Enjoying Our Time At Home
“Home is the nicest word there is.” Laura Ingalls Wilder
We’ve been home from the hospital for a week and a half and let me tell you, there’s no place like home. It’s wonderful to be in the midst of familiar surroundings and in my safe haven. I love to relax with my books, a cup of tea and in the presence of family.
My parents with all their Floridian grandchildren.
My parents came to Florida the morning of my c-section and they stayed for 2 1/2 weeks. What a treat it was to spend so much time with them and it was such a huge help for us.
We didn’t expect to be in the hospital for ten days. I thought I would be home within 3 days, like most normal c-sections. What a bummer. Nathaniel was in the NICU for some acute respiratory issues and I ended up having another surgery the Saturday after delivery. My c-section incision developed a huge hematoma (collection of blood) and that needed to be cleaned out. They had to leave the wound open and now I have a wound vacuum there, which helps with the healing. Since I had the blood clot back in September, I’ve been on blood thinners ever since, which is one of the reasons that I was prone to a hematoma, and also because my protein levels are so low that my body has a hard time healing. We were discharged from the hospital very late on Thursday night, March 5th.
Finally on the way home. What a joy to leave the hospital with a baby in our arms.
As they were wheeling me out of the hospital and we got Nathaniel settled in the car in his car seat, I remember getting really emotional, realizing that the hospital stay was finally over and we were going home as a family of three. From now on, we will always be a family of three and that is such a happy thought.
Sergi took two weeks off from work and unfortunately most of it was spent at the hospital. He only got to enjoy Friday, Saturday and Sunday at home before going back to work.
We had many visitors in the hospital and at home. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by and shared our happiness with us. Our room looked and smelled like a garden, it was so full of lovely flowers.
Nathaniel is 3 weeks and 2 days now. Time sure has flown by so quickly. He will be one month this Monday.
We have gone to two doctor’s appointments with him since he was discharged from the hospital and we are so pleased with how he is doing. 
He is growing quickly and is gaining weight and is finally able to fit into newborn outfits. When he was born, he was in a really awkward size, since preemie outfits were too small on him and newborn outfits were too big.
He is such a good baby. We feel very blessed that he has a very happy disposition and isn’t fussy. Of course, he still wakes up often at night to eat, but that is normal for newborns. He is very alert and smiles so much. He smiles at least 5 times a day, and not just in his sleep. I’d like to think that he smiles because he’s so happy and because he feels how much he is loved. 
My favorite activity is gazing at my beautiful son. I never get tired of it. I’m still amazed that I am his Mama. He loves to snuggle and I love it even more. You will find me many times just holding him in my arms, perfectly content to stay in that position, just soaking it in.
Throughout the pregnancy, I struggled with gaining weight and was actually a few pounds less right before I delivered the baby than before I got pregnant. As many of you know, after my whole medical scare in 2007, I was on TPN for almost 2 years at home. TPN is total parenteral nutrition, basically nutrition given intravenously. It’s a mixture of electrolytes, proteins, lipids, vitamins, etc, that you would normally get through the gastrointestinal tract that is given intravenously.
My weekly supply of TPN
It took me many years to gain weight and be able to maintain my health by diet alone, without medication or TPN. That is a miracle that just can’t be explained.
Right before I got pregnant, I was the healthiest that I’ve been since before everything happened in 2007. I felt great, was able to stay at a healthy weight and did not take any medications, besides triple doses of vitamins. It was such a blessing to become pregnancy during the time when I was the healthiest. I truly believe that this is what helped with this pregnancy and the fact that Nathaniel is perfectly healthy and strong and doesn’t have any medical issues at all. Praise God for answered prayers.
The moment after I had the baby and the spinal wore off, my appetite returned and I’ve been happily munching on food ever since. I’m so happy to be enjoying food again. 
However, I feel very drained and weak, because I’m so depleted nutritionally. Even though I’ve been eating again, the food just isn’t staying with me and i’m still losing weight. My doctors have put me on TPN once again for the next few months so that I can gain some strength and hopefully some weight back as well. I was really hoping to leave the hospital without any foreign objects and medical devices in me, but I guess I’ll have to settle with knowing that it won’t be much longer. I can be patient a little bit more. Even though it’s not fun to be hooked up to the IV all night, at least I’m getting nutrients and hopefully this will be short term and I’ll be back to normal very soon.
