It's been a little chaotic here since my parents left. I knew I would miss them -- even more than usual -- after their departure, but I also didn't know that not having them around would leave a gaping hole in Teo's heart as well. Ok, that might be a bit dramatic, but he has been a solid afternoon sleeper since the day he was born, and I could always count on those hours as "down time" to recuperate. But now I am getting suspicious: I think maybe he was such a good sleeper because he had two people and four arms constantly ready to snuggle with him. The day of their departure (Wednesday), Mateo did not sleep a wink from 11 am to 7 pm, and I was not happy with that. Yesterday, he was a bit better, but that might be because (surprise, surprise) he had two visitors in morning and early afternoon. Hrm...
Today, however, was a very difficult day. Teo clearly had some digestive issues and was a very upset little tyke because of them. He would wiggle and squirm in my arms all day, frantically requesting the boob but then whimpering and whining as he ate. On a few occasions, he was crying harder than I had seen him cry to date. Plus, Mateo had woken up every two hours last night, so I hardly slept a wink, and then the poor guy spent all day drifting into sleep only to be awoken by his bellyache. He never once went down for a consistent nap. Feeding him added to the belly aching but nursing was the only thing that calmed him, which was a bit of a Catch-22. It was a very hard day for me, as I felt really helpless and just wanted to make it all better for him, but had no idea how.
The good news is that we have gotten past an important parental milestone: the explosive poop. Yes, the digestive issues were cleared right up after Teo pooped his projectile poop. You know the kind. It shot out the back of his diaper, through his clothes, and onto the blanket we were sitting on. Once we had gotten that out of the way, and I had changed him and his diaper accordingly, he was ravenous and a much more happy eater.
I have never been so grateful for someone else's poop in my life. Nothing beats a happy Teo!
oh my god, you're one of those people who talks about your kid's shit all the time. lee ann!
jk, i know it's the ruling force in your life. long live the explosive poop.
Its hard when they are so little and you can't do anything but wait for them to feel better. Once when Ella was abot 6 weeks old (and I was thoroghly sleep-deprived) she stayed awake from 2 am til noon fussing with a sore tummy. Nothing to do to help her and wouldn't you know it was the one day when NO ONE was available to come and help me. I have never felt so desperate ever. Afterwards I found some numbers for emergency babysitters. Never used them but it definitely helped my mental state knowing that I would always have someone to call. Maybe it would help you too? http://www.magicmaman.com/garde/babysitter/mdg09_6.asp?rubid=324
You might try watching what you are eating as it might be bothering him through your breast milk. Something spicey? Dairy? Just a an unsolicited suggestion. Hang in there!
Poor Teo and poor mommy!
The best solution I found for Olivia's tummy troubles was belly massage. The I LOVE YOU stroke described in the flyer I mailed you was great. Also you can do clockwise spirals starting at his belly button and bicycles with his legs, pushing his knees up to his belly from time to time. Hang in there, you're doing great!
Good lord, thanks for the burst of laughter, Lee Ann and Teo. I let out a laugh as I read, then walked away from the computer and sporatically burst into gigles as I thought back on the description and the photo. What a face, and what a way for a mama to describe it.
okay, now that I posted the message I am feeling bad about having been do entertained by the little one's and the mama's suffering. I take every gigle back!
Oh, Lee Ann, I'm sorry you and little Teo had such a rough day! I hope he's feeling much better now, after having that effective poop experience! ;) He's changed so much already, what a great photo!
that was really sweet! good luck with everyday
delphine
that was really sweet! good luck with everyday
delphine
It's awful when the parents leave! I remember that. There was like a week of adjusting after my mom left.
Maybe you could try swaddling him? I know some babies love that and they sleep like angels afterwards. It makes them feel safe.
I believe swaddling a babe makes a BIG difference in how well they sleep and how calm they'll be. Try it...you'll probably notice a change instantly.
Very sweet photo---congrats!