Simply Mother

I went to church today and you would think I walked in with three chickens on my head for the looks and comments I got.

No, I don’t feel like I have to get up and jump right back into things just days after having a baby. I’ve been taking it easy–really easy–for a week and that means I’ve been at home all week and I’m bored already! I wanted to get out and do something!

Really though, I feel great. I am still planning on going easy for the next week or so, just to make sure I don’t start bleeding more (it’s very light now), but I honestly feel almost completely back to normal–and have for a few days (as soon as all the terrible afterpains subsided).

I’m totally attributing the remarkable way I feel to (a) My intact perineum, and (b) My faithful servant-husband, Matt, allowing me a few days to really do nothing more than hold my baby and get out of bed to pee!

Actually, I should definitely add in there (c) Two extremely helpful big sisters, who couldn’t be happier to get diapers and other things I need so I can rest. This morning, before Matt and I even got up, they:

• Picked out church clothes for all the girls (including me)
• Spread clothes out on the bed
• Dressed themselves, down to stockings and shoes
• Made and ate breakfast
• Played and amused themselves until Matt and I decided we probably better drag ourselves out of bed and get ready, and finally,
• Brought me breakfast in bed.

They are both so in love with this girl and so far show no signs of declining interest. Sarah would honestly hold her and read to her for hours on end if I gave her the chance, and Jade is always delighted when she starts rooting.

“She’s looking for nursies!! Oh, you want nursies little Carrie, here’s Mama, here, here,” she exclaims as she “helps” direct baby’s face to her food source.

She remembers nursing–and apparently how wonderful it is–and, contrary to all my fears, is actually super excited to share this joy with her baby sister, even though she no longer partakes.

Ooh, I should probably add to that list of reasons I’ve recovered so well, so I am not ungrateful, even though no one at church reads this, that our lovely Relief Society brought dinner every day last week too. That was one more thing Matt was willing to take care of, but it was a much needed and deserved relief to him. Also, they were delicious, and I plan on asking for many recipes when we write out thank-you cards for Family Home Evening tomorrow. Not a bad way to get new recipes, I say!

As for the babe? She sleeps! My goodness, I’ve forgotten how much they sleep. Well, my first didn’t really sleep like a newborn anyway, but this girl is sooo sleepy. I’ve actually been tempted to wake her up to nurse, worried she would sleep all day and then want to nurse all night. But she’s sleeping at night too. She appears to be getting plenty to eat too–we go through enough diapers, that’s for sure. (She just sleeps through the changes half the time!)

We had a pediatrician come and check her out. That’s right–I found a doctor willing to do a home visit! Didn’t know they still existed. He didn’t even charge us, saying they get paid enough.

He said she looked great, which we already knew, but I don’t know, I guess I’m still in that place where it’s nice to have a professional’s confirmation.

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know how we’re doing. Will add more pictures to Flickr, and probably get back to regular, non-just-had-a-baby-related blogging soon. Thanks for all your well-wishes and congratulations! I get all warm and fuzzy knowing the Internet cares. Truly!

Filed in: family • health | March 29, 2009