SBD... I mean, Silent Acid Reflux

You may be wondering why we haven't posted any photos of Joshua. Well, unless he is sleeping or eating, he is fussing. I don't care to post a photo with my boob in it, he sleeps lightly so we don't want to mess with it, and his face turns an alarming shade of purple when he's mad. Therefore, photo opportunities are extremely rare.

So far.

I have new hope. Yesterday in response to my facebook plea for suggestions, my cousin suggested silent acid reflux. A couple of other friends had suggested GERD some time ago. At the time I was so focused on food sensitivities that I hadn't looked further into GERD. My cousin said her friend's newborn had just the same symptoms and improved dramatically with meds. She sent me some web sites and I did some research and it seemed like it might fit. Things like:

- not liking to be on his back during changes
- not liking to be in the car seat: he hates it
- swallowing spit up: Mom mentioned noticing this while she was here. Yesterday he was actually happy for a moment, then I saw him swallowing, and sure enough, right after that he made a face and started to cry
- fussiness: uh, yeah.
- persistent hiccups: I wouldn't go so far as "persistent", but he does get hiccups fairly regularly
- burping more than normal: Eva and Micah rarely burped, but Joshua does seem to need to burp regularly

I would rather not give him medications if I can help it. So I called Lucia and asked if she knew a homeopath. We made an appointment for this morning. He gave Joshua a thorough examination and asked me lots of questions. He felt that it was indeed silent acid reflux. He sent us home with three dropper bottles. Chamomilla, phosporus and robinia. I'm supposed to give 5 drops every waking HOUR for the first three days (alternating remedies, so that each remedy is administered every three hours). After that I'm supposed to give them every two hours until the bottles are empty.

I'm hopeful that these will help Joshua be more comfortable and relaxed. Poor kid! Out of the womb and into a world of pain...

He does have good moments though! While I was speaking to the homeopath, Joshua was sleeping in the sling, and I caught a full blown sleep smile. I loved it! I just really can't wait until he smiles when he's awake!!!

Almost 4 Weeks Already!

Can you believe Joshua is almost 4 weeks old?

This week was going pretty well, with increased tolerance (though not full acceptance by any means) of car rides and some longer relaxed happy stretches. By that I mean up to ten minutes of just hanging out before he starts to fuss. Then Wednesday night he was restless in the night and needed about 90 minutes of bouncing to get back to sleep. Last night again he needed 2 hours and later another hour of bouncing in the predawn hours. The good news is that the tv programming is quite good in the middle of the night! I am catching up on old ERs and Greys Anatomy. I am also learning many valuable fashion lessons from Stacy, Clinton, and Tim Gunn.

I started keeping a food log. Wheat has been out of my diet for over 3 weeks now. Dairy has been out for a week or so. Today I had a bowl of yogurt so we'll see what happens. I didn't want to add either until he'd had about three really good days in a row, but I was so starving this afternoon that I caved. He's been somewhat fussy today so unless he has a dramatic reaction, I may not get a clear signal of intolerance.

I took Joshua to the pediatrician today. He weighs 10lbs 4oz (4,650g). His heart and lungs sound terrific. His abdomen looks and palpates fine. We hadn't done the heel prick test I know as "PKU" screening, and Dr. Flores recommended that we do the more exhaustive metabolic disorder screen test, so we will do that on Tuesday.

I'm still on the cloth diapering learning curve. I bought a little of this, little of that so I could figure out what I like and what works best for us and order that kind in the next size up. Well, four weeks in and I just don't know. I'm still trying to figure out how to fashion the perfect blowout-proof Poop Pocket with the prefolds. A lot of people seem to love one size pocket diapers, but they're so bulky up front right now, snapped down to the smallest size. I want to love them, because they have a nice soft liner that keeps baby feeling dry. That wasn't a priority for me because I want to do at least part time EC and I know that he is more likely to stop using diapers sooner if he doesn't get too comfortable in them. That said, I don't want him to have be too uncomfortable either! And he sleeps in such long stretches that his diapers get really soaked and I feel bad for him. His private parts get all wrinkly like he's been in the tub too long!

I found myself thinking that cloth diapers were really not very absorbent at all since they get so wet so fast. But right now he pees about every 10 minutes so of course they're going to get wet fast. And I rarely have a leak, whereas I remember needing to change Micah's leaky disposable diaper- and sleeper- in the middle of the night almost every night when he was younger than Josh is now.

I have been doing some EC. The other day we caught like 4 pees and poops. That was fun. If/when Joshua gets more relaxed I'd like to lay him out on a pile of prefolds or something and REALLY watch his cues and learn his elimination patterns better. But right now he'd last about a minute. So for the time being he's in diapers and covers all the time, with a number of potty opportunities throughout the day. And I change him as soon as I know he has pooped. At this point there's no way I can keep up with all of his pees. I'm hopeful that as he grows and his eliminations become less frequent and more regular/predictable, we'll be able to really get into an EC groove.

