It has been an exhausting 3 weeks, but it has been great. We are in love with our little family.
Abigail Lily - The Abster is adjusting well to life outside the womb. She is a healthy newborn in every aspect of the word. She nurses a lot - some days it feels like that's all I do - and we've already been spit up on and pooped and peed on several times. I find myself comparing my experiences with Abigail to my times with Madeline but regularly being surprised that things are different. I also find myself calling Abigail by her sister's name a lot. Madeline looked a lot like Abigail does when she was a newborn (comparison blog coming soon). Still, there are definite differences.
Abigail is a very sweet, mellow baby and really enjoys just looking around at her world when she is not sleeping. She loves to be held by her mommy (yay). She smiles a lot and makes funny noises when she stretches that sound like she is laughing really hard. We all get a kick out of it. She is quickly learning a slight case of impatience because, unfortunately, she has had to wait for feedings at times because Madeline is also in the picture.
Abigail sleeps most of the day and loves to be awake at night. I call it "womb-lag." She did the same thing when she was in my belly - her most active times were at night. Because of this, I sleep at wierd times and in spurts, often eating breakfast at lunchtime and so on and so forth. This is normal for a new baby - I know - but I am sure looking forward to a regular schedule again.
At 3 weeks old, we are having issues with snot and sneezing. I think Abigail caught a little cold from her sister. But the nasal suction bulb is working wonders (I had no idea boogers that big could come out of such a little person!!) and I am hoping she will be over it soon. I am starting to realize that a huge part of having little kids is dealing with illness and that those big yellow boogers and I are going to be good friends for many years to come.
Madeline Olivia - Mads is doing well with adjusting to having a new sister, but she is definitely not too happy with sharing her Mommy. She loves to hold Abby, and often asks to give her hugs and kisses. She talks to her a lot (calling her "sweetheart and honey") and wants to sit by her and help me with changing diapers, etc. Paul and I have made it a point to emphasize to Madeline how much we love her and to make her feel a part of everything and loved. Despite this, she still has her moments, which we expected.
Unfortunately Madeline has had a cold on and off for the past several weeks and it recently got worse so we have been trying to keep her away from the baby and trying to emphasize the importance of clean hands and covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough. Trying to teach these things to a 2 year old is not the easiest thing in the world and Madeline often appears to have hurt feelings. She also spends a lot of time on the floor just laying there in rebellion.
Paul has been sleeping with Madeline in her room for the past several nights, but I still end up in there if she has a cough attack or wakes up crying because she wants her mom.
This is something that has been the hardest adjustment for me... not being able to BE THERE for both of my girls at the same time. I often find myself day dreaming that I could split myself into two. I cannot nurse Abigail and cuddle and love my sick Madeline. Both have had to wait it out at different times and it seriously tears me apart (HA! I wish cause then there WOULD be two of me). Especially with Madeline because I see her face and can tell she is hurt by it all.
Despite her recent bouts with ear infections and cough attacks, Madeline has had a lot of inbetween healthy moments and we are trying to keep her busy. She loves going on walks and often ends up down the street with her friend Kiersten playing at the playground. She has been attending playschool now for a little over a week (she missed the last one due to her cold) and she LOVES it. I think it makes her feel really special and she likes being with all the other kids.
I also signed Madeline and myself up for a kindermusik class being given here on camp but we missed the first class because of Madeline being sick. I hope we can make it to the next class.
Paul a.k.a. SUPERMAN - I am continuously reminded of how lucky I am to have this man as MY husband. From the moment he started his "vacation" on December 27th, he has worked hard to make sure we are all happy. He has made dinner a million times; he takes care of Madeline a lot - feeding her breakfast, getting her dressed, taking her on walks or outside to play, taking her to the doctor, playing with her, and dancing with her; he is so amazing and I am so overwhelmed with love and appreciation for him. I feel bad that Paul's vacation from work has been more work than relaxation.
I have noticed an even tighter bond forming between Paul and Mads (of course this makes sense) and I am glad he is there for her. He is very protective of Madeline and her feelings. She even calls for him sometimes when she wakes up now. Our bond (mine and Paul's) has been tested a lot with all the stress and lack of sleep we are having, but no matter how crazy psycho freakish I get, he still loves me, kisses me, hugs me, and wants to take care of me. Sometimes I just don't understand it, then I remember this guys actually loves me. This is LOVE. And I am one lucky chick!
Edith (yours truly) - This delivery has been so universally different from my first delivery that at times, even shortly after having Abigail, I didn't even feel like I'd had a baby. Because the delivery was so fast there was less swelling and because I didn't have any serious injury (tears) healing has been quick. From day one I was rearing to go. I have been reminded by my body that I, in fact, DID have a baby though and need to take it easy.
The day I got home from the hospital I passed a clot that was the size of a baseball. It scared the hell out of me so Paul and I dropped Madeline off at a friends house and went to the ER. They were thorough (we were there several hours) and we were examined by three different doctors and blood tests and ultra sounds were done. All leading to the conclusion that I was okay - no abnormal labs or bits and pieces of things that shouldn't be there inside - and I just needed to go home and rest.
