Kathy just left after a check up for Aron and myself. We are doing well. Aron is healthy and though he’s lost a little weight is still a hefty baby of nearly 10 pounds. I am healing and feeling better each day. We have been able to get more sleep as Aron is a good baby and seems to be peaceably making himself aware of his world. He woke up hungry twice in the night and went back to sleep each time.
The hardest thing to this healing process is keeping myself still. I am not one to be constantly on the go and I’m not super independent but I have an idealist mentality about what I am capable of and how things should be. I am not one to ask if I need something most of the time, I like to get it myself so that I can do it my way, but for the past few days my dear husband and his dear mother have been waiting on me hand and foot. I love their efforts and they have certainly left me nothing to complain about but I am confined and will be so for a while. With Kathy’s visit came the realization that I would not be on my own for a while:
* Do not use the stairs for 1 full week, then gradually one day at a time use them more frequently.
* Do not drive for two weeks.
* Do not lift the baby carrier for a month, it is too awkward and bulky and can strain my body too easily. Even just lifting it from the car to the stroller is prohibited.
* Retain a messy house. If she comes to see me in three weeks and my house is perfect, I’d better have a receipt for the maid or Kris better have dishpan hands.
This is not about what I can do, or what I’m capable of, it is about what is best for my body and healing. She explained that with subsequent children and large babies the healing process takes longer. She gave me the list of long term effects and how more and more women are having to have hysterectomies because they did not heed these things after childbirth. I can see her point and I know it’s going to be a struggle, but I am determined to listen and obey. Kris was in on the conversation so I know he’ll leave me little choice. There are a few gaps I’ll need to fill like taking the baby to the doctor and things like that. I have a two week appointment the Tuesday after next and I’ll be able to drive but how will I get him out of the car? I have a few things like this I’ll have to figure out.
For now, I have a wonderful bedroom suite that is my holding cell with a beautiful baby to keep me company and a computer with internet, movie and even television capabilities to keep me occupied. I have reading material and hobbies to keep my hands busy if I so desire and the joy of spending lots of time with my husband who is home for the next week. I have an adjoining bathroom with a little garden tub that is my little healing luxury and friendly little faces that offer kisses now and then when they aren’t busy playing. It’s like a vacation at home, complete with meals brought to the door. What could be better?
Yep. You’re right. I can’t think of anything better at all! Especially after you mentioned the tub….
Sounds like really good advice. I know I did way too much after both of my girls. Enjoy the time.
Ooooh. Cabin FEVER!!! Healing your body is VERY important, but I’m sorry it comes with such restrictions. You’ll be back on your feet and back to your old self shortly. Hang in there. I’ll be back home Wednesday night. If you need anything, please call!!!
I appreciate your perspective. None of us are perfect and there have been things about the last few weeks that have been tough for you. You aren’t afraid to share that. You do, however, take it to God first and still manage to look at things in a positive manner, even on days your human instinct might not be to do so. Too bad I’m back to work, otherwise I could have taken you up on the invite a few weeks ago and now be helping you:( I think being a nanny for a few weeks would be more fun than my job:) Love you!
Yikes! The hardest thing about being pregnant for me was the inability to do things. And I have to say that I resented the additional down time for recuperating BUT it’s so important. You don’t want to have any preventable surgeries plus how often do you get to have people wait on you- or the kids? You are very blessed.