Well, I’ve spent the past week in bed. And while the idea might sound glorious to many of you (I know I’ve thought that in the past), the reality is a bit more challenging. Especially with a 5-year old and 2-year old who—try as they might to do it all themselves—still need a fair amount of help. But since I’m still having pretty major contractions (that, according to the doctors, are helping my little girl in her efforts to bust outta there at 32 weeks now), I’m taking my medicine, enduring the nasty side effects and doing my best to lay in bed all day, every day. The good news is, I’ve learned a lot this week. (Just blame my hormones if this seems a bit on the sappy side.)
Lesson #1: I am surrounded by an amazing support system made up of family and friends (and, of course, a husband who’s suddenly had to take on pretty much everything). People are reaching out from everywhere to see how they can help. From spending time with the boys to sending food to running bizarre errands for me, I can’t believe the lengths people are going to for my family. My cup, my fridge and my freezer runneth over.
Lesson #2: While Big has always been my compassionate, helpful child, Little is showing he has it in him too. The other day when he was sitting talking to me on the couch, he popped up and said he was going to get his blankie. Then instead of sucking on it while he sat with me, he gently laid it over me and ran to get his favorite stuffed animal for me to cuddle with too. It’s amazing how in tune with your emotions a 2-year old can be.
Lesson #3: I know my kids are still so little and need plenty of guidance and hand holding, but I’ve been amazed by the way they’ve confidently left my side to go out and play at friends’ houses on their own. And so far, they’ve managed to get along well with everyone (at least as far as I know) and come home with nothing but happy stories to share about their time away. Of course my friends helping them are truly wonderful mothers, but it makes me think they’re pretty wonderful kids too.
Lesson #4: While my kids have proven that they really don’t need me a lot of the time, it’s nice to know they still want me. Each of them has expressed to me how hard this is for them with tears, words and extra cuddles.
Lesson #5: Some things are easier to do than others while lying down. Here’s my short list.
Easy: Sleep (when my meds aren’t making my heart race), read, cut (Big’s birthday required a couple crafty moments), play balloon ball, order people around.
Not so easy: Drink, eat, digest, type, do laundry (which sounds like a blessing until all your sweats are dirty), shower, help my kids (eat, get dressed, open doors, build things, be little boys), ask for help…even though I know I have to.
No doubt this week will be full of new lessons, challenges and hopefully good news. Here’s to a great Spring week that has you light on your feet, not flat on your back.
oh no! Bedrest! I’ve so BTDT and I totally get it. I know how appreciative of the support you are and how much you are supposed to be able to sit back and relax… but, gosh darn it! There’s so much to do!!
I wasn’t on bedrest for long, but I remember thinking the entire time “thank goodness for the internet.”
Thinking of you often, Amy!
Thanks so much for the good thoughts, Julie!
Oh, Amy! I hope that everything settles down and that your little girl makes an entrance much closer to your due date! You are all in my thoughts!
Thanks, Sam. Just got back from lots of monitoring and ultrasounding and things look stable, so I just have to keep up the bedrest and think good thoughts. Appreciate yours!
You have become the champion of “seeing the glass half full!” A lovely
post full only of positives! Your little guys are amazing; quite the little
men. And, you obviously are loved by many, many people.
PS…Cute photo…Somebody’s ready to wear sandals…Come on Spring!
Thanks so much, I so appreciate that compliment. My goal is to find humor and hope…even on the days that seem hopeless. I am so lucky to have wonderful people in my life!
Amy, your fantastic support system is a reflection of your awesomeness… remember that :)!
xxoo
And this is why I have a blog. For the public compliments. 🙂 Kidding, of course. I so appreciate your kind words, Jodie.
Isn’t it funny how that third little one is already throwing you for a loop? Just when you thought you had it all figured out…and planned to work, clean, get ready until week 40 🙂 Glad you have such wonderful friends and family – and husband! – to help you out during this time. And darn, your toes look good!!! Take care…H
You’re right, Heather. I have a feeling this little girl is going to teach me a thing or two!
