My pregnancy threw me into a horrible lupus flare up and after 8 weeks they put me in the hospital, then it threw me into labor and my son was born 4 weeks early on July 13th. He was in good health and came home with us, however due to jaundice was re-hospitalized on July 21st.
But now weeks later we are both doing better- I am still in an intensely painful flare up however it is not affecting my organs or health just increasingly painful.
Life with five boys has always been adventurous however with a newborn and lupus I am finding it a struggle to keep up. Normally my husband is a great help however lately hes not been his best. Maybe he is having issues too I am not sure- too frustrated and over whelmed to find out.
But on to the good stuff!
Maximus (our newest little one) is 4 weeks old on monday- he has started to fill out and get bigger-here is a pic from about 2 weeks ago but one of my favorites....
I am unable to take most good drugs for lupus or pain due to nursing exclusively however that is important to me- to give my son the best start in life. I breastfed Marcus until he was two and would like to go that far with Max but I am taking it one day at a time- if we can only make it to one year than I know he will be fine. Hopefully the one above will grace me with the strength to persevere through this pain and stress to keep going on.
I use only cloth diapers on my sons- Marcus is still not potty trained and other than a few moments of motivation seems to have no interest in it so I have 2 loads of diapers every 2 days of just diapers and many have implored me to just use disposables for a few weeks however I just can't. I want the best for my sons- not chemicals and toxins not to mention the pollution they create. Plus a little secret- When I go to wash those stinky things- NO ONE wants to be around- NO ONE. So I get 1/2 hour of peace twice a week of no boys, no hubby, no tv nothing. It's a moment for sanity if you ask me!
The older boys have adjusted to the baby very well. Preston, 11, is phenomenal with the baby. Max already lets him fully comfort him and really he is like another parent. I don't want him to feel obligated to care for his brother and want him to have his childhood but if Max so much as whimpers Preston comes running. Aleric, 8, cares for his brother and holds him every so often or asks how hes doing but he is much more into his own life. Dominic, 6, loves him so much, he has to caress, kiss, or rub his brother non-stop- almost to the point of aggravation however I can't discourage him because hes bonding :). Marcus (2 1/2) is much like Dommy- loving on him all the time. He has adjusted to not having my undivided attention pretty well. He will come and ask me to hold him and if I am feeding baby he will wait his turn and then climb up or sit next to me and rub Max while he nurses.
Here's a pic of the boys in question:
Though our house is VERY hectic but we were blessed with respectful (most of the time) and caring boys who for the most part really are GREAT kids. We have less stress and problems than some smaller families because our boys are all best friends. Not that I take the credit for that, we did try to encourage friendships with the boys but they truly care for one another.
We have good days and bad days but through it all- our love and understanding will help us to accomplish anything and live through anything to be there for each other!
