Jump to the end if you just want the address and don't want to read my ramblings.
So I know I haven't gotten to the pictures yet, I will. If I go by how people treat me out in public and at work, I'm not sure if I should strain myself with moving digital files from one storage device to another. It might be too much for my poor body. I do appreciate how nice people are being, but seriously, if I can't open a door or roll a chair across the floor or walk down the hallway, how am I suppose to be strong enough to pick up my kid? Also, people stare and ask in a very concerned tone "should you be taking the elevator, instead" when I take the stairs at work. This started when people found out I was pregnant, even though I wasn't necessarily showing yet and continues to this day. People are weird.
On to business, even though it is making me late for work. I really wish I had the PTO to take the day off, but I'm trying to conserve it for the start of my short term disability/maternity leave. I like my paycheck.
So as previously stated I should be delivering at Bethesda, now called Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda (WRNMMCB, and no, I'm not joking. The Navy and the Army probably actually pulled out their equipment and started measuring to win the battle of naming the hospital when the Army's Walter Reed hospital transferred and combined with the Navy's Bethesda Hospital. Clearly the Army started out winning, since the name starts with Walter Reed. However, the Navy must have had a second string come in towards the end of the battle, with "Bethesda" tacked on the end). You can google Walter Reed Bethesda, but like any other military website, it sucks. The address is annoying to find in tiny font size at the bottom of each page. It is not available on their "Directions" page, but if you are familiar with the area, the directions pages will use street names you know.
When you get to the gate (walking or driving, remember this is a military base), you MUST have a photo ID. Driver's license, State ID, passport, etc. You MUST give them MY name, let them know you are visiting me and go ahead and tell them I'm in labor/delivery/maternity/whatever. I'll be on the inpatient list and they should be able to help direct you to a parking garage right by the hospital. Base speed limits are slow, and you should not be in a hurry on this base. There are usually tons of people walking around and it can be a bit confusing to know where to go. Pedestrians have the right of way. Give it to them generously. I may be there for a happy occasion but most people aren't. Parking can be a pain during the day. Be patient. DO NOT park in a reserved spot for officers or staff. You can park in a "patient spot". DO NOT park in an "expectant mother's spot" even if you are expecting. Even I can't park there. They reserve those for pregnant women having complications and give them a permit. When you enter the hospital, there are usually people standing around in jackets/blazers that can help direct you to where I will be. They don't need to know my name, just that I'm in the maternity ward. In the military, they like to make up crazy names so they can have an acronym. The WRNMMCB name for the maternity section is "Mother and Infant Care Center" (MICC) but "Maternity Ward" will probably work fine.
I think that's it. Although I'm sure that Eli would appreciate some chocolate. I would say caramel, but I'm trying to protect a temporary filling until after delivery and caramel could pull it out :(. I mean.... Eli might not like sticky yummy caramel... ... ... ... :)
Address:
8901 Wisconsin Avenue | Bethesda, MD 20889-5600
If your GPS tells you to take Connecticut Ave from 495, I actually suggest taking the Wisconsin exit (When coming down from the Baltimore area: stay to the right on the ramp when it splits and then get in the left lane after that split). I've regretted taking Connecticut every single time.
via metro:
WRNMMC is on the Red Line at the Medical Center Station. Exiting from the station, at top of escalator, turn right and cross Wisconsin Ave. This will be the main gate, South Wood Rd. entrance. Show ID at guard station where you may also receive guidance to your destination. At first intersection, right on Palmer Rd. South. Building 10, the main hospital is on left.
From Reagan National Airport, take the METRO Blue Line to METRO Center. Change platforms to the Red Line, destination Shady Grove. Get off at Medical Center Station. (Approx. 45 minutes)
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