IC and the Stay-At-Home Mommy

A while ago I complained about the loneliness of being a stay-at-home mom.  However, it obviously has many benefits.  Of course, it is what's best for my daughter; that's why I do it.  Staying at home also makes my pain from interstitial cystitis easier to control.

Clothing
Luckily I don't have to wear business attire.  Loose fitting clothes are the best, specially on bad IC days.  I like to wear PJ pants, cotton shorts, gauchos, skirts, or scrub type pants.

Water
I drink water literally ALL day long.  It's great for keeping the bladder toxins diluted.  Plus, water helps keep up my milk supply for baby, and it helps keep her hydrated.

Bathroom Breaks
Since I drink water all day, I have to go to the bathroom frequently.  Of course I can't always go to the bathroom immediately (if I'm in the middle of feeding Karis or a diaper change).  However, I'm able to get there in a more timely manner than when I had a classroom full of students.

Stay Active
When baby is sleeping, it's easy to lay in bed and think, "Poor me and poor bladder."  I think this just makes it hurt worse.  When I get up, put on those cotton shorts, go for a walk, and get some chores done, yes the pain is still there, but at least I'm not laying around thinking about it.

Rest
Staying active is good, but enough rest is essential!  Some people don't need much sleep, and some people need a lot.  I think I'm somewhere in between.  But I have to get that rest to take care of my health.

Eat Well
I live in a small town, so fast food isn't really much of an option.  Staying at home gives me time to prepare healthy, non-greasy, non-spicy food.


Elmiron
I've had an off and on relationship with my IC medication, Elmiron.  Lately, I've not been taking it for several reasons (mostly because it's not approved for breastfeeding).  On rough days, I'm sure to wear the loose clothes, drink extra water, and try to stay busy.

Staying Active: Just Completed a 5k
(in my favorite cotton shorts!)

9 Months Old

Baby Girl is 9 months old!  We hung out with a friend and her 3 month old baby a few days ago.  I couldn't believe that Karis used to be that small.  She is learning new things every day.

Things Karis can do: (you can tell what I used to do...)
- uses thumb and index finger to pick up cereal and feed herself
- passes toy from hand to hand
- waves "hi" when prompted
- points
- crawls!!!
- pulls up on furniture and stands independently
- walks all over the place in her walker
- pulls magnets off of the refrigerator
- babbles while playing independently
- says "da-da" "ma-ma" and many other repetitive syllables
- chooses desired toy when 2 are presented
- reaches up or towards the person she wants to hold her
- enjoys looking at and touching pictures of a story when read to

We'll go to the doctor this week, and I will report back with all of Karis's new stats.  Enjoy a few captured moments of Karis lately...

First Trip to Wimberley, TX

Karis loved playing in the river.

First Spring in Texas

Cutest Easter Bunny Ever

Showing off her swimsuit

Peep Show

We were at a friend's little girl's birthday party.  Most of the guests were out in the yard eating lunch, playing games, and chatting.  When it was time for Karis to eat, I decided to take her inside the house where it would be cooler and more comfortable for both of us.  Sitting on the living room couch, Karis was under her "tent" eating lunch.  A little boy, who looked about 4 years old asked, "What's the baby doing?  Is the baby sleeping?"  Eight months of successfully keeping my privates private ended abruptly due to a curious 4 year old little boy.  Before I could stop him, he lifted my nursing cover way up high to see the baby.  Oh boy.  That was awkward.

I'm always worried that Karis will grab or kick the nursing cover and expose me, and in 8 months it had never happened (that I know of).  Thanks a lot little boy.

Valley

The hardest thing about being a "stay at home mom" is staying at home... at a home that is 45 minutes away from my friends.  I really like my independence and doing my own thing, so being alone is not that difficult.  However, no one can be alone all of the time, and lately, I've been going crazy!  I have scheduled time with friends 2 - 3 times per week.  Last Tuesday, Karis was crying when I arrived at a play date.  She needed a nap, because she didn't get enough rest in the car.  We had to leave immediately.  I was totally bummed about not getting to see my girlfriends.  I really needed that time.  Then, on Wednesday Michael had to work too late, so we couldn't make it to our small groups.  Two days in a row, I missed my opportunities to see my girlfriends.  I was so upset and down in the dumps.  My thoughts were (and still are) totally negative.  I feel that I'm down in a valley and struggling to transform my thoughts and crawl out.  It feels so unfair that other moms can let their children nap at home before they go to events, appointments, etc. because their home is less than 10 minutes away from the places they need to be.  It's impossible for me to schedule around nap times.  If Karis wakes up from a nap at 10am, then she needs another at noon.  The two hour "awake" time is not enough for me to feed her, change her, drive 45 minutes to Sugar Land, visit with friends, and drive back in time for a nap.  Karis sleeps well in the car, but if she only gets cat naps, she is a cranksters.  Ever since Karis was born, I have been searching and praying for mommies in our town to connect with.  No luck yet.  :(

Reminds me of a song by my favorite band, Caedmon's Call
Valleys Fill First


This is the valley that I'm walking through
And if feels like forever since I've been close to you
My friends up above me don't understand why I struggle like I do
My shadow's my only, only companion and at night he leaves too

Down in the valley, dying of thirst
Down in the valley, it seems that I'm at my worst
My consolation is that you baptize this earth
When I'm down in the valley, valleys fill first

Down in this wasteland I miss the mountaintop view
But it's here in this valley that I'm surrounded by you
Though I'm not here by my will it's where your view is the most clear
So I'll stay in this valley even if it takes 40 years