It was wild being back for that. Even though I haven't been on the family vacation in years I could still remember what the 'leaving day' felt like so vividly. All the actions were the same, but the players were different. Now my younger brothers were the receivers of the wrath of a tired Momma who'd stayed up late making sure everything was ready. They were the ones poking around, dragging their feet and being too excited to care about grabbing things they'd later wish they had remembered. You could almost say I missed it. But then I remember how we suffered through the long ride to the beach and realized what I was really missing was my Momma.
I suddenly saw all the years I'd taken for granted being there, but being too busy and wrapped up in my self and my own time. I wish I was there with her now, feeling the ocean air tangle my hair and tasting the salt on my lips. Waking up early and sitting on the porch with her before anyone else stirs. Walking the beach and finding all the treasures that washed up overnight. I suppose these are things we finally understand as we get older. Or maybe it's because I have a daughter now and I look forward to our time together.
Mawmaw and I went to a baby shower for my cousin who's expecting twin boys. She looks beautiful, glowing, even though she's been ordered to complete bed rest. She was in the hospital 3 weeks ago because she began having contractions. After a week there the docs were able to stop her contractions and sent her home on the condition she stay in her bed, except to go to the bathroom. She is able to sit up in the living room occasionally. That was two weeks ago. They are hoping she can carry the boys 3 more weeks. I feel terrible for her situation, but she's handling it wonderfully. But then, when it comes to your baby, you will suffer anything.
We took Arwen swimming again and she loved it. Even though the water was considerably cooler this time after a couple evening thunderstorms she didn't seem to mind. I finally got her out when she started to shiver, but I'm still not convinced she was finished. Chris and I took dinner to Mawmaw's and Arwen had her first go at mashed potatoes. She loved them; Momma was a bit more reserved. The funny thing about all this food business, I can't believe I'm so hesitant to start her on solids. I'd have never imagined myself being this way. Having babies in the house since before I was in high school, I felt like I was going to be a very relaxed mother. Not so. To be perfectly honest, it feels like it's another connection to her that I'm losing. I already feel like I've broken something by going back to work. Now, it's time for her to nurse less and eat solid foods. Ah well, in time...
Also, I was supposed to meet K today for some Sunday afternoon fabric shopping. I thought it was Saturday. Chris' parents came to visit and at 5:00 I realized that I'd forgotten to call AND that today was the day. Friend? Hardly seems so. So sorry K. I'm a bone-head.
New and exciting things to report:
1) Arwen is rolling over now!
2) Arwen has a new walker and is going to be a maniac when she figures out what's really happening when she gets her feet on the floor!
3) My hair is falling out by the hands full. It's insane. And scary. Chris says it's stress. A lady at work says it's because I'm off my prenatal vitamins. Stressed? Yes. Off the vitamins? Nope. So, not new or exciting, but still happening.
4) My OB/GYN recommended that I start taking an herbal supplement called fenugreek to help increase my milk supply. I am not having problems feeding Arwen; in fact, she's still exclusively breastfed. Rather, as she's beginning to go longer periods between feedings I want to keep my supply the same or increased so I can hopefully start storing milk like a factory! However, I smell like maple syrup now. Most strange, grasshopper. Pancakes, anyone??
5 comments:
I remember the hair falling out. I think it's because you lose hair at a much slower rate while you're pregnant (so people with thin hair are usually thrilled with that). Then at some point after you have the baby - sometimes even a year later, all of that extra hair falls out. It happened to me after both of my pregnancies and I had heard about it from others so I just cleaned my brush more frequently for a while.
And I understand the sadness of watching your child become more independent. It's wonderful - but it's hard to let them go. The twins are pushing three, but I still carry them around on my hip like they're babies. They're still so tiny, I can get away with it!
Well, great. Hopefully it's just a side effect of having the baby and I'm not really going to go bald, as Chris suggests.
Kate is totally right about the hair. Same thing happened to me...I mean LOTS of hair was falling out but I still have plenty...don't worry you'll be fine.
It's so sweet to watch their "firsts." :)
Please don't worry at all about Sunday. I went without you and still enjoyed myself. Although, I would have loved to see you and Arwen and her new tricks! I, too, believe the hair thing is normal. Let's hope you don't get a rooster's comb like me.
Oh, hair thing is normal. It lasts for a couple months too and then it will suddenly decrease. I also have taken fenugreek. It works but you do smell weird. Good luck with solids-- it's messy!
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