Friday, January 08, 2010

i need a little help

well here it is friday already.  where did this week go?  i can't remember.  i think it is the coming off of winter break, returning to daily routines, missing my family who had been home for 12 whole days, all of us together, even sick and snowed in, at least we were all together.  so i guess i just busied myself this week and now it is gone.  

my mind is not focusing much, i am more than a bit preoccupied.  i have an impending surgery in 2 and a half weeks.  i feel it looming down on me.  i can't sleep well.  i am restless and scatter brained.   truth be told, i am scared.  and sad.  and worried.  and i can no longer hide it.  not to get into any yucky details but 5 years ago i gave birth to my most beautiful boy, kellen.  his entry into this world was one of the best and worst days of my life rolled into 1.  now that he is 5 and healthy and thriving it is a bit easier to discuss,  but truth be told he almost died that day.  he was saved by quick thinking and action on my OB's behalf.  it was a roller coaster ride of a day starting at 8 am, but when things turned from questionable to dire around 9 pm, she looked me i the eye and said, "this baby needs to come out NOW kristin.  right now."  you never question this woman.  she commands a room.  she is pure awesomeness and a force of nature.  she is the kind of woman you either dislike or love.  there is no middle ground.  i happen to be way on the love side.  i trust her implicitly.  i knew she meant business.  she then said the room was going to fill up with people but i was to only look and listen to her,  no one else.  yep got it!  she said you and me are going to get this baby out together.  so i went from dilating to 10 to delivered in i think 2 pushes and her pulling.  no time for drugs or c section.  he was in serious distress.  once his head emerged it was clear why.  he had a double nuchal cord.  his umbilical cord was wrapped tight, not once, but twice around his tiny neck and each contraction it tightened and cut off his oxygen.  it was so tight she could only get his head out and had to cut the cord right then without delivering the body. she then loosed him and quickly delivered his body and handed him off to the waiting nicu team that filled my room. it was the worst few seconds of my life waiting to hear him cry.  he did.  he pinked up and was perfectly fine after a good once over by the doctors.  finally we could all exhale.  phew.  but the collateral damage was yet to be seen.  i tore horribly.  4th degree tear. that was damage you could see.  the hidden damage was what it did to my insides.  after recouping it was clear my body was changed,  not for the better.  i had trouble going to the bathroom.  at first there was hope that the trauma was just new and that in time my connective tissues and body would resume normalcy.  it did not.  it has only worsened.  i could not get repaired then since we knew we would like 1 more baby.  1 sibling close in age to kellen,  since taylor was already 11 years old when he was born.  so we tried again and were blessed with little casey 2 years later.  her birth went relatively smooth.  i joke that my body saved the best for last.  i was to have this surgery last year but did not.  i panicked and put it off and then eventually canceled.  i can no longer delay it,  so it is scheduled, on my calendar in pen,  no backing out this time.  

so here is where i need your help.  i need ideas .  maybe a good book suggestion (something light and fun), or things i can do while i am laid up.  i will need to keep my mind busy so not to dwell on what i can't do for those first 6 weeks home.  i will not be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for those 6 weeks.  that feels like a really long time for me who is always lifting things over 10 pounds every day.  my toddlers, the groceries, the laundry, the snow shovel,  all off limits to me.  i will have great help of my husband and mom.  they will be my hands.  but for me who has always been independent and hard working at home making,  this will be a very difficult time for me.  i am not good at letting go, surrendering.  i admit it.  i guess this is another one of those lessons in patience that i buck to my core.  it makes me sick to my stomach thinking about it.

also any recipes that can be easily prepared ahead of time and then frozen to be used during that time as well.  we eat and cook almost every meal at home.  so i would like to have a bunch prepared the week before,  a way i can help out those that will be taking care of me.

thanks!  i appreciate any suggestions right now.  maybe it will get me to focus on some things i CAN do and not focus on what is coming and what i won't be able to do.

59 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. The things we mothers endure. Prayers for peace in the waiting and a speedy, uncomplicated recovery. Do you knit? There is something about the rhythm of it that is restorative and comforting...a good post-op "keep-your-hands-occupied" sort of activity. And one more suggestion...When you go into the hospital (if you're staying overnight) take a basket of goodies for the staff and make a sign that says "thank you" and "help yourself". You'd be amazed how far slice-and-bake cookies and hershey kisses can go in assuring that you are well attended. It's worked wonders for our family.