Thank goodness I painted my toes a couple weeks ago…and I thought that wasn’t easy. The best part of lying down all the time is my ankles aren’t swollen anymore. Much more photogenic feet. 🙂 My face, on the other hand…
Amy – it’s been forever since I’ve seen the boys (little was extra little) but from your stories, I get such a sense of the kind, generous people they are turning into. (energetic, too!). Miss you.
Thanks, Mo. They are certainly sweet ones…with a huge dose of energy and “creativity”. Think I’ll keep ’em. Miss you too!
I am thinking of you and your little baby Amy. Take it as time to rest before your sweet baby girl arrives into this world… because after that you wouldn’t have time to rest like this anymore.
Ain’t that the truth! Thanks for the good thoughts. Sending mine to your friend as well. xoxo
Oh, and P.S. at least your toes are looking great in bed 🙂
Oh Amy- I’m so sorry…that sounds so trying, but am so glad to hear that everyone is rallying around you (and the blankie story might be the cutest thing I’ve ever heard). Will be thinking about you all tons-
xoxoxox
cathi
And I’ll be thinking of you too. Can’t wait to hear your baby girl news. And it sounds like you’re ready for it too! xoxo
Any time you want to send Big and Little over with a basket of laundry…..would be glad to help!
Honestly, they probably wouldn’t enjoy anything more. Hopefully we’ve got it under control, but if not, you might just get a knock at the door!
Sweet Amy!
I am thinking about you and your bed-rest. It is a challenge. I had about 6 weeks with Laura, 25 years ago! She made up for it by coming in 4 hours. Since she was the first, I thought I would face the same with Jackson, but everything was easier with him…G.D. came later, never was on bedrest, it was easier until the big moment when he took 2 days to come with an induction.
They all have their own agendas!
Wish I could be there to run to the store and help with the boys.
With you in spirit, dear one!
Catherine
Thanks for the sweet thoughts, Catherine. Let’s hope that this one comes quickly–when it’s time, of course. Given all the help she’s had along the way, I’m guessing she will. Big came in 8 hours, Little in 4, so this one could be 2. Though I guess, technically, I’ve already been in labor for a week!
Sending love to all of you too!
Amy, You’re such a great writer! I get choked up just reading about your sweet and thoughtful little boys. So sorry to hear you’re on bed rest and having contractions, can’t begin to imagine 🙁 Everyone I’ve known that’s been on bed rest has had a healthy baby 🙂 Guess that’s the point. Glad you’re still able to do one of the many things you do so well, blog, while in bed. Hope that she does arrive quickly (when she’s supposed to)!
With lots of love and wishes of good health,
Nancy
Thanks so much, my friend! Gotta be sure this one is born strong and ready for Relay. 🙂 Miss you…
Amy, I was just thinking about you this morning as I received my 8 mos babycenter newsletter. And soon after, I received your lovely newsletter. I’m sorry to hear about the bed rest, but as always you are inspiring and impressive in the way you process and communicate challenges/reality checks. Your gratitude is contagious. Thank you!
Big hugs,
kathyd
Thanks for the good thoughts, Kathy. I hope you’re feeling great and looking forward to your baby’s arrival. Maternity leave must be on the horizon…enjoy! Hugs to you as well!
Sending good thoughts and best wishes your way, Amy. Much love & hugs to all of you.
Thanks so much! Hugs to all of the Callahans too!
Yeah, bedrest sounds great, until you’re forced to do it. Enjoy the pampering while you can. I love how Little gave you his blankie and stuffed toy. So precious! Sending good thoughts! Btw, your feet look fabulous!
Thanks so much for the good thoughts and compliment. Seriously, elevating my feet (and not wearing shoes, I guess) is the best part of bedrest. No more puffy feet/ankles!