1 month down

The last time I actually wrote on here I was talking about how postpartum has not gone as I had hoped. I thought I would give an update.

I am feeling much better. Still not 100%, but getting better. Tomorrow is, hopefully, the last day of antibiotics. The antibiotics have caused their own problems, so I am now on the anti-yeast diet. No sugars or refined foods, lots of protein and acidifying foods. I have had to do this before, so I am familiar with the program.

Calum is doing great. He is getting so big. He is solidly in 6 month sized clothes. He is such a laid back baby. He does not like to nap during the day unless he is being held. He does sleep well for me at night. In fact, I have to wake him up to feed him during the night. This was the same with the girls. I just produce kids who do not sleep during the day, and sleep too much during the night! Calum does not mind the car seat, but he does not like to be in the car. Fortunately, we do not have many places to go. He DOES NOT like the grocery store!

Vane, Mary Ann and Helen are currently visiting. It is nice to have extra baby holders in the house. Nora Beth is also enjoying the extra audience. Lamar has taken this week off to spend time with his parents.

Nora Beth, Our Ham!

Grandma Helen brought some stickers to Nora Beth. Of course, the best place to put these stickers is on your face!


Nora Beth had ballet class today. Of course, this means that our undivided attention should be on her at all times. She was born to perform! Lamar caught her hamming it up for the camera.

100 Days of Calum, Day 28

All bundled up and ready for bed

100 Days of Calum, Day 27

Asleep on Grandma Mary Ann's shoulder

100 Days of Calum, Day 24

100 Days of Calum, Day 23

Auntie Lora is making it all better!


Telling Dad all about it! I have a lot to say since I am 4 weeks old today.

100 Days of Calum, Day 22

Nora Beth was so excited to hold baby Calum

100 Days of Calum, Day 21

I see you looking at me!

100 Days of Calum, Day 20

My Postpartum Reality

I have said this before, this whole pregnancy experience has been about me learning how to let go of control. I was not able to control any aspect of the pregnancy or birth, so why should postpartum be any different.

I felt so good about getting so many things prepared so, when Calum was born, I could just focus on him. Activities for the girls were set up, meals were being delivered, housework taken care of, etc. What I did not prepare for was me not healing the way I should.

I bounced back so quickly after both girls, that I assumed all would be well this time. I did everything right during the pregnancy and had a wonderful, intervention free birth. Calum is perfectly healthy and even allowing me to get some sleep. I have essentially been on bed rest since he has been born.

I have been having some symptoms that something was just not right. When I spiked a fever last week, my midwife said it was time for me to see a doctor. Unfortunately my OB/GYN suddenly retired and left me in the situation of needing to be seen ASAP and trying to find a doctor on a Friday that would see me then. I finally found one that got me in (thanks to my line of work, I knew somebody in the office and pulled some strings). Lamar has been really worried about me and felt relieved that I was finally being seen.

Lora came over to get Nora Beth and keep her occupied while I went to the doctor. Lora got across town before I realized the pickle I was in at home. I got Calum all ready to leave the house, went out to the van and realized that I had a dead battery. There was no neighbor home to help me out, Lamar was at work and Lora was across town. She drove back to my house and picked me up and took me to my appointment. Lamar met me there so he could take care of Calum.

The doctor examined me and immediately sent me to get an ultrasound. The thought was that I had retained placenta from the birth. The whole experience was no party. Turns out that I just have an infection. No idea how I got it, but I did. I am now on a round of antibiotics to clear it up.

Lora went and got my medicine and drove me home. She even had us come over to her house for dinner since I was in no condition to even think about cooking. I do not know what I would do without her right now. She even went grocery shopping for me on Thursday since I was unable to leave the house.

I still have to take it easy until all my symptoms clear up. I feel the walls of the house closing in on me. I have spent so much time laying down and watching TV, that I am sure my brain has turned to mush. I just want to feel normal again.

100 Days of Calum, Day 19

This is how Lamar and Calum chose to spend the first day of Sunday NFL action. The Viking gear was on, but Calum made a mess of it. The Vikings won today, even though Nora Beth was insistent on rooting for the Browns. Lamar informed her, that as long as she was living under his roof, there would be no Browns fans in the house!

We had friends over for the traditional brunch and Viking football game. Calum did great during the game.

100 Days of Calum, Day 18

Shianne and Calum enjoying a moment while I took a break.

100 Days of Calum, Day 17

Daddy and son enjoying a moment while at a BBQ with friends.

100 Days of Calum, Day 16

.
Today you get a bonus photo. Calum and I spent the whole day cuddling together. I could spend hours just watching him sleep. I know that I should be sleeping when he does, but I just can't help watching him. I am so in love with this little man!

5th Grade

Today was Shianne's first day of 5th grade. The summer went by so fast. She was initially disappointed when she found out that she did not the teacher she wanted and that her favorite friend was not in the same class, but by the time she came home, all was well in 5th grade land. She likes her new teacher and all will work out friend-wise.

100 Days of Calum, Day 15

My little man is 3 weeks old. He has grown so much. Here he is sleeping on my chest this afternoon. He looked so cute!

100 Days of Calum, Day 14

I know that I have missed a few days here. I really do have a good excuse that I will talk about in a future post. I am now back on track so you can have your Calum fix for the day!

100 Days of Calum, Day 9

All Tuckered Out!

Today was a busy day getting ready for Casheena and Caroline to arrive. Lamar went to the airport to pick them up, while I got everything ready around the house. I even cooked a big dinner. It felt good to be in the kitchen. The evening was spent with lots of conversation and football (Boise St. vs. U of O).

Calum went to the doctor today for his two week appointment. He has gained a pound over the past week. Yeah for mama milk!

Calum 100, Day 8

I am so in love with this little monkey!

100 Days of Calum, Day 7

100 Days of Calum, Day 6