Kristin Zecchinelli said...

oh wow i have never ever thought of bringing goodies. that is an amazing suggestion for all.
i do knit but still have not learned (or should i say i have not taken the time to learn) how to read a pattern!!! ugh. so maybe i will try to get a book on t hat now and be abel to attempt a simple pattern in recovery/ thanks.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

First off...know that I will be praying for you...for a successful, smooth surgery and for a speedy and uneventful recovery!

Secondly, one thing that I like to prepare and freeze is pulled pork. I make a huge pork roast in the croc pot...shred it...put it in Ziplocs and freeze in meal size portions. It can be made into sandwiches with cole slaw or pork tacos and burritos...super easy. And quick. All you'd need were some rolls and tortillas..those of which you can also freeze to have at the ready.

Recently I made a ham...then used the bone to make pinto beans. I madea huge batch and froze half. Now all I have to do it pull them out of the freezer...pop them into a pot with a bit of water added and heat through. Slice up some french bread or bake up some corn bread and voila...dinner!

xo

Papillon Sky said...

Kristin, I will wrack my brain for recipes and book suggestions and will be thinking of you. You are so strong and brave, I know you will do well. And thanks for sharing this little piece of yourself so we can be here to support you!!
I will just think of your bright and shining spirit that comes through your photos and I know you will be just fine!
I will get back to you with ideas, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you!!

Vanessa/NessieNoodle said...

oh wow. I will be thinking of you... and I totally brought goodies for the staff when I went in to have O. it was a great way to let those gals know that I truly appreciated thier help.

Have you read Water for Elephants? awesome read. What else... Have you read any Christopher Moore? Hysterical. Lamb, Lust Lizard of Melencholy Cove, any of his stuff is good and funny.

as for food, Stuffed shells (cooking light's recipe is good) are great, enchilladas (I have a great recipe if you want just email me).

big hugs! xo

sweetsalty kate said...

Oooh, you need my mom's calico beans. I'll send you the recipe.

It's going to feel like a long six weeks, but I bet that once you recover, you'll be so relieved to have it all taken care of. I'll be thinking of you. You'll be just fine... off your shoulders. Care for yourself. And get the BBC production of Pride & Prejudice. xo

kate said...

hi there...you don't know me but i have been enjoying your blog and beautiful photos for a little while now. as a mother of three, a montessori trained infant teacher, and a doula your post just touched me. deeply. thank you for sharing.

i do have a suggestion to offer: wire beading/jewelry making. i am not sure if you have ever tried that, but the materials are light and can be found most places. with a lap table for your bed, it could be a nice activity...and you could get started with some thank you gifts for people whom are going to be taking care of you!

good luck. you will be in my thoughts!
kate

Carrie said...

Many, many hugs and good thoughts. I'm sure you'll be swimming in goodness for the next 2 and a half weeks.

Go to the library and load up on books. Too many would definitely be better than not enough. I agree about Water for Elephants. Anything by Sara Gruen is excellent. Um, other authors to read....Ann Packer or David Sedaris. Sometimes randomly picking books from the shelf is exciting....you never know if you're going to get a gem.

Good luck, and I'll be hoping for a speedy recovery!

Amy said...

Hi Kristin,
Other than mac and cheese and chili I don't do much freezing - oh, soup sometimes. This is mostly because I have a small freezer and I also forget to take things out in time for them to warm for dinner.

What I really want to say is: best wishes. I have no doubt that taking care of yourself will benefit all who you take care of in the future. If it's at all possible for you to enjoy the change of pace - I hope you can.

Kristin Zecchinelli said...

thanks lovelies! i knew you would all have excellent suggestions. thank you.

i have read 'Water For Elephants', just mailed it away to my best friend to read. i loved that book.

Papillon Sky said...

Kristin,
I have two books to suggest for easy or make-ahead meals. Frozen Assets: Cook for a Day, Eat for a Month and Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook.
As far as the once a month cooking, I have never cooked for a whole month--two weeks at most. Some easy suggestions would be to buy 5 or 10 pounds of ground beef and cook it all up in a huge pot with onions and celery and freeze in smaller portions. Then you can easily defrost them and make tacos, sloppy joes, goulash, spaghetti, etc. Another idea with ground meat would be to make a huge batch of meatloaf and meatballs and freeze. I also love to make quiche and freeze it.

