Snowday 7

 

December 2008 Snow week

It's been snowing everyday since last Saturday. I have lived in Portland for a decade and I have never seen snow like this. Portland winters are mild with few snow days but heavy rains. I heard that we had snow storm in Jan 2004 . We were vacationing in India at that time . It's magical to watch the snow fall . Thanks to the sun-breaks in between the snow did not accumulate on the ground else we would have at least 3 feet of snow .  The unexpected snow has dwindled the shopping plans for last week and this week for our upcoming trip.  We had to cancel doctor appts due to the slick road condition. 

We got a little break from snowfall last Thursday for few hours. We got last minute appt for NR . He got his third shot of HIB vaccine and travel medication list from his pediatrician. NR's pediatrician is the director of west side clinic and he was kind enough to accommodate us in the last minute.  While waiting for him, we saw him carry a tiny baby in his hands and later on we came to know he has just completed circumcision for the two week old boy baby. Here in US they recommend circumcision for the boys just after birth and it is usually done in the hospital where you deliver.  I learnt that it can be done in clinic within two weeks of birth .The baby cried  non stop and  I got uneasy hearing him cry. I think I haven't yet got out of my baby blues. God bless his parents who were very young and they are dealing with this along with postpartum recovery .  

We decided to opt out this procedure for NR after his birth .  We were even scared to change diapers for NR after his birth knowing how fragile their organs are just after birth . We definitely don't want add fear of infection to the diaper change.Moreover majority of the Indian males never have this surgery so CB and my dad never wanted this to be done for NR.  My kudos to new parents who handle delivery all by themselves and take care of baby with surgery.  

When we came home, I had to clear the snow from our driveway and we did not have the snow shovel. It took more than 15  minutes to clear few inches of  snow using my gardening shovel.  But a helpful neighbour who was clearing her driveway and walkways in our street came and helped me out.  I gave her hug and thanked her.  I felt the spirit of christmas .

I made use of the few hours of sunshine and did  little shopping  leaving sleeping NR with CB who worked from home .It started snowing again when I reached the shop but  road in the city did not accumulate snow due tp the heavy traffic. So few items on "gift list" is crossed. I  took care of our dinner by ordering take out  from P F changs.

I have not started packing yet and we are travelling next week. We have planned to start the packing this weekend. I usually make 100 trips  to the store to buy gifts for  relatives and friends back in India. We usally carry only two set of dress of ourselves and rest of the space is reserved for gifts to take home.  We have become a unofficial Mr and Mrs Santa in our family. This year it is completely different. Not having time even to do everyday chores and CB's work schedule has hampered our shopping trips. I have been ordering things online for NR and electronic gift so that part is taken care thanks to the online shopping sites and prompt delivery inspite of snow.  Due to this unexpected weather we might end up buying gifts in India.