Tuesday, July 12, 2011

HappySadStressedExcitedAnxiousFearful

Day 4...maybe? What the hell day is it now?

As you can see by the title of my post things are just a *wee* bit hectic right now, both in my life and in my mind. I was discharged from the hospital today and given a clean bill of health by all concerned. After that it took us like 5-6 hours for me to pump, visit Kaia, pump again, pack up almost 3 weeks worth of shit in my room, go buy a pump for home use, get my meds (Tylenol 3s) and finally drive home. The cleaning ladies at the hospital were anxiously standing by my door as we rolled out, ready to turn the room over for the next patient. I felt like yelling "I'm GOING, I'm GOING!!" I can understand now why new parents say there are never enough hours in the day. And having to do all that after 15 weeks of bed rest and major surgery is, how shall we say...difficult, and MASSIVELY exhausting. (I did walk out of the hospital though...go me!)

As for Kaia, she is chillin' in the NICU and doing well by all accounts (including mine). She was extubated last night and has been on Biphasic (look it up) since then. She is definitely progressing in the right direction and we are SO pleased...and anxious, and scared, and happy and excited and nervous. It's like we're in a bit of shock and can't quite stop holding our breathe and waiting for bad news. I knew she would be in the NICU after birth and I knew it would be hard to leave her there, but DAMN did I ever want to just grab her and run today. I felt like saying "just give me all the machinery...I watch her at home!!!" I almost didn't want to get discharged today just because it was so nice to just be down the hall from her (and you KNOW how much I hate the hospital). Now I'm a 25min-1hr (depending on traffic!!) car ride away...and that feels like way too much.

I told Brian in the car today on the way home, that I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't experience a bit of post traumatic stress disorder after all we've been through. Flashbacks, nightmares and physically feeling not our best I think we've both already experienced. I didn't know it would happen, but it's almost hard being home now. The last time I was here things were really awful. Some of the things I was in the middle of doing, reading or would see every day during that time are making me a bit stressed out. Some of the 'get well' gifts I was given, books I was reading, even packaging from the things I was sent from my bloggy friends is still lying around (no Brian didn't do much 'organizing' while I was away, and I don't blame him...it wasn't important). Just seeing those reminders are freaking me out. Why? Because I associate it with when I thought she would die...and that really upsets me right now. I know I will come to cherish those things again in time (Oh, look, remember this? Aww how sweet and thoughtful so and so was...) But I so just want to let go of the past right now and move forward and doing that is difficult with all the constant reminders.

Even the reminders of pumping and seeing Aidan's things is hard. Not because those are bad or awful in and of themselves (actually I love Aidan's things), but because they remind me of coming home after Aidan died. My milk came in and there was no baby to give it to. And his urn is here...and I had been envisioning a new one beside it for months now. I just want to LET GO of all that now and concentrate on my LIVING child...who will keep on LIVING and THRIVING and DOING WELL and COME HOME in the next couple of weeks (months?) I will eventually create a space in my heart and my home for both my kids...but right now all I am reminded of around here is sadness. I feel I've been living in sick or dead baby land so long I forgot what it was like to be happy.

So fellow bloggers and readers, I may not be 'around' quite as much for a multitude of reasons (number one might be pumping...shit, did you know it takes BOTH hands to perform that feat? How am I suppose to type? Not to mention how body/time/energy monopolizing it is? Sheesh. But it's paying off, I'm pumping about 50 mls per session now. The nurses were impressed).

Before Kaia was born all I wanted to read was sad blogs because I could relate to those. Now, all I want to do, maybe what I even need to do, is immerse myself in the happy. Just like I had to 'move forward' after Aidan's death, I have to 'move forward' after Kaia's birth. I will not be totally gone, of course. I will update on my thoughts as things progress, but I don't know that it will be daily or weekly at this point. Never fear though, I already have a few bloggy post ideas, so I'm sure I'll get to those...but right now, I think I must try to cling to the good.

Kaia deserves a happy mommy.

(Plus my incision kills when I cry).