For the slow-cooker, you can poach a whole chicken in about 7 hours and then shred and put in tacos or soup for that night. You can also make up a bunch of chili and soup and freeze in mason jars or baggies.

I have a friend who does healthy bulk-cooking recipes and you can order a seasonal packet. I am her photographer and have tried most of the recipes myself and love them. www.perfectlyproduce.com

Finally, can you round up some friends to sign up to bring you meals?

As for books, the two I have read lately and really liked are Broken Open: How difficult times help us grow and Eat, Pray, Love.

If I lived by you, I would totally bring you a meal.

We'll all be thinking of you!!!! xoxoxo!!!

Liz said...

I'm doing food prep right now, too. My Mom was diagnosed with cancer and is about to undergo major surgery herself. I'm going to go help her recoup. I appreciate everyone's suggestions as well.

I wish you all the best. The best thing you can do is somehow zen out for the next several weeks. Embrace the slower rhythm. Listen to your body. Forced quiet and gentle time with the fam can be a blessing.

All that aside, dude, surgery sucks. Breathe. Keep your chin up. Take it all one step at a time. Ask for help. Thank everyone over and over. This too shall pass.

Sarah said...

Food:

If you like lasagna, America's Test Kitchen had a recipe for it that was designed to be frozen before baked off. (Made if for my sister and her family, so they'd have lots of delicious dinners while she was recouperating from her C-section last year). *Everyone* loved it. (Let me know if you'd like the recipe, I'll email a copy. I made it it one of those foil trays, too. It was easier to clean up, and she needed as much easy as she could get.

Cookies
Everyone likes treats? Make a few batches of cookie dough. Scoop little balls of dough onto a cookie sheet, and pop them, uncovered, in the freezer for 30 minutes or so. Then put the frozen cookie balls in a ziploc bag (or something), and store until you want to make them. (I've tried this with chocolate chip, and salted oatmeal cookies. Works great, and you just bake off a few cookies when you're hungry.

I'd recommend books or something...but I'm not sure what you might like. (But I figured things like lasagna and cookies were a safe bet!)

jodi said...

i will try to think of some good books for you. i second "eat, pray, love", but i have a feeling you've already read that one. (it's a good re-read, though!)

do you like to do crossword puzzles or sudoku or anything like that?

i will be thinking of you and sending lots and lots of good vibes your way. xoxo

Char said...

everything everyone said - i also like what we call santa fe soup (zipped up chili really)
1 envelope ranch dressing mix
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 lb ground beef
1 can ro-tel tomatoes
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 can white corn
1 can chili, pinto OR kidney bean

brown beef and drain, mix in seasons and then toss in canned veg. simmer and serve with chips of preference - top with cheese and/or sour cream.

I hope you have a speedy recovery and get all the rest you need.

Char said...

as far as books - what do you like? romance, bookclub, or mysteries?

i have a fluffy no brainer one called 'comfort food' which is pretty good if you have no expectations beyond the fluff that i would be glad to mail you. i have lots of paperbacks that i can mail if you're in the fluff category. no need to mail back - just pass them along to anyone else that might like to read. e-mail me.

Sarah Jane said...

The Geurnsey Literary & Potato Peel Society and Olive Kitteredge are recent favorites.

Best of luck with the surgery. My mom had it done last year and it's probably in my future. I had a difficult birth, too, though it was me who almost didn't make it.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Amy said...

Kristin, Don't know if I've commented here before, but so love your photos and blog.
Do you have a good window in the room where you'll be spending your time? Maybe you can do an interesting study of how the view changes in those 6 weeks. But I'm not a photographer, so maybe that's a very uninspired idea.
For food, I have absolutely loved freezing Smitten Kitchen's baked chicken meatballs, sounds weird but so delicious and you can make endless meals with them, over pasta,as a sandwich, even in soup.
A great inspirational read is a Private History of Awe by Scott Russell Sanders. Also love Richard Russo and Gail Tsukiyama, any of those authors' novels have not disappointed me.
Wishing you speed in recovery!

Eva said...

First, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know it's going to be a difficult and challenging time.

