The beauty of a new Mom is endless. First you have the baby weight that although is diminishing slowly by day (yey 15lbs down!) you still look like you are in the second trimester. In fact I have found myself running into people who do not know about the birth of Bennett, and saying, "Oh and I had the baby"--just to clarify that now all of this flubber is mine all mine! Then theres the maxi-pads the size of Texas. I mean does anything make you feel more womenly and sexy then a mini diaper? Also the saggy eyes from sleepless nights that scream "even though I am smiling and telling you things are going well--but really this stage SUCKS"!
Well today something happened that would hold grand supreme of sexy new mom status!
While on my first hurrah away from children (grocery shopping), something out of the ordinary happened! Did I brush up against some wet apples? Or maybe it was the mist on the lettuce that struck me? While leaning over produce I learned that even formula fed babies mommas leak during feed times! YIKES! A half wet dress that clearly defined boobage and I was feeling hot! What to do what to do! Do I turn around and go home or do I execute this list as if nothing is happening? I did the latter and prayed I didn't run into anyone I knew.
I did in fact run into someone I knew. A secretary from my OB office and luckily she is used to leaky boobs. I did in fact announce to her I was no longer with child in case she hadn't noticed.
And now I know, I can conquer the world even with a leaky breast.
ps. Today was amazing because my awesome husband took ALL the night shifts last night and I slept 9 hours! I will take a leaky book over sleepless night any day!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
How to survive "Newborn Survival Mode"
You know how they say that your mind forgets the pain of childbirth in order to have another? I think that may be only the tip of the iceberg. What about the sleepless nights? The hormones? The maxipads after 9 months? The recovery? The keeping up with the other kid(s) in order to be a functioning parent? The leaky breasts? The 5 seconds of alone time one has only to pee or shower? And the list goes on. I forgot how hard newborn days are, and surprised on how a matter of being a few years older can make you feel way more of a turtle and less of the rabbit in the race.
So I am searching for ways in order to making this "newborn survival mode" livable. Here is what I got so far:
1. End of the day shower no matter how sleepy you are. This isn't about washing up, or keeping up with with leg hair-- it is souly for the the soul. It is about taking the few minutes you deserve to breathe and be ONLY you for a moment. Regroup, gather your thoughts is solace, and not responsible for a thing other than relaxing yourself.
2. Bad ass music to remind you that you are a bad ass Mother! (or in this case Motha!) What is better then listening to Jay-Z and Kanye rap about surviving the wild while you are doing the same? Sure they may be talking about dodging bullets and danger on the streets-- but us newborn Motha's can relate! At the end of the day we are wiping our forheads thinking -- We survived another day! Bad ass music helps make the Mother STRONG! Perhaps hospitals should toss some rap music into the formula bags upon leaving! My favorite line of bad ass music comes from No Doubt's new single Settle Down: "I'm a rough and tough, I'm a rough and tough, and nothings gonna knock this girl down"
3. Vodka anyone? I have ventured down this road yet but is sounds good! Especially after not having a fruity beverage all Summer, and watching Pete enjoy them in Bermuda while I sipped on water! I imagine it would help though don't you think?
4. Find the silver lining. This is so hard with weepy hormones, and no sleep, but their is always one. Perhaps just the idea that you brought new life into the world and it should be cherished.
I feel a bit under water struggling to swim on, but on most days I am able to pop my head up to breathe even if it is for a moment. I am blessed with so much, and just need to find a place that I can join the rest of the human race while adjusting to my new life. In the meantime, while I work on this transition, I am relishing in this baby that is my last. There is something to be said when you permanently do something to your body to close up shop that makes you see the final chapter in a story you had been writing for years. Bennett adores his Mom. I can't stop holding him. I can't believe he is not only our surprise baby but our last one. Not all of survival mode stinks. Certainly not his baby love!
