My recovery from Annabel’s birth has been so amazingly easy that I should totally be the poster girl for c-sections. The contrast between how I am doing now versus how I was after Madeline’s birth is amazing. The circumstances were, of course, totally different, but I am really shocked by how good I’m doing. After Maddie’s birth I bled (heavily) for four weeks. After Annie’s I only bled (lightly) for six days. I took major pain medicine for weeks after my first c-section, this time I only take the occasional ibuprofen. Last time I wore maternity clothes for months, this time I’m fitting into pre-pregnancy pants (but don’t worry, the belly is still there). I’m glad I had no idea what a “normal” recovery should be my first time around, because I definitely would have been freaked out.
But then yesterday morning, I started bleeding out of nowhere. I was surprised and a little worried, since I hadn’t bled for 12 days and this was bright red. Luckily, I was scheduled for my two week appointment with Dr. Risky. As she examined me I told her about the bleeding. She asked a few more questions, and then said, “It’s your period.”
I threw my head back and howled, “nooooooooooo!”
I got my period exactly 28 days after Madeline was born, and now I had it 18 days after Annabel’s birth. My. Body. Hates me.
But still, I was in denial. I asked her how that was possible, since I am breast feeding and it hasn’t even been a month since Annie was born.
“Oh yeah, it’s absolutely possible. You’re just one of the lucky ones.”
And then she said, “Let’s talk about your birth control options.”
So I said, “ABSTINENCE!” because HELLO!
She replied, “Yeah, but not forever, and you’re probably super fertile.”
I said, “all I have to do is tell my husband that and his penis will curl up into his body. Problem solved!”
She laughed and then handed me a prescription for progesterone birth control pills.
Now I have nine months of PMS slamming me. Thank goodness I can now eat chocolate.
I mean, this little thing is so cute I can hardly stand it:
But she doesn’t need an Irish Twin.
Lauren P. says:
SO. MUCH. LIKE. HER. SISTER!!
I am so sorry you got your period this fast already, is she absolutely sure?! I guess it’s better than the crazy after-birth bleeding, but still! Glad to hear your recovering well!!
Erin says:
Oh, hell. That’s just not fair! You poor thing.
Amy K says:
Aw, I feel for you. I just got mine recently after 10 months (sorry!) of breastfeeding, and I couldn’t figure out why I NEEDED CHOCOLATE RIGHT NOW OMG, and why I suddenly had the acne of a teenager. And then it became apparent. But 18 days? That’s just cruel and unusual.
Krissa says:
That photo is adorable! She is such a pretty baby. … About 7 years ago I was doing amateur body building and my body fat got so low that I didn’t have a menstrual cycle for a year. I know that’s not healthy, but boy, that was a great year. That really sucks that you started again already. Boo!!! Not fair.
Karyn says:
Oh Heather that is soooo not right!!! I’ve never heard of that happening to anyone I know… Love the Clueless crimson wave phrase though!
Kerri says:
Oh bummer, that’s not fair at all! Could Annie be getting even cuter?
.-= Kerri´s last blog .. =-.
jack gren says:
I was married about two years with my wife, but until now were not bless with a cute little one. I know time will come we will have baby like you have. Thank you
MrsW says:
That really ought not to be allowed – you need to have a word with the design people.
.-= MrsW´s last blog ..A prelude to homework =-.
Maura says:
I think you need to have a little chat with Dr. Risky about the meaning of the word “lucky.” Great picture.
.-= Maura´s last blog ..We Have A Winner! =-.
Annie says:
After my first son I never stopped my postpartum bleeding before my period started! Bled for weeks! Glad you got some birth control. Can’t tell you how many siblings I see less than a year a part (I work in postpartum/antepartum) b/c mom thought breastfeeding would keep her from getting pregnant. Glad you’re recovering so nicely. Annie is gorgeous!
Cinthia says:
Oh wow, she really does look like Madeline in this picture! I am very happy about that. And lol on the Irish twins… John Leguizamo called them Puerto Rican twins, but I guess the point is more any ethnicity twins.
Annie says:
Again……I ask you……COULD.SHE.BE.ANY.CUTER.
.-= Annie´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Ray says:
OMG, THAT PHOTO! Just gorgeous. You have such a beautiful baby girl and you take wonderful photos. I’m loving that little red bow. Awww! Here’s to hoping that the crimson wave doesn’t last that long and that it’s not too bad.
Take, care.
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
Oh, that is SO unfair! I’ve always got 5 months for each of my babies, and I thought that was a bit rough since they were all fully breast-fed until at least 6 months.
Annie is such a darling, and you are such a great photographer… Glad you’re recovering well
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Run, run! =-.
catherine lucas says:
Ready to go on the wall in a nice frame… The picture. Maybe it is time for birth control without bleeding… They do exist, and it is heaven to not have menstruation. I like the mental image of the crown jewel to curl up and shrivel… Grin. Will NOT show my husband, he might freak out…
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..An airport is an airport =-.
@kristeneileen says:
Damn Aunt Flo has absolutely no tact. Sheesh.
susie says:
Aunt Flo… haven’t heard that in forever
I will repeat myself again today. Annabel is just beautiful. What a great photo, this one is put in a frame and hang on the wall worthy!
Heidi says:
I protest on your behalf.
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..The Middle of the End =-.
erika says:
i am going to be the lone wolf here and say that i WISH i could get my cycle back like that. with my first daughter, it took 15 months and i did all kinds of stuff to bring it on. i had another baby 8 months ago, and 1) my clothes STILL do not fit, and 2) i am nowhere near fertile. i am going to have to wean if i ever want to get pregnant again (and stay pregnant). i would like to breastfeed for at least 2 years…but i can’t get/stay pregnant while bf’ing…so, that’s my dilema. sucks.
-erika
theurthmama.com
.-= erika´s last blog ..Life In 3D =-.
Trish says:
Haha! Well, congratulations dear! Whew! I guess that period of yours is just excited to see the world again! I thought if you exclusively breastfeed your child, it would take you 6 months of free pregnancy! Hehehe! Well, good luck on your pills, progesterone pills are really for breastfeeding woman….
