hospital-based practitioners have never seen a truly natural birth. They are so used to their standard procedures and interventions, they don't know what really natural birth looks like. Compare that to a CPM, who sees unmedicated, unhindered births almost exclusively.
Let me share a quote with you from a book I've been reading the last couple of days. It's written by Judy Kay Jones, a local CPM and former RN who spent time in jail for attending homebirths within the state of South Dakota.
A medical perspective sees birth as a dangerous situation--a complication waiting to happen. It operates in fear. True midwifery approaches birth from a natural perspective, not in fear, but in respect.
I compare it to the preparation of Treasury agents to spot counterfeit money. They do not study the counterfeit. Instead, they study the real thing. They know every detail of the real thing so well that a counterfeit immediately stands out as different when they see it.
Why would I want to trust my birth to attendants who'd primarily, or ONLY, seen counterfeits of natural birth? I did that once before and was unsatisfied with my care. This time, I chose to seek out a professional who specializes in natural births. And, in a few more days or weeks, I hope to come back and be able to share firsthand how different it is.
Sunday, October 18
Memo to My Favorite Football Team
RE: Your long-distance fans
My friends,
I have been a fan of the Chicago Bears since I was 10 years old and watched you beat the pants off the Patriots. When I moved to New York a couple of years later, I showed my team spirit by designing a piñata in the shape of William "Refrigerator" Perry for Spanish class. You played in one Monday night game late that season. In my honor, you lost to the 49ers 41-0. Thanks.
Oh, and the boy whose locker was next to mine was a Niners fan. Yes, he lorded the outcome of that game over me the rest of the school year.
A dozen years later, I had the opportunity to move back to Chicago. I was overjoyed to be able to watch every game of the season! And I did watch nearly all the games for the next decade, including Superbowl XLI, which at least started out well.
One year ago, I had to drive a rental truck full of my things away from Illinois for the second time. I quickly discovered that, though the move was to South Dakota, I had landed smack dab in Viking country. And, no, I can't believe they had the audacity to sign Brett Favre either.
So far this season, I've been able to watch two complete Bears games as carried on national TV. Those would be your two losses so far.
I understand you are a hometown team and I appreciate that you want to save your best play for your local fans. But, please, keep in mind that some of your fans, for various reason, can't be local. We still want to watch you win!
Thank you for taking the time to consider those of us who support your franchise, even when we no longer live in your fine city. Oh, and have a nice flight home from Atlanta. Maybe you could practice holding on to the football while you're on the plane.
My friends,
I have been a fan of the Chicago Bears since I was 10 years old and watched you beat the pants off the Patriots. When I moved to New York a couple of years later, I showed my team spirit by designing a piñata in the shape of William "Refrigerator" Perry for Spanish class. You played in one Monday night game late that season. In my honor, you lost to the 49ers 41-0. Thanks.
Oh, and the boy whose locker was next to mine was a Niners fan. Yes, he lorded the outcome of that game over me the rest of the school year.
A dozen years later, I had the opportunity to move back to Chicago. I was overjoyed to be able to watch every game of the season! And I did watch nearly all the games for the next decade, including Superbowl XLI, which at least started out well.
One year ago, I had to drive a rental truck full of my things away from Illinois for the second time. I quickly discovered that, though the move was to South Dakota, I had landed smack dab in Viking country. And, no, I can't believe they had the audacity to sign Brett Favre either.
So far this season, I've been able to watch two complete Bears games as carried on national TV. Those would be your two losses so far.
I understand you are a hometown team and I appreciate that you want to save your best play for your local fans. But, please, keep in mind that some of your fans, for various reason, can't be local. We still want to watch you win!
Thank you for taking the time to consider those of us who support your franchise, even when we no longer live in your fine city. Oh, and have a nice flight home from Atlanta. Maybe you could practice holding on to the football while you're on the plane.
Friday, October 9
Holy Cow, It's Snowing!
Yup. That about says it all.
Mark your calendars, folks. Sioux Falls had its first snowfall of 2009 on October 9th.
Frankly, it wouldn't bother me so much except that it hasn't even snowed in Anchorage yet!
Remind me again why we moved here. Anybody?
Mark your calendars, folks. Sioux Falls had its first snowfall of 2009 on October 9th.
Frankly, it wouldn't bother me so much except that it hasn't even snowed in Anchorage yet!
Remind me again why we moved here. Anybody?
Friday, September 4
Seasons Change, People Change
It happens every fall. The days grow a little shorter. The sun goes down a little sooner. I praise God that it's full dark by 8:30 PM.
Wait a second. That's never happened before!
What's going on here?