I am so happy to be home and I feel like the most blessed woman on the planet. God has been so good to our family and shown us His grace again and again. Nathaniel was worth it all and I would go through it all again in a heartbeat.
36 Comments
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Oksana
This is a beautiful story, it’s more than that – it’s you’re life and I’m so encouraged to read that even in the hardships you’re finding ways to find joy. Of course, I think holding a baby is one of the most peaceful ways to spend your time. I can’t believe he’ll be 1 month old soon. May God your family of 3.
Vera (VerasCooking)
Congratulations Olga and Sergi!!! Baby Nathaniel is so adorable! May God continue blessing your beautiful family, and we’re praying for your speedy recovery.
Svetlana
This is soo touching , Nathaniel is soo cute and precious I adore his smiles they are soo special praise GOD that HE was soo kind and merciful and granted your hearts desires !! This is soo wonderful !!!! PRAISE GOD MAY HE CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY!!!:)))
Stephanie
Praying for you to heal and get your equilibrium back soon! I am so happy that Nathaniel is such a good baby. I wish you all nothing but good things :-).
Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com
Olga your story is so touching and is evidence of God’s love and mercy and goodness. You are an amazing and strong woman. I’m so happy for you that you are home and enjoying your sweet little boy. There’s no place like home, especially after a stay in the hospital. God bless your family Olga 🙂
Valentina Grinchak
God is good! It’s a joy reading your beautiful story. You are an amazing woman, and a big encouragement to a lot of young wives and young moms. Stay strong, may God bless you and use you as His instrument in His hands.
Anna
Олечка, не хватает слов, чтобы выразить все тебе чувства, которые наполняют, после прочтения. Слава, слава нашему Великому Богу за тебя и твою семью. Да благословит тебя Господь и укрепит тебя.
Evelyn
What a beautiful family!!! Nathaniel is such a sweet little boy!! I just adore his smile 🙂 Blessings to you and your little family!
Mila L.
What a beautiful story. It is so great to see that you are recovery and that Nathaniel is healthy little guy. He is so adorable and love pictures of him smiling or cuddling with you. Praise God for HIs protection over your family and may He continue to strength you and gain your energy and weight back.
Ilona
You’re such a fighter Olga! I know it’s not always easy to smile and praise God when things don’t go as expected. May God bless you and your tiny little son!!!
Snow
Olga, your beautiful story is such a huge testimony of how great our God is! I’m so happy for you and your family! Nathaniel is blessed to be born into your family because I know he will be loved beyond measure by Sergey and you. May God give you strength and complete healing and may you be back to your healthiest state soon! You and your family are in our prayers,
Snow.
Marina
Hi Olga, I don’t know you and just recently came across your blog. Your story is incredible and brought tears to my eyes! I am so glad that your dream of becoming a mother finally came true! May God continue to bless you and your little one!
[email protected]
I am constantly amazed by your attitude, Olga! It truly feels like you are living out a miraculous story, which must be such a faith builder for you and for everyone around who is witnessing your life. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Nathaniel is absolutely adorable so I totally understand you spending your days gazing at him-it’s a perfectly valid activity for a new mom. 🙂 May God bless all of you and heal your body quickly so you can gain strength to enjoy life to the fullest.
Sashaa
Dear Olga and Sergey, congradulations on your beautiful bundle of joy ! I wish you guys all the best and hoping your temporary health issues will be resolved soon and I am so so happy for your guys ! Nathaniel is such an adorable baby and I love his smile ! Best of luck to all 3 of you ! Love from St Augustine !
Olga B.
What a beautiful story! God bless you’re little family!
Vasilisa
Olichka ya ne znau vas lichno,no chitaya vash blog i vosxeshaus vami .Kakaya vi chydesnaya semya.Zhelau vam bozhix blagoslovenii i vashemy sinochky.Pyst rastet krepenkii i zdorovenkii i radyet vas.
