A Post All About Southernly Things
Eamon stayed home for a week while I recovered, and finally understands why I am crazy. I guess he just didn't understand the sincerity of my voice when I said things like "She just doesn't stop talking" or "I really did JUST clean that up" or "She JUST pooped, I swear I'm wiping her butt all day" Nope... Now he knows ;]
I took care of myself differently this time as well.
I got my placenta encapsulated and have been taking them along with my other suppliments. It seems to be helping. On the 4/5 day I was pretty weepy, but we'll get to that in a minute, but other than that, I feel a lot more leveled out than before.
Also, instead of using maxi pads that always leave me itchy, I used cloth pads after I was done needing Depends. I stopped bleeding a LOT quicker this time, so wearing a light, breathable cotton liner is much more sensable.
I've been so grateful for all of the meals that have been provided for us, allowing me to stay off of my feet for a bit. Phoebe's labor was long and slow and took a lot out of me. The first two nights she was here, she REALLY wanted my milk to come in and kept me awake for two straight days. But when it finally came in, she has been a great little sleeper. If it weren't for all of the help we've had...wooo, I'd be a zombie!
There's so much you forget about the newborn stage...
It's all about just the two of you, nursing is so innocent, she tries to figure me out as I get to know her... The snuggles, the poopy smiles, the teeny tiny everything... Ahh, I love it!
With the lack of attention, and waaaaaay too much tv watching, Lily has gone back to pushing every possible limit she can. Allowing some grace through this transition is super difficult, but necessary.
And Norah... well Norah is suddenly a big girl. She's a spit-fire who is ready to take on the world, one half eaten crayon at a time...
Next week I'll be all alone with at least two of the girlies while Eamon is in Rockport... getting our new house ready for us.
Yep.
We're going back.
After Phoebe was born, my FIL called and offered us an opportunity of a lifetime. Eamon will be able to finally finish his degree, we'll be able to pay off debts, and we'll be with our blood family (even though we are leaving all of our chosen family and friends...)
Phoebe Christine 05-03-2013
My sweet, tiny girl is here <3
Phoebe Christine Burke
05-03-2013 | 6lbs 15oz | 19.5 in long
Sticks & Spit
When I was at the end of my pregnancy with Lily, we were hit with the news that we would have to move. Immediately. As in, on her due date. It was very traumatic for me, and while other people may have seen it, only one man spoke into that. He walked past me one day as I was worrying and came back around to talk to me about the move. Bob was/is a great, kind man who is married to one of my midwives and knows so much about a woman's heart.
He said "I understand, you already built your nest. You don't have time to put together more sticks and spit to get ready for your baby."
That's the first time that I really understood what "nesting" meant.
This being my third time around, I've refined my nesting ways just a tad-it's more streamlined, if you will.
But, as of yesterday, my nest is built.
I woke up to...ahem...progress... yesterday morning and had contractions through lunch time, but after a nap, everything went back to normal. BUT, it got my booty in gear. Sweet Katie came over and helped me clean my house, I aired up the birth pool (which should have been done anyway...oops) got out all of the clean towels and started preparing my heart.
After an uneventful night and morning, I think it's safe to say that yesterday was just the start of the long, ridiculous process that is "Mae having a baby" but I was thrilled that...it's coming. SOON. Soon I will lift a tiny, warm, squishy baby up out of the water and on to my chest and our little family will expand and be complete-again.
The anticipation of whether or not I'll continue on as a "girl mom" or if I "get" my boy (I have mixed feelings on that sort of attitude) is kind of killing me.
Reminding myself that "THIS IS GOING TO HURT" has to happen. Last time I expected smooth sailing and was hit with reality, but the first time I expected the worst pain of my life.... and it wasn't so bad, haha ;] We'll see what this little babe has in store for me. What I do know for sure is that God will be there.
Norah hasn't slept more than 2 hours at a time for over a week now, and it's wearing us out, but we'll survive.
I'm ready for my new babe to be here. To introduce Norah to big-sisterhood. To walk through the miracle of childbirth with my favorite people. To see Lily light up at the addition of new life.
Any day now... Or week ;]