So I am searching for ways in order to making this "newborn survival mode" livable. Here is what I got so far:
1. End of the day shower no matter how sleepy you are. This isn't about washing up, or keeping up with with leg hair-- it is souly for the the soul. It is about taking the few minutes you deserve to breathe and be ONLY you for a moment. Regroup, gather your thoughts is solace, and not responsible for a thing other than relaxing yourself.
2. Bad ass music to remind you that you are a bad ass Mother! (or in this case Motha!) What is better then listening to Jay-Z and Kanye rap about surviving the wild while you are doing the same? Sure they may be talking about dodging bullets and danger on the streets-- but us newborn Motha's can relate! At the end of the day we are wiping our forheads thinking -- We survived another day! Bad ass music helps make the Mother STRONG! Perhaps hospitals should toss some rap music into the formula bags upon leaving! My favorite line of bad ass music comes from No Doubt's new single Settle Down: "I'm a rough and tough, I'm a rough and tough, and nothings gonna knock this girl down"
3. Vodka anyone? I have ventured down this road yet but is sounds good! Especially after not having a fruity beverage all Summer, and watching Pete enjoy them in Bermuda while I sipped on water! I imagine it would help though don't you think?
4. Find the silver lining. This is so hard with weepy hormones, and no sleep, but their is always one. Perhaps just the idea that you brought new life into the world and it should be cherished.
I feel a bit under water struggling to swim on, but on most days I am able to pop my head up to breathe even if it is for a moment. I am blessed with so much, and just need to find a place that I can join the rest of the human race while adjusting to my new life. In the meantime, while I work on this transition, I am relishing in this baby that is my last. There is something to be said when you permanently do something to your body to close up shop that makes you see the final chapter in a story you had been writing for years. Bennett adores his Mom. I can't stop holding him. I can't believe he is not only our surprise baby but our last one. Not all of survival mode stinks. Certainly not his baby love!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Little Blessed One
Bennett Gardiner Dos Santos Born August 16, 2012 weighing 7lbs 10 oz and 20 1/2 inches long! His name was found at the early stages of conception when my oldest came home declaring he wanted a baby named "Benny". I wanted to find a name that meant something God intended since it was such a Christmas surprise for us! One day I came up with the name Bennett unknowingly of its meaning. When I looked it up it meant "Little Blessed One" and I knew it was perfect. We didn't commit to the name in case it didn't fit him, but when he came out I knew he was indeed a little blessed one:
Already a lover of a paci:
And already a handsome young fellow:
Way more pictures to come :-) We are already madly in love!
Already a lover of a paci:
And already a handsome young fellow:
Way more pictures to come :-) We are already madly in love!
Labor Of Love
I have spent many hot humid days this Summer hoping for an early delivery. I couldn't imagine making it to my scheduled c-section date. I was uncomfortable, and barely able to walk, sleep, or eat. Every time I went into the doctors office I would hope she had something to tell me that included "show time", but typical of my past babies all I got was, "nothing yet", after check up's. I surrendered to this fact. I even went into the hospital for blood pressure concerns knowing for sure that "today wasn't the day". I had to wait.
I was woken up this past Wednesday night with sharp pain. I kept thinking oh great now on top of everything else I am going to have false labor for the grand finale of my finals days. I was scheduled for my c-section on Monday, and although that seemed to the "normal" person to be soon, for me in seemed like it was months away. I kept trying to lull myself back to sleep in between pain and squeeze. I kept thinking why must I have Braxton Hicks like this in the middle of the night? And then I started to realize that they were coming consistently and strong. Seven hours later, they were still ten minutes apart, and getting stronger and stronger.
On our way to the hospital Pete and I discussed that we would probably be making a quick turn around after being sent home. It was a clear sky, bright blue, early 70 degree day, and I said "Although today is a perfect day to have a baby". In triage my contractions calmed down but came on so strong I could not speak. I never had this experience before and figured it was a matter of time I would be home having to deal with it alone again. They checked me and I went from being completely closed days before to being 1cm. Normally this would make the average women cry since it is barely anything for a whole lot of pain. However for us "must have c-section" ladies it meant GO time! This however meant major surgery with a OBGYN I didn't know!
