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On the fifth day of Christmas…

2011 January 16
by WWGD

Well, here it is. Another extended hiatus from blogging, but this time I wish I could have blamed it on pregnancy woes, moving madness, or just plain laziness.

Instead, I went and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy five days before Christmas.

And then I had to put him on an intense cycle of medicine only three days later. Then come home to a deathly ill 3-yr-old who, after being separated from her parents for three days while battling a high fever and more, was a prime candidate for early childhood therapy. Then I had to rush my newborn to the ER not once, but twice, within a week. Had to spend five days in quarantine at home, with a still feverish (cabin fever, that is) toddler and sick newborn, not even able to accept visits from my parents. Faked Christmas for Little D, two days after it actually happened. Eventually had to admit newborn after harrowing call to 911. Spent New Year’s Eve counting down with Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark from a children’s hospital room. Only to finally be sent home, where we would go on to monitor our little man for another two weeks for signs of impending infection that could come at any moment and bring us right back to square one.

And did I mention the post-partum hormones?

Those have kicked in as well, making every nursing session, diaper change, and endless cry over the past four weeks or so feel like a boulder about to run me right off the road. But somehow, I have kept my hands firmly on the wheel and am slowly staying on course. I have an amazing man riding shotgun, helping me Google map my way through this maddening time in our lives. I have friends who are calling and calling, even when I am not calling them back. I have  a community of moms who I have never met but who keep me laughing, praying, and hoping, via the revolutionary world of Twitter (@wwgwynethdo) and Facebook.

And I have Kai. Who shall not remain nameless like his sister Little D moving forward. Because if anyone deserves to have his name said aloud, in a strong, proud voice, it’s my little Christmas warrior.

Thank you, Santa. Now can you please bring me a cleaning lady??

For more information on pertussis and its effects, symptoms and treatment, visit here

8 Responses
  1. January 16, 2011

    Sending you supportive energy. Will be thinking of you and your family. Sounds like not only is your son and daughter a fighter, BUT YOU as well. Stay strong, or as strong as you can be.
    xoxoxox
    Lauren

  2. Mary Louise Kinahan permalink
    January 17, 2011

    Conratulations on your beautiful new son!
    With the love you have to give, you will see energy return.
    Motherhood is hard; hormones don’t help, and with the baby’s
    and little D’s sickness,you suprise me with your strength!
    Happiest wishes to you Raluca and to Chris. Love & Kisses
    to your darling children.

  3. January 18, 2011

    Wow. That is all exciting, scary and harrowing. So glad to see you writing and hoping that little Kai’s health is on the mend. Hugs.

  4. January 22, 2011

    DOODE. I’m so sorry. That is a hellish few weeks.. LOVE the name – it’s my son’s middle name! 🙂
    Congrats and may the hormones subside sooner rather than later.

  5. sara permalink
    June 3, 2014

    this is my first brush with this part of your story, mama.
    so heavy — but, not surprisingly, you seemed to handle it with such grace and strength…

    so glad everyone’s healthy and happy now.

    love love.

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