Wednesday, November 29

Slowly, Slowly

Well, it seems I've overworked myself and I am kind of down for the count right now. Things "down there" feel pretty sore, so I've been doing my best to keep off my feet. It's tough, because I just want to get back to normal - but apparently that makes me get worse! So, I've been moving around the house very slowly, and trying to do only the things that are necessary to keep James and I happy. We go to see th Dr. for his 2 week appointment on Friday - and I'm curious to find out how much he weighs now. He feels heavier to me - and he's almost too big for a few of his newborn sleepers now (the weights and ages on sleepers sure are off). Anyway, things are otherwise going well. Breastfeeding is getting much easier - just one side that is still a little 'ouchie'. Engorgement is also gone now, so that is a huge blessing. Ryan is back at work, and it's hard to see him go. I have both my mom and mother-in-law right here in town, but they are busy ladies so they haven't been able to be here very much. I also haven't ventured out, mostly because of how sore I am, but also because we got snow dumped on us and it has hit a chilly -27. So, James and I are just going to keep warm inside.

He is just amazing. I love every single thing about him! I still can't believe that he was inside of me when I look at him. It's SO true how you just forget about that whole labour thing minutes after your child is in your arms. Nothing matters but him now (and Ryan too). I love kissing him, and I love how good he smells after a bath. My favourite is his face, and his wrinkly legs! Oh, and those toes and fingers are sweet too - and the little ears... I just love him so incredibly much. I can't sing to him yet, as everytime I try I start getting really emotional! Hahaha! So I just hum to him right now.

His first couple of nights at home he was up every hour and half. That was pretty rough, and I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to do that much longer without one of us going nuts. However, (knock on wood) last night he went 2-2 1/2 hours between feedings which was delightful. So, I'm praying that it happens like that tonight too.


James by lamplight in my favourite sleeper.

Anyway, our supper delivery is going to be showing up soon. We feel SO spoiled. We have suppers coming to us every-other-day for two weeks! My friends are too good to me. James' first (and probably only) baby shower is this coming Sunday as well. It will be hectic, but I can't wait to see what kinds of cute things he gets.

20 comments :

kelly ens said...

Take it slow...the more you push your recovery, the longer it will take. TRUST me. and it's not worth it. enjoy the relaxing and time you can dedicate to james :)
love the pictures!

-Me- said...

Oh sweetie, I remember the pain all to well...I couldn't get anywhere very quickly for about 3 months...I can feel your pain...and soon, I will literally be feeling it too! I'm glad that breastfeeding has gotten easier for you, and I will pray that tonight you will have that 2 1/2 hrs of rest again!! Take care of yourself..don't push it hon!!

Melanie said...

I'm happy to hear that breastfeeding is getting better.

Enjoy every moment of relaxing with James, take it easy, don't fret... you'll be up and at 'em soon enough!

Drea said...

Hey sleeps w/ his hands/arms up above his head like my son Caleb did for the longest time. Let me know how long he does that :-) Caleb did it for months!
It was really cute

and wow -27 COLD!!! I cant imagine what your heat bill is :-) Im in Northern Ohio so it gets in the single digets here... but now -27 haha

Nin said...

I'm soooo happy to hear that breastfeeding is going well for you now. That takes a huge load off. I know what you mean about the smeel after a bath. My favorite is the orange johnson baby shampoo. I loooooove that smell. My sis got me some gerber oatmeal shampoo, but I never use it, cuz I love the smell of the orange stuff too much.
I know what you mean too about getting emotional when singing, I used to hum too. Now I can belt it! ;)
It's good that you're trying to stay off your feet. I know it's hard, because you finally have your body back (well, almost) and you want to go back to the way things were, now. I didn't have much to heal from, I didn't get stitches and I wasn't sore, but with the breastfeeding, I needed rest, and lots of it because I was barely getting any. But it was like everytime he was sleeping I wanted to get things done aorund here, or have some time to myself to sit on the computer or do the things I would do before. I had to forcve myself to sleep and nap durring the day. If that little James is getting up every 2 hours, it's wise to stay off your feet and rest durring the day. You will be able to be "normal" lots later. Enjoy this time, it flies by so fast! I had a friend over today who just had a baby, and the baby was so small! Daniel was a monster compared to her, and he's just two months!
Anyways, James is such a cutie, it's official, you and your hubby make good lookin babies.

Amber said...

I did the same thing after Hailey...thinking I was super woman - going all kinds of places, doing all sorts of things and just running on adreneline. But then it hit me....just like you I realllllly had to try to take it easy. It's hard though - but remember, you had James ONE WEEK ago...even though it probably feels like he has been with you for a lot longer. Your body needs time to heal. Take it easy, I know it's easier said than done! The first step is recognizing that you do need to slow down, so you are on your way ;)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad things are settling in. Those first 3 weeks are usually a blur -- but a nice blur despite how exhausting it is.

Might I recommend you get a donut to sit on? With Madeline I had 4th degree tearing (I was still hobbling to walk 2-3 weeks after her birth), so I NEEDED one then. But with Luke I only had 2nd degree and went on an 1.5 hour hike in the snow 2 weeks after. Yet I still needed the donut sometimes even then-- it just helps take the pressure off. And I got in the bath (with epsom salts) about 3 times a day -- even for only 10 minutes.