Once upon a time (uhm, pretty much my whole life until this spring), I was saddened by the definitive notice that these freewheeling summer days were at an end. Light, late into the evening meant freedom and joy and ... well, losing the light meant everybody was going back to school and it was time to get down to business again.
Living in Chicago, I discovered the year I'd moved back, means waking up to sun streaming though your windows at 5:30 AM in July. If that's not enough, it also means leaving the office at 4:30 PM in January having missed the sunset. These things were not my favorite part of the city, let me tell you.
One of my reasons for excitement when we first thought about moving here to Sioux Falls was the fact that the sun doesn't come up at 5:30 any day, all year long! Such a blessing that is when you have a little one who thinks that when it's light out, she needs to be up playing.
Which brings us nicely back to the crux of this summer's dilemma: Rosi refused to go to sleep while it was still light out. She's always been a bit of a night owl. She gets that from her mother. Her normal bedtime is 9:00 PM. Except, here on the western side of the time zone, the mid-summer sun doesn't set until about 9:15 PM. And even at that, it stays light for another 20 minutes or so.
Unfortunately, we've discovered that, in addition to being a night owl, Rosi will wake up by 8:30 AM, no matter what time she gets to sleep. In other words, this summer has been one long sleep-deprivation experiment at our house.
But it's getting to be fallish now. The sun set this evening at 7:56, and Rosi is already in bed. Ahh, the blessed sound of silence. I think I'll go read a book.
Wait a second. That's never happened before!
What's going on here?
Once upon a time (uhm, pretty much my whole life until this spring), I was saddened by the definitive notice that these freewheeling summer days were at an end. Light, late into the evening meant freedom and joy and ... well, losing the light meant everybody was going back to school and it was time to get down to business again.
Living in Chicago, I discovered the year I'd moved back, means waking up to sun streaming though your windows at 5:30 AM in July. If that's not enough, it also means leaving the office at 4:30 PM in January having missed the sunset. These things were not my favorite part of the city, let me tell you.
One of my reasons for excitement when we first thought about moving here to Sioux Falls was the fact that the sun doesn't come up at 5:30 any day, all year long! Such a blessing that is when you have a little one who thinks that when it's light out, she needs to be up playing.
Which brings us nicely back to the crux of this summer's dilemma: Rosi refused to go to sleep while it was still light out. She's always been a bit of a night owl. She gets that from her mother. Her normal bedtime is 9:00 PM. Except, here on the western side of the time zone, the mid-summer sun doesn't set until about 9:15 PM. And even at that, it stays light for another 20 minutes or so.
Unfortunately, we've discovered that, in addition to being a night owl, Rosi will wake up by 8:30 AM, no matter what time she gets to sleep. In other words, this summer has been one long sleep-deprivation experiment at our house.
But it's getting to be fallish now. The sun set this evening at 7:56, and Rosi is already in bed. Ahh, the blessed sound of silence. I think I'll go read a book.
Wednesday, July 22
Something Completely Different
We were driving through town on one of the main thoroughfares yesterday when we happened upon a business sign which I read aloud.
Adam chuckled and responded, "That would mean something completely different in Chicago."
Beat the rush, get your guns cleaned now!
Adam chuckled and responded, "That would mean something completely different in Chicago."
Friday, April 17
Thngs that Make Me Go Hmmm ...
- The temperature has been in the low- to mid-60s for the past couple of days. I have the windows open and as the sun has gone down, it's actually starting to feel a bit chilly sitting here in a t-shirt. Outside, I can hear my neighbors' A/C unit running.
- I live in the largest city for about 200 miles in any direction. Sioux Falls has a science museum, a zoo, three professional sports teams, a major university, two hospitals, and a number of multinational corporations. When I step outside, I smell cows.
- My computer's been acting up lately. If I turn it off overnight, it doesn't like to turn back on in the morning. If I leave it running all night, it works fine.
- We went out to dinner the other night with a gift card to the Olive Garden. My daughter ordered spaghetti with meat sauce. She only ate about half of her spaghetti, but insisted on a second, then a third, serving of salad.
- Adam and I have an anniversary coming up next month. We'll have been married for five years on May first. I looked up the traditional wedding gift list for inspiration. Year 5 = Wood. The "modern" traditional gift? Silverware.
Tuesday, March 10
Here with the Wind
Now that winter is almost gone, I'm finally getting some pictures of the thermal gear I made for my family this winter. Here is the set I made for Adam. It uses the honeycomb stitch (I've also heard it called the "thermal stitch") which produces a double-layered fabric for extra insulation. This also provides better protection against the wind than standard knit or crochet. Have I mentioned how strong the wind gets here? I'll have to tell that story in a minute. The embellishment is double crochet through the front and back posts with a second layer of single crochet on the inside to keep the thermal and wind-blocking properties. The back of the muff is a double layer of single crochet through the back loop only, stitched in a circle around the edge of the front panel.
