Monday, February 6, 2012

Cha..Cha..Cha...Changes

Ronnie's going in for a tune-up soon, and man, I'm scared. I'm not going to sugar coat it at all. I'm really nervous about it. Wow, nothing like just coming out with it..boom...my insecurities right in your face on this lovely Monday morning. Ha!

We have always been very vocal about the fact that we kind of look forward to hospital stays in the Sharpe household. They have always been a time when we can take a hiatus from the normal routine; spend time "camping" together; reconnect; etc. But this hospital stay with be the first of the NEW hospital stays - now that Mckenna is here. We don't quite know how it will look exactly, but being the planner I am, I've sure tried to predict what it'll be like and how it will all work. Mckenna and I will likely split our time between home and visiting Ronnie, but it will just be during the day, and at night I'll be staying at home or at Ronnie's parent's house. We don't know what nights we'll spend where quite yet, but we do know it wouldn't be in the hospital, as the hospital isn't quite the ideal place for a 3 month old to sleep. And I may be the only person on earth to say this, but I'm sad that I don't get to spend the nights there anymore. I loved sleeping on my little cot, tucked in the corner. I loved calling out, "goodnight. I love you," before bed and waking up to see my love zonked out. But I'm looking at the bright side, Mckenna's sweet face is a close second to wake up to :)

Not only will nights be different. But instead of unplugging a bit during hospital stays, now I'll be increasing my "work load." Becoming a single momma for several days a week, and 7 nights a week, on top of having to work will be very interesting, to say the least. I know I will figure it out, but it will be quite the adjustment to figure out how to navigate being the sole caregiver while working. I know I can manage, but it'll take a little to get the hang of. Luckily my workplace is AWESOME and truly practice what they preach when they say family first. So when I'm down with Ronnie (my office is down there), I can bring Mckenna to work with me, which will be a huge blessing. The real challenge will be sneaking work in during naps, and while she's playing independently. Everything besides Mckenna and work will fall by the way-side I'm afraid.

The nice thing is some of my favorite hospital traditions can still happen. We can still do Dunkin' on the mornings I'm there. We can still get in long, fun walks. We can't still snuggle in his tiny bed - and even better, we'll have a third there with us! We can still walk down and get freshly baked cookies from the cafeteria. We can still listen to John Jay and Rich radio show podcasts. We can still do tons of my favorite things. So I'm trying to focus on that, when I start to get bummed and scared about what this hospital stay will bring.

Anywhoo, there you have it. I'm scared, but a tiny bit excited to see just what I can do on my own (gulp - I'm not quite supermom yet). I think the fact that this post is a bit all over the place shows the chaos that is my brain trying to noodle through how it'll all work. Leave some suggestions if you've got 'em!


Comments (10)

Loading... Logging you in...
  • Logged in as
I've been following you and Ronnie on this blog ever since my daughter was diagnosed with CF. That was about 3 years ago. Now I also have a 7 mo old son (without CF) Dr visits and hospital stays are a different experience with an infant in tow but you do get used to it. It will get harder once she's starting to crawl and wants to be on the floor all the time but you'll do great figuring it out and it does get easier.
My suggestion is keeping extra baby supplies like clothing and diapers in your car just in case... Also let others help you. Whether my husband is in China for 4 weeks or just 3hr south of home for 5 days it turns me into a "single mom" I don't know how a real single mom does it but I do know I have to use my family and friends offers of help and I have to ask for extra help too.
Most of all don't get stressed. Things will be different and sometimes unpredictable and sometimes your time with Ronnie will seem to short and too distracted. Try not to worry about it.
1 reply · active 686 weeks ago
Thanks so much for your comment, Chrysi. Great tips!! I struggle when it comes to asking for help or taking people up on their offers, but I'll have to improve these next few weeks :)
david haas's avatar

david haas · 686 weeks ago

Hello,
I have a question about your blog, could you email me?
David
1 reply · active 686 weeks ago
What is your email address?
Hi Mandi,

I have known Ronnie since High School. Being married to a former Marine I have become all to accustomed to being a single Mom- I used to do it for 6 months at a time. I didn't have family near by but did have a wonderful group of Christian girlfriends, who were in the same boat and could relate. 1st and foremost if you have family around-take any help they will give you. Be it, watching Mckenna or giving you company. The 2nd suggestions is like the previous one stated-take a backpack with extra clothes and a lot of extra diapers that way you can be out and about longer without fear of being unprepared. Finally, take the opportunities when Mckenna is sleeping to focus on yourself for a few minutes-taking a shower, eating or getting some work done.
It sounds like you and Ronnie are very close and this time apart is going to be harder for you all. I would suggest leaving him little notes that way it's like you are there even though you aren't. Hang in there, it's only a week and God knows what you are capable of-you just need to remember he won't give you more then he knows you can handle.
Sandy Hollin's avatar

Sandy Hollin · 686 weeks ago

Hi Mandi, consider leaving the baby with Ronnie's folks, giving you a night or two alone in the hospital to enjoy your rituals while grandparents and grand baby have special time. Before you know it, all three of you will be reunited. Good luck!
You can do it Mandi! As the others have said - take any help that is offered and don't be afraid to ask for it if you need it! It is important that you look after yourself as well your two babes (three if you count Jezzabel) so do something nice for yourself every few days. And though you may not have as much time with Ronnie while he's in the hospital, the time you have will be that much sweeter and you three will have a chance to make new hospital traditions. Be well and Good luck to Ronnie while he's in!
Remember that this hospital stay will be the hard one with lots of new things to work out, and take heart that it will get easier the next time. As you work out the new traditions that involve McKenna, hospital time will again be great family time (sort of). When my CF son was little, we always had lots of books to read aloud in hospital even though he was well able to read himself. I can imagine McKenna (a little bigger than now) delighting in a captive daddy to read her lots of stories
Good luck guys, I know you will navigate through this uncharted territory and come out with new rituals that you look forward to. It's all a learning game and just go with the flow. I would also recommend maybe seeing if family could watch Makenna for a night, while you stay with Ronnie (that is if you feel ready to leave her for a night). I will be thinking about you all! Feel better Ronnie!!
Iafter I had my daughter I went in the hospital 6 times that year. I could not bear to be away from her for 2 weeks t a time and our home is 2 hours away from the hospital so coming for short visit wasn't likely. We actually set up her pack and play in the shower and that is where she napped and slept on the weekends. It worked great so the nurses coming in and out didn't effect her and it was so great having her up here with me. Just a thought.

Post a new comment

Comments by