Apparently my declaration of it being a great day to have a baby was true! Everyone was having babies that day! After and epidural and waiting for the OR to be available, I slowly came to terms with the fact I was in fact having a baby that day. After being home for 10 hours of labor I thought was false, I wondered how my body would take major surgery.
Surgery was supposed to take 45 minutes. The first hour went by and then I heard his cry. I cried. And for the first time they actually let me HOLD the baby on me for a bit before he went to the nursery! I couldn't believe I brought life into this world again. I also thought about the fact it would be the last. As I was getting my tubes tied that day for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of my health. Apparently this was the best choice I have made, since the surgery went on to be a hard one. I never realized how much your party takes a toll with every c-section that you have. I had so much scar tissue that connected to organs that this 45 min. surgery took 2 hours. The last hour without a baby or a husband it the room was excruciating. Knowing that it was taking long, hearing whispers of how "bad" it was in there, and over all getting worried about getting out of this alive, I became anxious. I prayed hard, and tried to calm down. Having a doctor that I didn't know didn't make it any easier. Luckily while in recovery I realized I would be ok, and the doctor assured me this could never happen again without consequence. And so the end of my baby making journey begun. With God's grace, I made it through, and can now enjoy my three kids!
I love that my sweet baby boy decided to choose his birthday! He also decided to let his Mom know what "REAL" labor is all about! He is perfect. And although the day was a rocky "hail Mary" road, we both came out kicking and screaming.
I was woken up this past Wednesday night with sharp pain. I kept thinking oh great now on top of everything else I am going to have false labor for the grand finale of my finals days. I was scheduled for my c-section on Monday, and although that seemed to the "normal" person to be soon, for me in seemed like it was months away. I kept trying to lull myself back to sleep in between pain and squeeze. I kept thinking why must I have Braxton Hicks like this in the middle of the night? And then I started to realize that they were coming consistently and strong. Seven hours later, they were still ten minutes apart, and getting stronger and stronger.
On our way to the hospital Pete and I discussed that we would probably be making a quick turn around after being sent home. It was a clear sky, bright blue, early 70 degree day, and I said "Although today is a perfect day to have a baby". In triage my contractions calmed down but came on so strong I could not speak. I never had this experience before and figured it was a matter of time I would be home having to deal with it alone again. They checked me and I went from being completely closed days before to being 1cm. Normally this would make the average women cry since it is barely anything for a whole lot of pain. However for us "must have c-section" ladies it meant GO time! This however meant major surgery with a OBGYN I didn't know!
Apparently my declaration of it being a great day to have a baby was true! Everyone was having babies that day! After and epidural and waiting for the OR to be available, I slowly came to terms with the fact I was in fact having a baby that day. After being home for 10 hours of labor I thought was false, I wondered how my body would take major surgery.
Surgery was supposed to take 45 minutes. The first hour went by and then I heard his cry. I cried. And for the first time they actually let me HOLD the baby on me for a bit before he went to the nursery! I couldn't believe I brought life into this world again. I also thought about the fact it would be the last. As I was getting my tubes tied that day for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of my health. Apparently this was the best choice I have made, since the surgery went on to be a hard one. I never realized how much your party takes a toll with every c-section that you have. I had so much scar tissue that connected to organs that this 45 min. surgery took 2 hours. The last hour without a baby or a husband it the room was excruciating. Knowing that it was taking long, hearing whispers of how "bad" it was in there, and over all getting worried about getting out of this alive, I became anxious. I prayed hard, and tried to calm down. Having a doctor that I didn't know didn't make it any easier. Luckily while in recovery I realized I would be ok, and the doctor assured me this could never happen again without consequence. And so the end of my baby making journey begun. With God's grace, I made it through, and can now enjoy my three kids!
