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Saturday, September 3, 2011

unexpected August arrival


Well. So, this is an entry I didn't really expect to write for some time, which will tell you what the past two weeks of my life has been like. You may have noticed that my productivity on this blog has dropped somewhat in the past year. Apparently pregnancy will do this to one, particularly a pregnancy as odd in some ways as mine has been; the first trimester was weird, the second trimester was great, and the third trimester started off perfectly fine and went rapidly wonky.

The productivity around here has dropped to zero in the past three weeks; something about having a baby multiple weeks earlier than one expects to have a baby will make reading anything more than a heart rate monitor really, really challenging. Luckily (for a whole suite of reasons) I had five days of bedrest before said baby made her appearance, which meant I finished two books and started a third and fourth. I even have most of a review typed up for the first of the two. We'll see if I ever get to the second review, or the rest of the third or fourth book. Right now I don't think I have the follow-through required for Wilkie Collins. So expect a review or two on the way, but until I have my brain on straight again there might be more silence from this corner. With reviews of awesome board books to follow. Blogging is a normal, adult-focused activity for me, and I could use some normality right now.

I think, for blog purposes, I will call her smallfry, with her father being fishy. She is indeed tremendously small, though growing more every day. And despite everything, she is feisty, active, and charming; she has outstripped expectations as far as growth and health. Doctors and nurses tell us how cute she is, and how impressive, both of which are very nice to hear. We can see for ourselves how well she is doing; she is growing, and she is perfect. Perhaps I am a bit biased, though.

The whole experience, aside from being hella stressful, has been surreal and full of wonderful and terrifying moments. The C-section was a surreal one, with my mind-shatteringly amazing husband giving me topics and me attempting to rhyme off which Dewey Decimal Number the topic might fit in to (I could remember that Sailing was under Sports, but I couldn't remember what number Sports might be, for some reason...) and the moment afterwards when I got to see my tiny baby for the first time (she looked like a miniature Walter Matthau.) I suspect surreality and wonder and terror are what are in store for us over the next months too, and probably beyond.

Alas, I am afraid she will have to remain cute in your imaginations, dear readers; I am going to continue with my policy of not posting photos of recognizeable faces online. But in the traditions of this blog, a photo of her feet seems appropriate.

10 comments:

Cecelia said...

Kiirstin! Congratulations! You're very brave (and you'll have to be). Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

Ana S. said...

Oh Kiirstin, congratulations! Wishing you and your husband and smallfry the very very best!

Kerry said...

Congratulations on your new arrival. Those wee toes look ever so cute.

I know how scary it can be, having those babies decide they're on the way. I have a 7 year old who was born at 27 weeks and weighed 2lb10oz (which was huge for his gestation).

Modern neonatal units are amazing and really know how to look after our tiny babies.

If you'd like someone at a bit of a distance to talk to, my email is kerryATcreationsDOTcoDOTnz and you're welcome to email me if you'd like to.

Unknown said...

Thank you Cecelia and Ana! We're doing really well. She's gaining weight like a champion, and alert and doing everything a baby should be doing (aside from still being inside, that is...)

Kerry, it really is truly amazing what neonatal units can do these days, and we were fortunate enough to be in one of Canada's premiere NICUs for the first week and a bit (we're in a less intensive care situation now, still an excellent location for that, we're lucky it's close to home). I can't say enough good about everyone we've encountered along the way. We were a bit further along than 27 weeks -- that must have been really, really scary.

Nan said...

I am so HAPPY for you! Wonderful news. Early and small is fine as long as she's healthy and gaining weight, and of course is able to shed the Walter Matthau look. Such a great image. I wonder if she'll walk like he did. :<) Smallfry is a great name, and will probably stick.

Unknown said...

Nan, thanks! She appears to be gaining like a champion -- two days ago she put on 2 whole ounces in one day. She definitely is out of the Matthau stage now; while not chubby, she's smoothed out all her wrinkles nicely :)

Jill said...

Congratulations! This will teach me to get so behind on my blog reading. I'm glad you and smallfry are doing well. Such cute little toes!

Unknown said...

Thanks Darla! Incidentally, I am also extremely behind on my blog reading but I'll get caught up eventually... right? :P

Jeanne said...

I love that photo of her feet!

Unknown said...

Thanks Jeanne! I do too. She's got such great toes.