I was reading the Afterword for the book (which is now available) that I wrote about six months ago now. I describe in the new version of the Afterword how emotional I was when I realized that not only did I have another baby, but I had a second that looked just like the first. Postpartum depression steals so much from you. You cannot enjoy those tender moments with your baby and they grow up so fast. I had grieved the loss of Frederick's infancy a great deal over the past seven years and found myself so emotional when I realized that not only did I have a second healthy baby, I had one who looked just like the first. I wrote a recap about a month ago about the postpartum depression story on Alastair's six-month birthday.
In this context, I thought I would be self-indulgent and post pictures of these twin-like boys. Here is their birth, also twin-like in the c-sections and their NICU stay for pneumothorax:
Here we are at about a month or so postpartum:
I may be just about the luckiest person in the world.
~~~
Giveaway
Congratulations to Jessica Flohr, my FaceBook friend, who won in the latest supplement giveaway. She wins the jumbo pack of Omega 3s, B vitamins, and magnesium. She should contact me within the next week or so to claim her prize. Jessica could leave a comment right here with her address (and I'll remove the address before posting) or contact me on Facebook. Apparently I have been having comment problems here, problems with my email, and my Facebook account was hacked this morning. So if you have problems, it's probably on my end. I wonder who has time to hack.
We have two more winners in the coming week, one for the jumbo pack like Jessica won and one for a desiccated liver product. Early in the week is the liver, later the jumbo pack.
If you are just joining this contest, enter to win by leaving a comment anywhere on this blog. I will ship to any U.S. address. Increase your chances by doing the following:
• Friend me or follow me on Facebook(here) or Twitter(here): 1 point each
• Stumble this entry, one of the food science pages, or anything that has caught your fancy.: 1 point.
• In Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or LinkedIn provide a link to some of the content here (see the recent food science post for a lot of ideas): 1 point
• Provide a link to this contest from your blog: 2 points (but gosh, this just increases your competition, LOL)
• Blog about some of the content on this website (see the recent food science post for a lot of ideas or check FoodGraphs.net): 3 points
Remember to contact me to claim your prize.
Technorati Tags: giveaway, postpartum depression, pregnancy, Rebuild from Depression
Comments (8)
Beautiful pics!! so glad you have had a better postpartum this time
Posted by carey | July 25, 2009 1:16 PM | Reply
Thank you for sharing these pics. I too feel the same way. I grieve my first baby's precious early years. But I was so blessed to be able to enjoy the next baby's sweet moments. Both feelings can still bring deep emotions to my heart with a quick thought. Look forward to getting the book in hand!
Posted by Shane | July 25, 2009 3:44 PM | Reply
I always appreciate the gift of distance time gives us. While it never takes away the past, sometimes when looking back on it it's easier to extend yourself the grace you need.
Posted by Pampered Mom | July 25, 2009 5:11 PM | Reply
Wow, I love what Pampered Mom wrote...that's beautiful and so true. We all have so many regrets about our lives. I have so many about the years that I suffered from Lyme Disease and wasn't/couldn't be the mom I needed to be. But those years are past and I am so grateful for my healing and the hope of a future. I find great comfort in knowing there is a tomorrow.
You've done great work Amanda, and offer so many hope esp when they feel there is none. I know you won't stop here. Keep up the good work!
Posted by Diane | July 26, 2009 10:00 AM | Reply
That is so true, Pampered Mom and Shane. I also took great care to sit with this baby as much as I wanted to, especially in those early days. I tried to record every moment with pictures, sound files, and videos, but what I found was that I couldn't appreciate the moments fully if I was recording them. I became less obsessive in the documentation and just focused on the experience.
Amanda
Posted by Amanda Rose
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July 28, 2009 4:53 PM | Reply
Congratulations!
I would like to explore the use of supplements to treat depression, as I have been suffering now for about 17 years and have had no success with traditional medicinal approaches. Thank you for this opportunity!
Posted by Tricia Z | August 3, 2009 10:12 PM | Reply
Best of luck to you Tricia!
Posted by Amanda Rose
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August 6, 2009 10:58 AM | Reply
You are truly lucky! Your baby is cute too. God bless you all.
Posted by extrait de marron d inde | December 18, 2009 10:55 PM | Reply