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August 12, 2006
positively shocking
Wow, you know you haven't updated in a long time when all your content falls off and leaves your poor blog naked as a, um, NEWBORN BABY. As I hope you will appreciate from the picture, I believe I have a good reason. I've been too busy scraping my brains off the floor, putting them back in my head, and then blowing them out again.
The timing is particularly interesting as we just got the Bean totally potty-trained, I was finally down to my pre-baby weight, and we are in the process of starting a new business. Plus, I am a million years old, far too old for wanting more babies. I told my OB that last time when I was THREE YEARS YOUNGER, the term "advanced maternal age" was written all over my chart. My OB said this time they were going to write "elderly maternal age". She also told me I could eat sushi and drink wine (not that I am going to! But maybe!) while pregnant. These things made me like her.
Whenever I describe my birth experience to a doctor or nurse, I cry. Suffice to say, forty-one hours of labor, a 10.8-pound baby and 30+ stitches in the crotch did not a fantastic time make. Everyone is suggesting a planned c-section this go-around, but I'm worried about recovering from that, taking care of a three-year old and sticking a baby on my boob for eight hours a day. I don't know what is worse, that "just sat on a chainsaw" feeling or getting your guts ripped open, having a baby fished out of you, then being sewn shut. Any thoughts?
One thing you do when you're pregnant is tune in to all the other folks in the world who are also pregnant. As such, I am happy that Maggie is preggers, too. And I just found out a friend of mine is having twins - double ha ha on him! Rest up now, folks! Go see every movie ever filmed, walk around your homes admiring your beautiful things, sleep in - heck just enjoy four consecutive hours!
A chasm opens between life before and after parenthood. Apparently, once you cross it, you fill it with more children.
Posted by Max at August 12, 2006 06:07 PM
Comments
Yay, mucho congratulatores! And thank you for having all the children so I don't have to.
Posted by: Eric at August 13, 2006 08:33 AM
I wondered where oh where you'd gone. Now it all makes sense. Congratulations!
Posted by: Lindsey at August 14, 2006 02:32 PM
My c-section was a walk in the park, seriously. The whole thing was over in 10 minutes, and I had 2 of 'em. You'll get some extra time in the hospital, too. Just make sure everything is set up at home for you to be fuzzy, drug-addled mess for about 2 days. I'm sure you'd be up and around in no time. Not that I've gone the other way, but I can't imagine hours of pushing and crotch ripping is a more authentic or pleasant birth experience.
Posted by: Teddie at August 21, 2006 02:45 PM
mazel tov, congratulations and all that.
Posted by: david at September 11, 2006 12:42 AM
They just released a study that planned (non emergency) c/secs raise maternal mortality--so, um, maybe try to avoid one. Some are easy. Mine involved retained placenta (impossible! said the surgeon, but I was the one rushed to the hospital in ambulance 2 wks postpartum, so whatever, Knifey), and was pretty damn awful. Also, ugly scar, trouble bfeeding, and generally feeling like crap.
You might try going to a licensed pregnancy chiropracter/masseuse to help with positioning; maybe no. 1 was not at the best angle? Or try waterbirth if you haven't? I hear they can make a big difference. But c/secs are surgery, and always have more risks than a healthy mom's vag. birth.
good luck and congrats!
Posted by: emjaybee at September 11, 2006 06:01 PM
My bad, it was neonatal, not maternal mortality. Here's the link to the NY Times article:
http://tinyurl.com/gcoe5
Posted by: emjaybee at September 11, 2006 09:42 PM
WOW!!! Just when you thought you were out of the woods. I guess sometimes there's just a little somebody else who reeeeally wants to be a part of your family.
All the best to you in this time of disbelief and beauty!
Posted by: tracey at September 12, 2006 02:17 PM
Congratulations! Take it slow and think things through. You have some time to get lots of opinions and do some research. Chances are this time around will be easier, though.
How lovely and exciting! And I do believe our boys must be going to the smae barber! They're pretty cute, eh?
Posted by: katie at September 19, 2006 10:45 AM