Cloud 9!!!!

So, a little history first... in the State of California, a woman can receive up to 4 weeks of short-term disability prior to a birth and 6-8 weeks following a birth to recover from the birth.  After that point, the woman (and man probably too) can receive an additional 12 weeks of job protected time off from work to bond with the new baby (called FMLA).  There are no restrictions on the short-term disability other than having a note from the doctor but with the FMLA you must have 1 year of employment with your current employer and 1250 hours worked in that previous year (in addition to a few other requirements).  Here inlies the problem, I have been a contracted employee at my job for the past 3 years.  In December, when our contract was up, the hospital at which I work decided to not renew our contract and instead hire us directly.  This was wonderful because the hospital has amazing benefits and is rumored to be a fabulous employer; however, this also posed a huge problem to me because I have now been with my employer for 3 weeks, instead of 3 years!  I spoke with several people in HR and Disability at the hospital and they all told me that I do not qualify for FMLA.  Needless to say... I was not a happy camper!  Here comes the good part... someone, somewhere had a change of heart and I found out today that they will honor my FMLA!!!!!  That means.... instead of having to return to work 6 weeks after the baby is born, I am able to stay home with him for 4 months!!!!  That news made me one HAPPY CAMPER today!!!  I was so happy that I found myself crying while checking out at Winco and in the garage when I got home!!!!  Anyway, I just had to share my excitement with everyone!!!!