Whew! It's been a whirlwind of a couple of weeks. Since our last post, Stella Louise Solomon entered the world, as scheduled, on C-Section Saturday: March 26, 2011. She arrived at 9:19am and weighed in at 7 pounds 4 ounces.
The c-section was an intense experience. The spinal injection they gave me effectively blocked pain receptors but nothing else, so I felt EVERY pull and tug, which was both unexpected and very unnerving. It was also quite uncomfortable. I'm still recovering psychologically from the "surprises" of the procedure, and the incision site remains tender and sore. Additionally, the restrictions that I face as I heal have been a bit of a nuisance, especially not being able to drive. Normally this wouldn't bother me so much, but tomorrow is Ethan's birthday and Saturday is our five-year anniversary; it would be wonderful to be able to go and get some gifts to celebrate both occasions! I didn't have the foresight to plan that far ahead in mid-March, though, in my defense, I was trying to manage the fatigue and aches of late pregnancy. The upside of the c-section is that I didn't have to go through labor, which is in and of itself an uncomfortable (okay...painful) experience. Since Ethan was unable to experience my labor with Maddy, I think we both struggled a bit with the nature of a planned c-section. Nevertheless, I didn't miss the contractions! As a result of the surgery I also got to spend a luxurious four days at the Spa at Mount Auburn Hospital. The mini "vacation" at the hospital was a unique experience that afforded me additional time to heal and get some assistance with establishing a nursing routine. I can't say that I felt particularly rested by the extra few days, especially because it seemed that every hour there were knocks on the door by attentive and well-meaning nurses who came to check on me and the baby. It was very challenging to get any sleep! For his part, Ethan spent his days at the hospital with me and Stella and his evenings/nights at home with Maddy. This was a good transitional opportunity for Maddy as she became more open to Ethan's care, which has been hugely helpful in the days since I returned home.
Maddy has been exceptional through this whole experience. Obviously there are some growing pains, but she loves Baby Stella and has taken a keen interest in her. She squeals with delight when the baby wakes up from one of her many naps, letting out a high-pitched "She's awake! She's awake!" followed by an equally charming (and high-pitched) "Awwwwww! She's so cute!" Maddy loves when Stella will hold onto her finger, and she is learning to approach the baby with gentle care. We have bumped into some minor discipline issues around listening, but this is par for the course.
These weeks at home have been so special as we adjust to life as a foursome. We've been intentionally secluded in order to protect our time and ensure that I have the space I need to rest, recover, and nurse. We are starting to get back "online," and are looking forward to more visits from friends and family in the upcoming days. Safta is arriving this afternoon, just in time to celebrate Ethan's birthday! We are very excited to see her and to start getting back to life as usual...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Countdown is On!
I have made it to my last day of school. One of my biggest concerns leading up to this point has been having my water break in front of my students, but (knock on wood) with only 4.5 hours to go I feel relatively sure that I will make it through without any undue humiliation or trauma! I was originally scheduled to be here through April 1st, but with a c-section scheduled for this Saturday (8:30am on March 26th), I thought it prudent to take off a few days beforehand so I can rest and prepare for the impending adventure. Even if the baby weren't breech, I can't imagine how I'd last much longer. It's been difficult to focus on the job, and I am so unbelievably uncomfortable and tired at this point that moving around or working more than is absolutely necessary just adds to a burden that is already a challenge to bear. I am looking forward to a few days of lounging around and taking care of myself before having to switch gears and focus on the baby.
Assuming that the baby doesn't decide to make an earlier appearance, once of the major benefits of having a scheduled c-section is knowing that the end is in sight. This makes the physical discomfort a bit easier to manage, but also helps with regard to preparing our little family for the arrival of its newest member. Maddy seems to have emerged a bit from her phase of extreme neediness, which is a relief, but she understands that something is happening (at least to the degree that is possible for a 2.5 year old) and I think it's causing her some distress that is playing out in attachment issues. If I am around, she is stuck to me like white on rice. As Nara said so poignantly last week, "Quality time is Maddy's love language." She really requires focused one-on-one attention to feel truly nurtured and safe; as playful and strong-willed as she can be, she is remarkably interdependent, much preferring the close companionship of a care giver than to be off doing her own thing. I am curious to see how everything unfolds in the coming weeks and am very much focused on being available to her as much as is possible to ease her through the transition.
