Or is there even a normal to find? I'm not sure. I'm trying to settle in and find the new, improved schedule as I ought to be able to take back most of my chores in a few days, but I can't seem to remember how things should go. Maybe going from 6 to 7 children has just changed how it all goes anyway. Plus the children are older and Ethan and Eran are learning some chores. I guess everything really is different and I need to draw up new plans for school/chores routine.
My stomach is feeling much better. So, in that way, physically-normal is in sight. yay! I'm thinking of taking a short walk today with princess J in the sling carrier.
I need to take more pics. It's been hard since she's just looking better (the yellow is going) and now it's baby acne time. All of mine have had a brief stint of this. It isn't something that you love to take pics of. Princess M not only had the acne but I swear everytime I took her pic in the first month or so--she'd grimace at the last second. She outgrew that. :0)
We've been getting meals every other evening from our wonderful church. So appreciated! I'm not the first in the last couple months to have a baby and I'm not the last this month due--we're having a very fruitful year! The list of expectant moms keeps getting longer! I'm looking forward to taking meals to others.
I turned 39 last Thursday. I had been slightly nervous that I'd have to deliver that day and it was much nicer to cuddle a newborn. A very good birthday gift. Lucien is 49 tomorrow. Ack. We're getting old! Next year, we're hoping to have a big party.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
5 days old already!
I wrote out her birth story in its entirety today. It's just for her tho. I know what my issues were and why. I heard a comedian say recently something to the effect that--I know God is in control. I trust Him to be. I just wonder if there's something He's going to use to give me a new testimony. IOW, I've had very bad expectations about most everything for months. I suppose I figured that if my expectations were that things would go wrong, then I could handle it better when it did. A hint: this doesn't work well for birth. Not that things went wrong, but the pain was more intense than it needed to be.
So here I am with a beautful princess in my arms and I am thankful. She is doing well I think. I've been trying to give her plenty of window time as there was a bit of jaundice. Her cord stump has fallen off. (I always can't wait for that.) My milk has been in for a while and she nurses great. Plenty of wet diapers. (Simeon was not as great a nurser--it's nice not to have that to worry about.) She's getting more organized about how long she's going between feedings and she's sleeping much better.
Lucien went right back to work on Monday. I'm hoping/praying he doesn't have to work this weekend. The boys are a great help and I've stayed off my feet fairly well. Mostly just taking care of my needs and baby's needs. I guess it would just be nice for him to be here. He hasn't been able to spend much time adoring the little miss.
Someone asked about the hyperemesis (extreme nausea/vomiting) and knowing it was all worth it. Of course it was. It always has been. One could wish it hadn't gone until nearly 18 weeks. I still don't think I'd be up for it again unless I could get some sort of written guarantee that it would not be so long and hard. I'm still feeling some of the symptoms. Weak symptoms but they're still there. I still can't stand whatever taste is my mouth at any given moment. My appetite is horrible. I still don't feel that well after eating. This should all fade over the next week or so as my hormones try to go back to 'not preggo' levels. On an up note--I am feeling much better in other ways. My strength is returning and I'm anxious to add activities. I try to stay down as much as possible for the first 1-2 weeks. It's also what my midwife suggests.
There was so much I wasn't letting myself think of on this side of her birth that I'm having fun looking forward now. Princess the first turns 5 on the 29th. And Eran will be 8 on August 7th. So I'm thinking what the presents will be. Then there's ordering our new homeschool year materials. Zeke needs more time driving so he can work on getting that license. And he'd like a part time job. I'm looking forward to entertaining again. Really had no energy to think of it for quite a while.
Have I mentioned how in love I am with this bundle sleeping in my arms? :0)
So here I am with a beautful princess in my arms and I am thankful. She is doing well I think. I've been trying to give her plenty of window time as there was a bit of jaundice. Her cord stump has fallen off. (I always can't wait for that.) My milk has been in for a while and she nurses great. Plenty of wet diapers. (Simeon was not as great a nurser--it's nice not to have that to worry about.) She's getting more organized about how long she's going between feedings and she's sleeping much better.
Lucien went right back to work on Monday. I'm hoping/praying he doesn't have to work this weekend. The boys are a great help and I've stayed off my feet fairly well. Mostly just taking care of my needs and baby's needs. I guess it would just be nice for him to be here. He hasn't been able to spend much time adoring the little miss.
