I’m tired. So tired, but happy! It’s great to be able to be with my family as I recover, not stuck in the hospital. I’m feeling so at peace about everything. My lost ovary, the chance of cancer and the wait to find out for sure, thankful that it’s more likely that I don’t have cancer than that I do; my MSI (Many Small Incisions, of course), this season in my life. Tired, happy, peaceful. And all around pretty achy, if you really want to know.
Do you remember Sam?
Well, if you do and even if you don’t, be prepared to open your heart to hearing more about him soon!
My milk supply definitely dipped when I went under anesthesia and stuff on Tuesday. I’m working hard by pumping after each time I feed Flurry, even after my middle of the night feeds, to build things back up. Ahhh, Small Fry. Destined to be a four wheel riding tomboy? Or not?
What do you think?
Oh, Nuggey was (loosely) quoting a Bible verse to me earlier tonight. After sharing his verse, including some thoughts about Jesus and “bein’ kind to others,” he followed up with where the Scripture was found, saying, “Next Peter, 1, 2, 3!” Oh, and many, many congratulations to our Silhouette winner, Kristina S!!!!! Can you email me, you lucky duck?
That’s it for now. Goodnight!
Apropos of nothing except the photographs:
I was looking at these pictures of Nuggey and Flurry and Small Fry and I was thinking about how the thing to do at wedding receptions lately to to set up a slide show to run pictures of the bride and groom from baby pics to wedding planning, and I thought how whoever your kids end up marrying can’t possibly have enough pictures of themselves to compete. They’ll be very lopsided — if very well composed and edited — slide shows! Anyway, you have the world’s cutest kids, especially Small Fry whom I just adore. Thanks for sharing them. (And, feel better soon!)
I have been MIA from the blogging world for a while, but I am {hopefully} making my way back in.
Awww Lorelli wants a four-wheeler. She has decided this and announced it to anyone that will listen.
Glad to know you are recovering at home with your fmaily. I always seem to do better when with family than with nurses and machines and beeping.
Wishing you well. Can’t wait to hear more about Sam.
Have you tried Fenugreek to increase your milk supply? It worked great while I was pumping with our fifth child.
Just wanted to mention – several people have recommended fenugreek for increasing milk supply. It is widely used for that purpose, but be sure to talk to your doctor first before trying it. Fenugreek can be contraindicated if you have any type of blood clotting disorder or blood sugar problems, and can interact with some other medicines as well. My doctor was adamant that I not use it because the interaction of it with another prescription that I take could be dangerous.
I understand people recommending it – some have great success with it – just wanted to point out that it can have some contraindications. Sometimes people assume natural remedies are automatically safe – but they can still present risks!
The biggest things that helped my supply were staying on a prenatal vitamin the entire time I nursed/pumped (doesn’t have to be an Rx one, there are great OTC options as well), staying VERY well hydrated, and eating oat-based foods (oatmeal, cheerios, etc). Tandem pumping (pumping on one side while the baby nurses on the other) also helped a lot – takes advantage of the baby stimulating letdown, and saves some time compared to nursing then pumping afterward.
Prayers for quick healing and good results for you.
McMama, my son has Down Syndrome, he is 19 months old. Every since his diagnosis we’ve considered adopting a child from Reece’s Rainbow. Children/people with DS are angels here on earth!!!
So glad to hear you are doing well! I thought about “aches” today. God allows them sometimes!
Glad you are better! Thank you so much for your email and your prayers. I’m mentioning you in my post today and an old pic of you with my friend Kate!
Small Fry is so beautiful! My guess is that she is girl through and through and was pretending that the four wheeler was her car, so she could take her baby to the orchard.
Hope you are feeling better. Thoughts and prayers.
Does Sam’s picture have something to do with National Down’s Syndrome month? As someone who works with special needs children I’m all for making others aware of the wonders and beauty of Downs kids!
Ah, my 4 year old daughter saw the pic of Small Fry and noticed she was on a “boy’s motorcycle.” She said, “She’s a PRETTY girl! Why she on a boy’s motorcycle??” Indeed, she’s lovely!
