I don't recommend giving birth two your second child, via c-section, with two bleeding uteri, during the holiday season and in the midst of a move across town to a fixer-upper new home.
Rest?
Yeah right.
We officially moved on Tuesday. Thanks to the Everett/Jordan clan of helpers. And though I didn't lift a box, I didn't really rest and now I sit in our new house surrounded by boxes. Olive is asleep on my chest so I'm typing with one hand again. Still not myself, tired, weak, and foggy, but no longer dizzy whenever I stand up.
Nick and Elias just walked to the school playground bundled in their long underwear and snow pants for our 10 degree weather. I wish I could join them, but I'm not there yet, so I'm thankful Nick is present and able. Elias needs the familiarity of platforms and slides
The past few weeks have been hardest on Elias as he is not able to really articulate his fears and anxiety and yet the approaching move, Mommy's poor health, and the arrival of a new sister who is not nearly as exciting as she was made out to be before her arrival, has his world turned upside down.
I wouldn't say he loves Olive. Not yet. "Why did Olive come out of your belly?" he asks me daily. And though he has had grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins , and friends to play with, I know he misses his Mommy who seems to continually hold this blob of a baby who only cries, sleeps, poops and nurses. Not much fun for a five year old boy.
I look forward to school starting next week, so he can return to a routine he knows. And so maybe I can find more time to write. Or sleep. Or unpack this bounty of boxes. Or more likely just sit here like this, holding little Olivia because I can, because she's not in the NICU but home for the holidays and the long cold months to come.
I hope to finally load some pictures on the computer tomorrow, now that my head is a little clearer, and will share them for my Happy Friday post. And someday I will write her birth story-- but that may take me little longer. Thank you all for your love and support. May the new year bring you unexpected light and joy.
Happy New Year to you and yours. I hope it brings peace and rest and many fewer worries.
Olive is adorable!
Posted by: Blanche | 12/31/2009 at 02:25 PM
Hi Christy,
Wow! What a couple of weeks you guys have had. I am happy to be able to picture where you are and what you are doing. Sleep, eat, nurse, poop, change diaper, try to explain to Elias what is going on, repeat. What a lovely sunny day today! Look forward to seeing you soon. Liz
Posted by: Liz Howell | 12/31/2009 at 02:33 PM
It sounds like you are up to those things that you need to be. I am glad that you feel a little better. Don't worry about those boxes, they can wait...and wait...and wait. Be with your family. Valerie
Posted by: valerie | 12/31/2009 at 03:30 PM
Glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better. Is there anything we can help you with? Have a wonderful New Year's.
Posted by: Dayna | 12/31/2009 at 03:55 PM
Happy New Year. More good things await!
Posted by: Shelley | 12/31/2009 at 04:16 PM
Happy New Year! Happy to hear things are going well!
Posted by: Heather | 12/31/2009 at 05:41 PM
Happy New Year Christy! Enjoy your beautiful Olivia and snuggle her sweetness every chance you get. Rest as much as you can and rely on others more than your driven self usually allows you to. Elias will come around and learn to love (and tease) Olive as time goes by. The boxes will get unpacked eventually and you have the most important things right by your side: family, friends, and love.
Have a wonderful New Year's and congratulations once again!
Posted by: Kellie | 12/31/2009 at 06:04 PM
Wonderful that Olivia's here safely, you're starting to feel better, and you have family and friends to help. So glad you're over some of the hurdles. Congratulations!
Posted by: Linda in Oregon | 12/31/2009 at 07:28 PM
Wow! What a lot of changes. I think Elias will love it soon. It is so hard to have a new sibling. I think asking why she came out is a VERY grown up boy way of growing with it. My grandmother always tells about how my mother whacked her over the head with a toy pan when she was nursing her new little brother. She knew she would get in trouble for hitting the baby so she hit her mommy instead.
Posted by: Jessica | 12/31/2009 at 08:25 PM
Happy New Year! Had a wonderful chat with your parents today and can't wait to see them in February. You just need to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. Things will get easier next week when Elias has his routine back and you can hopefully get some needed rest with Olivia. I know those boxes seem to be calling to you but take it slow- they aren't going anywhere and you need your health. You have so much to be thankful for this New Year's day and you are so surrounded by love ones. I am raising my glass to you and your fabulous family- Here's to a fabulous 2010!!!!
Posted by: Noel Dennehy | 12/31/2009 at 09:13 PM
Wishing you ease and joy and abundance of health this year. Can't wait to read and see whatever you ahve to share with us. Just so glad you are home safely with your family.
Posted by: Niksmom | 01/01/2010 at 07:22 AM
You have so very much going on, but I am glad to hear that everyone is basically healthy and you are all home, together. I am also happy to hear that you have tons of support. Happy New Year!
Posted by: JenniferB | 01/01/2010 at 10:59 AM
She is stunningly beautiful Christy! so "plump" and full term...I just love that you had a full term baby..and that you have moved and that you have such a wonderful group of loved ones to help you guys through all of this. No doubt it has been hectic especially since you weren't your usual wonder woman. It will all settle in and Olivia as a "gift" for Elias will be the kind that slowly reveals itself. I think you can tell in his eyes when he is kissing her head that he gets it, even if his heart hasn't opened up yet. Enjoy these winter months of snuggle time. You don't need to do anything just yet. There is time.
Posted by: fleming | 01/03/2010 at 08:03 AM