Sunday, February 7, 2010

First couple of weeks

For journaling purposes, I want to document what the past 2 weeks have been like for this new fam of four. Brian and I are EXHAUSTED. The hospital stay was not the same as it was when we delivered Emily. The hospital was packed---we were told that every time the nurses shifts changed. I never moved from the labor and delivery room which had some perks---larger room and the bed for Brian was more comfortable, but the bed for me was horrible. Since it was purely a labor and delivery bed---it wasn't cozy in the slightest and to sit there all day certainly didn't help the healing process. I came home in more pain this time around and even a bit more tired. I think the shock of having a baby early took it's toll on me as well.

We came home from the hospital and Emily came down with a horrible cold. It started out as just a cough, but then she had a fever for three days and the cough seemed to sound much more deep and rough to me. We set up a doctor's appointment for her because she wasn't eating or sleeping well. (thankfully she was still requesting liquids.) The sleep took another toll on me. Kinley was up every 2-3 hours and then Emily would wake right after Kinley went down. I think Brian and I both felt like zombies.

Unfortunately, when Kinley was born, my dad, sister, niece were all sick so we didn't have too much help, but my mom has been an absolute champ. She took three days off work to help and has offered to keep Emily overnight a couple nights this weekend. It's truly a blessing. We wake up so tired, but Emily wakes up needing our attention to the fullest. She's been acting out to get our attention and that's new for us. She's whining and crying a lot, but when Grandma is around, she's happy as a lark. **I should certainly include that since my dad has been feeling better he came down to give us a few hours of a break and helps with the overnight stays too.** The cousins get to meet Kinley tonight for the first time too so that should be fun.

Kinley is up just about every 2-3 hours during the night and because of her jaundice state we've been told to wake her every 3 hours during the day. So, I don't completely feel like myself, but more like a cow---She likes to be held and comforted throughout the day and sometimes at night too.

Today we got out for the first time as a family of four and walked around the neighborhood. Emily got some park time and Kinley got her snuggle time since I was "wearing" her. I hope to come out of this fog of tiredness soon!

4 comments:

Heidi said...

The adjustoment of going from 1 to 2 kids is hard enough; but when it's coupled with sick kids and sleep deprivation, it's pretty close to impossible. So happy to see that you're getting through it... The best part is that it's temporary - and your body does adjust to the lack of sleep. Hang in there girl - it WILL get better!! : )

Judi said...

thanks for posting...we like to know how you are doing...will be praying for the four of you :)

Lyn said...

Can you believe that all this has happened, and you're still a week away from your "due" date? It's been quite a ride, and we're enjoying every chance we get to help you and to love on those precious little girls. As I write this, Miss Emily is sound asleep upstairs and probably dreaming of her trip to Disneyland tomorrow. Can't wait!

The Marshall Fam said...

It will get better! I've been thinking about you and praying for you, but I haven't called because I know how exhausted you are--I figure you'll call when you feel up to it. :) Hope things settle down soon so you can feel less like a zombie!

P.S. LOVE the pics in the previous post. What beautiful girls!