So, I wanna hear it. What's happy in your life? What makes today wonderful?

Oh yeah...and a picture just because I promised. (Here she is being 'done up' (ie: handled, fed, changed, examined) so she is off any breathing apparatus, so you can see her lovely face...but usually it's all covered up by hoses and a hat).


48 comments:

  1. She's absolutely beautiful. :)

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  2. Congrats! She is beautiful!!
    I totally understand your emotions. Be easy on yourself. You have been through a lot!!!
    As for your question...Lot's of things me happy. Your post and that sweet picture of your baby girl makes me happy. :) She has a strong momma!

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  3. Gorgeous little girl.
    So happy you are doing well and hopefully she will be able to come home with you soon.

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  4. She is stunning. You make cute babies!!!

    Also, please don't forget the enormous rush of hormones also flowing though your body. Making you laugh, cry, scream, feel overwhelmed etc. etc.

    Congratulations Emily.

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  5. She is beautiful!! I am so excited for you!

    Answer to your question: my happy time right now is I am still pregnant and Cameron is measuring ahead and weighs over 3 pounds now... And Thursday is the start of the 3rd trimester! I am THRILLED to be at this point!

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  6. She is adorable, my goodness! Can't wait to read updates about how in love you are with her. In time you will find a balance.

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  7. I'm not a baby loss mom (Actually, not a mom at all!) So if you'd like to add my blog to the list of ones you read, that'd be alright by me. I've blogged for a few years, stopped for awhile...and have picked up in a brand new location. My topics tend to be work and college related lol Maybe a story snuck in about my niece here and there, but otherwise...not baby-related at all =)

    Kaia is so beautiful and ALIVE =)

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  8. This reminds me so much of our journey with our baby. I did end up with PTSD and I still have it a year later, but I hope that I am healing. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!!!! And 50 mils is great!!!!!!
    Get a hands free pumping bra. It saved me as I did it for five months.

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  9. She's beautiful! Wishing you so much happiness, because you so deserve it!

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  10. She is breathtaking!! I am so beyond happy for you guys. Not to be too entirely creepy (too late) but are you on Facebook? If so, and you're comfortable with it, I'd love to be FB friends. You can email me at the email address in my profile. With our losses and outside babies coming at similar times, I feel like I know you so well. Obviously your journey was more difficult than mine, particularly the second time, but if I don't know that everything is okay with you guys I might give myself a coronary. haha If that's beyond creepy and stalkerish then just ignore.

    You know my happy right now is Carys (we finalized her name!). And honestly, a chunk of my happy right now is KAIA. :) I'm so happy for you guys, again.

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  11. Wow, that is one cute baby! I was an exclusive pumper for A YEAR. Actually 12 months and 3 weeks and a few hours, but who's counting. A hand free pumping bra is essential ( I used the PumpEase - the polka dots are actually pretty cute). This allows you to blog, read, eat, and perform other multi-tasking essentials all while pumping. Seriously, order one now and get back to providing updates and reading happy books!

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  12. She is gorgeous. Wow.

    Here's to happy!

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  13. She is beautiful!!!! I just can't believe how beautiful this place is that you are in right now. Embrace the beauty mamma.. Kaia is such a precious baby girl.
    As for me.. right now I am trying to cling to hope as well... doing the best I can, and your story has certainly given much to be hopeful for!

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  14. Adorable. And I love the name. Congrats!!

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  15. What a sweetie! Thanks for the picture Emily. Of course you need to cling to the good. You've spent way too long trying not to let your hopes get too high. Now you deserve the chance to see the bright side and feel happy about Kaia.

    As for happiness here, I've made it to 11w2d and we're in birthday mode with my husband's this week and my daughter's in 3 weeks.

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  16. Congrats again! She is absolutely beautiful! I'm so glad you are recovering well too!

