Well it has been awhile...again. I have a list of posts I want to do but I also have a list of things that need done around the house, for youth group, oh and yeah, the baby!
I recently read a blog that inspired me to write this. It is similar in nature but we all have our own stories and as Levi and I approach our 8th wedding anniversary I wanted to give him a huge shout out.
As many of you know my birth story for Addison was less then ideal. But the only reason I got through it all was because of my husband. Let me explain...
Aside from him coaching me through contractions and literally doing anything to help me reach my goals and not leaving my side expect to get my parents and let them know what was going on, he helped me through recovery.
After the trauma that my body went through the doctors were surprised that my milk came in. I couldn't nurse Addison when she was born, shoot, I didn't even see her till 17 hours after she entered the world! I believe the only reason that I am still able to nurse my baby is because of Levi. I was on several medications and couldn't get out of bed. But Levi was up every three hours to help me pump. The milk that first come in is called colostrum. It is only a small amount of milk that is packed full of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. But it is great for newborns because their stomachs are so small this is about all they can handle. Levi was taking that little bit of milk to the NICU at all hours of the night. He was encouraging me to keep trying even when the milk didn't come in at first. He was learning all about the pump when I was too drugged up to remember anything. He was my advocate when it came to breast feeding and getting our baby the milk she needed.
When I was finally able to "stand up" (more like hunched over like Quasimodo) and take a shower the nurse said she would help me. Levi very firmly, not unkind, said no I got this. He helped me in and out of the shower. He helped me to the toilet multiple times (is that TMI. Oh well. It's life!). He lifted me when I needed adjustments on the bed. When I as brave enough to take steps he walked on my side. I thought I was going to walk to the NICU when I went to see Addison for the first time. HA! He let me believe that I could but was there with the wheel chair when I couldn't even stand up. He didn't say I told you so or give me a hard time about my stubbornness. He just silently helped me in my most vulnerable state. I had many moments of anger because I wasn't recovery fastest then I thought I should. Cause you know, I should be less human and more machine. He just went with it. He gave me permission to be angry. At the time that is what I needed.
Levi was in the NICU everyday and learning all about what was wrong with Addison. He made sure to be up and in her room when the doctors made their rounds. He would ask the nurses questions as to what they were doing and why. He would come back and explain everything to me. Sometimes multiple times. I know there were many nights that his heart was torn between being with his wife or being with his baby. Levi loves fiercely and loyally. So when two people he loves are in pain, it is hard for him to have to choose. He was our rock through all of it. Addison will know how her Papa fought for her.
So with all of that, marry someone who will walk you to the bathroom. Marry someone who will fight for what you want because they know how important it is for you. Marry someone who loves is loyal. Marry your best friend.
Levi and I have been through some tough stuff in our marriage. We have fought for our marriage in ways that some may never know. I can honestly say that we are stronger when we are together. It has always been that way for us. We don't seem to live separate lives. Yes, we have our own friends and interests but we function best as a team. This new year of marriage is a different sport for us. But it's a team sport so I know that in the end, we will succeed.
I recently read a blog that inspired me to write this. It is similar in nature but we all have our own stories and as Levi and I approach our 8th wedding anniversary I wanted to give him a huge shout out.
As many of you know my birth story for Addison was less then ideal. But the only reason I got through it all was because of my husband. Let me explain...
Aside from him coaching me through contractions and literally doing anything to help me reach my goals and not leaving my side expect to get my parents and let them know what was going on, he helped me through recovery.
After the trauma that my body went through the doctors were surprised that my milk came in. I couldn't nurse Addison when she was born, shoot, I didn't even see her till 17 hours after she entered the world! I believe the only reason that I am still able to nurse my baby is because of Levi. I was on several medications and couldn't get out of bed. But Levi was up every three hours to help me pump. The milk that first come in is called colostrum. It is only a small amount of milk that is packed full of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. But it is great for newborns because their stomachs are so small this is about all they can handle. Levi was taking that little bit of milk to the NICU at all hours of the night. He was encouraging me to keep trying even when the milk didn't come in at first. He was learning all about the pump when I was too drugged up to remember anything. He was my advocate when it came to breast feeding and getting our baby the milk she needed.
When I was finally able to "stand up" (more like hunched over like Quasimodo) and take a shower the nurse said she would help me. Levi very firmly, not unkind, said no I got this. He helped me in and out of the shower. He helped me to the toilet multiple times (is that TMI. Oh well. It's life!). He lifted me when I needed adjustments on the bed. When I as brave enough to take steps he walked on my side. I thought I was going to walk to the NICU when I went to see Addison for the first time. HA! He let me believe that I could but was there with the wheel chair when I couldn't even stand up. He didn't say I told you so or give me a hard time about my stubbornness. He just silently helped me in my most vulnerable state. I had many moments of anger because I wasn't recovery fastest then I thought I should. Cause you know, I should be less human and more machine. He just went with it. He gave me permission to be angry. At the time that is what I needed.
Levi was in the NICU everyday and learning all about what was wrong with Addison. He made sure to be up and in her room when the doctors made their rounds. He would ask the nurses questions as to what they were doing and why. He would come back and explain everything to me. Sometimes multiple times. I know there were many nights that his heart was torn between being with his wife or being with his baby. Levi loves fiercely and loyally. So when two people he loves are in pain, it is hard for him to have to choose. He was our rock through all of it. Addison will know how her Papa fought for her.
So with all of that, marry someone who will walk you to the bathroom. Marry someone who will fight for what you want because they know how important it is for you. Marry someone who loves is loyal. Marry your best friend.
Levi and I have been through some tough stuff in our marriage. We have fought for our marriage in ways that some may never know. I can honestly say that we are stronger when we are together. It has always been that way for us. We don't seem to live separate lives. Yes, we have our own friends and interests but we function best as a team. This new year of marriage is a different sport for us. But it's a team sport so I know that in the end, we will succeed.
So good!!! Love you!
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