For some time now our girls have known that we are having another baby and they have shared in our excitement. They’ve showered kisses and caresses upon my bulging belly and ventured enthusiastic guesses as to the baby’s gender. They’ve happily embraced the fact that they will have another sister and have even chosen and begun calling her by her name. We thought it high time to begin preparing them for the impending arrival which is, as we speak, looming not-so-far off in the near future.
As we finished up dinner on Tuesday evening I reminded Dad and informed the girls of our appointment with the OB/GYN for this afternoon. We are all going together to listen to Baby’s heartbeat and to check on Mama (but most of all to convince Dad that there is no way another pregnancy is possible – he needs to hear that from a doctor). I did my best to explain from a child’s point of view (to the children – those under the age of four) exactly who Doctor M is, their own relationship to him and what he has done and will do for us. Perceptive child as she is, Princess had to have a say of her own.
themommykelly: “… and Doctor M is going to help your baby sister out of mama’s belly when she’s ready, just like he helped you out.”
Princess: “Is he going to cut your belly?” (I think I’ve tried to start this conversation with her before… maybe she noticed the scar? I can’t remember.)
themommykelly: “Yes, honey. Doctor M is going to cut mama’s belly to help your baby sister out.”
Princess: (accompanied by a nervous laugh) “OUCHY!!!!!”
themommykelly: to self: (hesitating for a moment, attempting to ward off nightmarish details from the last two c-sections and recovery; staggering to sober up in order to lighten the blow for Princess) “OH. MY. Goodness. Yes, Ouchy!!!!!”
themommykelly: to Princess: “Don’t worry sweetheart. The Doctor will give mommy lots of medicine so she won’t even feel it… (lot’s more about lack of pain – all lies)
themommykelly: to self: “Oh, Morphine and Vicodin, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!”
ouchy is right!!
I’m glad that you also experienced pain with your C-sections. Well, I’m not happy that you had pain, but I am happy that I am not the only one who felt more than “pressure” during the procedure. There had to have been something wrong with my epidural because I felt everything! I was happy to avoid a c-section with James, but was terribly disappointed to find out that I did not get to have morphine or vicodin even though he was 10 lbs 3 oz and I suffered 3rd degree tearing!
I remember you telling me about that, Sarah! Now that is truly nightmarish!
Fortunately, I did not experience pain during the actual c-sections themselves. Thank God the doctors at Stamford Hospital know what they are doing! I can’t help but wonder why the hell didn’t they give you a spinal before the procedure?! No epidural can kill the pain of major abdominal surgery! Maybe because it was an emergency? They could have at least knocked you out with general!
I too would miss the painkillers after birthing a baby the size of James! You poor dear! But he IS adorable! Don’t you think?
Tim thought Lydia came out my belly button. I have yet to explain it was further south.
My friend who had c-sections has a husband who says their babies came out the sun-roof. Hee hee!!
ouch! the prospect of a c-section just gives me the chills. you ladies that do that… you are super heroes in my book!
My sister in law has just informed me that she is scheduling a voluntary c section because she is afraid she won’t be able to deliver naturally (for no reason other than she is having twins). Madness!
Poor Kelly. Its a good thing no matter what we have to go through to get them into our world we have the pay off of them in the end!
I think it is really cool that you get to share this with your daughter. My son was so young when my daughter was in the womb, he didn’t really get it. Maybe it will be different if we shoot for a third. We’ll see…