Well, she’s arrived.
We were blessed with another beautiful little princess just over 2 weeks ago, and she’s just perfect.
Mini-mini-me was born by elective C-section and we’re happily enjoying getting into some sort of routine at home. It’s been a crazy few weeks and it really is true what they say…slowly does it.
The suggestion of another section by my consultant had caused me great disappointment. At 32 weeks, I was told that Baby was very big, already weighing almost 5lbs, and considering my previous section, it would be safer to have an elective section. After a few days, I conceded that if the consultant said I needed one, then I would listen.
I had honestly wanted to try a natural delivery this time around. On my way to the hospital the day before, I was nervous. I was terrified that I would have the section and the baby would weigh only 6 or 7lb, and that I would have put myself through surgery unnecessarily. And despite my very strong feelings about all things Sectioned (see I am Section Mum!), I was worried that I would look silly; that I’d be seen as Too Posh to Push.
Why I was in any way concerned about what people would think of me, I don’t know. But I was.
The experience was just as calm and controlled as I remembered the first one to have been. Hubby and I were much more nervous this time; probably as we knew exactly what was ahead of me. A huge difference was that Hubby and Baby were allowed to stay with me in recovery this time. Last time, I was lying on my own for over an hour, looking manically at a photograph of the baby. This time, Baby was snuggled on my chest until it was time to return to the ward, with himself right by my side.
As it happens, my consultant made the right call and I’m so glad that I listened to her.
Our second little Princess arrived in the world, ten days early, and weighed in at a tiny 9lb 6oz! My uterus had been stretched to dangerous extent and had I gone to due date and tried a “proper” birth, things could have been very different.
I got out of hospital on Day 4 which in hindsight, was way too early. What people don’t consider is that when someone has their appendix out, they are sent home to rest and recuperate. Post section, you instantly have a little person to care for, and regardless of the supports you have in place, going home is terrifying. And when you have other kids at home, sitting with your feet up is impossible.
Throw into the mix a mammy and big sister with chest infections, a Daddy who is trying so hard to be everything to everyone that he pretty much keels over with exhaustion, the post-natal hormones and tears, and the post-surgery pains and restrictions, and you have… the most fun EVER!
Thankfully, the little Princess is an angel. She’s a very chilled out baby and loves to sleep (so far!) and so the new baby was actually the least stressful thing in the house for the first week. And now, thanks to lots of antibiotics, multivitamins and a freezer pre-stocked with dinners, our little family is bouncing back and able to finally enjoy the build up to Christmas with our little Christmas pudding and her beautiful Big sis.
The moment two children became sisters
Every shower brings a little bit of this S-Mum back to herself.
Every day brings its new experiences and joys.
Every snuffly grumble from Baby and every kiss from Mini-Me brings a joy that can’t be measured.
It’s been slow, but it surely is worth every single second.
I am Slowly, but Surely Mum.
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