My lack of sleep, combined with emotional roller coasters and hormonal adjustments, has made me a bit of a wreck - the first week or so after the baby was born especially. There were often times I would just start crying for no reason or for a reason that made no sense. I think I scared Paul and Madeline and I am deeply irritated and saddened about that. I've been so tired at times I literally have FALLEN asleep, but I have gotten a lot better, and with proper sleep, can be quite a nice person.
For the first week after having the baby I was suffering from the chills at night. I would be just fine and then I would get this tingle in my left boob that would spread all over my body and I would shake uncontrollably... Paul got good at applying socks, loading piles of blankets on top of me, and then cuddling me until I was warm (AGAIN, what a freaking amazing man!). I thought I might have an infection from nursing/engorgement because I did have a low-grade fever and HOLY HELL did the engorgement when I first started nursing hurt like a mother! But, after a few days, it passed and I had no other signs of infection. Oh, and thankfully, the nursing experience has gotten much nicer and we have adjusted to each other nicely.
I have been seriously overwhelmed by the concern of our new friends here. The women in this community where we now live are so unbelievable. Several of the mommies I have gotten to know through playgroups got together and organized a schedule to deliver meals to our family until the beginning of FEBRUARY. Not just a week... we are talking meals every couple days or so for an entire month... and it has been so wonderful to not have to worry about making dinner while we adjust to life with two. Chicken teriyaki lettuce wraps, noodle salads, brownies, cookies, a roast with potatoes and carrots, lasagna, shepherd's pie, chicken and dumplings, delicious salads, homemade bread... the deliciousness goes on and on and our hearts and swelling with grateful compassion for these sweet spirits - some perfect strangers to us - who have taken the time out of their busy, family-filled days, to care about us.
It will take some time, but I have faith in myself that I can do this. I can love these two little girls and this man who I have been blessed with in my life the way they should be loved. I can serve them and teach them and be the Mommy/Wife I have always wanted to be. We are doing really well. We are blessed. We are happy and I KNOW we will be just fine.
To all those family and friends out there who we haven't called yet - I'm so sorry. We have been meaning to call or skype or even email you, but there is always something going on around here and when there isn't? We're usually asleep. So please, KNOW that we love you and please be patient with us. We can't wait to talk with you and see you and share our new little one with you... and thank you for loving us.
Pictures and fun stuff coming soon!
Abigail Lily - The Abster is adjusting well to life outside the womb. She is a healthy newborn in every aspect of the word. She nurses a lot - some days it feels like that's all I do - and we've already been spit up on and pooped and peed on several times. I find myself comparing my experiences with Abigail to my times with Madeline but regularly being surprised that things are different. I also find myself calling Abigail by her sister's name a lot. Madeline looked a lot like Abigail does when she was a newborn (comparison blog coming soon). Still, there are definite differences.
Abigail is a very sweet, mellow baby and really enjoys just looking around at her world when she is not sleeping. She loves to be held by her mommy (yay). She smiles a lot and makes funny noises when she stretches that sound like she is laughing really hard. We all get a kick out of it. She is quickly learning a slight case of impatience because, unfortunately, she has had to wait for feedings at times because Madeline is also in the picture.
Abigail sleeps most of the day and loves to be awake at night. I call it "womb-lag." She did the same thing when she was in my belly - her most active times were at night. Because of this, I sleep at wierd times and in spurts, often eating breakfast at lunchtime and so on and so forth. This is normal for a new baby - I know - but I am sure looking forward to a regular schedule again.
At 3 weeks old, we are having issues with snot and sneezing. I think Abigail caught a little cold from her sister. But the nasal suction bulb is working wonders (I had no idea boogers that big could come out of such a little person!!) and I am hoping she will be over it soon. I am starting to realize that a huge part of having little kids is dealing with illness and that those big yellow boogers and I are going to be good friends for many years to come.
Madeline Olivia - Mads is doing well with adjusting to having a new sister, but she is definitely not too happy with sharing her Mommy. She loves to hold Abby, and often asks to give her hugs and kisses. She talks to her a lot (calling her "sweetheart and honey") and wants to sit by her and help me with changing diapers, etc. Paul and I have made it a point to emphasize to Madeline how much we love her and to make her feel a part of everything and loved. Despite this, she still has her moments, which we expected.
Unfortunately Madeline has had a cold on and off for the past several weeks and it recently got worse so we have been trying to keep her away from the baby and trying to emphasize the importance of clean hands and covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough. Trying to teach these things to a 2 year old is not the easiest thing in the world and Madeline often appears to have hurt feelings. She also spends a lot of time on the floor just laying there in rebellion.
Paul has been sleeping with Madeline in her room for the past several nights, but I still end up in there if she has a cough attack or wakes up crying because she wants her mom.
