Friday, September 24, 2010

Recovery and Thoughts

Some of you have been asking me how my recovery from the C-section has been going.  I thought it would be easy to give a quick update here.

The best way I've thought to describe it is two steps forward, one step back.  I've tried to go out a few times (anniversary date, Hobby Lobby, Mexican food, storytime).  I've loved getting out, but find myself in bed for 12 hours after each outing.  It's been hard for me to let everyone else do things for me (by everyone else, I guess I mostly mean my mom, who has been a complete lifesaver for me).  It's also hard for me to take so much medicine all the time- I do not like taking pills at all, but I seriously HAVE to or I can't really function.  I thought I would hate being in the house so much, but I'm actually kind of having fun.  My mom and I watch a movie everyday (we've visited Redbox, Blockbuster, my movie collection, AND the library!) and have had a lot of good chats.  I wish she lived here.  She flies back to Utah on Monday.  Not looking forward to that day.

Other Random Thoughts:
  • I am enjoying Suzy so much.  When Noah was born, I had little interest in being a new mom and had a really hard transition.  This time around, I know more what I am doing and am much more positive.
  • Noah is struggling big time with the change of having a new sister.  At the hospital, he wanted nothing to do with her.  He clung to a little wooden doll named Joey that my mom gave him (I'll post a picture of him with it).  Since we've been home, he's started whining a lot and imitating Suzy's cry to get attention.  He has also become uber attached to me.  He ALWAYS wants to be with me, which is flattering, but not normal.  He does not like me feeding Suzy at all.  At the same time, he goes overboard giving her kisses on the head and acting like he really likes her and fake laughing when she is around.  It makes me cry a lot to see him struggle so bad.  And to be honest, I miss just having Noah and our old routine a lot too.  I know it will get better in time, so for now, I'm just trying to give him as much attention as possible so he doesn't feel like he needs to act out for it.
  • I don't know how people can have babies (esp C-section babies) without having a ton of help.  I've also been thinking a lot about moms who give their babies up for adoption and have to deal with the pain of healing, but not have anything to show for it.
  • I don't know how I will manage/function without my mom here next week.  She has made every meal, cleaned my house, done laundry, helped with Suzy (including in the middle of the night- helping change diapers so I could feed her without having to get up), given Suzy and Noah baths, played with Noah, driven me around, gotten us way more groceries than we have ever even seen in our house at one time, etc.  I'm so thankful for her.
  • Nursing is going great this time around.  It was awful, to be honest, with Noah.  I never had my heart in it and always pumped so it never stopped hurting when I tried nursing him and I ran out of milk after 3 months.  It's only been a week and a half this time and it already stopped hurting!  And I have more than enough milk.  I have a much better attitude about it.
  • I am always starving.  Must be the breastfeeding.  But it's kind of nice to always be hungry when your mom is in town making delicious stuff all the time.
  • I think I'm starting to ramble.  Do I have any readers left?  Enjoy the pictures. :)

    Noah with his Joey doll, at the hospital
    Me on my anniversary excited to eat homemade enchiladas
    The star of the show:  Suzy Kaye!  This pic was taken this morning.
    The other star:  cute Noah!
    Mom, Jared & Suzy, and Noah hanging out before dinner

7 comments:

Maren said...

Wow...that really brings back so many memories of having Mathew. The second child was by far the most difficult emotional transition for me. I was so worried about Ethan because we couldn't have the same dynamic we had before Mathew and I worried that Mathew wouldn't get my undivided attention like Ethan had when he was a baby. Super hard. BUT! It just takes time and it will all get so much better! You are doing great. Don't hesitate to call in the Relief Society troops when your mom leaves! That's what we're here for!

mks said...

you look great!! have a wonderful weekend.

Brittney said...

Oh Court! I feel your pain on the taking meds/being at home/feeling out of energy part! And it was kind of refreshing to hear your thoughts because I feel like people only talk about how exciting and rosy being a new mom is, but in my head I don't get quite as excited as other people sometimes. So I'm glad to know it all works out and is still good! :)

I hope your recovery continues to go well and that you are able to do the things you need to when your mom is gone! Gotta love moms!

Jake and Rachelle said...

You look great! Suzy sure is cute. I hope Noah starts to adjust a little better. All will be much better in a week or two. C-sections can sure drain your energy. Surgery plus a baby is so hard. Let me know if you need help. Sounds like your mom has been such a great help. Hope you enjoy your weekend.

The Lady of the House said...

You're doing great!! I need to keep that same positive attitude and it seems like you are on a roll.

If you need anything, let me know. Seriously. Even if it's just to talk to another ADULT human being.

Kelly said...

Courtney I'm sad for you that your mom is leaving soon!! But you can do it. I'm sure you know, but it does get easier! I love how open you are and can admit that its hard, etc. Some people just hide everything thats not wonderful.I wish I was closer so I could help often. You mentioned how people do it without help.... you just do it. I didn't have a choice. I had to just deal with it all. You may not be as productive next week as your mom was this week, but things will all be fine. =) You're amazing!! Love you!

Natasha said...

I could relate to so much of what you said. Especially about your experience nursing Noah vs. Suzy because I had a pretty similar experience. I'm sorry to hear that Noah is having a hard time with the transition. That sounds heartbreaking. The transition seemed really easy for Boston but probably because he was a lot younger then Noah and so he seemed less effected by it I guess. I hope your recovery continues to go well and that you keep enjoying your beautiful little girl!