Had my 6 week follow up today and of course, the question about birth control came up. My doctor is a big proponent of the pill, but didn't even try to push it on me. Basically, it's pointless, because the likelihood of me getting pregnant sans-science is slim to none. And what's more? If I want to try again, I should do it within the year.
For real? I'm just getting adjusted to my little guy, and I have to think about getting pregnant again within the year? I definitely want to give Gavin a sibling, but was hoping to at least have 2 years between kids. Ideally, it would be more than that, but I knew that was unlikely with my situation. So, now IVF in the next 6-12 months is a real possibility. I don't know if I'm ready for that again. This sucks.
The Barron and I need to have a serious discussion tonight. Just when I thought I was over the fertility issue, I get pulled back in. IF still sucks, even though I have my little G man.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Groove is in the heart...
So, I think, THINK we are finally getting into some sort of groove. I have now been able to shower 3 days in a row and am able to get more things done than before while still tending to Gavin's needs.
Speaking of, the little G-man is now 5 weeks old. I have no idea where the past month went. My days are broken into intervals of feeding, diapering and cuddling (this used to be crying, but has gotten significantly better). I am so lucky to be his mom - he is the best thing I have ever done and is so cute that I could just eat him up.
Here are some quick bullets so I can get this post completed before he wakes up from his nap.
- Sleeping - Was an issue at the start and is finally getting better. Waking up in the middle of the night for feedings is not the problem, but getting him to go down to sleep initially is the rough part. He's a fidgety kid - kicks his legs and flails his arms about, which prevents him from relaxing. I bought him a sleep positioner this week which seems to have helped.
- Feeding - I started out breastfeeding, but have since switched over to bottle. I do not regret this as my son is thriving and I am much happier.
- Development - He is starting to smile, which is just the most amazing thing. Other than that, I hope I'm providing enough stimulation for him. How much should I be doing with a 5-week old? Any advice? I play music, let him study my face, talk to him, tummy time (but probably not enough)...Just hope I'm doing enough.
- Work - I've actually started working again. As a contractor, I don't really get a maternity leave, and I need to get a paycheck. I have help 2 days a week (parents and inlaws), and this allows me to get in my conference calls and get some work done. I'm still way behind and probably will be for some time, but at least I get to work from home.
I'm glad to see that all of you are doing well - even though I haven't been posting, I have been checking in on all of you. Hopefully, now that we're down to this "groove", I'll be posting more.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Free time? What's that?
Clearly, I have been neglecting my blog. An update is forthcoming, I promise. Gavin is a demanding little boy, and all of my "free" time is spent getting stuff done around the house and sleeping. Writing thank you notes now, and then will string together a post.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Birth Story
12/29/08
Since I had a scheduled C-Section, this story won't be as eventful as others, but I'll do my best to keep it interesting.
So, we made it to the 29th with no progress. Baby was not descending into my pelvis and was nice and happy where he was. I probably could have been pregnant for another month or so if it wasn't considered unhealthy - this kid had no desire to leave.
I slept the night before delivery. I still can't believe that I did that, considering that I was scared shitless.
Woke up Monday morning, put up my maternity leave away message for work, straightened up the house, got dressed and got ready to go.
This is the last known picture of pregnant Sully.
All along, I had been hoping that the day I delivered would be relatively quiet in the L&D ward, in order to stay calm and relaxed and get as much attention from the staff as possible. December 29th couldn't have been further from that ideal. Being the first Monday following a holiday week, it appeared that every scheduled c-section was set for that day (My OB had already done 5 before me and I think had another 7 to go after me).
All of the L&D rooms were full, so I was moved into recovery and set up for surgery there. Let me tell you, watching women being rolled into recovery post - procedure is not a good way to get "relaxed" for your own surgery. I nearly passed out when the nurse put in my IV (I do not do well with IV's ), but after that, things went relatively smooth.
I was wheeled into surgery about a half hour later than scheduled. The epidural was administered (which was actually easier than the IV - for me, anyway), and the "sheet" was raised. The Barron was brought in and sat at my right shoulder, and the anesthesiologist was at my left (He was awesome. Warned me I might throw up, which I did - all over myself, and then cleaned me up, since I was numb). He kept a running commentary of the process for us.
Then it began. There was a lot of "what a big baby!", "what a big Irish head", etc...and, of course a lot of tugging. It seemed that he was giving them a run for their money. 2 seconds later he was out. I never had to wait to hear my son's cry as he was crying on the way out. We were told it was a boy, and I changed his name (originally supposed to be Colin) on the spot.
The Barron got to hold him and I got to touch him as they were closing me up. Then, the anesthesiologist placed him on my chest and they wheeled me out to recovery. On the way, my OB grabbed my Mom (who is also her patient) and Dad and the Barron's folks and they got to see him quickly before we were put into recovery.