As for my South Dakota wind story: One afternoon, shortly after we moved here, we were coming out of Panera after lunch. The wind was blowing so hard, I actually had to press into it to walk. Adam was walking a few paces in front of me and our daughter was between us. Each time she picked her foot up to take another step I worried that the wind would just pick her up and blow her away like the queue of potential nannies in the movie version of Mary Poppins. I called out to Adam (several times before he heard me) to please take her hand and hold tightly. He turned his head slightly to take her hand and the wind whipped his glasses from his face. Like the iconic scene of a man chasing his hat, reaching down to retrieve it only to have the wind send it a few feet farther on, he had to follow his glasses across the parking lot, daughter in tow, before he was able to reclaim them. He set them back on the bridge of his nose and quipped, "And they call Chicago the Windy City!"
Thursday, February 19
Mrs. Gray Goes to Pierre
A Day in the Life of a Would-Be Lobbyist
On Tuesday I went to listen to the debate of a bill which would have allowed Certified Professional Midwives to be licensed in the state of South Dakota. Unfortunately, the debate never happened as the bill was unexpectedly shot down after a successful smoke out last week. Although the visit was exhausting and disappointing, the trip was also rather a unique experience for me. I expect I will be visiting the capitol again in the coming years, but here is what happened the first time.
5:30 AM
I hear the alarm go off in my bedroom. I am not in my bedroom. I'm on the computer in the living room, checking my e-mail. I'd had a change of heart late last night and didn't want to go to the House session today. Adam and I talked about my reasons and, at about 3:30 AM, I finally decided we should go. We wanted to arrive by 11:00 AM, so we were getting an early start. I had tried to sleep for a few hours, but was too restless.
6:00 AM
We head out the door. I am surprised by how few people we see getting ready for work and driving on the roads. I guess I'm really not in the suburbs anymore. If everybody needs to be to work by 8:00, they wouldn't have to leave the house until about 7:30.
7:00 AM
My daughter needs a potty break. We're about the same distance away from home as we were the day we drove to the Corn Palace. In fact, just as I think this, we pass the exit to the little town we stopped at that day so she could use the rest room at the general store. I tell Adam I don't suppose that store would be open quite yet. We ask our daughter if she can hold it and she says, "No." Adam pulls off the road at the next exit (near a rare clump of trees) and gets out of the car with her. Adam and our daughter stand and squat, respectively, outside. After a few minutes, they return to the car. Apparently, it wouldn't come out. Climbing back into her carseat, my daughter shares, "My little bum is very cold."
7:15 AM
I spot a sign for a rest area and ask if a bathroom is still needed. We pull off and visit the facilities. It comes out.
7:30 AM
I ask Adam if it would be okay with him for me to take a nap; I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open. He says that's fine and I drift off into that light sleep you find when you're exhausted, but can't really get comfortable.
8:30 AM
Adam is pulling the car into a gas station as I wake up. I ask if we need gas. He tells me we don't, but he needs some caffeine. He pulls into the drive-thru lane at Arby's and rolls down the window. No one asks what he wants. I tell him I don't think they are open for breakfast. He say, "Oh, it is only 8:30, isn't it?" and pulls into the parking lot. We take a group trip into the store where he fills up a cup with tea and the rest of the party visits the ladies room. While he waits in line to pay, we check out the gift section of the store. My daughter finds a two-headed puppet she wants to buy. I am amused by an orange baseball-style hunting cap with "Die Birdie" stitched across the bill.
10:00 AM
We arrive in Pierre. Turns out I was right--we could have just driven into town and looked for the dome. We are pleasantly surprised to also find a McDonald's Playland location nearby. Once we get to the capitol building, we drive through the parking lot and past several side streets, but the only spot available has been designated for 30 minutes only. I suggest we take it, find our group, and if it seems like he needs to be there more than 30 minutes, he can move the car.
According to the e-mail I was sent, our group leader's daughters would be meeting us at the back door and directing us to her. We walk around each floor of the building, past every entrance, and don't find our group leader or her daughters. We also don't find the house floor, which I expected to be in the middle of things. Finally, I suggest we take one more look around and if we still can't find them, I'm ready to go home.