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  17. she is beautiful!!!!! I am so pleased for you and cant wait to see even more pictures of your new happiness (-:

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  18. She is absolutely gorgeous! Just perfect!
    You need to do what it is best for you and your family. You'll be missed here, but that doesn't matter! Praying for continued progression for Kaia and strength for momma and daddy. <3

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  19. Welcome to the world, Kaia! She is definitely beautiful. Well done!
    Things are interesting here but my husband and I are leaving for a real vacation tomorrow so that is keeping my spirits up.
    Sending good thoughts your way and hoping everything continues to go well. Enjoy your new baby girl!

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  20. AAHHHHH!!!! She is beautiful. Honestly let yourself grieve ya know? The first few weeks of having a baby are the worst. It really amplifies any feelings.

    I hope she heals up quickly and gets to go home as soon as possible.

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  21. She looks FANTASTIC!!! :-D

    My dog makes me happy. She's silly, she's loving, she's full of joy.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/cragg-ohlsson/3456948973/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/cragg-ohlsson/3088381449/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/cragg-ohlsson/2306814282/

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  22. Emma in my belly makes me happy. My whole blog is bubbly at the moment with the anticipation of a baby. Kaia is so lovely and cute, and I adore how she handles the face mask in the picture. She looks fantastic and I am so happy for how things have turned out. Good things do happen, yay!

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  23. Oh she is beautiful and I forgot to mention last time that I love her name! Her birth and seeing other blms finally have their little ones in their arms makes me so happy. I also have my little 6 week old now so my life is filled with so much happiness. Thanks for the updates and photo. Thinking of you and Kaia lots!

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  24. she is simply beautiful and perfect, and i'm so happy to see her!

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  25. She's beautiful Emily. Take time for yourself though, emotionally and physically. No one expects daily updates here, you've got something else taking up your time now!!!

    My blog is totally non-baby related although it is quite dull!!

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  26. She is absolutely precious!!!!

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  27. She is beautiful. You worked so hard to keep her safe. You are such a good mama. I hope you get to spend more time with her soon.

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  28. Hands free pump bra?!?(good thing I proof read I accidentally wrote "pimp" rather than pump. Re-read it that way and it's hilarious) I didn't know they had those. I pumped for 7 weeks in the NICU and still feel proud of what I could do for my girl. I used to used a knee to hold one pump so that I could take a drink or check a text. I look back and think about what a committed process it is. If you need motivation at any point please post about it or email me. It's a long road and pumping doesn't always feel like it fits in the NICU schedule. Kaia is beautiful!! I'm so happy you are ready to feel her love.
    -Sadie
    Sarahdyz@yahoo.com

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  29. Oh she is so beautiful! It seems like I've been waiting weeks to see her picture, not just a few days.

    I think all your emotions about coming home and those items making you feel sad makes total sense. And I think that wanting to focus on the happy is a good decision too. Kaia does deserve a happy mommy, but don't beat yourself up if you don't feel happy all the time. You have been through hell and there is no way that it can't impact you for the rest of your life.

    What's making me happy? I'm still pregnant (4 weeks, 5 days - I know, very early, but it is better than not being pregnant). I am terrified though. I had a few happy days and now I'm terrified.

    I may be seeing your Dr. K in the future. Have to have an ultrasound first. Trying not to get ahead of myself.

    Is tylenol 3 the standard pain killers to give after major surgery at Mount Sinai? That scared me a little.

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  30. Aw, she perfect! Such a gorgeous little girl. I'm so glad you posted a picture up, I've been so excited to see what she looks like, and she looks like a trooper! That is one determined little girl, ha ha.

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  31. Oh my Lord, she is just beautiful!! What a precious little miracle that you have! I am soo beyond happy for you that things turned out as well for you as they did! (will you please now burn those little funeral outfits that you bought!)

    What is making me happy now is that you made it! It gives me hope that I can too and that everything always end out bad. I'm also happy that tomorrow I will be at 28 weeks (that marks the 2nd delivery date goal that my OB gave me... the first was begging me to have the baby stay put until 24 weeks).

    Lots of Love and kiss that little cutie for me!

    xoxox

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  32. She is beautiful and she looks so strong! Congratulations again!

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  33. She is absolutely beautiful! What a fighter she & her mother are!!

