Sunday, January 4, 2009

In the spirit of honesty ...

I am completely exhausted. My bones and joints are sore almost every day lately, particularly my wrist and the index finger on my right hand. My back and legs ache. I am tired pretty much all the time. I couldn't get out of bed this morning to make church I was so sleepy and tired.

Having a baby in the house is hard work -- and I have great helpers. Having a little one whose sleep habits don't really correspond with mine and/or whose sleep habits are still a bit "off" is hard as well.

I don't want to sound like I'm complaining because I wouldn't trade her for the world, but I'm wondering -- is it just having a second child or having a baby after 40? I suspect little bit has gained quite a bit of weight lately as well -- adding to the pain factor.

I've bought a good multivitamin, Osteo-biflex and Triple Omegas this week. I take Tylenol almost every night. Tonight the pain in my wrist was so bad I went in search of a wrist brace. I didn't find it, but I might have to find it or get another because my wrist hurts so bad by night's end I can barely do anything with it.

I'm off to get a few hours of sleep. I'm about ready to go to my mom's house one day and sleep while she plays with Ellie. At least I'll be there if Ellie needs me, and if not, hours of sleep. I'm certain Kevin feels the same way.

Ok -- whine fest is over -- you are free to resume normal programming now.

12 comments:

Jeanne said...

Honey, I'm sorry to tell you that I think it's the over-40 part. I was 44 when my son came home over two years ago and I haven't stopped aching since. I highly recommend a good wrist brace at night.

Jackie said...

Maria, what you are describing is much of what I experience/d, too. I would get out of bed and my legs and back ached right away. I had wrist issues as well...ironically I had a wrist brace and started wearing it at night and even during the day. It seemed the burping motion brought it all on. There was a time where I was taking an Advil every morning to help with all the aches.

The good news is that it seems to have subsided now that Nola is a bit older.

Hugs, Jackie

Allison said...

While I don't have the physical pain, I am utterly exhausted. I go to bed right after the kids every night, like at 8:30.
I would absolutely get a good wrist brace. And I think when Ellie gets a little more independent and walks on her own, that will give your poor body a rest.
Hugs!

Shannon said...

I think being exhausted comes with the territory. I know that I've had a lot of new aches and pains over the last 22 months. As soon as my butt hits the couch at night, I'm out like a light! Hang in there! :)

Kathy W said...

I was 42 when my first child came home from Kazakhstan; I'm in process for #2 from Kyrgyzstan. Go figure, I slept fine in my 30's and don't get much now -- but I am LOVING it. I guess it all depends on what rewards you value!

Kathy W

Unknown said...

Oh, Maria, bless your heart! Don't blame it entirely on your age, though. I'm 27, have two kids who won't sleep worth a dang, and I'm exhausted MOST of the time! I did discover our mattress was causing my aching back though...don't guess that helps your wrist issue, though? :) Hang in there.
Love and prayers,
Sarah
PS. The post you wrote about my email before you left for Kryg was so good. Love the blog!

janiece said...

I don't think it's the over 40 part. I was 33 when we brought Julia home, 35 with Rauan and just shy of 38 with Chewie--and I was EXHAUSTED for months afterwards. It's a major change for everyone and mom's always seem to feel it the most. Don't forget it is also cold and flu season and that might be playing a part too. Drink plenty of liquids and rest when you can. Someday you'll look back on this and laugh!

Kelli said...

I feel your pain...really, I do. I don't think it's the 40 part as I just turned the big 3-5 (yikes, that's not really too far away). Anyway, I think it has a lot to do with using muscles you haven't used in a while. I about died after Aiden's Gymboree class last week. NOw that's pathetic so I have been making a real effort to get to the gym!

Anonymous said...

It's not being over 40! It's lugging a little one around that uses "new" muscles! She'll be mobile and more independent soon, but that might not be a totally positive thing! This is coming from the woman who spends her days picking up what Caleb has explored!

Gen 's Family Story said...

I would say age would have a lot to do with it, Michael came home at age 43, now I know why the body doesn't like to give you babies after 40, and I used to have boundless energy before 40 or I could rebound extremely quickly, now I can't rebound at all! The 2nd trip to pick up Phoebe almost did me in, and she was a great sleeper! The aches should get better once your body gets used to it! You are eating more most likely because your body is trying to stay awake from lack of sleep, that is why alot of people who work nites are overweight. Don't worry, once she starts walking you'll be working it off!

Kimberly said...

HI Maria - thank you so much for posting such an honest note - I have been thinking a lot lately, but what things will be like when my little one gets home - I just turned 40 last October and I'm sure getting little sleep won't be as easy as it might have been in my 30's! So while I wait - I sleep in every chance I get! :-)
I really enjoy following your blog!
Kimberly

Melissa said...

Well, I'm not over 40, but I did add a second child this year, and it is WAY more difficult than I would have imagined!!