I love that my sweet baby boy decided to choose his birthday! He also decided to let his Mom know what "REAL" labor is all about! He is perfect. And although the day was a rocky "hail Mary" road, we both came out kicking and screaming.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Summer 2012 Thus Far
This Summer has been less eventful then those of the past. Our usual trips to Sesame Place, and a week at a beach house in Rhode Island got over shadowed with end of pregnancy. We missed the old usual thing, but we still managed to find some fun things to do! Here are some pics from the Summer thus far:
Our 1 and only trip to the actual beach in RI:
Addie bringing beach hair pony tails into fashion
Cousins at the beach!
(yes that is a wardrobe change as Addison got wayyyyy to sandy)
We were lucky enough to be able to stay with my grandparents at their beach house for a night as a last vacation before baby! The kids loved it! They went crab hunting, and enjoyed having some fresh salt air!
Rylan and his Dad waiting for the Block Island Ferry to pass by!
And with Mom!
Looking for boaters out on the pond at my grandparents!
Check out all of the crabs!
We love this place!
They got an AWESOME birthday gift from both sides of our family- grandparents. This has provided tons of Summer fun with friends!
We also managed to get some swimming done!!
We have had lots of outdoor fun:
And managed to have two birthday for two June bugs:
And now we await the arrival of our 3rd Summer baby! Not a June Bug but close enough! :-)
Where I am at: Baby TRES
Poor #3 is already being neglected by this blog! Someday my other two will have piles of posts to reflect their baby lives, and number 3 is going to be all: "you forgot me". Sorry kid Mommy has been very busy. I need to return to being a better blogger-- maybe in 5 years when all the kids are in school and will no longer need me to wipe them! Even then I am not making any promises! Until then this is what I got...
Right now I look similar to this (although this picture was taken 2 weeks ago and I swear I have gained about 2 inches all around since:
This was taken when the husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! 3 kids in 7 years! Yikes! Prime reason to get some tubes tied I think!
Over all I would give my self an A for kicking ass this pregnancy. I haven't let it slow me down for the most part, nor have I turned into a human Macy's Thanksgiving Day Balloon. Let's face it- last two they could have flown me up over Central Park and I would have covered the joint. This time--even at 37 weeks-- I might only cover the upper-east side quarter of it! For that I bow (if I could) as a job well done.
I thought I would make it through my entire pregnancy without a stranger feeling my belly up. I almost did. Then I got a pedicure yesterday and lovely old lady just jumped at the chance to rub me like a magic genie would pop out. All I could think about was the amount of people that actually KNOW me that would loving nothing more then poke at my belly and haven't. She blessed me and all but I still felt a bit invaded. As for the pedicure-it was perfect. I kept getting glimpses of my feet these past few days and I kept imagining being on the operating table with claw toes, and dirty heels! EWWW I couldn't do it. I made it a priority. And now baby can come since Mommy has clean feet. (I know this makes no sense but mind you I am writing for hormonal crazy brain!)
Speaking of crazy brain. I dusted things in this house I have never dusted before since we moved in 4 years ago! My loving sister and her family supported this crazy brain with an early baby present: a gift certificate for a house cleaning! Is that not the absolute BEST baby gift ever!!!!
And so we are at the waiting game. C-section scheduled for Aug.20 - but crazy active baby has been keeping me on my toes. I spent the entire weekend counting contractions and feeling complete hell after he decided to move head down. The next day just as I was packing my hospital bag, he turned back to being a comfortable side-ways position again! Who does that at this last stage!! Doesn't he want out like I want him out? Dr. says he is already a hefty size, and she also warned that baby #3 are "like this". You feel more, which is strange to me, since with my last 2 I never contracted for more then a minute.
Now that I am on less then two weeks, and I over heard a girl making an appointment for Aug. 22 at the nail salon making me realize my baby will be at least 2 days old by the time she comes back to get her nails filled, it is suddenly REAL. I am about to have 3 kids. For the love of Kanye and all that is Kardashian I can only hope I keep my sanity.
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