Here are some of my favorite memories from 2008.
~By far, the absolute best was giving birth to Karis peacefully in our home, without drugs, and in the water. It was so many dreams come true.
~Celebrating Abbie’s first birthday with our church friends and family
~Matt getting hired at UPS…and getting promoted to management within a few months
~Our annual summer journey to New Jersey, and meeting our new nephew Evan
~Getting to know Ryan and Aura (and their three awesome kids) better, and deepening our friendship with them
~Spending a beautiful summer day at Ocean City with Derrick, Kerri, and Summer. Gosh, we miss them!
~Thanksgiving in KY with a very random gathering of church folk; have I mentioned lately how much I love our church family??
~All the family babies who were born: Evan, Dylan, Xavier, Leandro, Mia, and Leah and Luke (ok, last two aren’t technically family, but they’re close!)
~Nicole and Tyler’s wedding
~Getting all A’s during my first 9-credit semester of grad school
~Getting passionate about politics for the first time in my life (even though my guy lost)
~Dr. Systma’s Human Sexuality class last January, and traveling to Atlanta in April to take Basic Sex Therapy. I finally know my calling!
~Good books I’ve read (and recommend): Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Soul Virgins (Doug Roseneau), Theology in the Context of World Christianity (Timothy Tennent), and a great article entitled A Christian View of Sex in Art by John Stuart Peck. Read these!
~Our awesome small group and spending six weeks just talking about how awesome marriage is
~Watching Abbie do the hand motions to Itsy Bitsy Spider during the Christmas Eve service
~New Year’s Eve at home with Matt and our two sleepy girls
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Family of four!
Even though Abbie was extremely cranky and Karis was hungry, we were able to get some pretty good pictures at Sears today. It's so hard to believe that we're a family of four now!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
My postpartum journey: Week one
Warning: graphic content. If you get queasy reading about birth and related matters, you may want to skip this entry!
Oxytocin rush.
I read in stories and heard from friends who had had natural (drug-free) births that immediately after the baby is born, the mother experiences a powerful rush of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which immediately bonds her to her baby. Let me tell you what—it’s true! Although I didn’t really recognize it until it wore off, I was on an oxytocin rush all day Tuesday. I felt so relaxed and dreamy; all was right with the world! I wasn’t even in any pain—I think I may have taken one Tylenol the whole day, and pretty much just stayed in bed with Karis all day long. Ahhh…it was heavenly!
Sitz baths.
Any new moms out there will be familiar with the experience of after-birth sitz baths. Sitting on the toilet in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes, two to three times a day. BORING! After Abbie was born, I was so unmotivated to do sitz baths that it took me forever to heal. This time, I decided to be a little more industrious. I set up a tray table right in front of our toilet and spent my sitz bath time online or writing thank-you letters for the scholarships I received last year! It ended up being good alone time. Gross, but when you’re a mother of two children, you do what you gotta do…
Breastfeeding.
I thought it was supposed to be easier the second time. I thought that, because I knew what I was doing, it wasn’t supposed to hurt. Every La Leche League leader and breastfeeding guide says that, if the baby is positioned correctly, the mother’s nipples won’t get cracked or sore. I’d politely like to disagree. Saturday was probably the most pain I’d been in since Abbie started breastfeeding. The worst part of the pain is the persistence of the baby’s need to EAT! Two hours in-between feedings is certainly not enough time to heal, even with lanolin cream. I admit I resorted to the pacifier and the pump and bottle several times that day. Karis and I have gotten better at the whole process, but I’m still healing (slowly). On a related note, I am publicly declaring my eternal gratitude to whoever invented these.
Split pelvis?
I think I may have split my pelvis on Thursday. I’m not sure about this, but from everything I’ve read, my symptoms fit the description. Unfortunately, there’s nothing anyone can do about it. I’ve tried several different positions laying down, but pretty much I’m in constant pain. Anyone with suggestions would be very much appreciated!
Uterine infection.