Someone asked about the hyperemesis (extreme nausea/vomiting) and knowing it was all worth it. Of course it was. It always has been. One could wish it hadn't gone until nearly 18 weeks. I still don't think I'd be up for it again unless I could get some sort of written guarantee that it would not be so long and hard. I'm still feeling some of the symptoms. Weak symptoms but they're still there. I still can't stand whatever taste is my mouth at any given moment. My appetite is horrible. I still don't feel that well after eating. This should all fade over the next week or so as my hormones try to go back to 'not preggo' levels. On an up note--I am feeling much better in other ways. My strength is returning and I'm anxious to add activities. I try to stay down as much as possible for the first 1-2 weeks. It's also what my midwife suggests.
There was so much I wasn't letting myself think of on this side of her birth that I'm having fun looking forward now. Princess the first turns 5 on the 29th. And Eran will be 8 on August 7th. So I'm thinking what the presents will be. Then there's ordering our new homeschool year materials. Zeke needs more time driving so he can work on getting that license. And he'd like a part time job. I'm looking forward to entertaining again. Really had no energy to think of it for quite a while.
Have I mentioned how in love I am with this bundle sleeping in my arms? :0)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
My Newest Princess
Last time I had a baby, I remembered times of everything. This time, not so much.
I wish I could say I went into yesterday brave, faithful, and with a good attitude. Instead, I had no peace, and I was convinced I couldn’t do it. Chalk it up to how my year has been thus far, a slight lack of sleep Thursday night, and a tummy ailment which allowed me to skip my plans to take castor oil.
So mid-morning yesterday found me begging to skip it all --meaning I was willing rather to have a c-section. It seems to be usual for me to freak out when I am preggy with a daughter. At any rate, Lucien and my midwife talked me out of it.
With my other babies, whenever my water has been broken or the 1 time it broke on its own, hard labor kicks right in and baby comes--usually less than 3 hours. For about 5 hours yesterday, not much of anything. Frustration galore. Finally, we tried an herbal mixture and I think, once the hard labor kicked in, it was about 2-2.5 hours after that my Julia arrived.
I was able to use the pool again only this time I birthed her sort of sitting rather than on my knees like with Simeon. This was neat because I seemed to go from utter agony-like this will never end-to here’s her head, now the rest of her, and she’s in my arms. It was so fast. (well, then it was. It was my 3rd pushing contraction.)
So Julia Kaelyn Mercy arrived. She’s beautiful. She has the cutest personality showing already. Sometimes she’ll do this little yell and then look around as if wondering if she ought to do it again. She likes to latch on independently and nurses like a pro. She is 8lbs 13oz and 21”. And I’m so grateful she’s in my arms and healthy.
Maybe later, if she’ll stop nursing long enough for me to get a good picture, I’ll post it….. :0)
I wish I could say I went into yesterday brave, faithful, and with a good attitude. Instead, I had no peace, and I was convinced I couldn’t do it. Chalk it up to how my year has been thus far, a slight lack of sleep Thursday night, and a tummy ailment which allowed me to skip my plans to take castor oil.
So mid-morning yesterday found me begging to skip it all --meaning I was willing rather to have a c-section. It seems to be usual for me to freak out when I am preggy with a daughter. At any rate, Lucien and my midwife talked me out of it.
With my other babies, whenever my water has been broken or the 1 time it broke on its own, hard labor kicks right in and baby comes--usually less than 3 hours. For about 5 hours yesterday, not much of anything. Frustration galore. Finally, we tried an herbal mixture and I think, once the hard labor kicked in, it was about 2-2.5 hours after that my Julia arrived.
I was able to use the pool again only this time I birthed her sort of sitting rather than on my knees like with Simeon. This was neat because I seemed to go from utter agony-like this will never end-to here’s her head, now the rest of her, and she’s in my arms. It was so fast. (well, then it was. It was my 3rd pushing contraction.)
So Julia Kaelyn Mercy arrived. She’s beautiful. She has the cutest personality showing already. Sometimes she’ll do this little yell and then look around as if wondering if she ought to do it again. She likes to latch on independently and nurses like a pro. She is 8lbs 13oz and 21”. And I’m so grateful she’s in my arms and healthy.
Maybe later, if she’ll stop nursing long enough for me to get a good picture, I’ll post it….. :0)
Monday, June 29, 2009
39 weeks
I saw my midwife today. My blood pressure was very low. As usual. She commented on no wonder I feel week and ill a lot! yep. I am 75% and 2-3 cm. She expects me to call anytime. I don't know. I'm pretty achey but I know I don't usually go this early.
