Welcome Sullivan Patrick Coleman!

On Monday, March 19th, we welcomed Sullivan Patrick to the world via C-Section at 9:19 a.m. At 8 pounds and 8 ounces, he wasn't quite as big as we imagined he would be. The C-Section was a tough one (even more than normal C-Sections should be), but I'll write more about that in a later post. In fact, I might let Ben handle that one, since he was the one that witnessed everything in a really lucid state.

Since we've come home, it's been a blur of sleeping, pumping, feeding, diapering and staring absentmindedly at the television. After two days in the hospital, I decided that nursing just wasn't for me. The physical issues that made it problematic were only part of the problem. I think between the hormones, poor latching, insecurity and a host of other things - it just seemed like a better idea to pump my milk. Although that puts me into a constant cycle of feeding and pumping, it's rewarding to me to see how much milk goes into Sullivan and to be able to rely on others, like Ben, to help. I'm not sure how long I'll last and if I'll ever get ahead enough on my milk supply to stop giving about one formula bottle a day, but I feel confident in my decision. I really feel it was the right decision for me and for Sully too.

Getting back onto Lexapro has been a plus, although I still have some crazy post-partum hormones and some baby blues. At least I know it's not serious and I feel like I have a little control over them. It's amazing what small, ridiculous things make me cry!

Lastly, Scarlett has been such an amazing helper! Worries about how she'll adjust just frittered away. Yes, she has been angling for a little more attention and has been a little hyper-active, but she's also incredibly proud of her little brother and gives him loads of kisses. She wants to carry him everywhere, be involved in every diaper change and even helps me set up my pumping gear whenever I'm ready. The first few days I was home from the hospital she cried when she had to leave for school because she was going to miss Sully!

Well, forgive the rambling and any grammar issues - I'm still in a bit of a Percocet haze. I just wanted to give a quick update. I hope to have another soon.

One Week!

Baby Bacon has exactly one week of "baking" to do. There were definitely times that I didn't think I'd get this far along. There were also times that I didn't feel like I could make it this far. However, as I approach the final week, I'm feeling pretty good. I've only had one instance of Braxton Hicks contractions and no other signs of labor, so I'm considering myself lucky. I do have concerns, as every soon-to-be mom does. Some may result from nesting, some from my extremely obsessive personality. Whatever the cause, I'm thinking about them a lot.

1. Getting everything done; both at work and at home. I've got one last big project to tackle at work, which is looming over my head. I've also been trying desperately to keep up with everything coming in - which will make it easier for my co-workers after I've gone. It's a losing battle and I know it, but it doesn't lessen my struggle.

At home, it's less of a big deal, but there are things we just need to get done. I need to clean for an upcoming St Patrick's Day party and houseguests. We also need to install our car seats and other sensible things. I've got a list and I'm whittling it down, but it feels like so much to do.

2. I worry a lot about going into labor before our C-Section date. I know if it happens, it happens and we'll deal with it. The planner in me is going crazy, though, because everything I have planned hinges on Baby coming the day that he's supposed to. Interestingly enough, I worry more about the planning aspect than I do about the physical aspect. My doctor has stressed how important it is to call if I experience any labor symptoms and what to say in the hospital to get the quickest treatment: "I have a bicornate uterus and my baby has always been breach." That apparently makes this happen pretty quickly. Despite that, I seem to be more concerned about displacing party guests and being adequately prepared.

3. Scarlett's place in this post-baby life does make me worry. I'm nervous about keeping her on schedule with school and all of her activities. But I also need to balance that with baby bonding, because I want to her to be as involved as possible. Trying to prevent melt-downs with special activities, but trying to keep her grounded will be difficult. I want to approach this situation as carefully and thoughtfully as possible. I'm willing to accept any suggestions! A From Bacon to Scarlett gift has already been purchased, wrapped and packed and Ben knows how important it will be for her to be the first person who gets to hold the baby.

4. Nursing vs. pumping. This issue has weighed on my mind since Scarlett was born. With Scarlett I nursed for a little bit, pumped for a little bit and then gave up and formula fed. Nursing contributed to a hefty case of baby blues because it didn't go well for me. Due to physical problems, it just wasn't very feasible. I didn't feel guilty when I stopped, after all Scarlett turned out just fine, but trying to figure out how to approach the situation with the new one has caused me a little stress.

I'm honestly not too keen on nursing. I want Bacon to have the benefits of it, which is why I'm willing to try nursing for a little while and pumping for a long while. My hope is that I can build up a nice supply of milk by pumping so that the little one can have the benefits of the breastmilk and I won't have any of the stress. We'll see. My experience with some people is that "breast is best" and that is the bottom line. I don't disagree, but I want to be open minded. I hope that everyone else will be too.

Room with a view

Our very talented friend Heather finished painting the walls of Bacon's nursery last week. We love the way it turned out!