The Birth - Part 3 (Conclusion)
Like you guys, everyone, most of all myself, want to know exactly what happened.
There are four facts that are irrefutable and that may shed light on what could have taken place:
The Birth - Part Two (The Nasty Bit)
After they finished the surgery, they took out all of the equipment they hooked me into including the epidural catheter from which I was told painkillers will be given for forty eight hours post delivery.
The Birth - Part One (The Good Bit)
For those of you who don't know, Buchela was 8.8 lbs and was born via c-section after a long stalled labor.
This time around, after considering normal birth, we decided to go ahead and do a cesarean because of the risks of uterine rupture.
The 11th Hour
Hubby: Do you know what song is in my head?
Me: No.
Hubby: "REM's 'It's the End of the World as We Know It'."
I laugh.
Playing Dress Up
Playing with Buchela has become almost impossible.
I am way too big to get down on the floor like I used to.
But I still try.
The Buchela knows it is hard for me to get up.
So, he tries his best to help me.
A Beautiful Weekend
Imagine being invited to come and have coffee on a Saturday morning with a couple of friends.
Imagine you accept gleefully because, not only do you like the people who invited you, but you have also been cooped up in the house all week as a result of being hugely pregnant and on "light bed rest".
On Saturday morning you wake up in a crappy mood. You hadn't slept well and your back is hurting.
You think about canceling and staying at home for the morning. You had plans to go shopping in the afternoon and a birthday party in the evening. You think it is probably wise to pace your self.
Then you talk yourself into going because you know getting out will cheer you up.
Your husband offers to walk you over.
That was me Saturday.
Out and About, Off Bed Rest
I am no longer stuck in the house although I am supposed to take it easy.
I saw my doctor on Friday and she seems to think things are progressing well.
About a week ago, I also spoke to a midwife in the US who reassured me that going out of the house is okay just nothing too strenuous.
Nostalgia: Take 2
My last pregnancy was straight forward, problem free, and by the book. Sure, I had normal aches and pains but I was able to work full time all the way to the end.
I was also living in Ethiopia where pregnant women are treated in a special way.
As I sit here typing, I am flooded with memories of kindness from colleagues, friends, family, and complete strangers.
Saturday without Going Out
Then at least during one of the evenings, we leave Buchela with my cousin and go out for dinner with friends.
What did I do today?
Nothing, nada, zip, zilch!
Buchela and his daddy followed our regular routine and went out for some adventure.
They blew bubbles, walked around in a different neighborhood, and ate street food.
In the afternoon, they went on a little hike on hill behind our apartment and visited people's veggie gardens.
I stayed home.
Ouch!
But we all ate dinner at home.
Inmate 8011 at Dalian Hospital
On Monday evening, I began having regular contractions that came about every fifteen minutes. They kept me up the night on and off.
Around five the next morning, I woke Buchela's Daddy up and suggested we go to the hospital to check things out.
My Back
Ohhh my achy breaky back!
To top it off, hubby is out of town until Thursday.
So, no loving massages in sight.
But my little man is certainly trying!
Pregnant Plumbing
Hubby: Do you still have diarrhea?
Me: No, I am now constipated.
Pregnancy Pounds
At 23 weeks I have gained 20 pounds.
I am trying to eat healthy but yesterday, for a example, I had a huge brownie.
And I went as far as emptying the crumbs in the napkin into my mouth!
For the first time in my life, I also feel like I am getting my money's worth out of buffet style dinners.
I begin with the salads and go all the way to the desserts in full speed.
Note to Self: I Must
I am four and half months pregnant and I have only been to the hospital here once.
That is right... only ONCE.
I am ambivalent about prenatal care during this pregnancy because I feel anxious about seeing a doctor here in China.
Seventeen Week Belly Shots
I took these pictures on Ethiopian Christmas.
I have been gaining weight and growing rapidly over the past few weeks.
All of a sudden, I feel big. But yet, it is not the kind of big that is awkward. I can still move around comfortably.
But sleeping on my stomach is sure out of the question now!
And the back aches have definitely kicked in.
Buchela still breast feeds but my milk supply is very low. So, he nurses less frequently and for a shorter period of time. He will probably stop soon and I will probably be a little sad about that.