Audra says:
What a sweet picture! She looks adorable with her little red bow!
Kathryn says:
What a sweetie! Love the little red bow. Looks so pretty in her dark hair.
Should I say congrats on being super fertile? Sounds like a good thing! I wish your pregnancies were easier on you…then I’d say go for the Irish twins! Mine are 15 months apart and it’s wonderful (most days). :o)
amanda says:
Love the bow!
xo from CT,
amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..weekend. update. =-.
edenland says:
Hahahaha …. I pissed myself laughing when I read your title. I thought that was just an Aussie saying!!
Mate, I’ll eat some chocolate bars on your behalf.
Also, you guys sure do breed beautiful babies, my goodness. XO
.-= edenland´s last blog ..Truth. =-.
edenland says:
Ok now I’m going to be a complete wanker … every time I comment here, some writing comes up saying, “Your comment is submitting, please wait a comment.”
And I ALWAYS think, wait a comment? Shouldn’t that be “wait a moment?”
I KNOW ….however in my defence, I’m a proof reader as well.
Endeth wankerdom.
.-= edenland´s last blog ..Truth. =-.
dysfunctional mom says:
That is so not fair AT ALL!
ClassyFabSarah says:
And this would be where I tell the universe to SUCK IT because, really? 18 days? Hasn’t your body been through enough lately?
Now where’s the chocolate?
.-= ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Ahem =-.
Sue says:
Annabel is an absolute doll baby with her little red bow!! She’s all ready for Valentine’s Day, Mama!!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Yowza. You ARE super fertile!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..I can handle 21 inches =-.
Amy says:
I too, was one of the “lucky ones”, and it definitely sucked.
On another note, I love the bow, she is SO darn cute!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Gracie’s First Day of Preschool =-.
Lisa says:
I got my period back right away with both my kids even though I was pumping. But I hope you don’t get what I had happen next. I ended up with the neverending period. We are talking 8 week periods, week off, then another 8 week period.
Anna Marie says:
Dear lord girl. If you and Mike gave it a try you could churn out a baby a year! Because pregnancy is so GOOD to you.
Mary Ann says:
If you hadn’t told me I would have thought that was a picture of Maddie. She is sooooooo cute!
Kristen McD says:
The progesterone-only pill’s effectivness can be as low as 87%. We wound up doubling up, because after two pregnancies we “tried for” about two weeks each, we figured we’d stack the odds a little better in our favor.
tonya says:
I am glad someone addressed this. And, it was explained to me that the effectiveness goes even lower as baby starts solids and is breastfeeding less. I didn’t know this, and my nurse about had a fit when, at my checkup over YEAR after my first was born I told her I just really liked the pill I was on. The progesterone one. She asked if the baby was weaned and I told her that she had been at a year. I was then told that it was a miracle that I had not gotten pregnant and to use a back up method as I started the new pill. She said that the progesterone pill is only effective for nursing mothers who exclusively nurse on demand. Take that for what it’s worth, but I didn’t ask any questions!
Baby is absolutely beautiful! Love and prayers always.
Suzanne says:
“Super-fertile” makes me picture you as covered in Miracle-Grow, getting lots of sunlight and watered regularly.
Just a note on those progesterone pills…I felt like they decreased my milk supply. And they’re only effective if you ABSOLUTELY remember to take them at the same time every day. So I have 5 months worth sitting in my bathroom cabinet unused because what mom can remember to take a pill at 7 am every morning? I can’t even remember to brush my teeth. Luckily, that problem also encourages abstinance. Although I’ll take that period off your hands if you want, I’m just about ready for #2.
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..Sooner or Later =-.
dmm says:
I got mine 28 days after giving birth and nursing 100% too. How’d we’d all end up so lucky, unlike the gals who don’t have it for a year after birth?
And like Suzanne said, despite being a very good regular pill taker, the mini pill they give you was not effective for me either since I slept all sorts of crazy hours the first 4 months our son was born. I figured abstinance at first and than it was up to dad to make sure there were no irish twins by using his own little coat!
designHer Momma says:
yeah I’m in the same boat as you. With both Nola and Gage I got it after about 4-5 weeks, Iike I never skipped a beat. It’s so not fair, especially when your breastfeeding exclusively.
Oh, and like the comment above me, she’s right about the progesterone only pills effectiveness – it’s not so hot. (I’m on it too)
.-= designHer Momma´s last blog ..Finally a Proper Announcment =-.
Smoochagator says:
One of the “lucky” ones? For real?
brie says:
She is SOOOO cute! Just be careful, my sister got pregnant on progesterone/breastfeeding when my nephew was 6 MONTHS OLD!!!!!!!!!
Chris L says:
My neice got pregnant on that pill while breastfeeding her 1st born and she only had a 30% chance of getting pregnant the first time. She was a medical miracle. So be careful. Her kids are exactly 1 year apart. Just saying!
Paty says:
She’s really adorable and 3 of my 5 births I started my period right away also and I was breastfeeding full time, I got lucky with #4 and 5 it started later I am very happy to hear you’re all doing well
Kelly says:
Well, I’ve just taken that as an excellent reason to eat some chocolate here in honour of your ability to now partake!
Sucks about the period, but OH she is SOOOO worth it!! Could she possibly be any more adorable?
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Princess in a castle =-.
charlane says:
Yeah a real “Lucky One” huh? I loved being pregnant just for not having to worry about a period, and of course my beautiful baby, but seriously the the period thing was really key.
.-= charlane´s last blog ..The Stats =-.
Katie says:
Little Annabel is truly gorgeous! And you take some great photos!
Your recovery sounds exactly like my recovery with 2nd son. He was a scheduled c-section and he is now 9 months old. Anyway-I bled for only a week and then it started again 2 weeks later bright red. My doctor told me it was because I was doing too much and I needed to slow down and let my body heal. It was definitely not my period because that didn’t show up until a month ago. I felt so awesome after my c-section that I hadn’t realized I was doing too much. I bet it’s the same in your case. At least, I hope so
Laura says:
Yikes!!! 18 days is just not right when you are breastfeeding!!! It should be sooooo much longer!