Turns out, I hadn’t expelled all the…uh…membranes involved with the placenta, even though the placenta was completely intact when it was born. Weird. Anyway, it came out (blahhhhhh) on Saturday night along with a lot of retained blood (which set off another round of after-birth contractions that hurt like Hades)—one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve had lately, as I didn’t know what was going on at first. Anyway, I was already at a higher risk of infection because I lost most of the lochia (after-birth blood) before the placenta was born as opposed to after, and the retained membrane increased my risk even more. Plus, I tend to get infections rather easily in general. Not so much fun. The next night after feeling hot and body-achy, I took my temp. It was 101.4! Yikes! I immediately called my midwife and she advised I visit my doctor in the morning if my temperature was still up; she suggested that it was a uterine infection because I had no symptoms of either breast or urinary tract infection. Needless to say, between the breastfeeding pain, the split pelvis issue, and the emotional rollercoaster of expelling the retained membrane, I was at my breaking point. I was exhausted. If it was an infection, I would need antibiotics, which would increase my risk for developing thrush. Which would make breastfeeding close to unbearable. Matt and I decided to pray…he prayed that God would heal my infection and take my fever away…
Healing.
…The next morning, I took my temperature, expecting it to be elevated again. It was 97.7. I had no body aches. After a few minutes it dawned on me that God may have healed me! I was hesitant to acknowledge this thought for a few hours; after all the fever may come back…it may have just been a bug…it may just be a coincidence. (This is how I usually dismiss God’s practical interventions in my life.) When the fever didn’t come back all day long, I finally admitted to Matt that God had answered our prayer!!
It has been a good week. I am thankful that Matt was able to take off work to spend my labor-day with me and two full days after Karis was born. I’m thankful for my Mom who has been staying with us, helping us take care of Abbie and our house. I’m thankful for my beautiful baby girl who is healthy and happy. I’m thankful that I worship a God Who hears my little prayers and cares for my everyday needs.
Finally, pictures!
Oxytocin rush.
I read in stories and heard from friends who had had natural (drug-free) births that immediately after the baby is born, the mother experiences a powerful rush of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which immediately bonds her to her baby. Let me tell you what—it’s true! Although I didn’t really recognize it until it wore off, I was on an oxytocin rush all day Tuesday. I felt so relaxed and dreamy; all was right with the world! I wasn’t even in any pain—I think I may have taken one Tylenol the whole day, and pretty much just stayed in bed with Karis all day long. Ahhh…it was heavenly!
Sitz baths.
Any new moms out there will be familiar with the experience of after-birth sitz baths. Sitting on the toilet in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes, two to three times a day. BORING! After Abbie was born, I was so unmotivated to do sitz baths that it took me forever to heal. This time, I decided to be a little more industrious. I set up a tray table right in front of our toilet and spent my sitz bath time online or writing thank-you letters for the scholarships I received last year! It ended up being good alone time. Gross, but when you’re a mother of two children, you do what you gotta do…
Breastfeeding.
I thought it was supposed to be easier the second time. I thought that, because I knew what I was doing, it wasn’t supposed to hurt. Every La Leche League leader and breastfeeding guide says that, if the baby is positioned correctly, the mother’s nipples won’t get cracked or sore. I’d politely like to disagree. Saturday was probably the most pain I’d been in since Abbie started breastfeeding. The worst part of the pain is the persistence of the baby’s need to EAT! Two hours in-between feedings is certainly not enough time to heal, even with lanolin cream. I admit I resorted to the pacifier and the pump and bottle several times that day. Karis and I have gotten better at the whole process, but I’m still healing (slowly). On a related note, I am publicly declaring my eternal gratitude to whoever invented these.
Split pelvis?
I think I may have split my pelvis on Thursday. I’m not sure about this, but from everything I’ve read, my symptoms fit the description. Unfortunately, there’s nothing anyone can do about it. I’ve tried several different positions laying down, but pretty much I’m in constant pain. Anyone with suggestions would be very much appreciated!
Uterine infection.
