Update on me and Emily

I am sorry I have taken 11 weeks to update but life after baby number 4 was not what I expected. My birth story was less then spectacular I was a scheduled c section on May 4 but due to swine flu my children were not allowed in the hospital to visit me. The birth of Emily was amazing and she was perfect but the fact I could not share it with my children dampened the day. The following day after Emily was born my mother heartlessly called me to break the wonderful news to me that my 17 yr old sister was pregnant. For some reason she found this to be the right time to tell me and was appauled by the fact that I started to cry instead of jump for joy. She also lives next door to me which is 20 minutes away from the hospital but told me she had to stay with my sister and comfort her so she would not be visiting me and Emily she will just see her when we got home. I was crushed. I was in such a depression for the first 8 weeks of Emily's life. The pregnancy weight gain threw me for a loop. I gained 40 lbs with her and and for some reason I expected to go right back to my pre pregnancy size. when it didnt happen I freeked out.

The past 3 weeks have been better and each day is getting easier and easier. I dont know if I will ever be able to forgive my mother she has 4 beautiful grand daughters who live right next door and she sees them maybe once a month. Its sad but I tell myself it is her loss and I know when my sister has this new baby it will hurt to see my mom fawn over it and not my girls but Ill deal with the emotions when the time comes.

The weight is slowly coming off I have gathered a group of friends and we joined TOPS and I have lost 25 of the 40 and working on the last 15. It is less painful when you have a group of people to work with and its very rewarding to see us achiving our goal.

I have also started a small craft business making boutique style accessories. I am making headbands clips hair ties flip flops ect. , With large bows flowers rhine stones and other small details. It is keeping me busy and it is super fun to do and see people get excited over them. Any small craft business suggestions you all may have will be greatly appreciated since im very new at this !!!

So thats my 11 week update sorry it long and I have missed you all very much ! ~~ Christina

 

Glad to hear all is well. I too am working on the last 15. It sucks! LOL

I know how life is busy with 4 kids.......but glad everyone is doing good.

Hey Christina! 
Good to see you checking in! 
I am so sorry that Emilys birth story was dampened for you by the careless words of others ... the awesome thing is that you have your gorgeous baby girl, and you're doing a great job being proactive in joining TOPS and being creative with your crafts! Have you checked out ETSY dot com? Its a wonderful site where everything is hand-made ... most of it by stay-at-home moms crafting to support families. Maybe you can put your items there? Also, where can we see them? I'd love to see your work! 
I'm glad you're well! 

Thank you !! I am currently building a website with photos of the products i hope to have it done in a few days and i will post a link on here for you all to comment on and give me suggestions !!!!!!!!

Grrr...had a nice long post and I lost it.  Anyway, welcome back Stranger!

No apologies needed for posting or not posting.  We all understand how crazy life can be.  I have my hands full with 3 kids, I can only imagine how busy you are with 4!  I'm so sorry the joyous arrival of Emily was tainted by the swine flu and absence of your children.  UGH!  Maybe you could have an official welcoming party when she is 3 months old or something?  Sounds like your mom doesn't have the greatest timing or sensitivity.  My MIL lives next door and has only seen Everett a few times, and even then it's because I was at her house.  My IL's make no effort to see or interact with any of my children, yet they drive to my BIL's house a few times a month to see his girlfriend's teenage kids (who, by the way, want nothing to do with my IL's).  It's easy to say, but don't let her get into your head.  Once you do, it eats away at you and can make you bitter and resentful.  I know.  I've done that in the past.  Find a way to let it go and keep telling yourself that while you may understand that she's missing out on time with her grandchildren, your children don't know the difference.  She may also surprise you as time goes on.  Maybe she's just not comfortable around infants?  Maybe she's trying to give you some space?  Can you tell her how you feel?  Even if she doesn't change, at least it might be cathartic for you to have said your peace.

Congrats on starting your own business!  I've tossed that idea around for years, but my hubby started his own business 4 years ago so I'm putting all my efforts into that for the time being.  Maybe when the little ones are all in school...

Definitely share the link when you're ready and some pictures of the kiddos would be great too, but no pressure

Take care of yourself and remember that you're not alone.  I have become quite an expert on post partum depression and family issues, should you ever need to vent.

Hugs,