BUT- I have far less sympathy than I should for you because: a. you are fitting in pre-pregnancy jeans 18 days after giving birth, and b. hellooooooo, you had no stretch marks with that super-sized belly!!! I am soooooooooooo jealous!!!
Ok, ok, I will be nice! You don’t deserve to ride the crimson wave already, even if you looked amazing pregnant AND are back to pre-preggers pants, you gorgeous, skinny biotch!! I guess I’m just a hater because my baby will be two in a few months and I am nowhere near being able to wear my old jeans! Sigh.
Being a girl sucks sometimes. Hope the PMS is not too bad! Hang in there, Mama!
Sandy says:
Well, at least you got a bit of a break before it starts all over again. I know, not nearly long enough.
I agree having little ones 15 months apart wasn’t bad at all. They kinda go through naps, diapers and potty training at the same time then all that “fun” stuff is behind you.
Linda Campbell says:
That is the first picture of Annie I have seen that I really see her sister in her. Very sweet!
Having your period after 18 days could be worse. I bled for 5 MONTHS!!! Which ultimately resulted in a hysterectomy, which resulted in no more children for me! Be happy your body is functioning normally!!
Lindsay says:
Gee aren’t you lucky. By the way, I remember that you had gestational diabetes ( I do too), and I was researching some info about it the other day and found several articles that linked taking progesterone only birth control pills after having GD to an increase in risk for getting type II diabetes within 5 years of your pregnancy. I plan on asking my OB about it at my next appt, you might want to ask Dr. Risky about it. I would absolutely hate to be on this diet forever! I like sugar too much!
I don’t think I’ll have to worry too much about birth control…my husband swears he’s getting snipped the day after our baby is born because he can’t handle another pregnancy like this one.
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Ridin’ the Roller Coaster =-.
Jen says:
She is so pretty. I love her bow. So sorry about your period. I know the first one hurts bad. Say no to Irish Twins, I am one (my sister & I are 11 months apart) and it sucked.
Danielle @danielle92278 says:
I bled for 4 weeks stopped for about a day then got my period. Good times! On a positive note I got it every other month for the first six months. Some would call that a break, I still considered it misery.
.-= Danielle @danielle92278´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Laurie says:
So much for the wives’ tale that sore nipples and bras that open like barn doors were supposed to ward off the tide… maybe they just say that to bribe us!
I love the picture of Annie… she’s so beautiful!
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..Just Call Me M.D. =-.
Kelly says:
Annie is so pretty, and you can definitely see that your girls would have looked a lot a like!
I was a “lucky” one, too. It is a shocker for sure, you kind of forget!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..A Nose Ring Like Sissy… =-.
Heather says:
awww I didn’t get my period until about 5 months after I had JonJon cuz I was breastfeeding! Suckage!! but like you said at least you can have chocolate!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Finally Friday! =-.
Tami says:
Oh she is sooo adorable. If I could .I would reach out and pick her up and smooch her, along with a big cuddle. Sorry about the period coming so soon, thats got to suck.
hugs,
Holly says:
Yes! Yes she does;) So happy for you all, I just love reading and sharing your joy!
.-= Holly´s last blog ..One =-.
Ms. Moon says:
I’m sorry. What were you talking about? All I can see is that BABY!
Beautiful.
.-= Ms. Moon´s last blog ..Quick, Quick, For X-Box =-.
Amber says:
Ugh. I have 4 kids, and my period always showed up almost 6 weeks to the day of their birth….so not fun. Now that I have to have it every month because we aren’t planning on anymore biological children, it totally sucks. I feel like i’m always bleeding, or expecting to every minute.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..When a little boy gets really independent… =-.
Anjie says:
Yikes! I’m sorry you got your period already. I too am VERY fertile (hence why my girls are 10 months apart).
I had an easy recovery the second time as well but I bled a lot for a long time.
I love that there is always an adorable picture of Annie with every post!
.-= Anjie´s last blog ..Tuesday’s Tip Jar – Free Food =-.
Jamie says:
You poor thing. The best part if the post-partim oeriob, besides the baby, is being Aunt Flo-less, but not pregnant.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..It’s Monday and that means…. =-.
Jen Deaux says:
I have Irish twin boys and I love it. They aren’t even 11 months apart. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. They ate the best of friends. They wear the same size now so it’s a little cheaper on my wallet thank god. I completely suggest having kids close together if possible.
Courtney says:
She is absolutely adorable!!
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..Update….still no snow =-.
courtney says:
wow, what a photo–she looks like a little valentine!
.-= courtney´s last blog ..a little pushy =-.
Sarah B says:
Annie is just toooooooo cute!!! I totally feel your pain on the early arrival of your period. Even though I exclusively breastfed, I had about 3 weeks of lochia (yucky word, isn’t it) and then my good ole period started up 1 week after it ended. Good thing that babies make good natural heating pads!
Kim says:
I have a friend who had three in three years (two are 365 days apart, thank goodness for leap years or they’d have the same birthday; also, the first was born 9 months and 1 day after their wedding). So…definitely thinking that some pill is better than none!
Your Annie is just gorgeous. I think she looks like her Daddy!
Terri says:
Thats just so not cool.Sorry, I won’t tell you how long it took before mine came back, because that. would. be .mean. Annie is just so adorable… she will distract you.
Kona says:
That hardcore sucks. Like, dude. Hasn’t your body been through enough lately without betraying you in such a cruel fashion?
Have you considered an IUD? I had mine put in after I had my son 16 months ago, and since I breastfed and had that, I haven’t had a period since December of ’07.
I’m quite happy with it, as Cooper was conceived while I was on the pill, so my uterus is on double lockdown now.
Jen L. says:
Ohmigod, Annie is beautiful! She really looks like Maddie in this one.
