This past month we were working through a lot of tummy issues with Ellie, but lately we've been able to better manage her gas and reflux and that has made a world of difference for everything. EVERYTHING! When Ellie has an upset tummy she is fussy, can't decide if she wants to be held or put down, and doesn't nap well. Exhausting of course. But when she's feeling good, Ellie is practically Angel baby.
We don't have a routine or schedule to our days yet (which I realize is completely normal at this age) but Ellie has just started to develop more of a rythym and flow and I'm getting better at reading and interpretting her cues. Now that we have more predictability to our days I'm finding it a little easier to get out of the house and I no longer feel like our family is operating in "survival" mode, just doing what we can to keep things afloat.
Weight: Went in for an immunization this week, and our "little" girl is already up to 13 lbs, 2 oz.
Sleep: We continue to be blessed in this area. With the exception of a rough night here and there, Ellie sleeps anywhere from 8-11 hours at night. I realize 99% of this can be attributed to luck. I'm really hoping this trend sticks around. During the day she likes to take a couple catnaps in the morning, and usually a longer nap in the afternoon (anywhere from 1-2.5 hours).
Challenges: Ellie still isn't the best nurser. Things are continuing to improve though, so I'm hoping we will continue in that direction. I've had a handful of fellow mamas tell me things didn't really click for their little ones until about 4 months and I'm hoping that's the case for Ellie as well. And of course, as referenced, tummy issues have been a struggle too. We just increased her reflux medication dosage and that has made a HUGE difference. Also, I think I've identified the foods that I'm eating that are trigging her very sensitive tummy. For the time being no chocolate, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, or veggies (except carrots, celery and green beans) for me. I know this sounds drastic (and it is) but so is the difference in Ellie's mood, comfort and disposition when I'm avoiding these items. While we were trying to figure out how to better manage her reflux and gassiness this past month we spent a lot of time consoling a very (VERY) unhappy baby.
New Developments: Ellie is starting to grasp objects and has become more interactive with them. She has developed an affection for her Freddie the Firefly toy and will happily "play" with it, staring at all the bright colors and patterns and holding tightly to the rings. Ellie has also started making even more cooing noises and is becoming more vocal. I will often "talk" back to her when she makes these noises and we can hold quite the riveting conversation. Ok, so I obviously have no idea what she's saying but I like to imagine what she is thinking in that inquisitive head of hers.
Newest Obsession: Her hands. These are now ALWAYS in her mouth. Always. This intiially caused me a lot of confusion. It took me a while to figure out that she had discovered her hands and was sucking on them because she thinks it's fun vs. because she is hungry. Rookie mistake.
Newest Obsession: Her hands. These are now ALWAYS in her mouth. Always. This intiially caused me a lot of confusion. It took me a while to figure out that she had discovered her hands and was sucking on them because she thinks it's fun vs. because she is hungry. Rookie mistake.
Still Loves: The bouncer and her WubbaNub pacifier. Many times after Ellie is done with a feeding she will squirm and fuss until you set her in the bouncer and then she is all smiles, happy as a clam.
Still Hates: Tummy time.
It has been an amazing time watching Ellie grow and change and I feel so blessed to be living out this new role of "mom." It's a challenging job, but so rewarding.
Ellie, we love you to the moon and back and can't wait to witness more developments with you. You have brought us so much joy and we already can't imagine our lives without you.
Lord, thank you for entrusting us with this unbelievable blessing.
Ellie, we love you to the moon and back and can't wait to witness more developments with you. You have brought us so much joy and we already can't imagine our lives without you.
Lord, thank you for entrusting us with this unbelievable blessing.
What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteIt was right around 4 months when I finally felt like "Ok, I can do this," and when I finally felt confident as a new mom.
Shoooot. She's so dang cute. It's a world of "I don't knows" and "Let's try this" and I wouldn't trade it for anything, either. :)
ReplyDeleteMy heart is blessed to watch this beautiful baby miracle grow. I hold her in my heart and continue to pray for Ellie and all God has for her.
ReplyDeleteHer pictures are on my wall:)