Loving the company..

For those of you who may not know, my sister in law Marissa is pregnant and due August 5th. One day before me. This is also her first child. It has been great for me to have someone to share my thoughts with. Someone who can completely relate right at that moment. We had very different first trimester symptoms and it was very interesting to see how very different every pregnancy is. I love getting advice and info from my friends with kids but there is something special about having someone to share this with who is in the moment as well.
Maternity leaves in Canada are paid by the government and last for 1 year. I have been very excited knowing that Marissa will be home and that our companionship will continue after the babies are born. Last week she let me know that two of her friends are also pregnant, both of which live here in Belle River. One is due a few weeks after us, the other is due approximately 2 months after. I have met them and they are very nice, they also each have 1 child. I am looking forward to potentially being able to spend time with them and get advice whenever I can.
At one time I would have considered a maternity leave to be very lonely, especially with my Mom and friends in another country. But I am gradually seeing exactly how big of a support system I am actually going to have here in Belle River. Another good resource will be my good friend Sylvie who is a teacher and will have approx. 6 weeks before school starts when the baby is born.
It will also be invaluable to have Marc's Mom close by. Marc is the youngest of 10 and his Mom was a stay at home Mom. They live half a mile from us and if we move then it will be less than 100 feet.