I did something similar after my c-section. Bled for about a week (lightly), then nothing. Then at about 3 weeks post-partum, here it came! I freaked out and went to the doctor, but he said it was lochia. (ew) My period came back when Dean was 9 weeks old (and I was nursing) and stayed for ELEVEN FREAKING DAYS. Fortunately, I still had my ginormous hospital pads, which I shamlessly liberated upon checkout, to get me through. Gosh, do you have cramps? I’ll bet that’s zero fun after recent surgery on your lady parts. Mother Nature really is a beeotch sometimes, isn’t she?
Have a lot of chocolate. Lord knows you deserve some!
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Untitled (by choice) =-.
Sarah P says:
You poor, poor woman. That is bullsh*t. Totally unfair.
(I’d be totally with you on the abstinence so soon after birth!)
.-= Sarah P´s last blog ..Reflections on stuff =-.
Nikki says:
What a doll!!
XOXO from GA!
Lisa says:
Oh, that sucks. Tell your body to suck it! You are supposed to get a break after the baby, that’s one of the benefits of breastfeeding. Bring on the chocolate.
Love and hugs. Annabel is so darn cute
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Newborn Screenings and Ethical Issues =-.
Meg...CT says:
Are you kidding me?? Having your period…so unlucky!
But on the flip side, that Annie is a beauty!
Ginny says:
I don’t know what’s normal for a c-section. All I know is that my best friend had her first one in May and she had a really rough recovery. Pain for weeks but the pain meds made her so sleepy and woozy so she quit taking them after 4 days. Her scar is still sensitive and was downright sore for months. I’m glad you are doing so much better, but I don’t know which is supposed to be normal! Also, Annie is so beautiful!
Angela says:
Thanks to perimenopause, I’m getting a period every three weeks. Count your blessings!
Brittany says:
But she DOES need an irish twin!
.-= Brittany´s last blog ..Permanence. I rock at it. =-.
Jess says:
My friend’s daughter had a baby girl, 11 months later baby Tori got a sister. Apparently the words “super fertile” didn’t register with her and she thought she would be okay. Whoops.
MaNiC MoMMy says:
You crack me up with your great sense of humor!
.-= MaNiC MoMMy´s last blog ..MoNey MoNey =-.
Jenn says:
Pretty little baby! Lucky to have both of you as her parents. So sorry to hear about your period…that sucks!!!
So, you don’t think you would like Irish Twins??? OOHh but why not? You and Mike make such good babies! What’s one or two more?!?!?! ha ha
Enjoy that snuggly little baby of yours!!! She really is perfect. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Jenn
Kate says:
She is so sweet! The little red bow totally suits her.
I hope your recovery continues to go well!
Tracy says:
I beg of you, pass some of that fertility over here!
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day =-.
TracyKM says:
It is possible, considering how lightly you bled (that is totally not what anyone I know experienced, but maybe related to the c-section), that it is just a bit of lochia still. Even though it was bright red. It is totally normal for lochia to stop then start.
I exclusively breastfed (and on demand, not on schedule) and my periods returned at 12-16 weeks. I have also always gotten pregnant really easily!
.-= TracyKM´s last blog ..A Little More =-.
Shes says:
Adorable baby! Very happy for you two. You deserve a break after all you have been through in the past year, and Aunt Flo aint it! Stupid nature. Anyway, wanted to second a commenter above-tried the ‘nursing’ (progesterone only) pill for a week, milk supply went in the tank big time. Hopefully won’t happen to you, but if it does, you’ll know where to look first. Enjoy your bundle of joy!
cindy w says:
Is that a no-slippy hair clippy? We have a few of those, loved them when Catie was tiny.
I would offer condolences for you getting your period only 18 days later, but I bled after giving birth for about 5 weeks, so… yeah.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..resurfacing =-.
Lacy says:
Bless your heart!
Diane V says:
At least you found out before you became pregnant. One of my sister’s friends found out that she was almost 4 weeks pregnant at her 6 week check up. And then she had the baby early so they are only 8 months apart.
Annabel is one gorgeous baby.
Angela says:
Oh girl, you’ve got that right about the Irish twins!
I had my son on Dec. 19, ’04. He weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and was 18 in long…
one year later….
I had my daughter on Dec. 19 ’05. She weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and was 18 in long!
Talk about Irish twins! I would think that it is rare to have two kids on the same date, exactly one year apart, but then to throw in the same weight and same length! I guess it wasn’t, though….I never got my 15 mins of fame! LOL
Annie is absolutely gorgeous! You are blessed to have her, and she to have you.
Laura says:
WOW!!!! That is so interesting that everything was exactly the same!!! Very cool!!!
Lisak says:
So. Not. Fair.
But she is so cute!
Molly says:
Yes. Totally unfair. And yes. Totally gorgeous.
.-= Molly´s last blog ..Parenting advice from a 6-year-old =-.
Laura says:
I got my period back at 28 days on the dot with both kids. Both kids were totally breastfed. I was so annoyed.
Annie is beautiful!
Karen Chatters says:
Noooo!! Your period? Really? How is that so? That sucks. That was the best thing about pregnancy and nursing.
I think she means by “super fertile” that Mike should sleep in a hotel.
Annie is so adorable!
.-= Karen Chatters´s last blog ..Eat this… and this and this =-.
Becky @TheRealBecks says:
Wow you body didn’t waste any time did it? Irish twins…NO WAY. LOL @ the penis comment. Annie is perfect.
.-= Becky @TheRealBecks´s last blog ..A Happy Update =-.
Glenda says:
LOL that’s so funny… Irish twins… my biggest fear… so thankfully mine are 3 yrs apart My sis-in-law has 2 girls 10 mos apart. YES! crazy huh?! LOL… Annabel is adorable… i can give her baby hugs…
Kristin says:
I know it’s been said already…but I wanted to “dito” some of the other comments. I took that same birth control pill and my milk supply decreased dramatically. Then I went off the pill and my milk never fully came back. Unfortunately, I ended up having to stop breast feeding. Just wanted to warn you because I wish my doctor would have told me about the possible side effects.
