Nearly one week post baby K2

Wow as I sit here gazing at Baby K2, my thoughts drift back to this time last week! I was 41 weeks+3 days pregnant, my body was so uncomfortable, I was not comfortable sitting or standing or doing anything for that matter. Not only was my tummy huge, there were sharp excruciating pains in the pelvic and groin area! I was constantly hot and peeing every other minute.

So there I was, Thursday and decided to go for a walk by the beach no matter how painful it was. Mum, Twitchy and I had a lunch and a walk. Got home and I decided to lie down. Then the contractions began. Here's what I remember

4:30pm : contractions began about 8 minutes apart. Knew it was the real deal when it was consistent for an hour. Twitchy immediately sprung into action to pick ToddlerK from daycare.

6:30pm : contractions were beginning to hurt. Rang the hospital to let them know what's happening. Had dinner and did our usual routine of putting Toddler K to bed.

830pm : ToddlerK is asleep and I tried to relax and enjoy some tv but the pain intensifies. Rang the hospital again, who tells me to stay home as it might be a while. Somehow I don't think so! Told them we'd start making our way in an hour.... 

1030pm : contractions were at least 3-4 minutes apart and was so intense I cannot think straight. Unfortunately we only left for the hospital at 1030pm as ToddlerK suddenly woke up from sleep and was hysterical when I couldn't soothe her ( I was in pain). Will never forget her screams and cries for me. We had to bring her out to the living room and bribe her with TV and lollipop with my mum. Made our way to the hospital. Longest 15 minute journey ever. With every contraction, I couldn't even think  or breathe. I felt like I was going to panic!

11pm : admitted to the hospital. As I walked into the hospital I wanted to cry. Didn't expect it to be this hard. It was so much easier and calmer first time around! Immediately asked for epidural but upon examination, they found that I was 9cms dilated! So that's just way too late. I had no choice but to do it without and only with gas, which really just made me woozy.

12:23 am : Baby K2 was borned! He's a bigger one than his sister. And to think I gave birth without epidural and push it all by myself! Can't say I enjoyed the labor experience but I'm just glad baby's here safe and sound...

I was only in the hospital for the next two nights and went home on Sunday. My after labor care at the hospital was quite amazing, the midwives were incredible and baby was settling in well. I was an experienced mummy and my pain was under control. The only pain point was me missing ToddlerK and I know ToddlerK missed me and the unusual routine was taking a toll on her and the family. So we got discharged as quickly as we could even though we could have stayed for another night.

My second baby experience is so different from the first one- from the pregnancy pains, the labor, and even the newborn experience. Baby K2 so far is an easier newborn from his sister and feeds and sleeps quite well. He is quite content lying in the bassinet and going to sleep on his own. We are still trying to figure out the sleep routine at night but hopefully that would settle down in time.

My biggest challenge today is to try and recover and get stronger so that I can be out and about with the two kids and enjoy some sun. Which is really....3 weeks to go as I am observing the Chinese confinement rules. Confinement this time, by the way...is a little more bearable because the newborn is a little easier. Emotionally......its up and down. I feel bored at the moment, yet I don't know what I want to do!? Sigh.

Time......hopefully in time everything will fall into place.