The First 24 Hours After Delivery

I wish I could say that I woke up on day 2 feeling like my pre-prego self. It was not even close. Don't get me wrong... I am not complaining, and I would not change or take back any of it. 

Remy and I (and Stu) spent a wonderfully quiet time in the morning together. I was still having a seriously difficult time getting out of bed - and could not do so at all without Stu's assistance. It hurt. I was feeling discouraged. It was so much easier when I had Reagan and Riley... I know I was out of bed less than 12 hours after Riley was born because I walked into the NICU to see him the next morning. 

Stu kept telling me that I was doing great, that I was a rockstar. But I was frustrated, hurting and bummed about how I was feeling physically. 

Anyway, the big kids came back around mid-morning. They were just as in love as they were the day before. They were both shocked and happy that I was out of bed and dressed. Stu had helped me take a shower (although all that means is that I stood in the shower, let the water pour over me while I slowly and carefully pulled off the surgical dressing - bleh). I put on a nursing nightgown - an absolute must for c-secion mamas. And of course I rocked those incredibly unattractive mesh undies the hospital provides - no shame in this game, those are comfortable on a super sore tummy. 

Our first "family of 5" picture.

We had a full and busy midday. Stu's parents and aunt came to meet Remy. Naturally they fell in love instantly. They also took the big kids out for lunch and some quality time without the baby (Reagan admitted she was already a little jealous of the attention Remy was receiving). 

While they were gone, two of my dearest friends came. I enjoyed our time, laughing and chatting about everything as usual. 

At some point, I'm not totally sure when, the hospital photographer came in and asked if we wanted to have newborn shots taken. Duh. Yes, I do. So we dressed Remy in his first non-hospital issue outfit - a sleeper that says "New to the Crew". How perfect is that?!

Stu was definitely in the newborn-haze of pure love because he didn't throw a fit over the cost of the photo shoot. =) I'm so glad we opted for it. I love having these memories and keepsakes. If your hospital offers such a service, take them up on it. The only thing I regret is not putting on makeup first - vain, I know. 

In the evening, when the big kids and my parents were visiting, Stu helped me go for a little walk. I was in pain, but I know that in order to heal, I have to move around. So he helped me shuffle from my bed to just outside of my room. Then back. I asked him to take me straight to the bathroom where I burst into tears. The pain was outrageous. Nearly blinding. I really didn't want to freak my older kids out, but I couldn't hold back the tears. When I emerged from the bathroom, it was obvious I had been crying. 

Stu went to grab my nurse. She decided that I really needed to be taking 2 pain pills, not just the one like I had been asking for. My doc the next morning told me not to be stubborn, take the meds. He said, "There is no reason for you to be in pain. Take the pills." My amazing daytime nurse (Mary) and nighttime nurse (Agnes) kept me on a strict pain med schedule. It helped. A lot. 

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