The birth pool will be inflated tonight. I'm looking forward to another water birth. Hope it works out well.
Lucien was supposed to work yesterday but they changed their minds and we were all able to go to church. I was very glad. I hate to miss just before baby since I usually stay home at least 2-3 weeks to heal.
The weather is absolutely beautiful today and the forecast seems to be pretty much more of the same all week. Love it! Nice breeze. We stopped at the playground on the way home from seeing m/w and it was just perfect. If I'm still preggy for the weekend, it'll be good one! yay!
The birth pool will be inflated tonight. I'm looking forward to another water birth. Hope it works out well.
Lucien was supposed to work yesterday but they changed their minds and we were all able to go to church. I was very glad. I hate to miss just before baby since I usually stay home at least 2-3 weeks to heal.
The weather is absolutely beautiful today and the forecast seems to be pretty much more of the same all week. Love it! Nice breeze. We stopped at the playground on the way home from seeing m/w and it was just perfect. If I'm still preggy for the weekend, it'll be good one! yay!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
2 weeks from due date
and I'm up at 3am. Baby is so active and I'm starving. I can not think what to eat at this time of day that won't make me feel ill tho. ick
I'm nearly completely ready on all fronts. I say nearly because the only thing I'm waiting on is that my midwife has the birth pool and I'd rather it was here and inflated before these sporadic, annoying practice contractions decide to do something. I've been getting some rather strong ones, but thankfully, they don't go on and on. I'm also swelling quite well now that it's getting hotter. Not concerned about my blood pressure--I always swell while preggy in the summer.
My hair is shorter again and I love it. Lucien really seems to like it this length too. Princess had a few inches taken off her hair as well but since it was down to her rear--you can't tell! It's still long and beautiful. She doesn't have my thick, heavy hair so I think it'll be easier for her to keep it long.
We had a great time at the ice cream social/dance on Friday night. Princess dances with daddy usually and when they do a dance in which you change partners--she has quit in the past (in tears). So it was amazing to watch her keep dancing this time. Also amazing to watch how patient and kind the young gentlemen of our church are with little girls. I know I should not be surprised given that my young men are as well. I suppose it will just be exciting watch these godly young men start their own families. (btw, our dances are barn dances in case you did not know.)
I didn't do much for my little flower bed this year but what is there is doing very well. I'll have to get a picture in the next few days. I think I'm about to have 4 or 5 red carnations bloom. I had planted some daisies too but I don't think they came up. I think in the fall I would like to dig out the area and put down plastic at the bottom and fresh dirt over it. There's this vine that has bugged me the last couple years and it's tough to weed out. Seems like you pull and pull but can never get the bottom of it (I'd have to be Hercules). I can keep it from taking over and that is about it.
I'm nearly completely ready on all fronts. I say nearly because the only thing I'm waiting on is that my midwife has the birth pool and I'd rather it was here and inflated before these sporadic, annoying practice contractions decide to do something. I've been getting some rather strong ones, but thankfully, they don't go on and on. I'm also swelling quite well now that it's getting hotter. Not concerned about my blood pressure--I always swell while preggy in the summer.
My hair is shorter again and I love it. Lucien really seems to like it this length too. Princess had a few inches taken off her hair as well but since it was down to her rear--you can't tell! It's still long and beautiful. She doesn't have my thick, heavy hair so I think it'll be easier for her to keep it long.
We had a great time at the ice cream social/dance on Friday night. Princess dances with daddy usually and when they do a dance in which you change partners--she has quit in the past (in tears). So it was amazing to watch her keep dancing this time. Also amazing to watch how patient and kind the young gentlemen of our church are with little girls. I know I should not be surprised given that my young men are as well. I suppose it will just be exciting watch these godly young men start their own families. (btw, our dances are barn dances in case you did not know.)
I didn't do much for my little flower bed this year but what is there is doing very well. I'll have to get a picture in the next few days. I think I'm about to have 4 or 5 red carnations bloom. I had planted some daisies too but I don't think they came up. I think in the fall I would like to dig out the area and put down plastic at the bottom and fresh dirt over it. There's this vine that has bugged me the last couple years and it's tough to weed out. Seems like you pull and pull but can never get the bottom of it (I'd have to be Hercules). I can keep it from taking over and that is about it.
Friday, June 12, 2009
24 days
Of course, now that I'm almost due, Lucien tells me they've stepped up the schedule at work. Like nearly every day working stepped up. I'm too tired for it!