I know a few other people mentioned it already, but I have taken Fenugreek, and it definitely works. The lactation consultant at the hospital referred me here: http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/24pdf.pdf for dosage info. I’ve also been drinking Mother’s Milk Tea. Blessed thistle is listed on that site too, but I’ve never tried it.
Praying you get good results, and that you get them soon…I hate waiting!!
S
My prayers are with you. I have been in your position numerous times and it is not and enviable place to be. I have had two cancer scares, both of which turned out to be (for the most part) benign. One of them was a dermoid cyst on my ovary, the end result of which was a total hysterectomy. Then I had pre-cancerous breast calcifications that had to be removed. We dodged those bullets, but then got hit by a couple in regards to my husband’s health. He developed liver disease resulting in a transplant a couple of years ago, complete with a rejection episode a few months later. Then about 18 months after that, he was diagnosed with cancer. So….throughout all of those conditions, there have been many diagnostic tests (biopsies, blood tests, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, EGDs, ERCPs, endoscope procedures, etc.) with days of waiting. Wondering. Worrying. I found that to be worse than facing reality. Even a less-than-desirable reality. I don’t know about you, but I just like to know what I am facing and get on with dealing with it. The waiting just ate at my soul. The mind can conjure up way worse things, oftentimes, than what reality has in store. So….keep that in mind and hang in there. Try to relax and let God control your mind. The peace that passes all understanding really is available and is amazing. I have experienced that supernatural peace on many occasions. Some day this will all be just a memory. Blessings to you….
I may have mentioned this to you before, but pumping BEFORE nursing may work better. The baby can stimulate a 2nd let down better than the pump and you’ll get more in the long run. Just a thought…..
stacey
My brother, Gabriel (almost 17!) has Down syndrome, so I can’t wait to hear more about Sam. What a cute boy!!
Oh and Small Fry…well, it goes without saying, but she is a darn cute kiddo herself.
Hope you get to feeling better soon, but good to know that you are at peace. I commend you for your honesty here on your blog. I know it must be hard sometimes, but you have many, many “friends” that care about you and we appreciate you sharing.
Get some rest!
Liz
Loving This Mom Stuff
first glad you are home. hope for quick results, as far as the pumping are you taking fenugreek, it was my lifeline. i literally took it until i smelled of maple syrup. it worked wonders and had no side effects
a friend told me that drinking a non-alcohol beer a day really helps with milk production. There is so much nutrition in the hops and all of the things that (I have no clue what they are…) are in beer.
You can find hops tea to try…
This page is a pretty good resource for natural/herbal help with milk supply issues-
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/breast/naturalremedies.htm
Praying for a speedy recovery and for the peace that passes all understanding to continue to flood your thoughts while you wait for the results! I have a feeling God has a reason that He wanted you to share what was going on medically. I bet more than one person’s life was touched because of how you responded to this adversity. Stay strong! I remember someone giving me the freedom to do the best I could with the pumping and not stress after 6 months of trying to keep my milk supply up while my son was in the hospital. I did try that natural supplement (can’t think of the name for the life of me – fena-something!).
You are living out Matthew 5:16 – keep shining (and encouraging those around you!)! Come to think of it I can think of a few more verses that you demonstrate daily! I don’t post much, but I love that you treat children like a blessing (novel concept in this world) – I love that you show respect to your husband – I love that you don’t worry about tomorrow and enjoy each day (having a sick child sure has taught me the value in TODAY!) – I love that you are who God created you to be and encourage your children to do the same…… I love seeing pictures of those adorable children…. I could keep rambling, but must go take care of my precious angels…. just know that many of your sisters in Christ pray for you and love seeing the life you are living….
Blessings sweet mama!
You may already know this but Fenugreek is a natural Herbal capsule that you can take to help boost your milk supply. I have used it a few times and it really works well. I was told about this from a breastmilk nurse specialist. She told me to take 3 pills 3 times a day for 3 days! I found it at Coborns but was told that Natural stores would carry it also!
