well, it’s safe to say: the wait is over. i’m very sorry for the long absence. it seems that nothing can really prepare you for the addition of a new baby in your world. sure, there have been those sleepy, foggy nights.
but bigger than that, there is the overwhelming feeling that my heart just might burst. burst from the site of my amazing son in his new role as Big Brother- eager to sooth his sister when she cries, and happy to help me with whatever little task it is that i am handing out because my hands are full with baby. and from the times i have looked out into the back yard and seen my husband rolling and wrestling in the yard with henry while i sit, glued to a chair and a boppy pillow and a hungry baby. and from the snuggles and cuddles and lungs full of delicious baby that i have been so fortunate to experience in these last 3 weeks. and for so many other little moments that are like snapshots in my mind and heart. this has been the best time of my life.
we have been so lucky to have matt home since the week before she was born. what an amazing gift that has been. in my last two weeks of being pregnant, i was becoming increasingly uncomfortable- swelling up like Violet Beauregarde. man, it was rough. the carpel tunnel was (and still is, in fact) killing me. and for anyone who has drifted past that 40 week mark, you know that it can take a real toll on your patience, your energy, your mood, and your general perspective on life and the world around you. and when the lady at lowe’s tells you for the umptienth time that you look like you’re about ready to drop and give birth right there in the check-out aisle, you tell yourself it’s ok when you imagine yourself choking her.
amazingly, it all seems so long ago now. and that funny thing that all women end up saying after birth is the same thing that i find myself saying today. it’s all worth it in the end. every last bit of it. even that excruciatingly difficult time in the delivery room.
so. on may 4th, at 3:09 am, we welcomed dorothy bird mitchell into our world. it was far from easy, at times i actually wanted out- crazy as that sounds- and was ready to back out of all my natural birth wishes. it was absolutely nothing like the straightforward time i had with mister henry. no question, childbirth is the biggest test of will- you have got to dig deep and find every last bit of strength that you’ve got in order to see that baby on the outside. i have spent many moments since in such amazement and even disbelief that i did it. amazing, amazing, amazing. and so funny how you can be there, in the delivery room, in the thick of the most intense contractions you would not wish on your worst enemy- and think to yourself, "i am never getting pregnant again!! this is insane!! i am a-ok with two babies!!!" and when it’s all over, it’s so easy to be so in love and forget all that pain. and even think, "well, maybe again, one day…."
because, again- there’s that whole heart burst thing. and it’s powerful stuff, i tell you.
i’ve got a lot of pictures to share, but i’ll start with one of my favorites from our first day as a family of four.
thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes, and checked in with me for any news or updates. i appreciate you more than you know!!!
xox, jenny
63 Comments
They are both so adorable. Congratulations!
Oh Jenny….she is absolutely gorgeous and Henry is just bursting with pride. I love,love this photo. I too am amazed at how much our daughter is in love with being a big sister. She has been just amazing and I am so thankful. I know what you mean about having that baby in your arms and thinking well…maybe someday again. I want details…how much did she weigh? Are you ok now? Besides the obvious pain are you recovering quickly? I am soooo happy she is finally here and I am in complete love with her name. How perfect. A big long distance hug to you and I can’t wait to see more photos. xoxo
Hurray for Jenny! You are a superstar, mama. Birthing a child is intense and insane. And yer so right, in the moment you’re thinking “Oh HAIL NO i will never ever ever forget this!!!” but then amazingly you do! I’m worried about your carpel tunnel. Take good care of yourself girlie.
*mwuah!*
Congratulations! Dorothy looks lovely and Henry such a proud big brother! Enjoy!!!
wow- congratulations!! and thanks for sharing too!
its a wonderful tale and i wish i could send you a cake-
beautiful babies indeed.
Congratulations. So glad to know that all is well. Best of luck and happiness.
hooray!! so glad things are all okay. dorothy bird = just lovely. my mother in law’s name it dorothy
xxx.
They are both gorgeous well done!
Yay! Congratulations to all of you and welcome to the world little Dorothy!!! What a beautiful family of 4 you make!
oh yay! congratulations!! I’ve been checking and checking and here she is.. such a cutie! and that name – perfect!
How beautiful!!! Both your babes. The look on Henry’s face is priceless. I’m pregnant now with my second. I remember that thought while in labour with Edie – “well, we can always adopt our second kid…” but I felt so empowered in the end. Congratulations beautiful mama (and dada!)!
congratulations! I'm very happy for you. this is a very sweet picture indeed! take care x
Amazing post, Jenny. Wishing you and the whole family all the very best. Much love from FF but especially from me:)