Mon 12 Mar 2007
The Red Menace
Posted by Jane under Updates
[24] Comments
Have I been grumpy lately? I think I have and I think I’ve found the culprit. It’s not the stomach flu. It’s not the 24-hour zombie schedule. Oh, and it’s definitely not ennui.
Gentlemen (and you gentler women), you might want to jam your fingers in your ears and start singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic because I just got my period and I’m about to discuss it.
I’m not that surprised, Ramona has been effectively weaned since a few days after her surgery. But I am surprised at what a foul mood I’ve been in. I’d forgotten the feelings of impatience, anger and despair and I’d forgotten how hard it is to snap out of it. Ever since we lost our first pregnancy, that red blood has always seemed like a death to me. The death of another month’s hope, the death of a child that never was. In this case, the death, in some ways, of my idyllic time at home with my two bouncing babies.
But things at home from a rational perspective are going much, much better. The weather is beautiful. Ramona is really hanging in there, I even took her out in the stroller for a walk with her portable oxygen! I’ve gotten over my flu. We just bought a small futon for Ramona’s room so I can try to sleep while we run her feeding pump. We’re getting organized and I’m starting to feel like this might actually be humanly possible. The photo today is pre-surgery. It was taken shortly before Simon’s first haircut, which is why he looks like he’s wearing a bad toupee. When I look at this photo, I remember the joy and the pride I felt that day. That I was managing, that I was doing something good and worthwhile. Aside from being a little worse for wear and a lot more uncertain about our future, that’s pretty much how I feel today.
So that’s my update. Thanks for caring and listening. Jane.
Hi Jane,
I am so glad that you are feeling better. Just for the record I am one of those “fortunate” women who could literally nurse around the clock and I still get my period around 8 weeks post pardum. Urrgh!
This is a beautiful picture of you and your children. I want to encourage you to use this and how you are feeling today as your plumbline. I celebrated my 40th birthday in Jan. and when I went out for dinner with some friends I left the house feeling GOOD! Charles even told me that I looked like a rock star! Well recently my blood pressure started to climb, I had a cold for two weeks and I have been experiencing some other physical things due to age and hereditary. I felt totally broken and definately not like a rock star. Well as hard as it has been I have been trying to feel like a rock star! I believe it was a picture that God wanted me to hold onto as I walk through this year and the things that it has in store for me.
You are doing something GREAT and you are going to have many days that are painful, frustrating, grumpy….you know the list goes on. But I think that God does want you hold on to the moments like the one in the picture and the way you felt today.
Blessings to you,
Nicole
Aunt Flo certainly is an unwelcome guest, isn’t she? Luckily, she doesn’t stay for long.
It’s good to hear your voice, Janie.
you’re over the flu already?? no wonder Ramona’s such a healer, look at her mama!! Thinking of you guys and glad to hear a bit of hope in this new home life. We wish you sleep, when you can get it!
the red menace….isn’t that one of the Star Wars movies?
so your red menace story had me giggling quite a bit. . . mine having recently surprised me with some narly headaches after 9 1/2 months of a pregnancy and 6 more months of nursing. and i know it serves a valuable purpose but man oh man, i really really really didn’t miss this aspect of “womanhood.” so on to more important things: the good news. good news that you are feeling better, that you and ramona got to soak in some of this lovely sunshine, and perhaps that you have even found a way to sneak in some rest. i wish you continuing peacefulness in these days and weeks to come. . . sarah p
I think that when God decided the female species would protrude blood every 28 days as part of our existence, he was overworked, overtired, grumpy, and had a little extra red paint left over from something and he thought he was being witty and creative. Boy was he wrong. Hang in there…and eat chocolate. Oh and by the way, i can’t tell you how proud I am to be in the family…love to all of you
“Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah….”
I have a sudden urge to read Popluar Mechanics.
So I can’t quite relate to the whole, period after being pregnant thing, but I’m glad that you over the flu, it must be a relief for both you and Andy. Remember for those chocolate cravings, you’ve got puppy chow! hehe.
oy I got my first postpartum menstruation a few months ago and we’re still nursing almost full time at our house. I completely understand and yes what an unwelcome guest! Only a few days and it will better.
Period or not, you are entitled to be grumpy now and again =)
Dear Simon
I love your yammies…they look very comfy. I also love your smile and your big beautiful eyes. What a great guy you are!
hope to see you again soon…maybe next time I visit Chicago.
sincerely-
Miss Angela
Jane, I love the idea of Ramona getting out in a stroller with oxygen in tow. I hope you get some sleep tonight and the moods fade into the background.
My favorite punctuation mark is, well, the comma.
As in, glad to hear you, Andy, Simon, and Ramona are doing well.
We keep praying!
Love,
Carson & Dori
i cannot even get over how cute those two little munchkins are! what a descriptive picture. but then, you’ve always been good at those – behind the lens, or on the other side of it.
What a great picture! Made my day!
Love, Val
Jane,
Praise the Lord.. the sun and SON is shining. I remember those dreaded months reminder but thats another story. I am sure we could come up with a Saturday Night Live skit about womens “woos”. Its good to find the humor in things. Megan said she is proud to be in this family, I am too.
I am so happy that Ramon is doing better.
Love A Ro
What a lovely Godsend – literally – to have this brief, but so healing, balmy weather for you and Ramona Mae to take a stroll. And I am in agreement, when the going gets tough, the picture of you and your children is a promise.
Miss you and lifting you and yours in prayer daily and nitely.
Much love,
Jackie
Oh Man. You are allowed in my book – no no I should say, expected to be “grumpy” with post-p period. On top of all you have on your plate it is the pits. I am glad you are getting some sunny exposure to brighten things a bit. Yipee Ramona out in the sun!
Thank you Lord for this beautiful day!
My sweets,
I am keeping you guys close in prayer, I pray good rest for you both, for restorative supernatural strength. You’re both amazing, and you’re doing awesome. Thanks for your honesty and for sharing your story, it keeps me connected to your hearts. My prayers for Ramona Mae continue!
Love you my dear one,
Lisa H
My sweets,
I am keeping you guys close in prayer, I pray good rest for you both, for restorative supernatural strength. You’re both amazing, and you’re doing awesome. Thanks for your honesty and for sharing your story, it keeps me connected to your hearts. My prayers for Ramona Mae continue!
Love you my dear ones,
Lisa H
Jane:
I’m very glad to hear that you all were able to get out on this glorious day. I was just talking with a friend about how much a beautiful, sunshine-filled day can not just brighten a mood, but an attitude too…. those Californians and Floridians just can’t appreciate it the way we hardened Midwesterners can!
Go Deitrichs, get your sunshine on!
Leah
Jane,
I love this site. What a wonderful way to keep everyone “in the loop”. It was great meeting you yesterday on the phone. Remember we are here for you. I’ll let you know when we plan for a dinner so you can meet the other ladies who have gone through this.
Until then I’ll keep you 4 in my prayers!
Trish
moderator of 22q11_chicagoland
Mom to a 9year old 22q11 boy!
Dear Jane
Dont even get me started on my previous PERIODS!If I had known I’d never get pregnant I’d have had a hysterectomy long ago and what energy I might have had.But that is only hindsite for me.Also I am not suggesting you do a drastic thing like a htsterectomy!Just saying “Be very KIND to yourself and Gentle during the REd MENACE because emotions and accompanying Period stuff Heightens everything during “IT” Monthly Bill Payment”!Love You Guys,Daphne
Hm, I think it must be time to play hockey…