I can't provide any recipes because I don't really cook, but what about doing some scrapbooking during your recovery time. I just recently put together a scrapbook of my 365 project for last year. It was so fun to see all the photos in one place and it made me smile at all the wonderful memories I'd captured. And, you could take pictures of the pages you create and show them off to us! I know how wonderfully creative you are and I'd love to see whatever you create.

And, if you do some crochet/knitting projects, I can't wait to see pictures of those too.

Again, best of luck with the surgery. We're all here for you!

Anonymous said...

oh momma.
sending love. it's all i've got.
xo

keli [at] kidnapped by suburbia said...

oh kristin.

first of all, thank you for sharing this part of you. you are such a strong woman, everything will go beautifully. i just know it. and of course you will be in my prayers.

i second the library idea - just go load up on books. anything and everything. the more, the better. most places you can renew online so you won't even need to get out of the house.

and knitting. i know you knit so beautifully - i'm sure you have found ravelry.com, yeah? tons of great ideas there & lots of free patterns. (i don't knit but most of my friends do)

the crock pot is my best friend when i need to throw something together quickly - just a few minutes in the morning and supper is done. i have a huge binder full of crock pot recipes - i will email you some of my favorites.

i love you. xoxo

Kristin Zecchinelli said...

thank you everyone. i am so very blessed to have all of your words and support. i hesitated writing this at all but it has been so heavy on my mind and heart these days.

thank you.

Clare said...

If you have any books that you want, let me know and I'll look for them at the used bookstore I work at (and get great deals on things) and if I find any I'll try to send them ASAP.

Just listen to Bob Marley, everything's gonna be all right.

Erika said...

Book: "The Idiot Girls Adventure Club" cracked me up so much I think I might have peed a little. "The Possibility of Everything" not a heavy look at motherhood. Full of history & honesty.

Food: I love "Make It Fast. Cook it Slow" possibly the greatest crock-pot book written. And muffins. Freeze em. Everyone loves a good muffin.

Good luck. Look at the community around you! That's huge!

Amy Bradstreet said...

Kristin--so many things come to mind. First, we had our own moment with Adam's birth where we looked at each other and thought, "oh no, no, no, please no." So I get that, and that heart-in-your-throat feeling never leaves. So happy K is with us, safe and sound.

Second, the surgery, the anxiety. So understandable. As for books, I have a couple that I return to when I'm needing comfort and don't want to be mentally drained or taxed. Rosamunde Pilcher writes these cozy British novels. My favorites are Winter Solstice and The Shell Seekers. Good people, interesting places, community, art, warm kitchens, gardens, love. Also, Maeve Binchy's The Scarlett Feather. Or The Anne Of Green Gables series. All will transport you.

Third. Do you eat bread? Because, you know, I make bread and I would love to make some for your family. And I so get the independence thing--I'm an Aries, I suck at letting people help, but it pisses me off when people don't let me help, hahaha. So let me help. I'm just around the corner. Anything.

Thinking of you, wishing you peace and calm and loving help from friends and family.

mary jane said...

from Julia, our old standby, nearly instant.

4 cups leeks
4 cups potatoes
6 cups water
1.5t salt

bring to boil, cover partially and simmer 20-30 min. grind up 1/2 or all in a blender. Add 1/2 cream if you want (i don't, but i do add a swirl of butter)

crusty bread, a salad and you're done.

of course i suggest knitting too. can never have too many mittens.
best of luck to you dear.

Diane Grenkow said...

xo, you.

mary jane said...

that's 1/2 cup cream, added at the end, not 1/2 the liquid.

I'm listening to "the golden age" by Kenneth Grahame, author of the Wind and the Willows, its a collection of reminiscences of his childhood, winsome and wonderful.

Unknown said...

I believe that you will be just fine...the hardest thing I have done (almost) is allow people to wait on me....being a mother, we get into a mind set that says we have to do everything...You don't, I know it sounds radical, but you don't....let those friends, family and even neighbors help you! It really can make them feel good, needed, worthwhile....smiles. Good karma being sent to you now...

Kelli Collins said...

My prayesr are with you! You are a wonderful inspiration! A great book that I recently read that every woman should read is: Captivating: Unveiling the Mysteries of a Woman's Soul. It was so inspirational and wonderful! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Inner Pickle said...

