Two months!! Our little guy isn't quite so little anymore. It's good because it means that, despite ALL the spitting up, he is indeed getting the nutrients he needs. I'm very curious to see how much weight he's gained since his reflux appointment two weeks ago, when he was about 10 1/2 pounds. We ended up switching from Zantac to Prevacid. If he is still having bad reflux issues, we have a few other options: switching from breastmilk to formula (in case of a milk protein sensitivity), adding rice cereal to his milk (which they don't like to do this early on), or switching meds again. But for now, I am just thankful he seems to be a bit better. How do they grow so fast?? This is our last baby, and the time is flying even faster than it did with Reid. I mean, look at those long legs!
So I actually had this entry ready to go last week, before my first week back at work, but then I realized I didn't use the cutesy monthly stickers I'd gotten. So yes...you've been waiting a week for this one pic. He looks like a little baby doll!!
In between all the spitting and screaming (poor guy!) we are getting more and more coos and smiles. He seems to be a very social little guy and LOVES it when anyone smiles at him. His coos crack me up, too, because he's said real words somehow (yes, I know it's not on purpose). I've gotten "mama" a few times, Reid heard him say "no" today, and a few more shockingly recognizable words in among the goos and ahhs.
"Guh!"
Sometimes the little guy smiles so big that I'm afraid he might hurt his face. Love it!!
But we do still get a lot of crying and some screaming...especially during the "witching hour(s)" of the afternoon. You can't help but giggle when he gets out the pouty lip or a chin quiver. The worst part is trying to give him his Prevacid on an empty stomach so he doesn't spit it up (but he does spit it up and/or spit it out...it's a little dissolvable pill that you mix with a little water, cross your fingers, and try to gently shove it down his throat). Easier said than done...he eats all the time! So it has to be about an hour after he eats or 30 minutes before he eats. And inevitably, no matter what the time, he will decide he wants to eat, and eat NOW.
Reid continues to be a wonderful big brother. We'd been praying about it for months before Carter's arrival and he continues to shock us with the cute little things he does, like taking Carter a paci, saying "I think Carter likes that!" and including Carter with our bedtime prayers each night. ("Carter, what do you want to pray for?") Aunt Laura got them adorable matching shirt/onesie...I couldn't resist snapping a picture.
One of my goals on maternity leave was to finish Reid's baby book. Yes, it's nearly four years in the making...my art and "outlet" of sorts. But it's hard to squeeze time in between constant pumping/feedings, time with Reid, and the normal household cooking and cleaning. But I finally did it! Only problem? No way will it fit in the actual scrapbook, lol. I also feel a little bit guilty because I'm thinking Carter will probably never have one of these. Just a baby book, most likely, which I have already worked hard on and filled out all I can so far.
Another guilt-inducing issue is making sure we're still remembering to take pictures of Reid! I just wish I could clone myself (or at least grow some more arms so I can quiet Carter while still preparing Reid's breakfast or packing his backpack, etc.) Our handsome church goer...
Cowboy Day at preschool!
And later...naked cowboy evening at home!
Reid's imagination is wonderful and so innocent. I sure hope it stays like that! My little buddy cracks me up every day. I'm going to miss our somewhat leisurely wake up and breakfast times we've enjoyed during my maternity leave.
From last week...before I actually got around to finishing and posting this: Come Monday morning, I am officially back full time. Not exactly sure how that's going to work with me having to get all three of us up, dressed, packed, and ready to drop off early at Holli's so I can race to school to pump before the students come. I also already have meetings during my planning time three of the five days next week, too--eek! (another pumping issue) So I would love any prayers you can send up for me. I'm very thankful my class is so sweet and I look forward to seeing them. The meetings, red tape, and paperwork...I have definitely not missed ;)
Update: That first day back was absolute hell. I'm sorry...there is literally no other word for it. I am grateful for the prayers and that (plus a Dr. Pepper a sweet mom ran to Sonic to get for me) are the only things that helped me survive that day. The rest of the week was a little better. I pumped my bootie off (too bad THAT isn't literal...I'm still in maternity pants...boo!) and after a complete meltdown after church today, I decided I'm done. I can't survive pumping around the clock, having a full time job (where you have to be "on" ALL day), having an almost four year old and 2 month old, sleep deprivation, cooking, cleaning, etc. any longer. Come 12 weeks and I am done!!! Something's gotta give. A friend of mine said her neurologist told her that if she could feed breastmilk for 12 weeks, she was golden. Good enough for me. I can't make Carter sleep any longer, I can't quit my job, I can't avoid fixing meals or cleaning the necessary stuff (believe me...the non essential stuff has gone by the wayside!), but I can transition him to formula knowing that I gave it my best.
No comments:
Post a Comment