It has been a long stretch of time since I written my last
blog post. My whole world has completely
transformed over the course of a few short months. Let’s rewind a bit…..
Pregnancy Up to Labor:
As you know the pregnancy itself went pretty smooth, which I
didn't expect at all given the horror stories I heard for so many years. No heartburn, indigestion, or mood swings;
but sleeping comfortably was a freaking bitch. I gained exactly the right
amount of weight by eating all the recommended foods and avoided things like
sugary snacks & processed foods. I
was proud of myself for sticking to a healthy diet and exercise routine. Everyone warned me about working out while
pregnant and keeping to a daily exercise regimen; but it proved to be magical
for my recovery. The labor/delivery on the other hand was a bit more
problematic. Nothing can prepare you for
what happens during the active labor part of delivery. All of my friends and family members (bless
their hearts) tried to explain to me what contractions would feel like and the massive
amount of energy needed to push out a baby.
Needless to say when the moment came…..none of the advice, knowledge, or
support helped easy the intense penetrating pain.
Contractions feel like:
A few friends have asked me since the labor/delivery what it
felt like and what was the worst part; so in as few words as possible I’ll sum
up the experience. It was too soon after
the ordeal to talk about before. Contractions
do not feel like “really bad” period pains…people lie when they say that
bullshit! Contractions feel as if your body has a life
of its own and you are unable to ignore it or sit or lie still very easily. My
stomach tighten up and it literally took my breath away as they gradually got
stronger. When they say the human body
is remarkable and can withstand immense pain; it's the TRUTH! They are very
rhythmic and powerful, it hurts but in a way that is very difficult to describe
and it is the most intense feeling you will ever feel as a woman.
Life Changes = Evolution
So to give you an idea of how my life has changed since
Sage: I’ve had to stop writing this blog
post only 20 minutes into writing because she refuses to do anything else but
cry hysterically if I don't rock her in my arms at this very moment. And nope she refuses to let daddy to it right
now…..as she screams bloody murder (sigh). L
Ok, back to this post……now 45 minutes later
That's exactly what has changed the most about our lives,
our ability to live independently and spontaneously. Everything is now a calculated routine from
how long it will take for me to run errands before having to breastfeed; to how
quickly we can cook and eat dinner together before she wakes up; to how long
can she really cry before finally falling asleep. It’s exhausting and challenging. It's the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in
life so far. The things that suck about having a baby (far away from home with no family) still suck.....but I'm learning to adjust & prioritize
The Baby – Sage Marjean Collins
Sage is now 8 weeks old and completely remarkable. It’s hard to believe that I care as much for
a little person, as I do an adult who I’ve known for 30 something years of my
life. While life has totally changed, I can
honestly say now that I can’t imagine my life without her.  |
| Just the 3 of us! |
Top 8 things
I love about Sage (no particular order)
- She babbles when she wakes up in the morning to get our attention
- She grabs my shirt and holds it so tightly when she feeds
- She loves listening to music and dancing with us
- She smells wonderful (even when she spits up)
- She has the softest hands and feet
- She likes to lay on my chest and look up into my eyes
- She looks like a chipmunk when she is swaddled
- She likes to take afternoon walks
