New Normal

We knew a new baby would bring lots of changes to our lives, we just didn't expect the changes to happen so quickly.  High blood pressure in pregnancy is nothing to play with, though, so we're adapting and I'm following the rules.  You may wonder why such drastic actions were taken for me.  I know I've seen BP readings higher on the Internet, many combined with the first symptoms of pre-eclampsia, and those women didn't stay in the hospital.  I think the doctor was being extra-cautious in monitoring for pre-eclampsia since I had it when I went into labor with Avery, and that resulted in my stay.  She even told me that I didn't need to be in the hospital adjust the medicine for blood pressure.

So, life looks a little different now.  My days of driving Avery to school, teaching, picking Avery up, playing, cooking dinner, bedtime, household task, etc. have changed to days on the couch.  Ned and Avery's days have obviously been altered as well.  Ned gets up at the same time each day, but instead of dressing Avery and seeing us off, he gets ready for the day, gets Avery ready, and takes her to the sitter's 30 minutes away.  He then comes back home to fix my breakfast and get anything together that I may need for the day.  After that he's off to work.  I'm spending my time on the couch, and in addition to TV, I have my Thirty-One utility tote packed with snacks, books and magazines, my Kindle, my planner, and paper for all the lists I need to make.  Our lap top helps me stay connected and do the house and baby shopping that I had yet to finish.

Ned returns home at lunch, fixing my meal, refilling my water, and doing anything else that's needed.  A family business will really make you want to chew your toes off some days, but it's such a blessing that he's minutes down the road and can come and go and still get paid.

Some of you may have noticed that I mentioned steps are limited for me, and you may remember that our one bathroom is upstairs.  The rental that connects to us does have a bathroom, but Ned wasn't thrilled that I would have to climb through the owner's storage and keep Felix out.  So, brace yourselves, we've settled for a potty chair...in the dining room.  I started off upstairs Thursday and just felt closed off.  This was our solution and what we're making work.  And, without going into too much detail, there are circumstances that cause me to slowly climb the stairs.

Back to our day...Ned leaves work a little before 4 p.m. to go get Avery, and then they return home.  Ned then hurries to get dinner fixed and we all eat together.  Luckily, we'll have help with main courses so that all Ned usually will need to do is vegetables/sides.  Avery is happy to watch her one Barney of the day, snuggle with me, or entertain herself as she normally does.  Once dinner is over, we have some more time to play, cuddle, or read before Avery's bedtime.  Where Ned used to just do the bath, he's now doing it all.  He straightens up after putting her to bed, then is still able to go walk Dixie.  I don't mind being home with Avery sleeping, since I can get to her if needed.

Avery is doing fairly well.  She still asks me to get down and play then remembers I can't and says "Daddy can."  I'm thankful Ned is willing and able, but it is still hard to hear.  When they get ready to go somewhere, she asks if I'm going but generally accepts that I have to stay home and rest.  The hardest parts have been nap time and bedtime because I always did those.  Some times have been ok, and some have involved tears.  I tell myself that she'll never remember these weeks, and that it is preparing her for life with a baby that needs my attention.

Thankfully, Ned has not run away yet.  Avery is staying with my parents tonight so that he can hunt in the morning, and they'll keep her the next 2 Friday nights until duck season is over.  That was my arranging and not something that he asked for.  He also has tickets for a practice round at the Masters', which is a few weeks after Sam's due anticipated due date.  We'll make that work also.  He's getting it all done, probably learning a bit about my job as Mama, and keeping us going without complaint.

As for me, I'm on the couch!  Luckily, I like being at home, so it's not horrible yet.  A little more freedom would be appreciated, but I am following my directions so that I can stay home.  While others may not be able to completely fill my shoes, I am the only one who can care for Sam at the moment, and that means caring for myself.  I told Ned today that I know God is teaching me many lessons in this time.  I don't mean "Well now I'm going to teach you a lesson," but lessons about letting go, releasing control, accepting help, and stepping back.  Patience is also a biggie.  Things will just have to fall into place, and when they don't, we'll work around them.  That has not always been my motto.

Aside from the obvious things we have to look forward too, I'm really looking forward to Easter.  So on these cold winter days, I'm envisioning Easter tradition and worship, beautiful spring weather, and two Easter baskets.  Happy thoughts, stumbling upon a Richmond worship service singing Great is Thy Faithfulness, and a supportive family are certainly enough to get through a few weeks on the couch.  Your comments, e-mails, and prayers are a tremendous part of that as well, and we are so appreciative.