On our final turn through the third floor, Adam spies a group of women with babies. "Do you think that's them?" he asks me. I walk over for a closer look and spot the group leader, whom I've never met in person, but have seen in photos. I introduce myself, pick up a homebirth button and name tag, and ask what's happening now. We step onto the house floor and she points out the desks of our district representatives. Neither are on the floor at this time. Adam decides to take our daughter off for a visit to the McDonald's and we agree to meet back up at a few minutes before 1:00, when we're invited to observe the democratic caucus.
11:00 AM
Not having found anybody to talk to, I've gathered with the rest of our group in the hallway outside the house floor. The doors close to the public at 11:00, so we have done what we can and sit to chat, get to know one another a bit, and pass babies back and forth. I feel a little left out that I'm the only one who doesn't seem to be wearing a small child in a sling or carrier, but a new friend lets me borrow her baby several times while she takes care of other matters.
12:00 PM
Trying to avoid the rush, a few of us (three moms and three kids) have decided to grab some lunch at the congressional cafe. As with so many places catering to a captive audience, the food is pricey, but the taste only so-so. Each of the moms enjoy a caffeinated beverage in preparation for staying awake the rest of the afternoon.
12:30 PM
Lunch ends with a well-executed trip for six to the restroom. Stepping back into the hallway, we meet Adam and our daughter who have been looking for me. The group of 8 now heads back to the third-floor hallway to sit on the squishy benches once again with the rest of the supporters.
12:45 PM
Adam suggests heading over to the caucus a bit early to make sure we are able to find seats by the door. We do. The rest of the group, along with the democratic representatives, aides, and a few other visitors follow shortly.
1:00 PM
We listen to discussion of a bunch of bills that, for the most part, do not concern us. When they get to the homebirth bill, ears perk up (at least mine do). My daughter chooses this moment to desperately want my attention. I insist that she talk to her father. Several representatives speak out against the bill, but one leans over to ask us how many states have passed similar resolutions. He offers the final comment that 24 states have already done this and there haven't been any problems, so they should at least vote to hear the debate.
2:00 PM
We're sitting in the fourth-floor gallery, facing the representatives, but not able to see the front. Roll call is a mad dash of the clerk calling out names as fast as she can and a random cacophony of here, Here, HERE from around the room. Our bill is first on the agenda, so it only takes a few minutes of "old business" before it's go time. Several people offer comments on the vote, including one creative speech focusing on the word "not" (the official vote is to strike the word "not" from the committee's recommendation that the bill not be debated on the floor).
The comments end and the vote is called and we all sit forward in our seats. Those along the edges and across from us can see the digital tally boards, but we can not. I whisper to Adam that I'm going to walk around the side so I can see. Just as I stand up, the clerk announces that all the representatives have voted. The final score is 33-32. I'm shocked that we have lost without even a debate. I tell Adam, "Let's go" and we quietly walk out.
2:30 PM
We drive away from the capitol in a much more somber mood than we'd arrived in the morning. We stop to get gas on the way out of town. We talk a little bit about the day. Both Adam and I agree we are glad we came.
3:45 PM
We stop for a caffeine refill and our daughter insists she is starving and must have a gas-station hot dog. Trying not to think too much about what might be in--or on--the dog, I get one for her. As we drive away, she takes her last bite and tells us we need to stop again because she's still hungry. I suggest she let her tummy settle and we'll get dinner later. With Adam's blessing, I settle in for another car nap.
4:45 PM
I wake up as we stop in a parking area attached to a vacant lot. I ask Adam what's going on. He tells me he needs a quick power nap, unless I am prepared to drive home. I shake my head and we settle in to nap. Our daughter reiterates her need for food, a bathroom, and to get out of her seat and walk around. I sigh and tell Adam I'll drive. We head down the road to another gas station, where she promptly decides she doesn't need to go. I get out for another bottle of caffeine and some chips for us all to share.
5:00 PM
Now she's thirsty. I won't let her have the caffeinated soda, but I see a sign for another rest area. Adam agrees to fill up her McDonald's cup with water. As he leaves the car, I suggest she get out and run around for a minute while she has the opportunity. She gets out to run back and forth along the grass, then meets her dad as he exits the building with her water. They walk back to the car together and she announces that she needs to pee now. I tell Adam I'll take her. We race through the grass, use the facilities, and race back.
6:30 PM
We make it back to our exit off the interstate. I am so ready to be home. We stop for a bite to eat because neither Adam nor I can imagine mustering the energy to cook. "After dinner," we announce, "it's straight to bed."
8:00 PM
Lights out. We all drift quickly off to sleep ensconced in blankets and dreams of the backs of our eyelids. Maybe next year we can carpool.