Joshua has already grown out of the cover I crocheted for him. I'll have to get going on the next size. I wonder if I can get two out of the wool I have left. I like the wool covers because I know they breathe, and the ones with the little legs contain blowouts better. The down side is that because the wool absorbs the wetness, a little gets wicked onto the baby's clothes. They just feel a little damp to the touch though, not wet like a leak would make them. I must say that the Bummis Whisper Wrap covers are really good. They do live up to their reputation. The Berry Plush minky cover truly is adorable and works decently over a prefold or fitted diaper, but I've had a few messes with the snap in insert so I'm not convinced of its value as an All In One diaper. I'm not sure about the Kissaluvs fitted diapers. They're great for Andrew who hasn't had a complete orientation to the cloth diapering world yet (but is putting in an excellent effort and being totally supportive), and I haven't had a leak. But then they just somehow feel even MORE wet than the prefolds when they're wet. Maybe I'm just being silly. But Joshua had some diaper rash in his first couple of weeks so I'm paranoid of anything that might cause its return.

I do like five loads of laundry a day. I don't know what has happened. I only wash diapers every two days and Joshua usually makes it through the day in a single outfit, so how has my load increased so much? Oh wait.... Could it be the copious number of "accidents" the older two are having lately? Well, this too shall pass... (and at least it's not puddle accidents, right?)

9 Minute Intervals

Last Thursday we had a brief power outage. Just long enough to set the clocks a-blinking.

When we went to bed that night, Andrew turned on his alarm like he does every weekday night. It didn't occur to him to check it first (wouldn't have occurred to me either. But now it will!). If he had, he would have learned that the alarm time had reverted to 12 midnight. We went to bed on the early side that night, and fell heavily asleep. When the annoying beepbeepbeep of the alarm clock roused us at midnight, our heads were packed full of cotton balls. Andrew made it stop and we both fell immediately back to sleep. For a whole nine minutes, at which point it went off again because he had SNOOZED it, not turned it off. Stuff happens, no problem. I groggily suggested he turn it off rather than snoozing it, and gladly returned to dreamland when the beepbeepbeep stopped again.

For nine minutes.

People- he did not fully turn the thing OFF until 5:30am!! We were roused every nine minutes for five and a half hours!! Why didn't I get up and turn it off myself, you ask? Well, I was paralyzed and trapped by a newborn. Why didn't I suggest somewhat more strongly that he turn it off? I did, at least twice. But remember, I was paralyzed. And we were running a noisy swamp cooler plus a fan. I was probably pointing away from him. Andrew also was apparently fighting some sort of paralysis. Of the brain variety, perhaps. ;)

Friday was a rough day. But we learned a valuable lesson and added one more page of things to look back and laugh about in the book of our marriage....

Growth Spurt

Joshua is having the textbook three week growth spurt. I wish I'd known about this with Eva- I remember being incredibly frustrated and confused and feeling inadequate. Now I know that the constant nursing that happens for a couple of days around 3 weeks, six weeks, three months and six months is actually very normal and will bring my milk supply to the next level to accommodate Joshua's needs. I know it is a temporary change in nursing habits and I have adjusted my expectations and behaviour accordingly for these few days. I always have some water, a book, my iPod close at hand. I know to take advantage of his naps to run around and get things done while I have the chance. I've gone to bed quite early with baby and book the last few days. Andrew has been totally picking up the slack, uncomplainingly.

The big kids are struggling a little. They are having trouble entertaining themselves. I don't want to stick them in front of the tv all day, but I don't have the hands or the energy to attempt big projects with them. Can anyone offer ideas and suggestions for keeping 3 and 5 year olds happily entertained with minimal parental input? Days like this I really miss Canada and all the people and places there are to visit.

Early this morning I did a bad job of aiming Joshua's little fire hose when I changed his diaper. Woke up a few hours later soaking wet... oops. Chalk that one up to experience.

Joshua's skin has totally cleared up now. Whoo hoo! He had his first shower yesterday and he loved it. Had one of his longest awake-alert-happy stretches ever. I'm so glad! I tried just using water to clean him but between all the sweating he does when he's freaking out about being in the car seat and the smell of my armpit from being tucked in there all night... I was forced to use some baby wash. That said, I've gone to plain water for wetting wipes so at least his liver only has to process stuff every day or two, not every dirty diaper change.

Joshua

In the past 2+ weeks I have learned the following things about Joshua:

- He has extremely sensitive skin. He breaks out in a nasty heat rash if he gets really ticked off.
- It doesn't take much to tick him off.
- He doesn't like laying flat on his back. Therefore diaper changes generally involve crying.
- The sling, wrap and swaddling calm and soothe him. Especially when combined with bouncing. So glad we have an exercise ball.
- He sleeps long stretches, both during the day and at night. Some nights he needs some bouncing in the middle of the night, but often he just wakes to nurse and goes right back to sleep. Appreciating this (but not counting on it to continue, lest I be crushed with disappointment).
- He has a the makings of a killer smile! It's not gas, I'm telling you, I have seen this kid smile. Sometimes just a hint, sometimes just one corner, but definitely a smile. Can't wait to see the full blown version.
- He is a mover and a shaker. When he was only a week old and we tried to pose him for a photo, he was doing crawling motions with his legs and actually getting some traction! The other day I had him on my chest and he worked himself over so he was laying beside me.
- His hair is curly. He's got a little curled up minimullet, so cute.