PS. I LOVE your blog! I read it every morning! I’m so happy for you and Mike and Annie is adorable!
java@Nevergrowingold.blogspot.com says:
That baby is super yummy! A period…yuck! Very funny post! I love your humor!!
daisybv2 says:
Wow that sucks I am sorry you got your period, I honestly thought when you are breastfeeding you dont get it but hell what do I know.
And that baby is ADORABLE
Lindsay from Florida says:
Wow, that is just so wrong. Sorry that nature is playing the equivalent of a mean practical joke!!
Trisha Vargas says:
Bummer on the period already. That stinks!!
Annie just keeps getting cuter by the day.
((((HUGS)))) from Florida
Michelle says:
MIne are 12.5 months apart. Two Csections. That was hard on my body. I got pregnant while weaning from breastfeeding and was taking the breastfeeding birth control. oops… went in for IUD and got told we had another baby on the way instead!
MBKimmy says:
Sounds a little like me … mine are 14 months apart and both C-section! Love it!
.-= MBKimmy´s last blog ..We love the Fishes! =-.
Tina says:
Annie is gorgeous!!!
monica says:
you must frame that pic! So stinkin adorable!
Jennifer says:
That little red bow is so cute!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Ok, the Squirrels are NO LONGER Cute… =-.
Kim says:
Oh my gosh Heather, I would scream too! I just had my first period since I got pregnant with Emma…March 27, 2002 was my last period. Yeah, almost 8 years and 4 kids. I guess I’ll take that over fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans
Megan J in Ohio says:
Hehe, I am much the same! I have been pregnant or breastfeeding since 1996. I can count the number of periods I have had in these almost 14 years on my fingers! I have had 7 kiddos in that time period, and some other occurances, but none unplanned or unexpected!
.-= Megan J in Ohio´s last blog ..Our Winter Wonderland =-.
MBKimmy says:
Geese 18 days?! That is nuts – My babies are 14 months apart … never even thought aobut getting preggo with #2 becasue as baby 1 was only 5 months old and I still had yet to get my period … then I thought oh wow these cramps are worse than any period I had ever had … DUH I was preggers again … only took about 2 hours for it to register in my mind. I wouldn’t trade them being that close for the life of me … but I had very easy easy pregancies. Praying that your body is nice to you with pms and the breast feeding continues to go well!
.-= MBKimmy´s last blog ..We love the Fishes! =-.
Janet says:
Just made me smile
.-= Janet´s last blog ..The Great Wolf Lodge =-.
Lisa Marie says:
Ok so I’m really sorry that you’re right back into period mode… I really thought you got a break from those right after giving birth… I’ll have to google MD the crap out of that before having babies.
AND- thank you for sharing that beautiful picture of Annabel… She is PRECIOUS! You guys produce really beautiful babies
.-= Lisa Marie´s last blog ..Case of the Mondays… =-.
Jessica says:
LOL about “Irish twin.” My husband is half-mexican, and he always calls that “Mexican twins!”
I briefly had a chance to meet you and Maddie last year at the Griffith Park playdate w/ Matt & Maddy Logelin. Your Maddie was beautiful, and so is Annabel. Much love to you and your family!
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Wellington’s Wednesday =-.
Michelle Pixie says:
Omigod she is breathtaking! I don’t think an Irish twin would be so bad, but than again I don’t have to do any of the work. My recovery after my second c-section was so much easier then my first too but my first one was an emergency after 24 hours of labor and my water being broke. So I definitely think the scheduled c-section without all the labor was the way to go! It sucks that you got your period already! Who knew that could happen? I thought one of the perks of breastfeeding was that Aunt Flo stayed away?!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..It’s All Fun And Games Until… =-.
Miss MVK says:
I made milk like a cow and nursed my son and STILL got my period a mere one month after giving birth. And imagine how excited I was about this considering that I’m INFERTILE! Can’t get pregnant on my own, but my period comes like clockwork. Thanks, Universe. Sometimes you are beyond awesome with your irony.
On the upside – you and Mike sure make GORGEOUS babies! Congrats again. Swoon.
.-= Miss MVK´s last blog ..My wife, my calf =-.
Alison says:
Poor you! That is so uncool of your uterus. UNCOOL. Snuggle with that sweet little babe and consume all the chocolate you want.
xoxo
PS: Bwahahaha, Irish twin!
.-= Alison´s last blog ..What is a Twin Good For, Anyway? =-.
jen says:
I have had 2 children and they were/are both breastfed exclusively…..with both children I got my period 4 wks after I stopped the after bleed….I also felt gyped like I had just had this baby and I was breastfeeding and this isn’t supposed to happen to me!!!! I am also very fertile tho…..maybe its a good thing?
Becky says:
That’s just not right!:( Sorry! And I was PO’d when I got mine 6 months after my daughter was born and I nursed her for 2 years! *sigh*
GingerB says:
You poor gkirl. Periods should stay away while you are so buesyx we. I got the Mirena IUsiD at my six week checkup to avoid the bonus babies, and once that bleeding stopped it was a year before I had a tiny wee period. I recommend it!
.-= GingerB´s last blog ..Hannah tricks =-.
GingerB says:
Blame all those typos on 18 month old Hannah.
.-= GingerB´s last blog ..Hannah tricks =-.
Jannette says:
It’s amazing how much she resembles Maddie in this pic.
Such a sweet baby.
Amy says:
I didnt read all the comments so this may have already been said…but, I got my period a month and a half after my daughter was born and also went to the doc to talk about birth control. She mentioned a pill that was compatible with breast feeding but it was ONLY 80% EFFECTIVE!!!! Not sure if its the same one… but just wanted to let you know…. THat was too risky of a number for us!!
Annie is beautiful!!
Kristie McNealy says:
Oh Heather, that is SO not fair. I still haven’t had this baby, so I don’t have much sympathy for anything, but THAT, THAT is just not right!
Annie is totally beautiful. I love your photos!
.-= Kristie McNealy´s last blog ..Other Uses for Cloth Diapers =-.
Rita from the Chicago says:
I didn’t know that was possible!! That just sucks. Holy cow! But on the bright side, Annie is beautiful. And I just had to comment, because she looks SOO much like Maddie in that picture.