This is something that has been the hardest adjustment for me... not being able to BE THERE for both of my girls at the same time. I often find myself day dreaming that I could split myself into two. I cannot nurse Abigail and cuddle and love my sick Madeline. Both have had to wait it out at different times and it seriously tears me apart (HA! I wish cause then there WOULD be two of me). Especially with Madeline because I see her face and can tell she is hurt by it all.
Despite her recent bouts with ear infections and cough attacks, Madeline has had a lot of inbetween healthy moments and we are trying to keep her busy. She loves going on walks and often ends up down the street with her friend Kiersten playing at the playground. She has been attending playschool now for a little over a week (she missed the last one due to her cold) and she LOVES it. I think it makes her feel really special and she likes being with all the other kids.
I also signed Madeline and myself up for a kindermusik class being given here on camp but we missed the first class because of Madeline being sick. I hope we can make it to the next class.
Paul a.k.a. SUPERMAN - I am continuously reminded of how lucky I am to have this man as MY husband. From the moment he started his "vacation" on December 27th, he has worked hard to make sure we are all happy. He has made dinner a million times; he takes care of Madeline a lot - feeding her breakfast, getting her dressed, taking her on walks or outside to play, taking her to the doctor, playing with her, and dancing with her; he is so amazing and I am so overwhelmed with love and appreciation for him. I feel bad that Paul's vacation from work has been more work than relaxation.
I have noticed an even tighter bond forming between Paul and Mads (of course this makes sense) and I am glad he is there for her. He is very protective of Madeline and her feelings. She even calls for him sometimes when she wakes up now. Our bond (mine and Paul's) has been tested a lot with all the stress and lack of sleep we are having, but no matter how crazy psycho freakish I get, he still loves me, kisses me, hugs me, and wants to take care of me. Sometimes I just don't understand it, then I remember this guys actually loves me. This is LOVE. And I am one lucky chick!
Edith (yours truly) - This delivery has been so universally different from my first delivery that at times, even shortly after having Abigail, I didn't even feel like I'd had a baby. Because the delivery was so fast there was less swelling and because I didn't have any serious injury (tears) healing has been quick. From day one I was rearing to go. I have been reminded by my body that I, in fact, DID have a baby though and need to take it easy.
The day I got home from the hospital I passed a clot that was the size of a baseball. It scared the hell out of me so Paul and I dropped Madeline off at a friends house and went to the ER. They were thorough (we were there several hours) and we were examined by three different doctors and blood tests and ultra sounds were done. All leading to the conclusion that I was okay - no abnormal labs or bits and pieces of things that shouldn't be there inside - and I just needed to go home and rest.
My lack of sleep, combined with emotional roller coasters and hormonal adjustments, has made me a bit of a wreck - the first week or so after the baby was born especially. There were often times I would just start crying for no reason or for a reason that made no sense. I think I scared Paul and Madeline and I am deeply irritated and saddened about that. I've been so tired at times I literally have FALLEN asleep, but I have gotten a lot better, and with proper sleep, can be quite a nice person.
For the first week after having the baby I was suffering from the chills at night. I would be just fine and then I would get this tingle in my left boob that would spread all over my body and I would shake uncontrollably... Paul got good at applying socks, loading piles of blankets on top of me, and then cuddling me until I was warm (AGAIN, what a freaking amazing man!). I thought I might have an infection from nursing/engorgement because I did have a low-grade fever and HOLY HELL did the engorgement when I first started nursing hurt like a mother! But, after a few days, it passed and I had no other signs of infection. Oh, and thankfully, the nursing experience has gotten much nicer and we have adjusted to each other nicely.
I have been seriously overwhelmed by the concern of our new friends here. The women in this community where we now live are so unbelievable. Several of the mommies I have gotten to know through playgroups got together and organized a schedule to deliver meals to our family until the beginning of FEBRUARY. Not just a week... we are talking meals every couple days or so for an entire month... and it has been so wonderful to not have to worry about making dinner while we adjust to life with two. Chicken teriyaki lettuce wraps, noodle salads, brownies, cookies, a roast with potatoes and carrots, lasagna, shepherd's pie, chicken and dumplings, delicious salads, homemade bread... the deliciousness goes on and on and our hearts and swelling with grateful compassion for these sweet spirits - some perfect strangers to us - who have taken the time out of their busy, family-filled days, to care about us.
It will take some time, but I have faith in myself that I can do this. I can love these two little girls and this man who I have been blessed with in my life the way they should be loved. I can serve them and teach them and be the Mommy/Wife I have always wanted to be. We are doing really well. We are blessed. We are happy and I KNOW we will be just fine.
To all those family and friends out there who we haven't called yet - I'm so sorry. We have been meaning to call or skype or even email you, but there is always something going on around here and when there isn't? We're usually asleep. So please, KNOW that we love you and please be patient with us. We can't wait to talk with you and see you and share our new little one with you... and thank you for loving us.
Pictures and fun stuff coming soon!
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