She's here!

[clk 3,519]

I've just been far too busy to post an update, so forgive the delay. We didn't just welcome a new baby, we're also still in the midst of an overseas move and life has been both crazy and sleep deprived.

We welcomed our newest daughter Elisheva (Shevi) on 21 March. She was 6 pounds, 7 ounces and 20 inches long at birth. Delivery went as planned without complications. She's absolutely adorable, and she's been a lot of fun for our whole family since her arrival. If only we weren't so busy we'd enjoy this time a bit more! Our twins are adjusting well and my daughter, in particular, hovers constantly just thrilled to be a big sister.

I have mentioned many times that my post-sleeve pregnancy was actually more challenging in some ways for me. I had more morning sickness, I was more tired, I had a great deal of trouble eating, etc. But I can say without a doubt that delivery and postpartum are totally different post sleeve, and I have never felt quite so good this quickly after a baby.

Delivery went very quickly and smoothly and I never needed pain medications afterward. Within two days I felt tired but basically back to normal. Now that I'm twelve days out, the only difference in pre-pregnancy and post is that my body isn't back to normal yet. Recovery was about 1,000 times easier without the excess weight, which I found to be a pleasant surprise.

I've also had a better milk supply than ever before. In the past I've struggled to maintain supply (I exclusively pump as every one of my four has had latching issues and pumping was easier for us) but this time around I'm pumping more than twice what I need each day and I already have a refrigerator and freezer full of milk. Again, this is different than before. I think it's mostly due to me just being a healthier person all around - I drink more Water, eat good foods, take my rest seriously (and whenever I can!) than I was in the past.

As for weight I gained a total of 32 pounds with my pregnancy. My scale is currently packed in a box and I'm in a hotel room that lacks a scale (darn Army lodging) but as of the 28th I was already down 18 pounds. I'm sure when I'm able to weigh again I'll be down somewhere between 22-25 pounds. I am already able to wear my pre-pregnancy 5/6 jeans...but they would have a bit of unsightly muffin top just now so I'm waiting to actually wear them out. Other than that, I'm back to my usual sizes in everything but bras. Those I'll need to special order, apparently!

I'll post some pictures of myself in a few days, but the reality is that even though I feel a bit messy and "loose" around the middle, there is no way I look like I just gave birth less than two weeks ago. If I had some decent Shapewear (again, packed in boxes) I think I'd be able to wear most of my pre-pregnancy wardrobe.

In any case, we're all doing well we're just really busy. We're enjoying Elisheva as best we can with the stressful move, and we can't wait to be settled in our house so we can relax a bit!

Attached are a few pictures of our adorable little princess.

~Cheri

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

Congrats! Beautiful baby girl!

[DayByDay 123]

Congratulations. She is a very pretty baby.

[erp 2,016]

Congratulations Cheri on your newest edition!

[No game 14,436]

I can't believe you are doing so well after giving birth! Moving, staying in a hotel, a new baby!

I never had a baby when I was "healthy" what a concept!!

Oh and the most important thing!!!

OMG SHE'S PERFECT!!! I love the first picture,

She's look so serene....

[JerseyGirl68 1,172]

Congratulations! She is beautiful! You've been missed on the boards :-) So happy everything went well for you, that you are both healthy and you are recovering well.

Take care of yourself and God bless your new little princess!

[cyncitygirl 100]

Congratulations!!! She's beautiful

[nsquared 232]

Congratulations! She is beautiful and I am glad everyone is well.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

Congratulations, she is beautiful! Glad you are doing so well!

[LindaS 316]

What a gorgeous baby! Thank you for the thorough update. I am amazed that you are doing so well and in such a good mood despite the move and lack of shapewear!

Enjoy that baby!

[M2G 1,836]

Congratulations on the new baby girl. She is darling! And you are moving and dealing with a new baby and POSTING! (makes my excuses pale in comparison. )

So glad she is here and what a wonderful testament to regaining your health! A happy, healthy mommy makes for a happy, healthy family. Thanks for the pictures...

[Almostthere34 128]

Congratulations! What a beautiful baby.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

Aww.. Can I have her, can I, can I ... Pleeeeease?

She's so beautiful! Congrats and so happy you're doing so well. Yes, you've been missed and glad you stopped by.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Oh Cheri, she is precious... almost enough to make me wish I was still in the baby phase... well no, no, no not really as I am having too much fun being a mom of men not children!

Congrats on such a lovely and healthy baby. And congrats to you for the weight control.... you are setting such a fine example to the other young moms on this forum!!!

[Newme48 104]

Congratulations!! Beautiful baby girl!