Glad you're getting the two weeks of suppers. I had that too. What a difference it makes.

And if you have ANY questions or concerns feel free to email or chat with me!

Take care!!

Jamie said...

Heather - I hope you feel "normal" again soon. I found my recovery took a lot longer the first time. I tore a lot worse, but I still really wanted to be out and about. This time I'm still a bit sore, but the weather has kept me stuck at home and that's probably been good for my body. I'm also glad to be past the "full milk" feeling. I forgot how uncomfortable that can be!
James is a REAL cutie! Who do you think he looks like?

Trail Rider said...

since we are sharing our "going over board stories".....
after I had my 4th baby, I discharged myself from the hospital 18 hours after birth. came home, started my laundry, made a lasangna, had some company over. (I even remember RUNNING up the stairs...cause I thought I was so light!) sheesh. that night, I had a blood clot bigger than the size of a large egg!!

I must have been on the epidural still....but looking back, that was just plain stupidity. This short season will pass and you will be busy busy before you know it. the middle of the night feedings and rest is so important.
James is sooooooooo cute! not many newborns get that compliment from me.

Dianna said...

Heather I should come over there shake my finger at you and MAKE you lie in bed to rest more and make you good ol healthy home made chicken soup and come evening give your little James a warm bath and massage him, wrap him up nice and warm and tight,after he's well fed you probably got a baby sleeping for longer hours! [Hopefully!]

Christy said...

He is so cute! I can't say it enough. I overdid it big time with my first and was even told by my doula friend that I would not heal if I didn't slow down. So I slowed down....for a little while anyway!! haha

Praying for you! You will sleep again..I promise!

amy said...

I've checked out your blog a few times and have really enjoyed your posts. Your little guy is so sweet! Congratulations!

Domestic Bloggess said...

It really is hard to take it easy isn't it? But good that you are listening to your body and doing only what it says you can.

As for the clothing thing, I too couldn't figure out why Palmer grew out of his stuff so quickly. Turns out (no one told me until I had him and had already bought a ton of newborn stuff) that a healthy baby generally wears about double it's age in size.

For example, Palmer is 4 months today and wears anywhere between 6 and 9 month clothing. I can still get him into some 3-6 month stuff like onesies which are cottony stretch, but not a lot.

Hope that helps you with your future shopping!

Nicole

Janelle said...

just take it easy my dear! they are only that small once, and you will regret not just sitting & holding them, or staring at them...you really will. all your job is right now is to be there for James...everything else takes a backseat. :)
as for the clothes sizes...it only gets worse as your kid grows. i have no idea who they base these sizes on. and every store is different. Kamryn went home in a 9 month sleeper cause nothing else fit her. and now that she's 1 1/2 years old...she's already in 4T clothing. 3T on the bottom, 4T on the top. it's crazy!! that's almost not even toddler sizes anymore!
also, just so you know...i actually had plans to be at your baby shower. i'm super disappointed that i can't come now...but little James was later than expected!! :) so, i hope you have a great time - and i sooo wish i could be there.
so right now - go sit down & just relax!! i love ya.

Trev and Rebekah said...

I can't wait to give you my gift. I just love it.
I have been thinking about you this week and how you are doing with Ryan being at work and all. Is he working late toinght? Trev's gone for a meeting so maybe I'll have to come over at 7 and watch Grey's with you if Ryan isn't home. :0)
Remember, if you need anything I am a phone call away.

Stacey said...

I remember that feeling too, just SORE down there! It took about two weeks for me to not be in pain when I tried to stand up. But now, I look back and think, it really wasn't that long!

It's amazing to hear that you are doing so well on so little sleep! I resented the fact that I had to get up every 2 1/2 hours!

Becky said...

Ahhhhh... Times like these make me grateful I had c-sections. Ya, ya... It takes a while to recover too, but the thought of being sore down there just makes me shudder. Poor you. Now I'll have to pray for the girls up there and the stuff down there to all feel better...

Crystal said...

What a beautiful baby, and I am agreeing with the consensus, take care of yourself but I do understand how this happens because there is always something to do when you have a home and a baby and a husband.
I hope you are feeling better!
Blessings

Kimmy said...

Hi, Heather. I've commented before about the diapers and I read your blog on a regular basis. I really enjoy what you have to say, and I loved checking in around your due date to find out if James had been born yet. So, here's my official congratulations regarding the birth of James Kennedy: CONGRATULATIONS! I hope you are taking care of yourself. Remember, you are not wonderwoman (I remember feeling fine at first after my babies were born, and then I'd do more than I should have, which actually just set me back a couple weeks in order to recuperate completely). James is absolutely adorable! You have a beautiful son and I hope you will enjoy him as much as I've enjoyed my babies. . . they grow up so fas (my "baby" is already 5, so it's been a while since I've been in your shoes). Blessings!

Criston said...

Hi Heather, this is Criston White again :) I know I'm commenting ages after you posted, but I have been reading your blog from the beginning and forward like you suggested, and I am really enjoying reading about your journey. I look forward to the day when (God-willing) I will be emotional too when my baby is in my arms. I love your description of your baby :) I hope that a little one is in God's plan for me too, even with my two losses (three babies lost) so far. I am going to continue reading your posts now :)