Sat 31 Mar 2007
Sweet Relief
Posted by Jane under Updates
[12] Comments
Our night helper, Rachel, started last night. She was courteous and professional (we knew she would be, she was our doula during Mona’s birth). And things pretty much went off without a hitch. Of course the tube clogged again just as we were telling her how easy it was to push meds. And despite my assurance that she had never spit up during her night feed, Ramona decided to go ahead and throw up during her night feed. Rachel took it in stride.
One big surprise, Andy and I are not used to sleeping in the same bed together! It actually was kind of hard to sleep. And my normal hostess-y fears, like whether or not Rachel got any sleep, whether she found the futon cozy, whether she likes Ramona, etc., kept me up a little too. But on balance, I slept great and am feeling like I may be able to get caught up on sleep in a few week’s time.
Today we tried Mona Mae in the Bumbo seat, which is a great little seat for babies that can’t sit on their own. Her head control is not super great and you can see from the photo that the exertion made her a bit purple. But I’m so pleased that she’s able to do some physical things and make progress there.
Thanks for thinking of us,
Jane.
I think she is looking great… I don’t recall her being able to control her head that well even just 8-9 days ago when I last saw her in the Bumbo.
Hi to All!
We are still out here in Lurkland, riding the rollercoaster of your events. I sigh in relief at a good day and double up on my prayers on those “other” days. There are so many times I would like to comment, but then I realize its been three days and the thought I had is now ready to be put to paper but…oh well. (And then I wonder if its still meaningful) Jane, you have amazing insights and abilities to communicate.
A few days ago you said that you felt bad for taking so much from everyone. Not-to-worry, my dear! You have GIVEN more than you can imagine. Your open heart, willingness to communicate and accept from others, your insight, hope and love have been an amazing gift to All. YOU are that person who makes us all realize how important we all are to each other wether we are the one taking or giving, and how much we all need each other.
Simon and Ramona are adorable. Thanks for so many pictures. Oh, and Andy…You have a cute smile too!
love, Paula, Bill, Linnea and Justin
That’s a great picture… I should run out and get Wren a bumbo seat (never heard of it before). I worry about him leaning back in his chair all the time not getting exercise.
Now, I confess you have me super confused about “all sleeping together”. Do you mean that You and Simon and Rachel and Ramona and Andy are all in the one room? I couldn’t sleep either. Or is Rachel with Ramona in another room? My head is spinning with all the possibilities.
Normally, Josh comes to bed at 2am and Frost is in his own room. He’s 5. Wren sleeps by our bed in a wedge. Last night Josh came to bed early and Frost decided to sleep on the toddler bed we leave there for him. So we were all in one room and it was okay but a bit disturbing.
Now if Josh stopped snoring…
Anyway, I am happy you have help at night. I have just started getting some services to help me (like a cleaner) and even though she was great I felt a bit funny having someone doing work I thought I should be doing.
Shannon!
I meant Andy and I. We’ve been trading shifts at night and so we haven’t been in the same bed in a while. Simon and Mona each have their own room. Rachel sleeps in Mona’s room on a futon. I mentioned her courtesy and professionalism. While joining us in a family bed might indicate the former, I’m not so sure about the latter.
Jane.
I’m so glad to hear that you all had a good night. Having Rachel a few times a week should make a big difference. You’ll be feeling much better in no time!
Jane,
You and Shannon made me laugh out loud… I’m too visual. All of you shoved in one bed… hee hee.
You made me laugh too.
By the way, that is the first picture in which I have been able to see her being purple as you’ve described. She doesn’t look disturbed by it though.
Yay Deitrichs! Jane and Andy, no one deserves more sleep than you two. Ramona is amazingly adorable. You guys are great parents. Every picture I of those kids shows how loved and cared for they are. Gosh Ramona is just stunning. She looks just like the both of you. Simon is a cutie pie. I hope that you guys get to take care of yourself and each other; you really should know you are doing one heck of an amazing job taking care of these kids. You are inspiring.
Jane, I’ve still been lurking – we’ve been praying for your family every night. I’m SO glad Rachel’s coming to help during night time. And I’ve loved the pictures of both kids – they’re adorable!
Oooh good – more help came! I’m glad the first night went well! I’m going to have to try Evan in his bumbo seat – although I’m sure he’ll be a bobble head. The boy has a big head. Period. It’s no wonder he can’t hold it up. I’m hoping he gets the hang of it by kindergarten.
Once, when George returned from one of his business trips, I had kind of gotten used to having the bed to myself, so I woke in the middle of the night, startled that there was someone next to me in the bed. Not wasting any time, I immediately smacked him on the head with my hand. Needless to say, George was not too pleased. A scary thought, though, is that I did a horrible job of defending myself if it had been an actual stranger…
Anyway, it doesn’t take long to adjust to “sharing” the bed again. Really glad you have Rachel; praying for lots of restorative sleep for you all!
What a great picture of Andy and Ramona. She looks great. Good luck on catching up on your sleep Jane. My son is 2 and I’m still wondering when I’ll be able to sleep through the night.
I’m glad that you have some night time help so at least you & Andy can share the bed again.