    The littelest things in life make me happy, such as waking up to such a gorgeous day outside. To the veggies waiting for me to pick in my garden. My 3 teenagers who either crack me up or piss me off on a daily basis. I love them regardless :).

    Congratulations and soak up every second you get! You did great!

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  34. Oh my gosh she is BEAUTIFUL! I have chills just thinking about how far you have come. Sending love and hugs your way!

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  35. I am so incredibly happy for you that I started tearing up as I read your post! Of course, Kaia deserves a happy mommy!She is so incredibly beautiful! Enjoy!

    What makes me happy is my 3 beautiful boys, my husband and your story!

    Pump on :)

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  36. Congratulations!!!! Kaia is beautiful and so is her name. I don't blame you for taking a step back and wanting to embrace non-blm's world (or rainbow baby...the terminology is a lot sometimes). I would too if I were in (well, I hope to be in in October) your shoes. Please please post a little note here and there just letting us know all is well. You don't need to indulge any sadness. I want you to be happy!! And I'm going to presume that your readers expect happy-ish posts from now on that celebrate Kaia's life. But I definitely feel connected and hope to know that all is well.

    Take care!! - Tracy

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  37. Kaia is beautiful! Thank you for sharing a picture with us, Emily. I understand needing to step back and take it all in right now, give yourself a break from the sad and bask in the happy.

    This wonderful outcome makes me happy as does the fact that I will be 31 weeks along with my rainbow tomorrow. So much joy, love, and crazy hormones too. I hope you feel a little more settled soon.

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  38. So glad to hear that you are healing so well from the surgery! I know how hard it is, though, to leave a baby behind in the NICU. Despite the distance, I hope you're able to spend many happy hours with your beautiful little girl!

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  39. Kaia is a little beauty, and her progress is amazing! As others have said, don't beat yourself up for not being happy all the time. PTSD wouldn't be surprising AT ALL, and while of course Kaia deserves a happy mommy and you deserve lots of happiness yourself, you've been through so much in the last year that it may take a while to process it all.

    And, this may be stating the obvious, but it's something I needed to hear after Teddy's sister was born - It's okay to look at Kaia and think of what you missed with Aidan, and it will probably happen a lot. That doesn't mean you love either of them any less; quite the opposite in fact.

    Now, on to the happy things - I am enjoying mornings at the Saturday farmer's market, listening to Dot as she tried out new words and sings us her very own little version of "Old McDonald." Also, my clematis is still green and growing and I'm unashamedly enjoying a new series of historical romance novels by Julia Quinn.

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  40. Oh my goodness, shes gorgeous!! And perfect!!

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  41. One more comment from me in re:

    "(Plus my incision kills when I cry)."

    Then for the love of GOD...avoid sneezing or coughing!!!!

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  42. So Sweet! Thanks for the update and photo! She's awesome.

    There is a bra you can buy that allows you to attach the pumps so you can be hands free. I think the MSH shop had the bras but not the attachments (that was four years ago) if you want the plastic clip attachments I can drop them off w one of the nurses or you could try ebay

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  43. She is a beautiful miracle!!! Thank you so much for sharing Kaia's picture. :) And yes she deserves a happy mommy and you also deserve to be happy. I'm thinking of you and will look forward to reading whatever you're up to post. Enjoy every minute.

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  44. Oh Emily, she's so beautiful. I'm so glad she's here and I'm just so bloody happy for you today.
    Nothing but tears of joy. We'll miss you, but I'd rather know you were busy being a mum than coming here to update us.
    xo

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  45. Reading this and seeing a picture of your precious, beautiful little baby girl, Kaia, makes me happy!!!

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  46. Emily, I am so happy for you and Kaia is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your journey here. BTW, definitely get a hands free pumping bra...best purchase I made while pumping for my son. =)

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  47. She is absolutely gorgeous! Just gorgeous!!! This makes me so happy. =)

    P.S. Yes, get a hands-free pumping bra. I used it at the NICU in the pumping room and also in my house all the time and I would be on my laptop at home or reading magazines in the NICU. It helped a lot!

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