Friday, June 17, 2011

On Telling the World My Life is About to Change

I recently unleashed the following announcement to Facebook and Twitter:
BabyFactory.RequestNewInstance(BABY_TYPE_GEEK);

Pregnant.

That's right! I'm expecting!

I have been saving up that geeky little announcement for a while now.  I wanted something I had never seen anyone else use, but that also had a tech twist.  It got good response.

I'm due around Christmas, so barring any complications, I'll be able to work the entire fall semester.  I'm hoping to take only four months of official leave, or possibly eight if I need it and we can afford it.  The downside of being a student is that I don't think I'll be eligible for any employment insurance benefits (even though I pay into it from my TA and contract instructor salaries, I don't have enough working hours in the last year).  I wonder if other countries are able to do more for pregnant students? (I'm in Canada.)

While I'm still planning on focusing on my usual blog topics, I am guessing I won't be able to resist talking a bit about this journey as well.  Just a heads up. ;)

Quick edit: This is actually not me in the photo (though I wouldn't mind it!).  It's just a nice photo I found on Flickr.  I'm actually not even showing yet!

4 comments:

mustangsabby said...

Call EI anyways. There have been a lot of changes to the policy lately, and you may qualify. You can't apply for your maternity until your "last day of work" so once you do that, and get an ROE, you may have enough then. As I said, an EI rep can fill you in.

Take as much time as you can. You will want to. I had to go back early with William, and it sucked. I am so glad to have a year with Carrie!

So excited for you and Andrew. Its an amazing journey, exhausting, exhilarating, and no matter how much you prepare, you will still be overwhelmed by emotion when you hold your new baby. *hugs*

Gail Carmichael said...

Thanks! I figured I'd give it a try either way because, of course, not trying means a 100% chance of not being eligible. ;)

Laurian Vega said...

Congrats Gail! This is a great life change. Call me whenever you want and we can talk about all the good things and bad things that you might be experiencing!

Gail Carmichael said...

Thanks! I'll certainly be accepting all types of advice from now on. ;)

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