On Tuesday I went to listen to the debate of a bill which would have allowed Certified Professional Midwives to be licensed in the state of South Dakota. Unfortunately, the debate never happened as the bill was unexpectedly shot down after a successful smoke out last week. Although the visit was exhausting and disappointing, the trip was also rather a unique experience for me. I expect I will be visiting the capitol again in the coming years, but here is what happened the first time.
5:30 AM
I hear the alarm go off in my bedroom. I am not in my bedroom. I'm on the computer in the living room, checking my e-mail. I'd had a change of heart late last night and didn't want to go to the House session today. Adam and I talked about my reasons and, at about 3:30 AM, I finally decided we should go. We wanted to arrive by 11:00 AM, so we were getting an early start. I had tried to sleep for a few hours, but was too restless.
6:00 AM
We head out the door. I am surprised by how few people we see getting ready for work and driving on the roads. I guess I'm really not in the suburbs anymore. If everybody needs to be to work by 8:00, they wouldn't have to leave the house until about 7:30.
7:00 AM
My daughter needs a potty break. We're about the same distance away from home as we were the day we drove to the Corn Palace. In fact, just as I think this, we pass the exit to the little town we stopped at that day so she could use the rest room at the general store. I tell Adam I don't suppose that store would be open quite yet. We ask our daughter if she can hold it and she says, "No." Adam pulls off the road at the next exit (near a rare clump of trees) and gets out of the car with her. Adam and our daughter stand and squat, respectively, outside. After a few minutes, they return to the car. Apparently, it wouldn't come out. Climbing back into her carseat, my daughter shares, "My little bum is very cold."
7:15 AM
I spot a sign for a rest area and ask if a bathroom is still needed. We pull off and visit the facilities. It comes out.
7:30 AM
I ask Adam if it would be okay with him for me to take a nap; I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open. He says that's fine and I drift off into that light sleep you find when you're exhausted, but can't really get comfortable.
8:30 AM
Adam is pulling the car into a gas station as I wake up. I ask if we need gas. He tells me we don't, but he needs some caffeine. He pulls into the drive-thru lane at Arby's and rolls down the window. No one asks what he wants. I tell him I don't think they are open for breakfast. He say, "Oh, it is only 8:30, isn't it?" and pulls into the parking lot. We take a group trip into the store where he fills up a cup with tea and the rest of the party visits the ladies room. While he waits in line to pay, we check out the gift section of the store. My daughter finds a two-headed puppet she wants to buy. I am amused by an orange baseball-style hunting cap with "Die Birdie" stitched across the bill.
10:00 AM
We arrive in Pierre. Turns out I was right--we could have just driven into town and looked for the dome. We are pleasantly surprised to also find a McDonald's Playland location nearby. Once we get to the capitol building, we drive through the parking lot and past several side streets, but the only spot available has been designated for 30 minutes only. I suggest we take it, find our group, and if it seems like he needs to be there more than 30 minutes, he can move the car.
According to the e-mail I was sent, our group leader's daughters would be meeting us at the back door and directing us to her. We walk around each floor of the building, past every entrance, and don't find our group leader or her daughters. We also don't find the house floor, which I expected to be in the middle of things. Finally, I suggest we take one more look around and if we still can't find them, I'm ready to go home.
On our final turn through the third floor, Adam spies a group of women with babies. "Do you think that's them?" he asks me. I walk over for a closer look and spot the group leader, whom I've never met in person, but have seen in photos. I introduce myself, pick up a homebirth button and name tag, and ask what's happening now. We step onto the house floor and she points out the desks of our district representatives. Neither are on the floor at this time. Adam decides to take our daughter off for a visit to the McDonald's and we agree to meet back up at a few minutes before 1:00, when we're invited to observe the democratic caucus.
11:00 AM
Not having found anybody to talk to, I've gathered with the rest of our group in the hallway outside the house floor. The doors close to the public at 11:00, so we have done what we can and sit to chat, get to know one another a bit, and pass babies back and forth. I feel a little left out that I'm the only one who doesn't seem to be wearing a small child in a sling or carrier, but a new friend lets me borrow her baby several times while she takes care of other matters.
12:00 PM
Trying to avoid the rush, a few of us (three moms and three kids) have decided to grab some lunch at the congressional cafe. As with so many places catering to a captive audience, the food is pricey, but the taste only so-so. Each of the moms enjoy a caffeinated beverage in preparation for staying awake the rest of the afternoon.
12:30 PM
Lunch ends with a well-executed trip for six to the restroom. Stepping back into the hallway, we meet Adam and our daughter who have been looking for me. The group of 8 now heads back to the third-floor hallway to sit on the squishy benches once again with the rest of the supporters.
