catching up

hey there. i know i haven't updated since right after lexi was born, but hey- i have a newborn- so i have a very legitimate excuse.

so, miss lexi suzanne was born on july 16... i had to have a c-section after attempts to turn her into a head-down position were unsuccessful. when my dr. pulled her out, he discovered that the reason he was unable to turn her was because her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and had kind of a leash effect on her, not allowing her to move very far... she came out perfect and healthy and TINY. (she was 6 lbs 6.8 oz at birth and only 6 lbs even when we left the hospital! she is now up to almost 7 lbs.) we both made it through surgery very well and are both doing great.

i tell you what- having a c-section is no walk in the park- the first few days afterward are NOT fun (but hey- neither are the first few days after giving birth naturally, although they're a bit more tolerable- minus the need for a hemorrhoid pillow) but it sure was a piece of cake not having to have even one contraction, not having to push, heck- not having to put forth any effort at all... i'd say the overall recovery period (pain wise, at least) is only about 3 or 4 days longer than having a baby the other way- but it's a pretty even trade-off when you consider all that i DIDN'T have to go through. i DID have to be careful about using my arms more (getting up from sitting, lying down, using scott as support to step into the shower, etc) so i wouldn't be using my ab muscles.

i am doing really well. stopped having to take my pain meds about 4 days ago (which was right at a week after giving birth), but today have started taking them again because of some soreness in my belly... my incision doesn't hurt at all, but my lower abs are just sooore. my incision looks awesome- you can hardly tell it's there unless you know what you're looking for.

lexi is doing awesome. she eats well, she sleeps well, she doesn't cry unless she's hungry, uncomfortable, or reeeally reeeally sleepy... she only wakes up once a night to eat. i'm serious. she's great. when she's awake (which is a rareity), she just stares and soaks everything in.

i can't believe she's almost 2 weeks old. it seems like so much less time than that. at the same time, it's hard to believe that our lives have been changed so much by someone in so little time. she has a daddy who is completely wrapped around each of her fingers. she has a brother who adores her and kisses her each and every time the thought pops into his head (which is quite often, btw). she has a mommy who can't believe how something so tiny could be such a huge blessing to everyone's lives. she has extended family who can't get enough of her.

i am so blessed to have such amazing children. my boy is going through quite an interesting stage where sometimes he's barely even tolerable... but there are moments that shine through in which he is the most amazing boy on the planet. he is loving and gentle and funny and smart. he is also difficult and stubborn and rough and whiney, but i'd go through every bad part just for the little moments of greatness. my girl is beautiful and snuggly and perfect. i do miss getting to sleep through the night- and i certainly hadn't missed changing so many diapers, but it is all worth it.

God has blessed out family so much. i feel blessed to have a husband and kids who love me the way they do- and for me to love.

thanks to all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. i will post pictures on kodakgallery eventually- i promise! for now, continue to check http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48305&l=4f88e&id=500533383 for lots of pics. they're not all of them, but they're my favorites. i hate to spend time uploading pics to kodakgallery when i know i'll be taking so many more in the days to come.

well, my free time is up. i will blog the next time i have a peaceful moment- so don't hold your breath! :)