I love her (no, not that her) and him … and them

appreciationHaving a baby changed so much, including how I view many people in my life. I have a greater appreciation, and understanding, for those close to me (and a certain profession).

Nurses: Specifically, Emily Ilowit at St. Peters’ labor and delivery unit. She was, in a word, amazing. As my sister (who was in the delivery room) said “whatever they pay doctors, nurses should make four times as much.”

She’s right.

Emily managed my pain, brought me plenty of beef broth, Popsicles and the only kind of Jell-O I’ll touch (orange).

She helped me shower, and go to the bathroom and held bucket after bucket after bucket as I threw up throughout delivery. She let me hang on her and exclaim (I never screamed :)) “why aren’t those drugs working?!?” when, well, they weren’t working. She may or may not have had some dealings with my catheter and she never, ever left my bedside. She was … spectacular and someone I’m sure I’ll remember for many, many years.

R: I got on-the-bathroom-floor sick right after C was born, which meant R had to take care of both of us. He spent his days (and nights) changing, feeding and caring for C and holding my hair back, helping me into bed and bringing me a plethora of clear foods and drinks. I always loved him (of course), but seeing him in his new role as a dad added a whole layer of respect and admiration.

My mom: Having a daughter makes me realize just how my mom feels about me and Cindy — how she’s always willing to help us out and made a life out of putting us first. That is exactly how I feel about C, and what I want to do for her.

Also, I now regret all the mean things I said in my teen years, and the times (I’m sure there was more than one) that I said “I hate you.”

Single moms (and dads): I love being home with C — love it. There are days, though, where it’s 4 p.m. and I’ve done nothing for myself/the house (other than take a shower). My days are filled with feedings, changings, playing, etc. Thing is, I’m fortunate enough to have my partner here on nights and weekends. I can’t imagine going at this alone 24-7.

 

6 thoughts on “I love her (no, not that her) and him … and them

  1. Corrine

    I can not tell you the number of times I called my Mom and apologized AFTER becoming a Mom myself – and that was true all through out the growing up years of my children. Many L&D nurses are saints in disguise for sure – and I’m glad you had a great one!

    Reply
  2. Alyssa

    I have an amazing L&D nurse at St. Peter’s (Alicia) as well. I had a long and tough delivery and she really helped me through, kept me going when I wanted so badly to give up. The Dr. literally came in for the last 10 minutes. I agree they should be paid MUCH more, they are special angels! I have a 6 month old and I can’t even count the number of times I said to my mom “you were so right, I totally get it now”

    Reply
    1. Kristi Post author

      Kristi responds:

      Alyssa, my overnight nurse was also named Alicia. I wonder if it was the same woman (she was from Amsterdam — the city, not the country). I adored her, too.

      Reply
  3. keri becker

    I loved my overnight nurse (tammy) at st. peter’s L&D too I was with her for 3 nights and she did everthing and more to make sure I has content since I was on bed rest and a clear food diet she even couched me through delivery because my son came fast than the doctor could make it (a midwife stepped in) and after I had him she went to the nurse’s brake room and found me some real food at almost midnight. she was amazing and I hope when I have another baby I can have her again!!

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  4. kd

    I couldn’t have said it better. It’s totally true. I had my son in 2012 and as he gets older I think about myself in high school. As a teen, you always say things that you don’t mean to your parents…and it totally would break my heart if my son spoke to me that way someday. Having a child does give you a whole new appreciation for your own parents.

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