Day 10 - BIG changes

Carmen Fourie
3 days ago
4 min read

Right... I felt my feels; I am ready for changes.

If you missed my feels post - Day 9. Lots of crying.

Two black mugs on a wooden table by a window, with a clear blue sky and bare trees outside. A book and fruit bowl nearby. Cozy atmosphere.

Look who came downstairs!

Baby M and I made our first trip downstairs! How beautiful that for 9 days my sweet little man was only exposed to the smells and sounds of our room as he made the huge transition from womb to world. The biggest sensory experience of his life.

There is no set timeline on when to leave the room. Or how often. Or for what. This felt like it was the right for both of us (not just me). Yes, I had a bunch of feelings, BUT I would not leave the room or the house if I was simply feeling antsy. I would not leave the room if I thought my baby needed more time.

We should not consume feeling ready to leave the room with our discomfort of resting and being still. Not the same... Check in and be honest. Also be aware of our baby. If his eyes seemed too sensitive to the light or his body seemed sensitive to the new environment, I would not do it.

Woman holding a baby carrier takes mirror selfie. Child hugs stuffed animal in cozy room with bookshelves and a plant. Calm atmosphere.

It has been a long time since I wore a wrap.

I had to rewatch a video on how to wear it properly and it will take a bit of practice to get the fit perfectly, but this was good.

For information on baby wearing - see my blog or my Youtube video.

The wrap in the photo is the Momcozy one - only to be used for the newborn stage.

Child in winter clothing plays in a backyard with scattered toys and light snow patches. Bare trees and a wooden fence in the background.

Not only did I have breakfast downstairs - I also decided I want to go outside with my sweet little family.

We currently have a Chinook (warm winds) which means we are having a wonderful warm sunny week for Calgary winter. And I wanted to take advantage of this warm winter sun, without super harsh light.

We spent a bit of time in the backyard for Elba to play. Little man M slept and I kept him covered from the wind (I would have liked his skin getting some more sun, but the wind isn't great). I also briefly introduced him to our neighbor.

This was followed by a video call with my mom and then back upstairs, because I have a project to finish!

Baby sleeping on a bed in patterned pajamas, surrounded by a soft blanket, white knitted toy, and a magazine. Cozy and serene mood.

My first crochet project / DIY project since birth

A dear friend (who has provided so much support to us in this time - mostly in the form of home cooked nourishing meals) daughter is turning 1. While I will not be attending the celebration in person because of honouring this time - Ian and Elba will go and I want to send a handmade gift.

This goose is from a crochet book that I love and highly recommend. I have made so many of the animals as gifts! Mamamade Minis Knotted Loveys. See my blogs for many of the animalls. The patterns are super easy to follow and so great!

More support

My friend C messaged to ask if she should pop by for a few hours to help with Elba or chores. And also offered that her mom come too.

I responded that we're actually okay on the Elba & chore front, but that yesterday I was feeling pretty sad and I realized that what I craved was some womanly time, but that I was not quite ready for normal socials just yet. I asked if her and her mom would be willing to spend some time with me. Just for chats.

They did - it was just what I needed!

C caught baby M and I don't think we'll ever not talk about the experience. And C's mom is a doctor who does births and has literally facilitated thousands of births and help with breastfeeding, etc. This was just what felt so wonderful in this time. Some helpful tips and support with nursing yes, I breastfed Elba for years, but I am always open to learning especially in this newborn phase that is a bit impractical with my huge breasts).

They visited me in our room, but I also felt up for going downstairs when Elba asked if we could.

A person and a child in a kitchen, peeling a carrot. Warm wood cabinets, a blender, and a pink smoothie cup are visible on the counter. Cozy mood.

Ahh how nice to sit on the couch with baby M while watching my husband and daughter do things together. Elba has gotten so good at pealing in this time (her and Ian have been making many raw carrot salads as you know). p.s. she has a toddler peeler that is safer than a normal one.

Dinner downstairs

Breakfast scene on a wooden table with dishes, mugs, a pepper mill, juice, and food. Two people sit nearby, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Given I was downstairs - we all had dinner together at the table. It was lovely.

Finishing the goose

Hand holds a crocheted white and gray bird plush toy against a plain white background, highlighting its texture and design.

I finished the Goose gift :) I love it. Elba likes it a lot. She asked if I can also make her one.

See some of the other animals here:

I have also made the Frog, Fox, Bunny and Hippo. I love the Mamamade Loveys Crochet book.

And that is Day 10 - what a wonderful day of changes.

Oh I should add that while it all felt wonderful - let me be real for a moment in that I did sit too much and walk a bit too much. So, my hemorrhoids hurt A LOT going to bed now. So, while I was intending to make trips downstairs for breakfast a regular thing - I will need to see how the night goes and how I feel tomorrow.

And yes - I know most people don't talk about it, but it is a REAL struggle after birth for so many people.

See you on Day 11 :)