12:45 PM
Adam suggests heading over to the caucus a bit early to make sure we are able to find seats by the door. We do. The rest of the group, along with the democratic representatives, aides, and a few other visitors follow shortly.
1:00 PM
We listen to discussion of a bunch of bills that, for the most part, do not concern us. When they get to the homebirth bill, ears perk up (at least mine do). My daughter chooses this moment to desperately want my attention. I insist that she talk to her father. Several representatives speak out against the bill, but one leans over to ask us how many states have passed similar resolutions. He offers the final comment that 24 states have already done this and there haven't been any problems, so they should at least vote to hear the debate.
2:00 PM
We're sitting in the fourth-floor gallery, facing the representatives, but not able to see the front. Roll call is a mad dash of the clerk calling out names as fast as she can and a random cacophony of here, Here, HERE from around the room. Our bill is first on the agenda, so it only takes a few minutes of "old business" before it's go time. Several people offer comments on the vote, including one creative speech focusing on the word "not" (the official vote is to strike the word "not" from the committee's recommendation that the bill not be debated on the floor).
The comments end and the vote is called and we all sit forward in our seats. Those along the edges and across from us can see the digital tally boards, but we can not. I whisper to Adam that I'm going to walk around the side so I can see. Just as I stand up, the clerk announces that all the representatives have voted. The final score is 33-32. I'm shocked that we have lost without even a debate. I tell Adam, "Let's go" and we quietly walk out.
2:30 PM
We drive away from the capitol in a much more somber mood than we'd arrived in the morning. We stop to get gas on the way out of town. We talk a little bit about the day. Both Adam and I agree we are glad we came.
3:45 PM
We stop for a caffeine refill and our daughter insists she is starving and must have a gas-station hot dog. Trying not to think too much about what might be in--or on--the dog, I get one for her. As we drive away, she takes her last bite and tells us we need to stop again because she's still hungry. I suggest she let her tummy settle and we'll get dinner later. With Adam's blessing, I settle in for another car nap.
4:45 PM
I wake up as we stop in a parking area attached to a vacant lot. I ask Adam what's going on. He tells me he needs a quick power nap, unless I am prepared to drive home. I shake my head and we settle in to nap. Our daughter reiterates her need for food, a bathroom, and to get out of her seat and walk around. I sigh and tell Adam I'll drive. We head down the road to another gas station, where she promptly decides she doesn't need to go. I get out for another bottle of caffeine and some chips for us all to share.
5:00 PM
Now she's thirsty. I won't let her have the caffeinated soda, but I see a sign for another rest area. Adam agrees to fill up her McDonald's cup with water. As he leaves the car, I suggest she get out and run around for a minute while she has the opportunity. She gets out to run back and forth along the grass, then meets her dad as he exits the building with her water. They walk back to the car together and she announces that she needs to pee now. I tell Adam I'll take her. We race through the grass, use the facilities, and race back.
6:30 PM
We make it back to our exit off the interstate. I am so ready to be home. We stop for a bite to eat because neither Adam nor I can imagine mustering the energy to cook. "After dinner," we announce, "it's straight to bed."
8:00 PM
Lights out. We all drift quickly off to sleep ensconced in blankets and dreams of the backs of our eyelids. Maybe next year we can carpool.
Tuesday, February 10
I'm Sad Today
Since Adam and I first considered moving to South Dakota, I've been somewhat involved with a group that is working to pass legislation through the SD state congress which would permit homebirth with direct-entry midwives (those who are trained to attend births, but may not be an RN or have a graduate degree). This morning the bill was debated in the SD House Health and Human Services Committee. I was not able to attend the hearing in Pierre, but when all was said and done, the committee voted 10-3 against the bill, citing the fatuous grounds that licensing Certified Professional Midwives would lower the standards of care within the state. One of the committee members, a physician, is quoted in an article about the vote as saying, "We must keep in mind the fate of the newborn or unborn child."
I am sad to see that these individuals we as taxpayers have entrusted to speak on our behalf cannot take a moment to read any of the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies showing the safety of homebirth with a trained attendant. One of the group members who did attend the hearing commented that every single speaker for the bills opposition was a paid lobbyist or staff member of a medical organization--the very people who stand to lose (money) if this legislation is enacted.
If you don't take a chance to look at the article, I did want to share this one quote with you, because it just seems to exemplify the absurd lack of logic followed by those voting the bill down.
