Two Lucky Girls

Ellie and I are so very lucky to have a man like Jeff in our lives.  I was just thinking tonight how difficult the past few months have been on me physically, and how I could not imagine going through all of this without him by my side.  I am so fortunate that Jeff works from home and is here to help me during the day.

Before Ellie was born I was hospitalized in late May.  It was only for about 36 hours, but Jeff was by my side the entire time (except when I sent him home to sleep because I was worried about the dogs being all alone).  Then, he was with me the whole time though my labor (which lasted almost a week -- contractions started on Monday, she wasn't born until Saturday).  Jeff was an awesome coach and support, especially when everything was so out of my control.  He kept me focused and held my hand through it all.  But, most importantly, he has been absolutely amazing since we've been home. 

I have not healed well from my c-section.  I still have an open wound for which I am receiving regular care from my doctor and home health nurses.  Because of my wound I am really limited in what I can do.  I can't lift anything besides Ellie.  I can't bend over to pick something off of the floor.  I can't always walk very easily or even lower myself into a chair because of the pain.  In addition, because Ellie doesn't care for nursing, I'm pumping every two hours so I can give her breast milk and avoid giving her formula.  This means that I have to interrupt Jeff's work so he can watch her while I'm pumping.  He stops what he's doing and helps me every time I need him, and usually with a smile.  This is all while he's starting a new job, managing the various home improvement projects we have going on (our timing on those projects was awful!), and bonding with Ellie. 

Sometimes I think about how hard it must be to be a single mother.  Or even to be a mother of a newborn if your partner works outside of the home.  I could not do this alone every day for 8 hours while Jeff is at work.  I'm lucky to have such a loving and caring husband.  Ellie is lucky to have a father like Jeff.  Today was an especially hard day.  I've been in a lot of pain.  But he has been wonderful, taking care of me and Ellie.  I just wanted to say thank you, we love you so much!