Turns out, I hadn’t expelled all the…uh…membranes involved with the placenta, even though the placenta was completely intact when it was born. Weird. Anyway, it came out (blahhhhhh) on Saturday night along with a lot of retained blood (which set off another round of after-birth contractions that hurt like Hades)—one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve had lately, as I didn’t know what was going on at first. Anyway, I was already at a higher risk of infection because I lost most of the lochia (after-birth blood) before the placenta was born as opposed to after, and the retained membrane increased my risk even more. Plus, I tend to get infections rather easily in general. Not so much fun. The next night after feeling hot and body-achy, I took my temp. It was 101.4! Yikes! I immediately called my midwife and she advised I visit my doctor in the morning if my temperature was still up; she suggested that it was a uterine infection because I had no symptoms of either breast or urinary tract infection. Needless to say, between the breastfeeding pain, the split pelvis issue, and the emotional rollercoaster of expelling the retained membrane, I was at my breaking point. I was exhausted. If it was an infection, I would need antibiotics, which would increase my risk for developing thrush. Which would make breastfeeding close to unbearable. Matt and I decided to pray…he prayed that God would heal my infection and take my fever away…
Healing.
…The next morning, I took my temperature, expecting it to be elevated again. It was 97.7. I had no body aches. After a few minutes it dawned on me that God may have healed me! I was hesitant to acknowledge this thought for a few hours; after all the fever may come back…it may have just been a bug…it may just be a coincidence. (This is how I usually dismiss God’s practical interventions in my life.) When the fever didn’t come back all day long, I finally admitted to Matt that God had answered our prayer!!
It has been a good week. I am thankful that Matt was able to take off work to spend my labor-day with me and two full days after Karis was born. I’m thankful for my Mom who has been staying with us, helping us take care of Abbie and our house. I’m thankful for my beautiful baby girl who is healthy and happy. I’m thankful that I worship a God Who hears my little prayers and cares for my everyday needs.
Finally, pictures!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
She's here!
Karis Rhea-Noel
was born gently at home,
in the water,
into our hands!
December 15, 2008
10:37pm
8lbs., 10oz.
21 inches
Welcome to the world, sweet baby!
was born gently at home,
in the water,
into our hands!
December 15, 2008
10:37pm
8lbs., 10oz.
21 inches
Welcome to the world, sweet baby!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What I'm looking forward to
First of all, let me say that I've officially never been pregnant this long before. Abbie was born at 37 weeks and 6 days, which means that I have now been pregnant 2.5 days longer than I was last time. The funny thing is, I remember being SO ready for Abbie to come starting at like 34 weeks... partially because I was working a full-time desk job that made my swelling worse and made the days draaaaaag on and on. I am so happy about how much more comfortable I am this time. It's the chiropractic, I'm telling you! (Even though I had to cancel my appointment this past Monday because Abbie's 18-month check-up overlapped my appointment time.)
But as Karis' birth draws nearer, I am starting to think of all the things about labor and birth that I'm looking forward to:
1. The possibility of having some time to myself. If my labor starts during the day while Matt is at work, I am planning to have a friend take Abbie and spend some time laboring by myself at home. As strange a plan as this may sound, I think it will help me relax and get into a good labor pattern.
2. The impulsive drive to nest! There are some small preparation projects that, because I've been focused on wrapping the semester up, I haven't been able to get to yet. I'm hoping to have a surge of energy during early labor when I can get some of these done.
3. Spending uninterrupted time with Matt, and all the back massages he's going to give me! He was an awesome co-laborer during Abbie's birth, and I'm hoping that during this birth, since we'll be at home, he'll feel even more free to really "be with" me.
4. Feeling natural labor. Strange perhaps, but true! Since my labor with Abbie was induced with pitocin (the drug of the devil!!!), my contractions were extremely (and unnaturally) uncomfortable and persistent for over six hours. Even if my natural contractions are this uncomfortable, I'll be experiencing the power of my OWN body, and will not feel afraid that I might be hurting my baby. I'm excited to experience just how strong my body is!