Assuming that the baby doesn't decide to make an earlier appearance, once of the major benefits of having a scheduled c-section is knowing that the end is in sight. This makes the physical discomfort a bit easier to manage, but also helps with regard to preparing our little family for the arrival of its newest member. Maddy seems to have emerged a bit from her phase of extreme neediness, which is a relief, but she understands that something is happening (at least to the degree that is possible for a 2.5 year old) and I think it's causing her some distress that is playing out in attachment issues. If I am around, she is stuck to me like white on rice. As Nara said so poignantly last week, "Quality time is Maddy's love language." She really requires focused one-on-one attention to feel truly nurtured and safe; as playful and strong-willed as she can be, she is remarkably interdependent, much preferring the close companionship of a care giver than to be off doing her own thing. I am curious to see how everything unfolds in the coming weeks and am very much focused on being available to her as much as is possible to ease her through the transition.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Version? Or Aversion?
We hereby surrender to the power of the universe!
Upon arriving at the hospital this morning, we were told by a doctor that there were neither beds nor rooms available and that if we wanted to proceed with the ECV we were going to have to wait to see what opened up or reschedule. At this point, I looked at Ethan and threw my hands up in the air. Clearly some things are not meant to be! However, we decided to hang out for a bit, and eventually Dr. D'Avenas showed up. Since there were still no rooms or beds available, and since I was determined NOT to leave without information concerning the baby's position, I lay down on the couch and we proceeded to do an ultrasound in the waiting room. Good thing I wasn't actually in labor; I wonder what they would have done with me?!
It turns out that the baby is breech. Very, very breech. She is currently laying on her back with her hands and feet in the air, not unlike a puppy that wants you to scratch her tummy. Because the baby's position makes the success of an ECV unlikely, Dr. D'Avenas decided not to attempt spinning her. I was encouraged to continue with the acupuncture, but it's too expensive an experiment and Tamie said yesterday, "No regrets! I've done everything I can do!" Thus, a c-section is being scheduled for either March 26th or March 28th. We'll know tomorrow. If I go into labor sooner than that (and I hope that I do!), I'll just get the c-section at that time.
I am relieved that we can move forward with some semblance of a plan and the knowledge that we did what we could to try and avoid the surgery. Now it's time for us to reframe and get as ready as possible for the recovery period. Knowing what to expect removes a lot of the pressure and anxiety we've been feeling recently. So...onwards and upwards!
PS: A note to the baby...we know you have been hard at work trying to get yourself positioned "properly." I can feel you wiggling and squirming around as you attempt to change things and help me out. Thank you for your earnest efforts and cooperation. I want you to know that we love you no matter what and that you are in charge from this point on. XOXO
PPS: When I say "from this point on" I really mean until you take your first breath. After that, Daddy and I resume full control and are the bosses for the next 18 years of your life. So enjoy these last few days of autonomy and independence while you can!
Upon arriving at the hospital this morning, we were told by a doctor that there were neither beds nor rooms available and that if we wanted to proceed with the ECV we were going to have to wait to see what opened up or reschedule. At this point, I looked at Ethan and threw my hands up in the air. Clearly some things are not meant to be! However, we decided to hang out for a bit, and eventually Dr. D'Avenas showed up. Since there were still no rooms or beds available, and since I was determined NOT to leave without information concerning the baby's position, I lay down on the couch and we proceeded to do an ultrasound in the waiting room. Good thing I wasn't actually in labor; I wonder what they would have done with me?!
