The Trip
I have really mixed emotions about the trip. It was great to see my family and I am so glad that so much of my extended family got to meet Rokia. But it was tiring and difficult doing it alone. I wish that my SO could've been with us to take some of the pressure off of me. The time with my in-laws was mostly annoying. They are nice and I can't complain much because they really like me and it's not like they're mean to me or anything. It's just hard (for me) to be with that family for a week straight. Our cultures are so different- example, we never went out and did anything. Even though certain plans were mentioned before the trip (going to the aquarium, seeing downtown, etc), we ended up sitting around the hair shop all day. Not surprising but incredibly boring. Poor Rokia was bored out of her mind too, the other grandkids all have i-pads to play with and aren't very good and sharing (and their parents don't push them to). Plus she had gotten used to being with my parents, who are retired and had all the time (and cultural habits) to play with her and take her to parks and on bike rides.
The earring incident
My in-laws were polite enough to refrain from commenting on my parenting style TO me, but they definitely gave my SO an earful on the phone about it. They said that I spoil her (WHAT?! This is coming from people who let their kids sit on i-pads all day long and eat whatever junk food they see). Here was the main thing that led them to believe she's spoiled: Earrings. Rokia doesn't like wearing earrings, she says they hurt her. So I don't make her wear them (duh?!). Well, when we arrived at the in-laws, my MIL informed me that she had bought Rokia and the other grandchildren gold earrings. I said something about how nice that is and we can try but that she really doesn't like earrings. My SIL said that she better get used to it because MIL had spent over $100 per pair. So they forced the earrings on her and when she said it hurt, they basically just said, "it'll pass" and then told me that there are certain things we need to force as parents. So whatever, I was ready to leave them in until we left their house and then put them away. But Rokia woke up at 2 am crying because her ears hurt. While I agree that, as parents, there are certain things we have to make our kids do but wearing earrings is not one of those things. So I took them out and gave them back to the MIL and suggested that she save them for her next grandbaby (my SIL is pregnant with a girl, so it works out fine). She didn't argue with me but called my SO twice about the "incident". Luckily, my SO stuck up for me and said that we have different cultures and that we don't think it's helpful to force something like earrings on a child.
Home
Coming out of the airport and seeing my SO was such a relief after a rough ending of our trip. And seeing our apartment was a huge surprise. He had totally redecorated the living room:new curtains, new couch cushions, a huge rug. Plus a new bed for Rokia, a new fridge, and shelves in the kitchen, oh! and a bike for Rokia! I knew he had planned on some redecorating, but not to this extent! I was really impressed and grateful. He also seems renewed himself, like a more content person.
Glucose Test
Last story: This morning I had to go take my glucose test at the medical lab. This is something that all pregnant women have to do around 24-28 weeks pregnant (I'll be 28 weeks on Saturday). I have heard that it is pretty awful, so I was nervous. You have to drink this really, really sugary drink and then sit around for an hour and then they test your blood to see how you processed the sugar and this can tell them if you have gestational diabetes.
My SO went with me because I was nervous about fainting or throwing up. I ate dinner around 8 pm, had some water before midnight and then had to fast until the test. We left the house right at 7 am so that I could get it over with. Well, the lab had moved locations and there was a long wait in the waiting room so it was 9 am when I drank the sweet drink. The drink wasn't horrible, like flat sprite. I drank it and we went to the waiting room. I felt nauseous pretty immediately but promised myself I wouldn't throw up (because then you have to take it again). The waiting room was small and the chairs were uncomfortable. I was getting increasingly nauseous and went outside with my SO to get some fresh air. I immediately threw up all over the sidewalk.
So now, we have to go back and do it again tomorrow. I am so nervous about throwing up again and I really wish I would've somehow forced myself to keep it down. I wish they had a bed that I could lie down in at the lab. Any ideas on how to make myself not throw up tomorrow?
Update
I arrived at the lab at 7 am sharp this morning. The guy was really helpful and took me back to the employee break room where there were couches and A/C. I had brought my computer this time for distraction. I drank the drink, laid on the couch, and watched a movie. It was so easy this time! Pretty much no nausea! I really think laying down and having the A/C helped.
Thanks for your advice everyone
As for the test, they say you have to have it, but the honest to God truth is you don't HAVE to have anything they try and force upon you. I didn't take this test while pregnant, or the strepB test. Unless you're at risk of having GD, then why make yourself go through it? Pregnancy can be miserable enough. (I am not a doctor, don't take medical advice from me) I don't know, I just hate how powerless the medical system can make women at this stage in their lives.
I still swear by sea bands for nausea.