Of course, he was taken to the nursery, while I was left to recover from surgery. Those were the longest 4 hours of my life - I just wanted to see my boy again. Family and friends came in to see me and told me how cute he was - as they could see him through the nursery window. At about 7:30 PM, I was put in my room and he was brought to me to start our new life together.
It may not have been the delivery I had envisioned. There was never a contraction, we never had to race on the Expressway to get to the hospital on time, my water never broke, and I never pushed, but it was the perfect experience. My son is healthy and perfect (am I using "perfect" too much?) and I couldn't ask for anything more.
"How we're doing" will come in another post. Things are finally starting to settle down somewhat.
Since I had a scheduled C-Section, this story won't be as eventful as others, but I'll do my best to keep it interesting.
So, we made it to the 29th with no progress. Baby was not descending into my pelvis and was nice and happy where he was. I probably could have been pregnant for another month or so if it wasn't considered unhealthy - this kid had no desire to leave.
I slept the night before delivery. I still can't believe that I did that, considering that I was scared shitless.
Woke up Monday morning, put up my maternity leave away message for work, straightened up the house, got dressed and got ready to go.
This is the last known picture of pregnant Sully.
All along, I had been hoping that the day I delivered would be relatively quiet in the L&D ward, in order to stay calm and relaxed and get as much attention from the staff as possible. December 29th couldn't have been further from that ideal. Being the first Monday following a holiday week, it appeared that every scheduled c-section was set for that day (My OB had already done 5 before me and I think had another 7 to go after me).
All of the L&D rooms were full, so I was moved into recovery and set up for surgery there. Let me tell you, watching women being rolled into recovery post - procedure is not a good way to get "relaxed" for your own surgery. I nearly passed out when the nurse put in my IV (I do not do well with IV's ), but after that, things went relatively smooth.
I was wheeled into surgery about a half hour later than scheduled. The epidural was administered (which was actually easier than the IV - for me, anyway), and the "sheet" was raised. The Barron was brought in and sat at my right shoulder, and the anesthesiologist was at my left (He was awesome. Warned me I might throw up, which I did - all over myself, and then cleaned me up, since I was numb). He kept a running commentary of the process for us.
Then it began. There was a lot of "what a big baby!", "what a big Irish head", etc...and, of course a lot of tugging. It seemed that he was giving them a run for their money. 2 seconds later he was out. I never had to wait to hear my son's cry as he was crying on the way out. We were told it was a boy, and I changed his name (originally supposed to be Colin) on the spot.
The Barron got to hold him and I got to touch him as they were closing me up. Then, the anesthesiologist placed him on my chest and they wheeled me out to recovery. On the way, my OB grabbed my Mom (who is also her patient) and Dad and the Barron's folks and they got to see him quickly before we were put into recovery.
Of course, he was taken to the nursery, while I was left to recover from surgery. Those were the longest 4 hours of my life - I just wanted to see my boy again. Family and friends came in to see me and told me how cute he was - as they could see him through the nursery window. At about 7:30 PM, I was put in my room and he was brought to me to start our new life together.
It may not have been the delivery I had envisioned. There was never a contraction, we never had to race on the Expressway to get to the hospital on time, my water never broke, and I never pushed, but it was the perfect experience. My son is healthy and perfect (am I using "perfect" too much?) and I couldn't ask for anything more.
"How we're doing" will come in another post. Things are finally starting to settle down somewhat.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Update coming
As soon as I can string together more than 5 minutes of computer time. But, here's something to tide you over for now...
He peed all over this about an hour later - ah, gotta love boys! :)
He peed all over this about an hour later - ah, gotta love boys! :)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Holding back the years
I remember the days when New Years Eve was a huge occasion for me. All of my friends would congregate at the house of our friend with the "cool parents" - you know, the ones who were okay with underage drinking - get blitzed, and just be merry (the "cool parents" at least had the state of mind to take our car keys). This went on throughout my college years, where we were no longer underage drinkers, until we all started to go our separate ways. Each year after that became a challenge to come up with something new to do. Always the type of person who lives in the past, I did my best to keep the tradition alive each year, as marriages and children affected the yearly attedance. Last year we were down to two, the Barron and I spent the evening at home together watching Anderson Cooper ring in 2008 with Kathy Griffin.
Tonight, I am sitting in a hospital room in my pajamas with a sore abdomen, swollen breasts, and cracked nipples. The couple sharing my room has their entire extended Italian family up to watch the ball drop past visiting hours, and they are trying in vain to get away with it (I'll keep you posed). The Barron is sitting on a cheap faux leather recliner to my right and next to me, my perfect son is rousing from sleep. I can't believe how fortunate I am. After all the fun times and great memories, there is nothing more I could want than this. We will ring in 2009 with a glass of sparkling cider and a nice buzz from my percoset. I hope all of you get everything you wish for in 2009 - here's to a great year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)