Friday, June 21, 2013

Me and Johnny

Thanks to Dresden’s post, I am now aware that The Deppster and I share a birthday month. Johnny is all of 17 days older than me. In June of 1963, the world was graced with both of us. Yup, you did the math right. I’ll be turning 50 in less than a week. Just a little over 2 months before my daughter starts pre-k. CRAZY! We had an awesome party last Saturday. (Sorry, no pics yet. Waiting for the 3 people who took pics to send them to me.)

I actually okay with this BIG number. I have my Sunshine! I can only imagine how I’d feel about this birthday if I had not managed to cross over from the Land of IF. She is truly the light of my life. But on the other hand, I’m so exhausted! 3 1/2 is a hard age. It feels like just about everything is a battle. She was awesome at the party, because I let her have as many juice boxes and treats as she wanted. Obviously, not an everyday thing. I know these battles are completely age appropriate, and she’s probably easier than lots of other 3 year olds, but it’s wearing me down. Working full time in a stressful environment and my chronic pain issues make it that much harder.

But my big birthday gift to myself should help. With my mom helping with Sunshine, I am scheduled for a breast reduction in 3 weeks. I’ve wanted this for a long time. I was big chested before, but between pregnancy and nursing, I went up about 3 cups sizes. They did not go down after I weaned. Thankfully, my insurance company agrees about the medical necessity, and approved the surgery. From what I hear from people who’ve had this done, the mid and upper back pain, and shoulder and neck pain will ease very quickly afterwards. I’m somewhat nervous about the recovery, but I’ve been reminding myself that I recovered from my c-section much more quickly than I expected, and much more easily than other women I know.

The surgery is scheduled for a Friday, and I’m taking the following week off work. My mom will have Sunshine at her house for the week. I’m anticipating going to my mom’s after a few days if I’m up to it, as I’m sure Sunshine will be jonesing for mama. She’s never spent more than 3 nights in a row at my mom’s without me, and it’s usually just 1 or 2 nights. I expect it to be emotionally rough all around. I’m also concerned about getting Sunshine to understand that she’ll need to be VERY gentle with me while I’m healing. You see, Sunshine seems to think they’re hers to do what she want with. Even though I weaned her at one, and I know she has no memory of breastfeeding, she routinely reaches into my shirt for a comforting grope. And when she wants to snuggle, it’s not unusual for her to slam her head against a breast. OY! Any suggestions? I’ve talked to her little about the surgery and how she’ll need to be gentle. I told her I was going to have an operation, like she did when Dr. W fixed her ears and nose, and it would make my back feel better. My little smart cookie asked if I’d be able to sit on the floor to play with her after. Something she knows I don’t do much because of my back. I’m not too concerned about not picking her up. She’ll have to get used to hearing no on that. For at least a couple of months.

I’m excited, nervous, and just wish the day would get here already.


Happy almost birthday to ME!

And here's a little random cuteness for you.

13 comments:

AnotherDreamer said...

I hope the surgery goes well. I bet it will be a relief!

And have a great birthday! So glad you have Sunshine too. She's grown so much! What a darling!

Heather said...

Happy birthday! I just (as in this morning) read an article about Johnny turning 50, and I love his take on it: "50? Sure, why not?"

Best of luck on your surgery (and the recovery!)...I know it'll go well. And that Sunshine! She's gorgeous...so grown up! (I can relate to the energy part of 3 1/2 too--my girl isn't quite 3 1/2 yet, but yikes! It takes a lot.)

battynurse said...

Happy birthday!
I hope the surgery goes well and that you are soon feeling way better.

Stacie said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful celebration with Sunshine! I'm also hoping for a speedy and smooth recovery for you. A good friend of mine went through a reduction and says it was one of the best things she ever did for herself. I'm fuzzy on the details (it's been a long time), but I do remember her saying she in ally felt like she could take a deep breath, and that was while she was in the hospital!

All the best to you!

Stacie said...

*finally felt

Got to love smart phones.

Tiara said...

Happy early birthday! Good luck with the surgery. I'm sure it'll make a big difference in the way you feel!

Mina said...

Happy birthday! I hope all gos smoothly and you get to enjoy the swift recovery with books and tv. Apparently all toddlers are very physical, George does the same as Sunshine, and I would so like him to stop, but I do not forsee that happening pretty soon. Sunshine is a lovely little miss!

Michaela said...

Happy Birthday!!

Anonymous said...

Sorry we missed the celebration! I hope the surgery goes (went) well! Let me know if Elsie and I can do anything for you!!

The Steadfast Warrior said...

A belated happy birthday! And good luck with the surgery. I really hope it solves some of your pain issues. Living in pain is awful!

I hear you on the energy needed to deal witha 3 year old. Mine will be 4 in 3 months and I feel exhausted a great deal and I'm not even working outside of the house!

Melissia said...

I hope your recovery is going well. I just wanted to affirm that the surgery is life changing. I had it done in 2001 and I have never regretted it! One thing that no one told me is that some women experience numbness in the nipples following surgery. This does come back, but nerves are very slow growing , so it may take a year.
I chose not to have implants added, that is a big thing here, and my results have continued to be just great.
I love being able to wear a normal size bra, feel comfortable in t shirt and have much less back pain.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Anonymous said...

Hope all is well.
Bspector@rogers.blackberry.net

Anonymous said...

How are you?