Goodness, Kristin, I'd be nervous too and will be thinking of you and praying it all goes very well. I'm a huge reader but in recovery like that I'm not sure I'd be up to novels... I'm also a bit crap at reading knitting patterns but reckon that sounds like a plan! i have a wonderful perfectly freezable beef and Guinness stew recipe, will email it to you.
xxx

Sew Fab Martha said...

Oh Kristin,
My thoughts and prayers for everything to go smoothly are with you, my dear one!
I did not have a very long attention span during my long recovery this past year. I did better with non-fiction books (photography, quilting were on my shelf) and truly my camera and flickr saw me through the then endless days. I still took photos, and posted on flickr and that was familiar and kept me linked to people that loved me! That is truly what kept me going!
Probably my best advice is certainly take one day at a time. OXO

Bluebirdbaby said...

Oh poor your! Oh my. I had severe tearing as well, and can not imagine having internal complications too. I'm so sorry!
I can always come down and entertain. I would be happy to make a frozen meal for you as well. I can also lend you some books! Just let me know if you ever need help, k? I'm here and relatively local :)

Anonymous said...

Oh dear,I had some issues with my first that required some stitches - not fun. But we are fearfully and wonderfully made, thank God! Just don't do too much (like all women do)to soon!

We are big on pasta with sauce here at home,and it's super easy for dad to boil water :) Check my blog for Easy cheesy broccoli soup that freezes surprisingly well, total winter comfort! I will try to post my fave Chicken wild rice soup this week since I'm making it.

"Fix it and Forget-it" (Ranck/Good are the authors) is a great slow cooker recipe book (may be at your library?)That's easy enough to just throw in in the morning.

Hope that gives you some ideas. I will definitely add you to my growing prayer list for blog and flickr friends :)
~Claudia aka Cosi!

Kris's Kaptured Moments said...

kristin, I know I'm posting a day late, but here it is anyway..I will keep you in my thoughts and pray for a quick, n speedy recovery.
Good books: The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney( a great girlfriend book). I copied a ton of movies during my bedrest and that helped...As for food. My advice anything like veggies and fruit..Trust me a good idea for you...For the family, I have a killer turkey chili recipe..EASY to make and it frezes nicely, even my picky eaters like it.
1 tbs olive oil
1 small onion
1 lb ground turkey
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can each garbanzo beans, black beans, and kidney beans drained
1 can low sodium chicken broth
1/4 tsp cumin and salt
1/8 tsp cinamon
tobasco sauce to taste

heat oil and saute onion,add turkey and brown. add tomatoes with the juice, beans, broth and spices. stir, bring to boil and simmer 30 min.

hugs,
Kris

Amy said...

I love ya!
you are an amazing girl!
I am just going to second what someone else already said..
crock pot!
library (new releases) load up on books (plus they smell like the library and well that makes them better:)

you will breeze through this K. I'll be thinking and praying for you and your doctor, and that you will heal lickity split!
xoxo

Jennifer said...

Hi Kristin. I came over here from flickr. Tears came to my eyes as I read your birth story. I just wanted to say that I hope that all goes well, and that when you get nervous, just think about the amazing strength and courage that you brought up from the depths of your being when your baby boy needed you most, and know that you have that with you at all times, and can draw from it. I know that you will be glad to have this behind you. And the time will pass more quickly than you might imagine.

When I was waiting for my arm to heal, I read sewing books. I figured it was a good way for me to teach myself something new without the distraction of trying it immediately and possibly being disappointed with beginner's work. :) I made all kinds of quilts in my head, and even though I have only been able to finish one quilt since then (3 kids!!!) I feel like I learned so much. So, maybe read up on something that you've always wanted to learn about?

Hope that helps in some small way.
Jennifer (gardenymph on flickr)

beth said...

oh, the best of luck to you with your surgery....that healing won't be any fun at all, but I know you'll fly through it with the strongest and prettiest of wings !

now to keep your hands and mind busy....go through your address book and call up all those old friends you haven't talked to in years....that would be fun !

and have your camera at your side....you and your kids will change on a daily basis, so document that with photos.

have you ever wanted to learn a second language ? this would be a great time to do that for sure !

and last but not least, write !!!
write thoughts and ideas and stories and dreams and wishes and words that fill your heart !!

the absolute best to you !!!

jessica said...

