Life on the Farm

People keep asking me how I'm doing. I'm doing OK. Not fantastic. Not horrible. I'm hanging in & coping decently (most of the time).

Physically I'm doing pretty well. My incision is mostly healed. I did have some issues with the internal stitches (I didn't have any external stitches), but a little antibiotic ointment & that's cleared up nicely. My lower abdomen is still pretty tender & can ache if I do too much, but there's no serious pain. And I've lost most of that horrible jelly belly feeling that comes with having a sudden void in your previously overstuffed abdomen. I do get tired easily, but am gaining stamina & trying not to do too much.

Emotionally I'm doing much better than I did after B.B.'s birth. I've had a few hard days, but they've been scattered & not overwhelming. I get frustrated easily (especially- unfortunately- with the kids), but am trying to refocus & work on patience. I've had a few (2 or 3) bouts of pointless tears, but I feel better afterwards.

Bitsy is doing good. She nurses well. She sleeps fairly well. She makes it through most nights without needing to be changed and since we're co-sleeping, that means I get a decent night's sleep most evenings. She doesn't like to be laid down if she's awake, so I'm considering baby wearing since I can't stay in the arm chair all day long. I have a sling & we've used it a few times, but need more practice. My only real complaint is that she is gassy. Especially in the early evening. Just when I need to make dinner and get the older kids ready for bed, she gets a belly ache. I have Milycon gas drops that help but mostly it's a wait and rock and pat thing. She also gets belly aches when she needs to poop...so that can be frustrating. QM and I looked up catnip for babies last night, but I'm a little suspicious since it's basically a sedative. It can help relax the intestines, but I'd rather not give her something I'm not real sure about. It's mostly used to treat colic & she doesn't fit the description for a colicky baby.

In all we're adjusting pretty well. The kids are having some issues with sibling rivalry...some serious issues. But they aren't taking out their frustrations on Bitsy as I expected. They adore her. They argue over who's turn it is to hold her. I haven't had a single request to take her back to the hospital or get rid of her...but they may just pummel each other into oblivion. Oh well...as long as they clean their rooms first.