It seems that if I can keep him in a sling or wrap, I will keep him happy. And therefore I will be relaxed and happy. This is not a kid I can just put down somewhere and who will just lay there and coo. So far he has been pretty high needs. That said, I have so many more tools to help both of us get what we want/need, and I have experience on my side. Now I know that these times don't last forever. Now I know to work with it rather than bang my head against the wall. He needs to be carried? Ok, I'll carry him and not begrudge him for it. Whatever works for him, works for me.

This and That

Mom left this morning :( It was so awesome having her here. She supported me, mothered me, helped in so many practical ways, loved on the kids, and never failed to remind me to take the points for the jack in cribbage. I so appreciated her taking three weeks out of her life to be here for Joshua's arrival!

Today was the first day of my new reality- and Eva had the day off school. It was both a wonderful and a difficult day. After we walked out to wave as Nana's airplane passed overhead, the kids played together beautifully most of the morning, and Josh slept for hours in the sling. I got a bunch of things done, including my first sink of dishes in weeks and it was very low key and enjoyable. Quiet Time had a rocky start, with Micah wandering all over and Eva sobbing because she wanted presents RIGHT NOW. But then it took a sudden turn to peaceful, and I found myself in a remarkable situation: all three kids were sleeping!! I did a bit of reading and then realized that I should be sleeping too. So I got a few zzz's. Sweet. The pendulum swung back the other way once everyone was up. Micah and I had a huge battle of wills about him removing his stinky peed-in Superman jammies. (I won in the end) Eva continued to grump about presents and anything else she could think of. Joshua got fussy. Suppertime and after went well. We planned a new, more strictly structured bedtime routine. It all went well until the part where they were supposed to go to sleep. Eva had a huge accident. Micah had a gigantic meltdown. It's almost 10 and Eva is still awake. When will I learn not to let her nap during the day??

We're going to stick to this new routine for a full week whether it seems to be working or not. I am hoping they will come around. I am SO TIRED of fighting both kids to sleep every night. It is time consuming and exhausting.

In other news, it is incredibly dry here. We had a couple of weird weeks where it was raining almost every day and so humid that everything smelled and felt damp. I thought to myself, I'm glad I live in a dry climate because I don't like this. But now that the relative humidity is zero and my lips are cracked and bleeding and I've drunk 2 litres of water since suppertime... well, I'm not so fond of either option.

Our First Catch!!

This morning when Joshua woke up I took him straight for a change, knowing that he usually eliminates as soon as he wakes up. His diaper was dry so I took him to the toilet. I held him over the toilet, back against my belly, my hands under his thighs. And he peed and poo'd!! So fun!!

How a Pirate Sleeps

Recently Micah determined that his Caillou chair is a better place to sleep than his bed. He will not be convinced otherwise. And he actually HAS been sleeping in it. Last night when Andrew tried to move him back to his bed, he roused from his slumber to complain and insist that he be left in the chair.

Not only is he sleeping in a chair, he is also using his brand new pirate hook and sword as a pillow. Kids never cease to amaze.

Here are our two little pirates enjoying their new pirate paraphernalia.

A Few Pics

"No photos, please!"

Nana enjoying a snuggle with fly-catching Josh after putting him to sleep

Joshua wearing the diaper cover I crocheted him.

I am loving the wool diaper covers! Especially the pull-on ones with the longer leg part. It means less chance of leaks. Of course, he's still not wetting as much as he will in future, but so far I'm quite happy with those covers. The one I crocheted fits quite snugly right now so it probably won't last too long. I will definitely make another (or more!) in the next size.

We had a tough evening yesterday. He was really upset. I think it was because I had a little chocolate yesterday. Will have to pick the tiny m&m's out of the celebration mix for the next little while. Once it passed, we had a good sleep. Overall, I can't complain about nighttimes one bit.

Joshua Snoozing

When Joshua sleeps, he SLEEPS. Like, several hours at a stretch. (So far- I'm not counting on it continuing forever. But for now I will take it!) Yesterday he slept from 9am until after 1pm. And again in the afternoon for hours. We put him in our Amby Baby Hammock in the living room and there he snoozes peacefully.

Denied!

Well that solution won't work... the rear bench doesn't have anchors, so we have to use the seatbelt to hold the carseat in. I guess I'll just hop out and release Eva. Not a really big deal.

Catching Up

This morning Eva weighed in at 40lbs. Micah is not far behind at 33lbs!

Officially I suppose Eva is ready for a booster seat. I'm not in a rush and would leave her at status quo, except that her inability to unbuckle herself from her harness creates a bit of a problem when dropping her off at school in the mornings now that she'll be moving to the back row. I am thinking I will have her continue to use the harness except for in the morning on the way to school. Then she will use the regular seatbelt (still sitting in her car seat which is a booster as well) so she can unbuckle herself and jump out when we pull into the dropoff loop in front of school.