I wish you health and luck and a speedy recovery. xo
Remember you are strong! You can do this!
ps. ravelry!

sarah jean, said...

can relate to much of his birth story. peace to you and quick healing. an idea is to put on recipe cards some favorite family slow cooker meals, have all the ingredients on hand with recipes out so in the morning your mom or hubby can just put it all in the slow cooker and a healthy meal will be waiting for dinner. [that's if it gets overwhelming making a bunch of meals to freeze or you run out of freezer space ;) ] i'm enjoying the book 'incredibly close and extremely loud' and i totally think you can master a knitting pattern krisin. i know you can do it ;) many now is your time....just go row by row, don't read ahead and if you come to a question, take a picture of the pattern, post it on flickr and ask for help ;) we all have your back in one way shape or form.
love love love!

djbeat said...

oh kirsten - i totally understand the fear and can commiserate (only a little - thankfully - regarding your physical plight). best wishes while you are laid up - take full advantage of being waited on by your family : )


i had one thought - have some fun with your friends & have meals ready for your family while you are lounging. my friend wrote this book:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Big-Cook-Have-fun-friends-Deanna-Siemens/9780973961409-item.html

damiec said...

I am so sorry that you have to go through this, Kristin.

some cheerful books: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith & Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. Only if it's o.k. for you to laugh post-op, A Girl Named Zippy, or Growing up Sparky in an Innocent World by Haven Kimmel. Non-fiction, A Homemade Life, a lovely memoir in recipes by Molly Wizenberg and two bird for one stone - the Banana Bread recipe is incredible and it freezes beautifully.

I'll be sending all kinds of good thoughts your way for an easy recovery.

-Debbie (damiec on flickr)

tara said...

oh, kristin~ there is so much love here on these comments~ i wish we could all bring over casseroles and movies and books and cheer... i'm thinking of you!

Pooch said...

Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you haven't read THE HELP, I suggest that you give it a go. Its a beautifully written book that kept me turning the pages, not wanting to stop.

When I was recuperating, I listened to books on my iPod because it took too much energy to hold a book and stay focused on reading. I fell asleep often, but that was OK.

In the food category, I suggest making some dishes before your surgery so you can freeze them. A couple dishes that come to mind are soups, chili, and sloppy Joe, or taco mix. Buy convenience foods so that you can put a meal together with minimal effort.

God bless you.
:)

Anne said...

Oh, Kristin, this is incredibly amazing...this is my story as well. Almost spooking in its similarity...my oldest was ten when I had my second child with the exact situation you experienced then followed by my third. I had my reconstructive/repair surgery at the four year mark. So, be strong, be brave, you will get through this. Just don't read really funny books for the first two weeks...it hurts too much to laugh that hard! I find coloring - as in kid type coloring books - very calming but also a fun and creative outlet. You and your beautiful family will be in my prayers. Be well.
Anne
p.s. I sent the postcards for my Christmas cards and all recipients wanted to know where I got them!

truly blessed said...

Sorry I just read your post so, I'm a little behind on commenting! I know well what having babies can do to your body. i had surgery a few years ago to remove a foot of my colon (due to the extreme pressure of carrying the girls). you will be in my thoughts and prayers, sweet kristin. you'll get through this one day at a time. that's the best way to focus. sometimes it's one minute or one hour, you get the picture. i'll look through my recipes and see what I can find for you. any likes or dislikes? what do you like to read normally? wish you lived closer, i'd bring you dinner. if you send me your addy i'll send you a treat. :) i don't think chicken mails well, but chocolate does. :)
love ya,
mary (cinco-mom)

nic [luzia pimpinella] said...

you're such a strongg woman, kristin... you'll make it and everything will just be fine. i do believe in that!!!

so feeling with you considering the fears while giving birth to kellen. it was the same with luzie, as you know from my last "10 things"...

but i was blessed not getting hurt that way, because it was a c-section finally. i can't even imagine how painful this must have bee for you! you're so brave.

i will be thinking of you and sending you good healing vibes! feel yourself hugged!

for your time of recovering... how about crocheting an afghan? or a pillow?

here are some really good collections of crotecht blocks to use:

http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Blocks-Blankets-Throws-Afghans/dp/1931499683/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263129146&sr=8-1

and


http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Square-Crochet-Motifs-unexpected/dp/1603420398/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263129146&sr=8-4

maybe you enjoy crocheting to relax and ease your mind!

xoxo... nic

damiec said...

Back another day with a little more, Kristin.