Becky says:
With my 1st child (full-term, vaginal delivery) I bled heavily for 6 weeks. She had issues with projectile vomiting, and we were constantly taking her for bloodwork, various tests, ultrasounds, etc. (nearly every day the 1st couple of weeks), so my body had little time to rest.
With my 2nd (premature at 32 weeks, emergency c-section), I also bled heavily 6 weeks. Again, running back & forth to NICU and taking care of my older child. . . I don’t think there was time for my own rest or recovery.
I breastfed both children until 13 months (never did formula).
Both times, I didn’t get my period until seven months post-partum! Awesome seven months! (But I figured I bled enough those 1st 6 weeks to make up for the missed “monthlies.”)
I’m 36 weeks now, and hoping for a VBAC this time around and wondering if this will be a normal recovery or ??
.-= Becky´s last blog ..28-1/2 Inches. . . and 12-20 More On the Way =-.
Kristin says:
That just isn’t fair.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..My Palm Autopilot =-.
Chrisie says:
She is precious! I love her!!
Sorry about your luck!!!
(((HUGS)))
Nanette says:
Oh, no, Heather! That SUCKS! But I’m sure you forget about it each time you like at sweet Annabel.
Since we’re all sharing, and at the risk of you punching me next time we hang out, I didn’t get mine till Em was 9 months, I think. I enjoyed that time while it lasted, although it was a little scary to wonder if I were pregnant each month, even with my IUD.
.-= Nanette´s last blog ..Days 33-38 =-.
Jennifer says:
Well, that just blows! I didn’t know it could come back so fast. Well, at least you can eat chocolate now and gaze at your gorgeous baby while you’re doing it.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Protected: Trying out Temple life… =-.
Procrastamom says:
Previously, I’d had trouble seeing the resemblance between Maddie and Annabel, but just looking at that picture solved everything….the shape of their faces is identical! Just beautiful.
Sara says:
Ah come on Heather just ask Jesse and Kate, Irish twins are fun!
Annabel is so cute! I am coming out in September and I demand to hold her and hug you, ok?
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Amanda says:
First, she’s even more adorable even if she’s lost her lemony tan.
Second, dude, that’s SO not right about the crimson wave. I mean, I know USC is crimson but *that* crimson is just so so wrong.
Irish twins. Be still my heart. I mean, I know you aren’t having babies for me but I need some time to recover. (LOL)
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Look, I just need my drugs and other random facts from my existence =-.
Amy in Oregon says:
Annie looks more and more like Maddie every day!
That just totally SUCKS about your period though! And I died laughing on your comment re: Mike! Hilarious!
Issa says:
18 days? Holy hell. *hands chocolate donuts to friend* Here, you deserve this. Don’t mind the bite missing.
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Because I am incapable of not talking, even when I don’t want to talk =-.
Nolita Morgan says:
Hah! I am an Irish Twin! My poor mom had her hands full with my brother who was breach and delivered via old fashioned C-section. At her post partum visit I was already growing inside her. Then less than 2 years after I was born, my sister came along… I can’t even imagine 3 in diapers! Yipes!
Baby Annie is such a cute little dollie!
.-= Nolita Morgan´s last blog ..Not the Stork =-.
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] says:
“Lucky”?
Ermms. No.
I was lucky enough NOT to have a period the whole time I nursed both my girls. Actually, I didn’t even get one between them b/c I got pregnant while breastfeeding. So, for me, no period for over 30 months.
Yes, it was awesome.
.-= Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]´s last blog ..Anatomy of a Troll =-.
Courtney K says:
Hello Spohr Family, everyone looks great and Annie is just beautiful! I can’t get over how much she looks like Maddie! I love this pic, it looks just like a Anne Geddes shot! You all take care and keep up the great work!
Jenn says:
That is just completely unfair!!!
Annie is just adorable!! She looks so much like Maddie, yet different in her own way. What a cutie!
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Mama’s Song =-.
Trey says:
I got mine right away too despite pumping up a storm. Also, I had a 4th degree episiotomy…bad scene…it was a bloody couple months. Hope you guys are well and snuggling that little bug endlessly!
Rebecca says:
She looks like she lost her jaundice tan. She’s beautiful!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Saturday School =-.
Stacy says:
Dang, that sucks! Mother Nature has a cruel sense of humor.
But then again, that adorable baby makes everything worth it. She is just too freaking cute…are you sure she’s real?
Allison says:
ooohhhh. I am totally using the “your penis will shrivel up” thing with Laef.
Do you know how awkward condoms are? Even when you’re married? It’s much easier to practice abstinence.
.-= Allison´s last blog ..35 And Not Pregnant =-.
Loving Danger says:
UGH!! It’s horrible right!!! With both my kids I had post partum bleeding for 10 weeks and then 2 weeks later started my period! It was all sorts of wrong!!! ALL SORTS!
Heidi says:
Granted, I’m no Dr and Dr. Risky probably knows better than I do, but I was told that I couldn’t go on BC pills because of the fact I had had a clotting disorder (Anti-phospholipid antibodies and Anti-nuclear antibodies) and had to take heparin, which put me at a higher risk for developing clots while on BC pills. So my Dr. never allowed me to go back on BC pills. You might want to check on that again.
As someone who went through infertility and then two high risk pregnancies, I was shocked to find out that after 2 babies I suddenly became extremely fertile! So yeah, be careful unless you’re ready for another one.
Anabel is stunning!
Jacquie says:
My mom was told some 20 or so years ago that as long as she was breastfeeding, her chances of getting pregnant were super slim… Well, my brother and I are 12.5 months apart so that sure didn’t work out for her either!
Andrea says:
Annabel is beautiful!!! I am so happy for you and your family.
I’m passing on some info. that I wish I had been given before taking the progesterone pill: while they “officially” do not affect milk supply (per studies done), going on them totally zapped my milk supply and I know several others who were similarly affected. I’m not trying to scare you and you might be just fine if you go that route, but just thought I’d pass on the info…
Congrats again, and I’m glad your recovery is so much better this time (sorry about your period though – that sucks!)
