R&R&R

Rest & Relaxation & RECOVERY!

My stay at the hospital was nothing short of amazing. Only because I couldn't take my eyes or hands off my new little boy. I just couldn't get enough of him. I couldn't stop staring at him.

The road to recovery in the hospital was pretty rough for me (but still worth it :) ). Not only did I get to suffer the consequences of a c-section incision but I got to deal with my 3 hours worth of pushing. Basically I have to recover from 2 labors with only one baby to show for it. Not fun. And definitely the worst part. I was in so much pain during my stay at the hospital. Luckily, modern medicine helped keep most of it under control :) I'm glad that both our parents were able to be there to help us out. We felt so much love and support from them.

The best part was having Neal by my side every minute. He stayed at the hospital with me the entire time. With my recovery time, we were able to stay the full 4 nights 5 days. It was perfect timing. By the final day we were ready to head home.

Neal was so great while I was in the hospital. I didn't have to change one diaper! I was always on top of everything, he was always there ready to help me. Anytime Liam woke up during the night Neal was right there with me to help with burping him after he ate. It was such a huge relief. I was still sore from labor so it was such a blessing to have a helpful and willing husband :)
On the third day of my hospital visit, they gave me the go ahead to start walking. This was the hardest part of the entire recovery process. The first time out of bed I could barely stand. It was just Charlene (mother in law) and I in the room while the nurse was helping me get out of bed and look semi decent to walk around the halls. As I slowly drug my feet across the floor of the hospital room, I was able to make it into the hallway. The goal was to walk to just the nursing station and back, I felt like they were asking me to run a marathon!

As I began to take my first couple steps down the hall, I tried as hard as I could to hold my tears in. I never felt so disabled in my entire life. I couldn't believe the damage that had been done during my labor. I was naive about how bad it was. I thought I would be okay within the first couple days but reality was that it's going to be a long recovery. I started feeling sorry for myself and wanting to give up. I just wanted to get back in bed and pretend like I wasn't in so much pain or my body was in such bad shape. I continued to take it step by step as I held on for dear life to my IV pole. That and the nurse were the only thing from keeping me from falling to the ground.

My parent's and Neal came around the corner from grabbing lunch. I put a fake smile on my face and tried to show that I was okay. As soon as my dad said, "Hey, look! You're up!!!" I lost it. I just started bawling! Neal ran to my side and gave me the biggest hug. He could see how much I was hurting. I felt horrible. I felt like I was being so selfish for worrying about my body when I've been given the greatest gift, a son. Neal continued to help me along and let me hold onto him. I made it to the nursing station and back. That was enough for me for one day. All I wanted was to just hold Liam and stay in bed the rest of my stay at the hospital.

Over the next few days I was able to go further and further. Every time Neal was right there with me. I was determined to get better so the longer I was in the hospital the more walks I was able to go on. At first it started with just 1 or 2 walks a day but then turned to 4. I felt great and so happy that I was making progress. By the 5th day I felt ready to go home and be with just my family.
It is so much fun to watch Neal with little Liam. Liam will just stare at him! He absolutely adores this little boy and you can see it when they look at each other, I love it so much!
What we loved most about the hospital stay was the food! Oh my gosh, I don't know if it's because I'm breastfeeding or what but everything they served was amazing... and unlimited. So maybe that made it even better? I could order what I want, whenever I want. And then I'd cheat and share a little with Neal. Husbands or fathers are only allowed one free meal the entire stay haha So Neal got to lick my plates and eat my scraps when I was finished.
We are so taken with this little boy! We loved being a family of three in the hospital. It was a nice adjustment and the perfect amount of time. I'm so glad that Neal stayed with me the whole time. It was so much fun to be with each other 24/7 with Liam. We already miss our hospital stay!!!

So as far as my recovery goes, I'm looking at another 5 weeks before I can get back to normal. I'm feeling a lot better from the 3 hour long pushing session but I'm still feeling the effects of the c-section. Regardless, all of it has been more than worth it. Every time Liam is in my arms I forget about EVERYTHING. I just love him more and more every day :)