I bought this sweet little ring from the talented and gorgeous and extremely kind Thea Coughlin, whose etsy shop is called Monarch (go get yourself one already!). It seemed to be just the perfect reminder as I was wrestling with all of my very big feelings around having a cesarean birth and facing increasing problems with my muscles. I only wish I had had one sooner. (and while you're on etsy, be sure to check out Thea's beautiful photography, which is nothing short of stunning).
Anyhow, posting a snapshot of this ring seemed especially appropriate today, considering we had a bit of a scare. I started spotting last night and having copious amounts of watery discharge. The spotting was brown, which means old blood and nothing fresh, so although it was heavier than it has been in recent days, I thought I would just go through the night and see how things looked in the morning.
I woke up today feeling really achy and crampy - not too different from how I felt just before the big bleed last week. The spotting had continued, but didn't seem to be any heavier. I tried to take it as easy as possible today, spending much of the day on my side and forgoing my much-anticipated scrub down. We ended up calling the doctor's office, and luckily, our own OB was on call. Her main concern was that my water had broken, but after monitoring things for the rest of the afternoon, I feel certain that no such thing has happened.
For now, things seem to have settled down. Bumble doesn't seem to be getting the message that kicking my placenta is not really in her best interest, so I'm hoping that things continue to remain stable despite her persistent jabs.
I am hopeful that won't have to be on my side all day tomorrow and it will be easier for me to type out some of the jumbled thoughts and emotions that have been knocking around in my head and heart over the past few weeks.
For now, it's back to the bed for what will hopefully be a restful night's sleep.
Dear Nikole, that's a great ring and a great sentiment. I'm so sorry about your renewed scare -- can't Bumble take out her excess energy on a less critical structure?
I hope your night was good and peaceful, and that your day brings no added worries.
Posted by: Kath | April 06, 2008 at 05:00 AM
I'm so glad things seem to be ok again, and that you got a good night's sleep.
Posted by: thalia | April 06, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Glad to hear that you're back home, safe and sound. :)
In the few weeks since I set up my shop, I've become an Etsy fiend! It's the most amazing site!
Posted by: rockmama | April 06, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Glad you are home and getting lots of rest. I hope the spotting stops, soon. I remember all too well when the baby would kick the placenta. Ugh. He'd kick and I'd immediately start bleeding. It was rather annoying..
Rest, rest, rest!
Posted by: emily | April 06, 2008 at 09:09 PM
What a marvelously appropriate reminder...you keep on being brave...
we're so thinking of you every day (hourly, I daresay!)
Hoping today's grey provides more restful opportunities and some well deserved peace and comfort.
We love you guys---
Posted by: Cheryl Lage | April 07, 2008 at 07:54 AM
So glad to have you back online. Your husband has done a wonderful job in keeping your online friends updated; however, for those of us who are traveling down similar paths at the same time, it gives us comfort to know that you are able to post again. So thanks for "being brave" and putting yourself out there in this blog. Stay well rested. Always in our prayers...
Posted by: Rainmaker | April 08, 2008 at 12:47 PM
hey there lil mama! i am so sorry for being out of touch these last few weeks. i just finished with finals and stopped by to catch up on you and miss bumble. i am so sorry for all of that youve been through and am grateful that you are surrounded by so much love. i am very excited about the next few weeks and am thankful that things seem to be lookin up. i look so forward to her arrival...there will be tears, hugs, high fives and celebrations across the globe. i think of you so often and love you to the moon and back and wish i could be there to help support your lovely little family. if there is anything...ever...anytime...call me :)
ps-im off all this week if you need an ear or a hug...love you!
oh and remember, YOU ARE AMAZING!
Posted by: molly | April 08, 2008 at 02:30 PM
i am glad you are home and feeling at least a little better!
that ring is truly a great reminder! sometimes it's the little charms that help so much :0)
i hope you get a little rest! keep us updated!
Posted by: Harmony | April 08, 2008 at 07:19 PM
i am glad you are home and feeling at least a little better!
that ring is truly a great reminder! sometimes it's the little charms that help so much :0)
i hope you get a little rest! keep us updated!
Posted by: Harmony | April 08, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Sweetie-ignorant me didn't know you had a blog!
I have a lot to catch up on, but by reading the most recent few posts see you have been through a lot lately. Darling I hope your little one does avoid the placenta and you get some easy rest time.
I will be back soon, but wanted to say, I am so comforted knowing in some way I brought you some comfort.
XOXOXOXO
Posted by: Thea | April 11, 2008 at 08:54 AM