From Mom

I realize I haven't written a blog since before Norah was born. Life has been busy but amazing. I'm not even sure what I should write about or where to start.

As you read from Marshall's blog, the labor and birth of Norah was a positive experience and given the opportunity, I don't think we would change one bit of it. I had hoped for a waterbirth, but I am more than content with how Norah and I (and Dad!) were able to manage the 9 hours of labor and the 20 minutes of transition. Transition happened so fast, there was no time to prep the tub - and I couldn't even wrap my mind around how I was going to carry myself from the bed to the tub. Just a few comments in response to some general questions I've been asked:

Pain. This is a huge topic and buzz word surrounding childbirth. My experience was NOT painful. The surges (or contractions) I experienced during the 9 hours were extremely manageable, which I attribute to hypnobirthing and the use of different laboring techniques (jacuzzi, shower, birthing ball, etc.). Once the bag of waters was broken, things definitely got more intense but I still can't label what I was feeling as pain. I've retold our experience many times to people, and the only word that seems to fit that last 20 minutes when I was pushing is INTENSE. And to label how I felt after Norah was born - RELIEVED! (I do believe I made the remark, "I'm good with only having one child"...HAHA!)

Breastfeeding. Yes, I believe breastfeeding is natural and that God gave women breasts for a reason (not just for sexual attraction). So, I feel like I should use them! However, I've experienced firsthand that just because breastfeeding is natural does not mean that it is easy! Breastfeeding WAS PAINFUL the first week or so. My nipples have begun to hurt less, but I'm producing more milk than Norah can take in (moderate-to-serve engorgement). It's somewhat painful, highly uncomfortable, and super frustrating. I've been pumping and putting the excess milk in the freezer. We definitely have a good supply started and I am literally counting down the days until we are able to introduce a bottle. Norah and I have also been struggling with positioning (she only wants to eat in one position - with me laying down). This struggle is not conducive to having company or leaving our home to run errands. But yes, I know, this too shall pass. And yes, practice, practice, practice! We are both hanging in there, and I know the health benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any frustrations we may encounter.

Norah is sleeping beside me as I write this blog. I can't stop staring at her. She is so precious and perfect. How was this little one inside of me for 10 months? How did God know I would love her so much right away? Is she capable of loving us right away? How am I ever going to be a good mom? Whew, it is all a bit overwhelming, but God knew Marshall and I needed Norah in our lives. I'm so humbled by his graciousness and know I need to strive to be a better woman for Marshall...and now for Norah.

Norah's Grandma Wiley arrives tonight! HOORAY! Marshall is currently in route to pick her up from the Boston Airport. I am so excited and can hardly focus on anything. I know my mom is going to be a bundle of emotions when she meets Norah. She has been talking about her visit ever since we booked the tickets (over a couple of months ago). Her only baby now has a baby of her own. We will make sure to post pictures of her visit!

I hope you all are well. I just want to say a special thank you here to all of the people who have extended their support to us. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives.

Love to you all.
SLK

Sleepies

Hot Mess

Behold, the look of a little girl who has been cleaned, changed, and swaddled after expressing the contents of her bowels both into her diaper and onto the unclothed chest/stomach of her father:



There's nothing quite like the feeling of using your hand as a dam to keep your daughter's runny, seedy poop from dripping down from your stomach onto your shorts and the floor.

Oi.

Skepitical

Or inquisitive?

Snugglesaurus

Cuteness and cuddlin' ain't never been extinct.