It turns out that the baby is breech. Very, very breech. She is currently laying on her back with her hands and feet in the air, not unlike a puppy that wants you to scratch her tummy. Because the baby's position makes the success of an ECV unlikely, Dr. D'Avenas decided not to attempt spinning her. I was encouraged to continue with the acupuncture, but it's too expensive an experiment and Tamie said yesterday, "No regrets! I've done everything I can do!" Thus, a c-section is being scheduled for either March 26th or March 28th. We'll know tomorrow. If I go into labor sooner than that (and I hope that I do!), I'll just get the c-section at that time.
I am relieved that we can move forward with some semblance of a plan and the knowledge that we did what we could to try and avoid the surgery. Now it's time for us to reframe and get as ready as possible for the recovery period. Knowing what to expect removes a lot of the pressure and anxiety we've been feeling recently. So...onwards and upwards!
PS: A note to the baby...we know you have been hard at work trying to get yourself positioned "properly." I can feel you wiggling and squirming around as you attempt to change things and help me out. Thank you for your earnest efforts and cooperation. I want you to know that we love you no matter what and that you are in charge from this point on. XOXO
PPS: When I say "from this point on" I really mean until you take your first breath. After that, Daddy and I resume full control and are the bosses for the next 18 years of your life. So enjoy these last few days of autonomy and independence while you can!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
37 Down...X to go?
The end of my second pregnancy is quickly approaching, and with it brings new exercises in patience, flexibility, and openness. After flipping herself head down a few weeks ago, the Babe decided to resume a more "comfortable" position by laying sideways in-utero. As of this past Friday her head was located near my upper left ribcage, her butt near the middle of my right ribcage, and her feet in the lower left quadrant of my abdomen. This close to the end of the pregnancy, few choices remain in an effort to avoid a c-section. One is acupuncture. I revisited Tammie last Saturday for a treatment, the result of which was lots of movement and braxton-hicks contractions but no flipping, as confirmed by a doctor's appointment Monday morning. I have since had three more acupuncture treatments, heated acupressure points on both baby toes with a safety warmer every two hours, and burned moxa at those same sites. Has the baby turned? No idea. I will find out in the morning when we head to the hospital for an "external cephalic version," during which the doctor will attempt to manually rotate the baby if she is still breech. Apparently this procedure is effective 50% of the time; the other half of the time the baby either won't turn, turns breech again, or ends up in a position that still renders vaginal birth an impossibility. So as we've approached the end of the week, there has been lots of "waiting and seeing."
It's been an awful lot of work attempting to avoid this c-section; in the end, I remain unsure that it's been worth it. As I've mentioned before, I can think of many advantages that the surgery would have over a more "natural" delivery. My main concern in avoiding a c-section has been Maddy. Over the past few weeks she has become quite needy. I'm not sure if this is a phase or the result of some anxiety as we await the arrival of her sister, but I know that my inability to care for her as much as possible when we bring the baby home concerns me. I really would like the transition to be as smooth as possible, and it seems more likely to go well if I'm recovering from a vaginal birth and not major abdominal surgery. But however this little one decides to make her appearance, I hope it's soon. Every day we wait with baited breath for her arrival and it's torture!!
It's been an awful lot of work attempting to avoid this c-section; in the end, I remain unsure that it's been worth it. As I've mentioned before, I can think of many advantages that the surgery would have over a more "natural" delivery. My main concern in avoiding a c-section has been Maddy. Over the past few weeks she has become quite needy. I'm not sure if this is a phase or the result of some anxiety as we await the arrival of her sister, but I know that my inability to care for her as much as possible when we bring the baby home concerns me. I really would like the transition to be as smooth as possible, and it seems more likely to go well if I'm recovering from a vaginal birth and not major abdominal surgery. But however this little one decides to make her appearance, I hope it's soon. Every day we wait with baited breath for her arrival and it's torture!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Unkee Josh
The last few days of our trip have been a whirlwind, but we've enjoyed sharing them with "Unkee Josh," who arrived late Tuesday night and who has been a most patient and loving uncle during the time that he's been visiting with us. The arrival of Josh signaled a turning point in our vacation; I was finally able to carve out a few hours each day for myself and spent them enjoying the glorious sun and the blissful anti-gravity effects of water in the King's Point pool. I wasn't around for some of the adventuring that took place, but it included a visit to a nature preserve and "Strawberryland," the latter at which Maddy was able to enjoy picking some very high-tech, hydroponic strawberries. I was sorry to miss this event; she had a great time and came home stained with the juices of the many, many strawberries she sampled while at the farm.
