Monday, June 24, 2013

the first forty days . . .










we're approaching six weeks since he made his smooth and swift entry into the world. even though he is now living, breathing and existing as his own person, in many ways it is like we're still one. he is constantly in my arms or on my chest. always feeding. warm, cozy and close. just like he was in the womb. still connected.

his birth is still fresh in my mind. it was amazing (i think all births are). i was ready and waiting. everything was prepared. when the time came it all happened quickly and calmly. i felt conscious. open. present. knowing there was something greater than me in charge. the pregnancy was challenging and the recovery painful, but the birth was wonderful. nothing compares to that intensity and power. i'm a bit sad that i won't be experiencing it again. 

it has felt so good to have energy again after being so depleted for the nine months of pregnancy. some days after breakfast, and after aila is dropped at school, i take a walk with my boys. out in the crisp fresh air. up and down hills. it's good to get moving again after so many sedentary months. the salt water has also been calling. last weekend i managed to swim a few laps of 'the pool' in the late afternoon. the best kind of therapy for my body and mind.

life with a newborn is delicious and joyful. it's also intense. we can swing from calm to chaos and back again, in the blink of an eye. sam has been away for work twice since oscar was born. just for three days each time. but those three days parenting three small people stretch me to my absolute physical and emotional limits. it makes me appreciate all he does, all the more. 

for the past few months my tendency has been to just cosy up in my hilltop hermitage. meeting the basic needs of my people feels like about as much as i can handle right now. winter is the time to go within. to rest and replenish. and that's exactly what we've been doing. 

: :

oscar is wearing a swaddle up organic ~ a gift from love to dream. those clever 'wings' look a little crazy, but work like a charm. he gets to keep his arms up (like he prefers), the startle reflex is tamed and he doesn't come unwrapped like he would with a blanket. the additional merino layer, with all the natural benefits off wool, keeps him extra snug and warm during these winter months.

 

17 comments:

  1. Gosh. He's beautiful. That last photo is a dream.. He looks so wise... Enjoy your hibernating

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  2. I love this time with new baby. Hibernating is so good for mums, especially when your energy needs to go towards other little ones. Oscar looks so snug. I love anything merino for my children xo

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  3. This is a lovely post - I feel so calm having read it. You're right - it is a time to rest and replenish and on the days where your husband is away I think it's more than sufficient to just 'get by'. I know that's exactly the attitude I will take towards it when my one-day husband is out of down and I alone am responsible for the livelihood of my one-day children! Enjoy your boy, he is beautiful & I love what you say about still feeling like one. True love.

    Flora
    www.twowithseven.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. Oh, I love everything about this post.
    I just wish I could jump into it and come and have a snuggle of that little bundle for a while.
    I don't know why, but I think I'm still a little surprised that he's a boy.
    Big love to you gorgeous girl.
    xxx

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  5. He's so divine. Sounds like you're doing a marvellous job, Rachel! Kellie xx

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  6. PS my word thingy-proof I wasn't a robot was "capacity" ..... interesting ....

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    Replies
    1. The all telling all knowing word verification!

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    2. Just had to let you know my word verification was 'bliss'. Just a bit perfect I think!

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  7. So beautiful! And he is divine all snug as a bug with such sweet wings. Clever design xx

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  8. Oh just look at him! He's so gorgeous Rachel and I agree, he does have a very wise look about him. My last pregnancy was rather unkind to my body too so I 'get' how liberating it is to have your body back after the birth. Meeting the basic needs of your people is really all that needs to be done. Enjoy :-) Mel x

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  9. Beautiful words and photos as always Rachel. Happy winter days to you and your family x

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  10. Beautiful post Rachel...hello blue eyes. (Just spotted your kiddo's at this cosy corner :-)
    And that intensity and power is incredible isn't it...love it.

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  11. Oh lovely girl! I haven't dropping for so long - and you had a new baby! Enjoy your newborn - a family of five is a wonderful thing I can promise you. What beautiful work you do. I love the picture of experienced hands swaddling new life - that is picture perfect. Get rest where ever you can and gaze gaze gaze. Hugs and kisses xxxxMiss P

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  12. Oh it's been a little while since I popped in and I'm so excited and delighted for you reading this post! Such beautiful words and look at your little man, what a joy! As I count down the weeks until our little one is born, it's so refreshing to read your inspiring words on those early days. I just can't wait. Wishing you a most beautiful week!
    Love Sophie x

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  13. Such a beautiful post Rachel, one of my all time favourites of yours I think... it appears as though we're in the same frame of mind at the moment, hibernating hermit-like :) I think winter calls us to do so and resting, rejuvenating and becoming more introspective are wise things to do during this season. Having a winter baby is so special. Grace was my winter baby and staying indoors, soaking in all that newborn-ness while the rain pelted down outside was so very special. Enjoy these early months with precious little Oscar (he looks SO much like Aila!!) I used those same swaddles with Sophie and wish I knew about them with Grace as I too thought they were fantastic. Hope you don't have too many more solo-parenting stints. I did one a fortnight ago when Paul was away in Margaret River for work for four days and by the end of it, I was exhausted!! Take care lovely xx

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  14. yes yes yes to every single word. xx

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  15. I love this post. Youngest is now almost five months so it's all still so fresh in my mind. You've captured it beautifully, thank you.

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