I am sad to see that these individuals we as taxpayers have entrusted to speak on our behalf cannot take a moment to read any of the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies showing the safety of homebirth with a trained attendant. One of the group members who did attend the hearing commented that every single speaker for the bills opposition was a paid lobbyist or staff member of a medical organization--the very people who stand to lose (money) if this legislation is enacted.
If you don't take a chance to look at the article, I did want to share this one quote with you, because it just seems to exemplify the absurd lack of logic followed by those voting the bill down.
South Dakota had more than 12,000 live births in 2007, and only 26 of those babies were born at home, said Doneen Hollingsworth, state Health Department secretary. Only 19 of those were intended to be home births, which indicates home births are not supported by most South Dakotans, she said.
Monday, January 19
They Call This "Customer Service"?
Once upon a time, back in December 2002, I wanted to have a cell phone. I'd never had one before, so I went online to research. I compared service plans available in my area, I looked at different phones, and I chose to go with T-Mobile. Conveniently, there was a T-Mobile store on my way home from work.I stopped in one evening and the saleswoman was quite helpful in getting me all signed up for service and showing me the options for free phones. I was so excited to be joining the wireless age!
For nearly 6 years I loved their service. I told anyone who asked that T-Mobile was a great company and I was so happy with them I'd never considered another provider. What impressed me the most was their excellent customer service. A few years back, they even helped me lower my monthly bill by switching to a different plan. Unfortunately, they seem to have changed their standards lately.
I was a bit bummed when we moved to Sioux Falls because T-Mobile doesn't offer coverage here. We were able to use our phones, but only because everything was forwarded through local companies. Our plan was to stay with T-Mobile until the contract ran out next fall, then switch to a company that provided regional coverage for South Dakota.
Meanwhile, Adam got a list of employee discounts for which he is eligible from work. We were pleased to find that one of the companies offering a corporate discount was T-Mobile.
Early last month, we called to add the 15% off discount code to our plan. Two-and-a-half hours and half a dozen representatives later, the discount was applied to our account in about five minutes. When Adam asked what the company would do for us to make up for the fact that they wasted the entire afternoon with their crummy customer service, he was transferred to yet another representative, this time in the Customer Relations department. She offered him 600 extra minutes which would expire in 90 days (mind you, we weren't even using the minutes included in our plan as it was--for this to be beneficial, we'd have to spend an extra 45 HOURS on the phone over the next three months) or a $5 "courtesy refund."
Adam suggested we would like a month of service for free or perhaps have our contract ended now so that we could sign up for a company that has local service. This was when we discovered that our contract had been extended for an additional two years, without our knowledge, as a part of the discount sign-up process. Adam explained our situation of having just moved and not having T-Mobile coverage in this area. The woman gave him an address to send a letter with this same information and a date to terminate our service.
We've mailed our letter and, so far, have only received a one notice marked "Final Bill." I'm not so sure we're in the clear yet, though. My brother and sister got the very same advice from T-Mobile when they moved here almost a year ago. They mailed and faxed their information multiple times, as requested. Still, they are arguing with the company over the response they received: a bill for several hundred dollars in contract termination fees.
On the plus side, we've now had almost a full month of service with Verizon and have yet to encounter any problems. Our phones get better reception, there is a big store right at the mall if we have any concerns, and with the 22% discount we get through Adam's work, our monthly phone bill is lower. And, as my sister put it, "At least with the Network following you around, you won't get lonely there."
Thursday, December 25
Very Merry
You know you have a close relationship with someone when you can show up at their house for Christmas dinner and ask for a roll of toilet paper to take home.
I don't recall ever running out of toilet paper on Christmas Day before. I suppose if I had in the past, I wouldn't really have considered it an issue. Everywhere I've lived in the past, at least one major store would be open on Christmas. No luck on the afternoon toilet paper hunt here in Sioux Falls. Even Walmart was closed.
Dinner was lovely, though, and I really enjoyed spending some time with my brother and sister. My niece wasn't feeling well, so I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with her, but I did finally finish her birthday/Christmas gift: a crocheted art bag with room for a large sketch pad and individual pockets for pencils and markers. She made big smiles when she opened it up.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit back and have some adult conversation, while my daughter told stories, played with her cousin's stuffed animals, and practiced her pounding skills on her uncle's drum pad. I'm feeling much more relaxed and smiley than I did yesterday. It still doesn't seem quite like Christmas, but the lack of seasonal spirit is not nearly so depressing to me today.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! God bless us, every one.
I don't recall ever running out of toilet paper on Christmas Day before. I suppose if I had in the past, I wouldn't really have considered it an issue. Everywhere I've lived in the past, at least one major store would be open on Christmas. No luck on the afternoon toilet paper hunt here in Sioux Falls. Even Walmart was closed.