We venture home tomorrow. We will be very sorry to leave the warmth of Florida and the pleasurable company of Savta, Saba, and Josh. Once we arrive back in Watertown, we'll have to transition immediately back to real life and prepare for the impending arrival of our baby. She has been enjoying this vacation, too...kicking up a storm and making sure we all know she is along for the ride!
We venture home tomorrow. We will be very sorry to leave the warmth of Florida and the pleasurable company of Savta, Saba, and Josh. Once we arrive back in Watertown, we'll have to transition immediately back to real life and prepare for the impending arrival of our baby. She has been enjoying this vacation, too...kicking up a storm and making sure we all know she is along for the ride!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Splash Park Take 2
We started our third full day here with a lazy(ish) morning that found Ethan and I resting in bed until a heavenly 8am while Ronni worked overtime to keep Maddy entertained and engaged. This isn't such a hard thing in and of itself (she's very easy to entertain), but requires a copious amount of energy and imagination since Maddy has only enough interest in any given activity (except watching Yo Gabba Gabba, Strawberry Shortcake, or the Care Bears) for about ten minutes. Kudos to Ronni for her daring and persistence!
After we actually got going, we found ourselves (literally...we got quite lost on the way!) at a new and different water park that kept us busy for a few hours. Getting lost in this part of Delray Beach was interesting. Though the park has been beautifully maintained, it resides in what is is clearly the low-income district. Even more interesting was the fact that there was nary a Caucasian to be found. It was striking to compare some of the more affluent areas we've seen with the one we were in today. I'm not used to seeing such startling segregation, and it made me feel a bit uncomfortable. In this area was also an abundance of churches with very unusual names, the most unique of all which was "Hangout of the Holy Ghost." It definitely piqued my curiosity! So did the skywriting that we saw on our way to the park, which read things like "God gives hope" and "You + God = @ Jesus Love." Not sure what the latter meant, but we are obviously among some God-lovin'/God-fearin' people down here!
After coming home for lunch and a nap, we headed back downtown to the library. Maddy was thrilled to find some books about Strawberry Shortcake and was smitten by a large pineapple statue outside of the courthouse. We were happy to have a few minutes to ourselves at the coffee shop (Saba and Savta stayed with her at the library), but Maddy is going through a major "mommy" phase that makes leaving her alone difficult. I feel bad leaving, not only because she finds it so upsetting but because it sets up the person/people watching her for a possibly nightmare experience. I am not sure if it's a phase, if it's because I am around more than usual, if it's because we're in an unusual place, if it's because she's not feeling well (her eyes are red and puffy...allergies?), or if she somehow intuits that things are about to change with the impending arrival of her baby sister. In any case, it makes for an exhausting day for me and a trying day for the other folks around her. Needless to say, the fact that she is so darn cute makes it too hard to mind!
After we actually got going, we found ourselves (literally...we got quite lost on the way!) at a new and different water park that kept us busy for a few hours. Getting lost in this part of Delray Beach was interesting. Though the park has been beautifully maintained, it resides in what is is clearly the low-income district. Even more interesting was the fact that there was nary a Caucasian to be found. It was striking to compare some of the more affluent areas we've seen with the one we were in today. I'm not used to seeing such startling segregation, and it made me feel a bit uncomfortable. In this area was also an abundance of churches with very unusual names, the most unique of all which was "Hangout of the Holy Ghost." It definitely piqued my curiosity! So did the skywriting that we saw on our way to the park, which read things like "God gives hope" and "You + God = @ Jesus Love." Not sure what the latter meant, but we are obviously among some God-lovin'/God-fearin' people down here!
