Thursday, June 26, 2008

A few things I didn't know...






It has taken me a while to want to document what our lives have been like the last 8 weeks because of the fear I would become too negative or just start complaining. Well, I want you to know I am not complaining, I am just informing. Lucy is now 8 weeks old. It has been quite the journey with a few extra trips to the doctor's office, many phone calls with the doctor, 1 trip to the ER, and 8 weeks of absolutely no sleep and 24 hour fussing. Let me share a few things with you that I never knew...




  • I didn't think childbirth would be the easiest part of the past 11 months of my life.


  • I didn't know I would fall instantly in love with my Lucy.


  • I didn't know you could have retained placenta after childbirth...not fun...enough said.


  • I didn't know how disgusting Emergency Rooms were.


  • I didn't really like the word colic...now I really don't like the word colic.


  • I had no idea Lucy would have food allergies AND reflux which would mean major colic!


  • I didn't even know infants could have food allergies to food their mothers ate.


  • I didn't know food allergies in infants can causing bleeding in the intestines. So scary and sad.


  • I didn't know I would need to completely change my diet.


  • I didn't think I would have to contimplate weaning Lucy at only 8 weeks - but this may be the best option for her.


  • I didn't know hypoallergenic formula exsisted and was so dang expensive.


  • I didn't think Lucy would HATE the car and scream in almost every car ride making it near impossible to go anywhere.


  • I certainly didn't think Lucy would still be waking up every hour during the night (if you don't believe me, come on over tonight). Her poor tummy.

  • I didn't know my mom could stay up ALL night with Lucy. Thanks mom!


  • I didn't think Lucy would have red hair.


  • I didn't think I would hurt so much when my baby hurts.


  • I didn't know Rhett would be so willing to take a few extra shifts at night. I am so greatful.

Well, those are just a few things I have learned...I am sure I can think of many more, but for now that is enough information! We are working very hard to figure this girl out. Rhett and I are so lucky to have great support from the family. Without my mom the past 8 weeks I think I would be a total mess. At least 1 night a week she has stayed with us or I have gone to her house. She has stayed up until 5 am some mornings with Lucy. Lucy is also very lucky to have us as parents because apparently we can handle it!! I was in the doctor's last week and he gave me some encourgement with the old saying "we are only given what we can handle." He told us we must be really good people to be able to go through what we have gone through and are going through. That made me smile.



16 comments:

Ben and Lisa said...

You guys really are doing awesome. I am so proud of how well you're handling everything. Although it hasn't been easy by any means, motherhood definitely suits you. Lucy is absolutely beautiful and she really is so lucky to have you and Rhett as parents. Please, take me up on my offer, okay?

Rob and Dani said...

It is not very often that I tear up reading a blog entry, but that one did me in! I have been soooo inspired by your positive attitude through all of this and that your only worry has been for Lucy. You guys are great parents and good examples. I always knew you had it in you Holly.

laura said...

You are amazing parents and I agree whole-heartedly with the doctor...you are only given what you can handle. She is beautiful and is lucky to have a mom and dad like you!

Jamie said...

So much for my theory that women with difficult pregnancies at least have easy babies! Darn. It just doesn't seem fair! Maybe Lucy will be an easy teenager? Here's hoping. But I know that you and Rhett are great parents and are doing the best job anyone could do under the circumstances. If you need a break some evening, bring Lucy over and we will watch her :)

Anonymous said...

You are going to make it. Sorry it's been a bumpy road. It WILL get better. It didn't make me feel better to hear that because I didn't used to believe it, because those nights are long and lonely (and for you the days too!). Hang in there and just enjoy the little moments! She is darling.

Alison said...

oh my gosh, i am so sorry! she is so cute, seeing those pictures of her, makes her look like she is the happiest girl in the world.

Severine said...

Holly! I had no idea you guys were having it so hard. I wish I were closer so I could help. She is absolutely adorable though and I can't wait to meet her.
Also, just FYI, you can sign-up on Enfamil or Similac websites to get free coupons/checks to help with the formula. Good luck!

Tiff-E said...

Wow Holly, when I already thought you had it bad, I found out all the more details! (I had a retained placenta too, I agree, not fun!) But I can't believe what you have been going through...I do think it's very true, you are only given what you can handle, and let me tell ya, I now feel like a wimp. You guys are troopers, keep it up, it's gotta get better soon! We're thinkin and prayin for you guys!!!

Angie said...

Grandma Henriksen always says, "remember what the scriptures say, 'and it came to pass,' not 'and it came to stay.'" I always thought that was funny and cute coming from Grandma. Anyway, hang in there. Isn't it amazing how much you can do that you didn't think you could? Aren't you glad she's so cute?

The Parks Fam said...

Oh Holly!! I am soo sorry! Just know that it will end soon, Lucy won't be up all night long forever. :) She is very lucky to have such great parents with LOTS of patience. You guys are amazing!! and she is DARLING by the way.

Meredith said...

Hang in there Holly! You and Rhett are wonderful parents- Lucy is so lucky to be born into a loving family like yours! You can do it!

Ashley S. said...

Hey Holly, how have you been? Your girl is so cute, and it sounds like you have had a tough first few weeks. Hang in there!!!

Tiffany said...

Oh Holly what a rough few weeks! I hope things get better. You guys really are amazing. I'll keep you in my prayers!

Erin said...

Wow Holl, you guys have been through a lot! I hope you know that you can always call me if you ever need help, or someone to talk to, or someone to bring you lunch:) I had loads of fun babysitting Lucy that day you had to go to the doctor and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! She is such a beautiful baby and I know things will get better soon. Love you lots!

amy germer said...

You are so lucky to have your Mom to help. I had no one. Good thing they are so dang cute!

Anonymous said...

Good words.