Mimi's are Amazing!!

Words cannot express how much I am so grateful for my mom.  She is absolutely amazing, and I could not have survived this week without her.  Mom and Charles arrived at the hospital the same time we did and did not miss a moment.  In addition, since Eli arrived a little early than usual, she made sure the house was ready and clean, washed Eli's clothes, and just made sure everything was perfect -- and that was in between being at the hospital with me. 

 

In addition, I did not have the easiest recovery after labor and delivery.  They had trouble giving me my epidural - they tried 4 times - and as a result I had spinal leakage and spinal headaches.  This pain was WAY worse than any contraction. I could not hold Eli unless I was flat on my back, I was in so much pain walking 10 steps, and could not stand up straight at all.  There was so much pressure in my head and at the base of my neck, and it felt like my head weighed 500lbs.  The pain was unbearable; however, I felt worse that I could not even hold my child - that was the hardest thing for me. 

The only cure for spinal headaches is a blood patch.  This is where they take your own blood and put it back in your back where you had the epidural.  The blood acts as a cushion/membrane around your spine to stop any leakage.  From what I understand only a small percentage actually gets these headaches and needs a blood patch.  I guess I am that small percentage, because I had to go back to the hospital after getting released for a SECOND blood patch - which is unheard of.  So I had a total of at least 6 epidural needles in my back.  Needless to say, I am still very sore and my back is still in pain from all of the needles, but it is better than the alternative.

I say all of this to say, that Derek and I would not know what we would have done if Mom was not here.  She helped Derek do everything - basically putting him through a baby boot camp.  How to change a diaper, clothes, baths, just teaching us every basic baby thing you can think of.  I was completely immobile so Mom and Derek had to do EVERYTHING but nurse.  And even then, they had to bring Eli to me and help position my body.

I am forever grateful for you Mom!!!  I can't wait for you to come back so we can hang out with Eli and not do as much baby and house work.  Thank you so much Mom - you are absolutely amazing.  We love you sooooo much!! I already miss - come back soon!!

This was during my second blood patch.  I had to lay flat on my back in the hospital for 2 hours before going home after the blood patch was administered.  This made nursing VERY interesting.  Basically we had to lay Eli straight across me - which he absolutely loved!  This picture just makes me laugh every time.  Once again could not do this without my team!

 Teaching us how to give a bath.  She is such a natural :)

 Eli's first bath at home.

Mom stayed a few days longer than expected; however, it was such a hard day when she left.  I had to keep busy so I wouldn't start hysterically crying.  She gave me this wonderful little calendar of "firsts" for Eli.  I love things like this, so I started putting everything together.  This will be such a great memory when Eli is older.  There are some things that just cannot be replaced electronically.  Thanks mom - Love you!!