After coming home for lunch and a nap, we headed back downtown to the library. Maddy was thrilled to find some books about Strawberry Shortcake and was smitten by a large pineapple statue outside of the courthouse. We were happy to have a few minutes to ourselves at the coffee shop (Saba and Savta stayed with her at the library), but Maddy is going through a major "mommy" phase that makes leaving her alone difficult. I feel bad leaving, not only because she finds it so upsetting but because it sets up the person/people watching her for a possibly nightmare experience. I am not sure if it's a phase, if it's because I am around more than usual, if it's because we're in an unusual place, if it's because she's not feeling well (her eyes are red and puffy...allergies?), or if she somehow intuits that things are about to change with the impending arrival of her baby sister. In any case, it makes for an exhausting day for me and a trying day for the other folks around her. Needless to say, the fact that she is so darn cute makes it too hard to mind!
Jellyfish: Boo.
Today was another fun-filled day in Florida. When we awoke this morning, I asked Maddy if she remembered what we planned on doing for the day. She thought for a moment, gleefully clapped her hands, and shouted, "We're going to the beach! I can't wait!" Unfortunately for Maddy, the beach turned out not to be the most hospitable place. Besides the choppy surf, there was a warning of "dangerous marine life," which, upon further investigation, turned out to be jellyfish. We decided to brave the water a bit anyway, but our day was cut short when both Maddy and Daddy got stung. Both were relatively unhurt, but it was unnerving. We spent the rest of the day relaxing around the apartment, and Ethan and I had the chance to go out for a delicious dinner in downtown Delray.
There have been a few moments of hilarity these past few days. This morning, when Maddy asked me to go into the water with her, I told her it was Daddy's job. She proceeded to march over to Ethan and say, "Daddy: do your job!" It was very cute. Also, in accordance with her recent obsession with the Care Bears, Maddy has started to identify colors not by their actual name but by their Care Bear association; so, for instance, pink is not "pink," it's "Love-A-Lot Bear." Green is now "Good Luck Bear," blue is now "Wish Bear," red is now "Tenderheart Bear," and so on. These are the greatest, most joyful and precious (and fleeting) moments of childhood. There have been many that slipped past our records during the twelve-month hiatus from blogging. Maddy used to call stickers "she-shees." Now, she not only calls them "stickers," she can ask for the specific stickers she would like to use. She still calls band-aids "boo-boo blankets" and a few weeks ago started to tell me what she wanted to eat by saying something like, "Mommy! My tummy wants a Mickey Mouse pancake." Still, I know that soon enough she'll adopt a more traditional lexicon and we'll miss the days of her imaginative labels and coding. We must continue to enjoy her and do our best to keep track of all the funny and wonderful things she says!
There have been a few moments of hilarity these past few days. This morning, when Maddy asked me to go into the water with her, I told her it was Daddy's job. She proceeded to march over to Ethan and say, "Daddy: do your job!" It was very cute. Also, in accordance with her recent obsession with the Care Bears, Maddy has started to identify colors not by their actual name but by their Care Bear association; so, for instance, pink is not "pink," it's "Love-A-Lot Bear." Green is now "Good Luck Bear," blue is now "Wish Bear," red is now "Tenderheart Bear," and so on. These are the greatest, most joyful and precious (and fleeting) moments of childhood. There have been many that slipped past our records during the twelve-month hiatus from blogging. Maddy used to call stickers "she-shees." Now, she not only calls them "stickers," she can ask for the specific stickers she would like to use. She still calls band-aids "boo-boo blankets" and a few weeks ago started to tell me what she wanted to eat by saying something like, "Mommy! My tummy wants a Mickey Mouse pancake." Still, I know that soon enough she'll adopt a more traditional lexicon and we'll miss the days of her imaginative labels and coding. We must continue to enjoy her and do our best to keep track of all the funny and wonderful things she says!
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