Lately, my family has been spending a lot of time with me in bed. We all sort of grab our spot and get comfortable. I can’t help but think about the set of grandparents in one of my favorite childhood movies – “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” They slept, knit, read, ate …. basically LIVED in that bed. Like me.
I’m not complaining – because like I said before – I realize the necessity and I would hang upside down to have another healthy baby. But it’s a real test. The last fews days I’ve actually struggled with getting UP in the morning. The kids start their routine and I just lay here hesitating to start my day because… what’s the point?? If I slept longer… maybe my day would go by quicker? But that’s borderline depression talk, right? So, even though there’s not a cell in my body that wants to wake – I force myself to face each AM.
When the kids come home, the day completely flies. But it’s that 7AM to 3PM frame that makes me feel quite isolated. Bill works in the basement and I don’t even see him. We’ve been trying to get him a laptop for a week or so, but he’s been dragging his feet. If he’d just get a laptop he could at least lay with me during the day. Hopefully, he will pick one this week.
Anyway, there are many, many things that I miss while being on bed rest. Here are just a FEW:
1. Control. Plain and simple. I’ve had to let everything go. There’s no other way. And this Type A, super obsessive woman really struggles with that on an hourly basis.
2. Long, hot, steamy showers
3. Pedicures
4. Meeting friends at Starbucks
5. Cooking for my family / being able to make myself a meal exactly how I want it
6. Going out with my husband / alone time with him
7. The ability to see all the parts of my body I want to shave
8. Walking outside
9. Having a day where I am not on edge about every cramp, pull or feeling of pressure my body produces.
10. Tennis lessons
11. My old underwear and bras. Currently, my bra cup can fit Liam’s head in it and I’m sitting in Bill’s boxer shorts. Yes, it’s like that.
12. The ability to just think of something and then do it
13. Playing with my kids
14. Sitting upright without worry or fear
15. Yoga
16. Traveling
17. Doing homework with the kids
18. Being able to move from side to side without feeling tremendous pain / pressure
19. The ability to refill my drink without having to text / email my husband to do it
20. Tucking my kids into bed
Like I said – I could do 100 more… in a heartbeat. But you get the point. It’s the simplest things. It’s the things that I totally took for granted. This test has also become a real lesson. I won’t take those days in the park with the kids for granted anymore. In fact… I am absolutely looking forward to them!
10 weeks down. About 10 to go. 🙂
Patty
Thursday 29th of November 2012
Yay for 10 more weeks! You really are a true symbol of what a woman will do for her child. You're in my prayers every day :)
Nikki
Wednesday 28th of November 2012
Hi Vera, Just wanted to let you know that I love your blog and have been following you for awhile. I really enjoyed your post today and it made me smile. I am also on bed rest (but in the hospital) and I can so relate. I also miss my privacy and taking a hot bath! About 8 weeks left for me (if this baby stays in as planned). So for what it's worth, you are not alone and I wish you all the best!
Vera
Wednesday 28th of November 2012
hospital bed rest is so ROUGH. I did it with liam for 2 months and it was INSANE. I am so sorry you are in that situation. thank you for commenting -- we can do this!!! You are almost there!!! :)