Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Welcome to our World, Samuel!

This one is a bit long, but I gave sub-titles, so you can only read the parts that interest you the most:) ENJOY!!!





Sam's Arrival

What a different experience this was from TW's birth in Puerto Rico! I literally felt like I was on vacation. (I realize that is pretty sad that having a major surgery would be like a vacation) I am so grateful for God's grace during Sam's arrival. He was born promptly at 7:21 a.m. weighing in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. What a gift and a blessing it was to hear that little guy cry for the very first time! I hope I never forget it!

Everything went exceptionally well, other than the fact that I passed out while I was getting my i.v. put in. What a whimp! I was so embarrassed, but it really was such a stress free and enjoyable delivery. We were able to have about an hour or so with Sam before we were moved into our room to let the family come in and celebrate with us.

Even though I learned a ton by having Thomas in PR, I was very thankful that we were going to be able to communicate in English and that we would be very much aware of what was going to happen. Knowing what to expect was nice! The days following in the hospital were equally wonderful with nurses checking on me, sweet ladies bringing me my food (another plus, was being able to order whatever I wanted). The truth is that when Thurs. rolled around I didn't want to go home! But, I did miss my other babies, so that helped to know that I would be able to see them and have them love on their baby brother.

The Past Three Weeks...
have been somewhat of a blur. Ben and I have now experienced what it means to have a baby with acid reflux, not fun by the way, and if anyone has any tips please pass them on! We were able to put him on some medicine that has helped tremendously. The first week was not so bad, but the second week Sam hardly slept at all, which means neither did we. Now, week three there has been much improvement. Things are looking up... Sam slept last night after his 1:00 feeding until 5:15. Not sure if Daylight Savings has anything to do with that, but I'll take an extra hour of sleep any day!

Thomas and Lydia

Well, when we arrived home with Sam I was pretty sure after about a day that we were not all going to survive living in the same house. TW took it really hard. It seemed like his little heart was broken that his mommy had another baby now. He would walk around with his hands up in the air asking me to "Hold YOU!" But, I couldn't because of my c-section, but then he would see me walking around holding Sam and that really made him mad! I feel like we did everything wrong before we figured out what we should do, and we came to the conclusion that we ALL need tons of grace right now as we transition to having a new little addition!

Lydia was the most precious big sister ever... the first 3 days, and then reality set in for her. She really was smitten with him at first, but the more he cried the more frustrated she became. Now, she has come full circle and just today she was lying down beside Sam and when he would fuss she would start to sing so softly "Jesus, loves you this I know..." So SWEET!!!

They are both learning to love him and our biggest challenge is learning to be gentle and not so much in his face! Sam seems to be very unaffected by all of the commotion and chaos that comes with having a big sister and a big brother. We are thankful for that!

Recovery...
As for me and recovering from c-section #3 I am feeling pretty good for having only been 3 weeks out of surgery. I sometimes forget that I did have surgery and that it will take me a while to feel 100%. I get frustrated when I can't function like I want to physically, but Ben has really helped me out a ton and has encouraged me to take it easy and take my time!

So far, transitioning to 3 has proven to be a bit more challenging than having two. But, we will learn how to thrive in this new "normal." I'm still not exactly sure how I will get out of the house with all three, but that will come with time. I have been a bit overwhelmed this week because it has been my first week without any help and with Ben being back to work full-time. So, it's just me and the kiddos, and I'm convinced that they can smell the fear!

Well, I know this was a longer update, but hopefully that catches you up on news with the Parmers. There will be more to come, but for now I need to go serve up some snacks!

4 comments:

Olivia said...

Sounds like you guys are doing well! Hang in there! You've made it through the hardest part!

Lindsey said...

you can do it! hang in there. sorry tw's transition was hard. call me if you need to talk. do what you can do. don't beat yourself up about anything. this is a season and you do what you need to do to get through it. there will be easier and brighter days ahead! love you!

Demetrius and Amy said...

Congrats on your new boy! Praise God your hands are full...I will be right there with you when #3 comes in Aug/Sept. I've been told it is hard getting out at first and people like to make smart comments like "boy your hands sure are full." My friends reply...."better full than empty."

Hope your middle man adjusts to the new baby soon! Congrats again!

Bragans said...

I have been thinking so much about you and praying for you. Keep on keeping on. TW will come around and he will adjust. Each day will get a little easier. So sweet of Lydia to sing to Sam. Take your time in recovering. Maybe I will check on soon. Love you tons!