Subscribean update… holy crap!
Hi there!
Thank you for all the sweet comments and words of encouragement about Veda’s birth story. So weird that so many women go through the same thing for similar mysterious reasons. But it’s good to know that we’re not alone! I’m done grieving for my c-section route… it is what it is.
And I’m finally feeling a little better… for 6 weeks after the birth I had really intense bleeding that didn’t stop. Didn’t lighten up as we’d hope, and in fact, picked up to the point that we thought we’d have to make a trip to the ER one scary night to get me fluids and meds. That night was long and super frightening… I was happy to be up all night with Veda so I would be able to keep an eye on myself too.
The next day I visited the doctor who prescribed a couple of medications and within the week the bleeding finally stopped. Then of course, I got sick. And I’m still sick here. Damn! Right?! So hopefully things will be healing really soon and I’ll be my old healthy me again. I think all the blood loss led to me feeling even more lethargic and sluggish. So I’m so ready to feel some energy again. You know?
What I find especially bizarre is that I am normally super super healthy. Like rarely catch a cold or get an infection. I eat well, don’t smoke, don’t drink and exercise regularly. My doctor just looked at me and said: “Hey, will ya stop it already?!” And I just shrugged my shoulders.
Dang sauce.
But in good news land: Veda has started taking naps occasionally in her swing, which frees me up a bit. I’ve been able to do the dishes and make lunch and — stop the presses — shower every now and then! I’m no longer the stinky kid!
She’s also moved from on my chest at night to sleeping in the boppy in the basinet right beside me. It’s a little convoluted… but she’s not ready to sleep on her back yet and the boppy helps her to feel that she’s being held. And I’m a really light sleeper and wake up with each flutter of her eyelids or tiny grunt in her sleep. Which is good… and bad… It means I don’t get sound sleep at all. But it seems my body is adjusting and I feel more normal with less sleep.
But hopefully this won’t last forever. I’ve heard stories of babies who sleep through the night. hee. If you are one of those moms: I hate your guts. :) (Not really…)
And the best new: Veda is smiling now. Melt your heart smiles and playful smiles. She’s got ‘em all. Here’s proof:
As you can see, she’s a smiling pro. We’re so proud!
Oh, and she’s plumping up nicely! She is getting weighed at the doctor’s tomorrow… but I know she’s gained a ton because she’s fitting into newborn sleepers now, which makes life much easier. :)
I am eager to start blogging more now… let’s see if I can swing it!
xo all!
hey beautiful,
i just wanted to say you have a mama’s face now :)
i always see a change in women’s faces when they become mamas… they become softer… as though you can see reflected in them their children…
i see it in you and it is so beautiful.
big big bear hugs and love
xoxo
leonie
What a beautiful smiling baby! She makes me smile.
I’ve never been sicker than since I had a baby…I think you give away all your immunity in your breastmilk. At least that’s how it seems! Take it easy!
Oh! She’s just so adorable, I just want to run over there and munch on her pudgy little cheeks. Congratulations again!!
that is a melt you in every way smile! things will come back for you, some things just take time and you have to realize how tramatic this all was. Heres to wishing you excellent health and Veda sleeping for a few hours at time! :)
I’m sure you are, but are you swaddling her when she naps and sleeps? One of my friends just had a baby that isn’t sleeping well and my sister (who has 2 kids and another on the way) said that swaddling made a WORLD of difference with her kids and made them sleep so much better. She said her absolute favorite was The Miracle Blanket.
Good luck! And I LOVE that last picture of you holding her and smiling together. :)
~denise
PS – If this is an advice-free zone, I apologize. I know you probably get that kind of thing left and right and it can get annoying. So again, if you’d rather remain “advice free” you can ignore that last comment!
as Leonie wrote, i see your new mama glow self, too! wow… i know you may be feeling a little icky physically, but you look absolutely beautiful and Veda’s smile so melts my heart! much love to yous, and it’s so nice to see you ‘here’ again. xoj
The swing saved my life….My son….now thirty….wasn’t a great sleeper either… I am so glad to see you back and love the smiles of Mom and baby….Precious….Thank you for sharing.
Susan
Three cheers for showers!
Only a mom can understand the true luxury of getting clean :)
Veda is such a beautiful and happy baby, a joy…thanks for sharing the new pictures.
You’ll get your health groove back in time…consistent self-care baby steps will take you there (ie. every shower and nap counts!)
Lovely pictures! :)
good to see you smiling and blogging!
hello lovely ladies! you will find your pace. it just takes awhile. veda’s smiles are terrific. but then, she has a great teacher!
happiness to you all,
susan
Hi Penelope,
I am someone you don’t know, but I read your blog regularly. I just had a baby myself and I have so enjoyed reading about you and your family’s experience. I guess the only thing that we can be sure of as new mamas is our love for our wee ones. Everyone’s doing what is best for their lives and loves. I wish you all the best and sweet dreams to come, they will!
heart,
sam
p.s- I also had great luck (and sleep) with a swaddling blanket.
Your little Veda is a beauty!! And, don’t worry, she’ll sleep through the night someday. :) Be well and try and get some rest (ha). You’ll be your healthy self in no time.
Yay for you!!! Congrats on being a mom. It’s awesome.
oh god the shower! what a treat it is in the beginning.
you are doing great, even amidst all the bumps. do you remember be writing you saying “you just have to try and get through the first three months”. man it’s rough.
i know you have already heard it a LOT as I did, but “it gets much easier”.
I still value showers though.
love k.
i read leoni’s comment the other day and have been thinking about it since–the mama face. i see it in my friends who are new mothers and it is lovely. it’s as if you spend so much time just staring in wonder at this new little person, that your face just “freezes that way” as the old expression goes. she is so sweet, what a beautiful smile. i hope she lets you get some more sleep soon!
She is sooooo beautiful with a nice smile!!!!!!
you totally have mamaGlow, Penny. i love seeing Veda touch your face, such a tender photo and moment between the two of you. aaaahhh…showering. it is one of the overlooked postpartum luxuries-that and eating regularly. i’m always wondering if babies who have a bit of a rougher time coming into the world need a bit more of our bodies close to them just to reassure them that we are going to keep them totally safe? my babes have never slept through the night (finally at about 2 yrs old M did) and once i surrendered myself to this (and shared duty with B whenever possible) it bothered me less.
you are doing such a great job, honey. i’m so proud of you!!!
thank you for sharing pictures-i can’t get enough of her sweet little mug!
xo pix
[...] * * p.s. In the comments the other day, Denise asked if this was an advice free zone. I say: hell no! I’ll take all [...]