Glad you are home recovering with your family. Small fry probably loved the four wheeler. Hey, as long as she rides it wearing a dress and a pony tail right? Hope you continue to feel better each day and pumping like that is sure to increase your supply in no time!
I had the same thing, I was told I might have to have a complete hysterectomy at the age of 16, thankfully they only had to remove my left ovary and the 8 lb tumor….so gross! It was not cancerous and I have 3 very healthy kids. I had NO problems getting pregnant and actually I am a little to fertile;) Keep us update.
Glad to hear that you are recovering well. Fenugreek is fabulous! Also add in some Blessed Thistle and you can get that milk supply back up in no time. You could even get your hubby to make lactation cookies: http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookies-by-noel-trujillo-192346 has a fabulous recipe.
And yes, girls can ride 4-wheelers!
So glad you’re recovering with family and I’m praying for your supply!
So glad you can be home with your family. I think you will heal much better there than in the hospital anyway. Will continue to pray for total healing and good test results. My guess is that Small Fry didn’t like the 4 wheeler, but maybe she did (guessing games have never been my forte, ha!)
Hope you feel better each hour! Take care of yourself!
You are so funny with your guessing games!
Wanted to let you know I might be down in your neck of the woods again in a few months!
Hi wo ist der like Button?
Viele Grüße aus Berlin Matthias
My little Olivia loves to ride the 4-wheeler. And wear dresses most every day. I’m sure your kids love to go for rides, too. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
Glad you get to be at home to recover although the peace and pampering at the hospital might not have been so bad either.
right now, you amaze me. you are shining brightly for Christ. you are in my thoughts and prayers here in california.
Congrats Kristina!
Small Fry looks uber cute on that 4 wheeler! Maybe she’ll be one of those girly girl tomboys. Yanno the ones that get dressed up nice and do their hair and make-up and can still kick butt on 4-wheelers? But that’s awhile from now isn’t it?
I’m glad you’re doing good after the surgery and are home recovering with the ones you love!
I broke my blog link in my last comment just in case anyone decides to click it
Hahaha! Love “Next Peter 1,2,3″… that is sooo cute!
just catching up. feel like ive been m.i.a. from “blogworld” for so long.
praying for your recovery!
xo,
victoria
Just now catching up with you….I really am a faithful reader and suddenly I am three days behind? I feel awful. Here you are recovering from surgery. I’ll keep you in my prayers, J! Glad you are home to recover and back wtih your sweet family. Rest, rest, rest. Yeah, I know that is hard to do with 5 children…but promise me you will try!
Good to hear you are home and hope your recovery goes well. Pop some Fenugreek (you need to take enough so that your urine smells of maple sugar), eat oatmeal, drink plenty of water (but not too much) and keep up with the pumping, and your supply should be back up in a few days.
Back home with your “Sweeties” and we’re so glad Jennifer………you take good care, rest up and know that prayers surround you.
God Bless,
Barbra.
Let me guess! Are you adopting Sam?
I was going to ask the same thing!
Oh Jennifer, you have been on my heart & mind a lot the past few days. I am so thankful you are recovering well and at peace. Praying they continue that way!
glad to hear your home and at peace. you are one remarkable mamma!
CONGRATS Kristina!
Great pictures girlie!!
Aw thanks! I cannot even believe I won…so cool!
Bein’ kind to other is too cute
My son likes to loosly quote bible verses, too. Glad you are home and resting. My prayers are for good news, when the news comes!
Congratulations to Kristina!
I hope you feel better soon and can enjoy time with your family and the new baby.
Debbie
Congrats Kristina – perfect for you. (I popped over to your ‘new’ blog and was delighted to see what a great fit this is for you. And I think Hubs is pretty glad too!! LOL)
Jennifer,I really enjoy your photos and creativity with them. I am thanking God that you are so positive and pray you get lots of rest as you recover. Our bodies are truly ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ and rest is one of His greatest healers. . Love and prayers, Annie
Thank you! Yes the hubs is pretty happy about it too. I’m excited to finally enter the blog world w/my new blog (still learning and working it all out of course) Nice to meet you here at McKMama’s! Love this blog!