Nesting-In

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...