January 27, 2009
I only slept 3 hours last night and I’m finally experiencing some physical relief from my traumatic labor experience 2.5 weeks ago. While I spend most of my days on the couch feeding the baby, I still try to juggle my fatigue with article deadlines, C.OR.E. meetings,
care home work responsibilities and family commitments. I’ve definitely
tapered my schedule since Christian’s birth, but I haven’t totally
eliminated all my routine tasks. Originally, I thought planning continued extensive responsibilities in January would
help prevent post-partum depression and feelings of uncertainty.
However now that I can feel, touch, see and hear him…that’s all I
want to do.
I could spend hours just staring at him. He’s amazing…absolutely
miraculous. And I can’t believe how much love I have for this tiny
human being.
It has been admittedly challenging dealing with delayed breast milk, prolonged crying and bodily pain and exhaustion. Right now, I can’t imagine dreaming of a wonderful full night’s sleep or a day without ear-jerking cries. But that’s okay
If I had to go through labor multiple times over…I would.
If I didn’t sleep or shower for days…I would.
If my full time job was to care, love and nurture this child…I would.
I would do anything to ensure this baby knows he is loved…that he is a
gift from God- a miraculous person who was born of love and built for a
purpose. I want to instill in him enormous amounts of love.
These past couple weeks I have been learning how to be a mother – moreover, I
have been learning what a mother is. I’m learning how to communicate
through Christian’s cries. I’m learning how to teach him to trust me.
I’m constantly learning…every day…in each moment with him.
Life has definitely changed for me I’m no longer who I once was.
I’m a mother now
and today, more than any other day – I truly know I am growing into the woman I was meant to become.
Journal Pictures: January 26, 2009
Baby Christian sleeping peacefully after a bath at 2 weeks old.
Christian at his finest moments.
We participated in the “Walk for Life” in SF this weekend.
Here are some of the protesters.
It was a wonderful experience…I was a little unsure about the walk
as I am still in recovery – but I am passionate about pro-life issues.
This is life’s greatest miracle.
Little Christian was bundled up like a teddy bear
on the walking trail…If you believe in something, I believe you should stand up for it.
After Sunday mass at St. Mary’s Catherdal in SF. We attended this church
when I lived here as a child.
I love him so much.
Every day I get a million butterflies in my stomach when I hold him.
Check out my tummy 2 weeks post-partum! I’m not working out yet,
I plan on starting in a month. Follow me on my quest to get in
my best shape ever on my fitness blog here!