Ryan Leon...

 

Ryan Leon Moenkedick arrived on 12/27/2012 at 8:21 AM. He weighed in at 8 lbs. and 12 oz. His length was 20 ¼ inches.

Our morning began arriving at the hospital at 6 AM. I was so nervous. I got my IV and all kinds of good stuff done before we headed downstairs for surgery and my spinal. The IV went great (first time worked) compared to what happened with John (6 tries later they had my iv in) and the spinal was well a spinal not fun but they got it done!! Things progressed quickly and before we heard a long wail from our little Ryan. Hearing him scream helped me get through a part of them sewing me up but towards the end I began to get restless. I don’t remember much but Mike said I was trying to get off the table so they ended up sedating me. I remember waking up and telling Mike “Oh that wasn’t that bad” Little did I know at the time they sedated me. I was wheeled to recovery and Mike went upstairs to spend some one on one time with Ryan. Eventually I made it up once my vitals returned to normal. Nurse said I looked pretty pale when I came into recovery. I was happy to be reunited with my little man and hold him. How precious life is I remember thinking in those moments. Four days later I was released along with Ryan. This birth was still painful but not near as bad as before. With John I felt like I was drugged for four days afterwards where with Ryan I was coherent and well rested!

So what else has been going on… well since I’ve blogged I’ve moved twice and no not my house yet!! You could say I’m a little frustrated with the whole house thing but I’m hopefully and finally in a spot for a few months that is my own. The day before surgery my sister helped me move into a house in town that  we rented. My one condition I have always told Mike is that I will not live at his brothers after the baby is born. I need more room and more privacy which is just not possible there. Most of the time I have to b stationary especially in the beginning and most of the time I have my shirt up nursing. Speaking of nursing ug!! I thought this go around it would be so simple. I did it before and it was for what I thought pretty easy. Well I’ve learned that John was easy and well Ryan is another story. I’m still learning and so is he. Hard part is to make it all work together. This by far has been my biggest struggle of all but hopefully with time things will get better! So back to the moving part… so the house we were renting was very temporary and we knew that. It was for sale and a couple of time while being there we would have to clean and pick up and leave for a showing.  The lady who we are renting from had another house that was being used when the baby was born so we couldn’t use it of course but once it was available she offered us that house and then we would not have to leave for showings and it was bigger! So as of yesterday with my mom’s help we moved up the street into a larger place. It feels so good to sit and relax knowing the next time I move it will be my very own place.

Today the last of my family left. Amber was here for the first few days when Ryan was born watching John and then my parents came a few days later!! Dad left with Amber on Monday and mom stayed behind. I feel so blessed to have family who will go so far out of their way to help me out. I will miss them so much and hopefully in a few months I will be headed there way for a much needed visit! So as of right now I’ve had an almost full day by myself with two under two. It’s been good but so far I’m due for a nap when dad gets home! (Hoping he makes it home and he doesn’t have to pull a late shift but if so I endure) It’s good to know also that I can do this and that encourages me the most! That I will survive and things will get better. So we have three days to ourselves and then I get some help once again! Mike’s family arrives on Saturday for which I know I will be so thankful for! They get to meet Ryan for the first time but I for one know I will enjoy getting some rest once again!! They will be here for a week or so which is nice!! Looking forward to quality time with them!

My not so little John anymore is so resilient. There are times when I can tell he feels a bit neglected but he is an awesome brother and a great help!! It’s cute to see all of his interactions with Ry Ry! (it’s what I call him sometimes) He adjusting but it’s a lot for him to take in!

So this is getting long but wanted to update you all on what is going on in North Dakota. This by far has been one of the most challenging things in my life. It’s really hard to be away from family when you are so used to them just being there. We still haven’t nailed down a church yet which is also hard. We so miss our church family but we know that will come in time. Its drawn Mike and I closer and for that I’m very thankful! He is an amazing man! I also have got to know my brother in-law which is also a blessing! I like knowing that no matter what Ty is here also to help with anything! Please keep us in your prayers. God is good and through it all He moves in great ways!

P.S. I know I should proofread this but I don’t have time so if parts are misspelled or don’t make sense you know why!!