Allison says:
Wow – can’t believe how much Annabel has started to look like Maddie. Amazing. All the best in your recovery and raising that cute little baby. I don’t even know you, but you’re in my thoughts often.
Leslie says:
My mom and Aunt Rachel are 13 months apart! Apparently, the rhythm method doesn’t always work
Capital Mom says:
So much sympathy! My period didn’t come for 14 months after each of my kids were born. That was awesome. I would almost have a 3rd for that.
Pamela @ 2 Much Testosterone says:
I’m thinking I should stop complaining now about trying to dry my milk up and the “possibility” of my cycle returning after her absence for oh, 20 months give or take….
.-= Pamela @ 2 Much Testosterone´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – White Trash Edition =-.
Sherry says:
She is absolutely precious, what a beauty! So happy to hear she and her mommy are doing great after the birth and all. Also glad to hear your recovery is going well. I also had an emergency c-section and recovered from it extremely well, it was a blessing.
Nicole(Nicoolmama) says:
I was one of the lucky ones too, with my 1st and 2nd sons! Doesn’t it just make you feel soooo special??
The 3rd time around though, it skipped me. WAHOO!!
Your Annabel makes me smile and so does your blog!
.-= Nicole(Nicoolmama)´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: New Haircut Edition =-.
Meg says:
ahh, so sorry – took me FOURTEEN MONTHS after my daughter was born! Though do try to consider yourself lucky. Those of use with IF issues would kill for reliable, fertile cycles!
Pictures are gorgeous!!!
Della says:
Ugh. I had the 5-6 weeks of bleeding constantly postpartum lochia thing. Which you can ALSO get pregnant during. And then, a period <28 days later. For once, I can't feel too sorry for ya!
However, I am now on Mirena and wooooo they did NOT tell me I'd have another 4 weeks of constant bleeding, they said SPOTTING and it was NOT spotting, but neither was it dangerous, just annoying.
ANYhow, now that that was over, I have like 1 day of almost but not quite spotting and WOOT that is IT. NO PERIODS FTW!
Also…
you said penis. heh. heh.
.-= Della´s last blog ..Projects =-.
Kristie Nix says:
I had the same issues you’re having! I started the progesterone b/c pills and they totally killed my sex drive, so maybe your problem will be solved. I didn’t have another period the whole time I nursed, just that first one 15 days after my little one was born. Exactly 28 days after I stopped nursing, I started my period! Good Luck!
Mama Fuss says:
Oh, I’m so sorry! That’s just WRONG!
.-= Mama Fuss´s last blog ..10 on Tuesday =-.
Rachel says:
I’m going to eat some chocolate in your honor…wait- if I eat it FOR you, does that mean that you get the calories??? I mean, you are all thin and gorgeous and don’t look at all like you just had a baby, so they totally won’t hurt you.
Also? Your pictures of Annie are making my biological clock tick. LOUDLY. She is beautiful. Nibble her cheeks for me.
Laurie says:
Annabel is so amazingly beautiful! Shei s seriously one of the most beautiful newborns ever!
So funny you talk about the crimson wave, my daughter just turned 1 year this week and TODAY i started the crimson wave, TMI?!?! Anyway, I read your title and I thought “How did she know?!?!” haha! It’s been a wonderful 9 months + 1 year of no “friend”, but I’m sad that you got yours so soon. But it’s a small price for you compared to that gorgeous baby of yours!!!
Teri says:
I have an Irish twin. It wasn’t too bad.
.-= Teri´s last blog ..It may be cold where you are, but… =-.
Wendy says:
OMG! The penis thing is hilarious! and DAMN that baby is cute!!
As others have said too, sorry about the whole period thing!
julie says:
i don’t think i’ve ever commented here, but i have what might be good news for you – if the progesterone bcp’s are *micronor*, after a few months on them, you might stop having periods. i’ve been taking progesterone bcp’s for years (because of migraines) and when i finally got hold of the name-brand stuff, i rejoiced. i didn’t have a period this month, and my last one was about 2 days long.
it never happened with the three generics i took, but the ortho stuff is a champ. one thing though… you have to be extra super diligent about taking them. i mean as close to every 24 hrs as possible.
good luck!
Julie says:
You aren’t alone. I always get mine about a week after I stop bleeding from childbirth. Even with exclusive breastfeeding it still happens to me. Sorry you are in that kind of club because it sucks!
Al_Pal says:
OH goodness! Darling photo, and have all the chocolate you want.
*hugs*
Sara Joy says:
I keep not comenting because I read on my phone in the wee hours. Sorry, I’m a non-commenting tool. But I still love ya, and read every day, and HOLY CUTE BABY.
Gosh, she looks like Maddie, but I know you knew that. They are both beautiful.
PS – I used to sell that progesterone only pill. The failure rates are …astounding. Take it on time, every single time, and use back up. Just a hint.
Megan says:
Wow. Already? With my first, I didn’t get my monthly friend back for 45 days after I finished breastfeeding. And the only reason I stopped breastfeeding her at a year was so that I could get it back and start working on #2.
I saw a few days ago your tweet about using a belly wrap. Which one do you use and do you like it? I want to get one for after I have my second little girl in May…
MamaCas says:
Aw COME ON! Wouldn’t it be FANTASTIC to get knocked up right now?! No? You’re such a party pooper…..(ha ha ha).
She’s adorable….as if you needed to be reminded, right?
Linda says:
First off, what beautiful daughters you have.
Secondly, I had my 3rd c-section on Dec. 30 and bled for only a week. Roughly a week later I started bleeding again and it lasted for a few weeks. The same thing happened after I had my first daughter so I thought it was my period but then I didn’t bleed again until 14 months PP. (I was also bfing) My doctor also said it was my period when I went in for my 6 week check-up but I guess she was wrong. Maybe the same thing is what is happening with you. Guess you’ll find out next month if the bleeding returns or not. Fingers crossed it’s not your period.