Dinner was lovely, though, and I really enjoyed spending some time with my brother and sister. My niece wasn't feeling well, so I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with her, but I did finally finish her birthday/Christmas gift: a crocheted art bag with room for a large sketch pad and individual pockets for pencils and markers. She made big smiles when she opened it up.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit back and have some adult conversation, while my daughter told stories, played with her cousin's stuffed animals, and practiced her pounding skills on her uncle's drum pad. I'm feeling much more relaxed and smiley than I did yesterday. It still doesn't seem quite like Christmas, but the lack of seasonal spirit is not nearly so depressing to me today.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! God bless us, every one.
Sunday, December 14
Pretend that He's a Circus Clown
Winter arrived today. I'd always thought the first day of winter was December 21. Silly me.
Yesterday, the high was 39° and it was sunny out.
Today was overcast and COLD. The wind chill was below zero. Right now, just before midnight, the actual temperature is -4° with a wind chill of 30° below zero.
Tomorrow, the forecasted high is -6° with a wind chill of -20°. Mind you, that's the WARMEST it will be all day.
Remind me why we moved to this frozen wasteland???
On the plus side, it's supposed to warm up on Tuesday. They're calling for a high of 5° with a wind chill of just -7°. Oh, and it's supposed to snow.
I better get back to work on the winter hat I'm making Adam. He'll need it tomorrow.
Winter wonderland, indeed! Brrrr ...
Yesterday, the high was 39° and it was sunny out.
Today was overcast and COLD. The wind chill was below zero. Right now, just before midnight, the actual temperature is -4° with a wind chill of 30° below zero.
Tomorrow, the forecasted high is -6° with a wind chill of -20°. Mind you, that's the WARMEST it will be all day.
Remind me why we moved to this frozen wasteland???
On the plus side, it's supposed to warm up on Tuesday. They're calling for a high of 5° with a wind chill of just -7°. Oh, and it's supposed to snow.
I better get back to work on the winter hat I'm making Adam. He'll need it tomorrow.
Winter wonderland, indeed! Brrrr ...
Sunday, November 2
Something Corny
Our camera went missing. I knew we had moved it and I even found the camera box, but it was empty. Adam had taken it out to get some "before" photos of our new place. He remembered putting it on the counter top, which subsequently had been piled high with unpacking detritus. In the process of excavating, we finally found it, just in time for a little road trip to the World's Only Corn Palace.
I didn't take very many photos. Frankly, I was expecting something a little more ... palatial. Basically, it's a small event center decorated in corn cobs and grains. They re-corn the outside every year with different art work. There was a series of display cases in the lobby that explained the process. Those were pretty neat. But otherwise, it was just the outside corn decor, photos of the previous years' art, and a series of additional corn mosaics inside the gymnatorium space. Here is one I got on film (on disk?).
Now I can say I saw Mount Rushmore!
I guess I sort of expected guided tours or something. There was a very nice older couple set up by the door with a table full of local travel brochures. When they found out we'd just moved here from Chicago they told me all about a trip they took there over New Year's 1957. "Of course, they still had Marshall Field's there then," the wife commented, as she reviewed the sights they'd taken in.
I did pick up a couple of regional vacation guides, though, and found all sorts of neat stuff that I never realized would be in South Dakota, like the National Music Museum, The Roo Ranch, and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, the Laura Ingalls Home, and The National Presidential Wax Museum.
Now we'll just have to save up pennies for gas. We ought to be able to afford a few gallons by next summer, don't you think?
I didn't take very many photos. Frankly, I was expecting something a little more ... palatial. Basically, it's a small event center decorated in corn cobs and grains. They re-corn the outside every year with different art work. There was a series of display cases in the lobby that explained the process. Those were pretty neat. But otherwise, it was just the outside corn decor, photos of the previous years' art, and a series of additional corn mosaics inside the gymnatorium space. Here is one I got on film (on disk?).
Now I can say I saw Mount Rushmore!
I guess I sort of expected guided tours or something. There was a very nice older couple set up by the door with a table full of local travel brochures. When they found out we'd just moved here from Chicago they told me all about a trip they took there over New Year's 1957. "Of course, they still had Marshall Field's there then," the wife commented, as she reviewed the sights they'd taken in.
I did pick up a couple of regional vacation guides, though, and found all sorts of neat stuff that I never realized would be in South Dakota, like the National Music Museum, The Roo Ranch, and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, the Laura Ingalls Home, and The National Presidential Wax Museum.
Now we'll just have to save up pennies for gas. We ought to be able to afford a few gallons by next summer, don't you think?
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