5. Laboring in water. Huge tub, warm water up to my neck, being weightless, being able to change positions easily....need I say more?!
6. Feeling Karis being born. Because I had an epidural with Abbie, I literally felt nothing except pressure during pushing and when she was being born. I'm sure some women would be jealous of how "well" my epidural worked, but for me it was a real disappointment. I felt disconnected from what was happening, and it seemed like I had lost all control of the situation; I never felt the "urge" to push, so instead several nurses took to coaching me. I'm really looking forward to being able to follow my own body's cues of when to push, for how long, when to back off, etc. And to feel Karis actually being born is going to be SO cool!
7. Bringing Karis up out of the water and seeing her face for the first time. Matt got to catch Abbie, I get to catch Karis!
8. The peaceful atmosphere that we'll create after the birth. Karis' umbilical cord will be left intact for a few hours after the birth (we won't cut the cord until ALL the blood has drained from it), and I will nurse her as soon as she's ready. Candace and her assistant, Amy (an RN) will do all the newborn exam procedures right there with us, and then we'll just get to BE together as a family in our own home, with no nurses rushing in an out, no postpartum room to transfer to, no drugs to recover from.
9. Living the birth story that we'll get to tell all our friends and family. I'm excited that this story is yet to be written and lived! Will labor be fast or last for days? Will my water break first? Will it be night or day? Will it snow? How will Abbie greet her baby sister? No matter what happens, I welcome this experience. I am ready.
But as Karis' birth draws nearer, I am starting to think of all the things about labor and birth that I'm looking forward to:
1. The possibility of having some time to myself. If my labor starts during the day while Matt is at work, I am planning to have a friend take Abbie and spend some time laboring by myself at home. As strange a plan as this may sound, I think it will help me relax and get into a good labor pattern.
2. The impulsive drive to nest! There are some small preparation projects that, because I've been focused on wrapping the semester up, I haven't been able to get to yet. I'm hoping to have a surge of energy during early labor when I can get some of these done.
3. Spending uninterrupted time with Matt, and all the back massages he's going to give me! He was an awesome co-laborer during Abbie's birth, and I'm hoping that during this birth, since we'll be at home, he'll feel even more free to really "be with" me.
4. Feeling natural labor. Strange perhaps, but true! Since my labor with Abbie was induced with pitocin (the drug of the devil!!!), my contractions were extremely (and unnaturally) uncomfortable and persistent for over six hours. Even if my natural contractions are this uncomfortable, I'll be experiencing the power of my OWN body, and will not feel afraid that I might be hurting my baby. I'm excited to experience just how strong my body is!
5. Laboring in water. Huge tub, warm water up to my neck, being weightless, being able to change positions easily....need I say more?!
6. Feeling Karis being born. Because I had an epidural with Abbie, I literally felt nothing except pressure during pushing and when she was being born. I'm sure some women would be jealous of how "well" my epidural worked, but for me it was a real disappointment. I felt disconnected from what was happening, and it seemed like I had lost all control of the situation; I never felt the "urge" to push, so instead several nurses took to coaching me. I'm really looking forward to being able to follow my own body's cues of when to push, for how long, when to back off, etc. And to feel Karis actually being born is going to be SO cool!
7. Bringing Karis up out of the water and seeing her face for the first time. Matt got to catch Abbie, I get to catch Karis!
8. The peaceful atmosphere that we'll create after the birth. Karis' umbilical cord will be left intact for a few hours after the birth (we won't cut the cord until ALL the blood has drained from it), and I will nurse her as soon as she's ready. Candace and her assistant, Amy (an RN) will do all the newborn exam procedures right there with us, and then we'll just get to BE together as a family in our own home, with no nurses rushing in an out, no postpartum room to transfer to, no drugs to recover from.
9. Living the birth story that we'll get to tell all our friends and family. I'm excited that this story is yet to be written and lived! Will labor be fast or last for days? Will my water break first? Will it be night or day? Will it snow? How will Abbie greet her baby sister? No matter what happens, I welcome this experience. I am ready.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)