Sunday, December 9, 2007

Which would you rather?

5 years ago I got the crazy idea to run a marathon. Actually my sister Rachael was the one who got me started running. We started with a 10K and worked our way up to a marathon. I loved running, and really enjoyed the races. That is until I ran the full 26.2 San Diego marathon. When I finished I vowed I would never ever do that again. Rachael actually enjoyed it and said she would like to do it again, but she is crazy. I felt so terrible during the race and for days after that I was sure and still am sure than marathons are not for me. My feet were achy and puffy and every muscle in my body ached for days. It was an experience of a lifetime, one I am glad I did, but will NEVER, I repeat NEVER do again. Why am I telling you this??? Because I felt the same way during labor, the hard pushing part of labor that is. I told Todd he is lucky he got his boy first, because it was the only child we were ever having. Me saying that must have triggered Rachael's memory of my vow to never run a marathon again. So in the midst of labor (when I thought I was dying it was so awful) she asked me if I'd rather do this or run a marathon. Honestly, I could not answer that question. And I did think about it, but I just didn't know which was worse. And now 2 days later, my whole body aches (some parts worse than others) and my feet are swollen and puffy to the point where I can't even wear my shoes, nor can I see my ankle bones, I'm still fat and look pregnant, but I think I can finally easily answer the question now. After the marathon all I got was a t shirt which I don't even wear, and a metal which I don't even know where it is. But after labor, this is what I got, and he is perfect and worth every bit of the terrible misery it took to get him here.

16 comments:

Tina in CT said...

Don't doctors/hospitals give caudals anymore? That was the way to go. Before hard labor set in, they do their thing with the medication and you are numb from the ribcage down. Wonderful.

Sounds like your epidurals didn't give you much relief which is really too bed.

But, as you put it, you have a beautiful son to show for it.

Cecelia said...

Oh, he is beautiful. I'm going to cry if I don't get to come soon.

Rachael said...

That is a really good picture of him. He looks perfect and very worthy of the "cutest baby in the world" torch that Ben is graciously allowing to be passed to him. (And he really does look a little bit like both Ben and Jack did in my fuzzy memory of them that tiny!)

It would be fun if we could both have another baby and they could grow up together at the same time, but Derrick would NEVER in a million years agree to that, so...Wanna run a marathon together instead?

Libby G. said...

AWWWWWW he's so CUTE!! I want one! Oh yeah... But mine's gonna be in pink instead of blue. I totally understand about the "never again" thing. I waited 8 years. I guess that was just long enough to forget how miserable I was the first time. Amy keeps reminding me, though. Glad to see you are back to blogging, and I look forward to seeing more pictures!

Tina in CT said...

Running a marathon is probably not at the top of her "to do" list at the moment, I suspect (ha, ha). Getting some sleep probably ranks as #1 on her list.

Scoobers said...

He is so beautiful!
I can't imagine running 26 miles and then having the drive to finish the 0.2 to get to the end.

Congratulations on finishing both!

Jodi said...

He is so cute. I can't wait to come cuddle with him tomorrow!!

Lori said...

Tina, I dont think they give caudals, Im not even sure what that is.
And your right about needing rest, i'm getting very little of that these days.
Rach, maybe you need to re-read my post, I think you missed the part about NEVER running a marathon again! But the day you talk Derrick into another baby I'll agree to run another marathon. LOL!!

Bonnie said...

Congratulations, Todd and Lori! He is beautiful indeed! And within a week or two--okay, maybe a month or two--you'll totally forget the pain and just revel in the wonder and joy of your new little one. Bonnie & Dick

Mandy Lou said...

OMG is he adorable! And that's saying a lot, cause most newborns are not the best looking things ;-) Congrats! And I think that labor is the right choice, but I'm not a runner.

Tina in CT said...

My caudal was given before hard labor set in. All I know is that the anesthesiologist told me not to move or I could be paralyzed as he was going to insert the needle in my spine. At that point, he could have done anything to me as I wanted relief. Can you tell that I have a low threshold of pain???? There was a drip tube attached and they would regulate what was going in. I remember almost instant relief from pain. I could not feel anything from from the ribs down - heavenly! Wonder why they don't give them anymore? Must have been the decision of a man IMO!

Hope Anthony will settle into a routine for you so that you can get some rest.

I might sound like a grandmother BUT don't make the mistake of taking him to bed with you as you'll regret it later.

Shannon said...

Let me repeat what Tina just said: "Don't take the baby to bed with you as you will regret it later"!!! I know it is hard not to, but he is only 3 days old. He won't miss it if he never does it.

Okay, no more lecturing.

That is an absolutely adorable picture of him. It makes me want to take back the fact that I too, have no desire to go through labor again.

Amy said...

Ugh. I would have 12 more babies before I would run ONE marathon! (not crazy about running)
And the reward of your labor lasts so much longer, and you will appreciate him so much more! (He is SO beautiful!)
It is still so strange for me to think of you as a MOM!

Denise said...

He's beautiful! Congratulations! Enjoy every little thing about him. They grown up so fast!

Anonymous said...

I love him, I love him, I love him

junglemama said...

Congratulations! He is a sweetie!