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We’ve recently moved into a new apartment complex that really is much like a resort. We don’t have to maintain lawn, handle any maintenance problems, or deal with unruly neighbors. We can use pool without having to clean and maintain it, we can work out in a gym without added monthly expense, we can play pool without going to a bar, and we can enjoy many sports such as racquetball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.

So why with all this “luxury” surrounding us would I already be in a tiff? Dogs! That’s why. Many of renters own dogs and instead of taking them for a walk on “pet walks” which were meant for their feces. These pet owners think its okay to walk their pets around apartment complex, let them do their “business,” and then walk away without cleaning it up!

I’ve learned that not cleaning up after their dogs is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. First, I consider it rude to let your dog use bathroom on someone else’s property. Okay, so we don’t own lawn in front of our apartment, but we sure do pay a lease for it as well as public areas! Second, I think it is inconsiderate and shows a lack of respect for others. Third, I think it makes property look bad.

Making Choices

While pregnancy and birth have physiologically been same since beginning of time, your options as a pregnant woman today are greater than at any previous time in history. After confirming your pregnancy, your first (and arguably most important) decision to be made is choice of caregiver. While traditionally in U.S., maternal care has been provided through obstetrical physicians and hospital births, there is a growing movement towards return to low intervention, midwife-assisted births. How do you know which is right for you? Consider what is most important to your birth experience (always remembering that birth is anything but predictable and flexibility is vital). Are you interested in birthing naturally, without aid of drugs or invasive procedures? Would you rather give birth at home or in a birthing center as opposed to a hospital? A midwife may be right choice for you. Conversely, if you know up front you’ll want an epidural at first sign of labor pain you’ll probably find anesthesiologist at your local hospital to be your best friend. Keep in mind, each choice has its pros and cons and it’s up to you to weigh which option is best for your needs. If you give birth at home and have complications, you’ll need to be transported to hospital. Epidurals may provide excellent pain relief (or not), but have potentially serious, although rare, side effects. Some birthing centers will not accept a mother attempting vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC). Being an educated consumer in your pregnancy will allow best possible birth experience and beginning for your new baby.

Planning for Baby

Somewhere around middle to late pregnancy (usually about time you can no longer see your toes because of your protruding middle), you’ll want to start making accommodations at home for your babies expected arrival. If this is your first, trust yourself to care of an experienced mommy friend who can prevent “New Mother Shopping Syndrome,” i.e., going to Babies ‘R Us and spending an exorbitant amount of money on baby paraphernalia that, not only do you not need, but you will never use. Yes, mommy bear that emits sounds of womb is cute. No, your baby will not be fooled. This is time to cultivate self control, which will particularly come in handy when your precious baby has become a 16-year old who has just wrecked family car.