Katy
You are an amazing woman! I can see God workings through you. May He give you great health and strength! Your son is precious, a great reminder of God’s glory:) May He bless your entire family
Ellen
I love your positive outlook even in the midst of discomfort and hardship. Nathaniel is such a cute little guy! So happy for you and your family. 🙂
LynneZ
Congratulations Olga and Sergi! Your little Nathaniel is adorable. God has truly blessed you. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Best wishes and prayers for all of you.
Dina
Congratulations Olga and Sergi on your precious bundle of joy! God bless your entire family and hope you have a quick recovery soon Olga. God is so good, you guys deserved this baby. I have been following your story and you are such a brave woman Olga! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and amazing recipes.
Margee
Love your blog but don’t get the chance to comment often. You certainly have been through a lot and are a strong lady! Congratulations on your precious little cutie pie, and may God bless you all with good health and happiness always. He’s absolutely adorable!
Lea @ Lea's Cooking
God is wonderful! Beautiful story of your life Olga. You are a strong woman. Congratulations with your baby boy! Beautiful Family!
God Bless you dear!!!
Olga
Olga, thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an amazing woman! May God bless you and your beautiful family! Our God is an awesome God!
Marina
Olga I’m so happy for you and your family. God does work in mysterious ways. He has the best timing and reasons. May God bless you and you continue to lean on him.
Lena
I am so happy for you! Praise be to God. May He bless you and give you strength and also enjoy your beautiful little miracle. He looks just like your husband. 🙂
Maxine
Amazing attitude of praising and thanking God for the good things instead of focusing on what isn’t pleasant! God bless you!
vanya
Wow, how busy you’d been in a last year , congratulations, hope N is the best behaved baby ever and hope you have another one to keep him company in the next few years, though running ahead of myself here, I suppose, 🙂 since your cute little boy is only (already!) a month old! Sending hugs and putting on some healthy weight vibes your way! Well done , all 3 of you.
Hadia
Congratulations on your new born baby, wishing you and the baby many good health!
Elizabeth S.
Each time you post a recipe, I think what a relief it must be to have the pregnancy behind you and to feel like eating again! But I’m sorry your recovery has been tough. 🙁 I hope you get some strength back soon so you can enjoy your little boy even more. Also, I can’t get over the cuteness! Especially that grin on his face!
Luba
Every time I read a new post about the baby I start tearing up. Children are such a blessing. I cant explain how happy I am for you and your husband. May God bless you guys and give you strength and healing. Be blessed
Elena
Love, love, love! Thank you for sharing and God bless!
Alena
Olya, first of all, let me say congratulations to you and your husband! What a beautiful baby! I know you guys wanted to have a baby for a long time, and what a blessing!
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and it’s fascinating! You have very creating recipes and photography is gorgeous!
I remember those days when I was tired after having a C section with a new born at home and a very active 4 y/old. Thankfully, I didn’t have any medical equipment attached to me, so I feel for you. It must be very difficult. I don’t want to offer any advice, but well…. I will. I just feel so compelled. I’m from Belarus too and I just like you so much. And maybe it’ll help. So, why not. When I was feeling so fatigued, I started juicing. And I don’t mean fruit juicing, but vegetable juicing. I usually take a cuke, a bunch of kale, maybe some celery and parsley, then add an apple or too for sweetness. I know you eat a lot of vegetables and have a healthy diet. But it’s still eating. When you “drink” your veggies, you get all the vitamins and enzymes in your bloodstream in 10-15 minutes! And it’s powerful. I even give the juice to my kids. Even though my 5 y/o daughter says it’s “green and super gross” she still drinks it and feels great! Anyways, I apologize for such a long message, but maybe it’ll help get your energy and weight up. I truly believe that “liquid” vegetables can do wonders!
Missy M
God grant you all many years! So happy for you and your family! Have a blessed Pascha!
olgak7
Thank you, Missy! Happy Easter to you too.
Kel
Sending you a big hug— I hope your health is improving and the baby keeps growing!
Amanda
Oh my… you are the cutest family EVER!!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.