Back in the 'hood.

I could write a long and emotional post about the stresses of get life set up in a new state but I'll spare the details for the Ombudsmen of Telecommunications and various other industries. But, back online now and feeling more at one with the world.

Moving house/states is certainly a full time job where you expect to be 'on hold' most of the day. I think I'm not exaggerating when I say I've been dialling the call centres for banks, utility companies, insurance agents, rental agencies, etc for the last two weeks. I'm yet to discover any company that has actually put the customer first. Has resulted in some strong language and threats to a number of staff in call centres. I always explain that I understand that they are not personally responsible but I need to communicate with someone the systemic malfunctions. I am worn down.

It's a strange time of life for me. I'm not doing much. The phone doesn't ring like it used to. We don't have strong routines or responsibilities like we used to. I don't have to be anywhere I don't want to be and I'm not looking for any new opportunities. Every cafe in Perth has a sign up asking for part time staff which, at any other time of life, might be tempting.

I've been doing my share of nesting and sorting through the incredible generousity of friends and family who have stocked up the nursery drawers with over 100 outfits for the lil' bebe. Recycling is a beautiful thing. I'm proud to say I still haven't visited a baby store and don't intend purchasing anything that isn't in the essential category. We'll see if I hold out.

Michael's work is going good. He is juggling his time between saying 'yes' to every invite that comes his way (ie. rugby games, corporate rally car racing, chats with the Lord Mayor, dinners, coffees etc) as well as trying to feel his way around a new city and writing feasibility studies for sites he's just been introduced to. It's a small town and people get to know you quickly for good or bad reasons. Fortunately 'The Firm' have a good reputation around the traps and so most people are keen to meet him if he requests a meeting. He's met some high profile people, mostly without realising it until after the event!!

As you can see in the photos I'm getting huge. The bebe is a good and healthy size especially the head which my obstetrician assures me with a smirk. We have had some follow up scans since being in Perth which detected that one of the baby's kidneys is only partially functioning. This was concerning at first but doctors havs expected us to be reassured by the fact "we only need one of them". All we really know at this stage is it's not life threatening, the bebe is not in pain, it may still rectify itself but most likely will need an operation of some kind between 3 & 6 months of age. It's not a rare condition but requires medical intervention. There is some level of blockage/infection between the kidney and the bladder which has enlarged 1 kidney to about 4x the size it should be.

Having said all of that, Perth is being good to us. We have immediately enjoyed the benefits of being close to family. We see Cam'n'Libs most days. A new tradition is being formed of Food and Documentary nights with them and anyone else who is interested. Someone chooses a documentary to watch and someone cooks up some food. We planned to watch Ewan MacGregor's Long Way Down over the Easter break but we all got hooked immediately and finished the series before Good Friday was over. We love those boys. Cam and Michael have started planning their motorbike adventure as a result.

Time to wrap up for now. I'll get this heartburn under control and then cook some dinner.