I too have heard those terrifying words, "I need to get this baby out - NOW," so I guess your post really stuck with me. I woke up thinking, doh, why didn't I suggest A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I can't imagine more perfect reading for a busy, creative mother with a little forced down time.

Even if you have read the book before, these bite-sized essays on how we move through our lives as women and what we should remember to do for ourselves, I think, are revelatory every new time you come to them.

-Debbie

maddie said...

gosh

i wish i lived nearby as I would
cook all of your meals and drop
them by:)

perhaps watch lots of films to
inspire you and give you some
resting/nesting time

i loved city of dreams ~ completely
revved me up

happy arrival to dear little casey:)

Molly said...

wow! look at all these comments. i read this post last night and it's been on my mind ever since. i had to come back. if only i could fill your freezer with homemade tamales!!! i say go to craftsanity and listen to all those great interviews while you knit. or embroider. and definitely keep your computer nearby. when sheri/roving girl had surgery a few months back, she took and posted a picture each day of her recovery from her perch. best wishes kristin! i'll be sending healing vibes your way!

Unknown said...

Hi Kristin. I really recommend reading "My Family, and Other Animals," by Gerard Durrell, a terrifically funny, well-written book about an English boy's childhood in Greece. I was laughing so hard while reading it in the bath that I dipped the book in!

Kristin Zecchinelli said...

thank you! you are all so giving.
i am compiling a written list and will take it to the library in a week to see what i can stock up on!
and yes get ready for a lot shots of me in bed and my feet.

Rachel said...

Kristin,
I don't know that I have any suggestions that would be helpful for you while you are recovering. But, I did want to say that I had a similar experience with the birth of my only child. It sounds like there was less damage done to my body, but it was close. The OB bracing herself against the table, using it to leverage her weight and pull on the forceps to free my baby. The baby who finally emerged, gray and floppy, with a cord wrapped so tightly around his leg that it took two to dislodge it. The handing off of my babe to a room full of medical people. I was lucky enough to have had time for an epidural, but unlucky enough that I knew my babe was 6 weeks early and would be shipped off to another hospital for the sake of their better NICU. I held my babe two days after he was born. Others fed him. Others changed him. Others comforted him and touched him. Not me. I hate that.. and I hate that It was so hard for you too.

I will be thinking of you often over the next few weeks. My love and support are yours. If there is, by some magic, anyway I can help, I'd love to. XOXO R

Michele said...

Having had major surgery more than once, I will tell you what I learned....let someone else take care of you. Do nothing but heal during those 6 weeks. Sleep, lay in bed or on the couch, ask for food/snacks/drinks to be brought to you. If you're having abdominal surgery, walk as soon as you're allowed, as painful as it might be. That also helps with the recovery. Then after your walk (and it might be just a few steps the first time) rest!!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Olivia StClaire said...

Hugs to you. knitting & internet will do wonders!! I loved the art of racing in the rain by garth stein - but I'm a dog mom! lol! Keep only 1 thought in your mind - "Everything will be alright. I will heal quickly." You ahve lots of support!
xxx

Anonymous said...

Steady on, brave Maine Momma.
The hardest part I bet will be letting others take care of you, instead of the other way around. Know that this internet community holds you in our thoughts and prayers and sends you peace and happy thoughts.
As for books, the best advice I can give is for pure escape-ism, The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Romance, adventure, historical fiction, you name, it's got it.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

Aw, Kristin, I'll be thinking of you! Wished I lived closer so I could help IRL. Be sure to have a list of good movies on hand. If you haven't seen _Love Actually_ it's a good one to add to your queue. I'll send one of our favorite recipes. xo Kate

www.pepperpaints.com said...

I will keep you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery. Do you have an ipod or mp3. Download some podcasts-This American Life, Fresh Air etc...Good luck to you

Shawna said...

oh my goodness, kristin! you have so many wonderful, loving comments. i've had chicken pox this week and just got to your posts so i'm a bit late to the game :O)

i don't have any bits of advice to add. i just thought i'd offer hugs and commiseration. i'm on a 10lb lift restriction in this pregnancy and it's such an adjustment. at first you'll feel helpless and embarrassed, and then it will turn into gratefulness and appreciation for all those who will go out of their way to help you, especially your kids.

i wish you a speedy recovery and peace of mind. i'm glad you got to share something that was weighing so heavily on you.