we're home

We have now been home a few days and a small part of reality is setting in. So far, I'd say we are doing pretty good. I'd give it an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best.

Here are the top few questions that we get asked:

How is Harlie doing? Harlie has been sleeping pretty good for the most part.. last night we had some issues with her not wanting to fall asleep except when I nurse her - she doesn't take well to the transfer from my lap to the cradle so I spent the night on the couch last night with her laying on my belly... her princess pad as I called it last night. Yesterday, she wasn't latching on very good so I've been using the nipple shield which is kind of a bummer. I was really hoping to feel more comfortable nursing in public but with the nipple shield it makes it more difficult. on a good note, we tried a bottle yesterday and she took it really well.. and I was sitting right next to Phil (and Wendell) who were giving her the bottle.

How is Wendell adjusting? Wendell is "Mr. Helpful"; he gets diapers for us if we need one, likes to caress her head when she's sleeping, and loves to hold her for short amounts of time. I feel like we've been yelling at him a lot the last few days but I think that's because we're trying to get too much done and that means he gets in our way - ex. - I still don't have my bags unpacked because we've been busy with the obvious plus meals, soaks in the tub (for me) and just general pickup. I think now that we're mostly caught up then we can spend more time with him. I'm a little concerned that he's not going to like the new slow pace of life but we'll just have to compromise... me being willing to go more with an infant and him learning to play at home. Wendell is going to Phil's parents today so we'll get a few days without him. Hopefully I can get caught up on a few things like thank you's, hopefully visit the lactation consultant to see if I can do anything about this nipple shield, and visit some people at work.

How does the c-section compare to a VBAC? Well, honestly, the VBAC is a lot more painful from the tear. The fact that I have to sit on the sore makes it much harder to adjust, plus it makes walking, bending, lifting, etc. all more painful. I also think it's a lot more sensitive down there compared to my lower abdomen. I do think that the experience of a VBAC is much more exciting and just an awesome accomplishment. I've seen many different deliveries on t.v. but it's so different when it's your own. I would definitely do the VBAC again, in fact looking back on Wendell's delivery, I probably would have done things differently.

Who does she look like? If you had asked me this the day she was born, then I'd say she looks more like me then Phil. But today, she's gained some weight in her face so she is looking more like Wendell/Phil. So, not sure who she looks like, I guess just Harlie!

Other thoughts: I think the fact that this is our second child has made the experience a lot more enjoyable. We were so much more relaxed and patient then when anticipating Wendell's arrival. Even breast feeding and dealing with her crying have been a lot easier just because we've experienced it before. I'm definitely not as emotional as I was with Wendell and I think it's because I feel more in control and expect there to be hard times. Although, we had a rough night last night, I can see today being a little more like a normal day. I got to go outside and play with Wendell while Harlie was sleeping. Phil was gone a few hours and I survived just fine. Today, I even got breakfast before lunch time, unlike yesterday. I'm excited to have a Wendell gone for a few days but I'm also ready to get into normal life routines.