That said, our little Radler has grown so much!!! I know at first glance this outfit is not the typical outfit you'd think we'd dress our child up in, but you can't help but think she looks awfully cute in it!! Since birth, her face has begun to fill out, she's exploring her appendages with what we like to call "baby jazzercise" and her eyes have focused so she doesn't look stoned all the time. Supposedly, she can only see 8 to 14 inches away, but she certainly likes the windows with their natural light and the Christmas lights we have hanging on the wall all of which are more than 14 inches away.
Radler at six days old
Rrraaaarrrr!!
Hello! We're adapting to the new, sporadic sleeping schedule. Juddy and I take turns as often as possible
, however his lack of lactating requires me to do a little more work than he does. He's been fantastic though helping in what ways he can such as meals, getting me things while I'm chained to the recliner (I'll get to that), diaper changes, walking Big Happy and relieving me when I just can't do it any more! After we got home from the hospital initially, I felt remarkably well. And while I was doing "nothing" for Danielle's world, in the world of all other human beings, I was doing way too much. A week after Radler's birth I was experiencing some abnormal pains and ended up in the hospital again for 3 days; somehow I missed that I had had major surgery with complications and that I needed to do NOTHING when I got home. It was less than awesome to be back in the hospital, but at least nothing was seriously wrong. I was forced to do nothing as I sat in my hospital bed and then when I got home Juddy threatened to chain me to the recliner if I didn't stop "helping". So, that's where I've been for the last three weeks...
chained to the recliner. Juddy, my mom and some of our awesome friends took care of Radler while I was in the hospital. Luckily, she's a resilient child and while I counted the minutes of being away, I don't think she noticed in the slightest! She drinks from a bottle (formula or breast milk) with no problem, has no problem being passed from person to person and sleeps through loud rock music as though it's a lullaby played on a harp. I think we'll keep her!! Although I'm going stir crazy, I do enjoying the bonding I'm having with Rad and the ability to tend to all her concerns (it's so tough being 4 weeks old!). We did finally make it on our first walk about a week ago. Don't worry. It was Juddy approved, flat and lasted about 10 minutes!! I've been on one walk since then, but completely overdid it and now I'm back on house arrest. Ahhh!! I'm sure all can picture how well I'm doing being stuck in the house, unable to walk or elliptical and having to put all my personal chores on hold for a month. Oh well...it's good for me, I guess.
, however his lack of lactating requires me to do a little more work than he does. He's been fantastic though helping in what ways he can such as meals, getting me things while I'm chained to the recliner (I'll get to that), diaper changes, walking Big Happy and relieving me when I just can't do it any more! After we got home from the hospital initially, I felt remarkably well. And while I was doing "nothing" for Danielle's world, in the world of all other human beings, I was doing way too much. A week after Radler's birth I was experiencing some abnormal pains and ended up in the hospital again for 3 days; somehow I missed that I had had major surgery with complications and that I needed to do NOTHING when I got home. It was less than awesome to be back in the hospital, but at least nothing was seriously wrong. I was forced to do nothing as I sat in my hospital bed and then when I got home Juddy threatened to chain me to the recliner if I didn't stop "helping". So, that's where I've been for the last three weeks...
chained to the recliner. Juddy, my mom and some of our awesome friends took care of Radler while I was in the hospital. Luckily, she's a resilient child and while I counted the minutes of being away, I don't think she noticed in the slightest! She drinks from a bottle (formula or breast milk) with no problem, has no problem being passed from person to person and sleeps through loud rock music as though it's a lullaby played on a harp. I think we'll keep her!! Although I'm going stir crazy, I do enjoying the bonding I'm having with Rad and the ability to tend to all her concerns (it's so tough being 4 weeks old!). We did finally make it on our first walk about a week ago. Don't worry. It was Juddy approved, flat and lasted about 10 minutes!! I've been on one walk since then, but completely overdid it and now I'm back on house arrest. Ahhh!! I'm sure all can picture how well I'm doing being stuck in the house, unable to walk or elliptical and having to put all my personal chores on hold for a month. Oh well...it's good for me, I guess.
Christmas was lovely. Due to my state, everyone came to me for Christmas. It's a little weird though, having Christmas and Christmas Eve at your house and being unable to cook, clean or do anything a normal host would do. Oh well, no one seemed to mind except me. It was a laid back holiday filled with love, laughter and an assortment of gifts. Radler scored the most though...she got a new 2010 Suburu Outback!! Juddy and I have promised to keep it safe for her until she turns 16 and can legally drive it. However, I'm sure she'll be on our laps testing out the steering within the decade! Oh, speaking of gifts, my outstanding husband also got Radler and I a gift for her birth. Our friend does these awesome "crystal wraps" (also known as hippy bling) which Juddy and I have been meaning to get for a long time. Upon Radler's birth, and once most of the drugs had worn off Juddy surprised me with my very own wrap. It has small versions of his and my birth stones and then a large blue topaz (Rad's birth stone) at the bottom. He asked that I keep it safe until Radler is old enough and mature enough to have it herself. Sooooo sweet!! I'm such a lucky woman....
I wanted to finish this with a giant THANK YOU to every one of you. Thank you for all the cards, emails, gifts, texts, prayers, dinners and well wishes. We have been inundated with so much kindness and love, it's overwhelming. We feel so lucky to have each and every one of you in our lives and can't wait for Radler to meet and experience the amazing human beings who surround us. I'm a little slow on the phone calls back, but I hope you all know how much we appreciate you and how blessed you all make us feel. Thank you for your love, kindness and just being you!!
Hugs and loves to all of you~
Juddy, Danielle, Radler, Big Happy and Little Buddy
She is super gorgeous! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's funny cause Andrea had a very hard time taking it easy. She was so high when we got home from the hospital, she ran around doing stuff. I can't remember how i got her to slow down (stopping was not an option) but it required a serious confrontation. I am surprised she did not end up back in the hospital too!
Anyway, Juddy, I don't think anyone will question your motives if you have to buy straps and a straight jacket. just keep that mama resting.
Danielle knowing how you "relax", I'm not surprised you ended up back in the hospital! You are always the doer and organizer and it's hard to imagine you sitting still for long. Glad Juddy's threat to chain you down (mostly) worked. Can't wait to meet Rad, she is adorable, and will probably be way past newborn stage by the time I make it back up there. :( If you guys feel like a road trip you know where to find me!
ReplyDeletemuch love mama,
Maggie