Hazel is one week old, and I don’t think we plan to go to the hospital today. She spent her first two days in there, admitted with me. We broke out early, but ended up back there every day since, checking the bilirubin levels on our saffron-hued baby. We’ll be back in tomorrow for the scheduled momma/baby check, and then hope to stay away for a while. The jaundice turned out to be borderline and did not require additional treatment with light therapy. She did have us scared on day 5 with a high fever, but luckily that was in and out in no time. After the relative health of Miles over the last 2 years, this has been a rough thing to deal with.
Otherwise, she is doing great. Nursing, sleeping and pooping. Bonding with her brother, who ecstatically repeats “Baby ‘Azel, Baby ‘Azel” and gets in her face every waking moment (he’s awake; she also, soon after the pouncing begins). We’re settling into life with a family of four, and today I single-handedly got Miles ready for kindy, took my own shower (mom treat!) and got him on the bus while Tim was out and Hazel was in. I felt like super mom.
It hasn’t all been super mom feelings. I think Tim put it right when he explained that I am giving a lot of myself right now, and that is why I feel a bit on edge, anxious for things to be OK. There were a few tears shed on a day with a sick Hazel and difficult Miles. And for those days, we are thankful for chocolate.
I am so thankful for all the friends and family we have literally around us, and those who send their support from afar. We made it one week into this adventure, I’m excited to see what’s next!
4 January 2012 at 10:22 pm
If you feel a little like a Supermom, it’s because you are! Even with support of a loving husband (my own Superson), you are healing your own body from a huge adjustment, sustaining and nourishing your new baby, and providing love and care for your toddler. All without the help of any super powers! You have a beautiful family and I am so poud of you all.
5 January 2012 at 8:31 am
Wow she’s lovely! And her coloring looks A LOT better than it did when we saw you on Skype. (Maybe that was the monitor that had her looking extra bright??) Anywho, definitely feel triumphant with the small accomplishments like showers. Case in point- a couple of weeks ago, Audrey, Scarlett and I all got haircuts on the same day. The hair stylist gave me a lovely style, and both girls had special ‘dos with ribbons in their hair and lollipops in their mouths. As we all walked out of the salon with smiles on our faces, I felt like a MILLION dollars!! Like I was an amazing mom who had her shit totally together and everyone was happy for that moment in time. I’ll not forget that feeling ever (as the next day Scarlett came down with croup, pooped her pants, I didn’t sleep and Audrey was also down).
Cherish those superb moments! And don’t forget that your hormones are all wacky right now, which helps no one. Did Tim tell you about the gigantic email I sent about a month ago talking about how ABSOLUTELY CRAZY I felt after Scarlett’s birth? You should reread it, maybe it will help you feel like you are normal (or at least not as nuts as me.) 
I felt very overwhelmed then and still do some days.
Love you all!
I hope, being that you live in a tropical climate, you will not have many colds or flus in your house this winter. Scarlett’s first winter was also Audrey’s first year in preschool and Scarlett spent most of December- April quite sick. The night she puked on me 9 times I was certain she had a stomach tumor- I’m nuts, I know…
Anyways, long story short… what Linda said.