I’ve always had an innie belly button, but now I can see a lot more of it. Not truly an outie yet, so I refer to it as a flattie, but I think I’ll have an outie eventually. I definitely need to get hold of some maternity clothes. Maybe I can shop when I get home. For now, I have a suit, 1 pair of maternity pants, 1 pair of low-slung pants, and some other pants that still fit with some modifications. One of my favorite (and stylish) medicine attendings at work wore all her normal pants during pregnancy, just unbuttoned and partly unzipped with a belt to hold them in place and a long shirt. I tried it today and it was surprisingly effective and comfortable.

Among other things. Schnitzel is very good, like a classy version of chicken fried steak without gravy. I finally found potato salad that I like (no may in sight) during the same meal The fried parsely was crispy (not breaded-fried) and had a nice flavor. Nothing like the garnish-only parsely we have in the US. Today for lunch I had a curry sausage and French fries. Tasted like a good sausage with a very small amount of curry powder. The fries were tasty and prompted questions about whether people in the US still call them ‘freedom fries’ and if people do ‘freedom kissing’.

Their approach to childbirth and time off.

My cousin and his wife live in the Netherlands and are expecting a baby. Women stop working one month before they’re due and have six months to a year off, with job protection. Men also take time off (not 3 days or a week either). In Germany, jobs are protected for 3 years, although the salary is not paid after the first few months off. Part time work is very accepted, whether you work at a store or are a physician. I also found out that pregnant physicians in Germany are not allowed to be in a room where procedures that involve radiation are performed; aren’t allowed to draw blood, place IVs, or do invasive procedures; and aren’t allowed to take overnight call. Wow.

Another reason Europe is a nice place? Outstanding chocolate.