Stuff and Things...

Sorry I have been MIA from the blogosphere the past week, but I have a good excuse!  This past weekend my sister and mother came to town.  I am so excited they are here!  Yet, I wish it were under better circumstances.  You see, Monday morning I had surgery to repair an injury I sustained during childbirth (RVF).

Now, before all the young women of child-bearing age go and get all concerned on me, you'll be relieved to know this happens in less than 1% of births in the United States.  Yes, I said ONE PERCENT and almost exclusively in Third World countries.  Awesome.


So, how did I come to get this problem?!?  Simply put, we don't know.  Many of you know my birth story.  It was, to me, as magical as popping out a baby can be and was a really wonderful experience!  I labored mainly at home, arrived at the hospital 8cm dilated, got an epidural, started pushing 4 hours later, and within 40 minutes of focused, but non-traumatic pushing had a beautiful baby nestled in my bosom.  A week later I discovered some issues so rare my OB/GYN couldn't even believe they were happening.  One week more of feeling like I was crazy and googling things one should never have to google (humor helps me cope), I was diagnosed.

Aside from some physical discomfort, the last few months have been more emotionally difficult.  I am blessed to have a very loving, supportive, and patient husband.  Now, I am ready to get this fixed, feel whole again, and move forward. 

Here we are a few days after surgery.  My mother very sacrificially took off work to stay with me for 2 weeks as I heal.  Healing is so crucial in this relatively minor surgery to make sure this doesn't turn into a much bigger nightmare.  So, she is here to help lift and look after GK and me.  I've always known I have an extremely selfless and loving mother and this is just a case-in-point.  My sister was also here for a few days to love on GK (and me!).  She just left to head to the airport and I will miss her so!!!!  Katie stayed with me in the hospital pre-op, during surgery, and even spent the night with me.  Her selflessness is so humbling!  She took great care of me and put me at ease.

I'm not going to lie...I've had a lot of anxiety leading up to this time.  But, I am hopeful this surgery means the end, not the beginning.  And if I am unable to fully care for and watch over GK, there is nowhere else I would rather her be than in the loving and capable arms of my mother.

Just an aside, James will, of course, be here as well, but he is on a difficult surgical rotation working nights.  I have great support from my mom and sister, but I know he will pitch in whenever he can. 

This weekend was spent shopping, laughing, working out, watching Anne of Green Gables, and playing with GK as much as possible.  Pretty much doing all the things that I won't be able to do fully for several weeks (except laughing...I can do that! :))  The surgery was Monday at noon and I stayed overnight in the hospital.

Thank you to all those who were praying for me the past few days.  The surgery went well and I am feeling better than I thought I would be.  I am resting at home now on pain meds and taking it easy.  Unfortunately, it makes me very ill to look at the computer screen, so this may be the last you hear from me for a while.

I better end now.  Have a wonderful week!

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But, take heart!  I have overcome the world." John 16:33