Saw my midwife this week. Baby is fine, I am fine, everything is fine. Then why am I so tired? lol I guess I'll make it through! I have ordered my birth kit. I ordered something else too that will be new to me. It's called 'mama cloth.' (if you are a guy reading this, first why? and second--you might want to skip this part) There is only one brand of store bought feminine protection I can use. And even that will make me feel like I'm getting an infection by the end of postpartum stuff. So I'm going to try cloth at least part time. I've heard really good things about it. Interestingly, some ladies say their normally heavy, awful periods become more bearable. Somehow I don't doubt that. I mean if the stuff can make me feel like I have an infection than why wouldn't it also make things worse? I guess we'll see!
I was feeling really like I wasn't up for the labor/delivery thing. Partly I think it is that I was sick with that sore throat and partly that Simeon's birth was a bit hard on me. Anyway, my midwife doesn't think this baby is nearly as big. And I checked out a good book on birth from the library yesterday. Helped me organize things in my mind again. I've made a list about how I want things--for instance--NO phones ringing! Also I realized that I need to be thinking more positively since like with anything else--one's mind can affect how things go. This is a bit harder than it sounds considering how much illness we had over the winter and all. I think I've begun to expect the worst at any time! Instead, I need to be thinking of how God gave us this baby and how He created things to work and He *will* bring me through this again. Wow. Just writing that down helps!
At bottom, it's really about the unknowns. For this reason, I wish being induced were an option. But I know the difference between induction contractions and a more natural labor contraction. I don't like it! But it's all so hard when you are a list oriented person and like to schedule everything! Today, my 2 oldest were out with friends from about 11 until 4. I began to wonder *after* they left just what I'd do if today had ended up being the day. Now, of course, it's still way too early given my record but I really wasn't sure what I'd do! It's so hard to reach Lucien at work. And really it's hard to reach most anyone during the day! But here's where I have to go back to that part about God really being in control of these unknowns and He'll take care of it. I do pray on all accounts for a night birth tho--it'd be much quieter and I like it somewhat dark when I'm concentrating on getting thru a contraction. (Simeon came at 5pm--NOT the best time of day, imo!)
Ah well, in the meantime I have that song from Mr Rogers in my head all the time--Let's think of something to do while we're waiting, while we're waiting......
Saw my midwife this week. Baby is fine, I am fine, everything is fine. Then why am I so tired? lol I guess I'll make it through! I have ordered my birth kit. I ordered something else too that will be new to me. It's called 'mama cloth.' (if you are a guy reading this, first why? and second--you might want to skip this part) There is only one brand of store bought feminine protection I can use. And even that will make me feel like I'm getting an infection by the end of postpartum stuff. So I'm going to try cloth at least part time. I've heard really good things about it. Interestingly, some ladies say their normally heavy, awful periods become more bearable. Somehow I don't doubt that. I mean if the stuff can make me feel like I have an infection than why wouldn't it also make things worse? I guess we'll see!
I was feeling really like I wasn't up for the labor/delivery thing. Partly I think it is that I was sick with that sore throat and partly that Simeon's birth was a bit hard on me. Anyway, my midwife doesn't think this baby is nearly as big. And I checked out a good book on birth from the library yesterday. Helped me organize things in my mind again. I've made a list about how I want things--for instance--NO phones ringing! Also I realized that I need to be thinking more positively since like with anything else--one's mind can affect how things go. This is a bit harder than it sounds considering how much illness we had over the winter and all. I think I've begun to expect the worst at any time! Instead, I need to be thinking of how God gave us this baby and how He created things to work and He *will* bring me through this again. Wow. Just writing that down helps!
At bottom, it's really about the unknowns. For this reason, I wish being induced were an option. But I know the difference between induction contractions and a more natural labor contraction. I don't like it! But it's all so hard when you are a list oriented person and like to schedule everything! Today, my 2 oldest were out with friends from about 11 until 4. I began to wonder *after* they left just what I'd do if today had ended up being the day. Now, of course, it's still way too early given my record but I really wasn't sure what I'd do! It's so hard to reach Lucien at work. And really it's hard to reach most anyone during the day! But here's where I have to go back to that part about God really being in control of these unknowns and He'll take care of it. I do pray on all accounts for a night birth tho--it'd be much quieter and I like it somewhat dark when I'm concentrating on getting thru a contraction. (Simeon came at 5pm--NOT the best time of day, imo!)
Ah well, in the meantime I have that song from Mr Rogers in my head all the time--Let's think of something to do while we're waiting, while we're waiting......
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