Thursday, September 14, 2006

The First Two Weeks

Well, I will post more about Ethiopia in the days to come, but I want to write about now....Tomorrow will mark the 2 week mark of being home. It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks. I really feel as thought Minow has been part of our life forever. I certainly can't remember what it feels like to be rested...

When we got Minow on August 23 he weighed 10lbs. When he was weighed at his first doctor's appointment this past tuesday he was tipping the scales at 13lbs 11oz. He is gaining weight well and the doc is very pleased. Of course, he is only in the 5th percentile for height and weight, but prior to us getting him he wasn't even on the chart yet. He has had his blood worked up for just about everything imaginable--he seems to have low iron levels--I am trying to get him to eat cereal but he doesn't quite have that figured out yet.

We dropped off his 3rd and final stool sample today and are waiting to hear the results. I am pretty sure he has something, as his poop is chunky--sorry for those of you who aren't parents reading this. I will probably be talking about poop a lot more. It is amazing how parenthood changes what are acceptable topics of conversation. Never did I imagine I would be so comfortable talking about poop. How does that happen? It amazes me how things have seemingly changed overnight. There are actually days I don't shower--I know it is true. I can now eat a meal in about 7 minutes. You learn to eat fast. I can pee while holding a baby--I know kinda gross, but when you are out by yourself you learn to do these things. I haven't done laundry, everything I own in wrinkled-I guess its good that I don't really go anywhere. I talk baby talk. I use to mock those who did this and said that I would never talk in that baby talk voice to my baby. You can't help it. It just happens and you know what go ahead and Mock me childless folks. Your turn is coming.

I can wake from a dead sleep and navigate the kitchen and stair before I am really awake. I now think first of my son--everything else is secondary. Sorry Hubby. The world no longer revolves around me. I know it is important to put myself first and take care of myself. But I don't see how that is even possible. This little boy needs me. He needs me to care for him, etc. He can't care for himself yet. I promise I will put myself first at some point, but I can't bring myself to do it yet. This is probably why my pants are a little snug. I haven't been to the gym as religiously as before. I haven't eaten as healthy or as regularly. I will. I know I need to take care of myself. I will get there.

To those of you out there that are/were parents to infants and work/worked, kudos to you. I don't know how you do/did it. I can barely function enough on a daily basis to get dress and minimal house work. To those of you waiting to be parents. Sleep and sleep often. Ladies, dress up and go out often. It will all change.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome to Mommyhood :) It's wonderful, isn't it? I completely understand everything you are saying. How somehow it becomes normal to examine someone else's poop, even commenting on it, as if it some sort of great achievement. And the no sleep, somehow your body just adapts. It becomes normal. You live exhausted :) I am glad he is doing so well! You should email me, we could get together sometime and visit (I also know staying home makes 'visiting' become such an outing). I would love to see Mr. Handsome!

Anonymous said...

I am wondering...have the dogs maintained their status in the household?
-Teeny'sPersonalAttendantIMeanMother

Tracey said...

I can completely relate! I just brought my daughter home from Ethiopia august 14. My world revolves around poop, laundry, and doctor visits. when she is sleeping, I have to decide between sleep and the million other things I coul dbe doing (like showering). It gets a little easier every day though, and it is oh so wonderful after the long wait!

God's Beautiful Chaos said...

It is really not that it is wonderful to have just a baby, but an Ethiopian baby! Congratulations. They grow up so fast. Poop really is an interesting topic as is the challenges of peeing with an infant. Glad to have someone write my thoughts for me!

darci said...

this is so funny, and oh so true..multi-tasking takes on a whole new meaning doesn't it? I just 'found' you on your blog..congrats on your gorgeous new son. he looks like a real charmer. :) darci