Congrats on your baby girl. I read your blog but have never responded.
preTzel says:
That is the one thing about pregnancy I DO miss: no periods. It sucks it came so early.
I’m sorry about the loss of your friend Heather. Truly sorry. :o(
.-= preTzel´s last blog ..Writing. =-.
Christine says:
I wouldn’t be so sure about the period. Obviously the dr knows more than I do, but I thought I got me period 3 weeks after my 2nd was born. I was ticked because he was breastfeeding every 2-3hrs. And I didn’t get my period at all after my 1st (got pg with #2 when he was 9mos old).
Anyways what I thought was my period wasn’t because it didn’t come back for another 8months.
Ahhh….love my daily Annie fix! She’s precious!
cee says:
I hope the pill doesn’t affect your milk supply. You might want to look into a copper (non-hormonal) IUD?
MAYA says:
I got my period 2.5 months after I had my girls. It was a welcome break. Of course, I am NOT super fertile, so my husband was all up on me. sigh.
.-= MAYA´s last blog ..Never Take Candy From a Stranger =-.
Tamara says:
I had the opposite problem. I didnt have a period for almost 2 years and I had stopped breastfeeding at 9 months! It totally freaked me out! I bought more pregnancy test in that last year then in the rest of my life combined! Although, I have to say, I wouldnt want to have your problem either! Then again, if I got away with anything, it is making up for it now! I am 3 months pregnant and puking at least once a day! It is horrible!
Alice says:
That sucks so bad!!!
I’d be careful starting that pill though. It can definitely decrease your supply and it can also jump start your period! So, on the off chance it’s not a period and is lochia (which can start and stop, mine did with my second and I didn’t see it again til 10 months pp), I’d wait until it shows up for a second time.
Abstinence is the way to go. I told my husband he was welcome to help himself out whenever he needed, I’d be long when I was ready, LOL!
Marti from Michigan says:
Ugh! I did not have my period for the 12 months I nursed my baby! Didn’t miss them either. Seems the second I stopped nursing, it came right back with a vengeance! So sorry you got “the curse” so soon after Annabel’s birth!
Yes, keep plenty of chocolate in the house, you’ll need it.
Annabel looks a lot like Maddie in that picture of her with the little red bow. Now I’m sure God and Maddie helped create Annie!
Michelle W says:
Haven’t I already warned you about the dramatic increase in the world population if you keep posting those adorable pictures!
Yay for Chocolate!!
Amy says:
Oh my gawd that is SO unfair! Have never heard of it returning so quickly..
Irish Twins That is a new one for me too!
Gorgeous shot of little Annie. Thanks for indulging us daily. Can’t remember the last time I was so excited about a baby
Christen says:
I’m there with you sister! My doctor said the same thing to me! I got my period 4 weeks after giving birth. And I breastfed- How UNFAIR is that?!?!? Yeah, and um, the no-sex? Yeah, sure, they SAY that until about oh… 3 weeks later and that flies out the window. I’m on Nuvaring. I like it. Good luck staying unpregnant!
Rachel says:
Sucks! My brothers are 10 months apart.. One month after my brother was born, my mom got pregnant again. I was only about 8, but I remember words like “KILL ME NOW, JUST KILL ME”.. things like that. We laugh now.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..RaychulSee: LOL ELIJAH WOOD =-.
cindyfey says:
Congratulations! She’s Beautiful!! So happy for you and your family.
.-= cindyfey´s last blog ..Clif Landis: Librarian, Superman. =-.
Dawn says:
Wow! I KNOW I’m fertile…But I even went almost a year with breastfeeding and no period…but once I stopped, I had one period and then I was pregnant again.
Annie looks SO much like Maddie in this pic! TOO cute!
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday: Snow, snow go away… =-.
Stephanie Stearns Dulli says:
Wow, 18 days??? That’s crazy. She is adorable1
.-= Stephanie Stearns Dulli´s last blog ..I forgot what my hair looks like… =-.
Jen C. says:
Not even a month? I didn’t even know that could happen. Consider me educated.
Tara. says:
Wow! That sucks! I’m sorry Aunt Flo is already back.
Just a been there, done that FYI for the progesterone… It dried up my milk less than 3 weeks after beginning it and it was so hard to get my supply back up. It’s not common, but not a rare side effect either, so just watch for that.
She is so precious. What a beautiful gift. ?
Heather says:
18 days is just NOT fair… I’m sorry!
Love the picture of Annabel, she’s ADORABLE!
God bless you & your family.
Kelly says:
First, OMG, the beautiful.
Second, I too got my period while breastfeeding. So unfair.
Third ~ I have not Irish twins, but girls 15 months apart. They are now just over 3 and almost 2. Tonight after bath time as they played on our bed, the elder ended up feeding her yogurt to the younger. Cutest thing ever. I would not have spaced them any differently. It’s a life-sucking siege much of the time, but also just damn wonderful.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Snow? =-.
MelissaG says:
I don’t know if this was mentioned but I had a similar thing happen to me. Bleeding after I had been done for a bit. BUT, it didn’t come back again for months. I exclusively breastfed all of mine for at least 6 months and then when we added solids they still only got breast milk along with it. I was SO irritated that it didn’t stay gone longer…I think it came back for real around 6-9 months w/ each child. SO, maybe you won’t get it again for a while???
Sara says:
I just had my second baby 4 weeks ago, and I found that my recovery was easier than last time too for the most part.
And with my first baby, I bled for 4 weeks, stopped, then had a period at 6 weeks but it didn’t come back again until I was 6 months postpartum. Here’s hoping the same thing will happen for you because 18 days is seriously a raw deal!
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Snowpocalypse/Snowapalooza/Snowmageddon/Snow More 2010 =-.
christine says:
So sorry about your period! This photo of Annie looks just like Maddie to me. So sweet!
Adventures In Babywearing says:
Oh gosh, I always get mine too soon. It’s no fair. But seriously, she is just delicious. And I love her name so much!
Steph
.-= Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..This is it. =-.
Maria Delgado says:
HAHAHAAA!!!
This post is hysterical. You are fantastic for sharing it.