On October 27, 2011 a miracle took place. My little Eli Riean was introduced into the world. He greeted us without so much as a whimper; eyes wide open and tongue sticking out. I have been madly in love ever since.
There are things they don’t tell you about having a baby. Some things I would have appreciated being prepared for. Other things… there was no way to prepare for.
First let me say that hospitals, regardless of popular opinion, are not a place to catch up on your rest. After 40 hours of labor you would think I would be permitted to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time. This is not true. Apparently it was important to wake me up to make sure I knew that they were going to take my blood pressure. Like I wouldn’t figure it out once the blood pressure cuff began its death squeeze. It was also important to take Eli for a hearing test at 4am. Why? I still have no idea… it was 4 am while they were explaining it to me.
Another note regarding hospitals; I will never again go visit someone in the hospital who has just had a baby, unless they request it. I understand the desire to see the new baby. Until now, I have only been on the end of the visitor; as a visitee… might I recommend you take advantage of this digital world we live in and check out the endless photos posted online and sent via text by the bubbly dad (who, might I add, probably got a good night sleep) and give the new parents some time to adjust. The mental and physical exhaustion is indescribable. Mom might think she’s up for company but she is surging with hormones and not her sensible self… trust me.
Also, labor and delivery is a breeze compared to what most moms are forced to do 6-12 weeks later… return to work. This is the HARDEST thing I have ever done. To go from being with my little bird 24/7 for 10 weeks (not to mention the 10 months I carried him around in my womb) to seeing him for maybe 3 hours a day…. Torture. Nobody can prepare you for this!
On another note, my upper body strength has improved greatly. I have mastered the art of doing house work while carrying around a 16lb baby. This isn’t because he requires it but because I refuse to put him down when I get home from work. After all, I only get to see him for maybe an hour and a half before he goes to bed.
Enough with my sob story, I am grateful to have a beautiful baby boy, a wonderful loving husband, and yes, a great job.
Until next time!
