Just Getting Through the Day
June 25, 2015
Things have been hard around here. We aren’t in crisis mode, exactly, but the hour by hour, getting through the day has just been a challenge. I’ve been tired, moody and in no mood to do much of anything (hence the 3 week blog silence).
The cloud hanging over life right now is how I feel physically. I’m 28 weeks pregnant, and still feel like crap mostly every moment of the day. I’m having to eat constantly to keep the nausea under control, which is making me feel like I’ve gained a ton of weight, although my doctor says I’m right on track. My body just feels gross and foreign, and I hate that I am not enjoying this final pregnancy like I did my other two. I’m telling myself that the silver lining is that there’s no room for doubt that this will in fact be my final pregnancy- no way am I putting myself or my family through this again.
The nausea and fatigue have not made me the most pleasant wife or mother to live with. I went through a few days where I had less than zero patience with Charlotte for, well, being two years old. And I find myself oscillating between being an obsessive house keeper who can’t stand one thing out of place (which of course there’s always multiple things out of place) to a lazy sloth who just wants to say “screw it” and go to bed instead of picking up toys and putting away dishes for the millionth time that day.
Two weeks ago, I did my 1 hour glucose tolerance test and borderline “failed” it. My doctor said because of my other symptoms she wanted to me to do the 3 hour test. Great. I did it yesterday, and it was brutal. I was so, so sick the rest of the day from fasting, a bottle of sugar, and 4 blood draws. But today my doctor emailed me with good news- my test results were “perfect”. I’m so relieved- I told her I didn’t have time to deal with gestational diabetes, and I meant it!
I’m also back and forth between being excited with anticipation and filled with fear about welcoming this new little one to our family. I will admit not feeling as connected to this baby because of how awful I feel all the time, but I’m also thankful this little one is super active and I’m trying to relish those sweet kicks and movements when I can. After months of indecisiveness, I think we finally have names picked out, which strangely has helped a ton with my bonding with this baby. I feel like it’s a girl and tend to think of her (him) that way most of the time, but who knows. I thought Charlotte was a boy, but didn’t feel as strongly about that as I do this one being another girl. So we’ll see!
Charlotte has also been having somewhat of a hard time these last two months, but I can hardly blame her. Her brother had major surgery and her mommy has been less than a super fun mom to be with. Also, we’ve been “trapped” at home a lot lately with all the rain we’ve had plus Grayson being unable to get out. She’s been expressing her frustrations mostly verbally (“I don’t like my Mommy, I want my Daddy!” and “I don’t like my school!”) but we have dealt with some physical stuff too- hitting and throwing toys. Again, she’s two, so I really think it’s all in the range of normal, but it’s just heightened with everything else we have going on. And really, despite some frustrating behaviors, she continues to mostly delight us and make us laugh with the stuff she comes up with.
Grayson. Finally, on Monday, 6 weeks and 6 days post surgery, he was “released” from his braces and abductor pilllow. It was a day I was so looking forward to, and was counting the days, and then the hours, until the appointment. The good news is everything looks perfect- his incisions are healing and the X-rays look great. What I hadn’t expected was that taking off the braces was going to cause a lot of pain and discomfort for my sweet boy. He is REALLY sensitive to his legs being moved and was up most of the night crying last night (Ryan took care of him). He couldn’t get comfortable in his bed and the only place he would sleep was his bean bag chair. And for the first time in over two weeks, he had to have pain meds. The surgeon said this is normal and expected, but it’s still breaking our hearts to see him in pain once again. And his poor little legs are so thin and dry. I am so thankful though that he’s back in his regular wheelchair and I’m able to hold and snuggle with him again.
So that’s whats going on here. Overall, we are making it, but life is a little less than ideal these days. I’m hoping July gives us all a break!
Oh sweet Elizabeth. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions you've been experiencing, on top of physically feeling sick all of the time. I wish I lived closer. I'd come over and help you clean your house, get your laundry caught up, and I'd snuggle with Grayson and Charlotte and I'd fix you and your hubby dinner and just give you a BREAK!!! You need one!! Hang in there. Soon Grayson will be back to his old self, Charlotte, well, Charlotte is gonna be two for awhile (LOL) and before you know it you will have your new little baby and your family will be complete. Savor each and every moment, even when you just want to wish it all away. Time goes so very very quickly and I promise you that one day you will look book on these years as the best days of your life. I am praying for you my sweet friend!!! Hug those little kids and tell them there is a lady in Missouri that prays for your family each and every day!
I too failed the 1 hr test but passed the 3. Same thing happened last pregnancy. Hated being there for so log! I'm over being pregnant and I'm not even suffering morning sickness! Sometimes I picture cutting my belly off with a large knife. Then I worry that those thoughts probably qualify me for being put in a mental hospital.
Sorry to hear Grayson's progress actually lead to more pain for him. Hope things improve!
i failed my 1 hr test and had to take the 3 hr on wednesday. i was so sick after it as well. dont know my results though but hoping since they havent called its a good thing. hope grayson's pain will ease up
I sent you an e-mail Elizabeth, but haven't received a reply. Please let me know if your e-mail address has changed. Thanks!
Sending you and your dear family lots of love. I hope July is a much better month for you!